Binh Dinh: Spreading cultural heritage of the land of martial arts

From June 1 to July 1, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Binh Dinh province in coordination with the Railway Transport Joint Stock Company (under Vietnam Railways Corporation) organized a trial run of a tourist train route (with ticket sales) from Quy Nhon station to Dieu Tri station called "Returning to the land of Vo" to serve the people and tourists. In particular, on the train there is a cultural - educational train car introducing the cuisine and traditional arts of the land of Vo to tourists.

The operation of the tourist train aims to implement the cooperation agreement between the Provincial People's Committee and Vietnam Railways Corporation on tourism development, creating new tourism products, and spreading and introducing the cultural heritage of Binh Dinh.

Excited to have fun playing folk cards on the tourist train.

Train passengers can enjoy typical dishes of Binh Dinh culinary culture, such as: Nem, cha, tre, banh it la gai, banh trang nuoc dua, banh trang khoai lang...; immerse themselves in the joyful atmosphere of the folk card game served on the train; stop to visit the Twin Towers, watch traditional Binh Dinh martial arts performances and Cham dances; check-in the ancient beauty of the over-100-year-old Luat Le bridge.

Ms. Pham Thi Ha Linh (a tourist from Dak Lak province) shared: “The first time I experienced traveling by train, I found it a series of fresh and refreshing emotions. Just a journey of more than 10 km from Quy Nhon station to Dieu Tri station gave me a better understanding of the history, culture, land and people of Binh Dinh”.

Not only tourists from far away, but also local people are very excited. Ms. Nguyen Thi Ho, in Quang Trung ward, Quy Nhon city, expressed: “When we heard about the tourist train, my family immediately bought tickets to experience it; the trip was short but everyone found it very interesting and fun. I think that traveling by train is also a healthy form of entertainment for children during the summer vacation, helping them understand more about the culture of our homeland, the land of Vo”.

This is also an opportunity for artists to interact more closely with the audience, promoting the folk art heritage of Bài Chòi and Bài Chòi opera. Artist Đồng Thị Bích Lĩnh, an actress of the Bình Định Bài Chòi Opera Troupe, shared: “I have performed in many different spaces, but performing on the train gives me an exciting feeling. Not only do we get to introduce the traditional artistic features of our homeland Bình Định to tourists, but we artists are happier to be closer to the audience through conversations, taking photos and exchanging…”.

After this trial, we will continue to review and evaluate to develop a plan to coordinate and improve the organization of train tourism products in the coming time. It is not just simply taking a train to relax, have fun, and sightsee, but we must do everything to give visitors experiences that are deeply imbued with the culture and history of Binh Dinh, creating a good impression." Ms. Do Thi Dieu Hanh, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism

With the first stop at the Twin Towers relic, visitors get off the boat to visit the ancient moss-covered Cham tower dating from the late 12th and early 13th centuries; enjoy watching beautiful martial arts performances, and enjoy the cheerful melodies of the graceful, leisurely and colorful Cham dances.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Tuyet, Deputy Director of the Provincial Museum, said: “The performance program at the Twin Towers in the morning includes martial arts performances by the Binh Dinh Traditional Martial Arts Center, and at night there is a Cham dance performance by the Provincial Museum. After watching the performance, visitors can take souvenir photos with the martial artists and artists. Organizing additional martial arts and Cham dance performances not only enhances the effectiveness of promoting the relic, but also creates more attraction for visitors when visiting the Twin Towers.”

Initially, the organization of art performances on tourist trains was positively received by locals and tourists. In the future, the Binh Dinh Bai Choi Opera Troupe will be assigned to organize more performances to renew the service program on tourist trains.

Meritorious Artist Duong Nu Thuy Dung, Head of the Binh Dinh Bai Choi Opera Troupe, said: “We have assigned artists and musicians to perform in the morning and evening according to the daily train schedule. In addition to the “nail” performance of the folk Bai Choi singing festival, to enrich the program, the Troupe will perform folk songs; duets, solos of lyrical music; and solos of traditional musical instruments to serve tourists.”

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/binh-dinh-lan-toa-di-san-van-hoa-mien-dat-vo-20250606150656938.htm