Quick Facts
| Data Field (Title) | Content | Icon/Note |
|---|---|---|
| Official English Name | The Art of Bài Chòi in Central Viet Nam | Bài Chòi means 'Cards in the Huts'. It is recognized as a performing art form and a game. |
| UNESCO Status | Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (Inscribed in 2017). | A globally protected cultural treasure. |
| Region | Nine Central Vietnamese provinces, including Da Nang, Quảng Nam (Hoi An), and Bình Định. | It is especially popular and frequently performed in Hoi An and Da Nang. |
| Traditional Timing | Historically held during the Lunar New Year (Tết) and major village festivals. | Now performed daily in tourist hubs like Hoi An's Old Town. |
| Nature | A unique blend of Folk Art, Musical Performance, Poetry, and a Bingo-like Card Game. |
I. Overview: A Fusion of Game and Theatre
What is Bài Chòi?
Bài Chòi is a captivating traditional folk art form unique to the central region of Vietnam. It is not just a game of chance but a complex cultural activity that skillfully blends music, poetry, acting, painting (card art), and literature. Its name, “Bài Chòi,” literally translates to “Cards in the Huts,” referencing the small bamboo huts erected for the game.
The UNESCO Significance
In 2017, the Art of Bài Chòi in Central Vietnam was officially inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition highlights its crucial role in Vietnamese community life, serving as a platform for cultural exchange, social cohesion, and the transmission of traditional values.
Origin and Lore
Bài Chòi originated in farming communities centuries ago. Legend suggests it developed from the watch-towers (chòi) farmers built in their fields to guard crops from wild animals. To pass the time and communicate between the scattered towers, people began singing chants and songs (Hò Bài Chòi), which eventually evolved into this sophisticated game.
II. The Experience: How the Festival is Played
The Bài Chòi experience involves two main components: the performance and the game itself.
1. The Setup: The Bamboo Huts
The Stage: Bài Chòi is typically played in a large, open area. Traditionally, nine or more tall, stilt-supported bamboo huts (chòi) are arranged in two rows for the players.
The Central Hut: A main hut, or ‘stage,’ is reserved for the performers and the orchestra.
The Cards: The game uses a special deck of cards (usually 27 to 30 unique cards, often pasted onto thin bamboo sticks) adorned with simple images of objects, people, or animals.
2. The Performance and the Game
The Performers (Anh Hiệu and Chị Hiệu): The heart of the festival lies with the Anh Hiệu (male) and Chị Hiệu (female) performers, who serve as the “game announcers” or MCs.
The Process:
Card Distribution: Each player in the small huts receives three cards.
The Announcement: The Anh Hiệu or Chị Hiệu selects a card at random from the central tube. Instead of simply announcing the card’s name, they launch into a rhythmic, highly improvised, and humorous song or chant (Hò Bài Chòi). The folk lyrics often contain moral lessons, folklore, or witty commentary on daily life.
Winning: Players must listen to the poetic verses and guess which card is being described. If a player holds the card, they tap a small wooden instrument (mõ) or shout “Có đây!” (I have it!) to receive a flag.
The Winner: The first player to collect three flags wins the round and receives a traditional prize.
3. Musical Elements
The distinct music of Bài Chòi is derived from the various folk song tunes of the central region. The improvisational nature of the singing and the rhythmic accompaniment of traditional instruments like the two-string fiddle (nhị) and drums make every session unique and captivating.
III. Visitor Information
| Guide Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Where to See It | The most accessible and frequent public performances are held nightly in the Central Region, notably at the An Hội Sculpture Garden near the Hoài River in Hoi An Ancient Town. |
| When to Attend | In Hoi An, daily performances usually start around 7:00 PM and are specifically staged for tourists and locals. |
| Participation | Visitors are strongly encouraged to buy a card (usually for a small fee) and actively participate in the game alongside the locals. |
| Experience Tip | The songs are in Vietnamese, but the enthusiastic energy, the sound of the drums, and the dramatic flair of the performers make it an exhilarating experience regardless of language. |
| Cultural Value | Engaging with Bài Chòi is one of the best ways to experience the fun, artistic spirit, and deep-seated cultural heritage of Central Vietnamese communities. |