Melodies of the mountains

Amidst the misty stone plateau, the sounds of the ‘khen’ (bamboo pipe), flute, and ‘dan moi’ (mouth harp) echo across the cat-ear-shaped cliffs. Their music drifts through rocky slopes, blending into the rhythm of daily life - both an art form and a heartbeat of the mountains.

Each melody reflects the soul of the H’mong: sometimes as lively as festival dances, sometimes as tender as words of love whispered on the terraced fields, and at times filled with a quiet longing for their roots. Together, they create a love song of the mountains, carrying the spirit and cultural essence of the highlands of Tuyen Quang.

The ‘khen’ and flute are indispensable to H’mong men during festive gatherings.

The sound of the flute echoes with deep emotion beside a loved one.

The ‘khen’ dance is an art that requires not only strength and dexterity but also a warm and passionate heart.

The mouth harp’s gentle notes resonate through upland villages, while the flute’s melody soars like clouds drifting over the mountaintops.

For H’mong men, mastering the ‘khen’, flute, and mouth harp is an essential mark of coming of age.

Bien Luan