The craftsmanship beauty of the traditional drum village Đoi Tam in Ha Nam

Đọi Tam Drum Village is located about 10 km from Phủ Lý City, in Đọi Sơn Commune, Duy Tiên District, Hà Nam Province. It is known as one of the oldest traditional craft villages in Vietnam, attracting visitors with its simple yet unique experiences. Let's explore Đọi Tam Drum Village through this article with Tiến Lộc Palace Hotel!

I. The History and Development of the Traditional Craft Village Đọi Tam

1.1. Đọi Tam Drum Village - A Millennium-Old Epic

Originating from a legendary historical event, Đọi Tam Drum Village has crafted a unique story spanning over a millennium. It is said that during the reign of King Lê Đại Hành, two brothers, Nguyễn Đức Bản and Nguyễn Đức Năng, created a miraculous drum. The drum's thunderous sound enchanted everyone, including the king, leading to the widespread fame of Đọi Tam Village.

Through the ups and downs of history, the drum-making craft of Đọi Tam has steadfastly endured, becoming a source of pride for the local people and a precious intangible cultural heritage of the nation. Each drum is not only a musical instrument but also a work of art, embodying the soul and identity of Vietnam.

1.2. The Đọi Tam Drum Craft: From Tradition to Innovation

In the past, the secrets of the drum-making craft were only passed down to men and daughters-in-law within the family. Today, the village has broken gender barriers, opening doors for women to participate. Notably, the formation of an all-female drum team—an unprecedented development in Vietnam—has brought a fresh breeze, contributing to the promotion of the village's image worldwide.

1.3. The Secret to Creating Echoes of a Thousand Years

The process of making Đọi Tam drums is a delicate combination of traditional techniques and continuous creativity:

Material selection: Aged buffalo hide is meticulously chosen and processed through multiple stages to achieve optimal durability and resonance.
Drum frame construction: Lightweight jackfruit wood is favored for its rounded sound. Wood pieces are expertly joined using natural glue to form a sturdy drum body.
Drumhead stretching: This is the most critical step, requiring the skill and experience of craftsmen. Properly tensioning and securing the drumhead to the body significantly influences the sound quality of the final product.
Sound tuning: Each type of drum has specific sound requirements, from resonance to depth. Craftsmen apply their experience and traditional techniques to create unique tones for each drum.

Through the skilled hands of Đọi Tam artisans, each drum becomes not just a musical instrument but a work of art, embodying the essence of Vietnamese culture. The sound of Đọi Tam drums resonates through time, bridging the past and present, tradition and modernity.

II. Đọi Tam Drum Village Tourism - Exploring the Echoes of a Thousand Years

Visiting Đọi Tam Drum Village allows travelers to immerse themselves in a unique cultural space where the resonant sound of drums has echoed for over a millennium. It's more than a typical sightseeing trip; it's a rare opportunity to experience and appreciate the essence of traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship.

Exploring the Secrets of Drum Making

Visitors will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the process of creating these renowned drums. From meticulously selecting materials to intricate craftsmanship, each step holds the secrets passed down through generations:

Carefully selecting aged jackfruit wood for drum frames, ensuring a round and resonant sound. Choosing aged female buffalo hides with prominent wrinkles to create durable drumheads with excellent resonance. Following a meticulous crafting process through three main stages: preparing the hide, constructing the frame, and stretching the drumhead. Unique Experiences The highlight of the tour is the chance to participate hands-on in some simple stages of the drum-making process. Visitors can:

Join in stretching the drumheads, experiencing the tension and tightness of the drum face. Learn how to paint decorative patterns on the body and face of the drums. Try their hand at playing the drums, feeling the resounding sound of these completed instruments.

Marvel at the Wonder

An unmissable highlight is the opportunity to admire Vietnam's largest drum—a unique masterpiece showcasing the skill and artistry of Đọi Tam artisans.

Cultural and Educational Value This tour offers not just entertainment but also profound educational value:

Gain deeper insights into Vietnam's history and culture through the traditional craft of drum-making.
Appreciate the importance of preserving and promoting the cultural values of the nation.
Inspire the younger generation with a love for traditional craftsmanship.

Connect with the Local Community Visitors have the chance to interact directly with drum artisans, listening to fascinating stories about their craft and the life of the people in Đọi Tam.

A journey to Đọi Tam Drum Village is not just an enjoyable experience but also a journey to explore the precious intangible cultural heritage of the Vietnamese people. Through this, visitors take home memorable moments and a profound appreciation for Vietnam's traditional craftsmanship.

III. Đọi Tam Drum Village - Vietnamese Spirit in the Endless Echoes

In the rural heartland of Hà Nam province, Đọi Tam Drum Village has earned nationwide renown for its unique products. With 62 production facilities locally and hundreds of businesses within and outside the province, this traditional craft has become the primary livelihood for the entire village.

The skilled hands and creative minds of Đọi Tam artisans continually innovate. Starting from traditional drums, they have diversified into various styles, including drums for ethnic minorities and decorative items for tourists. This spirit of innovation has ensured the resilience and sustainable development of the Đọi Tam drum-making craft.

Beyond providing a secure livelihood, drum-making has stabilized employment for approximately 500 local workers. As a result, unemployment rates are nearly nonexistent, leading to improved living standards for the community.

The labor achievements of Đọi Tam Drum Village have been duly recognized. In 2004, Đọi Tam was officially recognized as a traditional craft village. Three years later, it was honored with the title of "Vietnam's Outstanding Craft Village." The pinnacle of recognition came when nearly 2,000 drums, including Vietnam's largest drum, were contributed to the 1,000th Anniversary of Thăng Long - Hanoi Celebration.

To preserve and promote this heritage, community collaboration is essential. Integrating the craft village with eco-tourism is a step in the right direction. This involves investing in infrastructure, developing tourist attractions, and enhancing the communication skills of locals with visitors.

Furthermore, innovating policy frameworks and honoring the talents of artisans are crucial. These efforts were acknowledged when the Đọi Tam drum-making craft was officially listed as a national intangible cultural heritage at the end of 2019.

Today, the sound of Đọi Tam drums resonates not only throughout the country but also stands as a pride of Duy Tiên, Hà Nam—a testament to the enduring vitality of a traditional craft village, where the Vietnamese soul is preserved and celebrated through each resounding beat of the drums.

When visiting Hà Nam to explore Đọi Tam Drum Village, consider Tiến Lộc Palace Hotel as your ideal accommodation choice. Situated conveniently near major attractions, this hotel offers a minimalist yet elegant design, modern amenities, and comprehensive facilities, promising a perfect retreat for travelers.

Come to Tiến Lộc Palace Hotel and immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere to discover the unique cultural beauty of Hà Nam!