Overseas students pay tribute to the Hung Kings at Upper Temple of  Hung Temple Historic Site. Photo: VNA

They were introduced to the history, architecture and beliefs of the Vietnamese nation and respectfully offered incense at the Lower, Middle, and Upper temples.

The delegation also enjoyed the Xoan singing tune of Phu Tho recognized by UNESCO as an intangible heritage of humanity in Hung Lo commune, Viet Tri city. Xoan singing, also known as Khuc Mon Dinh (singing at the communal house), is a way of worshiping gods, originating in ancient villages in the era of Hung Kings, the legendary founders of the Vietnamese nation.

Visitors experience wrapping banh chung (sticky rice cake) at Hung Lo Commune Cultural Tourism Site, Viet Tri City. Photo: VNA

Xoan singing began in Phu Tho and then spread to the villages on the banks of the Lo and Red Rivers through Vinh Phuc province.

Lai Khanh Vi, a  Vietnamese expatriate in Bulgaria, is happy to return to the historical sites of the Hung Kings and watch the Xoan singing performance. She also hand-wrapped banh chung (square sticky rice cake) with the instructions of the villagers.

“I wrapped banh chung, I feel very happy because for the first time I can do it. It looks easy but when you really start doing it, you need to be careful and meticulous to make a beautiful sticky rice cake,” Vi said. 

The journey to Phu Tho helps the younger generation of Overseas Vietnamese to learn more the rich heritages left by their ancestors.