Photo: vietnam.vnanet.vn

The second H’mong Khen (pan pipe) festival is underway in the Dong Van plateau in the northern mountainous province of Ha Giang, drawing hundreds of artists and visitors from far and wide.

In addition to listening to khen performances, visitors can sample local specialities first-hand and participate in folk games, such as tree and rope climbing, cross-bow archery, and batting balls.

A performance showcasing ethnic culture adds to the colourful atmosphere.
The khen pan pipe is a wind instrument made from six to twelve or fourteen small bamboo pipes tied together and connected to a wooden sound box. This instrument is very popular with a number of ethnic groups in Vietnam, such as the Thai, the Muong and the H'Mong.

The two-day festival ending on August 31 is a popular tourist destination over the National Day holiday.

Source: VNA