The race for World Heritage title, Hanoi

According to National Heritage Council, Vietnam now has 19 tangible and intangible items of heritage, which have been nominated for inscription on the World Heritage List. Tangible heritage comprise: the Hanoi Ancient Quarter, the Thang Long Royal Citadel, Ha Long Bay (the third time), the former Hoa Lu Capital, Cuc Phuong National Park, Huong (Perfume) Pagoda, the Sapa Ancient Stone Field, Ba Be Lake, Hue Imperial Capital (the second time), Cat Tien National Park and Historical Site, and the Con Dao Prison. Eight nominated intangible heritage are Tay Nguyen (Central Highlands) Gongs, Tay Nguyen Epics, water puppetry, Bac Ninh folksongs, Tru singing, dances of the Thai ethnic community, cheo tau (boat rowing) Singing and ao dai (traditional dress). Vietnam has scored significant success in the race to win the honour of having the title World Heritage bestowed on its numerous scenic sites and historical relics, but not all its efforts have born fruit. According to Associate Professor, Dr Truong Quoc Binh, a member of the National Heritage Council, many other sites in Vietnam can win the status without much difficulties, such as archaeological sites of the famous Hoa Binh - Bac Son and Dong Son cultures, national parks, and especially the first industrial zone in Indochina built by the French in Hai Phong. In order to gain UNESCO's recognition, Vietnam must define comparative advantages and disadvantages of each heritage. The Hanoi's Ancient Quarter has been listed as a national heritage site since the start of this year. However, much work must be accomplished to make the quarter a world heritage site. Five nominated intangible heritages, Tay Nguyen Gongs, Tay Nguyen Epics, water puppetry, Bac Ninh folksongs, and Tru singing, enjoy the same advantage of uniqueness. For Quan Ho folksongs in Bac Ninh Province, the provincial Department of Culture and Information has so far collected hundreds of old Quan Ho folksongs performed by senior Quan Ho artists and cassette tapes and video tapes. In Vietnam, the UNESCO has granted the World Tangible and Intangible Heritage titles to Ha Long Bay (twice), Hue Imperial City, Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Relic, Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park and Hue royal court music.