The gongs, which had been recognised by UNESCO as an intangible and oral masterpieces of humanity, were performed on Thien An hill against the backdrop of an Ede ethnic people's communal house.

Aside from the gong performance, shows of Tunggoi (made from bamboo pieces) and stone instruments and a Fire Festival helped heat up the euphoric atmosphere, which was already vibrant with dances and echoes particular to the Central Highlands.

In addition, an exhibition entitled "The unique fine arts heritage of the northern region" featured nearly 100 images of religious architectural works, as well as tangible and intangible cultural activities of various styles.

British acrobat Martinda Leyser offered the festival goers an exceptional circus and dance fusion show, telling viewers a philosophical story of human's destiny in the face of a changing world.

Meanwhile, visitors at the Thai Hoa eastern stage were given the chance to enjoy a drama entitled "Sand Circle" by artists from the French Monte Charge Theatre and the Vietnam Classical Drama Theatre. The play proved a wonderful combination of Western and traditional Vietnamese makeup styles.

Also conducted at the Royal Palace were various art performances including a folk dance show by dancers from the Indonesian Geronmio Group, and a Russian and Far Eastern folk dance show by artists from the Russian Divestiment classical dancing group.

Apart from a calligraphy exposition featuring "Diary in Prison" by President Ho Chi Minh, the second day of the festival also enchanted visitors with Japanese rocker exhibits, called Suiseki, which are fantastically shaped with holes, hollows and highly eroded surfaces, in addition to works of art by famous Vietnamese painter Le Ba Dang.