Grace and charm: The southern region's Longtai – dance is a part of four-region dance to be performed during the Thai Cultural Weekend. — Photo courtesy the Viet Nam Museum of Ethnology

HA NOI (VNS)— Visitors to a weekend Thai festival at the Viet Nam Museum of Ethnology can mingle with artistic dance performers and learn about the country's cuisine.

The Thai Cultural Weekend, which starts today, will showcase artistic Thai dance movements from different regions, said Panyarak Poolthup, Thailand's ambassador to Viet Nam.

Visitors can also sample Thai dishes prepared by one of the best Thai restaurants in Ha Noi.

The Bunditpatanasilpa Institute sent 25 artists to perform traditional and contemporary dance pieces including Khon (Ramayana masked dance), the four-region dance, a dance worshipping the god king and a cock-fighting dance.

Khon is the most stylised Thai dance form. It is performed by troupes of silent dancers, while a stage-side chorus tells a story to go along with the traditional choreography. Costumes are dictated by tradition, with good and evil angels wearing colourful masks.

Each day, they will present two shows at 10am and 3pm. Between performances they will interact with audiences and teach them about the dances.

This event marks the beginning of a series of cultural events held under the Cultural Co-operation Agreement between Thailand and Viet Nam. It was signed during Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha's official visit to Viet Nam last year.

"I hope this event will contribute to greater cultural understanding between Thailand and Viet Nam, as envisioned by our leaders when they decided to elevate relations to the level of Strategic Partnership," he said. — VNS