Official Record: The largest number of traditional Vietnamese historical legends recreated through modern 3D performance technology in a real-scene spectacle production - Certified by the Vietnam Records Organization (VietKings).
I. Project Overview
Located within Grand World Phu Quoc at Phu Quoc United Center, The Quintessence of Vietnam was developed with an investment of 8.3 million USD, spanning a total area of 11,200 square meters and implemented over the course of one year. Together with Charm of Venice, the two productions have played a significant role in attracting approximately 55 million visitors to the northern Phu Quoc resort complex over the past five years. (VNExpress, 2026)
The Quintessence of Vietnam was conceived as a living cultural and heritage museum, featuring 16 interactive pavilions integrated with performance spaces operating throughout the day.
During daylight hours, traditional Vietnamese life and culture are brought vividly to life through 16 pavilions representing various traditional craft villages. These activities create a continuous flow of daily life, offering visitors a unique cultural experience based on a simple philosophy: no acting, no conventional stage, only authentic emotions inspired by heritage, history, and everyday life embodied by the “residents” of this unique cultural district.
More than a multimedia real-scene performance, The Quintessence of Vietnam is a full-day cultural time-travel experience, the first of its kind in Vietnam.
II. Pioneering Execution Capabilities
With The Quintessence of Vietnam, Dream Studio introduced a new approach to cultural storytelling, harmoniously combining traditional Vietnamese values with world-class performance technologies while placing audience experience at the center of the creative process.
The project pushed the boundaries of live performance through the integration of cutting-edge technologies, including large-scale 3D mapping, movable pavilion structures weighing tens of tons, a lifting water basin capable of supporting 400 tons, aerial performance towers, and a giant mechanized moon. These technologies were employed to bring Vietnam’s cultural legends and historical narratives to life.
The sound and lighting systems were crafted with extraordinary precision. From advanced technical equipment to original musical compositions, every detail was designed to create an immersive artistic environment that extends beyond the limits of conventional visual and auditory experiences.
More than 800 costumes and thousands of props and accessories were meticulously designed and produced with deep respect for historical authenticity, supporting the performances of over 200 artists and performers.
Under the leadership of Creative Director Viet Tu, Dream Studio collaborated with experts in architecture, sound, lighting, choreography, graphics, and finance to create The Quintessence of Vietnam, establishing an important milestone in Vietnam’s cultural industry and reinforcing a pioneering vision for the future of cultural experiences.
III. Performance Narrative
The main production consists of 4 chapters and 12 acts, recreating the cultural essence of Vietnam distilled through thousands of years of history:
Chapter I - The Origin
- The Roots | The opening act utilizes 3D mapping technology to bring to life the legendary tale of Descendants of the Dragon and the Fairy, a sacred symbol of Vietnamese ancestry and national identity. This is followed by scenes depicting the daily life of the Van Lang civilization and the festive atmosphere surrounding the presentation of offerings to the Hung Kings, performed by 80 professional dancers.
- Expanding the Realm | Inspired by the descendants of Lac Long Quan venturing into the sea, binding their rafts to brave the storms and claim new lands, this act portrays the courage and determination of early Vietnamese pioneers. Interactive projection technology on a giant fabric installation, combined with the performance of 50 dancers, creates a heroic vision of conquering the ocean.
Chapter II - The Life
- The Spirit of Bamboo | Bamboo, a timeless symbol of Vietnamese resilience and character, serves as the inspiration for this act. The image of village bamboo hedges has been deeply embedded in the Vietnamese’s mind for generations as a symbol of the homeland's soul. Combining dance and circus arts, the performance recreates the emotional atmosphere of a traditional Vietnamese village in a way found only at The Quintessence of Vietnam.
- The Dance of Rice Civilization | If bamboo represents the backbone of Vietnamese identity, rice symbolizes the lifeblood that has nourished generations of Vietnamese people. Through a combination of modern water-stage technology and the rustic imagery of traditional farming communities, this act celebrates Vietnam’s age-old agricultural civilization.
- Flavors of Home | Vietnamese cuisine has evolved into one of the nation’s richest cultural legacies, defined by diverse identities and boundless hospitality. This unique sensory performance transforms everyday kitchen utensils into musical instruments while integrating advanced movable-house technologies, immersing audiences in a vibrant celebration of Vietnamese culinary heritage.
Chapter III - Learning Journey
- Moonlit Night at Thai Hoc Courtyard | Set beneath a poetic moonlit sky, this act tells the romantic story of a scholar and a village girl through contemporary dance and the use of a giant mechanized moon prop.
- The Path of Learning | Celebrating Vietnam’s long-standing tradition of scholarship, this act honors generations of scholars and the nation’s invaluable documentary heritage. Through a combination of 3D mapping projections on the Thai Hoc courtyard and expressive choreography, the performance highlights the pursuit of knowledge.
- Doctoral Coronation | The ultimate culmination of every scholar’s journey is success in the imperial examinations, earning ceremonial robes and hats bestowed by the King. . Set within a majestic royal court environment with civil and military officials, this act recreates the doctoral coronation ceremony with the utmost solemnity through a combination of physical performance and advanced stage technologies.
Chapter IV - National Festival
- Thập thủ liên hoàn - Lục cúng hoa đăng | The elegance of Vietnamese royal arts is brought to life through the fusion of Thập Thủ Liên Hoàn, a celebrated suite of ten traditional court music compositions from Hue Royal Court Music, and Lục Cúng Hoa Đăng, a mystical Buddhist-inspired dance performance. Together they honor heritage art forms, transporting the audience back to the solemn royal cultural spaces of ancient Vietnam..
- The Spirit of Dong A | A symbol of Vietnamese courage and patriotism echoing throughout a thousand years of history, this act honors the indomitable spirit of the Tran Dynasty in defending the nation. Spectacular martial arts performances are enhanced by aerial towers, LED costumes, and advanced performance technologies.
- Festival of the Nation | The grand finale concludes the journey through The Quintessence of Vietnam in a joyful atmosphere inspired by the celebrations of ancient imperial capitals. Featuring nearly 200 performers, the act serves as a vibrant artistic tableau celebrating national pride and leaving audiences with a powerful emotional experience.
For Dream Studio, The Quintessence of Vietnam is not merely a real-scene theatrical production designed for entertainment. It is a comprehensive cultural experience and a new model for Vietnam’s cultural industries, a contemporary approach to preserving, revitalizing, and promoting Vietnamese heritage for future generations.
