Modern Twists on Vietnamese Kites: Golf Club Frames and Airport Disruptions

The art of kite making and flying in Vietnam is evolving, with enthusiasts in the southern region adopting modern materials and techniques. Kite makers now commonly use discarded golf clubs for kite frames, valuing their lightness and durability over traditional bamboo. Kite sizes have also increased significantly, and some kite strings now exceed 600 meters in length.

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Kite makers now commonly use discarded golf clubs for kite frames, valuing their lightness and durability over traditional bamboo.

Hanoi's Bá Dương Nội village, located in Ô Diên commune, has a history of kite festivals spanning over a thousand years. This tradition is deeply rooted in the local culture and the worship of the god Châu Thổ. In early 2024, the Hanoi People's Committee officially recognized the craft of making kites in Bá Dương Nội as a traditional profession, preserving this cultural heritage.

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The Hanoi People's Committee officially recognized the craft of making kites in Bá Dương Nội as a traditional profession, preserving this cultural heritage.

Traditionally, Vietnamese kites, known as 'diều sáo,' feature frames made from bamboo and sails of thin 'dó' paper. The 'sáo' (flute) component, made from bamboo tubes with wooden stoppers, produces unique sounds when the kite catches the wind. Modern kites can be quite large, with wingspans of 5-7 meters, and often use fabric instead of paper for the sails.

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Kite makers now commonly use discarded golf clubs for kite frames, valuing their lightness and durability over traditional bamboo.

Despite being less common in the south, passionate kite-flying groups exist, organizing gatherings in open spaces for friendly competitions and to appreciate the distinct sounds of each kite's flute. However, this hobby recently posed a safety risk. On August 13th, three kites with flashing lights were spotted near Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, disrupting air traffic. The incident caused 16 flights to be delayed or rerouted, and authorities detained three individuals responsible for flying the kites.

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Kite makers now commonly use discarded golf clubs for kite frames, valuing their lightness and durability over traditional bamboo.