Events in Vietnam, a densely populated country in the Far East, puts emphasis in showcasing native talent and culture through festival celebrations. Events in Vietnam that attract visitors from all over the world include the Ba Chua Xu festival, the Cau Ngu Festival and the Do Son Buffalo Fighting. This year, Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is one of the Top Destinations of the world, according to the Frommer's travel guide. This is not surprising, considering that Hanoi is celebrating is 1000th year of existence. After a millennium full of history and progress, the city is ready, more than ever, to let the world witness its magnificent celebrations, entitled "1000 Years of Thang Long-Hanoi". For travellers and tourists, now is the time to get that plane ticket and enjoy the sights, sounds, and events in Vietnam has to offer...

Among the many events in Vietnam taking place during the Lunar New Year or Hue Festival, Human Chess in Thuong Sac communal house always attracts many spectators because it is lively and entertaining. The game involves the cunning of the two players and the performance of traditional martial arts scholars.

Human chess follows the general rules of Chinese chess. In human chess, however, the pieces are all people: 32 people in all. The two players sit on high platforms rear end their respective chessmen.

Each chessman keeping his own weapon takes position corresponding to the players' "moves". Each piece has its special strength and is used strategically by the players.

The special feature of human chess is the balance between the "intelligence" of Chinese chess and "bravery" of traditional martial arts. Along with a resounding drumbeat, the players try to direct the pieces. Though there is much shouting and screaming during the game, they play for amusement more than competition.

There is a huge ground in the middle of the temple for spectators to gather. Whoever wins, regardless of it' s the blue or red team, the spectators shout and cheer for the victor. The chessman in the position of the King may be the most pitiable piece on the board; he just stands in the narrow square and watches his guards move about. He only moves a few steps and waits to see whether he or his counterpart is knocked down.

This events in Vietnam, Human chess differs among parts in Vietnam. In the north, one team consists of 16 boys and the other of 16 girls. The two players stand on the ground and direct each piece to move while someone beats a drum next to them. The player who has their king checkmated will lose. In the center and south, people in the chessboard are young martial arts students. Accordingly, each team wears a different colors and holds a weapon. The chessboard is marked by paint on a large carpet on an open field. A pawn can move by traditional kickboxing or by weapons followed by the sound of drums. When a piece is taken, the chessmen perform beautiful martial arts. The party that has the king taken will lose.

The differences of human chess among regions reflect the diversified culture. Along with other folk games, human chess contributes to preserve and develop the traditional cultural values of events in Vietnam.