According to KDI Holdings, the company has made significant investments and poured great dedication into its designs, drawing inspiration from familiar Vietnamese cultural symbols such as the fish trap and the bronze drum. Located at the “mountain-backed, bay-facing’’ site at the foot of Co Tien Mountain in northern Nha Trang, these works embody distinctive architecture and spaces rich in Vietnamese cultural identity.
In 2023, the Do Theater officially opened, attracting more than 500,000 visitors. The structure takes inspiration from the traditional fish trap—a familiar fishing tool in Vietnamese culture.
The project was awarded a Vietnam Record as the “Largest theater in Vietnam with unique indigenous architecture inspired by the traditional fish trap,” and quickly became an iconic destination drawing both domestic and international visitors. Notably, it also serves as a cultural bridge, bringing traditional Vietnamese art closer to the world.
Speaking on KDI’s dedication, Mr. Jean Michel Puiff, Director of the National Theater of Sénart (France), shared that this is the first modern theater built in Vietnam that meets European theater standards.
Building on the success of the Do Theater, in early September, KDI Group unveiled another symbolic structure – the Bronze Drum Square, located within the international township Libera Nha Trang, at the heart of the La Tien Villa precinct.
The square is distinguished by a monumental 20-meter-tall Vietnamese bronze drum structure. It also showcases eight iconic traditional Vietnamese musical instruments, including the khen, dan day, dan bau, T’rưng, dan nhi, dan nguyet, gong, and the Khmer pentatonic ensemble.
This destination is expected to become a venue for major cultural and artistic events in Vietnam and beyond, contributing to Nha Trang’s (Khanh Hoa) tourism appeal.
Ms. Nguyen Hai Tam, CEO of KDI Holdings, shared that the square is one of the architectural highlights of La Tien Villa, located within the 44 hectare Libera Nha Trang development.
To bring traditional culture into harmony with contemporary life, KDI Holdings focuses not only on creating structures to admire, but also on creating immersive experiences. For example, the “Roi Mo” Show at the Do Theater is performed regularly, blending traditional water puppetry with modern puppetry, accompanied by creatively orchestrated Vietnamese folk music. The “Chum Show”, inspired by the cultures of the Cham, Central Highlands, and Kinh people, reflects the cycle of birth – death – rebirth through the symbolic image of the ceramic jar, connecting heritage and humanity. Both shows convey the contemporary spirit of Vietnamese performing arts, offering visitors diverse cultural experiences when visiting Nha Trang.
Notably, Roi Mo has achieved significant international recognition. It was honored by Entrepreneur magazine as one of the “World’s Most Unique and Captivating Shows,” and ranks No. 1 in the “Theater & Art Performances in Nha Trang” category on TripAdvisor.
The Bronze Drum Square has also been designed as a cultural hub, providing locals with a communal space while offering international visitors a deeper understanding of Vietnamese identity. The venue recently hosted the “La Tiên Show – The Cội” music night, attracting nearly 7,000 spectators.
A KDI Holdings representative explained that globally, integrating real estate development with arts and culture is seen as a sustainable, value-driven strategy. Squares, theaters, and museums not only preserve heritage but also drive tourism, services, and real estate growth. This approach demands financial resources, long-term vision, and determination from developers, but it produces distinct and lasting cultural landmarks.
The launch of the Bronze Drum Square marks the beginning of a series of initiatives linking real estate with local cultural values, reinforcing KDI Holdings’ commitment to creating vibrant, culturally rich urban spaces in Nha Trang. The group believes that heritage preservation must go hand in hand with urban vitality, aligning with the development and integration of Nha Trang and Vietnam as a whole. While challenging, this approach ensures enduring value for projects, communities, and the nation.
