The article analyzes the issues of the policy regarding intangible cultural heritage, which is carried out in modern Vietnam. The selection of objects that are recognized as cultural heritage at the national level, as well as being promoted to the List of UNESCO World Heritage Masterpieces, is associated with the specifics of constructing the image of national culture. Despite the obvious  positive  aspects  of  the  work  of  protecting  national  traditions,  the  theme  of  culture  in  Vietnam  has  the  ideological significance, and it affects the authenticity of preserved or restored cultural phenomena. The national myth, which is constructed through cultural heritage policies, comes down to the ideas about the antiquity of the Vietnamese nation and its descent from the Hung Kings, and about the antiquity and continuity of the Vietnamese cultural tradition, which dates back directly to the era of the Hung Kings and carries the features of national identity formed at that time. Such a vision of history and culture is not correct, since the Vietnamese culture developed under the influence of Chinese, and Vietnamese ethnogenetic myths in the form that has survived, bear the imprint of Chinese influence. A special place in the construction of the image of national culture is given to song lore. We believe that actions aimed at enhancing the status of musical folklore have the goal of restoring the traditions of performing folk songs and attracting the interest of youth in this form of activity. We think that the availability of folk songs, the performance of which does not require special skills and special equipment, their potential to turn into mass art makes the promotion of song lore a priority for Vietnamese. Rich and diverse musical folklore is becoming the cornerstone in shaping the image of national culture.