Vietnamese folk music represents a profound and diverse cultural heritage that has evolved over centuries and is deeply rooted in the Vietnamese people’s daily lives, rituals, and spiritual practices. For travelers, exploring these musical traditions provides an opportunity to connect with Vietnam’s heritage. Many forms of folk music are closely tied to specific festivals, regions, and communities, offering unforgettable experiences for people travel to Vietnam.
A Multitude of Musical Forms
The richness of Vietnamese folk music is evident in its vast array of forms, each reflecting distinct regional characteristics, cultural practices, and historical evolution. Some notable genres include:
Quan ho
Originating in the northern province of Bac Ninh, quan ho features melodious duets performed by male and female singers. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, quan ho encapsulates themes of love, courtship, and friendship, and is performed during spring festivals and cultural events.
The Lim Festival is the perfect time to immerse yourself in this UNESCO-recognized tradition, as the locals celebrate with music, games, and rituals.
Artists performing Vietnamese folk music at Lim Festival
Tuong
Tuong is a form of Vietnamese classical theatre that is influenced by Chinese opera. This traditional music employs the use of stock characters who are recognizable from their elaborate and extravagant make-up and costumes. In Tuong, different colors of the face, eyebrows, and beard reveal different character’s personalities. Tuong was one of the highly popular art until the 20th century. However, with the arrival of Cai Luong and modern theaters, Tuong is losing its position.
Cheo
Cheo is a popular form of folk theater that combines humorous storytelling with music and dance, traditionally performed by Vietnamese peasants in northern Vietnam. It often portrays the simple rural life and praises noble qualities of man such as friendship and love, and often contains elements of humor.
Works like Quan Am Thi Kinh highlight Cheo’s enduring appeal. Travelers can enjoy live performances at the Vietnam Cheo Theatre, which is the cradle of professional Cheo art.
Quan Am Thi Kinh, a classic Vietnamese play
Cai luong
Cai luong originated in Southern Vietnam in the early 20th century and became popular in the 1930s. It is now promoted as a national theatrical form in Vietnam. Cai Luong features a combination of regular spoken dialogue and vong co (a special type of singing).
While it has seen a decline in recent years, Cai Luong remains an important cultural symbol.
Ca tru
A more sophisticated and academic form, ca tru often involves three performers: the female vocalist, a lute player and a spectator. Traditionally performed in royal courts or private gatherings, ca tru has seen a revival in recent years due to its historical and artistic significance. The Thang Long Ca Tru Club in Hanoi offers regular performances for visitors.
Don ca tai tu
A genre of traditional chamber music in southern Vietnam, don ca tai tu reflects the region’s rustic charm and adaptability. With its roots in court music, it emphasizes improvisation and blends in the lives of people in the Mekong Delta.
You can enjoy the performances during your Mekong Delta cruise tours as local musicians often encourage visitors to join the performance. It is an essential cultural experience for those exploring the Delta’s waterways.
Don ca tai tu show
Xoan singing
Xoan singing is a UNESCO-recognized tradition tied to fertility and agricultural rites. In Phu Tho province, the ancient melodies of xoan singing come to life during the Hung Kings’ Festival, a grand celebration honoring Vietnam’s legendary ancestors. Performed in sacred temples, this music is deeply connected to prayers for prosperity and peace.
Chau van
Chau van is a spiritual form of music used to invoke spirits during rituals. Performed in religious ceremonies, chau van combines trance singing and dancing. The genre is famous for its use in rituals for deity mediumship.
Its hypnotic melodies and rhythmic percussion make it a vital part of Vietnamese spiritual life. You can watch Chau Van performances in temples and pagodas during special occasions, such as the Tran Temple Festival in Nam Dinh.
Bai choi
Found in Central Vietnam, bai choi combines storytelling, singing and interactive experience. In a bai choi performance, a singer will sing or call out folk verses corresponding to a random card. If it matches the card held by any player, the player wins and receives a prize.
Often performed during Tet, the Lunar New Year, bai choi is as much a Vietnamese traditional folk game as it is a musical performance.
A special card of Bai Choi game
Nha nhac
A prestigious form of court music from the Nguyen dynasty, nha nhac is performed during royal ceremonies. Recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, it embodies the grandeur and elegance of Vietnam’s imperial past. The biennial Hue Festival offers grand showcases of this prestigious art form in historic venues.
Xam
Xam is a form of street music historically performed by visually impaired artists. These songs, often improvised, cover a wide range of topics from moral lessons to humorous anecdotes, reflecting the lives of ordinary people. The unique blend of the two-stringed fiddle and heartfelt lyrics ensures xam retains its nostalgic charm.
Nowadays, xam is an endangered form of traditional music in Vietnam. The most famous recent artisan was Ha Thi Cau, the “last artisan of xam.”
The role of Vietnamese folk music
Vietnamese folk music is more than just entertainment; it embodies the cultural essence and traditions of the nation. It serves as a medium to preserve stories of love, nature, and resilience, showcasing Vietnam’s rich oral heritage. Beyond its artistic value, folk music plays a vital role in rituals and ceremonies, with performances like xoan singing and chau van deeply intertwined with spiritual practices and festivals.
These musical expressions often bring communities together, fostering unity and pride during village gatherings or festive celebrations. Through its melodies, visitors can experience the heart of Vietnam’s cultural identity.
Preservation and modern revival
As Vietnam continues to modernize, preserving its folk music has become a cultural priority. Efforts are being made to document these traditional forms, ensuring their melodies and stories are passed down to younger generations. Experienced artists often host training programs and workshops to inspire the youth to embrace and carry on these musical traditions.
In addition, contemporary artists are finding innovative ways to keep folk music relevant by blending traditional elements with modern genres, creating a fusion that appeals to a broader audience. This revitalization not only breathes new life into folk music but also bridges the gap between the past and present.
Vietnamese folk music, with its rich diversity and profound cultural significance, is a cornerstone of the nation’s heritage. Each melody, performance, and instrument tells a story of resilience, creativity, and unity. Plan your Vietnam tour, immerse yourself in the culture, and let the melodies guide your adventure.
