I’ve just spent ten days in Vietnam, seeing the sights, exploring so many different places, and dining like royalty on epic food. And although I’ve been keeping my ears open, I doubt I’ve even scratched the surface of the music scenes there.

Most days were soundtracked by buzzing bikes pipping their horns, chattering in shops and markets, and people saying “Xin chào” as they meet. Speakers play local radio stations and Western tunes down the streets, and restaurants often use playlists of traditional Vietnamese instrumental songs. So that’s what I picked up on. Folk music denotes tales of times gone by, often recalling stories about the land. And the zither — sometimes one-stringed — is a flat board usually behind the plucked notes making the melodies. A totally unique yet almost guitar-centric sound. 

But I didn’t just hear these while out and about; I also witnessed a war veteran play an acoustic number on guitar in his own home. Plus, by absolute neon-lit contrast, I walked down the thumping Bui Vien Walking Street as dance beats orchestrated the whole experience. It was long, loud and illuminated. Some bars laid on karaoke, though there was one that had a live rock band on, performing covers of Def Leppard, AC/DC and more. An overload for the senses, in the best way. Hip-hop also seemed prevalent in areas, among some of the younger locals.

Now I’m back, I’m keen to immerse myself in understanding more of what’s big or commonly played over there. I’d searched Bandsintown and seen there were various gigs on in the major cities such as Hanoi and Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), but it was imperial and ceremonial pieces I often heard — and usually without lyrics. I was also played a track by Trịnh Công Sơn, which is a solid place to start with listening to tonnes more. Thank you, Vietnam.