Street Singers

Street life in Vietnam continues to offer a host of captivating experiences that appeal to visitors. One particularly notable aspect is street singing, which remains highly popular in major cities as of 2025.

Similar to street performers in the United States, Vietnamese street singers entertain passersby with their music, hoping to receive tips for their performances. However, while American street artists often have designated spots for their shows, Vietnamese singers are more prone to wandering through the streets or stopping in local eateries, performing songs based on requests from patrons.

Vietnam's Street Singers in Traditional Settings

Another key distinction is that while American street artists typically perform upbeat or cheerful songs, Vietnamese street singers often favor more melancholic tunes, predominantly classic folk songs designed to evoke empathy from their audiences.

Many Vietnamese street singers are individuals with disabilities, such as those who are blind, deaf, or physically challenged. These performers often team up in small groups, typically comprising two to three members. This may include one singer, a musician playing a guitar or “đàn nhị” (a traditional Vietnamese instrument), and another person responsible for carrying an amplifier to enhance their sound. The guitars used, when present, usually have only five strings, as traditional Vietnamese folk music is based on a pentatonic scale.

While they may not explicitly request tips, many listeners generously support them financially, simply out of appreciation for their performances. Street singers are significantly more popular in Southern Vietnam compared to the North, where traditional folk songs have seen a decline in interest among the general populace.

Though younger generations may not connect as strongly with street singers, older audiences tend to cherish them, particularly as folk music becomes less prevalent in popular entertainment. The presence of street singers enriches the cultural landscape of Vietnam and adds to the charm that captivates visitors.