“I think the show was amazing. I didn't expect them to use so many instruments, and they were all used very skillfully. I saw a lot of them for the first time, and it was so interesting to hear so many instruments being played at the same time. I thought the band would be smaller. There were so many people in the band as well. I was very impressed.”
Still buzzing from the performance, Canadian visitor Edgar was among the many audience members captivated by the sounds on stage. On recent weekend evenings, growing numbers of locals and foreign visitors have been gathering at Chao Show at 6 Nguyen Sieu street, where traditional Vietnamese music is presented in a contemporary setting.
As the lights dim, the stage fills with sounds that many foreign visitors are hearing for the first time. The delicate notes of the zither and the monochord blend with the rhythms of the T’rưng bamboo xylophone, ancient stone instruments, and the powerful resonance of Central Highlands gongs. Enhanced by a modern 3D sound system, more than 30 traditional instruments feature in twelve contemporary compositions, showcasing the richness of Vietnam’s musical heritage.
The evening offers more than music. Audience members are also invited to sample signature dishes from Vietnam’s northern, central, and southern regions, adding a culinary dimension to the performance. Like many audience members, Edgar could be seen gently swaying to the music. For him, the combination of music and food made the evening particularly memorable.
“The meal today was very good, actually. When we ate it, I was really impressed by the variety. There was rice, there was Banh mi, and many other dishes. I was intrigued to see everything on offer. It was very interesting, and it was good,” said Edgar.
For Zamanie, a visitor from the United States, the performance stood out for its energy and the way it brought different aspects of Vietnam together on one stage. Like many in the audience, she came away with a deeper appreciation of the country's music, culture, and people.
“Well, I was looking for something to do for my birthday, and this show seemed very interesting. It had really good reviews, so I decided to come. I think the show is amazing. I really liked the music, the energy, the performers, and the band. I think it tells a great story about different parts of Vietnam. And the food was amazing. So good,” said Zamanie.
Judging by the applause at the end of each performance, the show appears to be striking a chord with audiences. According to Tran Minh Hoang, Business Director of Chao Show, the idea behind the production was to create a new nighttime tourism offering for Ho Chi Minh City. Rather than presenting traditional music in a conventional format, the team chose a more contemporary approach.
"Our greatest aspiration is to share Vietnamese music and culture with international friends as well as audiences at home. As a nightly performance, we hope Chao Show will become a distinctive cultural destination, and one of the few of its kind in Ho Chi Minh City, for visitors to enjoy. We also see the show as a cultural ambassador, helping bring Vietnamese music and cultural identity to the international community," Hoang said.
Since its launch in March 2025, the show has welcomed nearly 30,000 visitors, with foreigners accounting for about 40%. For many, Chao Show is more than an evening out. It is a chance to discover Vietnam through its music, its cuisine, and the stories woven into every performance.
