Vietnamese music is rich, colorful, and full of surprises. Each region has its own sound, shaped by the land, the people, and the traditions that have lasted for generations. From the gentle notes of a đàn bầu in the north to the lively rhythms of the south, the music of Vietnam tells stories that words alone cannot express.

If you’re looking for a performance that captures the heart of this musical journey, Chao Show is something you shouldn’t miss. The show is a fresh, emotional, and carefully crafted experience that brings together music, visuals, and traditional food in one evening. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Chao Show in Saigon—what it is, what you’ll see and hear, what you’ll taste, and why it’s one of the best cultural experiences in the city.

What is “Chao Show” in Saigon?

Chao Show is a live music performance in Saigon that celebrates Vietnamese culture through traditional sounds and instruments. The show features 12 chapters of folk-inspired music written by Trần Mạnh Hùng, a leading instrumental composer in Vietnam. Each chapter takes you on a journey across the country, from the northern highlands to the southern rivers, using music to tell the story of each region.

The show takes place in a specially designed space equipped with top-of-the-line audio and visual systems. The sound is clear and deep, and the visuals help bring the music to life, making you feel like you’re part of the performance. Chao Show uses 30 traditional instruments from all over Vietnam, and each one adds something special to the experience.

What sets Chao Show apart from other music performances is that it’s “a feast for senses”: you get to enjoy dinner and a show! The team offers a carefully prepared food selection that matches the music, giving you a taste of different regional dishes while you enjoy the performances. You hear the music, see the art, and taste the flavors of Vietnam—all in one evening. It's a unique way to discover what makes Vietnamese culture so rich and unforgettable.

What to experience at Chao Show in Saigon

Traditional music

One of the most exciting parts of Chao Show is the music. The show is built around traditional Vietnamese instruments like the đàn nguyệt (moon-shaped lute), đàn tranh (16-stringed plucked zither), trống cái (great drum), or more obscure ones like the roneat thung (Khmer xylophone). These instruments carry the sound of the country’s past and tell stories in a way that words cannot. You will hear familiar tones if you're from Vietnam, and if you're visiting, you'll get a true sense of the musical soul of this country.

Each piece of music is part of a larger journey. There are 12 chapters in the show, and each chapter represents a different part of Vietnam. You will feel the cold air of the northern mountains, the peaceful rhythm of rice fields in the Red River Delta, the sun and wind of Central Vietnam, and the warm, easy-going spirit of the Mekong Delta. These musical chapters are not just sounds. They carry the colors, moods, and feelings of every place they represent.

Visual Experience

The stage visuals of Chao Show in Saigon are just as important as the music. They are not random images or background colors. Every scene is created to match the region and the story being told through music. For example, during songs about the northern highlands, you’ll see images of rural life with farmers and rice paddies. When the music shifts to the central regions, you see Hue’s Imperial Citadel or Hoi An’s colorful lanterns appear in the background.

The lighting and visuals work closely with the music to help you feel more connected to the performance. The technology used in the show is advanced, but it doesn't overpower the traditional elements. Instead, it supports the story and makes each transition from one region to another smooth and meaningful.

Traditional cuisine

Chao Show in Saigon is not just about watching and listening. You also get to taste Vietnam through a carefully chosen menu. You’ll get to taste 9 different light dishes throughout the course of the show. Each dish tells a story about the land it comes from and the people who make it.

For example, Thịt Trâu Gác Bếp comes from the northern highlands and reflects how people there preserve meat over smoky fires. Chả Mực Hạ Long, made from squid, comes from the sea-rich area of Quảng Ninh and has long been part of family meals in coastal towns. From Hanoi, you’ll taste Nem Rán—crispy fried rolls filled with meat and vegetables. In Thanh Hóa, Nem Chua brings a tangy, chewy contrast that’s become a must-try snack for many travelers.

You’ll also find Bánh Bột Lọc, a chewy tapioca dumpling filled with shrimp and pork, originally from Huế. Another dish from Huế is Cuốn Diếp Mặn, a fresh and refined vegetable roll that shows the elegance of central Vietnamese cooking. From the Central Highlands, there is Cơm Lam, rice cooked inside bamboo tubes. This dish captures the earthy, rich flavors of Vietnam’s forested highlands.

In the southern part of the country, you’ll enjoy Gỏi Cuốn—fresh spring rolls wrapped with herbs, noodles, and shrimp. You may also try Bò Nướng Lá Lốt, grilled beef wrapped in wild betel leaves. Finally, for dessert, there’s Bánh Bò Thốt Nốt, a sweet, sponge-like cake made from palm sugar, which is a popular treat in the South.

Everything you eat at Chao Show is part of the experience. The flavors match the music and visuals, and together they help you understand more about the diversity of Vietnam.

Chao Show – Terms and Conditions

Chao Show is a carefully curated performance, and there are a few rules to make sure everyone enjoys it fully.

Please inform the staff in advance if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions. They can adjust the menu in some cases, but if you don’t notify them beforehand, they will not take responsibility for any health issues that might occur during the show.

All tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Each ticket is valid for one person only. Children under 1.2 meters in height are not allowed inside the performance hall, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling with young kids.

You cannot use professional cameras or recording devices during the show. If you arrive late, you’ll need to wait until a break between performances before you can enter the venue. Also, make sure to dress respectfully. Formal or smart casual attire is expected. This helps maintain the atmosphere of the performance and shows respect to the artists and other guests.

Where to watch the Chao Show?

​You can watch the Chao Show at the CHÀO Ballroom, located at 6 Nguyen Sieu Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.​

To get there, you can take a taxi or use a ride-hailing app like Grab. If you're staying in District 1, it's likely within walking distance. The venue is near popular landmarks such as the Saigon Opera House and Ben Thanh Market.​
 

How to buy Chao Show tickets

The Chao Show runs from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, Tuesday through Sunday. Tickets are priced at 1,300,000 VND. You can purchase tickets through online platforms or with the help of a travel agency.

Conclusion

Chao Show in Saigon takes you on a journey through Vietnam, told through music, light, and flavor. From the moment the first instrument plays to the last bite of dessert, you’ll feel connected to the culture in a new and unforgettable way. The energy, creativity, and care behind the show make it a must-see for anyone visiting Saigon.

If you want to see the best of the city, we recommend ending your day with Chao Show as part of a complete tour. Let our agency help you explore Saigon’s sights, stories, and street life before finishing with an evening that brings Vietnam’s spirit to the stage. Book with us today and experience the beauty of Vietnam, with all your senses.


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