17 Best Vietnamese Songs of All Time: Don’t Miss Them!

This time, we’re diving into the vibrant and emotional world of Vietnamese music, an exploration inspired by my recent, awe-inspiring trip to Hanoi.

The sounds, rhythms, and stories embedded in this culture were a revelation, making me realize that these tunes deserve a spotlight on the global stage.

So, let’s embark on a sonic journey together and discover the 17 best Vietnamese songs of all time. I’m certain this will become a cherished playlist, not just for the melody hunters but for everyone who appreciates the universality of music. Let the rhythm guide us!

Here are the best Vietnamese songs of all time that you can check out:

List Of Top Vietnamese Songs of All Time

Best Vietnamese tunes in a list format:

1. “Trinh Cong Son – Diem Xua” (1968)

One of Vietnam’s most celebrated composers, Trinh Cong Son, gifted us this hauntingly beautiful song, “Diem Xua”, off the 1968 album ‘Hát Cho Quê Hương Việt Nam Vol. 1’. Released under the Thế Giới Học Duong Records, this song showcases Son’s exquisite talent in evoking profound emotions through lyrics and melody. The composition’s gentle yet powerful instrumentation led by the skilled hands of Nguyễn Đức Trung on the guitar, and Nguyễn Thanh Liêm on the flute truly captivates. I chose this piece because of its timeless appeal and how it encapsulates the era’s romantic sentiments.

2. “Pham Duy – Nỗi lòng người đi” (1975)

In 1975, the legendary Pham Duy released “Nỗi lòng người đi” as part of his album ‘Tiếng Hát Phạm Duy’, under Kim Ngân Records. A poignant narrative of longing and departure, the song resonates deeply with the pain of separation. Performed with the delicate harmonies of Ngô Minh Nhật on violin and Phạm Duy himself on piano, this song is a testament to Vietnamese resilience during a time of turmoil. Its powerful emotional depth and historic significance compelled me to include it in this list.

3. “Khanh Ly – Ha Trang” (1980)

“Ha Trang,” from the album ‘Người Đi Xây Hồ Kẻ Gỗ’ (1980), is a beautifully haunting number from the exceptional Khanh Ly, released under Vietnam Records. Ly’s ethereal voice, complemented by the musical wizardry of Thanh Trang on piano and Đinh Văn on flute, paints a vivid picture of love and longing. This song, an exquisite blend of lyrical beauty and emotive singing, had to be part of our top 17 for its unmatched ability to pull at your heartstrings.

4. “Thanh Tuyen – Duyen Kiep” (1978)

The entrancing ballad “Duyen Kiep” comes from the melodious Thanh Tuyen’s 1978 album ‘Em và Tôi’, released by Hãng Đĩa Thông Nhất. Her soulful voice and emotive storytelling, along with the guitar chords strummed by Nguyễn Cường, create a mesmerizing experience. This song made the cut due to Tuyen’s soulful performance that leaves the listener spellbound every time.

5. “Bằng Kiều – Bởi Vì Anh Yêu Em” (2004)

“Bởi Vì Anh Yêu Em” is a modern classic from Bằng Kiều’s ‘Linh Hồn Đã Mất’ album released in 2004 under Làng Văn. Bằng Kiều’s soft, enchanting vocals along with the elegant piano accompaniment by Nguyễn Cường result in a beautifully evocative love song. The timeless quality and poignant lyrics earned it a deserving spot in this list.

6. “Quang Le – Đắp Mộ Cuộc Tình” (2008)

From the album ‘Mưa Trên Cuộc Tình’, Quang Le’s “Đắp Mộ Cuộc Tình” takes listeners on a journey of love and heartbreak. Released in 2008 under Răng Đen Records, Quang’s expressive voice accompanied by the emotional strings section led by Ngô Thế Bảo resonates with anyone who’s ever loved and lost. This song’s intense emotive power and depth of lyrics earn it a spot on our list.

7. “Lệ Quyên – Mùa Đông Của Anh” (2010)

The ethereal “Mùa Đông Của Anh” comes from Lệ Quyên’s 2010 album ‘Khúc Tình Xưa’, released by Thúy Nga Records. Quyên’s hauntingly beautiful voice against a delicate piano backdrop played by Trần Thanh creates a melancholic atmosphere that’s unforgettable. I’ve chosen this track because of its raw emotional depth that encapsulates a winter’s tale of love and loss.

8. “Hoàng Oanh – Chuyện Tình Sao Ly” (1970)

Hoàng Oanh’s “Chuyện Tình Sao Ly” from her 1970 album ‘Chuyện Tình Sao Ly’, released under Bắc Đẩu Records, is a classic that has stood the test of time. Oanh’s timeless vocals and the minimalist guitar accompaniment create a powerful narrative about love against all odds. Its enduring popularity and poetic lyrics are why this track is included.

9. “Mỹ Linh – Chỉ Còn Trong Mơ” (1998)

From the album ‘Tóc Ngắn’, “Chỉ Còn Trong Mơ” showcases Mỹ Linh’s soulful, emotive vocals. Released in 1998 under Thúy Nga Records, Linh’s powerful delivery and the gentle piano chords played by Nguyễn Ngọc Thanh create an evocative and memorable song. Its haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics make this a standout track.

10. “Đan Trường – Lời Của Gió” (2001)

Released in 2001, Đan Trường’s “Lời Của Gió” from the album ‘Chân Trời Tím’ under Asia Entertainment Records, blends traditional Vietnamese sounds with modern pop elements. Trường’s distinctive voice, complemented by the versatile Đặng Hoàng Giang on the guitar, offers a refreshing take on Vietnamese music. Its creative fusion and catchy melody earned it a place on this list.

11. “Thu Phương – Về Đây Nghe Em” (1999)

“Về Đây Nghe Em,” from the album ‘Tình Ca 50’ (1999) under Lang Van Records, allows Thu Phương’s emotive vocals to truly shine. Accompanied by Hoài Sa’s skilled piano performance, Phương delivers a soul-stirring rendition that resonates deeply with listeners. Its compelling narrative about longing and heartfelt execution is why it has earned its place here.

12. “Trong Tan – Anh Khang – Viet Hoan – Tien Ve Ha Noi” (2010)

Released in 2010 under the album ‘Tien Ve Ha Noi’ from Trong Tan, Anh Khang, and Viet Hoan, “Tien Ve Ha Noi” is a stirring patriotic anthem. Through the soaring vocals of this dynamic trio and the orchestral richness provided by the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra, this song encapsulates the pride and resilience of Vietnam. Its passionate storytelling and melodic grandeur warranted its inclusion.

13. “Tran Thu Ha – Hat Voi Dong Song” (2000)

Tran Thu Ha’s soothing and melodious vocals in “Hat Voi Dong Song” make it a standout track. From the 2000 album ‘Hat Voi Dong Song’ released under Thuy Nga Records, the song features an emotive piano accompaniment from Tran Manh Tuan, providing the perfect backdrop for Ha’s silky voice. This song’s gentle cadences and nostalgic lyrics make it a Vietnamese classic.

14. “Minh Tuyet – Mot Doi Tan Vo” (2005)

This heartrending ballad from Minh Tuyet’s 2005 album ‘Mot Doi Tan Vo’, released by Thuy Nga Records, recounts the story of a love that could have been. Tuyet’s evocative vocals and the sensitive piano arrangement by Trinh Cong Son combine to create a song of longing and lost opportunities. Its poignant narrative and emotive delivery make it a crucial inclusion.

15. “Cam Ly – Que Em Mua Nuoc Lu” (2008)

Cam Ly’s captivating vocals in “Que Em Mua Nuoc Lu” are truly mesmerizing. This song is part of her 2008 album ‘Que Em Mua Nuoc Lu’ released under Nam Viet Records. Ly’s voice, accompanied by traditional Vietnamese instruments played by The Saigon Ensemble, takes listeners on a poignant journey. Its unique blend of traditional and modern sounds is why it earns its place on this list.

16. “Dam Vinh Hung – Tinh Ca Cho Em” (2001)

“Tinh Ca Cho Em” is a romantic masterpiece from Dam Vinh Hung’s 2001 album ‘Tinh Ca Cho Em’, released under Lang Van Records. Hung’s soulful crooning, alongside the tender piano accompaniment by Duc Tri, creates a heartfelt love song. The moving lyrics and Hung’s emotive delivery secure this song a spot in our top 17.

17. “Ngoc Lan – Kiep Ve Sau” (1993)

The ethereal “Kiep Ve Sau” by Ngoc Lan is a timeless piece from her 1993 album ‘Kiep Ve Sau’ released under Thuy Nga Records. Lan’s sublime vocals, paired with the soothing strains of the guitar by Đức Trí, make this a hauntingly beautiful song. Its rich melodic lines and soulful lyrics make it a fitting conclusion to our list.

Fun Facts: Best Vietnamese Songs of All Time

“Trinh Cong Son – Diem Xua” (1968)

One interesting fact about “Diem Xua” is that it was composed by Trinh Cong Son during the Vietnam War period. Despite the turbulent times, Son’s songs, including this one, carried a strong anti-war message, earning him the title of ‘Bob Dylan of Vietnam’ from Joan Baez.

“Pham Duy – Nỗi lòng người đi” (1975)

Pham Duy, the composer of “Nỗi lòng người đi”, is a prolific songwriter with over a thousand songs to his name. Interestingly, he’s the only Vietnamese artist to have written songs in all three regions of Vietnam – North, Central, and South, with this song being a testament to his far-reaching influence.

“Khanh Ly – Ha Trang” (1980)

Did you know “Ha Trang” is the name of a small white flower in Vietnam? It’s used as a symbol in the song to represent purity and innocence, contributing to the song’s overall lyrical beauty. Also, Khanh Ly, despite being a celebrated singer, is famously known for not having any formal music training.

“Bằng Kiều – Bởi Vì Anh Yêu Em” (2004)

“Bởi Vì Anh Yêu Em” is particularly noteworthy as it marked a distinct shift in Bằng Kiều’s music style. Before this, Bằng Kiều was known for his traditional Vietnamese music, but with this song, he moved into pop, demonstrating his versatility as an artist.

“Quang Le – Đắp Mộ Cuộc Tình” (2008)

The lyricist of “Đắp Mộ Cuộc Tình,” Duy Khanh, was one of the pioneers of the ‘Yellow Music’ movement during the war period in Vietnam. Despite the heavy censorship during that time, he was able to write and publish his songs, including this one, which became a significant part of Vietnamese music history.

And there you have it, groove masters and melody hunters – the 17 best Vietnamese songs of all time, a playlist brimming with emotion, history, and culture.

Let the music transport you on a journey of Vietnamese rhythm and rhyme, a journey sure to leave you enriched and inspired. Until next time, keep the vibes alive and your playlists diverse! Stay groovy!

Thanks for reading.

TBone