When in Hội An, don’t miss the chance to float along the Thu Bồn River and dive into one of Central Vietnam’s most vibrant folk traditions: Bài Chòi. It’s not just a game — it’s a living, singing, storytelling experience!
A Folk Tale Turned Cultural Treasure
Legend has it that back in the 16th–17th centuries, villagers in Quảng Nam built small huts (“chòi”) to guard their fields from wild animals. During the long nights, they began singing and exchanging verses between huts — and just like that, Bài Chòi was born.
Originally a communal post-dinner activity, Bài Chòi brought families and neighbors together in the village square. Over time, it evolved into a festive New Year tradition, where villagers would build nine bamboo huts — eight for players and one for the “Hiệu”, the game’s host and musical storyteller.
Today, Bài Chòi lives on as a vibrant part of Hội An’s cultural scene. Revived in 1998 and held nightly in the Old Town, this tradition gained global recognition when UNESCO listed Bài Chòi as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2017.
How to Play Bài Chòi
Each player holds a card with three symbolic characters (like “Tam Quăng” or “Ba Gà”). The Hiệu — dressed in traditional costume — draws cards from a bamboo tube, sings a humorous folk verse, then calls out the name of the card.
Got a match? You get a yellow flag. Match all three? You win — and take home a sweet little prize like a lantern or traditional treat!
Music, Meaning, and Magic
The real charm of Bài Chòi lies in the music and the message. Drawing from Quảng Nam’s rich folk tradition, the Hiệu sings in styles like Xuân Nữ, Cổ Bản, Xàng Xê, and Hò Quảng, weaving in playful verses about love, life, and local wisdom.
Accompanied by a simple drum and fiddle, the performance is part improv comedy, part soulful reflection — always heartfelt, often hilarious.
Keeping Tradition Alive in Modern Times
Even as Hội An has transformed into a tourist hotspot, Bài Chòi remains a beating heart of local culture. Thanks to passionate artists and heritage lovers, this beautiful tradition continues to inspire — connecting generations through laughter, rhythm, and a shared love for the simple joys of life.
So next time you’re in Hội An, pull up a bamboo stool, listen to the Hiệu sing, and try your luck at a round of Bài Chòi. It might just be the most delightful thing you do all trip.
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