‘Xam on the bus’ relives memories of Hanoi before 1990s

Trams travelled along the streets of downtown Hanoi prior to the 1990s. Passengers were familiar with “Xam” melodies, a folk singing genre in the Tonkin region. Now that trams are long gone from the city, people can turn back time to watch a special performance on a night tour called “Xam on the bus”.

Passengers used to always hear Xam melodies when on trams connecting downtown Hanoi and suburban areas. Now they can enjoy performances of Xam on special buses travelling between iconic Hanoi destinations such as the Hanoi Opera House, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The trips offer an immense cultural experience.

Not only enjoying old folk melodies combined with modern music, travellers also get to hear stories about “tram Xam”, and experience playing traditional musical instruments.

“Xam on the bus” brings back childhood memories for the older generation, and reminds younger audiences of a traditional art form that needs to be preserved, protected, and developed./.