We have a fantastic musical experience for travelers visiting Hanoi in northern Vietnam. Ca Tru music is an old Vietnamese tradition that started out as a form of entertainment for the royal court during the Ly dynasty (1010 – 1225), later becoming chamber music performed at small inns. Mainly scholars and the elite would attend Ca Tru performances, but during the French colonization this unique music style fell into decay. Its demise continued into the 20th century and Ca Tru music almost died out because of the communist suppression.
Since 2009, there have been many efforts to reinvigorate Ca Tru music and its recognition by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage was an important milestone. Performances can still be admired today, taking place in the Old Quarter of Hanoi between 8 pm and 9 pm, three times a week.
