When learning a new language, songs are a wonderful way to connect with both the language and culture. Vietnamese songs not only help you practice listening and pronunciation but also allow you to feel the emotions, values, and stories of Vietnamese people.
One meaningful and widely loved song is “Hello Vietnam”.
About the Song
“Hello Vietnam” was originally written in French by Marc Lavoine and performed by the Vietnamese-Belgian singer Phạm Quỳnh Anh. The song quickly touched the hearts of many people, especially those in the Vietnamese diaspora, because it speaks about discovering and embracing the homeland of Vietnam.
Later, the song was translated into English and Vietnamese, allowing listeners from different backgrounds to connect with its message.
- Bonjour Vietnam - French version: The original version, written by Marc Lavoine, has a poetic and nostalgic tone.
- Hello Vietnam - English version: This version is widely shared around the world.
- Chào Việt Nam - Vietnamese version: The lyrics in Vietnamese carry deep emotional resonance for local listeners.
The Meaning of “Hello Vietnam”
The song is about the journey of a person who was born abroad but always carries Vietnam in their heart. It tells the story of discovering one’s roots, homeland, and culture. For Vietnamese learners, the song is a perfect way to explore themes of identity, family, history, and belonging.
Listening to this song, you can learn many common Vietnamese words about:
- Homeland and family: quê hương, cha mẹ, ông bà
- Feelings and emotions: nhớ (miss), yêu (love), hạnh phúc (happiness)
- Culture and heritage: truyền thống (tradition), lịch sử (history)
A Special Experience in Vietnam
If you ever travel to Vietnam, pay attention when your airplane lands. In many cases, the song Hello Vietnam is played at that moment. Hearing this song while touching down in Vietnam creates a very emotional and meaningful experience — a warm musical “welcome” to the country.
Recommended Performances
Two singers are especially loved for their performances of Hello Vietnam:
- Phạm Quỳnh Anh: Her gentle, emotional voice made the song famous internationally.
- Thùy Dung: A Vietnamese singer whose Vietnamese version captures the heart and soul of the song beautifully.
Why This Song is Great for Vietnamese Learners
- Simple and clear lyrics → easy to follow and sing along.
- Emotional content → helps you connect deeply with Vietnamese culture.
- Multiple versions → great for comparing and learning vocabulary.
💡 Tip: Try listening to the English/French version first, then the Vietnamese version, and finally sing along to practice your pronunciation!
✨ Hello Vietnam is not just a song; it is a bridge connecting language learners with Vietnam’s culture, history, and emotions. If you are learning Vietnamese, this is a song you should definitely listen to.
Thùy Dung: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcHezvZjBUg
Phạm Quỳnh Anh: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k56sDIhBsbM