Enjoying the smooth sounds of Ho Chi Minh City

This article is part of Singapore Airlines’ “Beyond the Cabin” video series, in which cabin crew explore their favourite cities and share how their hobbies enrich their service delivery.

Ho Chi Minh City is well-known for its cacophonous traffic, but listen closely and you’ll also discover the smooth sounds of jazz. Just head to one of the city’s many live music bars, where you might find Singapore Airlines Chief Stewardess and jazz aficionado Joslyn Hua enjoying a few tunes.

“The jazz scene in Ho Chi Minh City is very much alive and vibrant,” says Joslyn, who has been flying with Singapore Airlines for 19 years. “It’s still growing and developing, making it a great place for jazz musicians and fans to explore the genre in a very organic and authentic way.”

Joslyn’s enduring love for jazz dates back two decades. “Back in 2002, I was invited to a wedding in Bali and the couple engaged a jazz singer to perform. The moment the singer started singing with the band, I was mesmerised,” she recalls. “The couple also compiled a CD of jazz and bossa nova songs for their guests. That was the start of my love for jazz.”

Her favourite thing about the genre is its inherently spontaneous nature, with musicians constantly improvising and inventing new melodies. “I would describe jazz as fun, relaxing and interactive. I really enjoy the chemistry between the singer and the band, and not forgetting the audience dancing to the music too!” she says. To date, she has attended concerts by Lisa Ono, Michael Bublé and Stacey Kent in Singapore, as well as many live performances by local musicians in Ho Chi Minh City.

Besides being a source of enjoyment, jazz has influenced Joslyn’s outlook on life. “My love for jazz has inspired me to live more passionately by embracing the beauty that comes from music,” she shares. “Jazz’s combination of artistic expression and improvisation has taught me to savour the present moment and to find joy in the small things. Also, listening to a great saxophone solo or a swinging piano trio recharges me and fills me with a sense of positivity.”

In addition, Joslyn’s favourite musicians never fail to inspire her. “I admire jazz greats such as Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, and Ella Fitzgerald. Their music has a timeless quality that many contemporary musicians have tried to emulate,” she reflects. “Their courage to take risks and break boundaries through their music is something I deeply admire, and it has pushed me to be more creative and courageous in my own life.”

Joslyn brings this positive mindset on board whenever possible. As a Chief Stewardess, she often has to deal with last-minute decision-making, so listening to music before and after each flight helps her manage her workload with a clearer mind. “Plus, jazz is all about interacting with the audience. In the same vein, I tend to engage with customers whenever I can, be it during boarding or meal service,” she shares.

She tries to spread her love for music to colleagues, especially when the going gets tough. “Music relaxes all! Sometimes, when the workload on board gets challenging, I start humming a song and my colleagues often follow suit and join in. This gives everyone a breather,” she says. “And during layovers, I like to get together with my colleagues and enjoy live music in a jazz bar.”

For Joslyn, the perfect day in Ho Chi Minh City starts with brunch at The Cafe Apartments, a former block of flats that housed US military officers in the 1960s. Today, the building has been converted into a lifestyle complex filled with restaurants, bars, cafes and boutiques. “You cannot miss this spot, which stands out thanks to its loud signs and colourful facade,” Joslyn says.

Next, spend a few hours exploring the surrounding area, which is home to landmarks including the grand Ho Chi Minh City Opera House and the majestic People’s Committee Building, both of which are built in the French colonial style.

Thereafter, head to Ca Phe Do Phu for an early dinner. “This place is as authentic as it can be. It’s situated in the former home of a Viet Cong supporter and played a significant role in the Vietnam War. Today, visitors will find a secret bunker plus old weapons and uniforms on display,” Joslyn shares. “Try the com tam suon nuong (broken rice with grilled pork chop), which is delicious.”

When night falls, it’s time to hit up the city’s many jazz clubs. Top of Joslyn’s list is Sax n’ Art Jazz Club. “This place is an absolute must-visit for every jazz lover. It exudes an old-school charm with a modern twist. Head here to watch famous saxophonist Trần Mạnh Tuấn perform a fusion of contemporary jazz and traditional Vietnamese music,” Joslyn suggests.

Other hotspots include Rabbit Hole, which hosts live jazz performances every Monday, Wednesday and Sunday. “The singer is a gem!” Joslyn declares. Then there’s also CỘI Saigon, an elegant jazz bar with a laid-back atmosphere, and Legato, which is known for its excellent in-house band. “The Legato musicians are so engaging and fun-loving. You can really feel their happiness and energy,” Joslyn says. Sit back, relax and enjoy the smooth sounds of jazz – how else better to cap off the perfect day in Ho Chi Minh City?

Hãng Đĩa Thời Đại

Also known as Times Records, this store stocks an impressive selection of vinyl records across various genres – from pop to alternative and jazz.

CỘI Saigon

A hidden gem in the heart of the city, this jazz and blues club hosts live performances every Thursday and Sunday night.

Rabbit Hole

This sleek, speakeasy-style bar shakes up both classic and bespoke cocktails – best enjoyed while listening to some live jazz.

Cho Lon

Wander around the world’s largest Chinatown and you’ll find stalls selling everything from local delicacies to colourful fabrics. You might even stumble upon a street performer or two.