In Vietnam, among the 54 ethnic groups, the flute is a very popular wind instrument, loved by all people. It sounds melodious, and is also very sentimental, which comes from its deep bass timbre. The images from the flute notes produced by a little boy on buffalo’s back, the young couple marking a tryst on evenings bathed in the moonlight, the kites floating up and down high in the sky, all tell the beauty of the rural areas in Vietnam – peaceful and lyrical, poetic and romantic.

The Vietnamese flute is made of bamboo. The flute with small pipes produces a sharp, high and sweet sound like a bird singing while the other with bigger pipes gives out a lower bass sound. Usually, its diameter is 1 cm – 1.5 cm and its mouth-hole is bigger than its finger-holes, which are round or oval. Lengths of flutes vary between 40 cm – 45 cm.

The Western Highlanders and the northwestern or northernmost people have flutes with one, three, four or five holes. Some flutes are horizontal while others are vertical (known as "tieu"). In any case, the most popular flute always has six-finger holes.

Since time immemorial, the flute has been used not only among the mainstream population, but also in the court troupes. It is considered among the most popular instruments in the eight-instrument categories and is indispensable in traditional operetta, Hue royal music and the amateur music of south Vietnam.

Today, the flute is a musical instrument that may be played for solo or concert performances by traditional musical troupes. It is also a musical instrument to efficiently accompany singing or the recital of poems.

Since the second half of the 20th century, the Vietnamese bamboo flute has travelled to friends throughout the world with the marvellous performances by such talented artists as Dinh Thin, Le Pho and Do Loc.

These Vietnamese flute recitals have helped other countries better understand the clear and pure Vietnamese soul which cherishes peace and hard work.