Karaoke in Ho Chi Minh City: what to know before you go
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"Karaoke" signs are everywhere in Ho Chi Minh City. The sign tells you almost nothing about how you'll be charged inside, though, and that's where first-timers get surprised by the bill.
This isn't a list of venues. It's how the pricing works and what to ask before you sit down.
Two kinds of karaoke
Family and friends karaoke
This is where locals go with family or coworkers. You get a private room and order beer, fruit and snacks while you sing. A crate of beer (24 cans) runs about 800,000 VND. English song lists vary a lot between places, so ask before you go in.
KTV with hostesses
You pay for drinks, the room, and tips for the hostesses. A crate of beer is usually around 1,500,000 VND these days.
Who runs the place changes the price level for drinks, rooms and tips:
- Korean-run KTV: the cheapest of the three for both drinks and tips.
- Vietnamese KTV: mid-range on price and tips.
- Chinese-run KTV: the most expensive rooms and the highest tips.
Most venues have their own tipping standard, so ask the staff directly before you start.
Ask these before you sit down
Ask for the menu first. Most staff will show it without fuss.
- Is there a separate room charge, or is it included in drinks?
- Beer and spirits prices (per bottle, per crate, or set packages)
- Is the fruit plate free or charged?
- Are service charge and VAT included?
- Card or cash only?
Fruit plates and wet towels you never ordered sometimes end up on the bill. Asking "is this free?" at the start saves an argument later.
Paying
Ask for an itemized bill. Keep the empty bottles on the table so you can count them against it. For a big bill, take a photo of it.
Things to watch out for
- Skip venues where someone waves you in from the street, or where a Grab driver offers to take you. You can't check prices beforehand.
- Prostitution is illegal in Vietnam and police do check. If a venue hints at anything like that, leave.
- Late at night, book a Grab instead of hailing a taxi. The fare is fixed in the app, so there's nothing to negotiate.
Business entertaining and big groups
For clients or a large group, check room size, maximum capacity and whether you can book ahead. Big rooms at popular places fill up fast on Friday and Saturday nights.