Ho Chi Minh City Residents Demand Action on Karaoke Noise Chaos

Picture courtesy of VN Express

Noise pollution from loud karaoke is causing a furore in Ho Chi Minh City, leading to conflicts, health issues, and over 21,000 complaints to authorities this year.

For Tran Viet An, asking neighbours to lower their karaoke volume resulted in an assault on 22 June. A group broke into his home, threatening him after a night of loud singing. Despite repeated complaints to authorities, action was lacking, leaving An feeling trapped in his own home on Phan Dang Giang Street.

He described the disruption as relentless. Even during illness, the noise persisted, leaving him no peace. The aggressor, later arrested by police, blamed alcohol for his actions.

Thuy, another resident, nearly sold her home on Dien Bien Phu Street to escape the din. Her neighbours’ parties disrupted her life and her daughter’s exams. Complaints initially fell on deaf ears, and only after appealing to the city police did the situation resolve.

Karaoke noise extends beyond residential zones. Parks and pub fronts are common places for portable karaoke sessions, disturbing public peace. The city’s 1022 hotline has been flooded with complaints, primarily about this noise disruption.

Current regulations set allowable residential noise limits at 70 dBA during the day and 55 dBA at night, with fines ranging from ฿770 to ฿1,540 for violations. However, enforcement is difficult due to a lack of sound measurement equipment.

Ward officials admit the challenge of enforcing fines, as offenders typically lower the volume before police arrive.

Karaoke’s popularity is driven by affordability and ease of use, with portable systems becoming widespread. Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Duc Loc suggests that regulations are impractical and should focus on sound levels rather than time.

He proposes mandatory soundproofed environments for karaoke, with prior notifications for parties. Authorities are exploring improved enforcement, including AI analysis of complaints and digital mapping of noise hotspots.

The city’s ongoing efforts aim to better address this pervasive issue, providing residents with the peace they desperately seek.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-07-10