# Vietnam Travel Stories

What is Lotto Show (Lô Tô) and reasons you must do it once in Vietnam

Lotto Show (Lô Tô) is a term that might be unfamiliar to people in Northern Vietnam, but it is very well-known in the Southwestern region. This is a type of traditional cultural entertainment that was extremely popular in this area during the 1980s, and are loved by public in these recent years. This article will give you insights about history of Lotto Show in Vietnam, and why you must do it once when you are here.

What is Lotto Show (Lô Tô)?

Lotto Show (Lô Tô) is a popular, fun, lively entertainment event featuring drag performances, comedy skits, and audience participation. Performers dress in glamorous costumes, sing, dance, and tell jokes. These shows also include a lottery game where the audience can win small prizes.

The game host will randomly pick a number from a bingo cage or a plastic bag (usually containing about 60 or 90 numbers).

Then, they will sing a song to announce the number, and the last word of the song will sound like the number that was picked. The winner is the person who marks off all the numbers in a horizontal row on their ticket called by the host.

To learn how to play in detail, check this article:

How to play Lotto Show (Lô Tô): Step-by-step guide

History of Lotto Show (Lô Tô)

Origin

The name “lô tô” is translated from the French word “loto,” which originates from the Italian word “lotto,” meaning “a lot.” The predecessor of the lô tô game first appeared in Italy in the 16th century and spread widely to many other continents throughout the 20th century. In the United States, a similar version called Bingo became popular at fairs in the 1920s.

Into Vietnam's culture

Lotto Show (Lô Tô) was introduced to Southern Vietnam during the French colonial period. The internal newsletter “Hợp tác và Nông tín,” published in April 1960, also mentioned this game. However, there is no research that pinpoints the exact time when the Lotto Show was brought to Vietnam.

Despite this, there is much evidence suggesting that the Lotto Show has been in Vietnam since at least the early 20th century.

When it arrived in Vietnam, the Lotto Show (Lô Tô) became a unique folk cultural activity for the people of Southern Vietnam. Especially during the Lunar New Year (Tết Nguyên Đán), playing and enjoying the Lotto Show is an essential part of life for people in Saigon.

After the fall of the Independence Palace and the end of the war in 1975, the economy declined, leading to shortages of material goods and entertainment. This was also the time when the Lotto Show began to flourish and evolve into its modern form, featuring variety acts and performers, often men dressed as women.

The Lotto Show reached its peak popularity in the 1980s in Southern Vietnam, particularly in the Mekong Delta region.

Down and rise again

From 1980 to 1990, the Lotto Show (Lô Tô) thrived in the southern provinces of Vietnam. However, it began to decline due to a lack of creativity in the way the game was played and sung, leading to boredom among players.

Since 2018, the Lotto Show has experienced a strong revival in Ho Chi Minh City. This resurgence is thanks to a new generation of young performers who have made significant innovations in both style and content, attracting audiences back to the game.

Additionally, the movement advocating for LGBT rights in Vietnam has contributed to a new perspective on the Lotto Show culture.

Why you must do it once?

A unique experience

Most travelers to Vietnam, especially Southern cities like Ho Chi Minh City, do popular and easy-to-find activities, such as Food tour, Mekong Delta tour, Cu Chi Tunnel tour,… However, you may find there are too many similar activities, which can make your trip to Vietnam boring and touristy.

The Lotto Show will offer a different perspective of traveling, with vibe of locals that you can not find anywhere else in the city.

Similar to Alcazar Cabaret Show - Thailand

If you enjoy the Alcazar Cabaret Show in Thailand, you’ll appreciate the Lotto Show for its similar blend of music, dance, and performance. However, the Lotto Show offers a more local and authentic Vietnamese experience, making it a unique cultural highlight of your trip.

Tons of fun and interactive

The Lotto Show is not just a performance; it’s an interactive experience where the audience actively participates. The engaging atmosphere, lively music, and humorous number calling create a fun and memorable experience for everyone involved.

Recommended by the reputable

The Lotto Show, especially in Saigon, is highly recommended by reputable ones:

The New York Times newspaper in October 2019
Ambassador of Australia, England and USA

Where to book?

If you are wondering where is the best place to book and join a Lotto Show, check this First Saigon Lotto Tour, which brings the lotto experience to the next level with gun shooting, and local food & beer: