Dan Bau  (/ɗàːn.ɓə̀w/, Vietnamese: Đàn Bầu) is a typical musical instrument in the system of Vietnamese traditional instruments. It is also considered one of the most unique instruments in the world because of its simple structure, special performing style and the sound produced from the harmonics of the string combined with the use of the rod/handle to tense or loosen the instrument’s single string, creating different pitches with an attractive and unique timbre that is close to the tone of the Vietnamese language.

There have been no research documents identifying the exact time of the appearance of the Dan Bau. According to some historical records, the Dan Bau has been present in Viet Nam since at least 1770. In the book "Đại Nam Thực Lục Tiền Biên" (Annals of Dai Nam – Prequel record), written in 1770, there is a passage that states: "Duc [a Vietnamese scholar who lived in XVIII century. -- Ed.] is good at studying and poetry and super at numerology and music. Legend has it that the Nam cam instrument (also known as the Dan Bau) is invented by Duc ... ". In the “Kiến Văn Tiểu Lục ” written in 1777 by Le Quy Don, there is a passage that states “At the parties of Tap Hien palace, men often play as kép (actor) while women play as đào (actress). They are sitting on both sides of the ground with 10 people each. There are also many kinds of instruments such as the Tỳ Bà (pear-shaped lute), the Tranh (zither), the Dan Bau”. It is said that the Dan Bau was born from the game the Trống đất (the earth drum), or Trống quân (military drum). The musical instrument played in this folk game is very close to the structure of the Dan Bau because, it has a string, a resonator box, and could tense or loosen the string with the rod and use the stick to hit the string to produce sound.

In the late 19th century, the Dan Bau was known for its role as an accompaniment to the Xẩm group (a kind of Vietnamese folk music, including blind singers and blind musicians) in the village markets and on the streets. It gradually joined small singing troupes. Thanks to its unique structure, timbre, and performance, the Dan Bau has affirmed its position as a soloist instrument in most traditional ensembles in Vietnam. Besides performing traditional instrumental pieces, with the development and improvement in the structure, resonance, and vibration of the sound as well as performing techniques, the Dan Bau has been played in many contemporary orchestras, symphony orchestras, experimental orchestras and music, and art training institutions. It is always the first musical instrument chosen to represent Vietnamese music.