Vietnamese culture has always been intriguing to me because of the country’s history. From French colonialism to the Vietnam war, the Vietnamese have managed to preserved their cultures and traditions perfectly to this day despite all the challenges. Vietnam is truly a country that has great pride in their national identity and that’s captured perfectly through their beautiful cultural tapestry.
In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the many facets of Vietnamese culture. Whether you’re a foodie looking to satisfy your taste buds, a history buff eager to learn more about this ancient land, or simply curious about the customs and traditions of this vibrant nation, I’ve got you covered. So buckle up, grab a cup of coffee (Vietnamese coffee, of course!), and get ready to discover all the amazing things that Vietnamese culture has to offer!
Cultural Concepts in Vietnam
Confucianism
Confucianism is a philosophical and ethical system that has had a profound impact on Vietnamese culture and values. It is based on the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius, who lived over 2,000 years ago.
At its core, Confucianism emphasizes the importance of social order, hierarchy, and respect for authority. It teaches that individuals have a duty to their family, community, and society as a whole, and that this duty should be fulfilled through education, hard work, and moral behavior. In Vietnamese culture, Confucian values are reflected in many aspects of daily life.
For example, education is highly valued in Vietnamese society, and students are expected to work hard and respect their teachers. The Vietnamese also place a strong emphasis on social hierarchy, with elders and authority figures being accorded a great deal of respect and deference.
Filial Piety
In Vietnamese culture, filial piety is deeply rooted in Confucianism, which emphasizes the importance of family and social hierarchy. According to Confucian teachings, children are expected to obey and respect their parents, and to take care of them in their old age. Filial piety is reflected in many aspects of Vietnamese society, from the way that families are structured to the values that are instilled in children from a young age.
For example, it is common for Vietnamese families to live in multi-generational households, with grandparents, parents, and children all living together under one roof. This is seen as a way of reinforcing family ties and promoting filial piety. In Vietnamese culture, filial piety is also reflected in the way that children are expected to behave towards their elders. Children are taught to show respect towards their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other elders, and to defer to their wisdom and experience.
Face
Face is an important concept in most Southeast Asian countries, not only in Vietnam. Face doesn’t mean the physical face per se but it refers to one’s reputation, social standing, and sense of dignity (think of the phrase “save face”).
In Vietnamese culture, face is closely tied to the cultural concept of social harmony, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining positive relationships with others. To maintain face, Vietnamese people will often go to great lengths to avoid confrontation or criticism in public, and will instead use indirect communication and subtle gestures to convey their thoughts and feelings. Like, if a Vietnamese person disagrees with someone in a public setting, they may avoid direct confrontation and instead express their disagreement through nonverbal cues such as facial expressions or body language. This is seen as a way of avoiding the loss of face for both parties and maintaining social harmony.
National Pride
National pride is a powerful force in Vietnamese culture that reflects the country’s long and complex history. Despite centuries of colonization and conflict, the Vietnamese people have maintained a strong sense of national identity and pride. You would do well to remember not to criticize or bring up political topics as it is a bit of a touchy subject.
My Vietnamese friend for example is really proud of her country’s long history of successful resistance to foreign domination and a strong sense of solidarity in the face of adversity.
Not only historically but even in present circumstances, Vietnamese people take pride in their country’s economic growth and development, and are eager to showcase their country’s achievements on the global stage.
What is the Religion in Vietnam?
Vietnam is a country with a rich religious diversity, with several major religions and belief systems represented among its population. The largest religion in Vietnam is Buddhism (69.8%), which is practiced by a significant portion of the population. Other major religions in Vietnam include Catholicism (6.8%), and Caodaism (4.8%) and belief systems of Taoism and Confucianism.
Buddhism has a long and rich history in Vietnam, dating back over 2,000 years. It is the largest religion in the country, with over 12 million followers. Buddhism is practiced in many different forms in Vietnam, including Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism.
Caodaism is a relatively new syncretic religion that originated in Southern Vietnam in the early 20th century. It’s is considered to be a monotheistic and syncretic religion.
Syncretic as in the religion combines elements from various belief systems, Caodaism includes ancestor worship and ethical principles from Confucianism, occult practices from Taoism, theories of karma and rebirth from Buddhism, and a hierarchical structure from Roman Catholicism.
What are the Traditions in Vietnam?
Ancestral Worship
Ancestor worship is based on the belief that the spirits of the dead continue to exist in the afterlife and can have an impact on the lives of their descendants. In Vietnamese culture, it is believed that the spirits of ancestors can bring good fortune and protection to their living relatives, but they can also inflict harm if they are not properly appeased.
To honor their ancestors and seek their blessings, Vietnamese people often set up family altars in their homes where they make offerings of food, incense, and other items. These offerings are meant to show respect and gratitude to the ancestors and to ask for their guidance and protection. Some of the earthen pots in the caves of Trang An are said to be offerings as well.
Shamanism
Shamanism, also known as “linh muc” or “thay dong”, is a belief system that has been practiced in Vietnam for thousands of years. It is based on the belief that spirits and supernatural forces exist in the natural world and can be communicated with through the use of spiritual practices and rituals. In Vietnamese Shamanism, shamans are believed to have the power to communicate with the spirit world and act as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual realms. Shamans are often consulted for healing, guidance, or protection, and use a variety of methods and tools to enter into a trance-like state and communicate with spirits.
Folk Religion
Vietnamese folk religion is a collection of beliefs and practices that are unique to Vietnam and reflect the country’s long and complex history. These beliefs and practices often involve the worship of local gods and goddesses, as well as spirits of the natural world such as rivers, mountains, and trees. Vietnamese folk religion is deeply intertwined with daily life, you can see plenty of folk influences in traditional artforms such as the Water Puppet Show in Hanoi.
We have characters such as:
Phuc, Loc, Tho: Three of deities who are associated with blessings, prosperity, and longevity respectively. They are often worshipped together in temples and shrines throughout Vietnam.
Tao Quan: The three Kitchen Gods, deities who are believed to watch over the household and report to the Jade Emperor on the family’s behavior throughout the year. Vietnamese people often make offerings to the Kitchen Gods in order to ensure good luck and blessings for the coming year. The Kitchen Gods is also believed to have the power to protect the household from evil spirits.
Ong Dia: The Land Spirit, he is believed to be the guardian of the Earth and the protector of crops and farmland. Ong Dia is often depicted as a short, plump man with a big smile. His worship is a reminder of the importance of respecting and protecting the environment, and of the role that the Earth plays in sustaining life.
Vietnamese Traditional Dances
Vietnamese dance and music have been influenced by a variety of cultural traditions, including Chinese, Khmer, Cham, and French.
Vietnamese folk dance is an equally important form of cultural expression. From the graceful and flowing movements of the Southern Hat Dance to the rhythmic and energetic Central Highlands Gong Dance, folk dance in Vietnam is characterized by its lively and expressive style. The Northern Lion Dance, which is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits, is a traditional dance that originated in the northern region of Vietnam and is still performed today.
Vietnamese Traditional Music
Vietnamese folk music is a rich and varied genre that includes a variety of regional styles and instruments. From the highly stylized and formal Hue Royal Court Music to the lively and energetic Quan Ho singing, folk music in Vietnam is characterized by intricate melodies, rhythmic beats, and the use of traditional instruments such as the dan tranh (zither), dan bau (monochord), and dan nguyet (two-stringed lute). Ca Tru, a traditional form of folk music that is performed by a small ensemble of musicians and a female singer, is also a beloved genre in Vietnam.
What to Eat in Vietnam
Can’t be a Vietnam trip without having a food trip and what better way than to tickle your taste buds at Vietnam’s mouth-watering street food scene. Characterized by its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and unique regional specialties. Here are some popular dishes to try while in Vietnam:
Pho: Vietnam’s national dish and one that you can’t afford to miss! A noodle soup that is made with beef or chicken broth and served with rice noodles, herbs, and beef or chicken. Pho is a staple dish in Vietnam and can be found in almost every nook and cranny.
Banh Mi: One of my favorites! A sandwich that is made with a crispy French baguette and filled with a variety of ingredients such as grilled meat, pate, pickled vegetables, and herbs. Banh Mi is a popular street food in Vietnam and is a quick and delicious meal on-the-go.
Banh Xeo: A crispy pancake made with rice flour and filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. Banh Xeo is a popular dish in the southern region of Vietnam and is often served with lettuce leaves and herbs.
Goi Cuon: Fresh spring rolls that are filled with herbs, shrimp, pork, and rice noodles, and served with a peanut dipping sauce. It makes for a great appetizer and is often served before the main dishes.
If you want to get further immersed in the food culture, you can join a cooking class in Hanoi through here!
What is Vietnamese Language like?
Vietnamese is a tonal language, which means that the meaning of a word can change depending on the tone in which it is spoken. There are six different tones in Vietnamese, including a level tone, a rising tone, a falling tone, a high rising tone, a low falling tone, and a mid-dipping tone.
Another key feature of the Vietnamese language is its relatively simple phonetic system. Vietnamese has 17 consonant sounds and 11 vowel sounds, which are often pronounced differently depending on the tone of the word. The language also has a relatively simple grammar system, with no articles, gender, or plurals. Vietnamese vocabulary has been heavily influenced by Chinese, French, and other languages.
Many Vietnamese words are derived from Chinese characters, and there are also many loanwords from French and English.
Useful Vietnamese Phrases for Travel
|
Vietnamese
|
English
|
|---|---|
|
Xin chao
|
Hello
|
|
Cam on
|
Thank you
|
|
Tam biet
|
Good bye
|
|
Xin loi
|
Excuse me
|
|
Co
|
Yes
|
|
Khong
|
No
|
|
Bao nhieu tien
|
How much?
|
|
Toi khong hieu
|
I don't understand
|
|
Khong sao
|
No problem
|
|
Vui long
|
Please
|
Traditional Festivals in Vietnam
Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year)
This is the most important festival in Vietnam, and usually falls in late January or early February. It lasts for a total of 9 days! It’s is a time for family reunions, feasting, and giving gifts. The festival is celebrated throughout the country, but some of the best places to experience it are in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hue.
Hung Kings Festival
This festival is held on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month, usually in April, in the city of Phu Tho. It honors the legendary Hung Kings, who are considered the founders of the Vietnamese nation. The festival includes traditional ceremonies, processions, and performances, and is a major cultural event in Vietnam.
Da Lat Flower Festival
This biennial festival is held in the city of Da Lat in the Central Highlands and show cases the region’s beautiful flowers and plants. It typically takes place in December and features flower exhibitions, parades, and cultural performances.
Hoi An Lantern Festival
This monthly festival takes place on the 14th day of each lunar month in the ancient town of Hoi An. The town’s streets are lit up with colorful lanterns, and there are food stalls, live music, and traditional performances.
Whale Festival
The coastal city of Vung Tau in Vietnam hosts a festival to honor the whale, which is considered a sacred animal in the area. The festival is based on a legend in which Emperor Gia Long was saved from a sinking ship by whales, leading to their elevated status in court as a local deity and protector of fishermen. During the festival, locals hold a procession to symbolically pick up the whale god from the sea and parade it through the city to Thang Tam Temple.
Folk games, songs, and offerings are all part of the festivities. The festival typically takes place in the first lunar month of the year and includes traditional ceremonies, performances, and offerings to the whale.
Customs in Vietnam
- When entering someone’s home or a temple, it is customary to remove your shoes. Look for a pile of shoes outside the entrance as a clue.
- When giving or receiving something, use both hands as a sign of respect.
- In Vietnamese culture, the head is considered sacred, so it’s considered impolite to touch someone’s head, even in a playful way.
- On the contrary, The feet are considered the lowest part of the body and pointing them at someone is considered rude. When sitting, keep your feet on the ground or tucked under you.
- Don’t wear a white headband as it’s usually worn as a sign of respect and mourning for deceased family members.
- Get used to using chopsticks as it’s the main way of eating in Vietnam. It is also considered impolite to use chopsticks to point or gesture.
Plan Your Trip to Vietnam | Best Travel Resources
Book Your Accommodations
- Booking.com – the world’s leading online booking platform for accomodations around the world, they have an extensive amount of available listings with zero booking fees and best price guarantees.
- Hostelworld – a backpacker’s best friend, Hostelworld has the largest collection of hostels and guesthouses for affordable prices.
Don’t Forget Insurance
- SafetyWing – from Nomad Insurance, an insurance by nomads for nomads. They understand our lifestyle well and have really comprehensive and flexible plans that cater to any traveler.
Find Cheap Flights
- Kiwi.com – my go-to for booking and finding the cheapest flights and it’s helped me save tons of money. They do virtual interlining which is connecting flights from airlines that do not codeshare, so you can find routes that you wouldn’t be able to find normally.
Join Tours & Activities
- GetYourGuide – is one of the best places to find unique tours and activities. I found that it’s an excellent way to meet fellow travelers and create fond memories. They are not only limited to tours as they also offer niche services such as skip-the-line tickets or private transfers.
Catch a Ride
- Rentalcars.com – nothing beats the freedom of the road, Rentalcars.com is the world’s largest online car rental service. They operate across 160 countries so they’re the perfect partner to work with if you find yourself wanting a ride.
