The culture of Vietnam is full of old traditions and modernity blended together. Although it is situated in the southeastern part of Asia, Vietnam had been under Chinese rule, and hence its culture is very similar to that of China! If you dig deeper into the culture of Vietnam, you will find many unique things that might mesmerize you. Vietnamese culture has been known as the oldest in the world and has undergone several changes by now.
It is a great society where nurturing the young and honoring the elderly are seen as inherent duties. You must be good at multi-generational households which symbolize the deep-seated value placed on familial bonds. And, the main two pillars of the culture of Vietnam still stand out to be loyalty and respect. Book the best Vietnam tour packages to witness the greatest bonds and the amazing traditions in Vietnam!
Ethnic groups in Vietnam: Culture of Vietnam
Vietnam is known as a multi-ethnic country with over fifty distinct groups, in total it is 54 groups to be specific. Each of them has its own language, lifestyle, and cultural heritage. They reside in the mountain areas and are collectively known as Montagnard or Degar. The largest groups in Vietnam are Kinh with 85.7 percent of the population, Tay – 1.9 percent, and Tai Ethnic with 1.8 percent. If we see the main feature of highland ethnic minority groups in Vietnam is that they are always wearing colorful attire irrespective of wherever they are.
There are many ethnic groups situated in the southern part of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, China, Papua New Guinea, and many other countries where they do not wear attractive clothes while engaged in their day-to-day activities.
The clothing of one group is quite different from the other groups! So, whenever you plan a trip to Vietnam, you will definitely meet such people and get to know more about the culture of Vietnam. Also, learn about the different traditions in Vietnam that these people have followed for a long time, which is definitely one of the best things to do in Vietnam.
What are the social beliefs in Vietnam?
Familiar bonds are a very strong thing in Vietnam! Families are very much valued over individualism here. The clan is the most important part if we talk about the social beliefs and customs of Vietnam. People prefer to live together in longhouses till now where it is seen to be very much in order. Also, these members of the clan are related by blood and often name their villages based on their clan names. Do you know about the wedding culture of Vietnam? They are arranged mainly by parents and people are married very young. However, things have changed so much in Vietnam also, but weddings are still mostly held in the traditional manner with elaborate rituals and ceremonies.
The youth of Vietnam enjoy much freedom in choosing the time of their marriage and partner by now. It is a very beautiful ceremony to attend with all the social beliefs and customs. It is one of the most ethical traditions in Vietnam which you should know about.
Also, a fun custom of Vietnam, according to Confucian, men and women can not touch hand unless they are husband and wife. So, people greet each other by saying “Xin Chao” or a handshake between men.
So, make sure you are thorough with the social etiquette of Vietnam, with the different and unique culture of Vietnam as well!
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Traditions in Vietnam: Culture of Vietnam
Want to cross paths with the unique culture of Vietnam holding some great traditions? So, the rich cultural tapestry of Vietnam has a great history and diverse heritage. At the heart of Vietnamese life is the Lunar New Year, a time when families reunite to honor ancestors and celebrate new beginnings. Also, one cherished local festival in Vietnam is the mid-autumn festival, where children’s laughter mingles with the glow of lanterns and the sweetness of mooncakes. Isn’t it a too cute tradition in Vietnam?
People give too much value to their local festivals in Vietnam. Also, the country’s artistic spirit comes alive in unique water puppetry performances, where traditional music and dance add rhythm to cultural expressions.
The other delightful things about culture of Vietnam is the Vietnamese cuisine which you cannot resist. It is a great balance of flavors and fresh ingredients, a proud cultural ambassador! So, why not know more about these customs which have a huge impact on the people over there.
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1. Vietnamese Lunar New Year
This famous local festival in Vietnam marks the arrival of spring and is one of the most important holidays in Vietnam. People celebrate it by cleaning their homes, preparing special foods and honor their ancestors with many offerings and prayers. You must attend this amazing festivity if you are planning to travel to Vietnam! It is a great time to witness the best ambiance and so much of happiness around.
2. Veneration of the dead (Ancestor worship)
Honoring the ancestors is a big thing in Vietnam. It is considered to be the core aspect of Vietnamese culture, with the deep-rooted tradition involving home altars where they offer incense, food and prayers and performing rituals to honor deceased family members, which showcase the respect for family and lineage. The Mid-Autumn Festival, known as Tet Trung Thu in Vietnam, is one of the most joyful and colorful celebrations in the country. It usually takes place in September or October when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. This festival is especially exciting for children, who look forward to parading through the streets with their brightly lit lanterns in various shapes, like stars, animals, and even boats. Families come together to enjoy mooncakes, a traditional sweet treat filled with ingredients like lotus seeds, red bean paste, or salted egg yolk. The festival is all about celebrating the harvest, family unity, and happiness.
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On the 10th day of the Lunar year, businesses and households worship the God of Wealth to attract prosperity and good luck for the year ahead. It is something celebrated with all the devotion and dignity in the whole Vietnam. People with big age are respected alot in the whole of Vietnam society and younger people are expected to show deference to their elders. It is one of the best things about the culture of Vietnam which you should definitely inculcate. It is a very loved beverage in Vietnam and drinking tea is one way of relaxing and socialize with people. Here, many times people go over tea breaks to know more about each other. Also, you all must know about the famous coffee culture in Vietnam, as it is one amazing beverage sold here. The Hung Kings’ Festival, is a traditional celebration in Vietnam that honors the country’s first kings, the Hung Kings, who are believed to have founded the nation. Held annually on the 10th day of the third lunar month, this festival is a time for people to express gratitude for their ancestors and national heritage. Communities across Vietnam come together to offer incense, food, and flowers, while parades, traditional music, and performances add to the festive spirit. It’s a special event that reminds everyone of Vietnam’s deep cultural roots and unity.
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8. Perfume Pagoda festival
The Perfume Pagoda Festival is one of Vietnam’s biggest and most famous religious celebrations. Held annually from the 6th day of the first lunar month, the festival draws thousands of pilgrims to the Perfume Pagoda, a beautiful temple complex nestled in the mountains near Hanoi. Visitors take a scenic boat ride along the Yen River and then hike up to the pagoda to pray for health, happiness, and good fortune. The festival is a blend of spiritual devotion and natural beauty, making it a truly unique and memorable experience for everyone who attends.
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Popular Cuisine of Vietnam
Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and diverse dishes. Here are some of the most popular cuisines in Vietnam:- Pho: This iconic Vietnamese noodle soup features a clear broth, rice noodles (bánh phở), and typically beef (phở bò) or chicken (phở gà). It’s often garnished with fresh herbs, lime, and chili.
- Banh Mi: A Vietnamese sandwich that reflects the country’s French colonial history, bánh mì consists of a crispy baguette filled with various ingredients, such as meats, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and mayonnaise.
- Goi Cuon: Also known as Vietnamese spring rolls or fresh spring rolls, these are made with rice paper and filled with a mixture of shrimp, herbs, pork, rice vermicelli, and other ingredients. They are served with a dipping sauce, often peanut or hoisin-based.
- Com Tam: Often referred to as “broken rice,” com tam is typically served with grilled pork, but can also include a variety of meats, fried eggs, and vegetables. This dish showcases the use of rice in Vietnamese cuisine.
- Bun Cha: A Hanoi specialty, bun cha consists of grilled fatty pork (chả) served with rice noodles (bún) and a side of dipping sauce. It’s commonly accompanied by fresh herbs and vegetables.
- Hu Tieu: This noodle soup is popular in Southern Vietnam and features a clear broth made from pork, seafood, or chicken, served with a variety of noodles and fresh herbs.
- Cha Ca: A unique dish from Hanoi, cha ca consists of grilled fish marinated with turmeric and dill, served with rice noodles, peanuts, and herbs.
These dishes highlight the freshness and balance of flavors that define Vietnamese cuisine. The use of herbs, spices, and fresh ingredients contributes to the vibrant and aromatic profiles that are beloved by food enthusiasts worldwide. Check out these dishes in the most amazing restaurants in Vietnam.
Religion in Vietnam: Culture of Vietnam
Religion in Vietnam is characterized by a rich blend of beliefs and practices that reflect the country’s historical and cultural diversity. The predominant faith is Buddhism, with around 50% of the population identifying as followers, primarily of the Mahayana tradition. Ancestor worship is also a significant aspect of Vietnamese spirituality, highlighting the importance of family and lineage. Other religions include Taoism, which influences local customs and health practices, and Christianity, particularly Roman Catholicism, which has a long-standing presence due to French colonial influence. Additionally, Caodaism, a syncretic religion founded in the 1920s, combines elements of various faiths and emphasizes universal harmony
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