Vietnamese culture

The Rich History and Culture of Vietnam

Vietnam’s history has been deeply shaped by over 1,000 years under Chinese rule, leaving a lasting impact on its language, culture, and traditions. After gaining independence from China in the 10th century, Vietnam expanded its territory southward, absorbing lands that once belonged to the Champa Kingdom (now Central Vietnam) and parts of the Khmer Empire further south. Later, European influences arrived with colonization by the French, adding another layer to Vietnam’s cultural tapestry. Although the Communist regime under Ho Chi Minh initially sought to limit foreign influences, the rapid growth of tourism has encouraged a more open embrace of Vietnam’s diverse heritage.

Experiencing Vietnamese Life on Tour

Vietnam tour packages aim to immerse visitors in all aspects of Vietnamese daily life. Family plays a central role, with great respect for elders. In many villages, it’s common for multiple generations—sometimes up to four—to live together under one roof. Traditional ceremonies such as marriages and funerals follow established rituals, with funerals occasionally lasting nearly a week.

Key Elements of Vietnamese Culture

• Religion: Buddhism is the predominant religion, but Taoism also has a strong presence, with many temples featuring Taoist symbols. Additionally, ancestor worship and traditional beliefs continue to influence everyday life, meaning Buddhism coexists with a rich variety of spiritual practices.

• Literature: Vietnamese literature includes an extensive collection of folk stories, myths, and legends that explain many cultural traditions and everyday customs. Written literature spans over ten centuries, evolving from heroic war tales to more recent works focusing on realism and the experiences of ordinary people.

• Visual Arts: Vietnam’s visual arts reflect its complex history, with influences from the Chinese occupation period, Champa heritage, and French colonial styles. Modern Vietnamese lacquerware is especially popular among tourists and collectors alike. Calligraphy remains a cherished art form, often displayed as decorative wall hangings during special occasions.

• Silk Paintings: The National Museum of Fine Arts showcases exquisite silk paintings, known for their vivid colors that distinguish them from similar artworks in Japan, Korea, and China. These paintings are also available for purchase in local galleries, making a perfect souvenir of Vietnamese culture.

Visual and Performing Arts in Vietnam

In addition to lacquerware and silk paintings, woodblock prints form a significant part of Vietnam’s rich visual art heritage. These traditional prints often depict folk tales, cultural symbols, and daily life scenes, making them popular souvenirs for visitors.

Performing Arts: A Window into Vietnamese Culture

Performing arts are an essential highlight of any Vietnam travel package. Simply ask your tour operator about opportunities to experience live shows during your trip.

Music is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Vietnam, varying distinctly by region:

• In the North, traditional music has influences from the Mongol era.

• The Central region features unique sounds originating from the ancient Champa Kingdom.

• The South is known for its lively and vibrant musical styles.

Theatre comes in many fascinating forms across Vietnam:

• Water Puppetry is a famous Northern tradition dating back to the 10th century. Performed on water, these shows narrate traditional stories through intricately crafted wooden puppets. Once at risk of disappearing, this art form was revitalized by government support and remains a cultural treasure.

• Hat Tuong (Vietnamese Opera) has its roots in Chinese opera and was originally performed exclusively in royal courts before gaining widespread popularity.

• Cai Luong is a more modern folk opera style that is especially popular in Southern Vietnam.

• Hat Cheo is a satirical theatrical form combining music and dance, typically performed outdoors by semi-amateur troupes.

Traditional Dance

Dance styles in Vietnam are as diverse as its people, with over 50 ethnic groups each preserving their own unique traditional dances. Many of these dances are performed during festivals and special occasions. Some dances, like the imperial lantern dance and the fan dance, have evolved within royal courts and require great skill and precision.

Experiencing Vietnam’s performing arts offers visitors a vibrant glimpse into the country’s history, values, and artistic creativity.