Religions of Vietnam

Vietnam is a country which has a rich and wide variety of religions. These include religions based on popular beliefs, religions brought to Vietnam from the outside, and several indigenous religious groups.

Religion has exerted a deep influence on Vietnamese culture and the Vietnamese concept of life. The attitude towards life, death, and the world beyond bears a deep imprint of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, which have been coexisting peacefully for centuries in Vietnam. 
In regard to the major world religions, Vietnam is a multi-religious state, with more than 20 million believers, and more than 30,000 places of worship.
BUDDHISM
The predominant religion in Vietnam is Buddhism, which is also one of the world's great religions. Buddhism was first introduced into Vietnam under the Chinese domination, in the second century B.C., by Chinese immigrants and by Indian preachers coming by sea, and reached its peak in the Ly dynasty (11th century). It was then regarded as the official religion dominating court affairs. Several kings took the cassock or retired into a pagoda after their abdication. Buddhist monks served as counselors to the king at court. Moreover, Buddhism was preached broadly among the population and it enjoyed a profound influence on people's daily life. Its influence also left marks in various areas of traditional literature and architecture. As such, many pagodas and temples were built during this time.
Since the Tran Dynasty (1225-1440), Buddhism began to show signs of decline. Nevertheless, the ideological influence of Buddhism remained very strong in social and cultural life. Presently, over 70 percent of the population of Vietnam are either Buddhist or strongly influenced by Buddhist practices.
Buddhism was originated in India by Shiddharta (563-483 B.C.) or Gautama Buddha, which means the Enlightened One".  According to Buddha, man was born into this world to suffer. The cause of suffering is the craving for wealth, fame, and power that necessarily brings about frustration and disappointment. In order to be free from suffering, man must suppress its ultimate cause: craving. He must not be attached to anything in this "world appearance" and live a life full of virtue, according to the Eightfold Path. This core of Buddhist teaching holds that there are eight "right" ways to live virtuously: right views, right thought, right conduct, right speech, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right meditation. An individual's fate in this existence is determined by what he has done in his previous existence. This is the law of Karma, or cause and effect.
The soul does not perish at death, but reincarnates in another existence and this goes on and on. The Buddhist's goal is to be freed from the circle of reincarnation and reach Nirvana, which is a state of complete redemption and supreme happiness. Theoretically, any person may become a Buddha by suppressing craving and following the Eightfold Path, but those who actually attain Buddhahood are rare.
There are two branches of Buddhism: Hinayana (Little Vehicle) also called Theravada Buddhism, which nourishes in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Burma, and Mahayana (Great Vehicle) Buddhism which is found in China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. Most Vietnamese Buddhists belong to the Mahayana branch. The Theravada branch exists in communities of ethnic Cambodians and Vietnamese living in the Mekong Delta.
The great majority of Vietnamese people regard themselves as Buddhists but not all of them actively participate in Buddhist rituals at the pagoda. For centuries, the Buddhist clergy has not been organized into a hierarchical system. Each pagoda was completely autonomous of others and was entirely administered by local individuals or communities. The first attempt to organize Buddhism on a national scale was achieved by the General Buddhist Association in 1955. Further efforts culminated in the establishment of the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam in 1964.
CONFUSIANISM
Confucianism is more of a religious and social philosophy than a religion in the accepted meaning of the word. It has no church, no clergy, and no Bible. It advocates a code of social behavior that man ought to observe so as to live in harmony with society and attain happiness in his individual life. There is little concern about death, the world beyond, and spiritual feelings in this religion.
Confucius, or Kung Fu-tzo (551-479 B.C.), the founder of this religion, stressed the improvement of the moral self as the basic duty of the individual as well as the statesman. In order to rule the world, one must rule one's country; in order to rule the country, one must rule one's family; and in order to rule the family, one must have control of oneself. Consequently, the improvement of the moral self is the cornerstone of Confucianism. Confucius believed that man is born with an essentially good nature which becomes corrupted in his contact with society. In order to improve his moral self and regain that original good nature with which he was born, man must practice the five cardinal virtues of benevolence, propriety, loyalty, intellect, and trustworthiness. In order to keep harmony in the nation and happiness in the family, man must observe the three basic relationships between sovereign and subject, father and son, and husband and wife. On the national level the basic virtue is loyalty to the sovereign, and on the family level, the basic virtue is filial piety. The ritual expression of filial piety is ancestor worship.
Confucianism was introduced into Vietnam as early as the first century, during the Chinese domination. Two Chinese governors at that time, Hsi Kwang and Jen Yen, were most instrumental in its introduction. It was after Vietnam achieved independence that Chinese influence and Confucianism became important in Vietnam. Because of a political philosophy that was favorable for the monarchy, Confucianism was promoted and supported by the government. In 1253 the Institute for National Studies was founded by the king to teach the classical books of Confucius. Under the Le dynasty, studies of the Confucian doctrine attained their apogee. With the French conquest and the influence of Western philosophies, Confucianism began to decline. However, Confucianism still pervades the thinking and behavior of Vietnamese people from all walks of life. It should be noted that the Vietnamese people do not follow many of the Confucian tenets. As an illustration, the pronouncement that "when the father dies, the mother should obey the children" has in reality never been practiced. The widowed mother is till respected and obeyed by all her children.
TAOISM
Another religion which has a deep imprint on the way of life of the Vietnamese is Taoism. Lao Tse (600-500 B.C.), the founder of Taoism, advocated a philosophy of harmony between man and man and between man and nature. To achieve this state of harmony, all forms of confrontation should be avoided. The virtues of simplicity, patience, and self-contentment must be observed. By non-action and keeping away from human strife and cravings, man can reach harmony with himself, other people, and the universe. Reason and knowledge cannot lead man to the right path (Tao), which can be reached only by inward probing and quiet meditation. In essence, Taoism is a religious philosophy. However, the followers of Lao Tse transformed it into a religion with church and a clergy involved in the communication with deities, spirits, and the dead. Taoist clergymen claimed they could cure illness, alleviate misfortune, and predict the future.
Taoism was introduced into Vietnam during the Chinese domination period. By the time Vietnam recovered its independence, it had become one of the main religious faiths of the Vietnamese people. Under King Ly Nhan Ton (1072-1127), the examination for the recruitment of officials consisted of essays on the "three religions." Under the succeeding dynasties, Taoism became a source of inspiration for poets and writers. From the end of the Tran dynasty, Taoism began to turn to mysticism and polytheism. It was this mystic aspect of Taoism that appealed to the common people of Vietnam.
CHRISTIANITY
Despite being the crucial religion of the world, Christianity does not play a major role in Vietnam’s culture. It was introduced into Vietnam rather late, in the second half of the sixteenth century, by Portuguese, Spanish and French European missionaries. The first missionary, Ignatio, came to Vietnam in 1533.
However, it was not until 1615 that the first permanent Christian missions were founded in Hoi An by the Portuguese Jesuits. In 1626, Alexandre de Rhodes was chosen to head the Jesuit mission in North Vietnam. He published a catechism book in Latin and Vietnamese in 1650 and the first Vietnamese, Portuguese and Latin dictionary in 1651 in Rome. Christianity began to develop rapidly.
Since the early decades of 18th century, the preaching of Christianity was banned in Vietnam. Despite the proscription, Catholic missionaries continued their evangelization of Vietnam. Under the Nguyen dynasty, especially under Kings Minh Mang, Thieu Tri, and Tu Duc, the Christians were persecuted and labeled "perverse to the public order." Using the persecution of Christians as a pretext, the French conquered Vietnam in the second half of the nineteenth century. Under the French administration, the Catholics enjoyed the support of the government. It was during the Ngo Dinh Diem regime that the Catholics filled key positions in the government, the army, and the police.
Today there are about three million Christians in Vietnam, most of them Catholics. Despite representing a small percentage of the population, the Catholics played an important role in the political life of Vietnam during the last three decades prior to the fall of Saigon in 1975.
OTHER RELIGIONS
There are two religious sects, Cao Dai and Hoa Hao, which have recently been established in Vietnam. They have been confined to the rural sectors of the Southern Delta region. Their influence on Vietnamese culture has been not so significant.
Caodaism was first introduced to the country in 1926. It is a synthesis of different beliefs, including the teaching of Buddha, Jesus, Confucius, Lao-Tse, Victor Hugo, and so on. It was founded in 1919 by Le Van Trung who established a priestly hierarchy modeled along Roman Catholic lines. The seat of Caodaism is in Tay Ninh, about 60 miles from Saigon. The adherents to this sect have been estimated at about two million.
Hoa Hao is a reformed Buddhist sect of the Theravada variety. Founded in 1939, it is concentrated in the Mekong Delta with its number of followers around two millions.
MOTHER WORSHIP (THO MAU)
Researchers describe the Vietnamese mother-worship cult as a primitive religion. Mother, Me in the Vietnamese language, is pronounced Mau in Sino-­script. The mother worship cult might be originated from the cult of the Goddess in ancient ages. In the Middle Ages, the Mother was worshipped in temples and palaces. Due to the fact that it is a worshipping custom and not a religion, the Mother worshipping cult has not been organized as Buddhism and Catholicism have. As a result, the different affiliations of the cult have yet to be consistent and different places still have different customs.
The custom of Mother Worship originated from the north. In the south, the religion has integrated the local goddesses such as Thien Y A Na (Hue) and Linh Son (Tay Ninh).
In fact, the Mother worship cult was influenced by other religions, mainly Taoism.
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Ethnic Minorities of Vietnam

Vietnam is a multi-nationality country with 54 ethnic groups. The Viet (Kinh) people account for 87% of the country's population and mainly inhabit the Red River delta, the central coastal delta, the Mekong delta and major cities. The other 53 ethnic minority groups, totalling over 8 million people, are scattered over mountain areas (covering two-thirds of the country's territory) spreading from the North to the South.

Among ethnic minorities, the most populated are Tay, Thai, Muong, Hoa, Khmer, Nung... with a population of around 1 million each, while the least populated are Brau, Roman, Odu with several hundred people each.
The Viet people succeeded in establishing a centralized monarchy right in the 10th century. The Cham people once boasted a flourishing culture early in the history. The Tay, Nung, and Khmer peoples had reached high levels of development with the presence of various social strata. The Muong, H'mong, Dao, Thai peoples... gathered under the rule of local tribal heads. Many ethnic groups divided their population into social echelons, especially those who lived in mountainous areas.
A number of ethnic minorities had mastered some farming techniques. They grew rice plants in swamped paddy fields and carried out irrigation. Others went hunting, fishing, collecting and lived a semi-nomadic life. Each group has its own culture, diverse and special. Beliefs and religions of the Vietnamese ethnic minority groups were also disparate from each other.
However, a fundamental solidarity among ethnic groups has been established on top of this difference as a result of a centuries long cooperation on the soil of Vietnam. Right in the first century of the history, a mutual supplement in economic relationship between lowland people and mountainous people was formed. This solidarity had been unceasingly strengthened during wars of resistance for defending the country. Through the shared struggle for defending and building of the country and the mutual assistance for co-existence and development, a common community between the Viet people and other ethnic minority peoples had been established and continuously consolidated and developed.
Nonetheless, an evident gap in the material and moral life has indeed still existed between peoples living in the deltas and those living in mountain areas as well as among ethnic minorities themselves. The Vietnamese government has worked out specific policies and special treatments in order to help mountainous people catching up with lowland people, and made great efforts to develop and preserve traditional cultural identities of each ethnic minority group. At present, the programs of providing iodized salt for remote villages, equipping village's health care and hygienic station, fighting malaria, building free schools for ethnic minority children, settled agriculture and fixed residence, and projects of creating new writing scripts for minority peoples and studying and developing traditional culture of each ethnic minority group... have obtained satisfactory results.
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Vietnam Culture

The richness of Vietnam 's origins is evident throughout its culture. The spiritual life of Vietnamese people has been shaped by four great philosophies and religions namely Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and Christianity. Over the centuries, Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism have melded with popular Chinese beliefs and ancient Vietnamese animism to form what is known as Tam Giao (or 'Triple Religions').

Despite dialectic variations throughout the country, Vietnamese (Kinh) still confirm its status as the official and normative language. However, there are dozens of different languages spoken by various ethnic minorities and Khmer and Laotian are spoken in some parts. The most widely spoken foreign languages in Vietnam are Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), English, French and Russian, more or less in that order.
Along with these, popular artistic forms including traditional painting on frame-mounted silk; an eclectic array of theatre, puppetry, music and dance; religious sculpture; lacquer ware and ceramics are also mainstays of the country's culture.
In addition, Vietnamese cuisine itself varies greatly by its regions. Even dishes that are staples throughout Vietnam are prepared differently in the north, centre, and south. Vietnam ’s cuisine is like much of its culture in reflecting its many contacts with other cultures over the centuries – Chinese, Khmer, and French the most notable. General speaking, there are nearly 500 different traditional dishes that include exotic meats (but consider carefully before you eat a rare animal) and fantastic vegetarian creations (often prepared to replicate meat and fish dishes). However, the staple of Vietnamese cuisine is plain white rice dressed up with a plethora of vegetables, fish (which is common in Vietnam ), meat, spices and sauces. Spring rolls, noodles and steamed rice dumplings are popular snacks, and the ubiquitous soups include eel and vermicelli, shredded chicken and bitter soups. Fruit is abundant; some of the more unusual ones include green dragon fruit, jujube, khaki, longan, mangosteen, pomelo, three-seed cherry and water apple. Vietnamese filtered coffee (ca phe phin) is very good; it's usually served very strong and very sweet.
MUSIC
Music is considered as an inevitable spiritual food for life in the eyes of Vietnamese generations. Through lyrics, they can free your innermost feelings, insert themselves with encouragement, nurture good sentiment in their children’s mind, communicate with the invisible supernatural forces, or expressing their desires towards a better life.
Since its beginning, the Vietnamese music has undergone strong inclination with high degree of originality in style and instrumentation, resulting from the heavy influence of thousands-year Chinese domination and, in the South, the Khmer and Indianised Cham musical traditions. The traditional system of writing down music and five note scales are of Chinese origin. Generally, Vietnamese music can be classified into three broad purpose-based categories namely Folk Music, Classical Chamber Music (Court Music) and Theater Music.
Firstly, Folk Music includes children's songs, love songs, work songs, festival songs, lullabies, lamentations and funeral songs. It is composed by villagers illustrating their life in the countryside and usually sung without the support of musical instruments.
Secondly, Classical Chamber Music is rather rigid and formal. Once it was performed at the imperial court for the mandarin elite only. This music falls into two typical kinds such as “Hat A Dao” (in Northern Vietnam) and “ Hue royal music” (in Central Vietnam ), which was recognized as one of the world’s intangible Cultural Heritages in 2003. Here is the appraisal of the UNESCO Council for Vietnamese royal music: “Vietnamese royal music represents an elegant and refined music. It deals with the music performed in the imperial courts and on different anniversaries, religious festivals, and on such particular occasions. Of the different categories developed in Vietnam , only the royal music was national.”
Last but not least, Theatre Music is the harmonious combination of singing, dancing and instrumentation. Nowadays it is blended by Court Theatre, folk performances and foreign influence exemplified in three typical types such as “Cheo”, “Hat Tuong” and “Cai Luong”, of which “Cheo” dates back from the oldest history of Vietnam.
As Vietnam is home to 54 brotherly ethnic groups, its musical characteristic is very diverse accordingly. Each group has its own musical tradition that includes the distinctive melody expression, costumes and instruments such as reed flutes, litho-phones, bamboo whistles, gongs and stringed instruments made from gourds.
VIETNAM WATER PUPPETRY
Water puppetry is Vietnam age-old traditional culture with its own identities. The stage is the water surface, the closed-door house or puppets’ house or "thuy đình" (pagoda on water) is built in the middle of the pond or lake that looks like a communal house in Vietnam countryside. Water puppetry originated in the northern Vietnam Delta during the Ly Dynasty (1010-1225). Chronologically speaking, it is considered an ancient art form which is on the brink of extinction.
The items to be played depict people’s daily life activities or customs and habits. To have a finished puppet, it needs time and patience for chiseling, fitting, painting, decorating and dressing. The well-prepared puppets, the easier for controlling and the more interesting the performance is. Normally, puppets are made of sycamore wood because it’s light and tough finished puppets are vitalized by artists in harmony with characters in the play. Water puppets are traditional wooden carving; they are realistic, poetic and romantic in roles of fishermen, fairies or musicians... Each puppet consists of two parts: the body and the base. The body is the floating part and the base is the underwater part for controlling most important is the control-board attached in the base and success lies in the movements, the action of puppets. Well-experienced artists have created for life, for younger generations variety of puppets and the control-boards. Puppets are controlled and directed by artists in the puppets’ house by pulling, pushing strings. In water puppetry, music plays the vital part. With outdoor stage on water and no-word play except few poems or saying, music is inseparable; it’s to make merry the performance, to personify the characters, and to direct the acting.
Water-puppetry is a cultural tradition of the red river delta farming people. It helps the locals to preserve their villages’ identities, the nature of the farmers who are very hard-working and high-spirit in fighting against the enemy. Therefore, it is said that a trip to Vietnam is incomplete without water puppet shows. All it takes is one hour, and the audience can immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture and peak at the bygone days.
HUE ROYAL MUSIC – an intangible cultural heritage
On November 7, 2003, UNESCO bestowed world heritage status on 28 relics of nations as masterpieces of oral and intangible heritage of humanity. Among the 11 masterpieces of Asia, nha nhac (royal music) represents the first intangible legacy of Vietnam to have been put on this list. The UNESCO council appraised Vietnamese royal music in the following terms: “Vietnamese royal music represents an elegant and refined music. It deals with the music performed in the imperial courts and on different anniversaries, religious festivals, and on such particular occasions. Of the different categories development in Vietnam , only the royal music was national.”
Nha nhac (Vietnamese royal music) and its principles came to Vietnam under the Ho Han Thuong reign (1400-1407). The Ho dynasty, however, only existed for a short time, so nha nhac rapidly fell into oblivion. In 1427, Le Loi defeated the Chinese Ming invaders and liberated the country. However, nha nhac only began to develop in the reign of King Le Thanh Tong (1460-1497 and reached its peak under the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945). Nha nhac is genre of scholarly music. It attracted the participation of many talented songwriters anf musicians, with numerous traditional musical instruments. From now on, nha nhac will have opportunities to preserve, develop and popularize to the public, inside and outside the country.
GONGS OF THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS
The Central Highlands’ Gong instruments formed into sets. Each set is a musical allotment with a close system of sound. Each set of Gongs consists of 3 or 15 of gongs together with drums and cymbals. As the part of a musical allotment mentioned above, Gongs reflect an efficiency of excellent sound. Furthermore in the co-ordinative-synchronous performance that the natives call “competition” of Gongs. Hence, these musical instruments mobilized in a majestic space of Highland forests. Gongs music caused everybody tremulously, attracted most of the generation and they are also admired by legendary long-poems.
In the common valuation of the Highlands ’ Gong, Gongs of each ethnic minority has its own, The Edeh’s Gong has is complex sound, fast speed and big intensity. As for M’Nong’s Gong is quite fast speed but not big intensity. Although of the fast speed, the music is “a pleasant dialogue” of Gongs. When it sounds to harmonize to each other, listener has a feeling as the sound of springs, the wind and murmuring forests as well as sound of animal, smiles. Gongs of the Bahna, J’rai incline to the tune of the music.
The Central Highlands’ Gong is not only a musical instrument but also a holy implement a fantastic language and the message linking human and God. Because according to point of view and faith of ethnic minorities that Gong is the dwelling of Gods. The Gong God has his spirit with happiness, sorrow and sulk. The Gong God also has his family: Father, mother and children. He can help human to be fully wealthy and happy, but he will make an opposition if he is hurt.
Highland ’s Gong goes with man passing through difficulties in life. The sound of Gong is used for holding such ceremonies as: the rite of ear-bugling, maturing, age of seventy upwards, wedding, greeting for guest, abandoning grave, celebrating new house…Gongs’ sound is also a signal of information, hearing of Gongs’ sound of Highland that we can understand the owner of the party is happy or not, then we will take part in the happiness or sorrow with them.
Because of the value and signification of Gongs, it is said that: “there is the culture of Gong in the Highlands . Besides, due to the diversity complexity and high density of the highland Gong, so it is said that the Central Highlands is one of the cultural centers of ASIAN Gong. When speaking of cultural character of the Highlands , they cannot help speaking of culture of Gong.
TRADITIONAL CHÈO or popular opera
Traditional chèo is seen as a heritage of Vietnam culture and the red-river delta is the cradle of this, the region rich in folk songs, in funny stories, in proverbs and sayings, in allegories... The land the sites and beautiful spots are deeply impressed in stories narrated by village yard chèo performances. Generations gone by, chèo becomes more and more selected and enriched and it’s a typically artistic style. Since its birth, chèo has been an attraction to people of all walks of life, with no regards to age or social position or nationality.
Chèo is self-narrative stage form where the spectators and the performers mutually exchange ideas. The players make a self-introduction while the viewers closely watch. There are dance, singing, music and literature in script. The contest in chèo varies in proverbs and sayings, fully optimistic in the laughter, humor and no less witty. The humanity is deeply expressed in human rights in the fight between the good and the evil and the winner is always the kindness. Classic chèo normally has good ending in oriental traditions. Many chèo scripts are highly valued as national properties. Actors and actresses in chèo are good dancers. They express their emotions by dancing, in clear styles that are sourced from dailylife activities. The melody in chèo music is a touch, it’s combination of both traditional and modern music. Music is background of chèo that directs the performance styles of all times. Music and play script are decisive factors, chèo music depicts the red river delta folklores that deeply imbue in poems, then again are expressed in chèo contextual meanings. It’s also called “làn” or chèo style. During performance, there are different situations in chèo characters known as “dieu" or way of acting. Đieu is more artistically skilled. The songs in chèo are sometimes excerpts of traditional proverbs and sayings. There’s also clown in chèo who help make the spectators get rid of their tiredness of daily hard work. For years, chèo becomes well-affected by new factors in language, music dancing and art. Folkloric melodies of all parts in the country, from North to South, from lowlands to highlands, even from overseas are popularized to meet the tastes and demands of the countryside spectators.
Viet Nam chèo is said to be vitalized and sustainable. Nowadays, there are professional chèo troupes in cities and provinces. More traditional values such as courage, loyalty, self-sacrifice are felt. Moreover classic chèo is always highly appreciated. Even modern themes are applied and played in chèo.  For generations now, chèo become spiritual source of life for Việt Nam farmers. Chèo is stage art, chèo is music and poetry in their life. Chèo is liked best due to its nationally cultural identity.
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VIETNAM ARTS

For a long time, handicraft products have truly been a cultural pride of Vietnamese people. There are thousands types of traditional handicrafts such as ceramic, bamboo products, lacquer ware, mother-of-pearl inlaying... , some of which have been remarkably recognized and popularized in international arena.

CERAMICS:
Ceramic products glazed by traditional methods into beautiful art are well known in Bat Trang (Hanoi), Dong Trieu (Quang Ninh), Thanh Ha (Hoi An).
Traditional products include kitchen items and trays. The flower-patterned bowls of Bat Trang have been exported to Sweden , the cucumber pots to Russia , and the teapots to France .
BAMBOO PRODUCTS:
Bamboo and rattan (tre, may, and song) are abundant sources of material used by Vietnamese craftsmen. The advantage of these products lies in that they are light, durable, and termite resistant.
Bamboo and rattan products from Vietnam first appeared on the world market at a Paris fair in 1931. Since then, more than 200 items made from these materials are sold overseas. Among the most popular are baskets, flower pots, lampshades, and bookshelves.
LACQUER WARES:
Lacquer ware is really typical to Vietnam , although it also exists in other Asian countries. It is said that the resin extracted from the trees in Phu Tho Province is the best one. As such, the lacquer ware products made in Vietnam are very beautiful and durable. As early as the 18th century, people in Nam Ngu District in Thang Long ( Hanoi ) specialized in making lacquer ware products. Traditionally, lacquer ware contained four colors only: black, red, yellow, and brown. However, due to improvements in technologies in later years, additional pigment colors were made, therein, creating a wider range of lacquer colors.
Currently, Vietnamese-made lacquer ware products are essential in both the domestic and foreign markets. The renowned products include wall paintings, flower vases, jewelry boxes, trays, chessboards, and folding screens.
MOTHER-OF-PEARL- INLAYING:
Craftsmen performing inlaying use different types of oyster shells and pearls, which offer a wide array of colors. This art form requires a lot of effort as the process of inlaying involves numerous stages, including designing, grinding, cutting, carving, chiseling, and polishing. Inlaying is widely used in the furniture industry to make tables, desks, chairs, picture frames, and trays that portray various ancient tales. These tales are displayed as scenes of nature, such as birds, butterflies, lotus ponds, and banana trees. The process of inlaying furniture has increased the value of wooden articles. According to legend, this handicraft originated in the Chuon Village in Ha Tay Province.
STONE SCULPTURE:
Most of the traditional sculptures are made in Danang Province , more specifically near Marble Mountain located between Quan Khai and Hoa Khe villages. Sculptors use marble to carve various articles of high value, including bracelets, ash-trays, Buddha statues, ornamental flowers, leaves and trees, and animal statues, such as cats and peacocks.
EMBROIDERY:
In the past, embroidery was mainly reserved for the benefit of the upper class, temples, and pagodas. The technique of this art form was rather simple, and it involved only five colors of thread: yellow, red, green, violet, and blue. At present, embroidered goods serve both useful and decorative purposes. New technologies have helped to produce new materials, such as white cloth, lampshades, and lace. As a result, the embroidery industry has developed and there is now a wide range of new products including pillowcases, bed sheets, and kimonos. The most skilled type of embroidery is the production of portraits, which requires using up to 60 different colors of thread.
It is believed that embroidery originated in Quat Dong Village in Ha Tay Province.
JEWELRY:
As soon as the 2nd century, the Vietnamese were using gold and silver to create jewelry. There are three different techniques used to make gold and silver jewelry, including intricate carving, casting, which is the process of melting metal and pouring it into flower, lead, or bird shaped moulds, and common processing, which is a process of polishing metal. These three techniques can be combined to make intricate pieces of jewelry. Because of the flexibility of the raw materials, the color of gold, and the brightness of silver, beautiful necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, trays, and cups are created. It is said that gold work originated in Dinh Cong Village near Hanoi and that silver work originated in Dong Xam Village in Thai Binh Province .
WOOD WORK:
Since the 1980s, the production of fine wooden articles has experienced a strong revival. These works of art have been much sought after in both domestic and foreign markets. The most popular of these products are wooden statutes and sets of wooden chairs, cabinets, and beds. Currently, there are many companies dealing in the production and sale of wooden items. Their skilled employees have produced many beautiful and highly appreciated products.
COPPER CASTING:
Copper casting is one of the most famous and enduring traditional art forms of Vietnam . With the help of technology, several ancient copper items from all over the country have been preserved. Approximately 3,000 years ago, ancient Vietnamese discovered how to cast copper to make brass tools, weapons, and ornaments; therein, initiating the metal age. Some brass statues that have been preserved serve as proof of the blooming period of copper casting in Vietnam . In later years, pursuing their forefathers’ talents, handicraftsmen created many innovative brass products that suited the needs of society. Some of the most famous copper pieces known today include a series of brass drums that were cast over centuries. As well, there are brass artifacts currently exhibited in Hue , such as a bronze kettle at the Imperial Palace (1659-1684), the bronze plaque of Thien Mu Pagoda (1677), the bell of Thien Mu Pagoda (1710), the Nine Cannons (1803-1804), and the Nine Dynastic Urns (1835-1837). Today, only a few copper casting villages remain, such as Ngu Xa in Hanoi , the casting quarter near Hue , and Phuoc Kieu in Quang Nam.
ARCHITECTURE:
Vietnam architecture is rich in history and aesthetics, clearly seen from the widely scattered brilliant architectural complexes of Pagodas and temples which reflect the culture identity of religious practice in Vietnam . Archeological relics have shown that Vietnam architecture came to existence 4000 years ago when the country was first established under King Hung regime. At that time, Vietnamese houses were made from wood to avoid tigers and wolves. There were two typical types of house possibly named after their shape such as boat house and turtle house. Despite its long and rich history, Vietnam boasts relatively few architectural landmarks. It is partly due to the unfavorable tropical climate that made the works vulnerably fall into decay. This, coupled with the fact that almost all stone structures constructed by the Vietnamese have been heavily destroyed through countless wars and invasions, means that very little pre-modern Vietnamese architecture remains. For example, the Forbidden Purple City in Hue didn’t not escape from damage during 1968 Tet offensive – the Viet Cong used the Citadel as a bunker, although restoration work has been underway for some years.
Plenty of pagodas and temples founded hundreds of years ago are still functioning nowadays, but little is known that they have been rebuilt many times following the original model. Because of the Vietnamese’s ancestor worship custom, many graves from previous centuries still remains, notably the royal tombs of unique structure and design in Hue which are regarded as “the imperial poetic masterpiece”. Each Royal mausoleum reflects the personality of the Emperor it commemorates. The most majestic is that of Emperor Minh Mang, a staunch follower of Confucianism with many wives, concubines and a small army of children. Planned by the Emperor and built shortly after his death in formal Chinese style, it’s opulent and exotic, and a good example of classic Sino-Vietnamese architecture. The tomb of Tu Duc, the ‘poet Emperor’, is set in an elegant garden with a magnificent lake and pavilion complex. The tomb, unlike the others, is simplicity itself despite the lavish opulence of his reign. In complete contrast to Emperor Tu Duc’s stylish creation, the tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh is an unprepossessing concrete construction on the side of a wide valley. Its interest lies in the uneasy combination of Vietnamese and European features, the use of fragments of ceramics and glass for decoration, and the striking views from the courtyard in front of the mausoleum.
Heading to the South of Vietnam, you will have chance to admire the valuable architectural legacy of Champa Kingdom flourished from 2nd to 15th centuries. The best – known are stunning brickworks of My Son Sanctuary (Quang Nam ) and Pogana Cham Towers (Nha Trang). Once, a spirituality and worship center of that kingdom, the My Son Sanctuary exemplifies the height of Cham architectural achievement. It is a large complex of religious monuments originally comprised of more than 70 structures; the vestiges of 25 of these structures remain today. The builders of My Son were the nobility of the Champa Kingdom who derived their cultural and spiritual influences almost exclusively from India.
Later on, during the French colonial time, Vietnam architectural strongly contacted with French culture. Many colonial-style buildings sprang up in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City which do exist until today.

Vietnam War History

For most of us it is history - over two thirds of Vietnam's population was born after the war ended in 1975. However, those who lived through part, or all, of that terrible time look back in sadness, not anger or rancor - even those who lost children and loved ones, or still suffer from war injuries or the effects of napam and chemical weapons.

Many American citizens coming here were struck by the warmth of the welcome they receive. It was quite different to what they’d thought before. Some even expressed their admiration for Vietnamese people’s ability to put the past behind them. Indeed, for us, the war is in the past - we're now looking forward to the future.
Joining our 'Veteran Tours’, you will visit various battle sites in what was the Demilitarized Zone, and elsewhere, perhaps the sights of military interest, such as the Cu Chi tunnels, near Ho Chi Minh City. Although such a tour is fascinating, especially for those who were involved in the action, at Gia Linh Travel, we prefer to add a Vietnamese perspective to what took place.
In fact, the traumas of the war are still with us. Accounts of children and adults being killed or maimed by unexploded ordnance, deformities caused 'Agent Orange', by the chemical herbicides used to deny the Viet Cong cover under foliage, and repatriation of bodies from remote areas feature regularly on television and in newspapers. The devastation wreaked upon many historic sites, such as the Hue Citadel and My Son Sanctuary (now UNESCO World Heritage sites), by US blanket bombing are continuous reminders of our cultural losses. However, that was then and this is now.
We want to show you our successes. You'll see the restored buildings in Hanoi, the new Ho Chi Minh trail (now a modern trunk road following part of the route of the original Viet Cong supply line from the North to the South), and the many major infrastructure projects replacing the bridges, roads and viaducts battered by the war.
And, above all, we want to show you the future - our optimism and the desire to make up for the lost years. You'll see it in the enthusiasm of the young and the friendliness of their elders, and feel it in the buzz of energy that pervades our towns and cities. We cannot change the past, but we can joint hands and efforts to create a better life. This, we believe, would live up to what those sacrificing their lives for peace had once desired.
Readmore: Vietnam War

Vietnam Travel Introduction

Vietnam has long time been famous not only for its resounding resilience in national defense war but a unique and rich civilization, spectacular nature settings and friendly people as well. Come to Vietnam , your eyes will be feasted with luscious sceneries of splendid rock formations, brilliant green rice paddies, tranquil beaches and so on. Each place in Vietnam boasts its own distinctive characteristic that lures those once visiting.

Let’s start with Hanoi, the long - standing capital of Vietnam, which is more and more beguiling to tourists for the attractive cultural sites such as Temple of Literature, Ngoc Son Temple, One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda, etc… surrounded by beautiful lakes, shadowed tree-lined boulevards, verdant public parks and resplendent French – style architecture.
Your trip wouldn’t be completed without visiting Ha Long Bay which is considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Area and one of the world’s most remarkable seascapes. It is hard to dispute that claim once visited. More than 3000 picturesque islands together with innumerable spectacular limestone outcroppings, cliffs, arches and caves soaring from the clear, emerald water makes Ha Long the most outstandingly naturally beautiful in the country - incomparable coastal scenery.
Traveling farther north to the rugged mountain region, Sapa seems to be a world away from the fast pace of urban life. It offers an unusual variety of spectacular and charming landscapes, from the superb Fan Xi Pan massif (3,145m), the highest summit in South-East Asia with its perfectly preserved high-mountain vegetation, to the endless paddy-fields tumbling down the slopes in vertiginous staircases and the innumerable limestone peaks and crests emerging from the clouds in the morning. Sapa is an ideal place for those keen on trekking and exploring the lifestyles of ethnic minorities there like the jolly and outgoing H’mong, the quieter and more reserved Dao, or the Black H’mong in unusual rough linen clothes dyed with indigo.
As “imperial poem masterpieces”, the heritage city of Hue contrasts the simple lives of today’s average Vietnamese citizens with the grandeur of the ancient courts of the Imperial City and the tombs of the Vietnamese Kings. Another must-see destination in the Central Coast is Hoi An, which was once the largest trading ports in Southeast Asia drawing lots of rich merchants from Europe, China and Japan, etc.  And it was later compared as “the Venice of Vietnam, a magically preserved Sleepy Hollow of coexisting Asian cultures”. The major attractions of Hoi An today lie on the old polyglot architectural features of wooden buildings, the original traditional street pattern and beautiful white sand beach fringed with palm trees.
Southwards, Ho Chi Minh City , still referred to as ' Saigon ' by many, has preserved its distinctly Asian feeling and ancient culture. Yet within the teeming metropolis are the timeless traditions and beauty of an ancient culture.
From North to South, Vietnam ’s dotted with numerous attractive destinations that really conceal a wonderful patchwork of hidden charm.
VIETNAM - THE FAST FACTS
Location:
South East Asia
Full country name:
Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Area:
329,566 sq. km (128, 527 square miles).
Population:
Over 83 million (Growth Rate 1.2%).
Capital city:
Hanoi (population 4 million).
People:
85% ethnic Vietnamese, 3% ethnic Chinese, also Khmer, Cham (a remnant of the once great Indianised Champa Kingdom) and members of some 55 ethno-linguistic groups.
Languages:
Vietnamese, French, Chinese, English and a variety of Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian local dialects.
Religions:
Buddhism is the principal religion but there are also sizeable Taoist, Confucian, Hoa Hao, Cao Dai, Muslim and Christian minorities.
President:
Mr. Nguyen Minh Triet
Prime Minister:
Mr. Nguyen Tan Dung
Readmore: Vietnam Travel Introduction

Why travel to VIETNAM?

Vietnam has exerted itself to be a favorite destination of more and more tourists. There’s a Hanoi elegant with friendly people, a Sapa with colourful-dressed minorities, a Halong Bay with amazing caves listed on UNESCO World Heritage. There’s a Hue romantic with palace and rain, a tranquil Hoi An where you can have clothes made in one day, a Danang dynamic by Han river. There’s a Nha Trang with best bays of the world, a Saigon busy and modern like New York, a Mekong-delta with fascinating floating market. The North, Centre, and South of Vietnam all bear a deep cultural trace, which remains in tourists’ memories for years. With everything from mountains to seas, from cold to hot weather, from city to countryside, Vietnam has everything you may come up with!
Why travel to VIETNAM?