Welcome to Vietnam
Vietnam is a vibrant Southeast Asian country famous for its scenic beaches, winding rivers, ancient Buddhist pagodas, and bustling cities. The capital, Hanoi, is known for its centuries-old architecture and the Ho Chi M, honoring the nation’s iconic leader. In the south, Ho Ch offers a blend of French colonial landmarks, InandCu Chi tunnels once used by Viet Cong soldiers.
The origins of the Vietnamese people remain complex and partly uncertain. The earliest historical records describe them as the Lac peoples, who lived in the Red River delta of northern Vietnam. Some scholars connect the Lac with the broader group of Viet (Yue) peoples of coastal East Asia, while others emphasize the cultural and linguistic ties the Vietnamese share with their Southeast Asian neighbors. The origins of the Vietnamese people remain complex and partly uncertain. The earliest historical records describe them as the Lac peoples, who lived in the Red River delta of northern Vietnam. Some scholars connect the Lac with the broader group of Viet (Yue) peoples of coastal East Asia, while others emphasize the cultural and linguistic ties the Vietnamese share with their Southeast Asian neighbors.
Tet (Lunar New Year): The most significant festival in Vietnam, Tet Nguyen Dan marks the beginning of the lunar new year. In preparation, families thoroughly clean and decorate their homes, often with peach blossoms, kumquat trees, and other symbolic flowers to invite good fortune. Special holiday foods, such as banh chung (square sticky rice cake), are prepared to honor tradition and ancestors. During the celebration, families gather for a festive New Year’s Eve meal, pay visits to relatives, and exchange “li xi” (red envelopes with lucky money) as blessings for prosperity and happiness in the year ahead.
Chinese influence permeated all aspects of traditional Vietnamese culture, while Western influences became strong in the 20th century. Since the loosening of economic and political controls in the late 1980s, Vietnam has experienced both increased exposure to the lifestyles of the capitalist world and a resurfacing of old cultural practices. Folk traditions such as shamanism and soothsaying have experienced a revival despite official disapproval.
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