How to Discover Vietnam's Rich Cultural Heritage – A Place Where History Is Alive!

Vietnam offers an enchanting journey through its rich history and traditions. From ancient artefacts to modern influences, Vietnam's culture is a vibrant interplay of historical, ethnic, and modern elements. Planning a visit? Here’s how you can discover Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. 

Historical Influences and Linguistic Diversity

Vietnam's culture is like a melting pot of influences from all over. Way back, over a thousand years ago, the Chinese ruled the country for a long time, and they brought in their way of writing with Classical Chinese. This eventually turned into something uniquely Vietnamese called chu Nom, which was still based on Chinese characters but with a local twist.

After Vietnam gained its independence from China, it started to expand south and bumped into the Champa and Khmer cultures. This mix added more flavour to Vietnam's cultural stew. Then, when the French came in during their colonial period, they introduced Catholicism and the Latin script, which is why the Vietnamese alphabet today looks a bit like a mix of East meets West.

There are over 100 different languages spoken all over the country! Vietnamese is the main language, and it's special with its own set of tones and letters that change how you say the words. This whole mix of languages just shows how rich and diverse Vietnam's culture really is.

Architecture and Historical Sites

Vietnam's architecture tells the story of its history. Take the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi, for example. It's been around for ages, standing as a testament to the long history of Vietnam. Then you have the Ancient Town of Hoi An. This place is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is like a melting pot of different influences.

If you visit Ho Chi Min City, which is home to the likes of Somerset Vista Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll find similar architectural flair. The city also has a thriving accommodation sector, meaning it’s a tourist hotspot – check out serviced apartments in Ho Chi Minh City for a blend of comfort and modern conveniences. 

The Citadel of Hue is another breathtaking spot that shows off the glory days of the Nguyen Dynasty. It's not just a single building; it's a whole complex with palaces, temples, and royal tombs, all set along the beautiful Perfume River. 

And you can't forget about My Son Sanctuary. This place is amazing because it's all about the ancient Cham civilisation. It's a bunch of Hindu temple ruins that date way back. 

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Modern Vietnamese Culture

Vietnam is a mix of the old and the new. The economy is booming and the country is more connected to the rest of the world than ever. This means you'll see a lot of Western trends popping up, but don't think that Vietnam's forgetting its roots. 

Take fashion, for instance. You have traditional styles that are getting a modern twist. It’s the same thing with music. Local tunes are getting jazzed up with global beats, creating something you won't hear anywhere else.

Food-wise, Vietnamese cuisine, famous for its unique flavours, is now playing around with international dishes. As for technology, Vietnam is keeping up with the latest trends without losing its traditional touch. 

Sports and Recreational Activities

In Vietnam, sports are a key part of the culture. Everyone seems to love football. You'll find people of all ages getting into it, whether they're watching games or playing themselves. But that's not all. In the mornings and evenings, it's common to see groups of people doing tai chi in parks and open spaces. It's like a peaceful start or end to the day, with slow, flowing movements.

Communal Dining and Drinking Culture

In Vietnam, sharing a meal is more than just eating; it's about building family and community ties. When it comes to dining, it's all about togetherness. People pick and share, chatting and bonding over food. This way of eating highlights the values of unity and hospitality in Vietnamese culture.

Traditional Festivals and Celebrations

Vietnam's traditional festivals are a dazzling display of the country's culture and history. Take Tet, the Lunar New Year, as a prime example. It's the biggest and most important festival in Vietnam. This isn't just a time for fun and festivities; it's steeped in symbolism and tradition. Tet is all about celebrating the lunar new year, but it's also a time for honouring family and ancestors.