Cultural Identity

Vietnam is a single country but regional variations in history, language, mentality, and culture are important. In a nutshell, most people will agree that the Northerners are more focused on traditional values while the…
Vietnam is a single country but regional variations in history, language, mentality, and culture are important. In a nutshell, most people will agree that the Northerners are more focused on traditional values while the Southerners are generally more open to new ideas and are more business savvy, at least in a market oriented way. In accordance with this broad generalization, Hanoi is the country’s capital and political centre while Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and the southern provinces in general are the country’s economic powerhouses. Religion-wise, Northerners practice a more diluted form of Buddhism with stronger influence from Confucianism and traditional beliefs. The religious canvas in the South is more varied with a more traditional form of Buddhism coexisting alongside Catholicism, Caodaism and other faiths such as the Hoa Hao. Hue in central Vietnam was once the country’s capital. This area has kept very strong traditional ties with its glorious past. Nobility, sophistication and culture are the pride of its inhabitants.