Are you yearning to immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture? Even if you can’t physically visit Vietnam right now, you can embark on a fascinating journey from the comfort of your own home. Dive into the rich tapestry of Vietnamese literature, music, and art, and uncover the stories and melodies that make this country so captivating. Join me as we explore the best of Vietnamese culture!
Must-read Vietnamese books
The Tale of Kiều (by Nguyễn Du)
One of the most important works of Vietnamese poetry, “The Tale of Kiều” by Nguyễn Du, transports us to the 19th century and tells the story of a beautiful and talented woman. Through her hardships and unwavering devotion to her values, we gain insight into Vietnam’s early Confucian and Chinese influences. This captivating tale, written in a popular six-eight poetic structure, has enthralled readers for centuries. You can find an animated version of the tale on YouTube or discover the book online.
Dumb Luck (by Vũ Trọng Phụng)
Written by the satirist author Vũ Trọng Phụng in 1936, “Dumb Luck” is considered a Vietnamese classic and is even featured in the country’s high school curriculum. Set in Northern Vietnam, the novel explores the clash between tradition and new social values, creating a confusing yet humorous portrayal of the middle-class society. Vũ Trọng Phụng’s iconic characters will surely make you chuckle. You can find the book online and delve into this timeless piece of Vietnamese literature.
Open the Window, Eyes Closed (by Nguyễn Ngọc Thuần)
Experience the joys of Vietnamese childhood in the award-winning book “Open the Window, Eyes Closed” by Nguyễn Ngọc Thuần. This light-hearted slice-of-life tale takes us to a humble village, where a ten-year-old protagonist’s imagination transforms everyday adventures into thrilling escapades. As you immerse yourself in the stories set among rice fields and coconut trees, you’ll discover that the essence of childhood transcends borders. Find the book online and embark on this heartwarming journey.
TIP: For a cinematic experience, add “Put Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass (2015)” to your movie night list. This sweet childhood book-to-film adaptation showcases rural life and breathtaking scenes from Central Vietnam.
Amazing Vietnamese music
Ca trù sung poetry
Ca trù, a form of sung poetry, showcases the North’s unique musical style. With the main singer playing the clappers and two instrumentalists accompanying her, ca trù performances often include mesmerizing dances. This art form, used in worship, entertainment, and royal shows, has been recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies of ca trù and discover the soul of Vietnamese music.
The songs of Trịnh Công Sơn
Trịnh Công Sơn, a self-taught musician, composed around 600 songs during his lifetime, many of which have become beloved classics in Vietnam. Since the 1950s, his simple melodic structures and creative lyrics have captured the hearts of local music fans. In Vietnamese cafes themed after Trịnh Công Sơn, you can bask in the melodies of his love ballads playing on nostalgic stereo sets. Discover the poetic beauty of Trịnh Công Sơn’s music and let it transport you to the heart of Vietnam.
Hoàng Thuỳ Linh
Hoàng Thuỳ Linh, in her latest album “Hoang,” seamlessly blends Vietnamese folk music with contemporary pop. Her music videos add a touch of humor to the lyrics, portraying traditional rituals, beliefs, and ethnic cultures in a fresh and captivating way. Watch her music videos to spot elements of Vietnamese folklore, and don’t forget to turn on English subtitles. Hoàng Thuỳ Linh’s unique sound will leave you wanting more.
Thought-provoking Vietnamese artists
Nguyễn Gia Trí
Nguyễn Gia Trí, a master of Vietnamese lacquer painting, dedicated years of his life to meticulously crafting multi-panel pieces. His art, displayed in galleries worldwide, holds a special place in the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum. “Spring Garden of the Central, South, and North,” one of Vietnam’s eight protected national art treasures, is a testament to his skill and creativity. Immerse yourself in the intricate world of Nguyễn Gia Trí’s lacquer paintings and behold the beauty of Vietnamese art.
Mai Trung Thứ
Mai Trung Thứ, one of the first graduates from the École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine in colonial Hanoi, left a lasting legacy with his silk paintings. By combining Western painting techniques with Vietnamese elements, Mai Trung Thứ created a unique artistic style that depicted scenes of rural Vietnam. Explore more colonial-era Vietnamese art on the website of the National Fine Arts Museum and marvel at the fusion of cultures in Mai Trung Thứ’s captivating works.
Thành Chương
Thành Chương, an acclaimed contemporary painter, draws inspiration from the unassuming everyday life in the Vietnamese countryside. His paintings often depict shepherd boys and their buffalos, capturing the essence of Vietnamese rural landscapes. In Thành Chương Việt Palace, located just outside of Hanoi, you can immerse yourself in his incredible collection of artworks, marvel at the Vietnamese architecture, and delve into the country’s cultural heritage.
TIP: For a virtual art experience, check out the Vietnam: New Winds exhibit on Google Arts & Culture, featuring contemporary art from Vietnam.
Inspiring TV shows on Vietnam
Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father (Season 01, Episode 05 & 06)
Embark on a hilarious adventure with the father-and-son duo, Jack and Michael Whitehall, as they explore Vietnam. From maneuvering a wooden boat on the waters of Hội An to urban escapades in Hanoi, this Ancient Town will capture your heart. Join their journey and witness Vietnam’s stunning beauty through their eyes.
Street Food (Episode 07)
Indulge your taste buds in a flavorful Southern Vietnamese food trip with the Netflix original series “Street Food.” From all-night snail shops to 80-year-old bánh mì vendors, this episode will take you on a gastronomic adventure. Learn about the history behind each dish, and savor the anticipation for your future trip to Vietnam, the 2019 winner of the World Travel Awards’ ‘Asia’s Leading Culinary Destination.’
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (Season 08, Episode 01)
Anthony Bourdain’s love for Vietnamese cuisine is no secret. In this episode, he immerses himself in the vibrant culinary scene of Hanoi. From iconic food stalls in the Old Quarter to savoring fresh-caught grilled squid in Hạ Long Bay, Bourdain’s journey is a fusion of food, culture, and adventure. Let him guide you through Vietnam’s culinary delights and uncover the magic of its diverse flavors.
Experience the wonders of Vietnam through its literature, music, and art. Let the stories, melodies, and brushstrokes transport you to this captivating country. If you’re craving more Vietnam travel ideas, sign up for our newsletter to receive our best stories directly in your inbox. Happy exploring!
