Annam Culture, Ho Chi Minh City (2025)

03/05/2025

𝗩𝗘𝗦𝗔𝗞 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 🇻🇳🇱🇦🇰🇭
📿🙏Vesak, a significance of Buddha Day in Buddhism celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha. Observed on the full moon of the Vesak month (usually in May), Vesak is recognized in many countries including Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, and Myanmar. On this holy day, Buddhists visit temples, engage in prayer, meditation, and rituals, and offer flowers, candles, and food to honor the Buddha. Vesak promotes key Buddhist values such as compassion, peace, and mindfulness.

🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳 Vietnam will host the 𝗨𝗡 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗩𝗲𝘀𝗮𝗸 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 6–8 May at the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City, welcoming over 2,000 delegates from 80 countries. Organized by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and the International Council for Day of Vesak, this global event honors the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing.

With the theme "𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙃𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝘿𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮”, Vesak 2025 promotes Buddhist insights for peace and sustainable development. Cultural activities, international dialogues, and ceremonies will highlight Vietnam’s spiritual heritage and global contributions.

This marks the 4th time Vietnam hosts the event, reinforcing its role in global Buddhist diplomacy and intercultural harmony.
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Photo Source: Internet

02/05/2025

𝗞𝗮𝗶𝗽𝗲𝗻 - 𝗟𝗮𝗼𝘀' 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗽𝘆 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗸 🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦 If you're a Foodie exploring Southeast Asia, don’t miss 𝗞𝗮𝗶𝗽𝗲𝗻 – a unique Laotian snack made from riverweed harvested fresh from the Mekong. Sun-dried, seasoned with sesame seeds, garlic, tomato, and tamarind, then flash-fried to crispy perfection, Kaipen is crunchy, savory, and packed with umami.

Locals enjoy it with spicy jaew b**g (chili paste) and a cold Beerlao – the perfect combo of texture and taste. More than just a snack, Kaipen is a cultural bite into Luang Prabang’s slow, mindful lifestyle.

Planning your Laos trip? Add this delicious tradition to your food bucket list!

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Photo Source: Michael Yamash*ta & Internet

07/10/2024

𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗮𝗶 𝗔𝗿𝘁 - 𝗔 𝗕𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳 Bonsai Art in Vietnam, or "Cây cảnh nghệ thuật," combines traditional Vietnamese gardening with Chinese and Japanese bonsai techniques. This unique art form reflects not only aesthetics but also deep cultural meanings tied to nature, harmony, and spirituality.

𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗮𝗶 has roots in centuries-old practices, influenced by Chinese culture. Over time, local artists have developed their own distinct style, often linked to royal gardens and temples. Vietnamese bonsai, known as "Cây cảnh," emphasizes naturalistic designs, mimicking the country’s rugged landscapes, such as mountains and rivers. Common tree species include Ficus benjamina and Tiger bark ficus.

A key element in Vietnamese bonsai is the use of rock and stone, creating miniature landscapes that evoke famous natural sites like Halong Bay. The art form also incorporates Phong Thủy (Feng Shui) principles, ensuring balance and harmony in design.

Today, bonsai art flourishes in Vietnam, with annual festivals and exhibitions celebrating this rich tradition. If you're fascinated by this unique art form and want to create your own bonsai masterpiece, reach out to us and start your journey into the gripping world of Vietnamese bonsai!
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Photo source: Steve Greaves & Internet

05/10/2024

𝟮𝟬𝟬-𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝗢𝗟𝗗 𝗕𝗔𝗡 𝗞𝗢𝗞 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗨 - 𝗟𝗔𝗢𝗦 🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦 Tucked away for over 200 years, the village of Ban Khok Phou is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Hiding deep within the mountains, this enigmatic Lao village reveals a world where time seems to stand still.

Many villagers, inhabited by the Lao ethnicity, engage in mountain farming, offering a glimpse into their practices as you witness the collection and processing of agricultural products. Wander through rice fields, visit temples that pulse with spiritual energy, and discover the artistry Lao weaving. Ban Khok Phou is an untouched haven of tradition and wonder.

📿🙏Here, you're offered a chance to dive into the traditional Baci ceremony, a heartfelt Laotian ritual led by local elders, bestowing blessings upon your journey. 🙏📿

Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EpXS5sz9FhHsBDe/

27/08/2024

𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐧𝐚𝐦: 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐞̂́𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐮🏮🏮🏮The Full Moon Festival, or Tết Trung Thu, is a vibrant Vietnamese celebration held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. Marking the end of the harvest season, this festival highlights family unity and joy.

🤩Mooncakes are central to the celebration, symbolizing prosperity and completeness. Colorful lantern parades, where children carry intricately designed lanterns, add a magical touch to the festivities. Traditional performances include lion dances believed to bring good fortune and drive away negativity. Families also gather for festive meals, strengthening bonds and enjoying time together.

Modern celebrations blend traditional practices with contemporary events, keeping the spirit of Tết Trung Thu alive across urban and rural areas. This festival remains a cherished time for celebrating Vietnamese cultural heritage and communal joy.

07/08/2024

𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭-𝐀 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐧𝐚𝐦 🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳 Vietnam, a country known for its rich culture and stunning landscapes, is home to some of the most vibrant and unique floating markets in the world. These bustling markets, set on the waterways of the Mekong Delta, offer a glimpse into the traditional way of life and commerce that has thrived for centuries.

𝐀 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐧𝐚𝐦
The tradition of floating markets dates back centuries in Vietnam, originating from the need to trade goods in the vast network of rivers and canals in the Mekong Delta. These waterways were the primary means of transport, making them ideal for trading. Over time, these markets became permanent fixtures in the region, each developing its own unique character and specialties.

𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐗𝐮𝐲𝐞𝐧 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐧𝐚𝐦
Experience the authentic charm of Long Xuyen Floating Market in An Giang Province, a hidden gem in Vietnam's Mekong Delta. Unlike the bustling tourist hotspots, Long Xuyen offers a peaceful, intimate glimpse into local life. This market is a vibrant showcase of fresh produce, local delicacies, and daily trading activities, all set against the serene backdrop of the river. Arrive early to see the market at its liveliest, and take the opportunity to sample traditional dishes prepared on floating kitchens. Hiring a local guide can enhance your visit with fascinating insights into the market's history and customs. For a genuine cultural experience and a taste of the real Vietnam, Long Xuyen Floating Market is a must-visit destination.

Interested? Contact us for more information and tips!

30/07/2024

𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐓𝐍𝐀𝐌'𝐒 𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐇 𝐍𝐎𝐎𝐃𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 🇻🇳🍜🇻🇳🍜🍲
Vietnam's noodle culture is a vibrant reflection of its culinary heritage, deeply rooted in history and regional diversity. Noodles are a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, enjoyed throughout the day in a variety of dishes, each with unique ingredients and preparation methods.

𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
Each Vietnamese region has its noodle specialties, showcasing local ingredients and culinary traditions. The North prefers subtle flavors, the Central region favors spicier dishes, and the South features sweeter, aromatic broths. Beyond the diverse flavors, Vietnamese noodle culture is deeply communal, often enjoyed with family and friends, making it integral to social gatherings and daily life in Vietnam. Whether at a street food stall or a family dinner table, Vietnamese noodles encapsulate the country's rich cultural tapestry.

By exploring these diverse noodle dishes, one gains a deeper appreciation for Vietnam's culinary richness and cultural heritage.
Curious about our noodles? Dive into our 𝙈𝙪𝙨𝙩-𝙏𝙧𝙮 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙨 featured in each photo for a delicious journey through Vietnamese cuisine. 👇👇👇

24/07/2024

𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲: 𝗔 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳 Vietnamese cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, influenced by the country's rich history and diverse geography. Each region of Vietnam offers its own unique culinary delights, reflecting local ingredients and cultural traditions. In this guide, we’ll explore the distinct flavors of Vietnamese food, from the subtle tastes of the North to the bold and spicy dishes of the Central region, and the sweet and savory creations of the South.

𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗻𝗮𝗺: 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝘀
Northern Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its delicate and refined flavors. The dishes are typically lighter and less spicy, highlighting the freshness of local ingredients. Common seasonings include soy sauce, fish sauce, shrimp paste, and lime.

𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗻𝗮𝗺: 𝗕𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝘀
Central Vietnamese cuisine is famous for its bold, spicy flavors and complex culinary techniques. The dishes are vibrant and often feature a mix of spices and fresh herbs.

𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗻𝗮𝗺: 𝗦𝘄𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
Southern Vietnamese cuisine is characterized by its sweet and savory flavors, often incorporating coconut milk, sugar, and a variety of fresh herbs. The dishes are typically bold and vibrant, featuring a mix of tropical ingredients.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻
Each region of Vietnam offers a unique culinary experience, from the subtle and sophisticated flavors of the North to the spicy and bold dishes of the Central region, and the sweet and savory delights of the South. Exploring these regional variations provides a deeper understanding of Vietnamese cuisine and its rich cultural heritage. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or new to Vietnamese food, these regional specialties are sure to delight your taste buds and enrich your culinary journey.

𝙈𝙪𝙨𝙩-𝙩𝙧𝙮 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙨: to find more information in each photo of our favourite dishes 👇👇👇

18/07/2024

𝗟𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗗𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 - 𝗘𝗬𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗬🇻🇳🇲🇲🇮🇳🇨🇳🇮🇩🇰🇭🇹🇭🇱🇦🇲🇾
The lion and dragon dance is a vibrant art form deeply embedded in East Asian culture. These captivating performances are a highlight during festivals like the Lunar New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival. In Southern Vietnam, the tradition flourishes, particularly among the Chinese community.

𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝘁𝘀: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗼𝗻’𝘀 𝗘𝘆𝗲𝘀
The ceremony's origins trace back to the Chinese legend of "Drawing the Dragon and Dotting the Eyes." According to the legend, Emperor Wu of Liang commissioned Monk Dao to paint dragons without eyes at An Lac Temple. When the eyes were finally dotted, the dragons came to life and ascended to the sky, symbolizing their awakening. This practice has since been adapted for new lion heads, which must undergo the "Opening the Eyes and Enlightening" ceremony before use.

Each year, on a chosen auspicious day, the lion and dragon are brought to life through the "Enlightening the Eyes" ceremony. A vermilion dot is placed on the forehead or tongue, followed by dots on other points, to activate them officially. This ritual symbolizes the lion and dragon "coming to life" and prepares them for their vibrant performances.

When the lion or dragon becomes old, it is traditionally burned to "return it to Heaven," completing its lifecycle.

Explore the rich heritage of the lion and dragon dance and the meaningful rituals that keep this tradition alive during Tet and other significant festivals. Learn more about these cultural practices and their importance in Vietnamese and East Asian festivities.

15/07/2024

𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗔𝗡 𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬 𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦: 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 🇻🇳🇲🇲🇮🇳🇨🇳🇮🇩🇰🇭🇹🇭🇱🇦🇲🇾In Asian society, the family holds a central and multifaceted role, shaping social structures, cultural practices, and individual behaviors. Unlike the individualism emphasized in the West, Asian cultures prioritize family cohesion and collective well-being. Hierarchical structures prevail, with elders holding significant authority and making major decisions, reflecting societal norms where seniority is highly valued. Filial piety, especially in Confucian-influenced regions like China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, underscores the duty of children to respect, obey, and care for their parents and ancestors, encompassing physical care, financial support, and emotional respect.

Extended family systems are common, fostering strong intergenerational bonds and mutual support networks. Grandparents often play a significant role in raising grandchildren, and family gatherings are central to cultural traditions. Economically, families pool resources to support each other, while socially, they provide a safety net during crises.

Traditional gender roles, with men as breadwinners and women as caregivers, are gradually changing due to urbanization, education, and economic opportunities. Families also play a crucial role in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage through festivals, rituals, and customs.

Modernization, urbanization, and globalization are reshaping traditional family structures, with young people moving to cities and shifting caregiving roles. Despite these changes, the family remains a vital institution in Asian societies, providing emotional support, social stability, and cultural continuity. Its enduring influence underscores the importance of understanding family roles within the broader context of Asian cultures, offering travelers a rich tapestry of experiences and insights into the heart of Asia’s social fabric.
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Sources
- "Family and Social Change in an Asian Context" by Ryan McAndrew, Open Society Foundations.
- "Filial Piety in Chinese Thought and History" edited by Alan K. L. Chan and Sor-hoon Tan.
- "The Asian Family: A Survey of the Literature" by John A. Lent, Family Coordinator.
- "The Changing Family in Asia" by Gavin W. Jones, International Social Science Journal.
Photos: Internet

13/07/2024

𝗦𝗔𝗜𝗚𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗦 𝗔 𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳
In bustling Saigon, sidewalks aren't just pathways, they're vibrant hubs of life and livelihoods, shaping the city's pulse and character. Here, every footstep tells a story of resilience and community spirit.

For many, the sidewalk isn't just a place to walk, it's a lifeline. Up to 30% of Saigon's jobs and sustenance spring from these bustling pathways. This vibrant sidewalk economy isn't just about making a living; it's about creating a dynamic social fabric where locals and visitors mingle over flavorful street food, aromatic coffee, and lively conversations on small stools.
Professor Annette Kim highlights how these sidewalks aren't just spaces—they're catalysts for vibrant, sustainable cities. They blur the lines between commerce and community, teaching planners invaluable lessons in flexibility and shared space.

Yet, Saigon's sidewalks aren't just about commerce—they're about culture. They echo with the laughter of neighbors and the chatter of families, blending public and private life in ways that defy conventional boundaries.
As Saigon evolves, its sidewalks evolve with it, each neighborhood carving out its unique identity. They're more than mere thoroughfares; they're the heartbeats of a city in flux, where every corner whispers a story of nostalgia for visitors who long for a taste of sidewalk life in their own hometowns.
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Photo source: Internet

09/07/2024

𝗦𝗔𝗜𝗚𝗢𝗡 𝗕𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗦𝗧 "𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗" 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗘𝗧🇻🇳🙏💸🙏💵🙏🇻🇳🇻🇳
Located in District 11, Thiec Market, also known as the Biggest "Underworld" Market, is Saigon's top spot for votive offerings. This bustling marketplace is filled with stalls run by seasoned vendors—some with decades of experience—offering a vast array of traditional goods. Shoppers flock here to find all the votive essentials for major holidays, from Kitchen God's Day and New Year's ceremonies to New Year's Eve and God of Wealth celebrations.

🙏𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗩𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿💸 Burning votive paper, a ritual for offering money and wealth to the deceased, is a common practice during death anniversaries, Tet, and the Ghost Month Festival. This tradition is well-known among people in Vietnam and throughout Asia, including China and Japan. Its enduring popularity is evident in Saigon, where every market, from small local ones to the bustling Binh Tay, features shops selling votive paper and incense.

💲𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗩𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 The practice of buying and burning votive paper, including expensive votive products, has significantly integrated votive production and business into the Vietnamese market economy. This has made votive offerings a key commodity in the spiritual market. The market for votive offerings for the "underworld" has become increasingly diverse. The concept that "each era has its own timely products" and that "the secular world mirrors the underworld" has created jobs and boosted incomes for those involved in votive production and sales.

Despite its ancient roots, the custom of burning votive offerings has evolved with historical events, economic development, and living standards. During the wars against the French and the Civil War, people faced many hardships, limiting the burning of votive paper. However, since liberation and especially with market reforms, economic conditions have improved, leading to a resurgence in the practice of burning votive paper.

For anyone interested in experiencing this unique cultural tradition, a visit to Thiec Market in District 11 is a must. Here, you can witness the vibrant culture of votive offerings and understand their significance in Vietnamese society.
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Photo source: Candy Nguyen

Annam Culture

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