How can you even describe a country as diverse as Vietnam? Do you begin with golden sunsets cast over secluded fishing villages or possibly the bustling Mekong Delta floating markets? Not to mention the cities brimming with history and cultural heritage.
Located in the southeast of Indochinese Peninsula, Vietnam is truly a sensory overload with its rich biodiversity, varied architecture, distinct regional cuisines, and ancient traditions.
However, what makes Vietnam truly special are its people. Observing the locals gives you a true taste of the country. Influenced by Confucian principles, the Vietnamese revolve their life around family, community, tradition, agriculture, and religious rituals.
Being friendly, extremely hospitable, and always quick to laugh, the people of Vietnam give all travellers a warm welcome. They often invite visitors into their homes to share in their lives, history and culture.
Below, I’m sharing a collection of photos that capture the everyday life of people in Vietnam, taken throughout my trip across the country.
A man reads the news on the porch of his house in Ho Chi Minh City, Southeast Vietnam. Despite the decline of print media, a significant number of people still enjoy a ritual of reading a morning newspaper.
This shared kitchen in a residential building in Ho Chi Minh City is used mainly for brewing Vietnamese coffee. Coffee is a major part of the Vietnamese lifestyle, and it is enjoyed at any time of the day.
Metalworkers at work in Ho Chi Minh City. Many businesses are family-owned, providing family members with a sense of stability and social security.
The Cho Lon district of Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling commercial area and home to a variety of workshops. Many artisans and traders here inherit their trade from previous generations.
Men play Xiangqi, also called Chinese Chess or elephant chess, in the streets of Ho Chi Minh City. These games are often social events, attracting both players and spectators alike. Playing chess outdoors is a perfect way to enjoy the community spirit.
A local market in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s quite common for families to engage in many activities together, reflecting deeply rooted family values.
In many areas, homes and living spaces are designed in a way that is more open to the outside, with less emphasis on strict privacy. It’s not unusual to see open doors and windows, which contribute to a more communal sense of living, like in this condominium in Ho Chi Minh City.
An artisan cuts freshly made coconut candies in a small factory in a village in Hoi An, Central Vietnam. Coconut candies are one of the most traditional treats in Vietnam, especially popular in the Mekong Delta region.
In these coastal fishing villages near Hoi An, fishing isn’t just an industry; it’s a way of life for many families who depend on the sea for their livelihood.
The Phong Dien floating market in Can Tho is known to have been a traditional trading spot for many years. Traders and customers conduct transactions here directly from their boats.
Worshippers attend a Caodaism ceremony in Cao Dai Temple, northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. Caodaism is a fusion of Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism, Confucianism, along with elements of Islam and Spiritism, making its practices and beliefs extremely eclectic.
Theravada Buddhist monks, draped in traditional orange robes, engage in prayer in a Khmer temple in Tra Vinh province, southern Vietnam. Theravada Buddhism has a significant presence in Vietnam. The monks spend much of their day in meditation. They play a critical role in guiding the spiritual life of the community.
In Tra Vinh Province, a monk tends to plants, highlighting the quiet aspects of monastic life and the importance of caring for nature.
A woman rests on the porch of her house in Duong Lam, an ancient village near Hanoi. Duong Lam is the first village in Vietnam to be recognised as a national heritage site, largely due to its well-preserved ancient houses.
A shopper completes a purchase transaction with local vendors in Hoi An.
A woman walks her water buffalo in a village near Hoi An. Water buffalos play a crucial role in Vietnamese agriculture, supporting farmers with the heavy labour involved in cultivating rice paddy fields.
A farmer takes a break from work in a village on the outskirts of Hoi An.
A Vietnamese guide takes tourists on a boat tour in Ninh Binh province, Red River Delta region, Northern Vietnam. Boat tours in Ninh Binh offer an exceptional way to experience the natural beauty of this area, with its majestic limestone karsts, serene rivers, and lush rice paddies.
