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When visiting Ho Chi Minh City or the Mekong Delta, you may notice some “not-so-Vietnamese” signs: Chinese restaurants or houses, Khmer pagodas, French buildings, etc. This is not commonly seen in the North and only appears sporadically in the Central region, but in the South, we can clearly see it in many places. It’s because of the cultural exchange that has lasted hundreds of years until now in this region.
A street corner in Cho Lon, home to the largest Chinese community in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Blog Dung Duoc
Having gone through many historical ups and downs, the South has become a "shared home" for the Vietnamese, Chinese, Khmer, Cham, and many other communities. This cultural blending has contributed to shaping a region rich in diverse customs, cuisine, and ways of life. In this article, Asia King Travel gladly shows you the cultural diversity of Southern Vietnam.
The Vietnamese began migrating to the South in the 16th century during the Northern-Southern dynasties civil war. About a century later, as the southward expansion gained momentum, they brought traditional cultural values from the North and Central regions to build a new life on the vast southern land.
However, due to the different natural conditions and living environment, the culture of the Vietnamese in the South gradually transformed, developing its own distinct characteristics while still preserving its core spirit.
The Three Saints of Caodaism (from left to right): Sun Yat-sen, Victor Hugo, Nguyen Binh Khiem. Photo: Anthony Leekien
The Vietnamese have preserved many traditional customs and practices, though these have been simplified and adapted over time. Thanks to the abundance and prosperity of the land, they also tend to live more comfortably, developing an open-minded, generous, and welcoming attitude toward other people from all around.
Besides the Vietnamese, the Chinese community is one of the groups that profoundly influenced Southern Vietnamese culture. Around the 17th century, when the Qing dynasty replaced the Ming dynasty, many Chinese migrants settled in the South. They also brought with them the rich cultural traditions of China.
From the moment they set foot in the South, they showcased their greatest talent: trade and business. Commercial areas quickly emerged and later grew into major cities such as Saigon - Cholon, Can Tho, My Tho, and more. Distinctive Chinese architecture was also built in these places. It's not hard to spot colorful assembly halls, temples, and shrines adorned with intricately carved dragon and phoenix motifs.
Thanks to cultural similarities, Chinese and Vietnamese festivals attract a large number of participants from both groups. Photo: Lao dong
Cuisine is one of the areas that most clearly reflects the profound influence of the Chinese on Southern culture. Dumplings, char siu, wonton noodles, and hu tieu are sold everywhere, from markets to restaurants. Because of this, whenever Southern cuisine is mentioned, it’s impossible not to think of Chinese-inspired dishes that have been "localized" to suit the taste.
Khmer people had been living scattered throughout the South even before the Vietnamese migrated there, and today, they mainly reside in the Mekong Delta. In fact, the names of several provinces and cities in this region originate from the Khmer language:
Many other place names containing words like “Ca”, “Ta”, “Ba”, “Soc”, and “Tra” are also transliterations from Khmer.
The boat racing competition celebrating the Ok Om Bok Festival in Soc Trang. Photo: Vietnam.vn
One of the most distinctive marks of Khmer culture in the South is the system of temples built in the Theravada Buddhist style. These temples stand out with their gracefully curved roofs, sacred Naga serpent and Garuda bird statues, and vibrant, colorful patterns. They look almost identical to the temples found in Cambodia.
The everyday ba ba shirt, sarong, and checked scarf worn by Southern Vietnamese people are also inspired by the traditional Khmer clothing used during farming or laboring.
Not only influenced by neighboring countries, the South has also, to some extent, absorbed Western culture. Although the period of Western influence was shorter, yet through colonization and intervention, France and the United States have left behind cultural legacies that still remain to this day.
One of the most evident influences is urban architecture. Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) was once known as the "Pearl of the Far East" because of its buildings deeply marked by French architectural style. The French-style villas and mansions lining Dong Khoi and Nguyen Hue streets are classic examples of colonial architecture. The city itself was originally planned following a European model and later modernized by the Americans.
Additionally, there is Cham community in An Giang Province has a unique Islamic culture. Photo: Suc khoe va Doi song
When the Americans arrived, modern genres were introduced and quickly gained popularity, sparking the vibrant "Saigon youth music" movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Among them, Bolero became the most beloved genre, representing Southern music thanks to its skillful fusion of traditional folk melodies and modern rhythms.
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Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon, the Central Post Office, and the Independence Palace are three iconic structures that reflect Western influence on Ho Chi Minh City. Built between 1877 and 1880, Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon is a prime example of classical Gothic architecture from Europe. Its artistic stained glass windows were entirely imported from France.
Right next to the Notre Dame Cathedral is the Saigon Central Post Office. The initial design of the post office was created by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel, featuring the distinctive neoclassical style of the 19th century. Inside, the post office still preserves vintage mailboxes, telephone booths, old stamps, and letters. Both outside and inside are architectural masterpieces that showcase a harmonious blend of European and Asian influences.
The Saigon Central Post Office is a prime example of French architecture in Vietnam. Photo: Thanh Nien
The Independence Palace was designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu, the only Vietnamese to have won the Grand Prix de Rome. The palace was built following a Chinese character that carries many auspicious meanings. Its interior architecture resembles French palaces, with spacious rooms and grand hallways. The Independence Palace once served as the center of power for the Republic of Vietnam government and witnessed many significant historical events.
Since the early days of migrating to the South, the Chinese community has built many assembly halls for spiritual and communal activities. Nghia An Assembly Hall, also known as Ong Cho Lon Pagoda, is one of the oldest and most famous. It showcases the distinct style of the Teochew people, with red as the dominant color. In addition, its artistic value is reflected in calligraphy works, intricate stone and wood carvings, and statues made from porcelain pieces.
There are many assembly halls built by Chinese immigrants in District 5. Photo: Quan 5 xin chao
Ba Thien Hau Pagoda was built to express their gratitude to the goddess who had protected Chinese people on their sea journey from China to Saigon. It is also the venue for the Ba Thien Hau Festival, which attracts tens of thousands of participants, both Chinese and Vietnamese, reflecting the cultural and religious integration between the two communities.
A few other assembly halls you can visit include Quynh Phu Assembly Hall, Ha Chuong Assembly Hall, and On Lang Assembly Hall, among others. There are many Chinese assembly halls in the Cholon area, which now belong to Districts 5 and 6.
The ancient houses are proof of the cultural fusion between France and Vietnam in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These houses were built by wealthy Vietnamese families who had early exposure to Western culture. Today, they have become famous tourist attractions in the Mekong Delta, where every visitor wants to explore at least once.
Located on the Sa Dec river bank (Dong Thap Province), Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House was the residence of a wealthy Chinese merchant family. This house is especially famous for its connection to the love story between Huynh Thuy Le and the French writer Marguerite Duras, which was later immortalized in her novel L'Amant (The Lover).
Architecturally, the exterior features French villa style, while the interior is rich in Asian elements, with altars, horizontal lacquered boards, and parallel sentences. The house exudes an elegant and modern charm while still preserving its Oriental identity.
Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House, like many other ancient houses, was built with European architecture on the exterior and Asian-inspired interiors. Photo: Vietgiaitri
Bac Lieu Prince’s House is the famous mansion of Tran Trinh Huy, a notorious playboy of Southern Vietnam in the early 20th century. Built in 1919, the house was constructed with materials and furnishings entirely imported from France, showcasing the utmost luxury and modernity of its time. The elegant interior details, from the grand staircase and luxurious chandeliers to the arched doorways, all reflect the sophistication of a lavish French-style villa.
However, inside the mansion, there are still spaces that reflect Vietnamese traditions, such as the ancestral worship room and sets of wooden furniture carved in traditional styles. The mansion stands as a symbol of the fusion between Western aristocratic lifestyle and Eastern family traditions, a testament to a period when Southern Vietnam embraced and "Vietnamized" foreign influences.
Other ancient houses that may interest you are Binh Thuy Ancient House (Can Tho), Doc Phu Hai House, White Prince’s House (Tien Giang), Cai Cuong Ancient House (Vinh Long), and lots more.
Soc Trang has the largest Khmer population in Vietnam, and eventually, many temples featuring traditional Khmer architecture. Doi Pagoda (Bat Pagoda) is the most famous and unique temple in the province. True to its name, the pagoda is home to numerous flocks of bats. Every afternoon, tens of thousands of bats return to the temple grounds, covering the sky.
Chen Kieu Pagoda is another beautiful Khmer temple in Soc Trang. Photo: Lao Dong
But when talking about the largest and most beautiful temple in the province, Som Rong Pagoda stands out. Its most remarkable highlight is the massive outdoor reclining Buddha statue stretching 63 meters in length, making it the largest reclining Buddha statue in Vietnam. If you're in Soc Trang city, you can spot this impressive statue from afar.
While the previously mentioned landmarks typically reflect the fusion of two or three cultures, Vinh Trang Pagoda in Tien Giang Province is a harmonious blend of even more influences, combining both Eastern and Western architectural styles. The building features French-style architecture, supported by Roman-style stone columns. From certain angles, the pagoda even resembles a classic European mansion.
Columns were designed in the Roman style. Photo: Tham hiem Mekong
As you step inside for a tour, you'll be even more amazed by the towering Buddha statues, each measuring dozens of meters in height and depicted in various postures. The sculptures showcase influences from both Khmer and Chinese Buddhism. Despite these diverse elements, the pagoda still retains distinctive features of Vietnamese temples, such as its gracefully curved tiled roof and intricate lotus flower carvings.
If you're looking for a destination that feels both familiar and exotic, where diverse cultures blend harmoniously, then here is a must-visit. So, are you ready to pack your bags? Contact Asia King Travel and embark on an unforgettable journey to explore the rich cultural diversity of Southern Vietnam!
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