Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage has given rise to a diverse and dynamic creative scene, from traditional folk arts to contemporary visual arts. Vietnamese art is influenced by geography, history, religion, and external cultural influences. In recent years, Vietnam has emerged as a hub for contemporary art, drawing attention from collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. This deep dive explores Vietnam’s art and culture, including its historical and cultural context, influential artists and creative movements, and current state of the art scene.

Discover the 7 Artistic Forms to Experience in Vietnam

Vietnam, a country once devastated by war, has emerged as a popular tourist destination in recent years. With stunning natural landscapes, delicious cuisine, rich cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, French colonial influences, and vibrant cities, there’s so much to see and do. 

Don’t miss out on the art and craft scene, which combines centuries-old traditions with contemporary elements. Vietnam is also an affordable destination with an overwhelming variety and quality of art and craft. Check out Artisera’s top 7 art styles to experience in Vietnam.

Lacquerware

Vietnamese lacquerware is a unique art form known for its intricate layering technique. It’s a time-consuming process that can take up to 100 days and 20 stages to complete. The high-gloss lacquer is applied to a wooden base and adorned with materials such as mother-of-pearl, duck egg shells, gold, or silver leaves. 

The Nam Ngu District of Hanoi has a long history of producing specialized lacquerware, dating back to the 18th century. Lacquered items have been found in ancient Vietnamese tombs as far back as 3rd-4th centuries BC. Initially, lacquerware was limited to black, red, and brown colors, but over time, more pigments were introduced, leading to a variety of home decor accessories in vibrant hues.

Lacquer Paintings

Lacquer Paintings are a distinctive art form that originated in Vietnam. In 1925, Ecole des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine (now Vietnam University of Fine Arts) introduced lacquer to paintings, blending Vietnamese traditions with Western painting techniques. This genre experienced a revolution in the 1930s. 

Vietnamese lacquer paintings are long-lasting due to their complex creation process. They can be purchased in busy tourist areas or established galleries in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with varying quality and prices ranging from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. Cong Quoc Ha is an internationally renowned living artist and one of Vietnam’s finest lacquer painters.

Silk Paintings

Vietnamese silk paintings are known for their elegance, softness, transparency of colors, and fluidity of style, distinct from Chinese and Japanese styles. Traditionally, a silk canvas serves as the backdrop for the painting, depicting landscapes, pagodas, rural life, and historical events. The combination of delicate hues and the silk background creates a magical effect. 

Mastery of the material is required for artists to use silk’s natural sheen and attractiveness. Silk paintings are available at art galleries and souvenir shops in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with prices varying based on quality, aesthetic appeal, and skill of the painter.

Lanterns in Hoi An

Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage city in central Vietnam, is famous for its lanterns. During the day, the colourful lanterns brighten up the Ancient Town, while at night, thousands of lanterns reflecting their light on the nearby river create a magical atmosphere. The silk and brocade lanterns have been popular since the 16th and 17th centuries when merchant ships exchanged goods in the bustling commercial centre. 

Hanging the lanterns was considered to bring luck, health, and happiness. Today, these lanterns remain popular due to their aesthetic appeal, durability, and ease of maintenance. Prices vary based on size, colour, and quality of fabric, and they make for a great purchase as they are easy to fold and carry in a suitcase.

Hand Embroidery

Hand embroidery is an ancient art form in Vietnam, with a history of over 700 years. It is still practiced by local artisans, ethnic minorities, and artists today. The embroidery technique is characterized by the use of tiny threads to create fine lines in a harmonious mix of vibrant colors, often used to create decorative accessories such as pillowcases, tablecloths, and silk embroidered paintings. 

The dominant themes depicted are flowers, animals, landscapes, and religious scenes. Tan My Design, a family-run enterprise in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, is considered one of the finest producers of traditional Vietnamese hand-embroidered products.

Ceramics and Pottery

Vietnam has a long tradition of ceramic making, dating back to the Ly Dynasty. The style of Vietnamese ceramics is distinctive and highly regarded, and has been influenced by China, Cambodia, and India. Bat Trang Ceramic Village is a must-visit destination for those interested in the country’s ceramic art, while Reaching Out in Hoi An offers a selection of beautiful ceramic products.

Contemporary Art

Vietnam’s contemporary art scene is diverse and explosive, with works ranging from dramatic landscapes to edgy contemporary creations. Vietnamese artists have gained international recognition in recent decades, with their works being shown in various countries. The Gang of Five was among the first Vietnamese artists to gain global recognition in the 1990s. Tourist shops in Vietnam now sell affordable art.

For those interested in purchasing works by Vietnam’s established and renowned artists, the upscale galleries lining the streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter are a good place to start. Vietnamese art is surprisingly affordable compared to other countries, including India.

Performing Arts in Vietnam

Performing arts have a rich history in Vietnam, with various traditional art forms that have been passed down through generations. One of the most well-known forms of performing arts in Vietnam is the Water Puppetry, which originated in the 11th century in the Red River Delta region. 

Water Puppetry involves the use of wooden puppets that are operated by puppeteers who stand waist-deep in water, with the stage set in the middle of a pool. Other traditional performing arts include Cai Luong, a form of musical theatre that originated in Southern Vietnam, and Tuong, a classical form of Vietnamese opera.

Dances of Vietnam

Vietnamese folk dance is also very popular, with many different styles reflecting the country’s diverse regions and ethnic groups. These dances are often performed during festivals and celebrations, and some of the most well-known include the bamboo pole dance, the scarf dance, and the hat dance. 

Modern dance has also gained popularity in Vietnam, with many young people taking up ballet, contemporary, and hip-hop styles. Overall, dance is an important part of Vietnam’s cultural heritage and continues to thrive in both traditional and contemporary forms.

Music in Vietnam

Vietnamese music has a rich heritage and includes almost 50 national instruments. It is mostly of three kinds: folk, imperial, and Ca Tru chamber music. Visitors can enjoy an authentic Vietnamese dance and music show at the Phuong Bao Music Centre in Ho Chi Minh City, with ticket prices ranging between VND 320,000 and VND 380,000.

Martial Arts in Vietnam

While not as widely recognized as Chinese or Japanese martial arts, Vietnamese martial arts are gaining global recognition. Although heavily influenced by Chinese martial arts, it still maintains a unique identity. 

Vo Thuat, as it’s known in Vietnam, is deeply rooted in spiritual discipline with its philosophy influenced by Buddhism and Taoism. It is renowned for its scissor kicks.

Water Puppetry in Vietnam

Mua Roi, a Vietnamese art form featuring wooden puppets in water, has been recognized as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. The puppets, manipulated by long poles under the water stage, depict Vietnam’s diverse traditions.

 To witness this unique art form, you can attend a water puppet show at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre in Ho Chi Minh City for approximately VND 230,000.

Culture of Vietnam

Vietnam’s culture is influenced by China, neighbouring Cambodia, and France. The country was under Chinese rule for a long time, leading to similarities in culture with China. It is also considered a melting pot of migrants from China, Japan, Taiwan, and Korea.

Elements of Cambodian culture were assimilated through the acquisition of parts of the Khmer regime. The French colonial influence is also evident in Vietnam, seen in the use of the Latin alphabet, the rise of Catholicism, and the prevalence of bread and pastries in food.

Religion in Vietnam

The major religions in Vietnam are Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, and the people also follow ancestor worship. Vietnam has various Buddhist and Confucianist temples, as well as the unique Cao Dai Temple, where people of all faiths take part in ceremonies. 

Catholicism has also gained popularity due to French colonialism, with the Notre-Dame Basilica in Ho Chi Minh City being a notable example. There are also a few Hindu temples in Vietnam, such as the Mariamman Temple, which is popular among the minority Hindu chams group.

Traditional Clothing in Vietnam

Vietnam’s traditional clothing style, influenced by the rule of various dynasties, has undergone changes throughout history. The Ao Dai is a traditional garment that has stood the test of time and is mostly worn by women now. Western clothing styles have become more popular in Vietnam, and the Ao Dai is now worn mostly on special occasions or as a uniform. 

The Non-La, a conical hat, is another traditional Vietnamese apparel that has become a hallmark of the country’s culture. Travelers to Vietnam should consider buying the Ao Dai and Non-La as souvenirs, with the Ao Dai starting from VND 500,000 and the Non-La available for just VND 25,000.

Languages in Vietnam

Vietnamese is the dominant language in Vietnam, influenced by Chinese, French, and other languages. English is spoken well in urban areas, but tourists may face language barriers in rural areas. 

Other languages such as Tay, Khmer, Muong, and Cham are spoken by ethnic groups, and Chinese and French are also understood.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Vietnam’s art and culture scene is a fascinating mix of traditional and modern influences. From the ancient art of calligraphy to the vibrant water puppet shows and the booming contemporary art scene, Vietnam has something to offer for every art enthusiast. The country’s rich history and diverse ethnic groups have contributed to the development of unique cultural traditions, which are preserved and celebrated to this day. Visitors to Vietnam can explore its art and culture through various forms such as music, dance, theater, martial arts, and handicrafts. The country’s cultural landmarks and festivals also offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s past and present.