Exploring Vietnam from the comfort of your own home can be an adventure in itself. Vietnamese culture is fascinating and complex, offering a unique perspective that can enhance your travel experience. In this insider’s guide, we’ll delve into some of Vietnam’s best literature, music, and art, providing you with a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage. So, let’s dive in!
Must-read Vietnamese Books
The Tale of Kiều (by Nguyễn Du)
Nguyễn Du’s “The Tale of Kiều” is one of the most important works of Vietnamese poetry. Set in the 19th century, it tells the story of a beautiful and talented woman who faces great hardship while remaining true to her values. Through this captivating tale, readers gain insight into Vietnam’s early Confucian and Chinese influences. You can watch an animated version of the tale on YouTube or find the book online.
Dumb Luck (by Vũ Trọng Phụng)
Written in 1936 by Vũ Trọng Phụng, “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, offering a humorous perspective on the confusion faced by the middle class during that time. You can find the book online.
Open the Window, Eyes Closed (by Nguyễn Ngọc Thuần)
This award-winning book by Nguyễn Ngọc Thuần offers a delightful slice-of-life approach to Vietnamese childhood in a humble village. Through the eyes and imagination of a ten-year-old, readers are taken on thrilling adventures at the village market, under the coconut trees, and in the forest. You’ll discover that childhood in these rice fields is not so different from your own. Find the book online and immerse yourself in this heartwarming tale.
TIP: Add “Put Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass” (2015) to your movie night list. This film adaptation of a childhood book captures the beauty of rural life in Central Vietnam.
Amazing Vietnamese Music
Ca trù sung poetry
Ca trù is a style of sung poetry found in Northern Vietnam. It features a main female singer who plays the clappers while performing alongside two instrumentalists. Some ca trù performances also include dancing. This vibrant art form is used in worship, entertainment, and royal shows. It has even been recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The songs of Trịnh Công Sơn
Trịnh Công Sơn, a self-taught musician, composed around 600 songs during his lifetime. His simple melodies and creative lyrics have captured the hearts of Vietnamese music lovers since the 1950s. You can enjoy his love ballads at Trịnh Công Sơn-themed cafés in Vietnam, where the nostalgic stereo sets create the perfect ambiance.
Hoàng Thuỳ Linh
Hoàng Thuỳ Linh’s latest album, “Hoang,” infuses contemporary pop with elements of Vietnamese folk music. Her music videos incorporate humor and illustrate traditional rituals, beliefs, and ethnic cultures. By watching her videos, you can also learn more about Vietnamese folklore. Don’t forget to turn on the English subtitles for a fully immersive experience.
Thought-provoking Vietnamese Artists
Nguyễn Gia Trí
Nguyễn Gia Trí is a master of Vietnamese lacquer painting. His intricate multi-panel pieces often took years to complete. While his paintings can be found in galleries around the world, one of his most prized works, “Spring Garden of the Central, South, and North,” is displayed at the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum. It is considered one of Vietnam’s eight protected national art treasures.
Mai Trung Thứ
Mai Trung Thứ, one of the first graduates from the École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine in colonial Hanoi, is known for his silk paintings depicting scenes of rural Vietnam. Combining Western painting techniques with Vietnamese elements, his artwork offers a unique perspective on Vietnamese culture. You can view more colonial-era Vietnamese art on the website of the National Fine Arts Museum.
Thành Chương
Thành Chương’s paintings capture the essence of everyday life in the Vietnamese countryside, often featuring shepherd boys and their buffalos. His works can be found at Thành Chương Việt Palace, located just outside of Hanoi. This cultural heritage spot showcases fascinating Vietnamese architecture and a collection of captivating artworks.
TIP: Explore the virtual exhibit “Vietnam: New Winds” on Google Arts & Culture for more contemporary art from Vietnam.
Inspiring TV Shows on Vietnam
Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father (Season 01, Episode 05 & 06)
Join the hilarious father-and-son duo, Jack and Michael Whitehall, as they explore the Ancient Town of Hội An in Vietnam. This leg of their trip serves as a stunning introduction to the country. From navigating wooden boats in Hội An’s waters to embarking on urban adventures in Hanoi, these episodes offer a unique perspective on Vietnamese culture and travel.
Street Food (Episode 07)
In this episode of the Netflix original series “Street Food,” take a culinary journey through Southern Vietnam. From snail shops that stay open all night to an 80-year-old bánh mì vendor, you’ll be treated to a mouthwatering experience. Learn about the history behind every dish so you can be prepared for your own culinary adventures in Vietnam, Asia’s Leading Culinary Destination.
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (Season 08, Episode 01)
Anthony Bourdain’s love for Vietnamese cuisine is well-documented. In this episode, which starts in Hanoi, Bourdain and Barack Obama share a meal of bún chả. Throughout the episode, the legendary chef visits iconic food stalls in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, explores fresh-caught grilled squid in Hạ Long Bay, and teaches the former president how to handle noodles. It’s a feast for the senses and a window into Vietnam’s vibrant food culture.
So there you have it—an insider’s guide to Vietnamese books, music, and art. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam from your own home, and start planning your future visit to experience it firsthand. Remember to sign up for our newsletter to receive more inspiring travel ideas in your inbox. Happy exploring!