Vietnam History and Culture

Vietnam has undergone a surprisingly long-lasting history, and has been considered as one of the earliest cradles of mankind. Up to now, all historic documentations have been given to prove this. According to some archaeological excavations of fossils – which are thought to belong to the Stone Age, the human life started in Vietnam about 10,000 to 30,000 years ago. Furthermore, the vestiges of the historic period of the Hung Kings have revealed that Vietnam was one of the very first countries.

Generally, the historical periods of Vietnam history can be divided into three main categories: Period of Northern Kingdom’s domination; Period of National construction and defense for Independence in feudal time; and Period of National Independence and socialism. It’s the glorious victories of Vietnamese people against the aggressive and invaders for independence that have made Vietnam known by the world a heroic nation. Especially, the Great Victory over American in Spring 1975 was an important milestone, which turned the history page of Vietnam into a new period of independence and freedom. Since then, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam was born with Hanoi as the capital.

Endowed with a long and rich heritage, the Vietnamese culture is deeply stamped with national pride. Typically, famous ancient cultures comprise the Do Mountain Culture, followed by the Son Vi Culture founded over 10,000 years ago, then by the Hoa Binh - Bac Son Culture. Besides, the Dong Son Culture also received the most brilliant development and was deeply connected with the Red River civilization.

In spite of historical contingencies, there are still approximately 7,300 preserved historic and cultural sites over Vietnam, from which 1,500 have been listed as national sites such as the relics of Hung King, Co Loa Citadel (Dong Anh – Hanoi), an ancient citadel of Hue, My Son Cultural Heritage Site, etc.

Additionally, specific features of Vietnamese culture are reflected in other forms such as legends, festivals, traditional theater, water puppetry, music, dances and custom practices (funerals, weddings, chewing betel and areca nut, smoking lao tobacco, etc.). For example, respecting the elderly and always announcing your presence when entering someone’s home are prominent cultural trait of Vietnam.