Vietnam’s Major Religions: Beliefs, Culture, Policy

A video proposing a list of major religions in Vietnam, which may include some information differing from articles due to the author’s perspective.

Major Religions in Vietnam: Beliefs, Culture, and the Policy of Religious Freedom

 

                Vietnam, a multicultural nation with thousands of years of history, is a vibrant melting pot of diverse faiths and religions. An estimated 25-27% of Vietnam’s population adheres to organized religions, while approximately 73-75% identify as non-religious but still maintain traditional folk belief practices. Currently, over 20 different religions are recognized in Vietnam, with seven being the largest in terms of followers and influence.

According to statistics from the Government of Vietnam, here are the seven major religions:

 

 

 

EXPLORE VIETNAM’S SPIRITUAL LANDSCAPE:

 

• Buddhism: The Path to Peaceful Enlightenment – Exploring its global presence and significant role in Vietnam.
• Catholicism: Faith in the Savior – Understanding its history and various branches, including its standing in Vietnam.
• Caodaism: The Synthesis of Faiths – Delving into this unique indigenous religion and its comprehensive doctrines.
• Hoa Hao Buddhism: The Philosophy of Lay Practice at Home – Discovering this distinct Buddhist sect from Southern Vietnam.
• Protestantism: Strong Growth in Highland Regions – Examining its presence and development across the country.
• Islam: The Faith of the Cham Community – Focusing on its practice primarily within the Cham ethnic group.
• Brahmanism: The Ancient Heritage of the Cham People – Highlighting this traditional belief system of the Cham.
• The Role of Religion in Beliefs and Faith in Vietnam – How faith shapes ethics, preserves culture, and fosters community.
• Vietnam’s Policy on Religious Freedom – Understanding the legal framework, recognition, and implementation of religious rights.

 

 

 

 

NOW, LET’S DIVE INTO THE HEART OF VIETNAM’S FAITHS:

 

 

 

I. Buddhism: The Path to Peaceful Enlightenment

 

 

 

1. Brief Overview:
   • Buddhism was founded by a prince (born in a kingdom partly in India or Nepal, around the 4th-6th centuries BCE) who later became Siddhartha Gautama, the Great Buddha.
   • It is one of the world’s largest religions (the fourth-largest globally, accounting for about 7% of the population).
   • Buddhism is divided into two major branches:
     • Theravada (Lesser Vehicle / Southern Buddhism / Original Buddhism): Known as the “small chariot,” it was initially propagated by the Buddha among lower urban classes in South and Southeast Asia (South India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos…). Followers of this branch consider the Buddha a real human being whom they respect and whose moral example they follow.
     • Mahayana (Great Vehicle / Northern Buddhism): Known as the “great chariot,” it originated among aristocratic classes in North India and later spread to East Asia (Vietnam, China, Korea, Japan…). The Mahayana school historically differentiated itself from Theravada, considering its own branch superior. Upon spreading to East Asia, it underwent transformations to align with local cultures.
     • Note: Within Mahayana Buddhism, there is also a significant branch called Vajrayana / Tantric Buddhism, primarily developed in Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan.
   • Buddhist Calendar: As of 2025, it is the year 2569 in the Buddhist calendar.

 

1. Buddhism in Vietnam:
   • Currently, there are about 9-10 million Vietnamese Buddhists (approximately 9-12% of the total population). The exact time Buddhism arrived in Vietnam is debated. Some sources suggest it came in the 3rd century CE from China, while others propose it arrived from India by sea in the 2nd or 3rd century BCE.

 

 

 

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II. Catholicism: Faith in the Savior

 

 

 

1. Brief Overview:
   • Christianity originated in the Middle East (likely Jerusalem) and subsequently spread widely to Europe through various historical events. Today, it is one of the world’s largest religions.
   • Throughout its complex history, this religion eventually divided into major branches (all of which consider the Old and New Testaments as the fundamental philosophical, doctrinal, and conventional basis of the Bible):
     • Roman Catholicism: Holding the most global influence, it is led by the Vatican, with the Pope as its head. Followers worship the Holy Trinity (Father – Son – Holy Spirit), referring to God as Jesus. It has strict religious laws, deifying and venerating Jesus as a legendary figure. Priests are the clergy, practicing absolute celibacy. The faithful are called Christians. Churches feature the crucifix and images/statues of Jesus and saints.
     • Eastern Orthodoxy: Separated in the 11th century, it is prevalent in Eastern European countries. This branch has its own patriarchs and also worships the Holy Trinity.
     • Oriental Orthodoxy: With approximately 60-80 million followers, it developed in Armenia, Syria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Kerala (India).
     • Protestantism: Separated in the 16th century, it is now spreading worldwide. It worships the Holy Trinity, considering Jesus a real figure but not deified. Its religious laws are less strict than Roman Catholicism. Pastors can marry. The faithful are called Protestants. Churches primarily feature the cross.
     • Note: Numerous smaller denominations exist within these branches, such as Anglicanism, which is similar to Roman Catholicism but does not recognize the authority of the Vatican, or religious orders like the Jesuits and Baptists.
2. Christianity in Vietnam:
   • Christianity was first introduced to Vietnam in the 16th century by Western missionaries. Currently, there are an estimated 7 million Christians in Vietnam in general.
   • Note: Depending on the classification in Vietnam, Roman Catholicism may be considered a separate religion (Catholicism or Christianity), with about 5.6 – 6 million followers, ranking second in number. Protestantism has around 0.9 – 1 million followers, making it the fourth-largest religion. Orthodox Christianity has a very small number of adherents, mainly Russians and Eastern Europeans working in Vietnam.

 

 

 

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III. Caodaism: The Synthesis of Faiths

 

 

• Established in 1926 in Tay Ninh province by Mr. Ngô Minh Chiếu and other founders. It considers the “Supreme Being” or “Highest Lord” as the supreme deity and is an indigenous Vietnamese religion.
• The sacred place for this religion is the Cao Dai Holy See with its unique architecture.
• The left Eye of the Supreme Being is the official symbol of this religion.
• According to government estimates, there are about 4.4 million followers (potentially up to 6 million if overseas Vietnamese communities are included). Most followers reside in Southern Vietnam.
• This religion is based on a syncretism of various Eastern and Western beliefs and religions (Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, Christianity, folk beliefs…). Caodaists accept other religions as integral to the formation of Caodaism.
• Caodaism posits itself as “the only true religion created by God in the third and final era to save humanity.”
• Note: Caodaism considers itself a synthesis of global religions, philosophies, theologies, and beliefs, thus not rejecting but selectively incorporating their positive aspects.

 

 

 

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IV. Hoa Hao Buddhism: The Philosophy of Lay Practice at Home

 

 

• Hoa Hao Buddhism was founded in southern Vietnam in 1939 by Mr. Huỳnh Phú Sổ.
• As a Buddhist sect, it is based on the motto “Learn Buddha – Cultivate Oneself” and advocates for lay practice at home. This religion combines Buddhist principles with the prophetic verses written by Huỳnh Phú Sổ.
• Believers consider Huỳnh Phú Sổ a prophet destined to protect Vietnam and save humanity from suffering.
• According to government estimates, there are over 1.4 million followers, primarily in the southwestern provinces of Vietnam (An Giang, Can Tho, Dong Thap). It is the fourth-largest religion in Vietnam.

 

 

 

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V. Protestantism: Strong Growth in Highland Regions

 

 

• According to the Vietnamese government’s classification, Protestantism is an influential religion, ranking fifth in terms of followers in Vietnam.
• It is estimated to have around 1 million followers, mainly concentrated in the Central Highlands region.
• (Similar to the description in the Christianity section regarding doctrines and practices).

 

 

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VI. Islam: The Faith of the Cham Community

 

 

• Mostly practiced by the Cham ethnic group living in some central provinces (Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, Dong Nai…), with approximately 60-75 thousand followers.
• Note: The Cham Muslim community in Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan has distinct characteristics, with fewer rigid rituals and limited connection to international Islam. Another segment in the southern provinces maintains more traditional Islamic practices with stricter rules.

 

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VII. Brahmanism: The Ancient Heritage of the Cham People

 

 

• Primarily followed by about half of the Cham ethnic group (originating from India but adapted to Cham customs and traditions). There are approximately 40-50 thousand followers.

 

The Role of Religion in Beliefs and Faith in Vietnam

 

In Vietnam, religion is not merely a personal conviction but plays a profound role in the cultural and spiritual life of communities:

• Shaping Ethics and Values: Major religions like Buddhism, Catholicism, Caodaism, and Hoa Hao Buddhism all emphasize moral values such as compassion, kindness, responsibility, filial piety, and social harmony. These doctrines contribute significantly to shaping character, lifestyles, and ethical standards in Vietnamese society.
• Preserving Culture and Heritage: Religious practices, rituals, and festivals are an inseparable part of Vietnamese cultural identity. Temples (chùa chiền), churches (nhà thờ), Holy Sees (thánh thất), and other places of worship are not just religious sites but also valuable architectural and historical landmarks, reflecting the country’s rich heritage. They serve as places for preserving and transmitting traditional cultural values across generations.
• Fostering Community Bonds and Interaction: Religious ceremonies, charitable activities, and festivals are occasions for adherents and communities to gather, interact, and strengthen connections. Religious organizations often participate in social and humanitarian activities, contributing to building national unity.
• Providing Spiritual Support and Guidance: Religion offers comfort, hope, and direction for many people in life. It provides a belief system to cope with difficulties, seek meaning in life, and strive for a higher purpose.
• Intertwining with Folk Beliefs: While distinct, organized religions often coexist and intertwine with Vietnam’s rich tapestry of traditional folk beliefs, such as ancestor worship, belief in tutelary deities, worship of Mother Goddesses (thờ Mẫu), and reverence for natural forces. This combination creates a unique, multicolored spiritual landscape.

 

 

Vietnam’s Policy on Religious Freedom

 

 

 

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The Vietnamese Constitution and laws officially recognize and protect the right to freedom of belief and religion for all its citizens. This policy is reflected through several key aspects:

• Legal Framework: The Law on Belief and Religion (2016) and subsequent guiding decrees aim to institutionalize the constitutional right to religious freedom, providing a legal framework for religious organizations and activities.
• Recognition and Registration: Religious organizations are recognized and granted operational licenses by the state, allowing them to conduct activities within the legal framework. Currently, over 20 religions and more than 40 religious organizations are recognized.
• Protection of Religious Activities: The government states its commitment to ensuring that religious activities are conducted freely within the bounds of the law, without discrimination. This includes the right to practice faith, participate in religious ceremonies, and build or renovate places of worship.
• Challenges and Dialogue: While the policy affirms religious freedom, international human rights organizations sometimes raise concerns about its practical implementation, including issues related to registration processes, state oversight, and restrictions on certain religious groups or activities deemed to violate national security or social order. The Vietnamese government often engages in dialogue with international partners to address these concerns, reiterating its commitment to religious freedom while emphasizing the need to uphold national laws.

Essentially, Vietnam’s approach to religion is a balance between respecting individual freedom of belief and managing religious affairs within a framework that prioritizes social stability and national security.

 

 

 

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