Văn hóa Việt Nam: Sức hút khiến nhiều người nước ngoài “phải lòng’’ | Việt Nam hôm nay | VTV24

Key Concepts

• Cultural Attraction of Vietnam: The core theme, focusing on why foreigners are drawn to and choose to live in Vietnam.
• "Vỉa hè" Culture (Sidewalk Culture): The everyday, informal street life that is a significant draw for foreigners.
• Vietnamese Hospitality: The friendliness and welcoming nature of the Vietnamese people.
• Historical Significance: Vietnam’s rich history and struggle for independence as points of interest.
• Culinary Appeal: The diversity, flavor, and affordability of Vietnamese cuisine.
• Cultural Exchange: The growing connection between foreigners and Vietnamese culture, exemplified by language learning and shared experiences.
• Soft Power: Vietnam’s ability to attract and influence through its culture rather than coercion.

Vietnam’s Cultural Magnetism: A Deep Dive into its Appeal for Foreigners

Introduction: Vietnam as a Global Cultural Hub

In an increasingly globalized world, national identity and cultural distinctiveness are becoming key attractions. Vietnam, with its rich history and unique daily life, is emerging as a particularly compelling destination for foreigners. Many are choosing to reside long-term, learning the Vietnamese language, embracing local customs, and integrating into the community. This is driven not by grand monuments alone, but by the authenticity of everyday experiences.

Historical and Cultural Depth

Vietnam boasts a thousand years of history, offering numerous historical and cultural sites for exploration. The inherent kindness of the Vietnamese people is frequently cited as a major draw. A personal anecdote shared in the video illustrates this: a traveler lost their shoes at a temple and received assistance from everyone present in the search. The allure of “văn hóa vỉa hè” (sidewalk culture) – the lively atmosphere and simple pleasures of street life – is particularly appealing, especially in Hanoi. As one individual stated, “I like the sidewalk culture and the bustling atmosphere in the old quarter. Sitting here enjoying food and making friends with everyone.”

Positive International Recognition

Vietnam’s appeal is not merely anecdotal. A recent survey by Internations, a global network for expatriates, ranked Vietnam fifth worldwide as the best country for expats. This ranking is attributed to the Vietnamese people’s friendliness, strong community bonds, and distinct cultural identity. The video emphasizes that for many foreigners, Vietnam has become a second home, a place to live, work, and share their stories with the world.

Everyday Interactions and Cultural Immersion

The video provides a vivid example of daily life through a scene at a street food stall. A conversation about “xôi” (sticky rice) – specifically “xôi vò” (savory sticky rice) and “xôi xéo” (sticky rice with mung bean paste) – highlights the simple joy of interacting with locals and experiencing authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Hugo, a foreigner living in Hanoi, exemplifies this immersion. He finds beauty in the everyday interactions at a “quán trà đá” (iced tea stall), where people from all walks of life mingle without distinction. He notes, “Sitting at a tea stall, I chat with people around me – women, men, students, coffee drinkers, pho eaters – and I appreciate this culture because whether someone is famous or not, rich or poor, everyone sits together and chats with each other. That’s a beautiful cultural point.”

Digital Storytelling and Cultural Exchange

The influence of Vietnamese culture extends to the digital realm. Lilia, a Russian wife, teaches Vietnamese to her husband, Sơn, a Vietnamese man who grew up abroad, documenting their journey on TikTok. Her videos have garnered tens of thousands of views. Lilia states, “My love for Vietnam is that I am the most Vietnamese person. From there, I had the idea that Sơn and I would record TikToks. People are quite surprised that I speak Vietnamese better than him. Even now, there are some words that Sơn still finds very difficult to say. Sometimes teaching Vietnamese to him is quite difficult.” Sơn himself acknowledges, “I am very impressed that she is Russian but speaks Vietnamese fluently like a native speaker.” This exemplifies a reciprocal cultural exchange and a shared love for Vietnam.

Historical Appreciation and Intellectual Engagement

Oriiden, a student from Mozambique, is particularly impressed by Vietnam’s history of national liberation. He chose to study entirely in Vietnamese and won first prize in a political essay competition organized by the Hanoi City Committee. He explains, “When I learn about the history of a country, I will learn about the political system of that country. I have learned a lot of knowledge from the subject of Ho Chi Minh’s ideology to be able to understand Vietnam and the Party’s vision for building the country. What impresses me most is that the Party always puts the interests of the people first.”

Culinary Delights and Natural Beauty

Vietnam’s cuisine is a significant factor in its appeal. A 2025 survey by X Insider revealed that food is among the highest-rated aspects of Vietnam for foreign residents and tourists. The diversity, delicious flavors, and affordability of Vietnamese food are major attractions. Visitors consistently praise “bánh mì” (Vietnamese sandwich) and “phở bò” (beef noodle soup) as standout dishes, often noting their superior quality compared to versions found elsewhere. The video also highlights Vietnam’s stunning natural beauty, with its long coastline, mountainous terrain, and intricate river systems, offering diverse tourism opportunities. One tourist remarks, “We decided to come to Vietnam because it was mentioned a lot by foreign tourists. The nature here is truly magnificent, a different beauty than what I usually see at home.”

Experiential Tourism and Cultural Connection

Foreigners are increasingly seeking authentic cultural experiences beyond typical tourist attractions. They enjoy immersing themselves in rural life, learning about the traditions of ethnic minority groups, and participating in everyday activities like riding motorbikes, drinking coffee on the sidewalk, and shopping at local markets. The video emphasizes the importance of the stories surrounding the food and the daily lives of the people, stating, “Customers like the stories around the dishes they make and enjoy. The stories about the daily life of the people. And those cultural stories around it will be deeply imprinted in the minds of customers during their time traveling in Vietnam.”

Conclusion: A Natural and Enduring Appeal

Vietnam’s attraction lies not in ostentation but in the natural values embedded in daily life. The friendliness and hospitality of the Vietnamese people leave a lasting impression on visitors, making Vietnam a destination for exploration and continued affection. The video concludes that the enduring appeal of Vietnamese culture lies in its authenticity and the fact that traditional values, when cherished and communicated effectively, will maintain a strong position in the flow of globalization. Foreigners are becoming cultural ambassadors, sharing a relatable, humane, and lovable Vietnam with the world.