Top 7 Major Religions in Vietnam

Protestantism is a branch of Christianity that emerged during the Reformation, distinguishing itself from the Catholic Church. It is one of the Abrahamic religions. Protestantism was introduced to Vietnam in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, making it a relatively late arrival compared to other foreign religions.

In Vietnam, Protestant followers steadfastly adhere to the Bible as the only foundation for faith and practice, using it as their primary doctrine. Although they believe in Heaven and Hell, they do not focus on these as tools for moral persuasion or punishment. Instead, they emphasize ethical living, promoting cultural values, rejecting superstitions, and encouraging a life free from vices like gambling, drug abuse, and immoral behavior. This approach has made Protestantism increasingly popular in Vietnam.

Estimates suggest that Protestantism has between 1 and 1.4 million adherents in Vietnam, making it one of the fastest-growing and most stable religions in the country.

Number of followers: 1 - 1.4 million people (2021)

Hoa Hao Buddhism is a religion that originated in the southern region of Vietnam in 1939. It has a large following and is one of the legally recognized religious organizations in the country. The founder, Huynh Phu So, came from Hoa Hao village, Tan Chau district, Chau Doc province, now known as Phu My town, Phu Tan district, An Giang province.

As a reformist and socially engaged religion, Hoa Hao Buddhism emphasizes social charity and welfare. The church's charter outlines the guiding principle of its mission: "For the Dharma, For the Nation." Its teachings focus on the Four Gratitudes: Gratitude to ancestors and parents, Gratitude to the country, Gratitude to the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha), and Gratitude to fellow humans. Followers observe eight commandments, including helping those in need, supporting funeral and wedding ceremonies, and engaging in charitable work.

The most notable activity of Hoa Hao Buddhists is their extensive involvement in social charity, including organizing medical care such as traditional Đông medicine treatments, distributing medicine, acupuncture, assisting poor patients with eye surgery, and providing support to families who have lost loved ones, with annual contributions reaching tens of billions of VND. They also actively participate in disaster relief efforts, infrastructure projects, and building homes for disadvantaged families, contributing millions of VND and thousands of volunteer workdays.

Number of followers: nearly 1.3 million (2021)

Brahmanism was introduced to the Champa Kingdom around the 2nd to 3rd century and has evolved within the Cham community up until today. The primary followers of Brahmanism are the Cham people, mostly residing in Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan provinces. The beliefs and laws of Cham Brahmanism do not follow a clear system, as they have been localized and adapted to the customs and traditions of the Cham people.

In Brahmanism, Brahman is regarded as the supreme god, representing the soul of the universe. Brahmanism also incorporates elements of totemism, such as the worship of cows, monkeys, and certain trees. The religion honors three main deities: Brahman, the creator god; Vishnu, the preserver god; and Shiva, the destroyer god. Overall, Brahmanism has had a significant impact on the spiritual life of the Cham people in Central Southern Vietnam.

Over time, Brahmanism was gradually localized, with Cham gods such as Pô Naga, the Mother of the Land, and two revered kings, Pô Klong Garai and Pô Rômê, becoming central figures in their religious practice.

Number of followers: Over 68,000 people (with over 48,000 in Ninh Thuan and nearly 20,000 in Binh Thuan) (2021)

The majority of Islamic followers in Vietnam are Cham people, although one-third of Muslims in the country belong to other ethnic groups. Islam was introduced to the Cham people from the Middle East. Islam worldwide is divided into two main branches: Sunni and Shiite, with Cham Muslims primarily following the Sunni branch, which is dominant in An Giang. These Muslims maintain connections with the global Muslim community, and many make the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. Each village with a Muslim population typically has its own mosque. The Cham people refer to these Muslims as the 'new Muslims.'

The Cham Muslim community follows orthodox Islamic practices, worshiping only Allah. They pray at least once a week, and generally five times a day. Male followers perform ablutions and dress appropriately before attending Friday prayers at the mosque or community gatherings, while female followers pray at home. They strictly adhere to the teachings and laws of Islam, fulfilling their religious duties such as fasting during Ramadan.

Number of followers: Approximately 25,000 people (2021)

Main areas: Predominantly in Ho Chi Minh City and An Giang

Vietnamese Catholicism is part of the global Catholic Church, under the leadership of local bishops in Vietnam, in communion with the Pope. With over 7.2 million followers (2022), Vietnam ranks fifth in Asia in terms of the percentage of Catholics in its population (after East Timor, the Philippines, Lebanon, and South Korea). In terms of the absolute number of Catholics, Vietnam is fifth in Asia (after the Philippines, India, China, and Indonesia).

The spread of Catholicism in Vietnam began in the early 16th century (1533), but it wasn’t until the early 17th century that the faith began to establish initial contacts through trade with Westerners. However, it wasn’t until the signing of the 1884 Treaty of Giap Than with the imperial court of Hue that Catholicism began to grow rapidly and publicly in Vietnam.

The central figure of worship in Catholicism is Jesus Christ. Catholics believe that Jesus Christ became human, preached the Gospel, and brought joy and peace to the world. Although humanity initially disobeyed God, Christ's mission was to save people from their sins.

Catholics draw strength and life from God. Those who have faith in Christ are protected, loved, and entrusted with the Gospel to bring salvation and blessings to the souls of the lost.

Number of followers: Over 7.2 million (2022)

Buddhism is a religion or philosophical system that originated in India, encompassing teachings and doctrines about the nature of the world, human existence, and the understanding of natural, spiritual, and societal phenomena.

Buddhism was introduced to Vietnam very early, around the 1st century BC, with the first records linked to the legendary story of Chử Đồng Tử, who learned the teachings of an Indian monk.

The founder of Buddhism is Prince Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha), born in 624 BCE. Although living a life of royalty, Siddhartha recognized the suffering and impermanence of life and decided to renounce his princely title in search of the causes of suffering and the method to overcome it, ultimately aiming for liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Buddhist philosophy teaches individuals to live with a sense of purpose, building a good and happy life in the present. Buddha believed that human life follows the law of Cause and Effect: the more good deeds one performs, the more merits one accumulates; conversely, bad deeds will lead to consequences.

Buddhism has two main branches:

• Mahayana Buddhism (the Great Vehicle) originated from Northern India and spread to Tibet, China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. This branch believes that not only monks but also lay Buddhists can reach the Western Paradise. It is often referred to as Northern Buddhism and is mainly practiced in Northern Vietnam.
• Theravada Buddhism (the Lesser Vehicle) originated from Southern India and spread to Southeast Asia. It believes that only monks can attain the Western Paradise. This branch is mainly practiced in Southern Vietnam and is also called Southern Buddhism.

Despite the distinction between Mahayana and Theravada, the ultimate goal of Buddhism remains the same: to help individuals break free from the cycle of rebirth and attain lasting happiness in the Western Paradise.

Number of followers: Over 4.6 million (2020)

Cao Dai, also known as Cao Daiism, is a religion that worships the Supreme God, founded in Southern Vietnam in 1926. The term "Cao Dai" literally means "a high place," symbolizing the highest realm where the Supreme God resides. Out of reverence, some followers refer to their religion as "The Way of Heaven."

Cao Dai is a modern religion that blends elements from several major belief systems, including Buddhism, Confucianism, Islam, Taoism, Christianity, Shintoism, and influences from notable political leaders. As such, when asked who Cao Dai worships, the first answer is the Supreme God, followed by other revered figures. Followers adhere to basic principles such as refraining from killing, living virtuously, fostering harmony, helping others, and practicing ancestor worship. These beliefs are expressed through daily prayers, vegetarianism, and devotion to Buddha, aiming to bring peace and happiness to all beings. Ultimately, the goal is to help all creatures escape the cycle of reincarnation and return to the Celestial Realm.

The symbol of Cao Dai is the left eye, also known as the "Heavenly Eye." In the main hall of the Cao Dai Holy See in Tay Ninh, the Heavenly Eye is surrounded by 3,027 stars, symbolizing 3,072 planets.

Number of followers: Approximately 2.3 million

Main regions: Tay Ninh, as well as Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta provinces.