In folk belief across Vietnam's southwestern region, five-toed pigs are associated with bad luck. When farmers discover a pig with this unusual trait, they often bring the animal to a Buddhist temple.

Born and raised in the former province of Soc Trang (which was later merged with Can Tho city), Lam Thi Hau has always loved the traditional dances and costumes of her ethnic group.

The 2026 celebration of Chol Chnam Thmay unfolded across southern Vietnam in a warm and uplifting atmosphere, reflecting both cultural vibrancy and a deep sense of care from central to local authorities.

The traditional Chôl Chnăm Thmây is not only the most important New Year celebration for the Khmer community in southern Vietnam, but also a vibrant convergence of cultural and spiritual values.

In a letter dated April 10 for Chol Chnam Thmay, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung said Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups form a unified nation, with the Khmer community as an integral part.

Improved livelihoods and sustained policy support are bringing renewed optimism to Khmer communities across southern Vietnam ahead of their traditional New Year.

The Ok Om Bok Festival, a traditional cultural event of the Khmer ethnic community and a recognised national intangible cultural heritage, was held on November 5 at the Ao Ba Om national historical and scenic site in Vinh Long province.

At age 84, Venerable Chau Ty continues teaching the sacred art of palm-leaf scripture carving, safeguarding Khmer Buddhist heritage in modern Vietnam.

From a Khmer boy in Tra Cu who once dropped out after ninth grade, Tang Van Thon earned his PhD in Cambodia and returned to teach at Tra Vinh University. He now works to preserve and promote Khmer language and culture.

Nam Son Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh City’s only Khmer temple, draws visitors with its golden design, giant Nagas, and sacred atmosphere atop Nui Lon.

Khmer artist in Can Tho clings to a vanishing tradition of reverse glass painting rooted in spirituality.

Recognized as national heritage, the Khmer rom vong dance blends ritual, romance, and tradition.

This Southern Vietnamese art form lives on through sacred lyrics and spontaneous storytelling.

At Can Tho’s most beautiful temple, priceless treasures of the Khmer community are preserved. The temple has supported over a thousand students, many of whom have become doctors and directors.

Tra Vinh’s Chua Hang is home to rare birds and intricate wood sculptures born from ancient trees.

Som Rong Pagoda in Soc Trang blends spiritual serenity with Khmer architecture and a record-breaking Buddha statue.

When the rainy season ends, Khmer communities in Bay Nui, An Giang, eagerly prepare their tools to harvest sugar palm sap, signaling the start of the traditional sugar-making season.

In Soc Trang, a Khmer elder creates a one-of-a-kind house to preserve Buddhist culture.

Centuries-old palm leaf manuscripts held sacred by the Khmer people in An Giang Province are not only religious texts but also living legacies of craftsmanship, philosophy, and cultural identity.