As the festive spirit of the Lunar New Year fills every corner of Vietnam, this episode of Culture Mosaic brings you heartfelt stories of tradition and identity. From young people learning to cook classic Tết dishes, to French-Vietnamese filmmaker François Bibonne rediscovering his roots through cinema, and an Australian guest experiencing Tết inside a local home. All this and more on this week's Culture Mosaic.
Generations of artisans have preserved the delicate craft of silver carving. Today, skilled craftsmen are working to revive the tradition - combining time-honoured techniques with new designs to keep the glow of this heritage craft alive.
In Cường Village, Hưng Yên, generations of artisans have preserved the traditional craft of bamboo blind weaving. Using simple tools and locally sourced bamboo, they create durable and elegant blinds that reflect the ingenuity of Việt Nam’s rural craftsmanship.
The vibrant beats of the Chhay-dăm drum dance, a traditional performance, echo through festivals and community gatherings. More than just music and dance, the art form reflects cultural identity and heritage, with dedicated artisans and performers working to preserve its powerful rhythm for younger generations.
The former imperial capital of Huế was once a dazzling land of grandeur, bustling with horse-drawn carriages and flourishing handicrafts. But as time passed, many traditional crafts disappeared into the rhythm of modern life. But still, a few artisans continued to preserve some of Huế's rarest trades, such as crafting parasols and making xăm hường, a centuries-old dice game.
In many parts of Việt Nam, community-based tourism is growing alongside efforts to protect nature. By preserving forests, wildlife, and local ecosystems, communities not only safeguard biodiversity but also create sustainable livelihoods. This story explores how conservation and tourism are working together to support both people and the environment.
What defines the soul of Vietnamese coffee beyond the caffeine? In this episode of Flavours and Beyond, we explore how a bean introduced from afar evolved into a cultural cornerstone, tracing the journey of coffee from a slow-dripping tradition to a modern symbol of a nation's enduring spirit and innovation.