Ethnography Abroad: Vietnam

We will travel to Vietnam for 2 weeks: January 25th – February 11th for the “Celebration of God” at the Cao Dai Holy See in Tay Ninh and the Rằm tháng giêng (First Full Moon) in Da Nang.

  1. The Cao Dai Festival Commemorating God (4 days).  We will have “behind the scenes” access to one of the most elaborate religious festivals in the world as we join tens of thousands of Cao Dai faithful as they celebrate God.  The Cao Dai merge Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity, and Spiritism into one universal religion.  Founded in 1926 and with over 6 million followers, it is among the 20 largest religions in the world.

2. Hoi An (2 days): 15th Century Vietnamese-Chinese-Japanese-French trading port, and widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

3. Da Nang (5 days): The Vibrant Commercial Hub of Central Vietnam, with beautiful buddhist temples and one of the best beaches in the world.

In Da Nang you will have the opportunity to:

  • see one of the fastest growing cities in Vietnam
  • see the amazing early-morning exercise culture
  • relax or surf one of the world’s best beaches, My Khe
  • visit the ancient Hindu temples of Mỹ Sơn
  • see the towering Lady Buddha statue at Linh Ung Pagoda
  • explore the sacred caverns of the Marble Mountains
  • Observe the Buddhist First Full Moon, Rằm tháng giêng
  • Visit Ba Na Hills and the Golden Hands Bridge

Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) in Danang, Vietnam - Travel Guide

Magnificent Marble Mountain Tour | Da Nang, Vietnam

4. Saigon (2 days).  Explore the iconic city, the largest in Vietnam.  Enjoy amazing street food, check out the markets, and explore the religious temples of many different religions.