Khmer People in Vietnam: History, Culture & Modern Life

Khmer people in Vietnam carry a rich tapestry of history, vibrant culture, and traditions that still thrive in everyday life. Traveling together, we’ve wandered through hidden villages and temple ruins, discovering stories far beyond what most Mekong Delta tours ever tell. In this blog, Paradise Travel will take you with us into that world-where every turn holds a new secret waiting to be uncovered.

Khmer People in Vietnam: Unveiling Their History, Culture & Modern Life

Origins and History

We begin our journey in the lush Mekong Delta where the Khmer people have lived for centuries. Their ancestors were part of powerful kingdoms that once ruled much of Southeast Asia. Over generations they settled in the fertile plains, building intricate canal systems, cultivating rice, and establishing temples that still stand today. Walking through these areas we feel the weight of history in the architecture, the customs, and the rhythm of daily life.

The Mekong Delta was not always part of Vietnam as we know it today. It was a place where waterways shaped livelihoods, trade, and culture. For the Khmer communities, the river was life itself-providing fish, water for crops, and a route for trade. That deep relationship with the land and water remains strong, making it an integral part of their identity.

Population and Geographic Distribution of Khmer people

We travel through the provinces of Tra Vinh, Soc Trăng and Kien Giang where vibrant Khmer communities still flourish. Villages often center around grand pagodas with brightly painted gates and tall spires rising above coconut groves. In coastal areas we meet fishing families while inland rice farming remains the main livelihood. The Khmer people are known for close-knit communities where traditions stay alive as modern influences quietly arrive.

According to census data on 53 ethnic minorities as of 1 April 2019 the total population of Khmer is 1,319,652 people. This includes a male population of 650,238 people and a female population of 669,414 people. Such numbers reflect a community both significant in size and rich in heritage.

Through challenges and change, Khmer people stand strong in unity and spirit.

Travelers visiting these regions quickly notice the warm hospitality and the strong sense of belonging that locals share. It is not just about living in a place but being part of a cultural fabric woven over hundreds of years. Through festivals, rituals and daily life, we see how the past and present exist side by side. Every journey into these provinces becomes more than sightseeing. It becomes an encounter with living history and the enduring spirit of a remarkable people.

Language and Identity

Language is more than a means of communication here; it is a bridge between generations. The Khmer language is taught at home, while Vietnamese is used in schools and business. This bilingual ability allows communities to preserve their heritage while engaging fully in modern Vietnamese society. For visitors, hearing Khmer spoken alongside Vietnamese adds richness to the travel experience.

This blending of languages is mirrored in the blending of identities. The Khmer people in Vietnam see themselves as part of both a proud ethnic tradition and a dynamic national culture. It is a balance that travelers can sense when they spend time in these communities.

Traditional Clothing

Clothing here tells a story. Women often wear sinh skirts woven in intricate patterns with fitted blouses during colorful festivals. Men may drape scarves elegantly over one shoulder paired with traditional shirts. These garments are rarely worn daily yet during ceremonies and cultural gatherings they return in full beauty.
For a traveler the sight of a community gathered at a temple in traditional dress feels unforgettable. The textiles the colors and the way they are worn speak to deep artistry and cultural pride. Moreover the gentle rustle of woven fabric mingles with the sound of drums creating a living connection to history. Each stitch and fold holds meaning passed carefully from one generation to another. Therefore witnessing these moments offers more than visual beauty-it becomes a journey into the heart of heritage.

Places to Rent Traditional Clothes

• Zivuu Village Homestay, Soc Trang – Offers Khmer-style outfits for cultural activities at 150,000 VND (~6 USD) per set. Price includes scarf and skirt.
• Anh Sang Performance Costumes, Ho Chi Minh City – Rents traditional dresses and scarves from 300,000 VND (~12 USD) per set. Located at 416/12 Thach Lam, Tan Phu

The vibrant clothes of Khmer people showcase history woven in every thread.

Traditional Customs and Festivals

Festivals are at the heart of Khmer cultural life. Chol Chnam Thmay, the Khmer New Year, marks the end of the harvest and the beginning of a new cycle. Villages are decorated with colorful banners, drums echo through the air, and families gather for meals and blessings. Another highlight is Ok Om Bok, the Moon Worship Festival, where people give thanks for the year’s crops, release lanterns into the night sky, and race boats along the waterways.

Visitors who join these celebrations quickly find themselves swept into the joy and energy of the moment. Sharing food, watching performances, and simply being part of the crowd offers a genuine connection to the culture.

In Chol Chnam Thmay, Khmer people unite to pray, celebrate, and spread kindness.

Religion and Spiritual Beliefs

Theravada Buddhism is deeply rooted in the daily lives of the Khmer people, shaping traditions, values, and social connections. Pagodas stand not only as places of worship but also as vital centers for education, community decision-making, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Within their brightly painted walls, villagers gather to discuss local matters, celebrate festivals, and pass down ancestral knowledge.

Monks hold a highly respected position in these communities. They guide not only religious practice but also offer counsel on moral conduct and social responsibilities. Their presence provides stability, especially in rural areas where spiritual and daily life are closely intertwined.

Travelers visiting these pagodas are often welcomed with genuine warmth. They may be invited to observe prayer rituals, join in festivals, or even share a simple vegetarian meal. Such moments offer a rare, intimate glimpse into a belief system centered on compassion, mindfulness, and enduring community harmony.

Agriculture and Economy

Life in the Mekong Delta revolves around the land and water. Rice paddies dominate the landscape, while canals and rivers form a natural transport network. Fishing, fruit orchards, and small-scale craft production also contribute to livelihoods. Early mornings at floating markets reveal a vibrant economy: boats piled with mangoes, coconuts, and vegetables, traders calling out prices, and the aroma of fresh coffee drifting across the water.

For travelers, joining a market tour or visiting a family-run workshop offers a close look at the economic heart of the region. These experiences also help support local businesses, making tourism a valuable part of community life.

Family and Social Structure

Families here often span multiple generations under one roof, creating a strong sense of continuity and shared purpose. Grandparents, parents, and children live side by side, sharing responsibilities, meals, and cherished stories from the past. The family home serves as both a workplace and a sanctuary, where rice is stored after harvest, fishing nets are repaired during quiet afternoons, and visitors are welcomed with warm tea and friendly conversation.

Life flows naturally from the household into the wider village. Social ties are reinforced through events such as weddings, temple ceremonies, and seasonal harvest celebrations. These gatherings are lively occasions filled with music, dance, and shared food, offering opportunities for both joy and cultural preservation. In participating, every generation contributes to the community’s heartbeat, ensuring traditions are passed on while relationships grow stronger. Together, family and village form a fabric of life that is rich in connection and heritage.

In Khmer weddings, Khmer people honor love, family, and treasured ancestral customs.

Education and Government Policies

Education plays a key role in sustaining cultural identity. In many Khmer communities, children can study in both Khmer and Vietnamese, ensuring that their heritage language remains strong. Government programs also focus on improving infrastructure—roads, bridges, and irrigation systems-that benefit both residents and visitors. For travelers, these improvements mean easier access to remote areas where cultural authenticity remains intact, creating more opportunities for meaningful experiences.

Modern Challenges and Development

The Mekong Delta faces serious challenges from climate change, particularly saltwater intrusion that threatens rice production. Communities are adapting with new farming techniques, diversified crops, and even floating gardens. Economic changes also bring both opportunities and pressures, as younger generations seek jobs in cities while elders work to maintain cultural practices.

Tourism, when done responsibly, can help address these challenges. By staying in local homestays, hiring local guides, and buying from village markets, travelers contribute directly to the sustainability of these communities.

Khmer People – A Story You Can Step Into.

The Mekong Delta is not a museum of the past-it is a living, breathing culture unfolding in real time. From the history and artistry of the Khmer people to the rhythms of farming and colorful festivals, every corner offers a story worth hearing. Joining thoughtfully designed journeys such as Vietnam Discovery tours or even a short yet immersive My Tho – Ben Tre – Can Tho 2 days 1 night trip lets visitors witness these traditions up close. We invite travelers to look beyond the postcard views, share conversations with locals, taste home-cooked meals, and uncover the layers of Vietnam’s diverse heritage that many never see.