Hoa

Hoa refers to the Sino-Vietnamese or ethnically Chinese people in Vietnam. They are one of the 54 officially recognized ethnic groups in the country and form a long-standing minority with historical roots in Vietnamese society. The Hoa are primarily concentrated in urban areas, notably in Ho Chi Minh City (especially the Cholon area) and Hanoi, with communities in the Mekong Delta and central regions. They commonly speak Vietnamese, while many also retain Chinese dialects such as Cantonese, Teochew, or Hokkien, though language use varies by generation and community. The Hoa practice a range of religions, including Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and, in some cases, Christianity.

History and origins of the Hoa trace to Chinese migrants who settled in Vietnam over several centuries, establishing commercial networks and integrating with local populations. Their role has traditionally been tied to commerce, trade, and skilled crafts, contributing to urban economies and cultural exchange. Throughout the 20th century, political changes in Vietnam affected Hoa communities, with periods of discrimination, restrictions on private enterprise, and migration abroad; many Hoa moved to other countries during and after the Vietnam War, while others remained and adapted within Vietnamese society.

Culture and identity among the Hoa reflect a blend of Chinese and Vietnamese influences. In addition to business and crafts, their cultural life includes a fusion of culinary traditions and celebrations that incorporate both Hoa and broader Vietnamese customs. Today, Hoa communities continue to contribute to Vietnam’s economy and multicultural landscape, while maintaining language, family, and communal ties, and a presence in global diaspora communities in North America, Europe, Australia, and other regions.