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Most Vietnamese consider themselves Buddhists and most life cycle ceremonies are conducted by monks in Pagodas, such as this one outside Dalat.

Two kinds of Buddhism are present throughout the country. Mahayana came into Vietnam through China and points north, whereas Theravada Buddhism came in through the south from India. Confucianism, Taoism and the ancient Animism of the native people also contribute to their beliefs.

With only about 8% of the population Catholic, Christmas is not that important a day - but there were plenty of Santa suits being sold in HCMC.