As of June 2025, Vietnam has officially recognized or registered 17 religious groups for legal operation, according to the Government Committee for Religious Affairs. While some of these are well known, others remain unfamiliar to many.

1. Buddhism

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Buddhism is Vietnam’s most widely practiced religion. Photo: The Bang

Buddhism is the most widely practiced religion in Vietnam, with deep cultural roots in the country's history. Though globally it ranks below Christianity and Islam in numbers, Vietnam has around 14 million Buddhists.

The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha was established in 1981 through the unification of nine Buddhist sects. It maintains over 54,000 religious officials, more than 18,500 places of worship, and 47 religious training institutions. The guiding principle is: "Dharma - Nation - Socialism."

2. Catholicism

With about 7 million followers across 34 provinces, Catholicism in Vietnam operates under the Vatican’s authority. It has three archdioceses, 27 dioceses, more than 6,000 priests, and 9,000 worship sites. Its mission is: “Live the Gospel in the heart of the nation to serve the happiness of the people.”

3. Protestantism

Originating from Christianity, Protestantism in Vietnam has about 1.2 million followers and 600 worship places. It emphasizes democratic principles and individual freedom before God. Eleven Protestant churches are recognized by the state. The religion is especially strong among ethnic minorities and maintains active ties with churches in the US and South Korea.

4. Caodaism

Caodaism, a homegrown religion, blends teachings from Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, and Taoism. It boasts over 1.1 million followers and about 1,300 worship places. It venerates not only deities but also historical figures like Victor Hugo. Its guiding principle is: “Glory to the nation - Enlightenment to the religion.”

5. Islam

Islam is practiced by over 92,000 followers in Vietnam, predominantly among the Cham ethnic group. Seven Islamic organizations are officially recognized, and the religion follows the Qur’an and Sunnah. The faith promotes community unity and respect for national law.

6. Baha’i

Recognized in 2008, the Baha’i faith in Vietnam has about 7,000 followers across 36 communities. It promotes unity, respect for law, and social progress with a two-tiered organizational structure.

7. Brahmanism (Hinduism)

Primarily practiced by the Cham people in Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan, Brahmanism has over 66,000 followers and 42 worship places. Two representative councils have been recognized by the government.

8. Buu Son Ky Huong

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Buu Son Ky Huong is an indigenous religion based on Buddhist teachings. Photo: Nguyen Van Phuoc

An indigenous religion rooted in Buddhism, Buu Son Ky Huong has around 10,000 followers and nearly 20 worship places. It was founded by Doan Minh Huyen, the spiritual mentor of other influential religious leaders in southern Vietnam.

9. Four Debts of Gratitude Buddhism (Tu An Hieu Nghia)

Renamed and recognized in 2010, this faith has 60,000 followers and over 900 religious officials. Based in An Giang, it emphasizes patriotism and gratitude, especially towards ancestors and the nation.

10. Hoa Hao Buddhism

Recognized in 1999, Hoa Hao Buddhism counts about 1.5 million followers and is known for its streamlined religious practices focused on social welfare. Their strong presence in the Mekong Delta supports ambulances, roads, and schools.

11. Pure Land Buddhist Association of Vietnam

Acknowledged in 2007, this group combines Buddhist teachings with traditional medicine. With nearly 1.5 million members and 214 branches, each center operates a traditional medicine clinic. Their motto: “Study, practice virtue, benefit the people.”

12. Seventh-day Adventist Church

Recognized in 2008, it has over 16,000 followers, 150 clergy members, and nearly 200 meeting points nationwide.

13. Minh Su Dao 

Also known as Southern Buddhist Church of the Enlightened Master, this group was recognized in 2008. It has about 10,000 followers and 52 temples.

14. Minh Ly Dao - Tam Tong Mieu

Recognized in 2008, this sect operates mainly in Ho Chi Minh City, with approximately 1,200 followers and 4 places of worship.

15. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon)

Granted operating registration in 2019, this church was first recognized with a representative committee in 2016.

16. Hieu Nghia Ta Lon Buddhism

Recognized in 2023 and registered in 2016 in Kien Giang, this branch has about 6,500 followers and emphasizes peace, compassion, and gratitude.

17. Phap Tang Vietnamese Buddhism

This group is active in 14 registered places, mostly in Hue, Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, and Ho Chi Minh City, with about 2,000 followers.

Aside from these 17 state-recognized religions, Vietnam is also home to hundreds of other faith expressions, including new religious movements and sects that have not yet obtained legal recognition.

Binh Minh