In the 1920s, Vietnam was a land of contrast. France controlled the country as part of its colonial empire, yet Vietnamese culture, tradition, and daily rhythm carried on with quiet strength. Photographer Charles Peyrin captured this world in remarkable detail, leaving behind a rare visual record of ordinary life during this period.
For most Vietnamese, life revolved around farming. Rice was the foundation of the economy, and it shaped nearly every rural community. Farmers worked long hours in flooded paddies, and water buffalo were essential — used to plow fields and haul goods across muddy terrain.
Rural villages were small and tightly knit. Homes were built from bamboo and thatch, simple but functional. Traditional festivals marked the seasons and gave communities a chance to gather, celebrate, and honor their ancestors through long-held customs and rituals.
In Hanoi and Saigon, life looked different. French colonial rule left a clear mark on the cities — in the architecture, the schools, and the social structure. A distinct French quarter separated the colonial buildings from Vietnamese neighborhoods.
Educated Vietnamese in cities attended French schools and absorbed Western ideas. This exposure fueled a growing sense of national identity. Many began to question colonial rule and push for self-determination.
Across both city and countryside, Vietnamese people wore traditional clothing. Women dressed in the áo dài, while men wore the áo gấm for formal occasions. These garments reflected deep cultural pride that persisted under colonial pressure.
Rice was the staple of every meal, served alongside soups, stir-fries, and noodle dishes. Tea was drunk throughout the day, both hot and cold. Food was not just sustenance — it was central to social life and family gatherings.
Traditional medicine based on herbs and acupuncture was widely practiced. Western medicine existed alongside it in the cities, but many Vietnamese — especially in rural areas — relied on remedies passed down through generations.
Belief in spirits and ancestors shaped daily life in profound ways. Rituals honoring the dead were not rare events — they were woven into the routine. Shrines, offerings, and ceremonies kept the connection between the living and the departed alive.
