The Vietnamese have four main values: family devotion, striving for a good name, love for learning, and respect for all people. Ancestor worship is a central part of life. Children are taught that they owe everything to their parents and ancestors. They are expected to work hard to honor their family name. Education is also highly valued as a means of economic success and honoring the parents. Overall, the Vietnamese come from a diverse range of education and income levels. As a result of their work ethic and desire for prosperity, Vietnamese do everything they can to ensure material success, including seeking good luck from various charms and shrines.

Vietnamese would not consider themselves followers of any religion, they basically adhere to Mahayana Buddhism as their traditional religion, mixed with indigenous Vietnamese religion (evidenced by the good luck charms).