At first glance, Vietnam’s bird culture may seem to be a minor hobby of pet owners. However, it has weaved itself into the fabric of residents’ lives.
A bird cafe in Hanoi, the nation’s capital. Daniel Mennerich. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
Follow the endless oil trails left behind by Vietnam’s millions of motorbikes and visitors can easily end up at one of the nation’s bird cafes. These unique spots serve as casual meeting places for locals; while socializing, their pet birds can mingle with each other. As seen in Netflix’s travel show “Somebody Feed Phil,” bird cafes are bustling centers for enthusiasts to show off their prized pets while catching up with others.
While most members of bird cafe culture are middle-aged to elderly men, many of whom are breeders, locals of all ages can be seen enjoying these avian singers. Participation in bird culture is ritualistic for many; members flood the cafes every morning, clanging their cages as they hook them on the metal hangers. Many participants own a variety of birds, often displaying well over 20 each day.
Locals are drawn to these cafes because of the peaceful environment created by the birds’ melodic songs. While owners order their morning meals and catch up with friends, the birds are equally busy. Often, the birds sing to each other, and owners are able to go home hearing a new song from their beloved pets. Three times a year, visitors can expect to see bird competitions in which owners bring their most magnificent birds to be publicly judged. Competitions take place in the spring, winter and during Tet, the Vietnamese New Year. The birds must size up in four categories: duration of singing, quality of song, beauty and shape. Lucky owners of the winning birds are awarded prize money and praise.
Although the birds seem to be crowded in wooden cages, owners often describe the meticulous care they have toward their pets. The birds are given high-quality feed and are regularly bathed. Wooden cages exhibit intricate carvings, worthy of their exceptionally beautiful dwellers.
Even casual observers can see the many social benefits of Vietnam’s cherished bird culture. Regular meetings at bird cafes provide a sense of regularity to social interactions, and the tranquil environment created by the birds builds a connection between locals and nature. Bird cafes are stress-relieving havens for viewers and participants alike, as well as “fountains of youth” for the elderly.
Beyond being a staple of Vietnamese communities, bird cafes give visitors an opportunity to closely examine a fascinating aspect of the country’s culture. Any foreigner eager to explore Vietnam should definitely take up this offer to observe the birds’ unmatched splendor in such a unique environment.
Ella Nguyen
is an undergraduate student at Vassar College pursuing a degree in Hispanic Studies. She wants to assist in the field of immigration law and hopes to utilize Spanish in her future projects. In her free time she enjoys cooking, writing poetry, and learning about cosmetics.