Four great philosophies and religions have shaped the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people: Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and Christianity. Over the centuries, Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism have fused with popular Chinese beliefs and ancient Vietnamese animism to form what is known collectively as the Triple Religion. Confucianism, more a system of social and political morality than a religion, took on many religious aspects. Taoism, which began as an esoteric philosophy for scholars, mixed with the popular Buddhism of the peasants, and many Taoist elements became an intrinsic part of popular religion.

Among above religions, Buddhism is most popular. If asked their religion, most Vietnamese are likely to say they are Buddhist. Buddhism is divided into two branches: Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism. Being practised strongly is Mahayana Buddhism, called Dai Thua, or Bac Tong (in Vietnamese), also known as the Greater Wheel School, Greater Vehicle School and Northern Buddhism. Theravada Buddhism is called Tieu Thua, or Nam Tong (in Vietnamese). It is also known as the Lesser Wheel school and Southern Buddhism. Mostly ethnic-Khmers practise it mainly in the Mekong Delta region.
Vietnam is also home to a unique religion called Cao Dai, a religious cocktail of all the world's major faiths.