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"Experience Vietnam's Culture in Chan Dat - Authentic • Inspiring • Transformative "
What local experiences do we offer?
What local experiences do we offer?
This is a dedicated space for sharing curated books and fostering a reading culture focused on "Body - Mind - Spirit," where knowledge flows naturally. Chan Dat serves as a hub to connect like-minded individuals through book discussions and periodic essays on practical wisdom.
This group of activities focuses on multi-sensory experiential education, ranging from Eastern philosophy (Astrology, Yin-Yang) to refined and mindful arts of appreciation (Cocktail, Wine, and Fermentation Science). Through hands-on workshops and immersive local field trips, participants master practical professional techniques while deepening their connection to regional heritage. This dual approach fosters a mindset transformation, enriching their spiritual life and encouraging a more mindful way of living.
"The Existential Human" Podcast is an experimental "Human Library" show that archives and spreads humanistic stories across digital platforms. Combined with Vipassana meditation sessions and musical gatherings, these activities create circles of genuine connection, helping individuals slow down to understand themselves and the community.
A Little Humble Words About Us
Chân Đất Living Room was co-founded by Vy and Hiep—two "artists of life" who love books, share a passion for culture and history, and practice a minimalist lifestyle. After closing the chapter on Nguyên - Experimental Tofu & Arts, we moved to Hoi An to pursue our shared passion and weave Chân Đất into a cozy cultural haven.
Here, through intimate gatherings, culinary experiences, and inspiring events, Chân Đất strives to share the beauty of Vietnamese heritage—especially the distinctive cultural identity of Central Vietnam—with friends worldwide. Alongside these experiences, we dedicate ourselves to community-oriented projects aimed at nurturing genuine love and connection. Chân Đất's mission is to spread cultural beauty and foster authentic connections rooted in deep understanding, a natural way of living, and respect for diversity.
Conceptually envisioned in 2023, Chân Đất Living Room officially began welcoming fellow travelers in the first half of 2025.
Đông Triết – The Curated Bookshelf by Chân Đất
Đông Triết is a curated bookshelf where rare books on philosophy, culture, and existential living are collected and circulated. True to its name, this collection serves as a crossroads where profound Eastern wisdom meets modern Western thought through timeless classics. We handpick each book as a key to guide travelers deep into the soul of this heritage land and their own inner world. Here, truth and wisdom know no borders, fostering an endless dialogue between civilizations. Chân Đất invites you to visit us to exchange, discover, or acquire publications that enrich the "Body – Mind – Spirit." This is more than just a bookshelf; it is a map leading inquisitive souls toward stillness and depth in the heart of Hoi An.
Tử Vi Cosmology is one of the oldest social sciences, studying human life through the lens of Eastern Yin-Yang philosophy. Rooted in the belief that "All manifested forms obey cosmic patterns", Tử Vi captures the complexity of human psychology, relationships, and life trajectories - mapping them onto a structured chart of 12 fundamental aspects of human life. Like any social science, Tử Vi evolves with time, embracing modern language and open-minded approaches. This is also how Chân Đất explores, interprets, and shares Tử Vi with participants.
"A journey, after all, neither begins in the instant we set out, nor ends when we have reached our door step once again. It starts much earlier and is really never over, because the film of memory continues running on inside of us long after we have come to a physical standstill"
"A journey, after all, neither begins in the instant we set out, nor ends when we have reached our door step once again. It starts much earlier and is really never over, because the film of memory continues running on inside of us long after we have come to a physical standstill"
- Travels with Herodotus, Ryszard Kapuscinski -
- Travels with Herodotus, Ryszard Kapuscinski -
CENTRAL VIETNAM BUDDHIST CULTURAL FIELDWORK
Central Vietnamese Buddhist culture does not sit passively in books; it remains vibrantly present in the heart of daily life. This trailer captures the first footage from Chân Đất Living Room's spontaneous fieldwork trip, "Returning to the Roots," opening with a brief conversation with Most Venerable Thích Đức Hải at Diệu Đế Pagoda. Through his narrative, we gain a deeper understanding of the journey of Central Vietnamese Buddhism since the Nguyễn Lords first set foot in the Thuận Quảng region. We also learn how the Nguyễn emperors built pagodas based on feng shui principles: Diệu Đế Pagoda served as the Azure Dragon (Tả Thanh Long) on the left, while Thiên Mụ Pagoda acted as the White Tiger (Hữu Bạch Hổ) on the right—together sheltering the central throne to protect the capital, bring peace to the people, and soothe the daily fluctuations and hardships of urban life.
Through this, viewers can engage with an authentic, grounded, and folk-based perspective on the roots of Huế's Buddhist heritage before embarking on the complete journey.
Watch Part 1 of Chan Dat's documentary series "DISCOVERING CENTRAL VIETNAM'S BUDDHIST CULTURE - Part 1: One Needle, One Thread - STITCHING" HERE
In modern consciousness, the Orient is no longer a collection of time-worn philosophical concepts, but a coherent, vibrant system of thought that subtly shapes how we interact with our living spaces, organize society, and understand ourselves. From the ways our ancestors aligned with natural geography to build lasting legacies, to how individuals reflect upon their astrological charts (Tử Vi) to seek self-understanding and inner peace amid life's fluctuations, everything converges at a single point: the harmony between Heaven, Earth, and Humanity. Driven by our mission to spread the cultural beauty of Central Vietnam, Chân Đất is launching a long-term event series titled "Oriental Imprint in Contemporary Central Vietnamese Culture." Designed as an inward journey, this series moves from reflecting on the macro-spatial axes of history to gaining deep insight into the micro-system within every human being through diverse seminars and field trips.
To open this series, we invite you to watch a short recap video of our recent field trip exploring Mother Goddess worship (Đạo Mẫu) at Hòn Chén Temple. On August 20, right during the grand 7th-lunar-month festival, our group of Vietnamese and international friends traveled along the Perfume River to directly observe the vibrant atmosphere of local folk culture. Before heading to the sanctuary, everyone engaged with academic research to understand the global roots of Mother Goddess worship as well as its psychological dimensions, such as altered states of consciousness and cathartic therapy in Lên Đồng rituals. This approach allowed us to appreciate shamanic performance art from an objective, scientific standpoint. Beyond rituals like writing peace amulets, drawing fortune slips, and releasing fish on the river, the trip concluded with a peaceful visit to Từ Hiếu Pagoda to learn about Zen Master Thích Nhất Hạnh's legacy, leaving everyone with a grounded and authentic perspective on Huế's spiritual heritage.
Watch the short recap video of our Mother Goddess worship field trip HERE
4 Essential Features of Our Events
Historical Value: Discover the heritage stories and traditional lineages behind every art form.
Intellectual Depth: Provide a solid knowledge foundation to foster a deep and refined appreciation.
Interactivity: Emphasize hands-on practice and direct engagement within a vibrant sharing circle.
Transformative Outcome: Gain a tangible product alongside a more peaceful and mindful state of being.
ABOUT OUR SOCIAL PROJECT
- THE PODCAST:“EXISTENTIAL HUMAN” -
The "Existential Human" podcast explores the idea that every individual has both the responsibility and the right to live authentically, true to their own nature. This involves questioning to discover oneself, and through this quest, people uncover life’s true meaning.
In each "dialogue", the host invites a guest they’ve serendipitously met and connected with. These guests may be ordinary or well-known, but above all, they share one common trait: a heart sincerely moved by life. The podcast unfolds in 3 unscripted segments with 3 themes—unknown even to us—reflecting life’s unpredictable nature through spontaneous, organic conversations. We really hopes you’ll listen with an open heart and mind.
This dialogue’s guest is Ms.Liz, a Vietnamese-Australian whom we encountered a year ago at an art gallery in Hội An—a connection that has endured. During her current return to Vietnam for charity work, we invited her to join this very first episode.
Thank you, Liz, for vulnerably sharing your inner world, experiences, and reflections. Through your authenticity, we hope listeners discover the values of existential human: mutual inspiration and healing.
Once again, we are deeply grateful for Liz’s presence and heartfelt sharing. May you find happiness, peace, and fulfillment in life’s daily journey.
Now, let’s listen to the first theme in this dialogue with Liz !
"Because we believe that meaningful connection is 'looking outward together in the same direction',
we invite you to be a part of our journey."
"Because we believe that meaningful connection is 'looking outward together in the same direction',
we invite you to be a part of our journey."
- Terre des Hommes, Saint Exupery -
- Terre des Hommes, Saint Exupery -
Community & Partners
Community & Partners
Chan Dat is deeply grateful for the companionship of the VCIL Community, the Experts, and the Artists who have joined us in creating circles of acceptance and profound understanding. Through this resonance, we are able to spread the values of wisdom and existential art more widely, transforming every encounter into a journey of inner shift. We believe that every individual is an "artist" crafting their own masterpiece of life. Therefore, we warmly invites kindred spirits and "life artists" to connect with us as we co-create a community dedicated to mindful living and the appreciation of heritage.
COMMUNITY ENGLISH COMMUNICATION PROGRAM
COMMUNITY ENGLISH COMMUNICATION PROGRAM
The 6th edition of Studium Commons launches our Community English Communication Class—a practical, sustainable space designed to empower the local citizens of Hoi An with a vital language tool for their livelihoods, personal growth, and cross-cultural connection.
Program Mission & Values
Empowering Local Livelihoods: Equipping locals with practical English skills to enhance their work and daily opportunities.
A Knowledge-Sharing Network: Creating a uplifting space where community members connect, exchange life stories, and support each other's journey.
Cultural Bridge: Connecting long-term international residents with locals to build meaningful community impact and shared value.
Program Focus & Target Audience This 3-month program focuses on functional fluency and practical confidence rather than academic theory. It welcomes beginners, working professionals, and seniors looking to keep their minds active in a structured, discipline-driven learning environment.
Class Details
Schedule: Every Sunday, 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM (Starting July 19, 2026)
Format: Free community program
Location: Common Study Room – Chân Đất Living Room
Registration: Send a direct message to our Fanpage or Zalo/WhatsApp at (+84) 985 824 820.
If you are an international resident in Hoi An looking for a meaningful way to contribute, connect, and share your culture with local learners, we warmly invite you to join us as a volunteer facilitator.
Taking inspiration from Wiley Publishing's "For Dummies" series and the open knowledge philosophy of Creative Commons, Chân Đất has created an event series called "Studium Commons". It is a space for sharing experiences, dedicated to those with genuine expertise and real-world practice — from carpenters, farmers, and chefs to IT professionals, artists, or experts in any field of life.
We call them "Life Artists" – individuals who practice their craft with deep understanding and live fully through their vocation or expertise. Here, each person systematizes the knowledge and practical experience from their field, reflecting on and distilling not only their skills and knowledge but also their professional perspectives or personal philosophy. They share these insights with those interested in a way that is intimate, concise, and easy to understand.
The project focuses on creating practical and grassroots connections (commons), where everyone can participate. It offers sharers an opportunity to structure their own experiences, while providing participants with systematic guidance that can be immediately applied to life or work.
Chân Đất invites you — the “Life Artists” who are actively practicing your craft and can articulate your expertise in a systematic way — to join us in building this space. Together, we can create a direct touchpoint where personal experiences transform into useful content, bringing real value to everyone.
Please message us on facebook or email chandatlivingroom@gmail.com to get started!
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