Cham

The Cham are a Southeast Asian people, primarily residing in Vietnam and Cambodia. They are known for their rich history and distinctive culture, influenced by Hinduism and Islam.

(not to be confused with Buddhist Cham dance)

The Cham are an ethnic group native to Vietnam and Cambodia, descending from the ancient kingdom of Champa, which flourished from the 2nd to the 17th century. This kingdom was located along the central coast of present-day Vietnam and was known for its maritime trade and Hindu temples. The Cham developed a unique culture influenced by Indian and Javanese cultures, marked by distinctive architecture and rich literature. After the fall of Champa, many Cham settled in Cambodia, adopting Sunni Islam as their dominant religion. Today, the Cham continue to maintain their cultural traditions while integrating into modern Vietnamese and Cambodian societies.