There are two kinds of lion dances in Vietnam, reported Cinet.



In the northern Vietnam, it is called the lion dance, while the southern Vietnam, it is called the unicorn dance.



The lion dance is performed during 15th day of the eight month of the Lunar Year, some time around autumn. The lions come out at dusk along with a group of young performers who hold lanterns suspended on long poles. The lanterns take the shape of various animals like rabbits, dragons, and fish.



As for the unicorn dance, it is performed during the Tet holidays, which falls on the same day as Chinese New Year. The dance revolves around men taking turns to handle the unicorns and they do not cross each other's territory during the performance. They dance to drums and cymbals.



Stylistically, the Vietnamese lion or unicorn dance is very similar to the lion dance in Malaysia.