🇻🇳 Vietnam
Vietnam is a country located in Southeast Asia, bordered by China to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, and the South China Sea to the east. It has a population of over 97 million people and is known for its diverse landscapes, which range from the mountainous north to the tropical south. The capital of Vietnam is Hanoi, and the official language is Vietnamese. The country has a long and rich history that has been influenced by a variety of cultures, including Chinese, Indian, and French. Vietnam is home to a number of iconic landmarks, such as Halong Bay, the Mekong Delta, and the ancient city of Hue. The country has a developing economy with a strong focus on agriculture and manufacturing, and it is a popular destination for tourists due to its natural beauty, rich culture, and friendly people.
Vietnam Travel Taboo
There are a few things that travelers to Vietnam should be aware of in order to avoid offending local customs or breaking laws. Here are a few things to consider:
- Dress modestly. In general, it is best to dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and other places of worship. Avoid wearing revealing clothing or clothing that is too casual.
- Remove your shoes. It is customary to remove your shoes before entering someone's home or a place of worship in Vietnam. Be prepared to remove your shoes in these situations.
- Do not touch people with your feet. The feet are considered to be the dirtiest part of the body in Vietnam, and it is considered very rude to touch someone with your feet or to point your feet at someone.
- Avoid public displays of affection. Public displays of affection, such as kissing or hugging, are generally not accepted in Vietnam and may be considered offensive.
- Do not take photographs of people without their permission. It is important to ask permission before taking photographs of people in Vietnam, especially in rural areas.
- Avoid illegal drugs. Vietnam has strict laws against drug trafficking, and possession or trafficking of illegal drugs can result in severe penalties.
- Respect local laws and customs. It is important to follow the laws and customs of Vietnam while traveling in the country.
- Be aware of security concerns. Some areas of Vietnam are prone to natural disasters, such as typhoons and floods, and it is important to be aware of local emergency procedures and to follow the advice of local authorities.
Vietnam Local Food
Vietnam is home to a diverse and flavorful cuisine that is influenced by the country's history, cultural traditions, and the abundance of fresh ingredients. Some popular dishes include:
- Pho: A soup made with rice noodles, broth, and a variety of ingredients, such as meat or seafood, and vegetables.
- Banh Mi: A sandwich made with a variety of ingredients, such as pickled vegetables, herbs, and meat or tofu, served on a baguette.
- Bun Cha: A dish made with grilled pork, rice noodles, and vegetables, and served with a dipping sauce.
- Cha Ca: A dish made with grilled fish, rice noodles, and vegetables, and served with a dipping sauce.
- Com Tam: A dish made with broken rice, grilled meat or tofu, and vegetables, and served with a variety of condiments.
- Goi Cuon: A dish made with rice paper rolls filled with a variety of ingredients, such as vegetables, meat or seafood, and herbs, and served with a dipping sauce.
- Nem Ran: A dish made with deep-fried spring rolls filled with a variety of ingredients, such as vegetables, meat, or seafood, and served with a dipping sauce.
- Banh Xeo: A dish made with a crispy crepe filled with a variety of ingredients, such as vegetables, meat, or seafood, and served with lettuce and herbs.
- Che: A dessert made with a variety of ingredients, such as beans, fruit, and jelly, served in a bowl with ice and coconut milk.
- Xoi: A dish made with sticky rice and a variety of toppings, such as eggs, meat, or vegetables.
Vietnam Festiaval
Vietnam is a country with a rich cultural heritage and a number of local festivals and celebrations. Here are a few examples:
- Tet Nguyen Dan: Tet Nguyen Dan, or Vietnamese New Year, is the most important holiday in Vietnam. It is celebrated in late January or early February and is marked by the exchange of gifts, the decoration of homes with flowers and other items, and the performance of traditional rituals.
- Hung King's Festival: The Hung King's Festival is a celebration that is held in honor of the founders of the Vietnamese nation, and it is held in April. It is marked by the performance of traditional rituals, such as the offering of sacrifices, and the participation of local communities in parades and other events.
- Trung Nguyen: Trung Nguyen is a festival that is celebrated in honor of the scholars and intellectuals who have contributed to Vietnamese culture and society. It is held in July and is marked by the performance of traditional rituals and the exchange of gifts.
- Mid-Autumn Festival: The Mid-Autumn Festival is a celebration that is held in honor of the full moon and is celebrated in September or October. It is marked by the exchange of mooncakes, which are pastries filled with a variety of ingredients, such as nuts and fruit, and the participation of children in lantern parades.
- Death Anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh: The Death Anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh is a national holiday in Vietnam that is held in September and is marked by the performance of traditional rituals and the laying of wreaths at the president's mausoleum.
- Hue Festival: The Hue Festival is a cultural festival that is held every two years in the city of Hue and is marked by the performance of traditional music, dance, and other cultural activities.
- Perfume Festival: The Perfume Festival is a cultural festival that is held in the city of Huế and is marked by the performance of traditional music, dance, and other cultural activities. It is held in honor of the city's rich cultural heritage and is named after the city's famous Perfume River.
Vietnam History
Vietnam has a long and fascinating history that stretches back over thousands of years. The country has been home to many influential empires and has a rich cultural heritage that has had a significant influence on the region.
- The Prehistoric Period (c. 700, 000 BC - c. 2000 BC): This was the earliest period of Vietnamese history, and it is characterized by the development of ancient cultures, such as the Hoa Binh culture, which is known for its stone tools and pottery.
- The Chinese Occupation (111 BC - 938 AD): Vietnam was occupied by the Chinese for over a thousand years, and it was during this time that the country was introduced to Confucianism and other aspects of Chinese culture.
- The Vietnam Dynasties (939 - 1885): Vietnam was ruled by a series of dynasties, including the Ly, Tran, and Le dynasties, which were characterized by the development of a distinct Vietnamese culture and the expansion of the country's territory.
- The French Colonization (1862 - 1954): Vietnam was colonized by France in the 19th century, and it remained a French colony until 1954. The country was introduced to Western culture and education during this time.
- The Vietnam War (1955 - 1975): The Vietnam War was a conflict between North Vietnam, supported by the Soviet Union and China, and South Vietnam, supported by the United States and other Western countries. The war resulted in the reunification of Vietnam and the withdrawal of foreign forces.
- The Socialist Republic of Vietnam (1976 - present): Vietnam is currently a socialist republic, and it has undergone significant economic reforms and opened up to international trade in recent decades. The country has a growing economy and is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).