More and more often, Russian tourists choose distant exotic countries as their holiday destination, and Vietnam is no exception. Southeast Asia is an excellent region for a beach holiday, and acquaintance with the traditions of Vietnam allows you to learn a lot of interesting things about the life and customs of its inhabitants.
Early birds
In Southeast Asia, it is customary to get up early, and the Vietnamese strictly follow this tradition. By six o'clock in the morning, the cities are filled with the noise of motorcycles, the screams of vendors and the smell of street food. On mobile trays, you can buy a portion of fried noodles or chicken heart shashlik, and for those who prefer to get acquainted with Vietnamese cuisine in full, the markets will certainly offer delicious ant eggs, fried scorpions and frogs baked in banana leaves. Do not forget that for Europeans unprepared for exotic food, such a menu can cause not very pleasant consequences. You should also watch out for ice in drinks, because it is not prepared in the most sanitary conditions.
A moped is not a luxury
Small and nimble Vietnamese prefer a moped to all means of transportation, and therefore the main road users here look like fussy ants. Only the most significant city crossroads are equipped with traffic lights, while the rest are in complete chaos and confusion. The traditions of Vietnam, however, provide for mutual courtesy on the roads, and therefore it is important to be careful and tactful. Pedestrians will always be carefully bypassed here, and each other will give way to each other with a smile and a constant bow.
Without leaving a moped, residents of the country buy essential goods and groceries at the market, and many tourists also prefer to rent a moped to explore the surrounding attractions. It is cheaper and there are no problems with parking and driving through narrow streets.
Useful little things
- Superstitious Vietnamese try not to pronounce their own name out loud, so as not to jinx themselves. They have adopted nicknames, and therefore, when communicating with local residents, it is important to try not to call them by name.
- As Buddhists, Vietnamese will not offer help to anyone without asking for it. So if you need advice or a hint, contact the interlocutor without hints.
- Bargaining in the market is an old tradition in Vietnam and throughout Southeast Asia. So you can buy the thing you like much cheaper than the stated price. Trade calmly and with dignity. Raising your voice will not speed up the process and will not help the cause.
