Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country on the South China Sea known for its beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas (mostly for religious functions), and busy cities. Hanoi is the capital and dong is the currency of Vietnam.
1.Vietnam is the country of motorbikes:
In Vietnam, motorcycles are in every corner. According to the Ministry of Transport, the estimated figure in the year 2013, 37 million out of a total of the 90+ million populations own a motorbike while only 2 million own a car.
It is because owning a car is extremely expensive in Vietnam. The tax is around 100-200%, so only a few can afford to have a car. On the other hand, the tax for motorbikes is far less, making it a more affordable means of transportation for everyday folk. So, on your first arrival in Vietnam, the first thing you’re going to notice is several bikes.
2.“White Skin,” a Sign of Perfection:
In the West, usually tan skin is regarded as the most favorite one. There’s a remarkable trend of tanning and sunbeds to secure a perfect skin tone. But the opposite applies in Vietnam, an Asian country. Any form of tanned skin is frowned upon and considered a sign of poor laborer working in the Sun. White is the ideal skin color. As a result, whitening products make a big business all across the country. Vietnamese apply a dense layer of sunblock while working in the fields. They all are very conscious of their skin colors.
3.Vietnam under War:
France occupied Vietnam in 1890. Later, Japan held control of the nation during World War II. In 1945, Ho Chi Minh, the leader of the Vietnamese Communist Party, declared Vietnam an independent country. After a war between the French and communist Vietnam ended in 1954, it got split into the communist North and non-communist South. From 1957 to 1975, civil war continued between two regions. Countries, including the USA, Russia, and China, became involved. The state got unified under a communist regime in the 1990s.
4.Vietnam’s Food:
Vietnamese food is a blend of Chinese and Thai and considered one of the healthiest cuisines throughout the world. It is because it combines fresh ingredients, fresh herbs, seafood, fruits, and vegetables along with fish sauce, shrimp paste, soy sauce, and rice. The cuisine of Vietnam traditionally combines five fundamental taste elements, including spicy (metal), sour (wood), bitter (fire), salty (water), and sweet (earth).
5.The Tortoise is a Lucky Symbol in Vietnam
Vietnamese people love tortoises. They believe that they bring good fortune and lots of blessings. They admire the fact that the tortoise has a long life. They consider having tortoiseshells at home will prolong their lives too. There are four sacred animals in Vietnamese culture, and the tortoise is one of them. The others are the dragon, phoenix, and unicorns. They even worship these animals.
6.Vietnamese New Year is Celebrated at a Different Time Each Year:
Like Chine, New Year in Vietnam is celebrated at a different time each year. It is always celebrated in January or February but at a different date every year. Another unique thing about Vietnamese celebrating New Year is that they place a table full of gifts (feasts and beverages) in front of their houses. It is a kind of Gift for the God that lives in every home. After midnight, people eat all these gifts and burn fake money (to send them to their deceased relatives in case they need them in their afterlife).
7.The World’s Largest Cashew Nuts Exporter
It produces almost 30% of all cashew nuts in the world.
Until Next Time,
Team Doctor ASKY!