Culture & Life

The culture of Vietnam is one of the oldest of such in the Southeast Asia region. Although Vietnam lies geographically in Southeast Asia, its culture and the origins of its people are of East Asian descent.

Extended family
Here, family is the foundation of Vietnamese society. Only when you understand its importance, you will understand our rich culture.
Vietnam is an agricultural society built on strong family ties. Almost all the people live in villages and farm their land. People owed loyalty to their families before all else, and held their families' interests above their own. The oldest male was head of the family, and his oldest son was the second most important family member.
In many cases, related families lived together. These extended families included the parents, their unmarried children, and the oldest married son and his wife and children. It is traditional for a married couple to care for the man's parents; subsequently, it is very important to have a son! If there is only one son, he and his wife must live with his parents. If there are no sons, one of the daughters may remain unmarried and care for her parents. Today, many families still have 3 generations living under one roof.

Ao Dai
This traditional dress usually worn by Vietnamese women date back to the early 1700's, Made of silk, This two-piece garment consists of a long flowing smock worn over baggy trousers reaching all the way to the ground. Nowadays, Ao Dai is usually worn mostly by women. Men do wear Ao Dai on special occasions such as weddings, funerals. Nowadays, Ao Dai is considered as the symbol of Vietnamese woman.

Quan Ho - Traditional folk song
Born about the 13th century in the Red River Delta, Vietnam’s oldest song tradition is typified by alternate verses sung by different singers, either in pairs or in groups. Originally courtship rituals, a couple sang unaccompanied, passing the lyrics back and forth. Nowadays, on the occasion of traditional village festivals, boys and girls come to pagoda to adore Buddha and after that, gather together in front of or inside the pagoda, communal house, or in the field to sing "Hát Quan Họ".
Images of crowded traditional festivals, communal house in the middle of the village, pagoda on a hill, rowboats on rivers... are still typical characteristics of the Quan Ho folk songs.

Pho - Vietnamese noodle soup
Born in Northern Vietnam during the mid-1880s. Pho (pronounced phuh) is a ubiquitous local dish that is most commonly eaten for breakfast; although, it is served throughout the day. In the past, it was heavily influenced by both Chinese and French cooking. Rice noodle and spices were imported from China; the French popularized the eating of red meat. In fact, it is believed that "phở" is derived from "pot au feu" a French soup. Vietnamese cooks blended the Chinese, French and native influences to make a dish that is uniquely Vietnamese.
Pho is served with a heaping plate of fresh greens and bean sprouts and usually a selection of spicy sauces and sliced hot red chili peppers. It is eaten with chopsticks and a large spoon; although, the spoon is used more for stirring and mixing than for eating. Throw in some sprouts, a few greens, a pepper or two and some sauce, mix it all up and enjoy! Eat the noodles and the meat, leave the broth

Roi nuoc- Water puppets
Water puppetry (Roi Nuoc) is a unique North Vietnamese tradition. Roi Nuoc uses colorfully painted and costumed wooden puppets. They most closely resemble marionettes, with jointed arms, legs and heads. Records show that it was being performed as early as 1121 AD: several troupes are still active and performances take place daily in Hanoi. Performances are based on traditional folklore or historical events. The puppeteers are hidden behind a curtain up to their waists in water and manipulate the puppets on long rods, creating the illusion that they are gliding across the water. A performance consists of a succession of short scenes of rural life, and is a highly entertaining and amusing introduction to the Vietnamese peasant tradition.
Talking about Roi nuoc, those who saw used to see it always say to others tourist that: Never miss it when you are in Vietnam

Xich lo - Cyclo
3-wheeled, pedal-powered rickshaw, this popular transportation vehicle is used by local people since long time. It becomes now for tourist a wonderful way to see things in style, and at a human pace rather than whizzing past in taxis. Easy to find them, The riders ring their bells constantly trying to attract attention, especially near tourist attractions.

Bia Hoi
Not sure what to do at night? take a seat on tiny stools on the streets outside a doorway on the corner of the road and get you beer and watch the world go by. You can have a people watching session or talk to others sitting near you. Order some crackers or peanuts, dried squid.. to go with your bia hoi. You can throw the peanut shells on the floor. CHEERS, we all bottom ups!!!
This local Vietnamese beer on draught is really loved by not only Vietnamese but also foreign tourist . It becomes now more social experience than a kind of beverage. Beer Hoi is brewed all over Hanoi and is basically from micro/mocro breweries - or almost moonshine - and is delivered to the shops by motorbike.