Vietnamese people: An essential cultural insight for travelers 2023
Vietnam is a country with a rich and diverse culture, shaped by thousands of years of history and influenced by many different ethnic groups. The Vietnamese people are proud of their heritage and traditions, and they also embrace modernity and change. In this blog post, Prime Travel will explore some of the characteristics, values, and customs of the Vietnamese people, as well as some of the tips to connect and make friends with Vietnamese people for travelers.
Who are the Vietnamese people?
The Vietnamese people are the largest ethnic group in Vietnam, accounting for about 86% of the population. We are also known as the Kinh people, which means “people of the capital” or “people of the plain“. The Vietnamese people speak Vietnamese, an Austroasiatic language that has borrowed many words from Chinese, French, and English.
The Vietnamese people have a long and complex history ( Source: SaigonNeer )
The Vietnamese people have a long and complex history, dating back to the ancient kingdoms of Âu Lạc and Văn Lang, which were later conquered by the Chinese Han dynasty. The Vietnamese people fought against various foreign invaders, such as the Mongols, the French, and the Americans, and achieved their independence and reunification in 1975.
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The simple beauty of the Vietnamese people ( Source: SaigonNeer )
The Vietnamese people are also composed of many subgroups, each with our own regional dialects, cuisines, costumes, and festivals. Some of the most prominent subgroups are:
1. The Northern Vietnamese
The North is the cradle of Vietnamese civilization, where the ancient kingdoms of Âu Lạc and Đại Việt were established. The North is mainly influenced by the culture from China, which ruled over Vietnam for more than a thousand years. However, the country of Vietnam still preserves and promotes its own unique cultural features.
For example: The dishes in Vietnam are very light and use less oil and fat than China; especially the way we call the dishes is also very simple and honest, not elaborate and ornate like Chinese culture. In addition, there are beliefs about worshiping the mother, worshiping ancestors, clans, which are completely different from China.
The people in northern Vietnam are generally more traditional ( Source: Internet )
The Northern people are known for our patriotism, loyalty, diligence, and conservatism. We value tradition, family, and education. We speak with a clear and sharp accent, and prefer salty and sour flavors in our cuisine.
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2. The Central Vietnamese
The Central is the land of ancient Champa and Dai Viet kingdoms, which fought for supremacy over the region for centuries. The Central is strongly influenced by the cultures of the Khmer and Cham people, who practiced Hinduism and Islam respectively.
The gentle, soft beauty of a girl from Hue in the central region ( Source: Internet )
The Central people are known for our bravery, resilience, creativity, and spirituality. We value honor, justice, and art. We speak with a soft and melodious accent, and prefer spicy and bitter flavors in our cuisine.
3. The Southern Vietnamese
The South is the youngest region of Vietnam, which was colonized by France in the 19th century and later became part of the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The South is greatly influenced by the cultures of the French, Chinese, Khmer, and Cham people, who brought with us our religions, languages, and cuisines.
Southern girl with a sweet voice, charming beauty ( Source: Internet )
The Southern people are known for our openness, friendliness, optimism, and entrepreneurship. We value freedom, diversity, and innovation. We speak with a lively and expressive accent, and prefer sweet and savory flavors in our cuisine.
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What are some of the values and beliefs of Vietnamese people?
The Vietnamese people have a strong sense of identity and community, which is reflected in our values and beliefs. Some of the most important values and beliefs of the Vietnamese people are:
- Family: The family is the core unit of society in Vietnam. The Vietnamese people respect our elders, care for our children, and support our relatives. We often live in extended families or close-knit neighborhoods. We celebrate many family occasions, such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and death anniversaries.
Vietnamese people value community and family culture ( Source: Internet )
- Ancestors: The Vietnamese people honor our ancestors as a way of expressing gratitude and seeking guidance. We worship our ancestors at home altars or at temples. We offer incense, flowers, fruits, and other gifts to our ancestors on special days, such as Tet (Lunar New Year), Vu Lan (Ghost Festival), or Thanh Minh (Tomb Sweeping Day). Especially, for Vietnamese people, when visiting another family, whether we are close or not, we always have the habit of buying gifts to worship the ancestors of that family to show our respect to the deceased. This is the traditional culture of Vietnamese people.
Ancestor worship is a long-standing custom of the Vietnamese people ( Source: Internet )
- Harmony: The Vietnamese people strive for harmony in our relationships with others and with nature. We avoid conflicts and confrontations as much as possible. We seek compromise and consensus when dealing with problems. We also respect the natural environment and follow the principles of yin and yang (balance) and âm dương (positive and negative forces).
The balance between Yin and Yang in Vietnam ( Source: Internet )
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What are some of the customs and traditions of the Vietnamese people?
The Vietnamese people have a rich and vibrant culture that is manifested in our customs and traditions. Some of the most common customs and traditions of the Vietnamese people are:
- Greeting: Vietnamese people greet each other by saying “xin chào” (hello) or “chào anh/chị/em” (hello brother/sister/younger sibling), depending on the age and gender of the person. We also bow slightly or shake hands when meeting someone for the first time or in formal situations.
- Eating: Vietnamese people eat with chopsticks or spoons, depending on the type of food. We usually share dishes that are placed on a communal table. We also use small bowls or plates to serve ourselves portions of food. We often say “mời” (please) or “ăn đi” (eat) to invite others to eat or to show hospitality.
The meaning of culture on the Vietnamese dining table ( Source: Internet )
- Dressing: Vietnamese people dress modestly and appropriately for different occasions. We wear traditional costumes, such as the áo dài (long dress) or the áo bà ba (pyjama-like outfit), for festivals, ceremonies, or special events. We wear modern clothes, such as jeans, T-shirts, or dresses, for everyday activities or work.
- Celebrating: The Vietnamese people celebrate many festivals and holidays throughout the year.
Celebrating Tet holiday – The biggest holiday in Vietnam ( Source: Internet )
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How to talk and connect with Vietnamese people
Talking and connecting with Vietnamese people can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, as we are generally friendly, hospitable, and curious about foreigners. However, it is also important to be aware of some cultural differences and etiquette rules that can affect the way you communicate with us. Here are some tips on how to talk and connect with Vietnamese people:
- Learn some basic Vietnamese phrases: While many Vietnamese people can speak some English, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations, learning some basic Vietnamese phrases can help you break the ice and show your respect for our language and culture.
- Be polite and respectful: The local people value politeness and respect in our communication, especially with elders, superiors, or strangers. We avoid using direct or confrontational language, as we consider it rude and aggressive. We also avoid expressing negative emotions or opinions openly, as we may cause embarrassment or loss of face. Therefore, when talking to Vietnamese people, you should use courteous and humble language, avoid criticizing or complaining, and pay attention to non-verbal cues, such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice.
Respect local culture and have cultural activities in Vietnam ( Source: Internet )
- Be curious and open-minded: Vietnamese people are generally curious and open-minded about other cultures and perspectives. We like to ask questions and share stories about our lives, hobbies, family, or country. We also appreciate foreigners who show interest and appreciation for our culture and traditions. Therefore, when talking to people here, you should be willing to answer our questions and ask us questions in return.
Be friendly and integrate with people in Vietnam ( Source: Internet )
- Be friendly and humorous: The Vietnamese people are friendly and humorous in our communication. We like to joke around and tease each other, as a way of expressing affection and closeness. We also enjoy having fun and laughing together, as a way of relieving stress and creating a positive atmosphere. Therefore, when talking to Vietnamese people, you should not be afraid to show your personality and sense of humor. You can also use compliments, gestures, or gifts to express your friendship and gratitude.
- Vietnam is a country that loves peace. After many years of fighting for national liberation and independence, the determination to protect peace for the country is always great in the hearts of every Vietnamese. Therefore, please show and express your respect to the country and avoid mentioning issues related to sovereignty or politics in Vietnam.
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In conclusion, Prime Travel hopes that after reading this post, you will have a deeper and broader understanding of Vietnamese culture, customs, as well as ways to communicate and connect with the Vietnamese people. This will help you have an amazing and memorable experience in Vietnam – A country with thousand of cultures and history.
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