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Vietnam Lifestyle and Culture

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The lifestyle of Vietnamese people varies from region to region and between the young and old. there are, However, some aspects that remain unchanged tat have been passed down for generations. Vietnamese people have generally had a reputation for being kind, hospitable and hard-working.

General etiquette

Here are a few things you should note in terms of general etiquette in Vietnam. People should Dress conservatively, Handshakes are used upon meeting and departing and only usually take place between members of the same sex, you should Always wait for a woman to extend her hand and if she does not, bow your head slightly.

Avoid public displays of affection with a member of the opposite sex, Do not touch someone's head, Pass items with both hands, Do not point with your finger - use your hand, Do not stand with your hands on your hips,Do not cross your arms on your chest, Do not pass anything over someone's head, Do not touch anyone on the shoulder, Do not touch a member of the opposite sex, and Shorts should only be worn at the beach.

Religion

According to official statistics from the Government Committee for Religious Affairs of Vietnam, Buddhists account for 14.9% of the total population, Catholics 7.4%, Protestants 1.1%, Hoahao Buddhists 1.5%, Caodaism followers 1.2%, and Other religions including Hinduism, Islam, and Bahaʼi Faith, representing less than 0.2% of the population as of 2018.

Food and cuisine

Vietnamese cuisine features a combination of five fundamental tastes in overall meals. Common ingredients include shrimp paste, fish sauce, bean sauce, rice, fresh herbs, fruit and vegetables, to mention but a few. Vietnamese recipes also use lemongrass, ginger, mint, Vietnamese mint, long coriander, Saigon cinnamon, bird's eye chili, lime, and Thai basil leaves as spice. Popular Vietnames dishes include:

  • Pho- is probably one of the most famous Vietnamese dishes and is a steaming noodle soup dish that is traditionally eaten for breakfast. It is a hearty feast with rice noodles, one broth and fresh herbs.
  • Bún chả- this is a mixed plate of grilled pork (cha) over a plate of white rice noodles (bun) and herbs, with a side dish of sweet and sour fish dipping sauce.
  • Banh mi- this is one of the most popular Vietnamese street foods, and is a simple-yet-delicious sandwich. It is a soft, fresh baguette, with pate, pork, fresh herbs, pickled carrots and chilli.
  • Banh Cuon- These are very soft and moist Vietnamese rice rolls originating from Northern Vietnam. These are usually served with delicious homemade fish sauce for dipping and are a perfect snack for breakfast, lunch or dinner and is a perfect hangover food.
  • Cha ca- is a fish cake which comes in many forms whther on top of noodles, in a banh mi or even just by itself. These fish cakes are usually steamed then fried. The most common fish for Cha Ca is mackerel.

Music

Vietnamese music is highly diverse and derives its diversity from both native and foreign influences. The music in Vietnam ranges from imperial, ceremonial, folk, hip hop, and rock music. Vietnamese musical instruments can be divided into 4 groups: plucked strings, bowed strings, winds and percussion. Vietnamese music is heavily influenced by China, and to a lesser extent South Korea, Mongolia, Japan and the former Indochina Kingdom of Champa. There are close to 50 national music instruments in the country with percussions being the most popular, followed by wind instruments and string intruments. Traditional music in Vietnam can be divided into two genres which are Imperial Court Music and Folk Music.

Sport

Football is the most popular sport in Vietnam, and volleyball, badminton, wrestling, bicycling, chess, and dominoes are also widely played. the country has participated in various competitions  with competitors in swimming and water sports, martial arts, rowing, canoeing, weightlifting, table tennis, and track events. Vietnam’s Tran Hieu Ngan won the country’s first Olympic medal at the 2000 Summer Games in Taekwondo.

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