Common Things In Vietnam That Will Shock You
There are a few things about Vietnam that are only explored when you actually get into the country. It could be something annoying, chaotic, and strange but certainly are the ones that make Vietnam distinguished from other places you've ever visited.
There are a few things about Vietnam that are only explored when you actually get into the country. It could be something annoying, chaotic, and strange but certainly are the ones that make Vietnam distinguished from other places you've ever visited. Get ready for a wild ride as we explore the quirks and cultural shocks of Vietnam that will leave you laughing and wondering, “What have I gotten myself into?”
1. The weather: hot and humid welcome
You’ve heard about the heat in Vietnam, but nothing quite prepares you for the reality. It's not only about the temperature but also the humidity that makes you feel like you've stepped into a sauna. Besides the dry season, you may also feel shocked that rainy days in Vietnam can actually be as harsh as sunny days, especially during the monsoon season. Sometimes, it rains hard and unexpectedly throughout the day, causing floods to happen.
Pro tip: Always gear yourself with a portable umbrella and remember to drink water to stay hydrated.
2. The feeling like a celebrity
Get ready to feel like a VIP as soon as you step into Vietnam! You’ll probably be swarmed by eager taxi drivers, motorbike riders or cyclo drivers trying to snag your business in public spaces such as airports, attraction sites, or train stations. Just refuse nicely to take the service if you don’t need one. It's a lively marketplace in Vietnam, so you don't need to feel awkward because of the rejection. In case you do, make sure you negotiate with them thoroughly to avoid any misunderstanding or scam.
Prefer a more private transfer with a local expert? Don't hesitate to request the transportation service when you travel with us to Vietnam.
3. Meet the ‘street ninjas’
‘If you compliment a Vietnamese girl for her tanned skin, you’ll be sorry for that!’ It’s a funny joke on the internet but it holds a big part of the truth about Vietnamese tolerance to sunlight. Don’t be surprised if you see Vietnamese women have a light skin tone even when they have to deal with harsh sunlight during the year.
Vietnamese ladies often go to great lengths to avoid sunlight, donning elaborate sun gear—think sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and even face masks. People call these sun haters “street ninjas” because their outfits make them look so mysterious.
The fear of getting a dark skin tone may come from the belief that it belongs to a low social class like farmers or poor laborers who have to make a living on a rice field or the street all day long. Nowadays, the conception changes as a preference for skin tone is decided based on personal style. More ladies love tanned skin because it looks healthy and energetic. However, the street ninja still maintains an iconic figure of Vietnamese street life.
4. Noises are the heartbeats of Vietnam
In Vietnam, silence is not golden—it’s nonexistent! From honking horns to spirited street conversations, the lively atmosphere is infectious. Vietnamese people love gathering, which exudes an energetic vibe that you can hardly find anywhere in Western countries.
You probably love to see a “quan nhau” - a street eatery where people enjoy some beer or alcohol with a few snacks and hear the sound of cheering and laughter from the happy customers after a hard working day.
Karaoke is also another favorite thing that Vietnamese people love to do when they gather: on the street, in a karaoke bar or even at home. If you have neighbors with a karaoke hobby, cross your fingers to have a good one or you'd love to buy earplugs.
5. Sidewalks are for more than walking
When you google “vietnam traffic jam”, the picture tells better than my words. As a result of heavy traffic along narrow roads which characterized big cities like Hanoi or Saigon, the practice of riding on the sidewalk arises. It might be shocking to you, but it's all about survival in the chaotic traffic.
Other than that, sidewalks are also the space for bike parking, and vendors to set up their business.
6. Vietnamese people are straightforward
Vietnamese people are quite honest and they don’t mind being straightforward to ask you about anything if they want to.
Asking about age is considered rude in some countries. In Vietnam, it turns out to be a normal question to break the ice and also to know how they should address the other person thanks to the complex hierarchy in Vietnam. We have more than just “you” and “I” to speak to a person. It will be decided by our age and/or our position in the family relationship.
Locals also may ask you if you have a girlfriend/boyfriend so that they can set you up with their daughter/son/friends/relatives. No matter how serious they are about that, it’s just their way of being friendly!
7. Wet markets are essential, supermarkets are luxury
One of the reasons why Vietnamese food is so good is the freshness of the ingredients. Vietnamese moms buy groceries daily, if not twice per day. And for them, shopping at the wet market can offer the freshest items at a reasonable price. Even though it is less practiced among younger generations who prefer convenience and modernity, going shopping in a wet market or chợ cóc still dominates in Vietnamese local life because it is a world of unparalleled sensory experience: sounds of butchering, the smells of fresh produce, and the vibrant colors of street food stalls.
A supermarket, in contrast to a wet market, is considered a more luxurious experience. People normally go there not just to buy food or daily essentials, it can be a place to hang out - to eat, entertain, and relax.
8. People need lunch nap
If you wander around the street in Hanoi during late lunchtime, you’ll see a lot of seniors napping on their motorbikes or somewhere in the shade. It’s an essential practice that dates back centuries ago when Vietnam’s economy relies mostly on agriculture. Farmers who worked in the fields from dawn to dusk often took a break after lunch to avoid fatigue and dehydration during the hottest hours. They believe that a midday nap is very important for them to recharge their energy and prepare for afternoon duties.
Beyond its original use in farming, the practice of sleeping has become common in offices, where workers turn off the light and spread their mats, blankets and pillows out on the floor for a 30-minute snooze. If you feel like a quick nap after lunch, you are just embracing the local culture!
9. DIY medication
People in Vietnam choose to self-medicate for many reasons, such as affordable medicines, guidance from relatives and friends, the fear of seeing the doctor and time-saving options. Therefore, pharmacies are a booming business here in Vietnam. Although it's rather risky, it's often due to convenience and cost. Nevertheless, it’s still best to be advised by a doctor first to avoid any mishaps.
10. Vietnam is the heaven for adventure eaters
Pho, Banh Mi, Bun cha, Banh Cuon are just basic dishes you can eat in Vietnam. When you feel like it's time to take it to a new level, try the varieties of mam (a fermented paste made from fish or shrimp) with highlight dishes such as bún đậu mắm tôm, bún mắm, bún mắm nêm,... Other than that, take a bite of balut (fertilized duck egg), blood sausage, dog meat, even snake meat and so much more unusual food in different places within our 54 minorities. Trying out each destination’s specialty is a way of exploring the country's diverse culture.
So there you have it—ten cultural shocks that will not only surprise you but also make your trip to Vietnam unforgettable. There are more surprising facts to come, in the next part of this interesting topics. Make sure to stay tuned for more unusual experiences you can get in Vietnam.
