For many visitors, the lifestyle of the Vietnamese people remains a fascinating mystery. Thanks to their vibrant culture and rich history, the Vietnamese have left an unforgettable impression on the world. Below is a deeper look into what makes them so special. To truly experience Vietnamese culture, you need to understand its people. Check out the article below for an overview of the Vietnamese people!
1. Bound to Motorcycles
If they’re not sitting on a plastic stool chatting with a cup of drip coffee by their side, chances are the Vietnamese are on their motorbikes. For the Vietnamese, motorbikes are more than just a means of transportation. A ride isn’t always just about getting from one place to another. On cool evenings, you’ll see families, friends, and couples cruising around the streets on their motorbikes, enjoying the breeze, chatting, or people-watching, with occasional stops to savor delicious street food snacks.
Growing up with motorbikes also means countless memories are tied to these two-wheelers. A Vietnamese person will always remember being sandwiched between their parents on the way to school. First dates often began with a motorbike pickup. Road trips are defined by motorbike journeys with friends to mountains, beaches, or countryside areas. So, when you’re invited to ride on the back of a local’s motorbike, say yes. It’s an invitation to immerse yourself in Vietnamese life that you won’t want to miss.
2. Daily Life on Sidewalks
Sidewalks are often bustling hubs of daily life in Vietnam. With its vibrant street food scene, coffee culture, and sidewalk activities (including street barbers, markets, and workout sessions), it’s easy to see why the Vietnamese love being outdoors. Meeting friends? Head to the sidewalk. Need a haircut? Find a sidewalk barber. Grocery shopping? You know where to look.
The abundance of communal spaces fosters a collective lifestyle. The Vietnamese live outdoors and close to one another. They aren’t accustomed to the Western concept of personal space or privacy. Your banh mi vendor might ask if you’re married and then insist on introducing you to someone. Don’t worry. She’s just showing concern and welcoming you as part of the community.
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3. Hiding from the Sun
Most Vietnamese prefer fair skin, so they often cover themselves thoroughly when going out in the sun. With some coastal cities enjoying up to 300 sunny days a year, it’s easy to take the sun for granted. For many, a beautiful sunny day is best enjoyed indoors or under shade.
Vietnamese women go to great lengths to protect themselves from the sun with long-sleeved shirts, gloves, face masks, sun hats—you name it. “Anti-sun skirts” are fabric wraps tied around the waist to shield the lower body while riding motorbikes. This is also why Vietnamese beaches are often empty during the day but become crowded in the early morning or late afternoon.
4. Warm and Welcoming
The Vietnamese are renowned for their warmth and hospitality. You don’t have to worry about racism here—they are friendly to everyone, no matter where you come from. This trait is deeply ingrained in their culture. When you visit Vietnam, you’ll be greeted with genuine smiles and friendly waves, whether in a bustling market or a serene village.
During your visit, you might be invited to a local meal, where they share their love for food and culture. Don’t decline—embrace the opportunity! The Vietnamese are eager to connect with foreign visitors and often ask about your journey and interests. Even with language barriers, gestures and smiles will bridge the gap, showcasing their willingness to communicate.
5. Sharing Food
Food plays a significant role in Vietnamese cultural life, as does the way we share it. Meals are typically served family-style, with everything laid out on the table for everyone to enjoy. If a guest visits during mealtime, they will be invited to stay and will find their bowl filled with food by the host. "It’s just one more bowl and a pair of chopsticks," we always say.
Vietnamese people are not outwardly expressive of their feelings. We might shy away from saying, "I love you," so we express it through food instead. Students studying far from home often receive care packages from their mothers or grandmothers full of pre-prepared meals every two weeks. "Have you eaten yet?" is one of the most common text messages used as a flirtation line among the youth across the country.
6. Love for Rhymes
In Vietnam, rhyming poetry is not just for children’s literature. We love rhymes, regardless of age. Our poetic forms rely heavily on rhyme, as do most of our idioms, proverbs, and even jokes. Street vendors often hang witty rhyming poems outside to advertise their dishes, while schools and government offices use rhymes in public campaigns. Any Vietnamese person can write poetry. A "toad poem" (thơ con cóc) refers to casual, amateur verses written by ordinary people about daily life. Topics can be anything, no matter how mundane. For example:
The sky's sad, it starts to pour,
I’m also sad, I sleep and then sleep some more.
7. Respecting the Elders
Respecting and caring for the elderly is a deeply ingrained value in Vietnamese culture. It’s common to see younger people giving up their seats for elders on public transport, and children are taught to address elders using respectful language. This reverence for older generations extends to the workplace and other social contexts.
Most Vietnamese families have an ancestral altar where food offerings are made during special occasions like death anniversaries, Lunar New Year (Tết), or Vu Lan (a festival honoring deceased ancestors). This respect continues even after elders have passed away. Families wait until the incense burns out—a sign the ancestors have "eaten"—before starting their own meals. Even then, meals begin only after the oldest family member takes the first bite.
8. Resilience and Hardworking
Resilience and hard work have long been defining traits of the Vietnamese people. After centuries of war and economic challenges, the Vietnamese have developed exceptional adaptability and perseverance. This resilience is evident in a strong work ethic, with individuals often going above and beyond to support their families.
A common Vietnamese saying, "Endure hardship first, enjoy comfort later," highlights the importance of hard work. This mindset drives people to view challenges as opportunities for growth. Vietnam's rapid economic development is a testament to this resilience, as the Vietnamese have transformed the economy and improved living standards through relentless effort and determination.
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9. Appreciation for Education
Education is highly valued in Vietnamese culture, with many families viewing it as the path to better opportunities and social advancement. Believing that knowledge is power, Vietnamese people invest heavily in the education of their children, from selecting schools to arranging additional tutoring. Many parents willingly sacrifice their time and finances to ensure their children have a solid educational foundation.
In Vietnamese society, academic achievements are often seen as a primary measure of personal value. Entrance exams, particularly university exams, are highly competitive, and parents take pride in their children's high scores. Respect for teachers and educators is also deeply rooted, as they are considered essential guides in every student’s life.
10. Utmost Love for Family
In Vietnam, family is a core value, forming the foundation for all relationships and actions. To Vietnamese people, family is not just a place to live but a space to share joy, sorrow, and life’s burdens. They cherish close-knit family bonds and often prioritize the needs of their loved ones over their own.
Gathering together during holidays, birthdays, or important events is not just about connection but also an opportunity to honor and appreciate older generations. Whether it’s Lunar New Year celebrations or commemorating an ancestor’s death anniversary, these moments reinforce familial ties and show gratitude to those who came before.
Relationships among family members in Vietnam are typically very close, with mutual care and support being a given. Parents often hold high expectations for their children, not only in terms of academic achievements but also in preserving and promoting family traditions. Caring for grandparents and elderly parents is considered a duty, one that children take pride in fulfilling as a demonstration of filial piety and respect for older generations. Family love is an integral part of daily life for Vietnamese people, serving as a powerful source of motivation to help them overcome challenges.