People and Culture of Vietnam

The culture of Vietnam is one of the oldest in Southeast Asia and the people shape its core. It’s a country of villages, with some dedicated to a single industry and others distinguished by stunning landscape. Wherever you travel, the Vietnamese people are resourceful, hard working, and they smile easily. The food ain’t bad either.

Hundreds of years ago the traditional blacksmith village Da Sy became famous for advanced forging skills. Residents produced steel weapons for the military as well as farming tools. Today a handful of local families keep the craft alive. Each household specializes in one type of product and protects its own trade secrets.

Bat Trang pottery village has earned cultural significance from 500+ years of producing superior quality porcelain and ceramic products. Skilled craftsmen and local artisans create both traditional and modern pieces. Designs are divided by functionality, classified as household items, worship items, fine art pottery, and decorative ceramics. High value is placed on artistic production and reputation, be it a funny fat buddha or a magnificent urn.

In the mountain town of Sapa, village work is all women’s work. At a young age, girls learn the art of managing rice terraces, farming, producing textiles, making clothes and household goods, and tending the home.

Sapa is known for its towering peaks. Mount Fansipan is famous among them and a destination unto itself. At an elevation of  3,143 meters (10,326 ft), it’s the highest mountain in the region and nicknamed “the Roof of Indochina,” comprising Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Your treat for reaching the top is visiting a Buddhist temple complex that occupies the summit.

In Hanoi the lines between public and private life are blurred, if they exist at all. Life and businesses are conducted on the street in full view.

Top three “must try” foods: Pho—the national dish; Durian— a delicious, illegal fruit; Egg coffee—invented in Hanoi.

From the blog:
Vietnamese people firmly believe that Feng Shui affects all areas of your life—good and bad.