Vietnamese culture is exceptionally multifaceted. Over the course of the country's long history, Vietnam has been influenced by China, the Khmer Empire, the Cham people, and colonizing countries. Ties to China are present in Confucian temples, and French influence can be found in colonial architecture, baguettes, and coffee culture. Yet in many ways, Vietnam retains its own voice. Throughout the country, you'll find indigenous traditions including water puppetry, imperial Hue cuisine, and local handicrafts. Simultaneously, Vietnam is an intriguing blend of the ancient and modern. Here, you'll witness everything from thousand-year-old ruins to bustling metropolises with rich, cultural histories.

Much of Vietnam's religious practices came from countries throughout Asia, particularly China. Confucianism, imported from China, forms the basis of many Vietnamese beliefs and can be seen in some of Vietnam's most iconic sites, including the Temple of Literature in Hanoi. Today, ancestor worship is major facet of Vietnamese spiritual life. This can be seen in Wandering Souls Day, where Vietnamese families honor their deceased loved ones through elaborate ceremonies and offerings of food and flowers.

According to recent research, while many Vietnamese claim no religious affiliation, Buddhism remains widely- practiced. Buddhism developed in Vietnam during the 10th century, and prior to Buddhism, Islam was important to Central Vietnam's Cham empire.

Folk religions play an especially prominent role in Vietnam, and approximately 45% of the population adheres to these belief systems. These religions center around a centuries- old pantheon of Vietnamese deities called than. Traditional practices vary from region to region. Examples include shamanism, marriage rituals, and beliefs that all types of natural phenomena possess spirits or souls.

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam's legendary leader, is still loved and admired by many Vietnamese. Therefore, it is important to be careful and respectful when talking about Vietnam's independence and political issues in public. In addition, in Vietnam, elderly people are always given preferential treatment and the right of way.

Many behavioral rules stem from Buddhism. The head is considered to be the holiest part of the body, so it is inappropriate to point at or touch another person's head. In contrast, the feet are considered the least holy part of the body. Pointing at someone with your foot or putting your feet up on furniture are extremely rude gestures in Vietnam.

Most importantly, make sure to dress modestly when visiting Vietnamese temples, religious sites, and major historical monuments such as the Ho Chi Minh Complex. It is best to wear clothing that fully covers your shoulders, torso, and knees. Conservative clothing will also protect your arms and legs from strong sunshine and mosquitos.

Regarding table etiquette, Vietnamese people usually eat with chopsticks and a small ladle spoon, however foods such as spring rolls are eaten using one's hands. Slurping your noodles is considered polite and shows that you find the food delicious. If you are invited to eat a meal with Vietnamese people and/or in a Vietnamese home, make sure to wait for the head of the family or the eldest to start eating before you begin. Vietnamese meals are usually served in big bowls that are shared at the table, but your host may serve you food in your rice bowl as a welcoming gesture. Typically, it is considered polite to eat your entire meal but to leave some food remaining in communal bowls. Chopsticks should never be placed upright in your bowl, as this signifies death. If there are no serving utensils, make sure to turn your chopsticks around (using the ends that do not touch your mouth) to serve yourself.

Vietnam's countryside is filled with beautiful rice paddies, so it comes as no surprise that rice is the staple of most Vietnamese dishes. Whether you're enjoying a steaming bowl of pho (rice noodle soup), fresh spring rolls, or sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves, Vietnamese rice comes in many decadent varieties. Thanks to the country's long coastline, as well as the Mekong Delta and inland rivers, Vietnam enjoys abundant sea and freshwater fish. A Ha Long Bay cruise is the perfect place to enjoy a fresh seafood meal. Accordingly, pungent shrimp paste and nuoc mam (fish sauce) are key condiments in many Vietnamese dishes. One of the best ways to taste authentic Vietnamese food is at food stalls or street vendors, adding to the excitement of in-town sightseeing. The nearby streets and alleys are literal showcases for some of Vietnam's most mouthwatering cuisine!

Throughout its history, Vietnam has been a hub for diverse cultural influences, and many fusion dishes have become the norm. Exotic ingredients, including chili peppers and tomatoes, were likely introduced by international traders around the 16th century. French-style baguettes with pate, as well as coffee with condensed milk, are colonial imports that are longstanding local favorites (and especially popular with foodie travelers)! No matter your tastes, it is impossible to stay hungry for very long in Vietnam. Vietnam is also home to diverse climates, seasonal changes, crops, and landscapes. As a result, Vietnamese cuisine varies significantly from region to region:

Hanoi and the North
Be sure to savor some delectable bun cha: a noodle dish with broth, pork, and a generous handful of herbs served on top. Bun cha is a classic type of street food found in Hanoi. Hanoi is also home to elegant colonial villas that offer superb fine dining experiences, including succulent seafood. In contrast, Vietnam's far north is characterized by simpler lifestyles. Here, ingredients are locally sourced and often cooked over a fire.

Central Vietnam
Hue was the major city of Vietnam's Nguyen dynasty. Here, scores of imperial dishes developed in order to please refined royal palates. No detail is overlooked; imperial cuisine is often garnished with decorative and colorful vegetable carvings. Chilis and spicy flavors are also common throughout Central Vietnam, as this region is the cradle of Vietnamese spice production. Hoi An is also famous for its distinctive fare, including bun bo hue (rice noodles with slices of beef) and white rose dumplings (made from flat rice noodles with rich broth and stuffed with tasty pork or shrimp). Banh khoai (savory fried pancakes) also come from Central Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City and the South
Southern Vietnam enjoys a tropical climate and fertile soil, which together produce a wide range of fruits and vegetables. This region is also home to delicious sugarcane and coconuts. Therefore, southern dishes tend to be light, spicy, and sweet. Here, you will find that coconut milk is commonly used in many dishes, and coffee is often loaded with generous portions of sweetened condensed milk. Southern Vietnam is also where the French-style bahn mi (baguettes with pâté or fried eggs) originated.

The type of travel you choose will depend on the region of Vietnam that you explore. Some areas take a long time to cross, especially by local transportation. Yet, these scenic routes are often what makes traveling so fun! You have many transport options to keep in mind, including:

Domestic and International Flights
Vietnam is home to over ten international airports, with major hubs in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. You can find an extensive range of flights throughout Asia and to Australia and Europe.

Domestic flights are the fastest way to travel through Vietnam, and major airports are located in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang. Here, you can fly to and from more than ten major cities. In addition, you'll find flights to some of Vietnam's most popular beach destinations including Nha Trang, Phu Quoc Island, and Con Dao Island.

Boats and Cruises
There are numerous waterways in Vietnam. Explore the delightful Perfume River in Hue through one of the available public boat services. Scenic boat trips are also accessible along rivers in Hoi An, Danang, Ho Chi Minh City, and more. One of the best ways to learn more about Vietnam's Mekong Delta is by taking a cruise. As you float along picturesque rivers and canals, you will see the energetic hustle and bustle of local life and commercial exchange. You can also discover Vietnam's Red River Delta and the city of Ninh Binh, home to small villages and awe- inspiring caves that are millions of years old. Boat trips are an excellent way to experience Vietnamese seas, and a cruise through beautiful Ha Long Bay is the highlight of any Vietnam vacation.

Taxis and Buses
Taxis are an ideal way to explore some of Vietnam's major cities. Compared to the United States, taxi prices are cheap and travel is safe at night (best before midnight). App-based taxis (such as Uber and Grab) are becoming increasingly common in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang. Try a cyclo (a three-wheeled, bicycle taxi) ride and enjoy exploring the town like a local. Note that it is necessary to negotiate the price before traveling, otherwise you might be heavily overcharged. Generally speaking, it is best to stay away from public bus routes due to language barriers.

Train Travel
Vietnam is home to approximately 1,100 miles (1,800 km) of rail track that runs from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south. The route stops along some of Vietnam's major must-see destinations such as Hue, Danang, and Nha Trang. The views from the train windows are spectacular! Vietnam Railways is a dependable, national railway company, however, its rail system is not always up-to-date. Private rail companies are also an option, and they offer luxurious compartments with plenty of space and good service. These routes travel from Hanoi to Lao Cai (near Sapa in the Northern Highlands), as well as to Hue and Danang.

Health
Medical standards vary from region to region in Vietnam. If you are in one of the major cities, first-class medical facilities are available, and good sanitation levels greatly reduce your risk of contracting a serious disease in towns. However, rural regions in Vietnam are less-equipped, and medical centers tend to be fairly basic. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have well-stocked pharmacies, but the language barrier may make finding what you need a challenge. Make sure to carry basic items such as insect repellent, painkillers, and medications to safeguard against common ailments including mosquito bites, colds, and diarrhea. Proper precautions are critical and will help prevent serious illnesses. (In Vietnam, injuries from traffic accidents are far more common. Please be cautious at all times)!

Travel Insurance
Unfortunately, accidents can happen anywhere and without warning. Worst-case scenario, you may have to be transferred to a neighboring country for medical treatment. Please make sure that your travel insurance is comprehensive and covers emergency medical flights, evacuations, and expenses.

Vaccinations
In Vietnam, no vaccinations are required unless you are traveling from a country with high rates of yellow fever. Proof of vaccination is mandatory if you are coming from or have recently visited a yellow fever zone -- this is an international regulation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that you update your measles- mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus- pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your flu shot. In addition, hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are recommended, as it is possible to contract either of these diseases through contaminated food or water. For more information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

While Traveling...
Take care to only drink bottled water and avoid raw or partially cooked meats and fish. In addition, be cautious about any drinks that are served with ice cubes, especially at food stalls -- the ice may be made from contaminated water. Avoid mosquito and insect bites by regularly using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves, pants, and socks. Mosquitos are especially active in the early morning and evening, so make sure to take extra precautions at these times of day.

Safety
Vietnam is a fairly safe country, even for women who are traveling alone. Vietnamese police keep a strong watch on crime, and crime levels are significantly lower than those in the United States. As a result, the likelihood of violent crimes, including robbery and sexual assault, are quite small. Yet, petty crimes and scams do exist, particularly in major cities and tourist centers. To protect yourself, make sure to take common-sense precautions and purchase travel insurance to cover theft, loss, and medical problems.

Petty Crime
Thieves do exist in Vietnam, so make sure to not leave anything important sitting out in your hotel room. Avoid wearing eye-catching jewelry, and do not leave expensive cameras or sunglasses hanging around your neck. To prevent yourself from becoming a target for theft, always hide valuables in your bag or carry them in a concealed money belt.

Scams
Scams are the most common safety concern in Vietnam, especially regarding taxi and cyclo rides. Always make sure to negotiate the price before embarking on your ride. Like at most major tourist destinations, you may find yourself surrounded by locals selling souvenirs or offering to take pictures. They can be rather pushy, so avoid further hassles with a polite but firm 'no.'

Road Safety
Vietnam has very few enforced traffic rules. In addition, Vietnam has the second-largest number of registered motorcycle users in the world. Over 37 million motorbikes, combined with a no-holds-barred approach to driving, makes for complicated street travel during both day and night. Traffic safety and constant attention are key in Vietnam. If you're traveling with children, make sure to be extra careful.

Official Language: Vietnamese

We recommend that you travel with a basic Vietnamese phrase book. When speaking with locals, make sure to use the following:
'Xin chao' (Sin chow) = Hello
'Tam biet' (Tahm byet) = Goodbye
'Cam on' (Gahm uhn) = Thank you
'Xin loi' (Seen loy) = Excuse me

Currency: Dong (VND)
Dong is one of the most difficult currencies to find and exchange outside of Vietnam. We highly recommend that you exchange your money in Vietnam and use all dong before leaving the country. Visa and MasterCard are also accepted at shops and shopping malls in major cities but not at small noodle restaurants or street food vendors.

Time Zone: GMT+7h
Vietnam does not follow Daylight Saving Time.

During Daylight Saving Time, if it is noon (PST) in the United States, then it is 2 AM in Vietnam. When Daylight Saving Time ends, noon (PST) is 1 AM in Vietnam.

Internet Access:
Internet access is available almost everywhere, except for remote areas such as Vietnam's Northern Highlands. Major hotels and resorts, as well as cafes and restaurants, frequently provide Wi-Fi for customers.

Electricity:
Voltage: 220V
Frequency: 50hz

Common Plug Types: A, C, D, and F (plus others)
Vietnam uses many different plug types, so we highly recommend that you bring universal plug adapters.

Vietnamese New Year: Tet
Tet is based on the lunar calendar, so celebration dates change each year. Attending a Tet festival is an unforgettable experience. However, many local stores and restaurants are closed, and travel can be difficult.

At All Asia Tours, we are always happy to provide you with the extensive advice and information you need as you prepare for your journey.  Please never hesitate to ask.