9 interesting facts about Vietnam and its people (11 photos)

The cult of napping in Vietnam is worse than the Spanish siesta. The Vietnamese fall asleep anywhere - right on the road, on the porch, in a shop, they can even sleep almost while working right on the street, without finishing painting a fence or building a wall.





They give guest slippers even in stores

The Vietnamese are very clean. When entering a Vietnamese house, you should take off your shoes. Ignoring this rule will be regarded as a gesture of disrespect. Even in some stores, customers are asked to change into guest slippers.

They may touch you unexpectedly



The Vietnamese have one piquant feature that tourists should know about in order to avoid embarrassment and conflict. Feeling sympathy for a person or filled with the joy of meeting, the Vietnamese grab ... the scrotum. This gesture is akin to our patting on the shoulder. So the phrase “He grabbed me by the balls” means something like “He was very happy to see me.” So don’t be surprised and don’t start a scandal if a hotel employee shows sympathy for you or family members with such an unusual gesture for residents of other countries.

They eat on the floor





Also, do not consider it disrespectful if they prepare your treat on the floor, cutting up the ingredients and frying them. And the actual “table” will also be set on a mat. This is accepted here, as well as in many Asian countries.

They are very active in promoting massage services



In the Japanese quarter of Saigon, girls literally throw themselves at male tourists, extremely actively offering massage services. Moreover, they grab with such force that it seems they are ready to use force, just to achieve their goal. They can even start a fight for a potential client. Take care of yourself.

It's easy to become a victim of robbers here.



In Vietnam, foreigners should be especially vigilant, as robbery right on the street, in passing, is not uncommon here. Therefore, it is better to keep cash not in a single amount, but put it in different pockets, preferably closer to the body.

Local food is very specific



Vietnam's gastronomy is varied. Here you can find food familiar to tourists, as well as exotic food on the verge of extreme - fried larvae and worms, rotten eggs with an incredible amber (but, as the locals say, an incomparable taste) and even try to cook a live scorpion yourself, which, of course, is unsafe.

This is a country of mopeds, scooters and motorcycles



It seems that there is no object in the world that a Vietnamese could not transport on a bike. Literally everything is transported here on motorcycles - refrigerators, washing machines, animals and even the largest items. One “iron horse” can carry 4-5 people at a time; even infants can be transported simply sandwiched between two adults.

The alcohol here is very strong



Vietnamese moonshine Ryu Go Deng is a strong drink and, in the literal sense of the word, intoxicating. In the heat it can instantly hit your head. A tipsy tourist is defenseless and often becomes a victim of robbery. Be extremely careful. If you really want to try local alcohol, then it is better to do it in a hotel, and not in hot areas.

And finally, some practical advice if you decide to try the above for yourself.

Road



Currently, Vietnam can only be reached with transfers. Through Dubai - which is quite expensive, with a transfer in Qatar and India - which takes a long time, or from Tashkent airport - from where flights to this country are infrequent. In general, the path has turned into a whole challenge in which many nuances need to be taken into account. From the necessary visas and certificates to connecting flights and the proximity of the hotel if there is a need to wait overnight while waiting for departure.

Currency exchange



There are two ways to change money in Vietnam. The first is the classic one, at a currency exchange office. And the second - in a jewelry store, where the rate is always more favorable, and the departments are open on weekends. Moreover, the more unprepossessing the department, the more profitable the rate is, and you can even bargain.

Attractions



They deserve separate material; let’s just say that in order to get acquainted with the origins of the Vietnamese culture, it is worth visiting the mountainous part of Quang Ngai province, where local tribes are still preserved.