Vietnamese culture
Finially got our info pack with all the details for the up coming trip to Vietnam- starting to get excited. Here's the list of cultural considerations considered inportant for us to know about:
- Pale skin is highly regarded in Vietnam, especially by women, so don't expect to see a lot of skimpy outfits, esp. outside Ho Chi Minh city and more people in full head to toe dress with umbrellas. As a result both women and men should not wear high cut shorts. Long, baggy shorts are acceptable to local people and we advise women to wear lightweight skirts or trousers.
- Tops that expose the shoulders and stomachs are similarly unacceptable whilst outside HCMC or on public area.
- Nudity is totally unacceptable. Please wear a one-piece swimsuit and a sarong when bathing in any public area.
- For cultural reasons Vietnamese people are offended by being touched on the head.
- Similarly never direct the soles of your feet at a person or religious shrine.
- When entering any Vietnamese home, monastery or tample, always remove your shoes.
- Appearance is everything so even the very poor will try and impress with elaborate gifts and gestures. Please do not encourage this as a lot of the time it will be a show of pride and may expect you to do more in return. For the same reasons politeness and manner are doubbly important- always smile and be pleasant.
- Overt public displays of affection should be avoided.
- Expect to be offered hundreds of business cards.
- women typically do lots of hard work but have little say in decisions. Please do not judge locals on Western standards, as this is typical throughout asia.
- do not leave chopsticks vertically in your food. This is a sign of the dead and is totally inappropriate.
- Begging is a harsh reality of life in developing countries but it is something that the Vietnamese believe must not be encouraged, esp by the Westerners who do not understand the occasions when it is appropriate. Although it is hard to reason, giving money to street beggars must be avoided. (how tough is this one- understand, but these people obviously need help- or they wouldn't 'stoop so low' to beg...hmmm)
We're also not encouraged to give money donations while over there- instead games for the kids is suggested (shows how money isn't the answer to everything!!! and cause more probs).
On that- does anyone know of a any type of ball that can be deflated and can be inflated without needing a pump?
- Pale skin is highly regarded in Vietnam, especially by women, so don't expect to see a lot of skimpy outfits, esp. outside Ho Chi Minh city and more people in full head to toe dress with umbrellas. As a result both women and men should not wear high cut shorts. Long, baggy shorts are acceptable to local people and we advise women to wear lightweight skirts or trousers.
- Tops that expose the shoulders and stomachs are similarly unacceptable whilst outside HCMC or on public area.
- Nudity is totally unacceptable. Please wear a one-piece swimsuit and a sarong when bathing in any public area.
- For cultural reasons Vietnamese people are offended by being touched on the head.
- Similarly never direct the soles of your feet at a person or religious shrine.
- When entering any Vietnamese home, monastery or tample, always remove your shoes.
- Appearance is everything so even the very poor will try and impress with elaborate gifts and gestures. Please do not encourage this as a lot of the time it will be a show of pride and may expect you to do more in return. For the same reasons politeness and manner are doubbly important- always smile and be pleasant.
- Overt public displays of affection should be avoided.
- Expect to be offered hundreds of business cards.
- women typically do lots of hard work but have little say in decisions. Please do not judge locals on Western standards, as this is typical throughout asia.
- do not leave chopsticks vertically in your food. This is a sign of the dead and is totally inappropriate.
- Begging is a harsh reality of life in developing countries but it is something that the Vietnamese believe must not be encouraged, esp by the Westerners who do not understand the occasions when it is appropriate. Although it is hard to reason, giving money to street beggars must be avoided. (how tough is this one- understand, but these people obviously need help- or they wouldn't 'stoop so low' to beg...hmmm)
We're also not encouraged to give money donations while over there- instead games for the kids is suggested (shows how money isn't the answer to everything!!! and cause more probs).
On that- does anyone know of a any type of ball that can be deflated and can be inflated without needing a pump?
posted by Mim @ 7:36 PM
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