Vietnam has over 4,000 years of history. Here is what I found most interesting.
In Vietnam family comes first. It is really common for grandparents, parents, and kids to all live in the same house.
Most families have a small altar at home where they remember people who have died. They put out food and incense. It is part of everyday life.
Vietnam has 54 different ethnic groups which I found really surprising. The main group is called the Kinh and they make up about 86% of the population. The others mostly live in the mountains and have their own languages and traditions.
Live in the northern mountains. Known for their colourful embroidered clothing.
The biggest group. About 86% of the population. Live mostly on the coast and in cities.
Live in northeast Vietnam. Known for their stilt houses built on wooden posts.
Used to have their own kingdom. Live in central Vietnam with Hindu-influenced traditions.
Another highland group. Women wear detailed red headdresses. Known for herbal medicine.
One of the largest minority groups. Live in Hoa Binh province.
Vietnam has loads of festivals. Here are the main ones:
The biggest festival. Usually January or February. Families get together, give money in red envelopes, and set off fireworks. Most shops close for a week.
Happens in September. Kids carry lanterns and everyone eats mooncakes. Mainly for children.
April 30th every year. Marks the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. Parades and fireworks.
Water puppetry is a traditional art that started over 1,000 years ago. Wooden puppets are controlled by people standing in waist-deep water behind a curtain. The puppets perform stories on the surface of the water. You can watch shows in Hanoi.
Most Vietnamese people follow a mix of Buddhism, Taoism, and ancestor worship. There are temples all over the country. Vietnam is officially communist but religion is still part of everyday life.
Take your shoes off when entering someone's home and dress modestly at temples. People are welcoming but it is polite to respect their customs.