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Explore the Optimistic Culture of Vietnam through a Foreigner’s POV

ABROADER Team May 30, 2023 9 minute read

To truly appreciate the optimistic culture, it’s essential to get in real-time interactions with the friendly Vietnamese people.

Vietnam is a country that values tradition, family, community, and the natural world with a rich cultural heritage and history that spans over centuries. The natural beauty, the people, and the intriguing tales about the optimistic culture’s traditions continue to draw travelers to Vietnam despite variations in lifestyle and culture. Furthermore, the Vietnamese people have a deep appreciation and understanding of the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability, as well as showing respect to those around them.

A recent article about a travel guide to Vietnam on the Culture Trip website was written by Canadian author Matthew Pike. In the article, a list of considerations for visitors to the nation is provided. The following information is necessary if you wish to understand more about this lovely culture.

Understanding Trust as a Process

Any successful business relationship requires trust, but building that trust is not always simple. Building trust requires time and work, and it is a process that needs to be handled carefully and intelligently.

In many cultures, such as Vietnam, earning someone’s trust requires more than simply signing a contract or looking into their past. Building trust in Vietnam requires a willingness to invest time and resources in building relationships. This may involve regular face-to-face meetings, sharing meals or other social activities, and demonstrating a genuine interest in the other party’s well-being. It also requires a willingness to be patient and to build trust over time, rather than expecting immediate results.

For businesspeople accustomed to operating in a society where interactions are more plain and impersonal, this can be particularly difficult. The Vietnamese corporate culture places a premium on trust, thus those who take the effort to comprehend this will succeed in their activities more.

As in any culture, developing trust in Vietnam requires a humble, respectful, and open-minded approach from the beginning. In this vibrant and expanding industry, businesspeople may set themselves up for long-term success by taking the time to comprehend the the optimistic culture and investing in developing solid relationships.

Respect and Sensitivity: How to Avoid Causing Embarrassment

Respecting cultural norms and maintaining sensitivity to local customs is crucial when conducting business or interacting with individuals in Vietnam. Understanding the significance of “saving face” and avoiding actions that may cause embarrassment is essential for building positive relationships. Vietnamese people place great importance on how their family, friends, and colleagues see them, and they strive to avoid any situations that could lead to loss of face.

In Vietnamese culture, open confrontation, bickering, or insulting others is often regarded unacceptable and can cause shame for all parties involved. Instead, the best way to reconnect with one another is to maintain peace and everyone’s respect. It is critical to approach relationships with tact and diplomacy, carefully choosing words and actions to avoid creating discomfort or shame.

By approaching encounters with respect, sensitivity, and a willingness to study and adapt to the optimistic culture, you can build strong and fruitful connections in Vietnam while avoiding any humiliation or loss of face for yourself or others.

The Value of Lifelong Learning

Due to the competitive job market, young people strive to study hard to find good jobs. In this booming economy, there are excellent opportunities, and those who really make an effort will have a much better advantage. This means that from a young age, many students need to work hard to study at school and in additional classes.

In addition, Vietnamese people place a great emphasis on education, and this reflects in the country’s literacy rates, as well as the importance of knowledge and wisdom in traditional the optimistic culture.

Honouring the Wisdom and Experience of our Elders

Elder knowledge & experience needs to be honoured in our society

After their name and nationality, one of the first questions you will receive when you come to Vietnam is about your age. The Confucian philosophy, which is the foundation of Vietnamese society, places a great importance on experience and wisdom. This means that the older you are, the more respect you receive.

One important aspect of Vietnamese culture is the concept of “morality” or “ethics”. You should not use vulgar language or discuss sensitive topics when talking to older people. Older people receive meals first at supper, and their opinions have greater “weight” at home or at work. This refers to the set of values and principles that guide the behavior of Vietnamese people, including respect for elders, filial piety, and community-orientedness.

The Art of Haggling in Vietnam

Haggling at traditional marketplaces in Vietnam may be an exciting and unique experience. When finding products, it is normal practice to bargain and haggle with sellers to get a mutually reasonable price.

Remember that the art of bargaining is not about winning or taking advantage, but about finding a fair and acceptable price that satisfies both sides. It can be a fun experience that allows you to interact with the local culture while receiving unique and unforgettable souvenirs or commodities.

Engaging in the art of haggling requires some skill and understanding of the optimistic culture. By embracing the art of bargaining in a courteous and respectful manner, you can improve your shopping experiences in Vietnam’s traditional marketplaces and develop meaningful contacts with local vendors.

The Role of Supernatural Beliefs

 Religion and belief have exerted a deep influence on Vietnamese culture 

Supernatural beliefs play an important role in Vietnam’s cultural fabric. Traditional legends, ceremonies, and spiritual activities revolving around supernatural components have a connection with the country’s rich heritage. Ancestor worship is a well-known and significant belief in Vietnamese society.

Vietnamese people believe in having a deep connection with their ancestors even after they have passed away. The deceased have a right to have an invisible presence and influence on the lives of their living offspring. Ancestor worship include paying respect, praying, and making offerings to honor and seek advice from deceased family members. This believe in ancestral spirits develops a sense of continuity, respect for elders, and a deep connection to one’s ancestors. Aside from ancestor worship, Vietnam is home to a wide range of religious and spiritual beliefs, including Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism.

In Vietnam, supernatural beliefs and practices serve as a spiritual compass, affecting cultural values, rituals, and traditions. They contribute to a sense of identity, community, and connection to the spiritual realm. These beliefs provide comfort, guidance, and a sense of continuity in the Vietnamese people’s life, bridging the gap between the visible and invisible worlds.

Exploring the Optimistic Outlook of Vietnamese Culture

Vietnamese culture has become known for its positive outlook and persistence in the face of adversity. Regardless of the difficulties and barriers they may face, the people of Vietnam keep an optimistic attitude and a strong work ethic as they seek to better their own and their families’ lives.

This optimistic attitude may represent perceived by how people conduct themselves in their daily lives. They are usually grateful for what they have and make the most of their resources and possibilities. Rather of concentrating on personal issues, Vietnamese culture encourages people to keep a good attitude and look for proactive solutions.

The cheerful perspective and industrious spirit of the Vietnamese culture are significant forces that propel personal growth and development. Individuals can harness the same positive energy and work towards their goals by adopting this mindset, leading to a brighter and more fulfilling future.

Navigating a Culture with No Tipping Tradition

It is vital to understand that leaving tips, sometimes known as “boa money,” is not a widespread habit in Vietnam. Although it is not customary, you are always welcome to leave a tip if you thought the service was very good and you want to express your gratitude. But since openly leaving a tip could make some individuals feel shy or uncomfortable, it’s best to do so secretly and in private.

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Although tipping is not crucial, it plays a role to remember that expressing gratitude and appreciation for excellent service is always appreciated. A simple thank you and a smile can go a long way toward expressing how pleased you are with the service you received. By following local customs and being aware of the absence of a tipping tradition, you may navigate Vietnamese culture with ease and guarantee your expressions of gratitude get accepted in a culturally appropriate manner.

Savouring Vietnam’s Soulful Cuisine

Immerse yourself in the art of Vietnamese cuisine

Vietnamese cuisine is an integral part of the country’s culture, history and lifestyle. It is a diversified and rich cuisine which incorporates a variety of cultural and geographical elements.

Vietnamese cuisine is an important part of the country’s identity and cultural heritage, and has gained popularity around the world for its delicious and unique flavors. Vietnamese cuisine stands out for its distinctive blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy ingredients, which creates a flavor that has become renowned around the world. As a result, local people have developed a culinary tradition that makes use of fresh ingredients and a wide variety of herbs and spices.

Cuisine is an important part of the Vietnam’s culture, and reflects the deep connection between people and their natural surroundings. When enjoying a meal in Vietnam, it is important to be mindful of the resources that have gone into creating it, and to show appreciation for the hard work that has been put in to prepare it.

Burning with Passion

Vietnamese people have a strong sense of patriotism and love for their country. Despite the challenges and issues that may arise in their daily lives, they have a deep attachment and loyalty towards Vietnam.

While it is common for Vietnamese people to discuss issues or problems they face in their daily lives, they are still fiercely protective of their country’s image and reputation. Many Vietnamese people are eager to share the beauty and uniqueness of their country with others and to showcase the warmth and hospitality of their culture. They have an interest as well about other cultures and like learning about other customs and traditions from around the world.

People in Vietnam often exhibit a strong sense of community and camaraderie. Vietnamese culture places a significant emphasis on collectivism and family values, which fosters a strong bond among individuals within the community. Vietnamese people may express their dissatisfaction with certain aspects of life in Vietnam amongst themselves, but they do not appreciate outsiders speaking negatively about their country.

The Devotion of Vietnamese People to their Homeland

The optimistic culture of Vietnam is something that every foreign tourist should experience. Through the eyes of those who have visited and created travel guides, Vietnam’s rich history, beautiful landscapes, delicious cuisine, and friendly people shine through. From the bustling cities to the tranquil countryside, Vietnam offers a unique and memorable experience that is not to be missed.

By respecting the environment, showing kindness and hospitality to those around us, and embracing the optimism that the Vietnamese people embody, we can all learn valuable lessons from this beautiful culture.

So, pack your bags and book your next adventure to Vietnam to discover the country’s optimistic culture for yourself!

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