Vietnam information

Basic knowledge of Vietnam

In addition to the basic information of Vietnam as a whole, such as country information, climate, traffic, and population, we will introduce the features of the north, central, and southern regions.

Speaking of Vietnam, there are many people who have an impression of beauty treatment (spa), knick-knack, Ao Dai.
Vietnam is long in the north and south, and it is also interesting that there is a big difference in each region. Here is basic information on Vietnam.

 

Area and population

Vietnam covers an area of 329,241 square kilometers and is a slender country from north to south. The population is approximately 93.7 million (2017 Vietnam Statistics Directorate). It is said that the population concentration in the urban area is remarkable, and more than 8.4 million people live in Ho Chi Minh City alone.

Country name and origin

The official name of Vietnam is the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. The country name Vietnam is derived from “country built by Kinh (Viet) in the south” in Chinese.

Climate and clothing

Since it is elongated from north to south, the climate differs greatly, with the northern part belonging to the subtropical climate and the south belonging to the tropical monsoon.
Wearing clothes that can cope with temperature differences is recommended when traveling around the country.

In the south, the rainy season is usually from May to October, and the dry season is from November to April, but the temperature is high throughout the year. Recently, it can rain even during the dry season due to climate change.
Half sleeves are enough, but it is convenient to have a jacket or hat to avoid the sun.

 

Religion and ethnicity

About 70% of the people are Buddhists, but Christianity, Islam and Cao Dai are also spreading. The majority of Vietnamese people are Kinh (Viet), and they are concentrated in urban areas.
There are also 53 ethnic minorities, most of whom live in the plateau and mountainous areas.
Vietnam is actually a multi-ethnic country.

Official languages and foreign languages

The official language is Vietnamese. Historically, it is influenced by both China and France, so it is written in alphabetical terms, although it originates from Kanji. There are six tones, and the meaning changes depending on the tone even in the same alphabet.
Some words are similar to Japanese. There are also dialect differences between the north and south.

Ho Chi Minh City has many tourists, but few Vietnamese are fluent in English. Vietnamese are also happy when they try to speak Vietnamese. If you use simple words without hesitation, you may see a new Vietnam. It is better to think that only simple English is spoken.

 

Vietnamese food culture

Well-known Vietnamese food such as “pho” and fresh spring rolls in Japan.Vietnamese food influenced by Chinese culture and French is mild and easy to eat. It is also characterized by the use of fish sauce (Nuoc mam) fermented by salting small fish for sauces and seasoning, and rice as the staple food. Rice is not only eaten as rice, but it is often changed into noodles and spring rolls. In general, it is said that the northern cuisine is salty, the middle is spicy, and the south is sweet. In the south, a lot of herbs, coconut juice and coconut milk are used to create a sweet and deep flavor.

Currency

The currency is Vietnamese Dong, but US dollars are also available at major hotels and restaurants. Also, cash can be exchanged for major currencies such as US dollars and Japanese yen. If you need a taxi fare to get to the city center, you can convert it to Vietnamese Dongat the airport, and cash in for other necessary items in the city. Recently, the number of places where credit cards can be used has increased.

Economic growth

Vietnam's economic growth rate in 2016 was 6.6%. Second place in the world after India.
Buildings and roads are also under construction, and infrastructure work is underway. Investment has been made not only by Japanese companies but also by many countries and regions, and future growth is expected.

Vietnamese souvenirs

The recommended souvenir for food is coffee. There are many kinds, fragrances, and prices, so I think it's safe to be chosen by price.
It may be difficult to use if you are not used to it, but if you purchase it with a coffee filter, you will be pleased with the gift.
If you love Vietnamese food, you can try fish sauce (Nuoc mam).Many glass bottles are available, but some are in plastic bottles. Please take it home with a sealed bag. Vietnam also exports pepper.
There are whole pepper and ground pepper, so the cheapness and lightness are attractive.
If you're okay with a little heavy, beer is also good.Would you like something you like during your stay, such as 333 (Ba Ba Ba) and Saigon Beer?

Vietnam traffic

Airplanes, trains, taxis, cyclos, motorcycle taxis and buses are the main means of transportation.
When you use a taxi, cyclo, or motorcycle taxi, make sure you have a small change.
Most of them use meters these days, but if the driver doesn't push the meter or the meter isn't moving, let the driver know clearly.
Recently, Grab that can arrange for cars and pay in the app is recommended.