Vietnamese Culture

For many travelers, the Vietnamese way of life remains a compelling mystery. Perplexed by the country are countless sidewalk cafes, or why locals can take hour-long motorbike rides just because?

Growing up on two wheels

Vietnamese spend a lot of time on the sidewalk. With the country’s amazing street food scene, café and sidewalk culture (including curbside barbers, markets, and workout classes), it’s not hard to see why we love to get out of the house. Meeting friends? To the sidewalk, Need a haircut, Grocery shopping.

If we are not drinking coffee, we’re probably riding on our motorbikes. For us Vietnamese, a motorbike is more than a means of transport. A ride is not always about getting from place to place.

Families, friends and couples riding around on motorbikes to enjoy the cool breeze, having a chat, or people-watching with occasional stops for tasty snacks.

Growing up with motorbikes also means a lot of memories are attached to these two-wheelers. First dates often start with a motorbike pick up. Road trip is defined by motor biking with friends to the mountains, beaches, or countryside. So, when you’re offered a ride on a local’s motorbike, take it. That’s an invitation into the Vietnamese life you don’t want to miss.

 

Running from sun

 

Vietnamese women go to great lengths to shield themselves from the sun with long sleeves, gloves, masks, sun hats you name it. An ‘anti-sun skirt' is a piece of fabric wrapped around the waist to cover up the lower body while riding a motorbike. This is also why Vietnam’s beaches are mostly empty during the day, but busy in the early morning or late afternoon.