Factfile
Population: 82 million
Time zone: GMT +7 hours
Currency: Vietnamese dong
Language: Vietnamese
Int. dialling code: +84
Religion: Buddhism
Tourist board
More information
- Halong Bay homepage
- Cat Ba island
- Hanoi
- Culture of Vietnam
- History of Halong Bay
- Getting there - airport parking
- Getting there - airport hotels
- Getting there - holiday insurance
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Recommended by...
Kate Pettifer
Freelance journalist
"Halong Bay, off the Vietnamese coast, is one of the most breathtakingly tranquil and beautiful places I've ever visited. Take a day trip from Hanoi or stay overnight on Cat Ba Island to soak up the natural beauty of the bay's deep green sea and dramatic limestone islands."
Halong Bay - Culture of Vietnam
Vietnamese culture is an ancient one, and one that takes a heavy influence from nearby China. During its socialist era Vietnam took much of its cultural influence from fellow communist states such as China and the USSR, shunning other outside influences. Vietnamese culture could be defined by being a civilization based on wet rice cultivation.
During the last two decades the country has opened up more to Europe and America and now has a far wider range of influences on its culture. Traditional dress (primarily for women) in Vietnam is the Ao Dai. An Ao Dai is a long, full-length dress worn at formal occasions.
Traditional, Chinese-influenced, music is played throughout the country, with sounds differing from region to region. Football is the most popular sport but other sports also enjoy popularity such as vollyball, ping pong, tennis and chess. Food is a cornerstone of Vietnamese culture, with popular dishes including seafood, rice and vegetables.
Your view
Did you eat at a fantastic restaurant or stay in a wonderful hotel in Vietnam? Maybe you discovered a hidden sight or travel tip that you want to share with other visitors?