Things you didn't know about Vietnam

Stop Five, Hanoi 25/04/2015 to 31/05/2015
(Written by Her)

Conical Hats

Made from palm leaf and bamboo, the conical hat must be the most widely recognizable symbol of Vietnam. During our time here we have seen the Vietnamese shade themselves with conical hats from the searing sun, we have seen tourists wear lopsided versions which seem to act as $$ signs over their head as they traipse around souvenir shops, and we’ve seen locals making conical hats in a Hue village. Now becoming part of Vietnamese national dress, conical hats can be seen on postcards worn by beautiful women, seeming so oriental and romantic, yet they have quite a sad reality in contemporary Vietnam. In Hanoi, conical hats are worn by women who originate from the countryside and come to the city to sell their wares. Conical hats would never be worn by urbanites who spot poorer rural vendors easily because of their hat. It has come to be a symbol of poverty in the city. 

Bath plugs

Baths in Vietnam, at least the baths that we have had in our hotel’s do not have a proper drainage system. While the bath has a plug hole like every other bath, there is no pipe which brings the water outside to drain – instead the water goes down the plug hole, out under the bath, onto the floor and circles around a drain made in the bathroom floor. Big deal you might say, however, it meant that the first bath I had in HCMC was a slight fiasco. After a quick soak, I pulled out the plug, unaware of the torrent of water that would come whooshing out onto the floor. Amide the swirling flood, I frantically tried to keep the water from entering the bedroom until the entire bath had drained around my feet. Note to self - in future gradually let the bath water drain by holding the plug slightly over the drain for long enough that the whole bath empties... OR just have a feckin' shower!

Is it hot in here?

Women in Vietnam seem completely unaffected by the heat on a day-to-day basis, as they drive around fully covered in hoodies, jackets, even wearing gloves in 40 degree heat. However, their appearance has nothing to do with their temperature, they are in fact very susceptible to the heat and can be regularly spotted perspiring and panting in the sun. Rather, they are acutely aware of their skin colour (and that of every western it seems). They wish to be white. Whiteness symbolises youth and beauty. 

Two Child Average

Vietnamese families are technically allowed to have as many children as they want. However, each child born after the second child incurs a significant tax. Therefore, families try to have just two children. A Vietnamese friend of ours told us that most families wish for one boy and one girl in their first two children so that they will not have to pay the child tax. Twins are considered very bad luck, particularly if one already has a child!

To keep their skin from tanning, they cover every inch when they are out and about. One woman told me that her husband gets angry with her if he sees that she is not covered because her skin will get brown and old looking. She told me that the sun gives her lines on her face and freckles on her skin which is a sign of age instead of beauty. The most wealthy Vietnamese women have very pale complexions and walk around under umbrellas whenever they step outside. 

Play Street

On Friday nights one street in Hanoi is closed to traffic and turned into ‘Play Street’. Numerous hand made toys and amusements are placed along the street such as see-saws, ramps for skateboards and rocking horses. Children are invited to come and play while parents stand aside taking photos. When we passed by this street almost every toy was being used. Particularly popular were the bales of hay, being thrown around! It’s a really nice idea which doesn’t cost a lot and I’m sure children will grow up to have great memories of play street. 

One Thing at a Time

While I don’t mean to be critical, as I know that Vietnamese people work very hard, the service throughout Vietnam is incredibly slow. Generally one task is completed at a time, no more! For example, we have been in restaurants where we give our order together but we can see the chef prepare one dish from start to finish, send it out and then start the second. For us, this means always eating at different times, extended meal times and sometimes the random ordering of meals. I have eaten my main course before my starter and my side before my main course. Adjust your expectations and there should be no problem. 

Ramps

Every Vietnamese home has a ramp as well as steps fitted at its main entrance. Houses, shops, restaurants, even building sites all have an essential ramp. The steps are for people and the ramp is for the families moto. Those who have precious motos like to keep them safe and in the shade, thus parking them in their house for the night. 
 

Marriage

Arranged marriages are not traditional in Vietnam (although they do sometimes happen). Instead, at the age of between 19 and 23, a girl finds a partner who is slightly older than her whom she is most likely to marry. After the couple court and marry, the wife must move in with her in-laws and live communally with them. She must work their land and contribute to their household until they decide that the couple are ready to become independent. It is not until a couple are awarded independence from the husbands parents that they are allowed to earn their own money and begin to plan a future together...Dose!