Vietnam Travel Information and Advice | Pyala Travel

Vietnam Travel Information | Vietnam Country Information

Geography:
Vietnam covers an area of 331,698 sq. km and has a population of 90 million people (statistics from 2014) and 54 ethnic minority group. The country has three main geographic regions: the tropical south dominated by the Mekong River estuary, the dry central region, and the more temperate north comprised of the Red River delta and 80% mountainous and highland areas.

Religion 
Vietnam has followers of all the major world religions, as well as followers of religions that are peculiarly Vietnamese: Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, Protestant and Catholic Christianity, Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, Cao Daism, Hoa Hao, and Hinduism. In addition, there is also spirit and ancestor worship. To Tien is also practiced. Confucianism is probably the most pervasive doctrine of all.  

People
Ethnic Vietnamese constitute almost 90 percent of the population in Vietnam. Originating in what is now southern China and northern Vietnam, the Vietnamese people pushed southward over several centuries to occupy the entire eastern seacoast of the Indochinese Peninsula. Nearly 100 years of French rule (1858 - 1954) introduced important European elements, but the Vietnamese still put great importance in family and continue to observe rites honoring their  ancestors, indicating the persistence of tradition.  

Manners
The Vietnamese used to  greet one another by clasping their hands, prayer-like, in front of their faces and bowing slightly. Unfortunately, this charming custom has been replaced by the handshake. When trying to gain the attention of a Vietnamese, try not to point or gesture excessively. This is regarded as rude. Call out their names if possible; if not,  beckon in using the  whole hand, palm downwards. Again, as in other countries of  Southeast Asia, do not touch people on the head as it is regarded as spiritually the “highest” part of the body. Expect to be the center of attention outside Saigon, Hanoi and other main tourist centers. React accordingly and be a good ambassador.