Vietnam is a fascinating country known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. However, for travelers, Vietnam can also offer some unexpected and unusual experiences. From quirky traditions to surprising culinary customs, Vietnam presents a mix of the peculiar and the charming. In this article, we’ll explore 10 strange things that visitors might encounter while traveling in Vietnam.
1. Crossing the Street is an Adventure
In Vietnam, crossing the street can feel like a game of real-life Frogger. With motorbikes zooming by constantly, pedestrians are expected to walk slowly and steadily across the street, and somehow, the traffic magically flows around them. It’s an unnerving experience for first-time visitors, but with practice, it becomes second nature.
2. Motorbike Traffic Chaos
Vietnam has one of the highest concentrations of motorbikes in the world. You’ll find entire families, including children, squeezed onto a single motorbike. The sight of four or even five people riding on one vehicle is commonplace and can seem odd to outsiders. What’s stranger is that it all works smoothly, despite the apparent chaos.
3. Unusual Street Food
Vietnamese street food is famous worldwide, but some of the dishes might be considered strange by foreign visitors. From fried insects to balut (a developing duck embryo), Vietnam’s adventurous cuisine is not for the faint of heart. Yet, these unusual foods are an essential part of local culture and offer a truly authentic culinary experience.
4. The Ubiquity of Karaoke
Karaoke isn’t just a pastime in Vietnam, it’s practically a national obsession. You’ll hear karaoke blasting from homes, bars, and even street corners. Travelers might find themselves serenaded by locals during dinner, or even invited to join in the singing—a cultural experience that can be both amusing and awkward.
5. Drinking Egg Coffee
Egg coffee (cà phê trứng) might sound strange, but it’s a beloved specialty in Hanoi. This creamy concoction blends egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk, and robust Vietnamese coffee. Though the idea of egg in coffee may seem odd, it’s surprisingly delicious and a must-try for travelers.
6. People Sleep Everywhere
One thing that might surprise visitors is how comfortable Vietnamese people are with taking naps just about anywhere. From street vendors napping in hammocks on the sidewalk to motorbike drivers sleeping on their parked vehicles, it’s common to see people resting in the most unexpected places during the hot afternoons.
7. The Morning Exercise Routine
If you wake up early enough, you’ll likely witness groups of locals, especially the elderly, practicing tai chi, dancing, or exercising in public parks. It’s a daily routine that starts at sunrise, often accompanied by loudspeakers playing upbeat music. This might seem strange to foreigners, but it’s a vital part of Vietnamese life, promoting community and well-being.
8. A Preference for Squatting
In Vietnam, many people prefer to squat rather than sit, whether they’re waiting, eating, or resting. In street markets or local food stalls, you’ll often find low stools or even people squatting on the ground to enjoy their meals. This habit can seem odd to travelers but is deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture.
9. Fish Pedicures
While fish pedicures can be found in many Asian countries, Vietnam is known for offering this bizarre spa treatment at a very low cost. For a few dollars, you can dip your feet into a tank of water filled with small fish that nibble away at the dead skin. It’s a ticklish and strange experience but leaves your feet surprisingly smooth.
10. Unusual Funeral Practices
Vietnamese funerals can seem quite peculiar to outsiders. Funerals are often large and loud, with marching bands and music playing as the procession moves through the streets. In some cases, people hire professional mourners to wail and cry, creating an unusual spectacle for those unaccustomed to these traditions.
Tourist Review
“I was blown away by how different Vietnam was from other places I’ve visited. The street-crossing culture is insane! It took me a few days to get used to it. And the food wow! Trying balut was something I’ll never forget. It was strange, but in a good way. Also, who knew egg coffee could be so tasty?” – Mike, frequent traveler and vlogger.
Expert Opinion
According to Anthony Bourdain, the famous chef and travel documentarian, “Vietnam is a country you either fall in love with or find bewildering. Its quirks, from the motorbike chaos to the unique street food, are part of what makes it such a memorable destination. There’s a raw authenticity here that can surprise and even shock, but it’s always fascinating.”
Conclusion
Vietnam is a country that continuously surprises travelers with its strange yet charming quirks. From its traffic chaos to its unusual culinary practices, Vietnam offers a travel experience like no other. While some of these oddities may seem strange at first, they are all part of the rich cultural fabric that makes the country so unique and exciting to explore.