PIXEL VISA

Vietnam is renowned for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. The country is celebrated for its ancient temples, bustling markets, and vibrant cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam is also known for its picturesque natural beauty, including the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, terraced rice fields in Sapa, and pristine beaches along the central coast. The Vietnamese cuisine, famous for its flavorsome dishes like pho and banh mi, has gained global popularity. Vietnam holds a significant place in history for its resilience during the Vietnam War, with sites like the Cu Chi Tunnels offering insights into the country's wartime past. Warm hospitality, traditional festivals, and a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity contribute to Vietnam's allure, making it a compelling destination for travelers seeking cultural richness and scenic marvels.

January 1

New Year's Day Marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year with celebrations and festivities worldwide.

January

Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) Celebrated in January or February, Tet marks the Vietnamese New Year with festive traditions, family reunions, and cultural events.

January 5 of the lunar calendar

Tay Phuong Pagoda Festival Celebrates the Tay Phuong Pagoda and features traditional rituals.

February 10 of the lunar calendar

Keo Pagoda Festival Honors Buddhist monk Duong Khong Lo and features traditional performances.

March 23 of the lunar calendar

Cau Ngu Festival A fishing festival in coastal regions, paying respects to the sea gods.

April

Hung Kings Temple Festival Held on the 10th day of the third lunar month, this festival honors the legendary founders of Vietnam, the Hung Kings.

April 6

Reunification Day Commemorates the fall of Saigon in 1975, marking the end of the Vietnam War.

April 10 (Lunar calendar)

Hung Temple Festival A pilgrimage to the Hung Temple to pay homage to the Hung Kings.

May 1

International Workers' Day Celebrated to honor workers and laborers.

May (Full Moon Day)

Visakha Bucha Celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha.

June

Mid Autumn Festival (Full Moon Day) Celebrated with lanterns, mooncakes, and family gatherings.

July 28

Vietnam Women's Day Honors and appreciates the contributions of Vietnamese women.

September 2

National Day Marks the declaration of independence from French rule in 1945.

September/October

Teacher's Day Recognizes the importance of educators and their role in society.

October 10

Hanoi Liberation Day Commemorates the day Hanoi was liberated from French colonial rule in 1954.

October 20

Vietnam National Heritage Day A day to promote and celebrate the country's cultural heritage and historical sites.

October 23

Vietnam Women's Day Honors and appreciates the contributions of Vietnamese women.

November 20

International Men's Day Recognizes and celebrates the contributions of men to society.

The Vietnamese currency is the Vietnamese đồng, abbreviated as VND. The đồng is the official currency of Vietnam and is denoted by the symbol "₫." Similar to other currencies, it is divisible into smaller units. The primary denominations in circulation include coins of 200₫, 500₫, 1,000₫, 2,000₫, and 5,000₫, as well as banknotes of 10,000₫, 20,000₫, 50,000₫, 100,000₫, 200,000₫, and 500,000₫. The đồng follows a decimal system, where 1 đồng is equivalent to 10 hào, and 1 hào is further divided into 10 xu. However, due to inflation and changes in the economy, the usage of hào and xu has become less common, and transactions are often rounded to the nearest đồng.

500,000 VND notes (~21.80 USD)

A 500,000 VND note in Vietnam holds significant spending power, covering a night in a mid-range hotel, multiple meals at mid-range restaurants for a couple of days, or a long taxi ride from an airport to a city center. These notes are not usually practical for everyday transactions due to their higher value.

200,000 VND notes (~8.72 USD)

Each 200,000 VND note can cover a mid-range meal for two or a night in a budget hotel. With a few of these, you can manage several days of moderate spending on food and accommodation.

50,000 VND notes (~2.18 USD)

A 50,000 VND note could cover a meal at a local restaurant or a short taxi ride. With a handful of these, you could enjoy multiple meals or cover transportation costs for a few days.

20,000 VND notes (~0.87 USD)

Each 20,000 VND note could buy you a bottle of water or a small snack. With several of these, you can stay hydrated and snack throughout the day.

10,000 VND notes (~0.43 USD)

A 10,000 VND note is enough for a quick meal at a street food stall or a short local bus ride. With multiple notes, you can sustain yourself with street food or cover public transportation expenses.

5,000 VND notes (~0.22 USD)

Each 5,000 VND note is suitable for a small item or snack. With a handful of these, you have enough for several small purchases or snacks.

2,000 VND coins (~0.09 USD)

A 2,000 VND coin could pay for a one-way ticket on public transport or a small snack. With several coins, you can make multiple short trips on public transportation or indulge in various snacks.

1,000 VND coins (~0.04 USD)

These coins are ideal for small tips or donations at temples. With several coins, you can make contributions at various locations or offer small tips.

500 VND coins (~0.02 USD)

A 500 VND coin is suitable for small, inexpensive items like a piece of candy or a pack of gum. With several of these coins, you can make multiple small purchases or indulge in various inexpensive treats.

200 VND coins (~0.01 USD)

Each 200 VND coin represents the smallest denomination and has limited purchasing power. These coins are commonly used for rounding off transactions or small contributions. With a handful of these coins, you can participate in small transactions, such as rounding up a bill or making minimal donations.

The Vietnamese language, or "Tiếng Việt," is the official language of Vietnam and belongs to the Austroasiatic language family. It utilizes the Latin alphabet, making it unique among Southeast Asian languages. Vietnamese is a tonal language with six distinct tones, each altering the meaning of words. The tones include level, mid-rising, low-rising, mid, low-falling, and high-rising. Vietnamese has undergone linguistic changes influenced by historical factors, including Chinese domination, French colonization, and interactions with neighboring cultures. The script used for written Vietnamese is based on the Latin alphabet with additional diacritic marks to represent tones and certain phonetic sounds. This writing system was introduced by Portuguese missionaries in the 17th century, replacing earlier Chinese-based scripts. Despite its tonal complexity, Vietnamese is known for its straightforward grammar and lack of grammatical gender. Additionally, the language has absorbed vocabulary from various sources, including Chinese, French, and Khmer, contributing to its linguistic richness and diversity

Hello - Xin chào Hi - Chào bạn Good morning - Chào buổi sáng Good afternoon - Chào buổi chiều Good evening - Chào buổi tối Good night - Chúc bạn một đêm ngon I'm sorry - Xin lỗi Excuse me - Xin lỗi Where is ... ? - ... ở đâu? Please - Làm ơn Thank you - Cảm ơn No thank you - Không, cảm ơn This - Cái này That - Cái kia Yes - Vâng No - Không Not - Không You - Bạn I - Tôi My - Của tôi My name is ... - Tên tôi là ... Nice to meet you - Rất vui được gặp bạn How are you? - Bạn có khỏe không? Good - Khỏe Bad - Không khỏe I speak - Tôi nói I do not speak ... - Tôi không nói ... Do you speak ... ? - Bạn nói ... không? English - Tiếng Anh Spanish - Tiếng Tây Ban Nha German - Tiếng Đức French - Tiếng Pháp Phasa Thai - Tiếng Thái Where is the restroom? - Nhà vệ sinh ở đâu? Water - Nước Food - Thức ăn Bed - Giường Do you have ...? - Bạn có ... không? How much is this? - Cái này bao nhiêu tiền? Too expensive - Quá đắt

Pho (Phở)

A fragrant noodle soup with flavorful broth, rice noodles, and various cuts of meat, often garnished with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime.

Banh Mi

A Vietnamese sandwich featuring a baguette filled with a variety of ingredients such as grilled meats, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili.

Goi Cuon

Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp, herbs, pork, rice vermicelli, and sometimes other ingredients, served with a dipping sauce.

Bun Cha

Grilled pork patties and slices of pork belly served with rice vermicelli, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce.

Com Tam

Broken rice served with grilled pork, pork skin, and a side of fish sauce, often accompanied by pickled vegetables.

Bun Bo Hue

A spicy beef noodle soup originating from the city of Hue, featuring lemongrass-infused broth, beef, pork, and rice vermicelli.

Ca Kho To

Caramelized fish in a clay pot, cooked with a savory-sweet sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper.

Bo Luc Lac

Shaking beef, a dish consisting of cubed and sautéed beef, often served with tomatoes, lettuce, and a dipping sauce.

Goi Ga

Vietnamese chicken salad made with shredded poached chicken, cabbage, herbs, and a lime-based dressing.

Banh Xeo

Crispy Vietnamese pancakes filled with a mix of shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs, usually served with lettuce for wrapping.

Che

A variety of Vietnamese sweet desserts, often consisting of ingredients like beans, jellies, fruit, and sweetened coconut milk.

Ca Phe Sua Da

Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk, known for its strong and rich flavor.

Tra Da

Iced tea, often served with lime or lemon slices and sugar on the side for customization.

Nuoc Mia

Sugarcane juice, a refreshing and sweet beverage extracted from pressed sugarcane.

Bia Hoi

Freshly brewed, light draft beer popular in Vietnam, often enjoyed at local beer corners.

Ca Phe Trung

Egg coffee, a Vietnamese specialty with a creamy, frothy egg yolk mixture on top of strong coffee.

Hipster Culture

In Vietnam's urban hubs like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, a burgeoning hipster culture has taken root, characterized by trendy coffee shops, quirky art spaces, and a burgeoning indie music scene. Distinct neighborhoods akin to Williamsburg in New York or Shoreditch in London showcase a fusion of traditional and modern influences, attracting a creative and alternative crowd.

Ecological Preservation

Vietnam boasts diverse ecosystems, and there's a growing emphasis on ecological preservation. National parks like Phong Nha Ke Bang and Cat Tien draw attention to the country's rich biodiversity. However, Vietnam faces environmental challenges such as deforestation and pollution. Increasingly, the younger generation is engaging in environmental activism to address these issues and promote sustainability.

Vegetarian/Vegan Diets

While traditional Vietnamese cuisine features meat prominently, there's a noticeable shift towards vegetarian and vegan diets, especially in urban areas. The rise of plant-based eateries and the adoption of "an chay" (vegetarian) practices during Buddhist events indicate a growing awareness of these dietary choices. Expats and health-conscious locals are contributing to the popularity of vegetarianism and the gradual acceptance of veganism.

Cannabis Culture

Vietnam has a historical connection to cannabis, with traditional uses for medicinal and culinary purposes. However, the legal landscape is changing. While medical cannabis remains illegal, there have been discussions about potential legalization for specific purposes. Informally, recreational use persists, with some areas adopting a more tolerant stance. The evolving attitudes toward cannabis reflect a nuanced cultural shift in Vietnam.

Tourism and Stereotypes

Vietnam, like Thailand, is sometimes associated with stereotypes related to sex tourism. However, it's essential to recognize that these stereotypes are a narrow representation of the country's diverse culture. The Vietnamese government actively works to combat such perceptions and address any illegal activities.

Traditional Values

Vietnamese society is deeply rooted in Confucian values, emphasizing conservatism, family, and traditional gender roles. Premarital sex is generally viewed with disapproval, particularly in rural areas where conservative norms hold stronger sway.

LGBTQ+ Community

Vietnam has made notable strides in LGBTQ+ rights. While societal attitudes can vary, major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have thriving LGBTQ+ scenes. The country has made progress in recognizing and protecting LGBTQ+ rights, although there may still be challenges, and same-sex marriage is not legally recognized.

Sex Education

Sex education in Vietnam faces similar criticisms of being insufficient and lacking comprehensive coverage. This inadequacy contributes to issues such as high rates of teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, highlighting the need for improved educational programs.

Legal Aspects

Prostitution is officially illegal in Vietnam, but like in Thailand, it exists in certain areas and is tolerated to some extent. However, human trafficking and exploitation remain significant concerns, with strict penalties for those involved in these illegal activities.

Changing Norms

Urban areas and younger generations in Vietnam are experiencing evolving attitudes toward sex, influenced by global trends and increased exposure to Western media. This shift may introduce more liberal perspectives, although it often coexists with the persistence of traditional viewpoints, creating a complex cultural landscape.