From wild karaoke to crazy scooters: here’s why Vietnam is a wonderfully insane country (and why you absolutely have to visit it)!
Do you know Vietnam? That long strip of land between Cambodia and China, famous for its rice paddies and Ha Long Bay?
Well, behind the classic postcard scenes of breathtaking landscapes and conical hats lies a series of curiosities you’ve probably never imagined.
If you’re not afraid of vampires or flying beach umbrellas, then this is the article for you.
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1. Karaoke everywhere: more than a passion, an obsession!
Anyone who has been to Vietnam knows one thing: Vietnamese people love karaoke. And when I say love, I mean they are ready to sing their hearts out until they lose their voice. It doesn’t matter if you sing terribly—here, everyone has the right to show off their talent… or their complete lack of it.
Basically, every corner of Vietnam echoes with ’80s songs performed by people who probably wouldn’t make it past the first round of a talent show.
Trust me, it’s genuinely fascinating to watch people lose their dignity (and their voice!) at karaoke.
If you happen to spend an evening with Vietnamese friends and think you’ll get away without picking up the microphone, you’re dreaming.
Sooner or later, you’ll have to sing “My Heart Will Go On” complete with dramatic stage acting. (Just make sure nobody films you—when you get home, they might blackmail you with embarrassing videos!)
2. Vampires? No, just allergic to the sun!
If you see Vietnamese people out on the street covered up as if it were the North Pole in the middle of summer, it’s not because they’re fleeing radioactive rays or because they’re especially modest.
The truth is that tanned skin isn’t exactly fashionable here.
Hats, sunglasses, and gloves are the basic survival kit for facing even just 10 minutes under the blazing sun.
Some people say that, given this aversion to sunlight, Vietnamese people must be descended from ancient vampire tribes…
Wait, now I get why they don’t eat garlic!
OK, maybe not—that sounds pretty ridiculous—but one thing is certain: fair skin is considered beautiful here.
Whatever makes them happy…
3. Beaches? Only during a storm, thanks!
And speaking of beaches, forget blazing sunshine and sunset cocktails.
In Vietnam, the seaside is best enjoyed… when it rains! Yes, because Vietnamese people don’t go to the beach to tan—actually, as we said, it’s better to avoid the sun.
So the beach becomes their personal paradise (trust us, the scenery is absolutely jaw-dropping) only when the sky is gray and the storm is raging.
After all, what could be better than wind hurling sand into places the sun doesn’t shine? Or dodging flying umbrellas aimed straight at your eyeballs? We’ve been doing beach days all wrong!
And if it starts pouring, where do you take shelter? Not under the umbrellas—they’re already soaring through the air as if there were no tomorrow.
4. Bargaining is a national sport (even at the pharmacy)
In the rest of the world, you bargain at the market, maybe, or with a carpet seller. At most, as a kid, you might bargain with the guy at the café to get five pieces of candy for the price of one—but not much more than that.
In Vietnam?
You bargain everywhere. Yes, EVERYWHERE. From souvenir stalls to the neighborhood pharmacy, every price is negotiable. Whether you’ve got a headache or need a new pair of flip-flops, get ready to show off your negotiating skills.
I swear, every day is an incredible show, one long theatrical performance (and in the most unexpected places)!
5. Vietnam: where saying “no” is no easy task
Have you ever tried asking a Vietnamese person for something?
If you’re expecting a clear and firm “no,” make yourself comfortable: it’s never coming. Saying “no” here is practically impossible.
You’re much more likely to get an evasive answer or a shy nod that could mean everything and nothing.
Perfect if you’re thinking of asking for a loan, right? Or asking out that guy—or girl—you like!
6. The number 4 is bad luck
In Vietnam, the number 4 is considered unlucky because it sounds similar to the word “death” in Chinese. Sure, it’s easy to laugh at superstitions, but put yourself in their shoes and imagine if we had something similar.
So maybe don’t suggest having a “chat for four” or going on a “four-step walk”—you might annoy the locals!
If you’re thinking of giving a Vietnamese person a gift, make sure it’s not 4 flowers, 4 chocolates… or a quattro formaggi pizza.
Here’s a tip: give them something with the number 8—it’s said to bring good luck.
7. Motorbikes, bicycles and… dodging for your life!
Welcome to the kingdom of two wheels! In Vietnam, traffic is absolute chaos, with bicycles and scooters zipping around as if everyone were racing in the MotoGP.
Crossing the street becomes a heroic mission (you might even see people mentally drafting their will before stepping onto the crosswalk), and it requires blind faith that the riders will dodge you at the very last second (trust us, they seem like stunt performers!)
The first time can be scary, but after a while, you’ll become an expert at dodging—like something out of The Matrix!
In short, if you love extreme sports, a walk or bike ride during rush hour is definitely for you.
And there’s more: Vietnamese people seem born on two wheels. Scooters loaded to absurd levels weaving through traffic as if it were nothing (think refrigerators, sofas, or entire families on a single scooter) are completely normal here.
Every day brings balancing acts that challenge every known law of physics, but look on the bright side: you’ll come back with lightning-fast reflexes!
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In conclusion
And here we are at the end of this little tour through Vietnam’s quirks.
The next time someone asks you, “Hey, do you know any fun facts about Vietnam?”, you’ll be more than ready to rattle off these gems—and they may regret asking! Or you can simply use this information to sound like a total expert at your next dinner with friends (just don’t get too full of yourself, OK?)
But why stop at telling stories when you can experience it all firsthand?
Pack your backpack and come discover Vietnam with us!
We offer an amazing 14-day tour in the heart of Vietnam, to discover a country that will surprise you, all brought to you by Sto Gran Tour.
Ready to go?
