#文章首发挑战赛#
Introduction:
Vietnam is a country with a long history and culture. It is bordered by the birthplace of the Chinese nation in the north, the vast South China Sea in the south, and nearly 2,000 kilometers from east to west. Vietnam's mountains and waters are beautiful and beautiful, and the industrious enthusiasm of the Vietnamese people is unforgettable.
This trip to Vietnam gave me a taste of the infinite charm of this beautiful country. There, I not only enjoyed the delicate and beautiful scenery like oil paintings, but also felt the simple, straightforward and hospitable national character of the Vietnamese people. They embodied the essence of the Central Plains civilization in their hearts and endowed it with a unique Vietnamese charm. Between the hustle and bustle of the bustle and the relaxation, in the blend of ancient traditions and fashion trends, I caught a glimpse of the most dazzling luster of this oriental pearl.
1. Geographical overview
Vietnam, a country located in the eastern part of the Indochina Peninsula, has a coastline of 3,260 kilometers and borders with China, Laos, and Cambodia. Located south of the Tropic of Cancer, Vietnam has a typical tropical monsoon climate, with hot and rainy temperatures averaging around 26 degrees Celsius throughout the year, and the year is divided into rainy and dry seasons.
As a socialist country, Vietnam has a land area of about 329,000 square kilometers and a total population of 98 million. The capital, Hanoi, is not only the center of politics and economy, but also the heart of culture. Major cities also include Ngo Chi Minh City, Hai Phong and Da Nang, among others.
2. Cultural impressions
The cultural similarities between Vietnam and China give me a sense of intimacy. Temples can be found everywhere in this Buddhist country, and Vietnamese people go to temples to offer incense and pray for blessings on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar calendar. The plaque of the temple is engraved with Chinese, and the word Chinese is also preserved in the Temple of Literature.
Chinese culture spread rapidly in Vietnam, and learning Xi Chinese became a craze. Walking into Vietnamese bookstores, you can see many translated Chinese classics and novels, and there are many TV channels that broadcast Chinese TV dramas. China's four great masterpieces are well-known in Vietnam.
Vietnam's culture is heavily influenced by China, especially during the Tet period, when the whole of Vietnam is bathed in fiery red colors. New Year's paintings, couplets, and lanterns can be seen everywhere in shops, streets, and alleys, creating a strong Spring Festival atmosphere. There is an interesting variation in the "Zodiac" of Vietnam, where the rabbit is replaced by a cat. This may be due to the similarity between the pronunciation of the "卯" in "卯tu" and the Chinese "cat", resulting in the mispronunciation of "卯年" as "Year of the Cat".
3. Climate impacts
Vietnam's climate has had a significant impact on how the locals live and dress. Due to the hot and humid year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 25-30 degrees Celsius and highs of over 40 degrees Celsius, Vietnamese people often wear lightweight, breathable clothing such as cotton and linen shirts, shorts, and sandals to dissipate heat and wick away perspiration.
Fourth, lifestyle
In Vietnam, mobile payments are not yet widespread, and you still need to carry cash in your daily life. Courier services are mostly cash on delivery, and the courier only pays when the courier comes to deliver the goods. Public transportation is different from what we are used to, there is no high-speed rail and subway. The buses are old, the bus stops are simple, and passengers need to find a conductor to buy tickets, which is very inconvenient for those of us who are Xi to mobile phone scanning code payment.
Fifth, feminine demeanor
Vietnamese women are mostly slim, fair-skinned, and have beautiful looks. Wearing the traditional costume Ao Dai, their figure is even more prominent. Ao Dai, this Vietnamese-style cheongsam, originated from the Chinese-style cheongsam of the Qing Dynasty, and has been improved and innovated by the Vietnamese to form its own style. Loosely cut and richly colored, sometimes decorated with delicate patterns or embroidery, it gives a light and flowing feel.
Ao Dai has become a symbol of Vietnamese culture, whether it is a news anchor, a hotel receptionist, a female civil servant, or even a high school girl, they like to wear Ao Dai to show the elegance and temperament of Vietnamese women. Vietnamese girls are good at dressing up, and even the aunts who sell sticky rice on the street wear makeup. However, the role of Vietnamese men in the family is very different from that of women, especially in the north, where the concept of male machismo is more entrenched, and the housework is almost exclusively performed by women.
6. Travel impressions
On the streets of Vietnam's big cities, you can often see many European and American tourists. Every year during the northern hemisphere winter, they come to tropical Vietnam to escape the cold. Since the overall consumption level in Vietnam is not high, these people in the middle and lower levels of Europe and the United States have greatly improved their living standards after coming to Vietnam. As a result, many vendors even speak English and Chinese in order to communicate with foreign tourists.
7. Public security
The security situation in Viet Nam is not entirely rosy. From thieves and robberies to cheating tourists, all kinds of wrongdoing can happen. In order to avoid unnecessary trouble, I have compiled a few things to keep in mind: Vietnam's currency is denominational, so you need to be wary of some taxi drivers or merchants deliberately asking for an extra "0", in big cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, you need to be careful that motorcycles snatch pedestrians' backpacks or mobile phones, and when shopping at tourist attractions, it is necessary to bargain properly, because some merchants will ask for sky-high prices.
8. Economic development
Vietnam's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022 was US$409 billion, and the GDP per capita was about US$4,110. In comparison, the mainland's total GDP reached $18 trillion, with a per capita GDP of $12,700. In Vietnam, the monthly salary of white-collar workers is about 3,000 yuan, which is already a high level.
The manpower tricycle driver earns about 50 yuan a day, and the average factory employee earns between 1,000 and 1,500 yuan a month, which is enough for them to be satisfied and happy. A salary of $100 a day is a dream for many.
Like us Chinese, the Vietnamese are also workaholics known for their hard work. The work is 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, and the system of weekends and weekends is implemented. Public officials are entitled to about 120 days of leave per year. For ordinary migrant workers, the situation is not so lucky. They usually work more than 10 hours or more, and have very few days off a month, about 4 to 6 days. In Vietnam, the longer the working hours, the better the income, which is the reality of their lives.
9. Cost of living
In terms of prices, the cost of living in Vietnam is relatively low. A can of Red Bull costs only 3 yuan, and the price of bananas is surprisingly cheap, and a large bunch of bananas of about 50 catties only costs about 15 yuan. The price of apples is 25 yuan a catty. Mooncakes are surprisingly expensive in Vietnam, costing about 30 yuan for a pound of ordinary mooncakes.
Other local fruits and daily necessities are relatively cheap, and greens, peppers, cabbage and tomatoes are all very cheap. Since seeds can be planted all year round, there is an abundant supply of fruits and vegetables, so prices are low. In Vietnam, the prices of meat, milk and eggs are also quite affordable.
10. Life in the village
The standard of living in rural Vietnam is generally good, with many families living in exquisite two-storey bungalows, and the overall standard of living even exceeds that of Vietnam's big cities such as Hanoi and Saigon. Although the income of rural people may not be high, the overall assets of owning land are not low.
11. Rental situation
Renting a house in Vietnam is not cheap. For example, in Hanoi, the monthly rent of a two-bedroom house is not less than 4,000 yuan. The cost of accommodation at the school is about 500 yuan, and the single room with better conditions costs 1500 yuan. Renting a house near the school also costs between 1,000 and 2,000 RMB per month.
12. Eating Xi habits
In terms of diet, the diet in northern Vietnam is relatively light. I like to boil vegetables and eat them with fish sauce. Although soy sauce is available in Vietnam, its taste is different from that of soy sauce in China. Almost all Vietnamese people have lemons in their homes, which are used for seasoning. There are many types of lettuce in Vietnam, including mint, lettuce, perilla, banana sprouts, etc. There is a wide variety of Vietnamese cuisine, such as roll noodles, spring rolls, sticky rice, and a variety of seafood.
13. Roadside stall culture
In Vietnam, street stalls are not limited to snacks, but also include tea stalls, baguette stalls, etc. There are often many small shops with good tastes on the roadside, and stalls with many local diners are often a good choice for food. At these stalls, tables and chairs are placed directly on the sidewalk, listening to the small talk of Vietnamese people and tasting authentic food.
Vietnamese people live differently than we do, and they like to take care of their daily needs such as eating, grocery shopping, clothes and even haircuts on the street. This street stall culture is particularly common in Southeast Asian countries, especially in economically disadvantaged countries, where for many people it is their livelihood.
14. Traffic conditions
When it comes to transportation, the cost of buying a car in Vietnam is quite high. If you want to buy a car, you need to pay eight types of "automobile taxes", including import taxes (excluding domestic and assembled vehicles), special sales tax, value-added tax, registration fees, vehicle inspection fees, road maintenance fees, license fees, and compulsory civil liability insurance premiums. Coupled with the cost of car maintenance, insurance, refueling and other expenses, it is difficult for ordinary families to afford.
As a result, Vietnam is known as the "Kingdom of Motorcycles", where motorcycles are the main means of transportation. After work, motorcycles line the narrow streets, and cars look cramped in such an environment. The flexibility of the motorcycle makes it more convenient on congested streets.
Vietnam not only has ride-hailing services, but also "ride-hailing" and "shared motorcycles". Some companies have smelled business opportunities and adopted the "Internet + motorcycle" model to provide a new motorcycle experience. They unify uniforms and helmets, and drivers can earn about 60 yuan by working three or four hours a day through order-taking software.
User Comments:
Some netizens said: The huge article vividly depicts Vietnam in the eyes of the author, with both big landscapes and small details. Let me have a more three-dimensional and comprehensive understanding of this neighboring country, and I admire the author's pen power and walking ability.
Some netizens also said: The article is rich in content and covers a wide range, but some of the data and details do not indicate the source, and the credibility needs to be verified. However, the overall arrangement and structure are very well arranged, and it is worth reading.
Some netizens said: I like the little stories and photos in the article, which are meticulous and impressive. The author's writing is plain and smooth, without flowery and difficult words, but I feel his sincerity and enthusiasm. I wish the author will continue to share more travel experiences!
In summary, this trip to Vietnam gave me a deeper understanding of this beautiful eastern neighbor. Although there are still some things to be improved here, I am full of admiration for the hard-working and simple national character of the Vietnamese people, as well as the unique historical and cultural heritage of the country. I sincerely hope that Vietnam's development will keep pace with each passing day, and that China will continue to strengthen friendship and achieve common development.