HOw WELL DO YOU KNOW ABOUT VIETNAM?
Q1. What is the official language of Vietnam?
Correct answer: Vietnamese
“Did you know?
Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam and is spoken by over 90 million people. It belongs to the Austroasiatic language family and uses a Latin-based script called chữ Quốc ngữ, developed by Portuguese and French missionaries in the 17th century.
What makes Vietnamese special?
• It’s a tonal language with six distinct tones – the meaning of a word can change entirely depending on pitch!
• It’s rich in proverbs, idioms, and poetic expressions rooted in Vietnamese philosophy, history, and rural life.
• It’s uniform across the country, with regional accents (like Northern, Central, and Southern), but the writing stays the same.
Want to impress locals? Start with a friendly “Xin chào!” (Hello!) or “Cảm ơn” (Thank you).”
Q2. What is the most common way to greet someone in Vietnam?
Correct answer: A slight nod or saying “Xin chào”
“Greeting in Vietnam: Simple but Warm
In Vietnam, greetings are polite and often modest. A slight nod, a gentle smile, or a simple “Xin chào” (pronounced “Sin chao”) is all you need to start a friendly conversation.
• Locals often greet elders with a respectful nod or slight bow.
• Among peers, it’s common to say “Chào bạn” (Hi, friend).
• Add titles like “Chào anh” (Hello, older brother) or “Chào chị” (Hello, older sister) to show respect — it’s part of the culture!
While handshakes are used, especially in business settings, they’re typically softer than in Western cultures and usually accompanied by both hands and a smile.
Warm, respectful, and always with heart — that’s the Vietnamese way of saying hello.”
Q3. When entering a Vietnamese home, what should you do?
Correct answer: Take off your shoes
“In Vietnam, removing your shoes before entering someone’s home to keep the floor clean and to show respect to the homeowner. Especially, a house is considered a sacred and clean place — almost like a temple for family life; so taking off your shoes so that nothing would disrupt that sense of harmony.”
Q4. What is Vietnam’s most famous traditional dish?
Correct answer: Pho (Phở)
Q5. What is the national costume of Vietnam?
Correct answer: Ao Dai
Q6. What is the significance of Tết (Lunar New Year) in Vietnam?
Correct answer: It’s the longest holiday and marks the beginning of a new year
“Tết, short for Tết Nguyên Đán, is the most important holiday in Vietnam, marking the arrival of spring and the Lunar New Year. Tết usually falls between late January and mid-February, depending on the lunar calendar — the exact date changes every year.”
Q7. What is the traditional Vietnamese coffee known for?
Correct answer: Being served with condensed milk
Q8. What is the main mode of transportation in Vietnam’s big cities?
Correct answer: Mopeds/ Motorbikes
“Fun fact: That’s nearly 2 out of every 3 people in Vietnam owning a motorbike — even more in cities!”
Q9 .What should you do when giving or receiving something in Vietnam?
Correct answer: Use both hands as a sign of respect
Q10. How many incense sticks are commonly burned during ancestral worship in Vietnam?
Correct answer: 3 sticks
“Why three?
1. Heaven – Earth – Humanity (Thiên – Địa – Nhân)
Representing harmony between the universe, nature, and human beings.
2. Past – Present – Future
An offering of gratitude across time — honoring those who came before and seeking blessings for what’s to come.
3. Respect for Three Treasures
In Buddhism, it may symbolize reverence for the Buddha, the Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (community of monks).”
Q11. What is the most common Vietnamese currency?
Correct answer: Dong
Q12. What should you avoid doing with chopsticks in Vietnam?
Correct answer: Sticking them upright in a bowl of rice
“Sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice resembles incense offerings at funerals
During ancestral ceremonies or funerals, incense sticks are placed upright in bowls of rice to honor the dead. So when someone does the same with chopsticks during a meal, it symbolically mimics this mourning ritual.”
Sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice resembles incense offerings at funerals.
Q13. What is a popular traditional Vietnamese form of theater involving water?
Correct answer: Water puppetry
Q14. How is age important in Vietnamese social interactions?
Correct answer: It determines how people address each other.
“In Vietnam, knowing someone’s age helps define your relationship, your language, and your behavior toward them. It’s all about showing proper respect and the hierarchy of respect”
Q15. Which activity is commonly done during Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year)?
Correct answer: Giving lucky money in red envelopes
“The Vietnamese word for this custom is Lì xì (pronounced lee see).
Lì xì is a traditional Vietnamese custom during Tết (Lunar New Year), where elders give children and younger people red envelopes containing money. These red envelopes symbolize good luck, happiness, prosperity, and health for the new year. The amount of money inside is usually symbolic, and the focus is more on the gesture than the value. The red color represents good fortune and warding off evil spirits. Lì xì is not only a form of blessing but also a way to strengthen family bonds and show respect.”
Lì xì is a traditional custom in Lunar New Year Holiday in Vietnam.
How many correct answers do you have?
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