destionation of Vietnam
History & Culture
Despite what you've learnt about Vietnam from books and movies, you might need a real-experience Vietnam vacation to get a deeper read into the country as well as its history and culture.That is, IOT guarantees you, also an especially discerning way to maximize your Vietnam tours!
History
History of Vietnam, according to Vietnamese legends, dates back more than 4,000 years. The only reliable sources, however, indicate the Vietnamese or their country's history roughly dates to 2700 years ago. For most of the period from 111 BC to early 10th century, it was under the direct rule of successive dynasties from China.
Vietnam regained autonomy in 939 AD and complete independence a century later. The independent period, however sadly, temporarily ended in mid-19th century, when the country was colonized by France. During World War II, Japan expelled the French to occupy Vietnam, though they retained French administrators during their occupation. After the war, France attempted to re-establish its colonial rule but ultimately failed. The Geneva Accords partitioned the country in two with a promise of democratic election to reunite the country.
During The Cold War -- the Vietnam War time, the North was supported by the People's Republic of China and the Soviet Union, while the South was supported by the United States. After millions of Vietnamese deaths, and the American withdrawal from Vietnam in March 1973, the war ended with the capture of Saigon by the North in April 1975. Due to then heightened ongoing ideological and economic conflicts of The Cold War, and its invasion of Cambodia, Vietnam remained internationally isolated and politically oppressed. In 1986, the Communist Party of Vietnam changed its economic policy and started to move towards reform of the private sector similar to that seen in China.
Since the mid-80s, Vietnam has enjoyed some economic growth and reduction in political repression though reports of corruption in the country have also risen. Today, Vietnam, with its historian heaviness, is right on the track of the fast going world.
Culture
Like the other countries of Indochina, Chinese Confucianism has and is still having a strong influence in Vietnam's culture, especially providing society with a strong sense of hierarchy. They should show respect to their elders and even ancestors are held in high esteem and worshiped at important festivals and anniversaries. The family is the centre of life for the Vietnamese and the father is held to be the head, providing for the family and making all family decisions. It is normal for extended families to live together and three generations under one roof is normal. Outside the family, one's position is defined by age and status.
Buddhism is also shaping up Vietnam's culture, although not so strongly as its neighbors like Laos, Thailand or Cambodia. Blending with local cultures, During your travel in Vietnam, you can find something quite different here. Buddhism in Vietnam is more comprehensive and opener, which means it's not longer all about the painful salvation and ascetic lifestyle.
Happiness is all that Vietnamese people care about. They shop for Christmas and never forget the Celebration of Shakyamuni Buddha's Birthday. Undying faiths as well as open-wide eyesight affect other aspects of Vietnam's culture, evident in every day, every street and every individual.
Not sure where to go or What to experience in Vietnam?
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