Vietnamese People and Outstanding Characteristics That You May Not Know

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Regardless of where you go during your trip to Vietnam, you will meet Vietnamese people. So, it is a good idea to know a bit about them before you start your Vietnam travel. Below is some information about Vietnamese people’s character, appearance, and lifestyle, along with some Vietnamese historical figures.

1. About Vietnamese people: Origin, ethnic groups

1.1 Origin

There are several different viewpoints regarding the origins of Vietnamese people. 

One is that the people are indigenous and have developed their own culture, albeit they were also influenced by outside factors. This theory holds that other ethnic groups have assimilated into the Vietnamese-speaking community and become a single entity.

Another theory is that Vietnamese people originated from the North, and more specifically, from the Han ethnic group who migrated to the Red River Delta.

Some think that Vietnamese people were part of a group (Bach Viet) that developed in the south of China’s Yellow River. The Han people came and brought their culture with them, and naturally, the people of Bach Viet adopted it.

There are also people who believe that Vietnamese people were originally from a Mongol tribe in Tibet that migrated south during the Paleolithic period and settled in the North.

There are different perspectives on where Vietnamese people came from (Source: Collected)

In 2019, a new theory emerged, backed up by science. A study conducted by Vinmec Institute of Stem Cell Research – Gene Technology found that Vietnamese people descended from ancient Southeast Asians.

In addition, genome analysis denoted a distinction between the Han population and the Vietnamese population. Vietnamese people actually share a higher genetic similarity with Thai people. 

The findings support the hypothesis that people migrated from Africa to Southeast Asian countries and continued venturing deep into the region, from the North to the South. 

1.2 Ethnic Groups

Vietnam is home to 54 ethnic groups, each with their own unique culture. The Kinh people make up the majority of the population and primarily inhabit the Red River Delta, the Central Coastal region, the Mekong Delta, and big cities. Visitors coming to Vietnam will most likely meet the Kinh people.

The remaining 53 ethnic groups are considered minorities and are spread across mountainous regions from the North to the South. Many of these groups live in remote areas and maintain traditional practices. Some are more populated than others. The largest ones are the Hoa, Khmer, Muong, Nung, Tay, and Thai, while the smallest are the Brau, Odu, and Roman. 

Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups can also be categorized by the language they speak. There are eight groups in total, but a group may also be fluent in another group’s language as a result of living close by.

The Vietnamese population in Vietnam consists of 54 ethnic groups (Source: Collected)

>>> To know more about Vietnam’s location and other cool things, click HERE!

2. What does a Vietnamese person look like?

Vietnamese people have diverse appearances, mostly influenced by their gene pool and geographical location. 

Generally, they are known for their slim stature, with the height of women ranging from 155 to 160 centimeters and men ranging from 165 to 170 centimeters. 

Their skin tones vary from fair to tanned, depending on the level of sunlight they are exposed to. Many Vietnamese have a round face with a flat nose bridge, while some have sharp facial features, such as a narrow and straight nose. 

Black or brown almond-shaped eyes with single eyelids or slight double eyelids are common. Most Vietnamese have straight black hair. Some choose to curl and dye their hair for fashion purposes. Younger generations like to experiment with their appearances more.

It is also worth noting that the Western culture is becoming increasingly popular in Vietnam, prompting some people to adopt Westernized beauty standards, which, in turn, leads to variations in the overall appearance of Vietnamese people today.

Vietnamese people’s facial features are the results of their gene pool and geographic location (Source: Collected)

3. Learn about Vietnamese people’s characteristics and personalities

Vietnamese people are known for their warm hospitality, who always welcome visitors with friendly smiles. They take great pride in their heritage, so they honor traditions and maintain customs and practices that signify their culture’s rich history. 

In addition, they value strong family ties and often prioritize the needs of their loved ones over their own. Respect for elders is deeply embedded in the culture, and reflected in the way Vietnamese people interact with each other.

Vietnamese culture also places a strong emphasis on communal harmony and collectivism, which provides a sense of belonging and solidarity, making teamwork an important trait among the people. 

Hardwork and perseverance are other characteristics of Vietnamese people. They have a resilient nature that allows them to weather life’s challenges with grace and determination. 

In line with this, Vietnamese people have a strong work ethic. They are adaptable and resourceful problem solvers. With diligence, they have been able to transform Vietnam into one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia.

Vietnamese people are warm, respectful, and hard-working (Source: Collected)

3.1. Vietnamese men

Vietnamese men are known for their strong sense of loyalty and dedication to their families. They place great emphasis on traditional values, such as respect, humility, and politeness. Vietnamese men tend to be reserved in nature but express themselves vehemently when necessary.

Despite being serious at times, they love to have fun with friends and enjoy various forms of entertainment, including having karaoke nights, playing sports, and indulging in delicious food at local street markets or restaurants.

Vietnamese men hold immense pride in their culture and heritage, which contributes significantly to shaping their personalities. Overall, they are known for being trustworthy, reliable, and dedicated individuals who take pride in upholding the traditions and values of their society while navigating modern-day challenges with resilience.

Men in Vietnamese population in Vietnam are loyal, dedicated, and proud (Source: Collected)

3.2. Vietnamese women

Vietnamese women are widely known for their gentle, respectful, and modest personalities. They value family and community above all else and are deeply caring toward their loved ones. 

Vietnamese women are also incredibly hard-working, resilient, and practical in nature. They value education and constantly strive to improve themselves intellectually and professionally. Despite their traditional upbringing, Vietnamese women are not afraid to speak their minds when it comes to important matters. 

When pursuing their goals, Vietnamese women tend to be ambitious and tenacious. This is evident through the increasing number of successful female entrepreneurs, politicians, and professionals in Vietnam today.

They have a unique combination of gracefulness, strength, and intelligence that makes them stand out from the crowd. Additionally, they exhibit a great capacity for empathy and kindness towards others, which contributes to their overall likability as individuals.

Vietnamese women are modest, resilient, and strong-willed (Source: Collected)

4. Tips related to Vietnamese people and culture for visitors

• If you are planning on visiting Vietnam, it is important to be aware of the people’s customs and way of life. Vietnamese people are known for being hospitable and courteous, so being respectful towards them is key.
• Keep in mind that public displays of affection are not typical in Vietnamese culture, and limit physical contact with your partner when you are out in public spaces.
• When dining out, be prepared to share dishes, and do not be afraid to use chopsticks.
• Also, take the time to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home or worship places. It is considered impolite not to do so.
• It is also important to dress modestly when entering worship places such as temples or pagodas. This includes covering your shoulders and legs.
• Bargaining is a common practice in markets and street stalls but always remember to haggle with respect and keep things light-hearted. After all, everyone wants a fair deal!
• Lastly, while tipping is not customary in Vietnam, it is always good if you feel that the service provider deserves it.

Understanding Vietnamese people and culture will ensure a great time in the country (Source: Collected)

>>> Read more: Vietnam language – Find the linguistic beauty in every single word

5. Top 5 well-known Vietnamese historical figures

5.1 Ho Chi Minh President

Ho Chi Minh, the late president of Vietnam, was a revolutionary leader who dedicated his life to fighting for the independence of the country. Born in 1890, he spent his early years traveling and educating himself on various political ideologies.

Ho Chi Minh le led the liberation movement against French colonial rule and became the first president of North Vietnam in 1945. He believed firmly in socialism as a means to achieve equality and progress.

To many Vietnamese, Ho Chi Minh remains an iconic figure who symbolizes their country’s struggle for independence and resilience against foreign aggression.

Ho Chi Minh, a Vietnamese figure that every Vietnamese knows (Source: Collected)

5.2 Nguyen Trai

Nguyen Trai was a highly respected Vietnamese scholar and military leader who was born in 1380. As a skilled diplomat, he played an instrumental role in negotiating peace agreements with neighboring countries and was also known for writing some of Vietnam’s most important literary works.

Nguyen Trai’s political beliefs aligned with that of the Le Dynasty, which aimed to restore moral principles within the government while reducing corruption. He believed in promoting education and ethics as a means to achieve societal progress, and his contributions significantly impacted the cultural landscape of Vietnam.

Nguyen Trai was involved in several disputes, resulting in his exile. Despite this, many Vietnamese people have come to recognize him as a national hero because of his contributions in shaping the country’s culture and identity. His legacy continues to inspire artists, activists, and leaders today.

Nguyen Trai is among the most influential Vietnamese names in history (Source: Collected)

5.3 Nguyen Du

Nguyen Du was a Vietnamese poet and writer born in 1765. He lived in a tumultuous period marked by political turmoil and wars with foreign powers. Despite these challenges, Nguyen Du produced a collection of works that remain admired today for their beauty, insight, and lyrical power.

He is best known for writing the poem “The Tale of Kieu,” which is regarded as a masterpiece in Vietnamese literature. Nguyen Du’s works focused on the themes of morality, love, and human suffering.

His writings are considered important cultural artifacts that reflect Vietnam’s societal norms and values during his time. They still inspire many readers today and remain an essential part of Vietnamese literature.

Nguyen Du, one of the most famous Vietnamese people in the literature field (Source: Collected)

5.4 Chu Van An

Chu Van An was a prominent Vietnamese scholar, teacher, and philosopher. He was most famous for his influence in education reforms, particularly his efforts to improve access to education for underprivileged communities. 

Chu Van An’s philosophy emphasized the importance of morality, ethics, and leadership as essential components of a well-educated individual. Throughout his life, he wrote several books on these subjects, which were widely regarded as key texts in traditional Vietnamese education.

His teachings had a profound impact on generations of scholars and educators, helping to shape the cultural and intellectual landscape of Vietnam. There are numerous schools named after him, symbolizing his enduring impact.

Chu Van An’s contributions have left an indelible mark on Vietnamese society that will continue to be remembered for generations to come.

Chu Van An is one of the most respected Vietnamese historical figures (Source: Collected)

5.5 General Vo Nguyen Giap

General Vo Nguyen Giap was a highly revered military strategist and revolutionary leader in Vietnam. Born in 1911, he grew up during French colonial rule and went on to play a pivotal role in Vietnam’s struggle for independence.

He was a critical figure in many battles, including the decisive victory of Dien Bien Phu which led to the withdrawal of French troops from Vietnam. Additionally, General Giap was instrumental in developing guerrilla warfare tactics that proved highly effective against larger and better-equipped opposing forces.

Vo Nguyen Giap remained in Vietnamese politics until his retirement in 1980. He continued to be held in high esteem by many as an iconic symbol of national liberation and resistance against foreign powers.

Vo Nguyen Giap, one of the revered military Vietnamese historical figures (Source: Collected)

After getting to know the culture and people, do not forget to explore Vietnam’s nature and architecture. Some of the best places you can visit are Hanoi, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, and Ho Chi Minh City. At these tourist-welcoming destinations, you can delve into all sorts of fun activities. 

Notably, there are Vinpearl Aquarium and VinKE, VinWonders Nam Hoi An, VinWonders Nha Trang, and VinWonders Phu Quoc, which all offer visitors a diverse range of experiences. Each location boasts unique attractions tailored to suit solo tourists, families, and thrill-seekers alike.

• Vinpearl Aquarium and VinKE: Explore the underwater world and see exotic marine life up close at Vinpearl Aquarium. Along with the aquarium, Vinpearl also operates a state-of-the-art entertainment center called VinKE, where children can enjoy career-oriented games and interactive exhibits. The combination of these two attractions makes for a memorable day out.
• VinWonders Nam Hoi An: This is a world-class destination that offers visitors an unforgettable experience with its array of captivating entertainment options. Here, you can explore Vietnam’s diverse culture through mini-replicas of historic landmarks. The park boasts several restaurants serving delicious local and international dishes that you can enjoy while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.
• VinWonders Nha Trang: VinWonders Nha Trang is a destination that offers something for everyone. For thrill-seekers, there are multiple rides that provide an adrenaline rush. Families can enjoy shows or take a stroll through the park’s gardens. There are also a couple of restaurants and food stalls with different delicacies, where visitors can recharge to continue having fun. 
• VinWonders Phu Quoc: Visitors can come here for a mix of thrilling and immersive entertainment options. Here, you can watch many live performances and indulge in the local dishes at any of the restaurants available on-site. With numerous shops located throughout the park, visitors can also shop for unique souvenirs to take home.

You will surely make unforgettable memories at these entertainment spots

>>> Book tickets of VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, Vinpearl Aquarium and VinKE to fill your time in Vietnam with fun!

Vietnamese people are a diverse group of individuals with a range of ethnicities, but they are all united by their shared history and love for the country. As visitors coming to Vietnam, you should not shy away from interacting and connecting with Vietnamese people. They will be happy to help you explore Vietnam to the fullest.

>>> Book tickets of VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, Vinpearl Aquarium and VinKE to have lots of fun with family and friends! 

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