Vietnam Culture
The Vietnamese culture, endowed with a long and rich heritage, is deeply stamped with national pride. Famous ancient cultures comprise the Do Mountain Culture, followed by the Son Vi Culture founded over 10,000 years ago, then by the Hoa Binh - Bac Son Culture.
The Dong Son Culture received the most brilliant development and was deeply connected with the Red River civilization, the water rice and the emergence of the primeval states (in the North: Van Lang - Au Lac; in the Central Region: the Sa Huynh Culture of the Cham people; and in the South: the Oc Eo Culture of Phu Nam State).
In spite of historical contingencies, there are still approximately 7,300 preserved historic and cultural sites over Vietnam, from which 1,500 have been listed as national sites. These relics are concentrated mainly in Hanoi and Hue: the relics of the Hung Kings in Phong Chau (Phu Tho Province) date back to the period of the formation of the country; the Co Loa Citadel of the Au Lac State; the ancient capital Hoa Lu of Dai Viet; and the My Son Cultural Heritage Site in the Central Region, etc.
Specific features of Vietnam are reflected in other forms such as legends, festivals, traditional theater, water puppetry, music, dances and custom practices (funerals, weddings, chewing betel and areca nut, smoking lao tobacco, etc.)
Respecting the elderly is also a prominent cultural trait of Vietnam. Nationwide, the elderly is respected for their age and wisdom. At dinner, never begin eating until you invite the oldest member(s) to begin eating. Disrespecting the elderly is one of the worst mistakes a foreigner could do, especially when you are the invited honor guests. Regardless of your status (economic, age, gender, etc.), always announce your presence when entering a person's home. You must pay respect to the owner's home and let them know that you are now at home. Always ask for permission to excuse your self from the table or from the party or from the discussion if you have to retire or leave for an appointment. You never just leave a conversation or the table without formally asking for permission.