Unlike the bustling and vibrant urban life, the countryside in Vietnam is extremely simple, close, and profound. It contains the beautiful traditional cultural values of the Vietnamese people.
In this article, we mention two main points: the various types of Vietnamese countryside and its top beautiful features.
Let’s go!
1. Types of countryside areas in Vietnam
The countryside in Vietnam can be divided into five main regions: the South, the Central Coast, the Central Highlands, the North, and the Northern Midlands and Mountains.
This division is based on each region’s differences and similarities in customs, habits, lifestyles, natural conditions, and economic characteristics.
The Southern region has rich, fertile land, so crops grow well all year round. The Southern people are open-minded and live a simple, open lifestyle.
The countryside in the Central Coastal Area, including the South Central and North Central regions, has small, narrow land sections and harsh climatic conditions. Natural disasters and crop failures often occur, making people’s lives more difficult.
Therefore, people in this area have a frugal personality. They are gentle, honest, and have a more vital tolerance for hardship.
The Central Highlands, Northern Midlands, and Mountains are the main residential areas of ethnic minorities. Their countryside style is diverse in cultural colors, customs, and lifestyles.
Meanwhile, the North is the cradle of the Red River civilization, and rural people in the North are always proud of the rich cultural values they are preserving.
Therefore, the outstanding feature of people in this area is a lifestyle that emphasizes customs, rituals, and family and village traditions. Farmers in the North are highly polished, careful, and polite in every word of daily communication.
In each rural area, you will have the opportunity to experience cultural values and the beauty of daily life. Those different features create many new impressions in visitors’ hearts. It also gives a complete view of Vietnam, which has diverse cultural colors and is rich in traditions and humanity.
Above all, you will discover the simple and peaceful rural lifestyle and approach the honest and sincere Vietnamese people.
2. The beautiful features of the Vietnamese countryside
2.1. The rice fields full of grain
My first impression of the Vietnamese countryside was that the rice fields were full of grain. As a default, whenever your eyes can also touch the green, wide-spread rice fields when you live in the tranquil countryside.
On your journey across the country, you will undoubtedly pass through many peaceful rural areas like this.
More eye-catching, if you come to Vietnam during the rice harvest season, you will see a large area dyed in a shimmering yellow color, evoking a feeling of fullness and prosperity. The peaceful countryside suddenly becomes bustling with the harvesting joy.
It is hard to resist taking a few souvenir photos of the unique background of the fragrant golden rice.
Occasionally, a few tourists can also go to the muddy fields to enjoy harvesting with the farmers. This activity can become an unforgettable and exciting experience.
2.2. The buffalo as the core of farming
Interspersed among the vast fields are cute images of buffaloes and white storks. In the distance, a few tiny barns near small houses are hidden behind shady gardens, full of tranquility and peace, painting more details for the countryside picture.
In the past, the Vietnamese countryside had no machinery or mechanical tools to support farmers’ production and cultivation. Buffaloes and plows became significant agricultural assets.
Machines have gradually appeared, and people’s labor productivity has improved. However, the image of buffaloes and storks still retains value when reminding people of the countryside.
In Vietnam, buffaloes and cows are mostly raised on a small scale. Usually, each household grows 1 to 3 buffaloes or cows to increase income and work on the farm.
Therefore, when visiting the rural region, you will spot black buffaloes here and there, leisurely soaking in the water. Or nibble on the grass at the edge of the rivers, carrying on the back of a highly adorable boy.
In some localities where community tourism activities are developed, such as the countryside near the ancient town of Hoi An, you can also participate in the exciting experience of riding buffalo.
In addition, you can also visit festivals associated with buffaloes held annually in the remote villages, such as the Buffalo Racing Festival in An Giang in Mekong Delta, the Buffalo Fighting Festival in Do Son of Hai Phong City, the Buffalo and Cow Health and Beauty Contest in the northern mountainous provinces, and the buffalo decoration painting contest.
2.3. Flocks of up to thousands of ducks
Another charm is to see flocks of ducks swimming freely in the water.
In most rural areas, ducks are commonly raised in large numbers in the paddy fields or along the river. Each flock can number up to tens of thousands.
The appearance of a flock of ducks always makes the space bustling and cheerful because of their quacking sounds. Watching them eating, swimming, diving, or mating is to excite viewers.
As soon as you are ready, you can join the wading activity in the field to feed and call ducks. Or film a short clip about the lovely waddling gait of a fat duck.
2.4. The hardworking and kind Vietnamese farmers
Above all, the Vietnamese countryside is beautiful because the people here are highly gentle, honest, hospitable, and hardworking.
You will encounter the rural locals who appear short and thin at first glance, with tanned, wrinkled skin and eyes filled with worry. But on those weather-beaten faces, bright and crisp smiles easily bloom.
They share each delicious piece of freshly cooked food. They visit friends’ homes and encourage each other every day. Just a couple of cigarettes and a cup of tea are enough for them to sit down and chat about everything, from farming stories to children and family or sharing how to cook a delicious dish.
They also try to avoid misunderstandings, disputes, or rude words that hurt people around them.
>> Please read the article about Vietnamese farmers here!
2.5. Hospitality in every corner of the countryside
Vietnamese rural people are very hospitable. No matter who you are or where you come from, honest people always want to make you feel most comfortable.
In particular, as soon as you encounter any trouble, they will do their best to help you solve the problem in their ability without any calculation.
You will be invited to attend regular parties, such as housewarmings, grandparents’ death anniversary, weddings, Tet holidays, and celebrations of children’s university entrance exams. These parties are full of food and beer, and the shouts of “cheers” will echo everywhere.
On a trip to the countryside in Vietnam, you can undoubtedly experience many strange and unique things, enriching your trip to this agricultural country.
Indeed, rural life has much more beauty, but we have selected the highlights to introduce you.
The rest of the charm features are waiting for you to explore. From each perspective, you will find a specific value for yourself, which can help you realize the beautiful things around your life.
