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How to enjoy Vietnams' Sidewalk Culture

In Vietnam, the sidewalk serves a greater purpose as a smorgasbord of dining, a chill place to relax and a kind of endless veranda to meet up and enjoy a chat.

By Traveling WorldwidePublished 3 years ago 3 min read
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Daderot, Walkway - Hanoi Botanical Garden - Hanoi, Vietnam - DSC03545, CC0 1.0

That's right folks, the sidewalk culture of Vietnam is to be savoured and enjoyed, for that authentic experience of being part of the vibrant local culture. Interested? Read on to learn how to enjoy Vietnam's sidewalk culture.

1. Start Your Day On The Sidewalk

Are you a fitness freak? Or a morning person who loves to savour the dawn of a crisp new day outside? If the answer is yes, here's your ticket to join Vietnams sidewalk culture and start your day healthy. Exercising is a part of local values, and Vietnamese love to start the day before day break. Wake up and make your way to the nearest park, lake, river or green and greet the sun as it rises, with plenty of locals all engaged in their daily morning ritual. Mind you, Vietnamese of all ages are out and about at dawn, engrossed in all manner of fitness routines. There's the laughing yoga crowd, small groups engaged in gi gong, the exuberant Zumba lot, the fun lot playing a game of hacky sack and, of course, the morning warm-up crowd. Whichever way you choose to get active in the morning, you won't be alone on the sidewalks of Vietnam.

2. Continue Your Morning On The Sidewalk With Coffee

And what after your morning exercises? A cup of that famous Vietnamese coffee, of course, at little roadside cafes! Do your research and make a note of Vietnam tourist hotspots before you head out there, get help online from informative sites such as Wellknownplaces. You will discover some friendly cafes and little sidewalk coffee spots serve the perfect cup of jo. World-famous Vietnamese coffee is a treat served hot, on ice, with condensed milk, or black.

3. Enjoy A Shave On The Sidewalk

And why not? You are savouring the local culture after all. Look around and you are sure to see little hight chairs facing an old and worn-out mirror in certain corners of the sidewalk. These are the traditional barbers of Vietnam. Most Vietnamese men, frequent these 'sidewalk barbers' for a clean-up including a shave, maybe a trim and even an ear cleaning which is often complimentary. Apart from being a fun experience, it's an inexpensive way to get yourself looking dapper!

4. Take A Load Off And Refurbish Your Shoes

Like the 'sidewalk barbers' Vietnam has its own collection of 'mobile cobblers'. These people can be seen offering their services while walking amongst the crowded sidewalk. You may have a cobbler, with his basket of tools in tow, come point at your shoes as an indication of 'do you need your shoes cleaned'. Do accept the offer, as a small fee of about one dollar will get your shoes looking new. Quick repairs too are done while you relax on a sidewalk chair in a pair of loaned flip flops!

5. Cool Down And Enjoy A 'Che'

Che, is Vietnams version of ice cones; perfect for cooling down while out exploring the sights. Che is sold by the bowl and can be bought from cart-vendors, little hole-in-the-walls spots and even vendors doing the rounds. Che is made with sweet beans, rainbow-coloured jellies and even local fruits.

6. Savour The Street Food Of Vietnam

Enjoy living off the fabulous street food of Vietnam! Popular as a hub for some of the best street food in the world, the fare is quite tantalising. Look forward to steaming hot bowls of hearty noodles, desserts made with sweet sticky coconut, the most amazing sandwiches and little bites that you will not be able to resist. Knock all this back with a bottle of local beer, fresh coconut water, coffee or fruit juice as you sit on a plastic chair placed on the sidewalk outside of the cafes or around the food carts. Evenings at the street food precincts are to be savoured, where locals come out to enjoy the evening, knock back a few drinks, tuck into the smoky barbequed fare and spend the evenings with friends and family. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, people watch and relax.

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