Vietnam - Culture Smart! (Second Edition, Second)

It's a cliché in our consumer-oriented world to say that yet another new device or accessory is "must-have". Even so, I don't hesitate to say that for the intending traveller to Vietnam this little book, clearly designed to fit easily into the pocket or backpack pouch, is a must-have item. I write with some authority because, although I've not yet been to Vietnam, I have a Vietnamese wife who in turn has Vietnamese children and numerous relatives and friends from her homeland and who now live here in Australia. This means that my exposure to many aspects of their culture has been and is reached from the privileged position of head of our small family. I can therefore vouch for the accuracy of much of the excellent advice Mr Murray has provided in this book. That I can't give my blessing to the whole of the contents is not a reflection on the author, or those contents, but rather is my bowing to his vastly superior knowledge of both the people and the land he describes. In other words I found, in spite of my experience, there was much for me to learn, and indeed one reading is not sufficient to take in and retain all that he has to offer. In recent years Vietnam has been re-discovered. After decades of civil war followed by more decades of dislocation and isolation this little country is finally emerging again, and in doing so is giving the lie to the view that it is a hostile place. Far from it, visitors from around the world are being surprised by its beauty and charm. So, if you're planning a trip to the land of these friendly and hospitable people, or even if you're merely curious about them, their ancient culture, and their long and fascinating history, I can only repeat, "Culture Smart - VIETNAM" by Geoffrey Murray is a compact, sensitive, authoritative, informative, easy-to-read, must-have.

As the title says, the book is a quick guide to Vietnamese customs and etiquette. It does not go into great depth but covers the subjects overall pretty well. I'd recommend it. Contents include how to avoid culture shock; Vietnamese attitudes and values; historical and political background; religion, customs, and traditions; the Vietnamese at home; leisure, social, and cultural life; dos, don'ts, and taboos; body language; hospitality, food, and drink; giving and receiving gifts; business briefing; and language and communications. That's a lot to cover in 168 pages in a pocket sized book. I'd also recommend "Vietnam Today" by Mark A. Ashwill for a little more depth.