Hoa
Binh Travel Information
 The
city of Hoa Binh (meaning peace) is 74km southwest of Hanoi, population
744,000. This is home to many Montagnard people. Binh town and the
adjacent area was the begining of the Hoa Binh culture. Archaeological
finds show that this is the first place man domesticated crop plants.
Hoa Binh province is populated by various ethnic groups, the Muong,
Kinh, Thai, Tay, Dao, H'Mong and Hoa. The Montagnards handicrafts
(especially weaving) are much sort after but due to Hoa Binh's commercialism
you will find the more traditional Montagnards and their wears located
about 50kms to the west of the city.
Dont's:
Shoes are to be removed when visiting homes or Buddhist Temples.
Do not point the bottom of your feet towards other people or Buddhist
statues. This is not universal so watch what others are doing.
Shorts are considered inappropriate attire and are allowed to be
worn by children. In recent times in the main cities, it has been
considered fashionable by women. However, it is still not widely
accepted and has not yet filtered to the hinterlands. Again, check
what people are wearing around you.
Leaving chopsticks sticking upright (vertically) in a rice bowl
is not appreciated as this is a powerful death sign. In doing so
this indicates incense sticks which are burned for the dead.
|
