Neighbours

“Better a neighbor near than a brother far off,” as the saying goes. In Vietnam, especially in rural areas, relationships with neighbors are often valued even more than family ties. Neighbors readily extend help during special occasions and throughout daily life.

Most Vietnamese households rely on their neighbors for assistance during weddings, funerals, and various cultural celebrations. In times of emergency, neighbors are typically quick to offer support. In villages, after a long day of work, it’s common for neighbors to gather for casual conversations or to engage in leisure activities such as Tai Chi. They also participate in community events together, further strengthening their bonds.

Photo: @baophuyen.com.vn 

However, in urban areas, the dynamics seem to have shifted in recent years. City-dwellers often retreat into their homes, becoming wary of others' curiosity about their personal lives, which may cause neighborly relationships to diminish over time. Yet, this is not the entire story. While it is rare for people to invite their neighbors in for tea or casual chats, you can still find housewives conversing at street corners or in markets, while husbands gather at local pubs or tea shops elsewhere.