MYANMAR Culture:

Population 55 million
Language Burmese (Myanmar)
Currency Kyat (K)
Capital Nay Pyi Taw
International phone code +95
Time zone GMT + 6hr 30min
Myanmar has a tropical climate, with the southwest monsoon bringing rain from May to
October. Roads can become impassable, particularly from July to September. The
central plains, however, receive only a fraction of the rain seen on the coast and in the
Ayeyarwady delta. From October onwards the rains subside; the best time to visit
most of Myanmar is from November to February, when temperatures are relatively
manageable. From March to May, the country becomes very hot, particularly the dry
zone of the central plains where Bagan and Mandalay often see temperatures in excess
of 40C.
While people in Myanmar take great pride in their cuisine, if you ask someone for a
restaurant recommendation then theres a good chance that they will suggest a place
serving Chinese food. This is partly because they worry that foreign stomachs cant
cope with Burmese food, but also because most people rarely eat at restaurants so
when they do they eat Chinese as a treat. Most towns will have at least a couple of
Chinese restaurants, typically with large menus covering unadventurous basics such as
sweet and sour chicken. Dishes start at around K1000 (vegetables) or K1500 (meat).
Indian restaurants are also popular, particularly in Yangon which had a very large Indian
population during the British colonial era. In tourist hotspots youll also find restaurants
serving Thai and Western (usually Italian) dishes.
One local tradition that has become an essential tourist experience is a visit to a
teahouse. These are hugely popular places to meet friends, family or business
associates over tea and affordable snacks, which, depending on the owners, might be
Burmese noodles, Muslim samosas or Chinese steamed buns. Teahouses have long
had a reputation for being places where politics can be openly discussed, although
there have always been rumours of government spies observing. Some teahouses open
early for breakfast, while others stay open late into the night.
Burmese food

As in other Southeast Asian countries, in Burmese food its considered important to

balance sour, spicy, bitter and salty flavours; this is generally done across a series of
dishes rather than within a single dish. A mild curry, for example, might be accompanied
by bitter leaves, dried chilli and a salty condiment such as fish paste.
The typical local breakfast is noodle soup, such as the national dish mohingar (catfish
soup with rice vermicelli, onions, lemongrass, garlic, chilli and lime, with some cooks
adding things like boiled egg, courgette fritters and fried bean crackers). Alternatives
include on-n kauq-swh (coconut chicken soup with noodles, raw onions, coriander
and chilli) and ph byouq (fried, boiled beans) served with sticky rice or naan bread. All
of these dishes are served in teahouses or available to take away from markets.
Noodles also feature strongly at lunchtime: many locals will have a small bowl at a
street caf, teahouse or food court. Various Shan noodle dishes are popular, including
m-she (rice noodles in a meat sauce accompanied by pickle). Other common dishes
include various thouq, which translates to salad but rarely includes vegetables; they
are cold dishes, usually with noodles, raw onions, gram flour, chilli and coriander,
served with a watery vegetable or bone soup. One variety worth trying is nn-gy thouq,
made with thick rice noodles that look like spaghetti.
Lunchtime is also when you should try Burmese curries if youre worried about
hygiene, since they are usually cooked in the morning then left in pots all day. Local
people, however, would typically have curry in the evening at home. A meat, fish or
prawn curry will be accompanied by rice (tmn), a watery soup and fried vegetables. A
great deal of oil is added to Burmese curries, supposedly to keep bacteria out, but like
locals you can skim the oil off. At the best restaurants, the meal will also include a
selection of up to a dozen small side-dishes, plus fresh vegetables and herbs with a dip
(such as ngp-ye, a watery fish sauce). Green tea will usually be thrown in, as will a
dessert, traditionally lpeq (or lahpet) (fermented tea leaves with fried garlic, peanuts,
toasted sesame and dried shrimp), which is much tastier than it sounds. You may also
get tnyeq (jaggery, unrefined cane sugar).
There are plenty of regional variations to discover as you travel: the food of Rakhine
State, for example, is influenced by its proximity to Bangladesh, so curries are spicier
and many dishes include beans or pulses.
Vegetarians should find it reasonably easy to find suitable food throughout the country,
particularly since some Buddhists are restrained in their consumption of meat.
Drinks
Tap water isnt safe to drink in Myanmar; bottled water is available throughout the
country for around K300. In many restaurants, free green tea (ye-nw-gyn) is left in

jugs on tables and is safe to drink. In teahouses, black tea is usually drunk with plenty of
milk and sugar, while coffee is almost always instant, other than in Western-style cafs.
Although there are few places resembling Western bars or pubs outside of Yangon and
Mandalay, most towns will have a couple of beer stations which look like simple
restaurants but with beer adverts on display and a predominantly male clientele. These
places usually serve draught beer (around K700 for a glass) as well as bottles (from
K1700 for 640ml), with the former usually restricted to the most popular brew, Myanmar
Beer (produced by a government joint venture) and sometimes its rival Dagon. Both
beers are also available in bottles, as are Mandalay Beer and several Thai and
Singaporean beers, including Tiger, Singha and ABC Stout.
Mid-range and upmarket restaurants will often have a list of imported wines. There are
a couple of vineyards making wine in Shan State, and its better than you might expect:
look out for Red Mountain and Aythaya. Fruit wines are produced around Pyin Oo Lwin,
while local spirits include tn-ye (toddy or palm wine).

Generally speaking, Myanmar culture (Burmese culture) means Buddhist culture, and is
not identical with the modern geographical unity. The Buddhist culture of old Burma,
however wide its general influence may have spread, was originally a product of the
vast river basin of the Ayeyarwady, with an extension south-eastwards along the coast
to the delta of the Salween river.
PROPER ETIQUETTE
The Myanmar people pride themselves on proper etiquette. Public displays of excessive
emotion, whether prompted by anger or by love, are frowned on. Elders and others of a
higher status, such as monks, should be addressed and treated with courtesy. It is
considered rude, for instance, to pass things over the heads of seated elders. To show
respect to grandparents, parents, and teachers on formal occasions, the Myanmar
kneel down with their foreheads and elbows touching the ground. When passing a
pagoda or meeting a monk, they put their palms together in a gesture of reverence.
Myanmar people are also very sensitive about imposing on, or inconveniencing, other
people. The fear of embarrassing others is called anade (Ah-nar-Deh). If you asked a
Myanmar guest what drink you could serve him or her, your guest would probably say,
"Anything is fine," to avoid embarrassing you by asking for something you might not
have.

VIETNAM: Culture & Etiquette

Welcome to our guide to Vietnam. This is useful for anyone researching Vietnamese
culture, customs, manners, etiquette, values and wanting to understand the people
better. You may be going to Vietnam on business, for a visit or even hosting Vietnamese
colleagues or clients in your own country. Remember this is only a very basic level
introduction and is not meant to stereotype all Vietnamese people you may meet!
Facts and Statistics
Location: Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin, and South
China Sea, alongside China, Laos, and Cambodia
Capital: Hanoi
Climate: tropical in south; monsoonal in north with hot, rainy season (mid-May to midSeptember) and warm, dry season (mid-October to mid-March)

Population: 82,689,518 (July 2004 est.)

Ethnic Make-up: Vietnamese 85%-90%, Chinese, Hmong, Thai, Khmer, Cham, various
mountain groups
Religions: Buddhist, Hoa Hao, Cao Dai, Christian (predominantly Roman Catholic,
some Protestant), indigenous beliefs and Muslim

The Language
Vietnamese, Vietnam's official language, is a tonal language that can be compared to
Cambodia's official language, Khmer. With each syllable, there are six different tones that can
be used, which change the definition and it often makes it difficult for foreigners to pick up the
language.
There are other languages spoken as well such as Chinese, Khmer, Cham and other languages
spoken by tribes inhabiting the mountainous regions. Although there are some similarities to
Southeast Asian languages, such as Chinese, Vietnamese is thought to be a separate language
group, although a member of the Austro-Asiatic language family.
In written form, Vietnamese uses the Roman alphabet and accent marks to show tones. This
system of writing called quoc ngu, was created by Catholic missionaries in the 17th century to
translate the scriptures. Eventually this system, particularly after World War I, replaced one
using Chinese characters (chu nom), which had been the unofficial written form used for
centuries.

Vietnamese Culture & Society

Confucianism
The teachings of Confucius influence the Vietnamese describe the position of the
individual in Vietnamese society.
Confucianism is a system of behaviours and ethics that stress the obligations of people
towards one another based upon their relationship.
The basic tenets are based upon five different relationships:
. Ruler and subject
. Husband and wife
. Parents and children
. Brothers and sisters
. Friend and friend

Confucianism stresses duty, loyalty, honour, filial piety, respect for age and seniority,
and sincerity.
The Family
Vietnamese life revolves around the family.

The Vietnamese family consists of the nuclear as well as the extended family.
It is not uncommon for three generations to be living together under one roof.
In Confucian tradition, the father is the head of the family and it is his responsibility to
provide food, clothing and shelter and make important decisions.
Within the same tradition it is believed that after someone dies their spirit lives on.
Descendents will "worship" their ancestors to ensure their good favour. On the
anniversary of a person's death, ceremonies are held in their memory. They are also
remembered during certain lunar festivals and souls are consulted prior to important
decisions or occasions such as a birth or a wedding.
Etiquette and Customs in Vietnam
Vietnamese society has a fair amount of public etiquette. The following are some of the
more common points:
Etiquette and Customs in Vietnam
Vietnamese society has a fair amount of public etiquette. The following are some of the
more common points:
Avoid public displays of affection with a member of the opposite sex.
Do not touch someone's head.
Pass items with both hands.
Do not point with your finger - use your hand.
Do not stand with your hands on your hips.
Do not cross your arms on your chest.
Do not pass anything over someone's head.
Do not touch anyone on the shoulder.
Do not touch a member of the opposite sex.
Shorts should only be worn at the beach.
Dining Etiquette

f invited to a Vietnamese home:

Bring fruit, sweets, flowers, fruit, or incense.
Gifts should be wrapped in colourful paper.
Do not give handkerchiefs, anything black, yellow flowers or chrysanthemums.
Table Manners
Wait to be shown where to sit.
The oldest person should sit first.
Pass dishes with both hands.
The most common utensils are chopsticks and a flat spoon.
Chopsticks should be placed on the table or a chopstick rest after every few mouthfuls
or when breaking to drink or speak.
People hold bowls close to their faces.
Hold the spoon in your left hand while eating soup.
Meals are typically served family-style.
Try to finish everything on your plate.
When you are finished eating, rest your chopsticks on top of your rice bowl.
Cover your mouth when using a toothpick.

Business Etiquette and Protocol

Appointments are required and should be made several weeks in advance.

The best means of doing so is through a local representative who can act as a
reference and also translator/interpreter.
The Vietnamese are punctual and expect others to be so to.
Dress conservatively.

Handshakes are used upon meeting and departing. Handshakes only usually take place
between members of the same sex.
Some Vietnamese use a two-handed shake, with the left hand on top of the right wrist.
Always wait for a woman to extend her hand. If she does not, bow your head slightly.
Business cards are exchanged on initial meetings and should be presented with both
hands. When receiving business cards ensure you show proper respect to it and do not
simply glance at it and put it on the table.
Hierarchy and face manifest in different ways within business meetings. For example,
the most senior person should always enter the room first.
Silence is also common in meetings where someone disagrees with another but
remains quiet so as to not cause a loss of face.
Relationships are critical to successful business partnerships. Always invest time in
building a good relationship based on both personal and business lines. Any initial
meeting should be solely used as a "getting to know you" meeting.
The spoken word is very important. Never make promises that you can not keep to as
this will lead to a loss of face.
Negotiations can be slow so it is important to bear in mind that decisions have to go
through a lot of red tape and also group consultation. Be patient.
Business gift giving is fairly common at the end of a meeting or during a meal in honour
of your business associates. Gifts should be small but not expensive. Something with
your company logo or something typical from your country both make excellent gifts.

Cambodia - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette

Facts and Statistics

Location: Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, between Thailand, Vietnam, and
Laos

Capital: Phnom Penh

Population: 13,607,069
Ethic Groups: Khmer 90%, Vietnamese 5%, Chinese 1%, other 4%

Religions: Theravada Buddhist 95%, other 5%

Language in Cambodia
Khmer is the official language of Cambodia and is used in most social contexts including
government administration, education at all levels, and in the mass media. It is spoken by some
7 million people living there, roughly 90% of the population.
Regional differences are slight and normally mutually intelligible. Based on the dialect of the
capital city of Phnom Penh, Modern Khmer is used throughout the nation and widely understood
by its inhabitants. Much Khmer vocabulary used in literature, the military, and administration is
borrowed from Sanskrit, or Pali. Due to years of French colonial rule, numerous French words
have been incorporated into the language as well.

Cambodian Society & Culture

Religion
. The majority of Cambodians follow Theravada Buddhism.
. Originating in India, the religion teaches that life and death in this world are intertwined through
the concept of reincarnation.
. Every person lives a life as a worldly being and depending on their behaviour will come back in
their next life as a higher or lower being.
. "Karma" is the term used to describe this - i.e. if you do good you will have good karma. A
rough translation of this is, "you reap what you sow."
Theravada Buddhism has the following principles:
- Have the right thoughts.
- Have the right goals.
- Speak the right words.
- Perform the right deeds.
- Earn a living in the right way.
- Make the right effort.
- Be intellectually alert.
- Meditate.

Hierarchy
. Buddhism also reinforces a sense of hierarchy within society.
. Interpersonal communication is built on the relationship between those involved.
. Common hierarchical guidelines are that parents are superior to children, teachers to students
and managers to subordinates.
. Monks will even walk in rank order, highest in front and most junior at the rear.
. As a foreigner you may find that people ask personal questions - this is a means to identify
your 'rank' rather than being nosy. They may change the way they communicate depending on
your status.

Collectivism
. Cambodia is a collective society - individuals take second place to the group whether this is
the family, neighbourhood or company.

. In such societies, etiquette and protocol guidelines are used to maintain a sense of common
harmony - for example subtle communication styles are employed in order to minimize the
chances of causing offense to others.
. The concept of face also ties in with this collective outlook.
. Protecting both one's own and other's face is extremely important.
. Face can roughly be translated as a combination of honour, dignity and public reputation that is
attributed to a person.
. Face can be lost, given and accrued.
. Foreigners in Cambodia need to be aware of the mechanics of face to ensure they do not
cause anyone to lose face as a result of unintentional actions.
. Face is lost when someone is criticized, embarrassed or exposed in public.
. It can be given by complimenting someone publicly, i.e. for their business acumen or
hospitality.
Cambodian Etiquette and Customs

Meeting & Greeting

. Greetings between Cambodians are dependent on the relationship/hierarchy/age between the
people.
. The traditional greeting is a bow combined with a bringing of the hands together at chest level
(similar to bringing hands together for prayer).
. If one intends to show greater respect the bow is lower and the hands brought higher.
. With foreigners Cambodians have adopted the western practice of shaking hands. Women
may still use the traditional Cambodian greeting.
. The simple rule is to respond with the greeting you are given.
. In Cambodia people are addressed with the honorific title "Lok" for a man and "Lok Srey" for a
woman followed with the first name or both the first and surname.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. Gifts are usually given at Cambodian New Year (Chaul Chnam).
. Birthdays are not big events like in the West and people of the older generation may not even
know their date of birth.
. Unlike most other cultures, Cambodians do not celebrate birthdays. In fact, many older people
may not know the exact date of their birth.
. A small gift can also be taken if invited to someone's home for food.
. If invited to a home, take nicely presented fruit, sweets, pastries or flowers.
. Avoid giving knives.
. Gifts are usually wrapped in colorful paper.
. Do not use white wrapping paper, as it is the color of mourning.
. When giving gifts use both hands.
. Gifts are not opened when received.
Dining Etiquette
.
Table manners are fairly formal.
. If unconfident with the dos and don'ts simply follow what others do.
. When invited to the dining table wait to be told where to sit as you would not want to upset any
hierarchical arrangements.
. The oldest person is usually seated first.

. Similarly the eldest person should start eating before others.

. Do not begin eating until the eldest person starts.
. Never discuss business in such social settings.
Business Etiquette and Protocol in Cambodia

Meeting and Greeting

. As Cambodia is a hierarchical culture the business world follows suit in terms of protocol and
behaviours.
. Respect and deference must always be shown to the most senior person.
. When meeting a group you will be introduced to the highest ranking person, similarly you
should have the most senior of your group greet them.
. If groups are involved you should introduce people according to rank so that your Cambodian
counterparts understand the dynamics of the group.
. Handshakes are normal although be careful not to be too firm as this may be construed as
aggressive.
. If men are dealing with women they should wait and see if they extend a hand before doing so.
Eye contact should be kept to a minimum.
. Cambodians address people with the honorific title "Lok" for a man and "Lok Srey" for a
woman with the first name alone or both the first and surname.

Business Cards
. Business cards should be exchanged after the initial introductions.
. Have one side of your card translated into Khmer if possible.
. Present your card so the Khmer side is readable to the recipient.
. Use the right hand or both hands when offering or receiving a business card.
. It is important to treat business cards with respect as the way you handle the card is indicative
of the way you will treat the person.

Business Meetings
.Meetings do not stick to any schedule or agenda.
. Issues may be tackled separately and altogether if need be - once an issue has seemingly
been resolved it may later be addressed again.
. Meetings will continue until the attendees feel everything has been satisfactorily covered.
. Building a relationship on mutual trust is crucial so initially time should be invested in getting to
know your counterparts.
. Small talk should always be employed at the beginning of meetings.
. Cambodians are very indirect communicators so some reading between the lines is a
necessary skill.
. They will always consider the implications of making statements or using particular words
especially if it involves anything negative as this draws in the issue of face.
. In fact if Cambodians disagree with someone they would rather remain silent than make any
comment.
. If they disagree with an idea, they generally remain silent.
. If unsure about statements be sure to double check.
. Cambodians prefer ideas to be brought forward in a gentle way and to wait for others to
respond.
. Pushy, pressured or boastful communication styles are a real turn-off.

. Punctuality is important. Arriving late shows a lack of respect for the person with whom you are
meeting.
. Non-verbal behaviour is just as important to be aware of.
. For example, smiling in Cambodia is situational and can have many meanings; it may mean a
person does not understand what has been said, they are nervous or even irritated.
. Showing emotions is considered a negative behaviour. Anger, impatience or frustration should
be hidden as it would lead to a loss of face.
. overtly is not part of the culture and is considered a sign of weakness as well as poor manners.
. Modesty and humility are emphasized in the culture, so compliments and praise are generally
responded to by a deprecating comment.
. It is a good idea not to speak with bravado, which may be interpreted as boasting.
Avoid prolonged eye contact.
. Be sure to speak clearly, slowly and to avoid use of slang, adages and colloquial sayings.