Vietnam has lush countrysides that contrast with its bustling cities. Tourists can spend all of their time in either setting and still come away with the impression that they have had a full experience. The countryside tends to be devoted to farming. It may seem to be a more laid back setting, however, people on the farms work quite diligently. Although, tourists spending their Vietnam holidays in a rural setting will be able to take advantage of the lovely surroundings and relative quiet of the area.

People who choose to spend their time in an urban setting will be rewarded with busy markets, shopping and good restaurants. Tourists who are spending their Vietnam holiday in a city should not be afraid to engage in good natured bargaining to get good prices for items. Many sellers are willing to lower their prices to close the deal. It all depends on whether the tourist can spot a bargain in the making. It may take some practice, but many tourists are more than willing to join in to become part of the scene.

To get the most of what Vietnam has available for tourists, visitors should try to travel to a rural and an urban town. Visiting these places will provide the best sense of what it means to live and work in Vietnam. Meeting people during a Vietnam holiday who have made different choices about whether to live in a big city or a small town will give tourists an idea of the challenges, sacrifices and rewards that many Vietnamese experience on a day to day basis.

According to socialists’ analysis, small family size is making good contribution to sex equality, minimizing troubles and quarrels which often happen in multi-generation families. In the past, women had many babies. With limitation to 2 babies, women now have more time to participate social activities, making considerable contribution to the development of the nation. They are more fairly treated and have opportunities to improve their education as well as profession. However, small family size has some side effects: Care for old people is limited, children and old people are more lonely. A survey in Hanoi shows that 30% family living in the centre revealed they did not have or had little time to care and educate their children.

Small family size, children live separately from their parents when getting married, makes old people more lonely and difficult in life, especially when social insurance for old people is very limited in rural areas in Vietnam.

In addition, open development of the economy makes Vietnam families at risk of social evils such as: addiction, prostitution etc…These side affects challenge life organization for old people, family services and baby care. Predicting these challenges, authorities have made some tough measures to enhance sense of family and its role in the modern time.

Bicycling in big cities can be a bit hectic, but once you get to the rural areas you’ll be glad you decided to take a bicycle tour of Vietnam. The scenic mountains of northwest Vietnam and the Central Highlands will give you a great sense of satisfaction after a tough day of pedaling. A leisurely ride (more or less) along the coast from Hue, south to Nha Trang or even further, will expose you to some great historical and cultural centers of Vietnam. What ever you plan calls for you’ll experience unique cultures and friendly faces though out Vietnam. Riding a bicycle is a way of life in Vietnam. Everyone does it. Foreigners on bicycles attract a lot of attention. You’ll meet friendly and curious Vietnamese, especially if you’re on an upscale mountain or touring bike. Caution: Some roads in Vietnam will tear up a fancy road bike.

There’s a style for every type of bicycle tourist. Organized tours attract a lot of participants. Many of these tours are fairly expensive. They provide support vehicles, meals, hotels, domestic transportation, mountain or touring bike (if needed) and other amenities for those on tour. Historic and cultural sightseeing excursions may be included. These tours start at about $1500 for 14 or 15 days. Airfare included from the west coast US start about $3000. Shop carefully!

A self guided bicycle tour including international airfare from the west coast of the US can be had for the same price as a group land tour. $1000 for airfare and $25 to $30 a day for a self guided tour can be easily worked out. Planning a trip like this is half the fun. Find a good guide book and you’re on your way!

It is recommended that, even though inconvenient and costly, you bring your own bike. Bike rentals for adequate equipment is $10 + per day. Or you could buy one when you arrive. A 3 speed will be top of the line gear wise. Locally made bikes and Chinese imports will not hold up to the rigors ahead. Give renting or buying a bike careful research before committing. Once you leave home it’s too late.

The support vehicle is usually a major concern for touring bicyclists. Because there are so many bicycle riders in Vietnam this is easily overcome. You wait by the side of the road, with your crippled ride, for a bus or truck to the next town.

Even though the manufacturing processes are the same all over the world, the specialty in Vietnam bamboo flooring is that freshly cut bamboo strips are used for processing. Freshly cut bamboo has the added advantage of offering high-quality flooring material. The major portion of bamboo used in flooring is grown in the Pacific Rim.

The beginning of bamboo flooring industry is traced to 1990. It was then that Doug Lewis, the founder of bamboo hardwoods, moved to Vietnam to set up a factory producing bamboo flooring. Over the years, the bamboo market in Vietnam has grown, and many traders are joining the bamboo flooring market.

A number of companies in Vietnam are employed in the manufacturing and exporting of bamboo flooring. The manufacturing process consists of a number of steps, starting with the slicing of freshly cut bamboo shoots into strips. These strips are then treated with boiled water to remove the starch, and then they are dried. Finally, bamboo floorings are made by laminating the strips into solid boards. To protect the flooring from pests, it is treated with a preservative either before or after lamination. Urea-formaldehyde (UF) adhesive is usually used in the lamination.

Bamboo flooring is available mainly in two shades: natural and carbonized or amber color. The darker shade (caramelized) is obtained by the prolonged pressure heating of bamboo. The shade of bamboo flooring might differ with different companies, and it is available as single-layer and double-layer bamboo flooring.

High export-quality bamboo flooring from Vietnam exhibits hardness, brightness, and freshness and is now one of the most favored forms of flooring.