Traveling to Bhutan was never in my plan. In addition, I’ve spent a lot of time and money in the last month’s trip to Quang Binh. I didn’t think I would spend more on any trip within the year. But things always happen for a reason. I call it destiny.
I did not travel and experience enough to share the experience with you. There’s tons of useful info on the internet that you can find. I only share what I learned, heard and experience in 7 days and 6 nights in this Nation of Happiness.
1. Traffic & roads
Road in Bhutan is like dancing queen. She hovers left then right then up then down then left, right, up, down… all the time. Mountain-geographical roads are characteristic of the country both in the cities and countrysides. Those who have carsick may get vomit and extreme tired all the way. Due to this special location it takes more time to travel from city to city. Driver cannot drive so fast.
Bhutanese drive on the left. This country has no traffic light. People manage traffic by himself.
One more thing, there’s always an immigration checkpoint at the city border. That is strange to me.
2. Means of transportation
Popular vehicle is car. People travel by cars for some reasons.
- Cheap. With only USD10,000 you can get a car.
- Safe. Narrow and curved streets are not friendly with motorcyle drivers.
- Cost-effective. Cars can be used all the year while motorcycles will be kept on winter. People will get freeze riding in the season.
- Family-protected. Protecting family is important to married Bhutanese, especial men. Taking wife & kids by car is much safer and weather-protected.
Bhutanese buys car from India and re-sells used cars to Indian.
3. Chili pepper
Before coming to Bhutan, I’ve heard that chili here was very hot. This country is famous by its chili-hot dishes. However, after 7 days and 6 nights eating both local & international dishes, I don’t find it as hot as Vietnam chili.
Is it because of itself or of me?
4. Dogs
I can’t find any place that has so many dogs like Bhutan. Ok, you know it. Bhutan has a lot of friendly dogs in a day and barking monsters at night. You can see dogs everywhere, from house to temple, from city to countryside. I heard their barking lot in Thimphu and Punakha.
There are so many dogs that people have to prevent their population from increasing by emasculation.
5. Temple, temple and more temples
Bhutan can be seen as a country of temples. There are hundreds of both small and big temples throughout the country. It seems that each city has at least one big temple. I was so excited to visit and listen to their story and history in the first days. After a few days of hearing the same thing, seeing the same exterior and interior design, I got tired.
Bhutanese has a strong spiritual belief. It’s not strange if there’s a very big altar in a small house.
6. Gho & Kira
The traditional attire of the Bhutanese man is called Gho & woman called Kira. They look simple but not easy to put on. Modern Kira is much easier to wear than the traditional ones.
Gho is the largest pocket in the world. The guide said his Gho can contain up to 25kg inside. Another guide told that he did not need any pocket to keep his wallet & phone. They are in his Gho. Anything can be in Gho.
7. Electricity
Bhutan uses hydroelectricity. They build a lot of hydroelectric power plants throughout the country. Bhutan exported the electricity to India. In addition to tourism, it’s one of two main commercial industries in Bhutan.
Each household gets free 100kw of power per month. People have to pay for exceeded numbers but normally not more than USD10. I think this is why Bhutanese is happy
8. Marriage
I used to share about marriage system on my Facebook.
There’re 3 systems in Bhutan. This is what I heard from my guide. I haven’t checked other sources. Believe or not, it’s your choice.
– Arranged marriage. Parents arrange the marriage. The man and the woman may not know each other before. They may not be happy after that. The wedding is often big with many guests.
– Loved marriage. Two people love each other then get married. This is popular in Bhutan nowadays. The wedding is simple. They even don’t need a wedding. Some parents even don’t know their children get married until they are told.
– Night hunting marriage. Like in fairy tale where man climbs into lady’s room on a rope to get her. It still remains in some areas in Bhutan.
For those who want to marry a Bhutanese, it’s a tough and painful challenge. In first 3 years for women and 6 for men the certified couple may live far apart. That in-law citizen can live only 30 days per year in Bhutan and the rest in his/her country. During that time, they have to learn Bhutanese culture and language. After passing that 3 or 6 challenging years, they will get green card.
9. Death
Bhutanese don’t bury dead body. They cremate and scatter into rivers. In some families, dead body is taken to the top of mountain to be devoured by vultures.
There are a lot of tsha tsha, small prayer stones honoring ancestors and laid down. They are put in temples or mountains.
10. FDI – Foreign Direct Investment
(I heard about this from the tour guide. My purpose is to share only, not to compare because I’m not an expert in this field)
Foreign Direct Investment in Bhutan is not easy. FDI organizations have to meet at least three strictly requirements. (1) invest at least USD200,000 within (2) maximum 50 years with (3) a Bhutanese partner. Without Bhutanese, they have no way to invest into the country. That is not mentioned about the investment plan which causes no effect to environment.
By the way, startups in Bhutan are encouraged by government. However, they have to prove that their business does not affect the environment as well.
After finishing, I find that ten is not enough. Bhutan has more than that. This country has same GDP as Vietnam. Some areas are even poorer than ours. But they are happy because
they always satisfy with what they have;
they know they’re a part of nature; they protect the nature not only for them but also for next generation;
they believe this short life is not forever. What they become in next life (reincarnation) depends on this life;
they’re not greed, hatred & ignorance;
and they’re happy.
(HM – Bhutan 8/2016)
