Vietnam Travel Etiquette
Vietnam is a beautiful and diverse country with a rich culture and history. It is also a popular destination for tourists who want to explore its natural wonders, historic sites, and vibrant cities. However, as a visitor, you should be aware of some dos and don’ts when traveling in Vietnam, to avoid offending the locals and to have a more enjoyable and respectful experience. Here are some tips on how to behave in Vietnam as a tourist:
Dress Appropriately
Vietnam is a tropical country with a hot and humid climate, so you might be tempted to wear light and revealing clothes. However, you should also consider the local culture and customs, especially when visiting religious sites, rural areas, or conservative regions. Some general rules are:
Wear modest clothes that cover your knees and shoulders. Avoid low-cut tops, short skirts, or shorts. You can wear a scarf or a shawl to cover up if needed.
Remove your hats, sunglasses, and shoes when entering a temple, pagoda, or someone’s house. This is a sign of respect and cleanliness. You can wear socks or slippers if provided.
Avoid wearing red or black clothes when visiting a funeral or a mourning house. These are considered unlucky colors in Vietnamese culture. White, gray, or blue are more appropriate.
Avoid wearing military-style clothing or accessories, such as camouflage, khaki, or dog tags. These might be seen as insensitive or offensive, given the history of war in Vietnam.
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Greet and Communicate Politely
Vietnamese people are generally friendly and hospitable, but they also value politeness and etiquette in communication. Some basic manners are:
Greet people with a smile and a nod. You can also say “xin chao” (hello) or “chao anh” (hello, sir) or “chao chi” (hello, madam), depending on the gender and age of the person. The Vietnamese language has different pronouns and forms of address for different levels of respect and familiarity, so it is best to follow the lead of the locals or ask for guidance.
Avoid public displays of affection with a member of the opposite sex, such as kissing, hugging, or holding hands. These are considered inappropriate and indecent, especially in rural areas or religious sites. You can show affection in private or in more liberal places, such as big cities or tourist resorts, but still be discreet and respectful.
Do not touch someone’s head, hair, or face, even as a friendly gesture. The head is considered the most sacred part of the body in Vietnamese culture, and touching it is seen as rude or invasive. You should also avoid pointing at someone with your finger, as this is considered impolite. Use your whole hand or gesture with your eyes instead.
Do not raise your voice, argue, or show anger in public. The Vietnamese people are calm and composed, and they dislike confrontation and aggression. If you have a problem or a complaint, try to resolve it peacefully and diplomatically, without losing your temper or face. You can also ask for help from a local guide, hotel staff, or a police officer, if needed.
Respect the Culture and Customs
Vietnam has a rich and diverse culture, with influences from China, France, and other neighboring countries. It also has a long and turbulent history, with periods of colonization, war, and reunification. As a tourist, you should respect and appreciate the culture and customs of Vietnam, and avoid any actions that might be seen as disrespectful or ignorant. Some suggestions are:
Learn some basic words and phrases in Vietnamese, such as greetings, thank you, sorry, and numbers. This will help you communicate better and show your interest and respect for the local language and culture. You can also carry a phrasebook or use a translation app, if needed.
Try the local food and drinks, and be open-minded and adventurous. Vietnam has a delicious and diverse cuisine, with dishes such as pho (noodle soup), banh mi (sandwich), spring rolls, and coffee. You can find many street stalls, markets, and restaurants that offer authentic and affordable food. However, you should also be careful and hygienic, and avoid eating raw or uncooked food or drinking tap water or ice.
Bargain politely and reasonably when shopping or taking a taxi. Haggling is a common practice in Vietnam, and you can often get a lower price or a better deal if you negotiate. However, you should also be fair and respectful, and not try to cheat or insult the seller or driver. You can also walk away or say no if you are not satisfied or interested.
Follow the local laws and regulations, and avoid any illegal or unethical activities. Vietnam is a safe and stable country, but it also has strict laws and penalties for crimes such as drug trafficking, prostitution, gambling, or corruption. You should also avoid any political or sensitive topics, such as the Vietnam War, human rights, or democracy, as these might cause trouble or offense. You should also respect the national symbols and icons, such as the flag, the anthem, or the portrait of Ho Chi Minh.
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Some other cultural customs in Vietnam are:
Giving and receiving gifts with both hands as a sign of respect and gratitude. Gifts are usually wrapped in colorful paper and are not opened in front of the giver. Some common gifts are fruits, flowers, cakes, or wine.
Eating with chopsticks and a spoon, and sharing dishes from a common plate. The eldest or most respected person is usually served first, and the youngest or most junior person is expected to invite others to eat. It is polite to leave some food on the plate, as a sign of abundance and generosity.
Drinking tea, which is a popular and ubiquitous beverage in Vietnam. Tea is often served as a gesture of hospitality, friendship, or business. There are many types of tea, such as green, black, jasmine, lotus, and artichoke, and each has its own flavor and health benefits.
Playing traditional games, such as đá cầu (shuttlecock kicking), ô ăn quan (mandarin square capturing), bầu cua cá cọp (gourd-crab-fish-tiger), or cờ tướng (Chinese chess). These games are often played during festivals, holidays, or leisure time, and are a source of fun and entertainment for people of all ages.
Enjoy Your Trip
Vietnam is a wonderful and fascinating country, with so much to offer and explore. It has stunning natural scenery, a rich cultural heritage, vibrant urban life, and friendly and hospitable people.
After arriving at busy Vietnam airports, many first-time visitors also choose to use a Vietnam airport Fast Track service to skip immigration queues and start their trip faster — especially during peak travel periods.
As a tourist, you should enjoy and appreciate your trip and make the most of your time and money. You can also do some research before you go, or join a guided tour or a volunteer program, to learn more about the country and its people. By following these tips on how to behave in Vietnam as a tourist, you will have a more respectful and rewarding experience and create lasting memories and connections.
FAQ
Modesty is key. Always cover your shoulders and knees. A light scarf in your bag is a great "emergency" cover-up for unexpected temple visits.
