Vietnam Manners - Dos and Don'ts in Vietnam

It is important to know certain things before travelling to a foreign country. Indeed, when you travel, you learn a lot of new things and discover a new culture, which is great, but there are rules of respect that are important to keep in mind. Below, we have prepared a list of some dos and don’ts in Vietnam you need to know before travelling.

1. Pay attention to how you dress

Indeed, to avoid wearing too sexy clothes, especially in temples and pagodas, you must cover your shoulders, arms, legs otherwise it is a lack of respect.

Even at the beach, if you choose to wear a bikini, don't be surprised that everyone looks at you and that some women swim in the water with their clothes on. 

When you visit temples and pagodas, don't walk in front of someone who is praying, don't turn your back to the alter, this is also valid in the houses.

2. Don't get upset

Vietnamese people remain calm in all circumstances, don’t shout, it will make things worse. Even during a conflict, Vietnamese people keep a good image and solve problems quietly. However, not all Vietnamese respect this rule but it is a way to be courteous to the public.

3. Mark of affection

We don't show our affection, no kisses or hugs between lovers in the street, we don't shake hands with people either. Besides, don't touch people, especially not the head, it's not polite. Only the handshake is popular in the workplace. 

4. Don’t keep your shoes inside

You should definitely take off your shoes when you go inside. You don't bring dirt from outside back inside. This is done everywhere in Asia.

5. Pay in small bills, no card

Only the big stores use bank cards, the small merchants only take cash. And they prefer small denominations, they often don't have big bills.

6. Negotiate prices

Here, it is quite possible to negotiate prices, because in tourist areas or taxis for example, they multiply the prices by 2 or 3 sometimes, they make a price for tourists. So you can negotiate freely. However, avoid negotiating too much in local markets or street vendors because the prices are much cheaper and it is their livelihood. Negotiation is not possible in the big stores.

Always ask the price of something before you touch it, say yes or buy it, you can easily be ripped off afterwards.

7. Don’t disrespect the heroes

Beware of disrespecting Vietnamese heroes, like Ho Chi Minh. The westerners' point of view may be different but for the Vietnamese, they are very important characters. Vietnamese respect national heroes very much so don't criticise them.

8. Never call a Vietnamese with your hand up

When you want to call someone, turn the palm of your hand downward and never upward. If you do, it's like calling a dog.

9. Don’t stick the chopsticks straight into a rice bowl or dish

When using chopsticks, never stick them straight into a bowl, it is done with incense when someone dies. It is therefore frowned upon.

10. Use of the toothpick

Do not give the toothpick hand to hand, it must be placed on the table. And put your hand in front of your mouth when you use it.

11. Don’t laugh at Buddha or the government

Avoid laughing or being disrespectful when you talk about Buddha or the government, it is a huge disrespect, don’t do it. Whatever your opinion, keep it to yourself.

12. Ask before taking pictures

Generally, Vietnamese people agree to take pictures with you but please ask first. People are not animals in a zoo.

Also, never take pictures of military sites, it is forbidden.

13. No prostitution

Prostitution is illegal in Vietnam, under penalty of heavy fines or jail. For the Vietnamese, it is unacceptable for anyone to have a sexual relationship before marriage.

Moreover, if you are looking for nudist beaches in Vietnam, don't look for them, there are none. Vietnamese people are very modest.

14. Don’t blow your nose at the table

Blowing your nose at the table during a meal is not recommended.

15. Don’t drink tap water

Don’t drink tap water directly. It is not safe to drink at all and be careful with ice cubes in rural area too. Also avoid eating raw meat or fish if you are not familiar with foreign raw food. Always take medicine against diarrhoea, stomach ache when you travel in Vietnam. It is also better to have your personal kit with you.

16. Don't be afraid of motorcycles

Cross slowly, look around and keep moving slowly to cross the roads of Vietnam. Don't worry, here all this traffic in all directions is normal, Vietnamese people are used to drive like this. However, if you want to drive in Vietnam, be careful. It is not the same style of driving at all.

17. Don’t leave without preparation

Prepare your trip, inform yourself about the destinations you want to visit to avoid surprises.

Learn some basic words in Vietnamese, it will be useful because few people speak English.

18. Watch out for pickpockets

As everywhere, but especially in Ho Chi Minh, be careful with your phone, bag, wallet, and valuables because unfortunately, there are also thieves in Vietnam. 

However, it is much more quiet and without risk in the small villages.

19. Gifts

If you want to give a gift during a homestay for example, it's totally ok and it will please. But avoid sweets, candies or money for the children because it will give them cavities and the parents can't afford to pay the dentist or it will make them want to beg for more money. Give preference to local specialties of your country, something useful like coloured pencils or books for children.

Vietnamese people will not open your gift right away, this is normal. They wait until they are alone to open the gift to avoid seeing the disappointment on their faces in case they don't like the gift.

20. Tips

Tipping your guide or driver is normal in Vietnam, the amount depends on your appreciation. It is less common in restaurants but the gesture is always appreciated.

21. Don't forget the little beasts

Bring mosquito repellent with you, as well as medicines or sting or products. Malaria is very prevalent here in some remote areas and is not very common in Europe, so it is difficult to treat it once you return home.

22. The first customer of the morning

Avoid entering a store at the opening, especially if it is just to look. In Vietnam, the first customer of the morning is important because it is said that depending on this one and what he or she buys, it is the prediction of the day. If he buys a lot, it will be a good day and if he buys nothing, a bad day.

23. Colours of clothes

The meaning of colours varies from country to country, so it is good to know that some colours have certain meanings. Red, yellow or pink signify  joy while black and white are sad and are dedicated to mourning. During Tet, Vietnamese New Year, the elderly people don't like to wear black, people like to dress in colourful clothing. On the other hand, don’t wear colourful clothes during funerals.

Be careful to respect and take into account this list of Vietnamese manners because some things will just make you look bad and embarrassing, even some can take you to jail.

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