Vietnam: Guide to Local Customs & Etiquette

Video featuring foreign tourists happily enjoying the Tet festival atmosphere in Vietnam.

Discover Vietnam: Your Essential Guide to Local Customs and Etiquette

                     Vietnam, a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, warmly welcomes visitors from around the globe. To ensure you have a smooth and enriching travel experience, understanding and respecting local customs and etiquette is key. This guide offers valuable insights for foreign tourists to navigate Vietnamese social norms with grace and consideration.

SPECIAL OUTLINE

1. Dressing Appropriately at Sacred Sites: Guidance on suitable attire for pagodas, temples, historical sites, and especially the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
2. Understanding Personal Space and Photography: Tips on respecting privacy and how to politely ask for permission when taking photos of people.
3. General Social Etiquette Tips: Common rules for greetings, addressing people, dining manners, respecting elders, and other public behaviors.
4. Insights into Culture and History: Emphasizing the importance of respecting personal dignity, national pride, and having an objective view of a developing Vietnam.
5. Embracing the Spirit of Vietnam: General advice for a meaningful and positive travel journey.

REMEMBER: RESPECT IS THE KEY TO A WONDERFUL TRIP!

Now, let’s dive into the detailed guide!

1. Dressing Appropriately at Sacred and Solemn Sites

Vietnam is home to many beautiful pagodas (chùa), temples (đền), and historical sites that hold deep cultural and spiritual meaning. When visiting these places, it’s essential to dress respectfully:

• Cover Shoulders and Knees: Avoid wearing sleeveless tops, tank tops, shorts, or skirts above the knee. Opt for clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
• Modest Necklines: Women should avoid wearing tops with plunging necklines.
• Remove Footwear: It’s customary to remove your shoes or sandals before entering the main worship areas of pagodas and temples. Look for designated shoe racks or follow the lead of locals.
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (Lăng Chủ tịch Hồ Chí Minh): Visiting the mausoleum is a solemn occasion. Strict dress codes are enforced:
  • Women: Should wear modest clothing, avoiding low-cut tops or revealing attire.
  • Men: Should wear long trousers (shorts above the knee are not permitted) and shirts with sleeves. Hats and sunglasses should be removed.

PLEASE NOTE! SOMETHING IS UNUSUAL IN VIETNAM, BUT WE SHOULD RESPECT,  PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE PHENOMENA

2. Understanding Personal Space and Photography

While Vietnamese people are generally warm and welcoming, it’s important to be mindful of personal space and photography, especially when it involves individuals:

• Respecting Privacy: In some areas, particularly rural ones, individuals may feel uncomfortable having their photos taken, especially of themselves or their families. This often isn’t a sign of unfriendliness but a desire for privacy.
• Always Ask for Permission: Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially close-ups. A polite gesture and a simple question like “Xin phép chụp ảnh?” (May I take a photo?) can go a long way.
• Be Observant: Pay attention to non-verbal cues. If someone seems hesitant or uncomfortable, refrain from taking their picture.
• Market and Street Photography: While capturing the vibrant atmosphere of markets and streets is tempting, be mindful not to intrude excessively on people’s daily lives.

3. General Social Etiquette Tips for Vietnam

• Greetings: A polite nod or a slight bow is a respectful greeting. While handshakes are becoming more common, especially in urban areas and business settings, wait for the Vietnamese person to initiate.
• Addressing People: Use titles (e.g., Mr., Ms., Aunt, Uncle) followed by their given name when addressing people, especially older individuals. If unsure, “cô” (aunt) for women and “chú” (uncle) for men are generally safe and respectful ways to address people older than you.

• Table Manners:
  • Wait for the eldest person to start eating before you do.
  • Use chopsticks correctly. Avoid pointing with them or leaving them sticking upright in your rice bowl (this resembles incense sticks offered to the deceased).
  • It’s common to share dishes. Offer food to others before serving yourself.
  • Finishing all the food on your plate is generally appreciated as a sign that you enjoyed the meal.

• Showing Respect to Elders: Respect for elders is deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture. Show deference to older people through your words and actions.
• Public Displays of Affection: While attitudes are evolving, overly public displays of affection are generally not common and may be considered inappropriate by some.
• Keeping Your Voice Down: Speaking loudly in public places can be seen as impolite.
• Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but is increasingly appreciated, especially in the tourism industry (restaurants, tour guides, drivers).
• Bargaining: Bargaining is common in markets and smaller shops, but do so respectfully and with a smile. Don’t try to haggle excessively over small amounts.
• Learning Basic Vietnamese Phrases: Even knowing a few basic phrases like “Xin chào” (hello), “Cảm ơn” (thank you), and “Xin lỗi” (sorry) will be greatly appreciated and can enhance your interactions.

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4. Insights into Culture and History

Vietnamese people place great importance on dignity and self-respect, and their national pride is very high. If tourists express biased views, criticize, or speak ill of them, or disparage national heroes or revolutionary victories, they might not outwardly show strong reactions, but they could express displeasure or even become less friendly towards such visitors. Always show respect for the people, culture, and history of Vietnam.

Although Vietnam is a developing country, its achievements in poverty reduction, social progress, and science and technology are truly remarkable. Therefore, when traveling in Vietnam, tourists should maintain an objective and appropriate perspective. In some rural areas, you might encounter sights like unhygienic animal husbandry, animal waste scattered on streets, smoke and dust from active brick kilns, sewage ditches filled with pollutants, or chemical contamination. In urban areas, traffic can be extremely congested, often causing peak-hour gridlock, combined with urban noise from people, high vehicle density, and constant honking. See these as part of the authentic experience of a country undergoing rapid development, and you’ll gain a more comprehensive understanding of Vietnam.

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5. Embracing the Spirit of Vietnam

By being mindful of these customs and etiquette tips, you can demonstrate your respect for Vietnamese culture and people. This will not only enrich your travel experience but also foster positive interactions and leave a lasting positive impression. Remember that cultural differences are part of what makes travel so fascinating. Embrace the opportunity to learn and adapt, and you’ll find the Vietnamese people to be incredibly welcoming and hospitable.

By approaching your travels in Vietnam with an open mind and a willingness to understand and respect local customs, you’ll undoubtedly have a more rewarding and meaningful journey. Enjoy the beauty and warmth of Vietnam!

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