Vietnam is more than breathtaking landscapes and delicious street food—it’s a country deeply rooted in tradition, respect, and community. For travelers seeking an authentic and meaningful experience, understanding Vietnamese cultural etiquette is key. It’s not just about avoiding unintentional faux pas; it’s about connecting with locals, earning smiles, and truly embracing the soul of this incredible nation.
At Nguyen Adventure, we believe that responsible travel starts with respect. Join us as we explore the essential do’s and don’ts in Vietnam, helping you navigate local customs and make your journey enriching for both you and the communities you encounter.
1. Respect for Elders and Hierarchy: The Cornerstone of Society
Vietnamese society places immense value on age and social hierarchy, a principle deeply influenced by Confucianism. Respect for elders and those in positions of authority is paramount.
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✅ Do:
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Greet Elders First: Always offer your greeting to the oldest person in a group before others.
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Use Polite Terms: Learn basic address terms like “anh” (older brother, for slightly older men), “chị” (older sister, for slightly older women), “cô” (auntie, for middle-aged women), or “chú” (uncle, for middle-aged men). Even foreigners attempting these are highly appreciated.
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Use Both Hands: When giving or receiving something (money, gifts, business cards), use both hands, or your right hand supported by your left, to show respect.
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❌ Don’t:
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Openly Criticize or Confront: Avoid direct confrontation, especially with elders or service staff. This can cause “losing face” (mất mặt), which is deeply embarrassing and offensive.
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Interrupt Conversations: Allow others to finish speaking, particularly those older or in positions of authority.
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2. Body Language & Physical Contact: Subtle Gestures, Big Meanings
Vietnamese communication is often subtle, and certain physical gestures carry significant cultural weight.
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✅ Do:
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Smile and Nod: A genuine smile and a slight nod of the head are universal signs of friendliness and respect.
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Use Your Whole Hand: When gesturing or calling someone, use your whole hand with the palm facing down, rather than pointing with a single finger.
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Accept Offers: If offered tea, food, or a small gift, it’s polite to accept, even if only a small amount, to show appreciation for their hospitality.
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❌ Don’t:
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Touch Someone’s Head: The head is considered the most sacred part of the body. Never touch anyone’s head, even in a friendly manner, especially children.
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Point with Your Finger or Feet: Pointing with your finger at people or objects is considered rude. Similarly, avoid pointing your feet (especially the sole) at people, religious objects, or altars, as feet are considered impure.
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Public Displays of Affection: While holding hands is common, kissing, hugging, or other intimate gestures in public are generally frowned upon, particularly in rural or conservative areas.
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3. Dress Modestly, Especially at Temples & Homes: Show Your Respect
Vietnam is generally a fairly relaxed country regarding dress code, especially in major cities and tourist areas. However, certain situations call for more modest attire.
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✅ Do:
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Cover Up at Sacred Sites: When visiting pagodas, temples, or other religious sites, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. Bring a light scarf or wear longer sleeves/pants as a standard practice.
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Remove Shoes: Always take off your shoes before entering someone’s home, pagodas, or sometimes even small shops. Look for a pile of shoes at the entrance as a cue.
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❌ Don’t:
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Wear Revealing Clothes: Avoid overly revealing clothing (e.g., very short shorts, low-cut tops) when visiting rural villages, pagodas, or attending formal events.
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Keep Hats On Indoors: Remove hats when entering temples or homes.
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4. Dining Etiquette: Sharing Meals, Sharing Culture
Food is a huge part of Vietnamese culture, and meals are often a communal affair. Observing basic dining etiquette will enhance your experience.
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✅ Do:
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Wait for Elders: Wait for the oldest person at the table to start eating before you begin.
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Use Chopsticks Correctly: Hold chopsticks properly. When taking food from communal dishes, use the opposite (handle) end of your chopsticks, or a designated serving spoon.
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Slurp Noodles: Yes, it’s okay! Slurping noodles (like phở or bún chả) is a sign that you’re enjoying your meal.
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Try Everything: If you’re a guest, try a little bit of everything offered, even if it’s just a small taste, to show appreciation.
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❌ Don’t:
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Stick Chopsticks Upright in Rice: Never stick your chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice. This resembles incense sticks at a funeral altar and is considered very unlucky.
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Point with Chopsticks: Avoid using your chopsticks to point at people or objects.
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Tap Your Bowl with Chopsticks: This is associated with beggars and is considered rude.
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5. Bargaining & Money: Play Fair, Be Polite
Bargaining is common in markets and sometimes with street vendors, but it’s important to do it politely.
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✅ Do:
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Bargain with a Smile: Always bargain with a friendly attitude and a smile.
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Aim for a Fair Price: Don’t try to drive the price down excessively. A small difference to you might be significant to a local vendor.
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Use Small Bills: Try to carry small denominations of Vietnamese Dong (VND) for street purchases to make transactions easier.
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❌ Don’t:
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Be Aggressive or Impatient: Never raise your voice, show anger, or walk away abruptly if you don’t get your desired price. It’s considered rude and offensive.
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Flash Large Amounts of Cash: Be discreet when handling money, especially in crowded areas, to deter petty theft.
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6. Public Behavior & “Saving Face”: Harmony Above All
The concept of “saving face” (giữ thể diện/danh dự) is deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture. It refers to maintaining one’s dignity, reputation, and social standing, and avoiding embarrassment for oneself or others.
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✅ Do:
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Stay Calm: Even if frustrated or confused, maintain a calm demeanor. Speak softly and politely.
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Address Issues Privately: If you have a problem or misunderstanding, try to address it discreetly and privately, rather than making a scene in public.
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Be Patient: Life in Vietnam can sometimes move at a different pace. Embrace patience and flexibility.
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❌ Don’t:
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Yell or Show Anger: Losing your temper in public is highly frowned upon and causes everyone involved to “lose face.”
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Criticize Openly: Avoid publicly criticizing or correcting others.
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Travel with Respect, Connect Deeply
Understanding Vietnamese cultural etiquette helps you travel not just as a tourist, but as a respectful guest. These small acts of cultural mindfulness can open doors to genuine experiences, deeper connections with locals, and a more profound appreciation for this beautiful country.
At Nguyen Adventure, we encourage you to embark on journeys that are not just about seeing, but about truly experiencing and connecting. With kindness, open-mindedness, and a few cultural insights, you’ll find Vietnam not only welcoming but deeply enriching.
Ready for an adventure that goes beyond the surface? Explore our authentic Vietnam tours and let the real journey begin!
Related Articles for Your Journey:
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Ultimate Travel Guide to Vietnam from A-Z
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Essential Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors to Vietnam
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Top 10 Authentic Cultural Experiences You Must Try in Vietnam
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Vietnamese Street Food Guide for Beginners
