Learning about a country’s religion and culture is critical to avoid embarrassing situations. Accidentally offending the locals is everyone’s worst nightmare. Here is a comprehensive etiquette guide to give you a quick overview of Vietnamese culture and customs. Having background knowledge of Vietnamese customs will ensure that you have the best possible experience on your trip to Vietnam. Vietnamese ValuesWhen discussing etiquette, it is important to have a general feel for the values and customs of a culture. It is almost impossible to remember an exhaustive list of etiquette rules. However, when you are aware of what the culture values, you can avoid doing things that are in opposition to those values. The Vietnamese people value humility, restraint, and modesty. Avoid being boastful or showing off wealth. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon so try to avoid touching people of the opposite sex. Dress conservatively and keep your body covered. The Vietnamese culture has a great respect for the elderly. In every situation, it is best to give honor and preference to the eldest member of the group. Keep reading for information about etiquette for specific activities such as visiting a religious site, greeting locals, dining, appropriate clothing, giving gifts, and avoiding social taboos. Proper Etiquette for Visiting Religious Sites or Other Tourist Sites in VietnamVietnam has sacred sites for both the Buddhist and Hindu religion. While visiting one of the beautiful religious sites like Mỹ Sơn (a popular sacred Hindu site,) the stunning Linh Phuoc Pagoda (a sacred Buddhist site) covered with mosaics in Da Lat, or the Ngoc Son Temple in Hanoi, it is important to show respect. Since religious sites are popular attractions, it is important to be familiar with appropriate behavior and dress for sacred locations. When visiting a sacred spot, it is important to be respectful. While you are visiting there will be people who have come for religious worship and reflection. It is important that you don’t become a distraction to those who are seeking peace. Something as simple as what you are wearing can cause a major distraction at a sacred site. Tips for Visiting Sacred Sites:
Respectful Ways to Meet and Greet Locals, Including Proper TitlesVietnamese is a tonal language, so the meaning of a word can change based on if your voice goes up or down at the end. For that reason, it is important to listen carefully to the words when you are trying to learn them. You can check out YouTube videos of native Vietnamese speakers to learn correct pronunciation and how to do the appropriate tones.
Hello You can also say the appropriate form of “you” with Chao based on the age and gender of the person. Pronouns in Vietnam can be tricky because they are based both on the person speaking and who is listening. It is important to use the appropriate pronoun to avoid being disrespectful. A basic guide to pronoun use is shown below:
Female: Word
Male:
How Are You? To say, “how are you?” to a female that is younger than you, you would say “Em khỏe không?
Other Greetings If you want to learn more Vietnamese phrases, check out Essential Words and Phrases for Travelers to Vietnam. Proper Eating and Drinking Etiquette
Chopsticks are the most commonly-used eating utensil in Vietnam.
Vietnam offers a variety of unique regional dishes and foods. Do your research before, so you make sure to experience the unique flavors for the regions you are visiting. What to Wear in VietnamOverall, modest dress is considered the norm in Vietnam. However, you will find that in resort areas with a high concentration of tourists this may not be the case. When traveling throughout Vietnam, it is generally a good idea to wear long shorts and avoid revealing shirts. Covered shoulders and shorts to the knees provide an appropriate amount of coverage. Make sure you pack items that will work well for warm, humid weather.
Don’t forget to make a packing list to ensure that you don’t forget anything. Respecting Others in VietnamAvoid looking over confident. Humility is admired.
Gift Giving in Vietnam
Giving a gift is a sign of respect and it is offensive to refuse a gift. If you are presented a gift, graciously accept it. If you are the recipient of a gift, do not open it in front of everyone. It is expected that you will open the gift later when you are alone. Common taboos in VietnamControl Your Temper: Losing your temper or having an angry outburst is looked down upon.
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