Navigate
Vietnam confidently with our essential do’s and don’ts guide.
Learn travel etiquette, cultural tips, safety advice, and insider
insights to enjoy Vietnam respectfully and make the most of your
trip.
• Greet with a smile. Friendliness is valued, and a nod or slight bow is polite when meeting someone new.
• Dress modestly at temples and villages. Cover shoulders and knees to show respect.
• Remove shoes before entering homes or pagodas. This is a common sign of courtesy.
• Use both hands when giving or receiving items. Especially money, gifts, or business cards.
• Carry small cash. Many street vendors and transport services are cash-only.
• Try street food confidently. Busy stalls are usually the freshest and safest.
• Learn basic Vietnamese phrases. “Xin chào” (hello) and “Cảm ơn” (thank you) are appreciated.
• Cross roads calmly. Walk steadily so scooters can flow safely around you.
• Behave quietly during rituals. Keep voices low in temples and pagodas.
• Bargain politely at markets. Gentle negotiation is expected, not aggressive haggling.
• Touch someone’s head. It is considered sacred in Vietnamese culture.
• Point directly at people. Use an open hand instead of a finger.
• Show anger publicly. Raised voices cause loss of face and are frowned upon.
• Wear shoes indoors uninvited. Always wait for the host’s cue.
• Use physical greetings. Hugging or kissing is uncommon and may feel intrusive.
• Disrespect altar spaces. Avoid leaning on or placing items near ancestral altars.
• Photograph people without permission. Especially minority groups or rural communities.
• Expect strict punctuality. Traffic and weather often affect schedules.
• Drink tap water. Use bottled or filtered water only.
• Ignore the law. Drug penalties are extremely severe.
• Family is central. Respect for elders strongly shapes social behaviour.
• Religion is blended. Buddhism, ancestor worship, and folk traditions coexist.
• Modesty is admired. Humble behaviour is seen as polite and respectful.
• Gift-giving is meaningful. Small gifts are appreciated; avoid black wrapping.
• Shoes-off etiquette matters. Always check before entering a home.
• Public affection is rare. Keep gestures subtle in public spaces.
• Dining has structure. Wait for elders to begin eating; never stick chopsticks upright in rice.
• Motorbikes dominate life. Observe local behaviour before riding.
• Festivals carry symbolism. Behave respectfully during Tết and ceremonies.
• Personal questions are normal. Asking age or family is polite, not intrusive.
• Use Grab for transport. Reliable and fairly priced in major cities.
• Carry your hotel address in Vietnamese. Helpful for taxis and drivers.
• Rent bikes cautiously. Use reputable shops and check brakes and lights.
• Pack for varied climates. Vietnam spans multiple weather zones.
• Cross roads confidently. Hesitation increases risk.
• Use indoor ATMs. Prefer machines inside banks or malls.
• Book transport early during Tết. Demand increases sharply.
• Bring mosquito repellent. Essential in the Mekong Delta and rural areas.
• Prepare for cold buses. Overnight coaches use strong air-conditioning.
• Secure valuables. Crowded markets attract pickpockets.
• Street food defines Vietnam. Pho, bánh mì, and strong coffee start the day.
• Hội An lantern evenings are magical. Visit at dusk for calmer crowds.
• Regional cuisine varies widely. Try pho in Hanoi and bánh xèo in the south.
• Tailoring is excellent in Hội An. Always check reviews first.
• Train journeys are scenic. The Reunification Line hugs the coastline.
• Markets start early. Visit before 9am for the best atmosphere.
• Night buses save time and money. Ideal for long distances.
• Coffee culture is serious. Egg coffee and coconut coffee are must-tries.
• Phú Quốc sunsets impress. Calm seas make evening boat trips special.
• Cooking classes reveal culture. Family kitchens are the heart of Vietnamese food.
• Emergency numbers: 113 (police), 115 (ambulance), 114 (fire).
• Pickpocketing exists. Stay alert in busy areas.
• Drug laws are strict. Penalties include long prison sentences.
• Helmet laws are enforced. Wear one at all times on motorbikes.
• Beach currents can be strong. Obey safety flags.
• Drink responsibly. Some nightlife zones have higher petty crime risk.
• Traffic accidents are the main danger. Stay vigilant near roads.
• Respect visa rules. Overstaying results in fines or penalties.
• Watch for tour scams. Book through reputable operators.
• Monitor weather alerts. Central regions experience typhoons.
• Vietnamese is tonal. Effort matters more than perfect pronunciation.
• Speak gently. Calm tones signal good manners.
• Smile often. It resolves most misunderstandings.
• Use both hands for important items. Especially gifts or payments.
• Avoid interrupting. Wait for natural pauses.
• “Dạ” and “Vâng” mean yes politely. Use them often.
• Messaging apps are common. WhatsApp, Zalo, and Facebook dominate.
• Avoid sarcasm. It may be taken literally.
• Expect indirect answers. Politeness can override direct refusal.
• Compliment food sincerely. It creates instant rapport.