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Every country on earth has its traditions and customs that tourists must respect and follow. Vietnam, a rich tapestry of natural artifices, lush green beauty, emerald rice paddies, serene fishing villages, bustling towns, and iconic limestone karsts, is no exception. The list of dos and don’t in Vietnam for travelers would help you understand certain cultural nuances of the country known for its ancient monuments and incredibly resilient people. Know what things you should never do in Vietnam as a traveler.
Greet as Vietnamese do
Vietnam is a pretty conservative country, although the younger generation is more open to Western culture. How Vietnamese greet each other is among the things you should know before visiting Vietnam. They generally greet each other by joining hands and bowing slightly. While shaking hands is common among men in formal settings, hugging is reserved in familiar settings like a family gathering. If you come across a Vietnamese elder among your co-passengers on flights to Ho Chi Minh City, bow slightly to greet him/her.
Don’t touch anyone on the head in Vietnam
Vietnam is home to Buddhist, Hindu, Confucian, and Taoist temples among holy sites. Inappropriate dressing is one of the things tourists must avoid in Vietnam while visiting any holy sites. Make sure your upper arms and legs are properly covered. Don’t forget to remove your shoes and any headwear before entering a holy place. Basic do’s and don’ts in Vietnam for tourists include – not touching anyone on the head. Further, avoid pointing the soles of your feet toward any person or Buddha statues there. This highly disrespectful gesture is against the Buddhist culture.
Avoid wearing white headbands and dark clothes
Your apparel choices may convey unintended meanings. Wearing a white headband is one of the things not to do in Vietnam, otherwise, locals are likely to assume that someone in your family has passed away, as this is standard funeral attire. To prevent such awkward moments, it is best to avoid wearing a white turban or headband in Vietnam. Similarly, wearing any dark colors, especially black, can signal that you are in a sombre or bad mood. Thus, do’s and don’ts in Vietnam for tourists include wearing colorful clothes and, ideally, local apparel to blend well with the locals.
Don’t misinterpret direct comments
One of the things to know before traveling to Vietnam is that what is culturally inappropriate in the West is sort of a tradition in this Asian country. In Vietnam, it is normal to make observations about someone’s appearance as a way of showing care and acknowledging them. For Western visitors, this might be perceived as “blunt” remarks; however, this is largely a matter of cultural interpretation.
It’s quite common for locals to candidly comment on your weight, skin tone, or if you look tired. While this might be considered rude in many Western societies, in Vietnam, the motive is quite the opposite. So, if someone refers to you as “chubby,” “too skinny,” or “tired,” understand that no malice is intended, and simply take it in stride during your Vietnam trip.
Avoid making “Fingers Crossed” sign in Vietnam
The “fingers crossed” gesture – which is pretty common in the US and other countries – is one of the things not to do in Vietnam. If your host anticipates winning a lottery or hopes his child scores good marks in the exam, you may wish him good luck. But avoid making the “fingers crossed” sign, as it is considered highly impolite in Vietnam. If you are hoping for good fortune, good results, or good time, keep your hands separate.
Mind Your Table Manners in Vietnam
Typically, Vietnamese dine together in a group. Dishes are often shared, with each diner receiving a small rice bowl and chopsticks. Chopstick manners are significant among the do’s and don’ts for tourists in Vietnam. Make sure you do not leave your chopsticks standing upright, dug into the bowl. This gesture is primarily associated with the use of incense sticks during death rituals and can be seen as inviting bad luck.
When passing a dish, always use both hands or your right hand (your left hand is generally considered less clean). If you are enjoying soup, hold the spoon in your left hand. Furthermore, in social settings, the person who extended the invitation typically pays the bill. Otherwise, the most senior individual at the table normally takes care of it. So, one of the important tips for tourists in Vietnam is – do not be adamant about paying the bill; it might be taken as a lack of courtesy.
Don’t expect free napkins in Vietnam
You may be used to the waiter getting you unlimited napkins and may even expect them on flights to Hanoi, but wasting napkins is among the things you should not do in Vietnam. While iced tea or jasmine tea is often provided free of charge once you order, each napkin generally costs around VND 2000 or VND 3000. Waiters may also subtly keep track of how many you use by lingering around your table.
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