Logo Friends Travel Vietnam

Friends Travel Vietnam Blog

Blog Vietnam Travel Guide

Guide to Vietnamese Culture, Customs, Etiquette, and Language

Vietnam is an amazing puzzle, we are happy to assist you to puzzle your amazing trip for Viet  nam

F  riends Travel Vietnam the Travel Company Turning Travellers Into Friends Since 2013

  Subscribe Newsletter

Newsletter subscription Blog Friends Travel Vietnam

Search & Read more...

450+ Blog Posts Articles

24/7 Support for Questions

Latest updates

Thousands of Reviews

Blog Team Friends Travel Vietnam • Jun 10, 2020
Learn these tips and tricks and every host will gladly welcome you into their home!

Thanks to a mixture of gorgeous scenery, hospitable locals, scrumptious cuisine, and burgeoning business opportunities, Vietnam has quickly risen as a hotspot for avid travelers. So, before heading to Vietnam, some knowledge about the Vietnamese culture, customs, etiquette, and language will definitely do you good. Not only will this ensure you don’t inadvertently cause offense, or, worse, spark an international incident, but it will also help you become closer to your hosts. So here it goes – a list of tips and tricks that will keep you out of trouble in Vietnam:

Language and Communication in Vietnam

Maybe you’ve had a Vietnamese intensive course or a Vietnamese dictionary at your disposal, so you may know a few sample sentences for daily communication such as “xin chao” (hello) or “xin cam on” (thank you). However, did you know that Vietnamese people do not say these full phrases very often? Instead, they cross out the word “xin” (literally means ‘please’ in English– it sends the feeling that you’re asking or begging for something earnestly). So next time use “chao” or “cam on” if you want to sound like a local or at least to show that you’re a travel connoisseur.


Another thing you should bear in mind is that Vietnamese and English pronouns are poles apart. People in Vietnam refer to one another based on one’s gender and age. To be more specific, if you meet a man or a woman who looks like he or she could be younger than your parents, you should call the man “chu” and call the woman “co”. If they’re older than your parents, “bac” would be more appropriate for both genders. And for the elderly, a man is called “ong”, and a woman is called “ba”. To respond to them, you will refer to yourself as “chau”. Meanwhile, it is much simpler when it comes to younger people. You can call them “em”, and this applies to both genders. To respond to them, you call yourself “anh” if you’re a man, and “chi” if you’re a woman.


Confused already? Yeah, you will need some time to get the hang of it! But here is a great link to learn some traveler lingo: Essential Vietnamese Words and Phrases for Travelers.


Vietnamese Gestures and Body Language

Like other Asian countries, Vietnam is considered a “high-context society”; therefore, the language is rich and extremely complex. We also have the most diverse non-verbal expressions and behaviors to serve as a substitute or supplement for words.


Public Customs in Vietnam

Although Vietnam has become more open toward Western culture, public displays of affection still remain unacceptable in this country. You can rarely see a couple kissing or hugging on the street. When meeting a Vietnamese of the opposite sex, you should also pay attention to your behavior: no kissing on the cheek or even hugging. If she’s not very close to you, it’s best to avoid intimate physical contact. A handshake or a slight nod is safer.


Dress Code in Vietnam

You can literally wear whatever you like but make sure it’s not too revealing or provocative as in most parts of Vietnam, the typical dress code is quite conservative.


Pay attention to dress standards when you visit religious sites or your access might be prohibited: women must cover their shoulders and wear shorts/skirts/bottoms that are at least knee-length. Moreover, hats are not usually worn inside churches or temples. And you should take your shoes off outside the house and leave them by the door before entering anyone’s house.


Anger Management in Vietnam

Vietnamese people think it is of the utmost importance to preserve their honor and self-esteem, especially in public. Losing your temper in public is frowned upon and considered to be of very poor manners. Therefore, it is advised to always keep your temper in check. Never raise your voice or scream or express anger directly toward someone as it is taken as a direct criticism and most often cause people to “lose face”. There is no golden formula on how to get your anger under control. But it’s best to notice during conversations to spot any hesitation or uncertainty and try to change the subject.


The Gift Giving Culture in Vietnam

Giving gifts is significant for building interpersonal relationships and has become a common occurrence throughout Vietnam. Most foreigners are often impressed with gift-giving customs in Vietnam as they feel the way Vietnamese people express love and sincere sentiments in each present they give.


People usually exchange small gifts on certain occasions such as housewarming, homecoming, anniversary, Tet holiday, etc. When you are given a present, it is advised not to open your gift in front of the giver – only open it after you have left. Gifts can come in the form of fine alcohol, tea, food, confectionery, fruits, flowers, etc. However, sharp objects such as knives or scissors are not recommended because they imply separation.


Do pay attention to the gift wrap color because every color has a different symbolic meaning in Vietnam. For example, red represents luck and wealth, green is linked with renewal and rebirth meanwhile black is unlucky and associated with death.


Red represents luck and wealth,

green is linked with renewal and rebirth, meanwhile black is unlucky and associated with death.


Table Manners in Vietnam

Vietnamese people often enjoy sharing a meal with the whole family: while parents are preparing the dishes, the kids will be in charge of setting the table. The meal is often shared with loved ones over a lot of laughter. They eat from bowls and use chopsticks and spoons but chopsticks still remain as the most popular means of eating. Learn how to use chopsticks and how to store them properly. For instance, you should place them neatly on a bone plate or side dish. Sticking the chopsticks straight up and out of a bowl of rice is a taboo because it indicates funeral incense. It is also best to keep in mind that tapping the chopsticks on the side of a bowl is considered rude.

You should also wait to be seated at the dining table and ask the elders to eat first because this is a mark of honor to them. The women normally sit right next to the rice cooker to serve rice to the diners. It is common table manners and a sign of affection to hand food to the people sitting at your table. Some other things you should remember as well:
  • Use both hands to pass dishes.
  • Hold bowls close to your face when eating and avoid speaking when there is food in your mouth.
  • Cover your mouth when using a toothpick.
  • Chopsticks should be placed on the table or a chopstick rest after every few mouthfuls when taking a break to drink or speak.
  • Before starting the meal, Vietnamese have a catchphrase: “Chuc moi nguoi an ngon mieng”/ tʃu:c mɔɪ ŋiəi ŋon miəŋ/. It means “Have a nice meal”. This not only shows your politeness but also your eagerness before enjoying the food.
If you are reading these instructions for the first time, you might feel as if you’re getting lost in a matrix of some freaky rules, but don’t despair! If it is the first time you’ve been in Vietnam, it is easy to make rookie mistakes. However, etiquette is not a fixed norm nor are they strict rules. You can be flexible and adaptable to make the most of your time in Vietnam. We hope the list we made will help first-time visitors to make the most of their time in Vietnam and if you have any friends that are planning to visit, make sure to pass it on.
Credit to Thuong Ho 

We Love to Hear your comment ;-)

Keep Up To Date And Be Entertained With Our Blog!

Increase Your Savvy With Our Favourite Blog Articles

Thanks for reading & supporting our blog, we really hope you enjoyed it! At "Friends Travel Vietnam" it is our mission to make your stay in our beautiful country as unforgettable as possible. One of the ways we do that is by providing high quality and informative blogs, like the one you just read! 


Please support us by sharing this blog, liking our Facebook page, or signing up for our mailing list, keep yourself updated! Your support means the world to us! 

Enjoy your holiday preparation for Vietnam & we do hope you fail in Love of Vietnam as we do? 


Thanks & Greetings,
Sidney and Thao Van Meenen
Owners & Founders

Friends Travel Vietnam

Pssst.... We are looking for Guest Bloggers here in Vietnam, contact us

  Subscribe Newsletter

Newsletter subscription Blog Friends Travel Vietnam

Latest Blog Articles in Vietnam

Read & view more blog articles about Vietnam

Vietnam Food & Drinks in Special Events
By Blog Team Friends Travel Vietnam 17 Sep, 2020
Special and traditional foods for special festival and events which you should know when you are traveling in Viet Nam
Foods-Allergies-in-Vietnam
By Blog Team Friends Travel Vietnam 17 Sep, 2020
Nuts Allergy
Safety In Vietnam -1.0 Traveling in Vietnam
By Blog Team Friends Travel Vietnam 17 Sep, 2020
It is scary when you travel alone. Especially when you go to a country you know nothing about, but you do not have to worry about anything when it comes to Vietnam
By Blog Team Friends Travel Vietnam 17 Sep, 2020
Vietnam has a civil law, but nobody really does anything with it. The local officials interpret the law in a way that it fits for them.
Show More

Our Stories & Travel Adventures

To complement our stories & travel adventures we also publish Friends Travel Vietnam favourite urban hotspots in Vietnam, perfect for planning your holiday in Vietnam. You can easily browse in our menu on our Vietnam Destinations in the NorthernCentralSouthern & the Islands of Vietnam, which we update frequently.


If you want to stay informed about Vietnam, as well as entertained, don’t forget to sign up to our mailing list!

Da Lat - 1.0 About Da Lat
By Blog Team Friends Travel Vietnam 16 Sep, 2020
Da Lat city is very attractive because of its countless winding roads, vegetable gardens, waterfalls, picturesque churches and breathtaking mountainous surroundings
See & Do Guide to Hanoi (A Full Two Day Itinerary!)
By Blog Team Friends Travel Vietnam 16 Sep, 2020
While you’re in Hanoi, why not spice up your stay with some delicious local specialties, street food, and Vietnamese coffee? After all, eating local food is the only way to really get to know a place!
One Day in Hue – The Peaceful City of Vietnam
By Blog Team Friends Travel Vietnam 16 Sep, 2020
Hue is a peaceful town, Hue has more than just tombs or old citadel to offer! From the white sand beaches of Lang Co to the romantic Tam Giang Lagoon, there will always be something to explore. This article is designed to provide you an itinerary for one day in Hue.
Discovering Sapa: A Comprehensive Guide to Visiting Vietnam’s Northern Hill Station
By Blog Team Friends Travel Vietnam 16 Sep, 2020
All you need to know about Sapa in one place! Follow through on the links for more thorough information.
Discovering Nha Trang the Local Way – A Two Day Itinerary
By Blog Team Friends Travel Vietnam 16 Sep, 2020
How many days are enough to explore Nha Trang? As somebody who lived in Nha Trang for more than 15 years, I will say it’s never enough to know all about this city. But to discover the highlights of Nha Trang, two days are perfect.
Discover the Magnificent Phu Quoc in Two Days
By Blog Team Friends Travel Vietnam 16 Sep, 2020
Phu Quoc - or as the Vietnamese people often call it “Pearl Island” - has lived right up to its nickname for having white-sand beaches and pristine natural scenes. Now imagine you have two perfect days to spend, what would you do on this gorgeous island? No more wondering, the answer is here!
Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park with Mike Rowbottom
By Blog Team Friends Travel Vietnam 16 Sep, 2020
Phong Nha has a very unique history amongst many Vietnam tourism destinations and that’s because people have only recently caught on it.
How to Spend One Week in the Central Highlands of Vietnam
By Blog Team Friends Travel Vietnam 16 Sep, 2020
the Central Highlands area is mountainous place where has been filled with unique culture from strong ethnic communities and a great variety of natural wonders. For all of you who have one week to spend in Vietnam, spend it here and you’ll discover one of the most pristine regions of Vietnam.
Spend a Week in Central Vietnam – A Complete Itinerary!
By Blog Team Friends Travel Vietnam 16 Sep, 2020
If you’re looking for sunny beaches to soak up the sun during the summer, or explore food diversity, Central Vietnam is definitely the place. Let’s find out where you can stay, what you can do, and what to eat during one week in Central Vietnam!

Index Travel Blog

Read & view more blog articles about Vietnam

All Blog Travel Guides Regions In Vietnam

Read & view more blog articles about Travel Guides Regions In Vietnam

Index Northern Vietnam Travel Guide

Index Central Vietnam Travel Guide

  • Dong Hoi

    Friends Travel Vietnam Blog

    Central Vietnam Travel Guide

    Read More...
  • Index Southern Vietnam Travel Guide

    Index Islands of Vietnam Travel Guide

    All Regions as Destinations In Vietnam

    Read & view more information about Regions as Destinations In Vietnam

    Though Vietnam looks small on the map, you could easily spend weeks exploring this fascinating country. From the jagged mountains in the north to the tropical beaches in the south & central Vietnam – and all of the history and culture in between. The country is developed enough to offer most comforts but still wild enough to provide off-the-beaten-path adventure for travellers who love trekking into the Northern mountains, Vietnam will not let you down in anyway. Welcome to Vietnam, a land of staggering natural beauty & cultural complexities, of dynamic megacities & hill-tribe villages, Vietnam is both exotic and compelling.


    Moreover, as Vietnam is safe, welcoming solo travellers & all other travelers from walks of life!

    Index Northern Destinations Vietnam

    Index Central Destinations Vietnam

  • Dong Hoi

    Vietnam Destinations

    Discover Central Vietnam

    Read More...
  • Index Southern Destinations Vietnam

    Index Island Destinations in Vietnam

    Index Halong Bay Destinations in Vietnam

    Visit also our booking website for more information
     
    www.friendstravelvietnam.com

    We do More Crazy Stuff...

    We don't believe in going the extra mile at Friends Travel Vietnam, we believe in completing the entire journey. That’s why we offer our guests an entire host of extra services, ensuring their stay is as hassle free experience. We take pride in the wide variety of destinations in Vietnam that we offer. Each and every destination in Vietnam on offer is carefully selected, sourcing and visiting personally by our team of destination specialist as service providers and accommodation that meets our exceptional standards, it's all about the details!

    Experience an unforgettable escape
    and discover more what to do & how to get around in Vietnam, with our special "Destinations" section, or wonder around great detailed articles on our "Travel Blog", or you are more interested to find the right "Travel Package" for your group or family, perhaps you like Lego and would like to build your own holiday with our "Holiday Travel Building Blocks" yourself, you like to know what great "Excursions & Tours" you can do together, or you sitting with your hands in your hair to find your way to your next destination but not sure which "Transportation" for sure jump on the backseat of the motorbike with our Easy Riders for the adventures travellers. From amazing hotels selections to stay, romantic day or overnight cruises and last and no least train tickets or bus ticket to get around Vietnam, you see it's enough to choose from for a successful Vietnam Holidays with us. No worries, we got you! 

    In short, there isn’t a destination in Vietnam, sight or experience out of reach for our team of travel experts . Whether you are traveling solo, with friends or with your family; whether you are young or old; whether you want adventure and excitement or rest and relaxation, we’ll have single tour options or complete tailored travel package for you!.

    FAQ's

    Got Questions? Great, cause we’ve got the answers for you! We’ve put together commonly asked questions to give you more information about “traveling in Vietnam" and the cover we offer. Follow the link below and we bring to FriendsTravelVietnam.com our booking website. Feel free to contact us if any question that you can’t find the answer to.

    We Got The Answers?

    Planning on Booking Your Trip To Vietnam?

    Friends Travel Vietnam got you, ashas been inspiring travellers with curious-minded love & passion for Vietnam since 2013. With our on-the-ground-secret destinations & our netwerk of human-human partners and our passionate knowledge team of our "Real Local Travel Experts" on the office and in the field you can book unique, authentic experiences with ease. We’ll take you off the beaten path in no time as all you wish!  Let us us help you? We've done tons of homework & experiences just create the ultimate trip for you!  Just simple, all as you wish!“


    This is what we do! Making your holiday dreams in Vietnam coming true with us! Is the excursion, tour or trip of your choice not listed? No worries, our Team of local destination experts will be happy to assist you.
    Sidney and Thao Van Meenen
    Owners & Founders

    Friends Travel Vietnam

    Dreaming of your very own adventure in Vietnam? 

    We don’t blame you! Just don't follow the crowd - find your own path in with us in Vietnam for your next holiday. 

    Plan to Design my Trip
    Share by: