Guide to Vietnamese Culture

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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.

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.