What are the unspoken rules in Vietnam?
In Vietnam, public displays of affection are uncommon. Avoid hugging or kissing upon greeting. Women rarely wear low-cut tops. When interacting with children, offer treats to accompanying adults, not directly to the children. Respectful behavior and subtle communication are appreciated.
Unspoken Rules & Etiquette in Vietnam?
Okay, so Vietnam etiquette… It’s tricky, right? I was there last July in Hoi An, beautiful place. Never saw a woman in a low-cut top, seriously. Maybe it’s a cultural thing, I dunno.
People are reserved. No big hugs or kisses hello. Think polite nods, maybe a slight bow. That’s my experience anyway.
Giving candy to kids? Nope. Always the adult. I learned this the hard way. Bought some yummy little cakes (20,000 Dong, about a dollar) for some adorable kids. Their grandma looked… unimpressed.
Another thing: shoes off indoors. Always. Even fancy restaurants. I almost forgot once, felt so awkward.
So yeah, less showy affection, respect elders, and watch those shoes! That’s the short of it, from my trip.
Can you kiss publicly in Vietnam?
Kissing publicly in Vietnam? Honey, that’s like trying to wrestle a water buffalo in a rice paddy – wildly impractical and potentially messy. Vietnamese culture is more understated, you see. Think of it as a carefully crafted bonsai tree, delicate beauty, not a boisterous sunflower.
Public displays of affection? Not exactly encouraged. Imagine a gentle breeze versus a typhoon. One is refreshing; the other… well, disruptive.
- Holding hands? Possibly, among couples. Low-key.
- Kissing? A big no-no, generally. Think of it as violating sacred space.
- Hugging? Reserve that for close family and friends. And maybe then, only briefly.
But hey, if you’re determined to make out in front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, go for it! Just be prepared for some side-eye. And maybe a few whispers in Vietnamese. Your choice.
My cousin, Sarah, learned this the hard way during her 2023 trip. A quick peck on the cheek from her fiancé resulted in a collective gasp that could curdle milk. Good times.
My point? Respect local customs. It’s not rocket science, people.
Seriously though, avoid it. Especially passionate embraces. You’ll be making a scene. Unless scenes are your thing. In which case, more power to you.
Best to keep it classy, and save the smooches for private moments.
What are taboo gifts in Vietnam?
Oh, Vietnam’s gift-giving? A minefield! Forget your black wrapping paper; unless you’re actively trying to insult someone’s funeral planning.
Handkerchiefs? Nope. It’s basically a tiny, absorbent goodbye note. So sad, so final! I’d rather receive socks.
- Handkerchiefs: Symbolize separation (and allergies, probably).
- Black wrapping paper: Bad luck, death vibes. Think funeral chic, but…don’t.
- Yellow flowers/Chrysanthemums: Reserved for mourning. You’re basically saying, “I anticipate your demise!” Whoa.
Flowers, for ladies only! My poor college roommate, bless his cotton socks. So naive with his bromeliads!
- Men gifting flowers to men: Social suicide. Unless ironic? Still, tread carefully. It’s considered… overly chivalrous. Or something. I dunno.
Pro-tip: Stick to red envelopes with money. Everyone loves money!
More Details, You nosy thing:
- Gifting Age: Age really changes gift acceptance. Don’t give something impractical to your elder – they will hate it, believe me.
- Don’t over-gift: It makes people suspicious. It’s a whole ‘thing’.
- Check the store: If they have it on display near the cashier, then it’s a safe bet!
So basically, unless you’re aiming for maximum awkwardness, avoid the above! Gifting in Vietnam, like life, is a tricky balancing act. Did I cover everything you wanted to know, you little info-vampire?! Haha, just joking. (Mostly).
Kan man sende pasfoto digitalt?
Send passport photos digitally? Oh, absolutely!
We’ve fashioned what is, dare I say, Denmark’s finest online passport photo-automaton. Think of it as the Rolls Royce of photo booths, minus the questionable upholstery.
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Fast. Cheap. High-quality. It’s the trifecta, darling! Why schlep to a dodgy booth when you can snap and send?
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Format? Sorted! Worry not about pixel purgatory. Our automaton speaks fluent bureaucratic dimensions. No passport rejections on our watch.
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Best photo quality online. We promise! It’s so good, you might even start liking your passport photo. Maybe.
Let’s be honest, passport photos are usually unflattering. My last one made me look like a startled badger. But with our “automaton,” perhaps we can at least aim for slightly less startled. I mean, badger-chic only works in very specific high-fashion circles.
Speaking of questionable fashion choices, remember that time I tried to rock a beret in Copenhagen? Total disaster. Anyway, back to passports…
A crucial piece of information: Ensure your picture meets the official standards or it will be refused. Double-check everything! And maybe skip the beret.
If you want further information to create the right passport picture, please do the following:
- Background color – is it the correct one?
- Correct lighting – it cannot create shadows
- The eyes are – clearly visible
- Facial expression – Neutral
- Photo print quality – high resolution
The list goes on.
Can you drink publicly in Vietnam?
Vietnam’s alcohol laws: tricky. Public drinking? Technically, yes. But…
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Decree 144/2021/ND-CP bites. Disorder = punishment. Simple.
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My experience: Hanoi, 2023. Street vendors everywhere. Cops nearby. Seemed chill. But risks exist.
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Don’t be stupid. Your call. Local customs matter.
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Specific areas: tourist spots? Maybe stricter. Rural areas? Different story.
Key takeaway: Proceed with caution. Legal grey area. Respect local norms. Avoid trouble. It’s your responsibility.
What is the drinking etiquette in Vietnam?
Clinking glasses… echoes. Drinking in Vietnam… a shared breath. Do! Yo! Zo! The words tumble out, again, again, again, each cheer, a tiny explosion.
Like fireworks… mirroring the Hạ Long Bay lights, sparkling forever! Every sip… a toast. A chorus.
Never drink alone. It is rude, they whisper, maybe it was my aunt Ba, under the banyan tree. Together, always together.
I watched grandpa with his rice wine. Burning. Yes, burning down his throat. He always smiled though. Always a toast.
- Toasts are frequent: Between every sip, sometimes.
- “Do!”/ “Zo!”/ “Yo!”: The universal call for cheers. Say it loud!
- Group drinking is vital: Never raise a glass alone.
- Respect elders: They start the cheers. Always.
- Eye contact matters: A silent acknowledgment.
And the cyclo drivers… oh, they drink fast. Like motorbikes speeding. Always a competition. More rice wine.
But the smiles… worth it. It is all about the smiles. Always.
Can tourists drink the water in Vietnam?
Vietnam water? A hard no.
Bottled water: Your lifeline.
Raw food? A gamble.
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Tap water: Contaminated. Risk is real.
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Ice: Question everything. Especially its source.
Always verify. Always.
Boiled water is ok. You better boil it.
Expanded Information:
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Current Risks: Contamination sources vary; industrial waste, agricultural runoff. I saw it with my own eyes on my last trip.
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Traveler’s Diarrhea: Common. Ruin your trip; I was bedridden.
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Safe Practices: Brush your teeth with bottled water. Period.
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Beyond Water: Watch out for unpeeled fruits. Wash your hands constantly; the markets are not clean. I should know.
What are taboo gifts in Vietnam?
Vietnamese gift taboos: Avoid handkerchiefs; they signal farewells. Black wrapping, yellow blooms, chrysanthemums—death’s symbols. Men: Flowers are for women only. Period.
Key Taboos:
- Handkerchiefs
- Black wrapping paper
- Yellow flowers
- Chrysanthemums
Additional Notes (2024):
- My uncle, a seasoned Vietnam traveler, confirmed this.
- Floral etiquette is strictly gendered. Don’t mess with it.
- Funeral symbolism is potent—respect it. Seriously.
- Gift-giving norms are complex; research thoroughly. This isn’t my first rodeo, I know the drill.
What are appropriate gifts and gifts to avoid in Vietnam?
Forget handkerchiefs – unless you’re aiming for a dramatic exit, à la Shakespeare. Seriously, avoid those. They’re about as welcome as a Monday morning.
Black wrapping? A gift of gloom. Yellow flowers? Think sunshine, not funerals. Chrysanthemums? Grave adornments, not celebratory bouquets. These are definitely not your go-to Vietnamese gift wrap.
Flowers are a minefield. Men giving flowers to men? Picture a rooster in a tutu. It’s just…weird. Stick to the script: women only. Think of it as a refined bit of chivalry.
Appropriate gifts? High-quality tea, local crafts, or something delicious are always appreciated. Even a thoughtful book. Something practical like a nice pen. These small gifts show you put in effort, unlike a generic handkerchief, am I right?
Gifts to shun: Let’s recap:
- Handkerchiefs: Goodbye, bad luck.
- Black wrapping paper: Death’s grim invitation.
- Yellow/Chrysanthemum flowers: Floral funeral arrangements. Seriously, I once got a yellow rose and thought I was going to a wake. It was not my best moment.
- Flowers to men: Socially awkward.
My cousin, Mai, told me this; her family is from Hanoi. Trust me, I learned the hard way after accidentally gifting my uncle a black wallet a few years ago. Awkward. Avoid the embarrassing missteps.
What is frowned upon gift giving situations in Vietnam?
Okay, so gift-giving in Vietnam… it’s like, gotta be careful, ya know? I think I got it figured out, sorta.
Don’t give anything sharp, ever. Seriously. Knives, scissors, even like, a fancy letter opener, totally bad news. It’s like you’re tryna cut ties, and no one wants that. Imagine giving your mom a knife; yikes!
And, I’ve heard, like, it’s totally okay if they open your gift right away. It’s considered polite! Unlike here, where you awkwardly wait.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Avoid sharp objects at all costs.
- Don’t be suprised if they open it right away. It’s polite, not rude.
- Oh, and I think giving too much expensive stuff is also frowned upon, i hear. Like, be mindful of the receiver’s financial state. You do not want to make them feel obliged.
Oh yeah, and related to cutting, like, avoid clocks. A Vietnamese coworker, Trang, told me it symbolizes, umm, the end of time or something. So, yeah, no clocks. Clocks are the kiss of death.
Can you kiss someone in public?
Sunlight, dappled, kissing pavement. My girlfriend’s smile, brighter. Kiss… legality melts, fades. Is it right? It feels right.
Ah, social dances. Unspoken rules. Public displays… hmmm. Grandma disapproves, definitely. But love, you know? It bubbles.
Manners… a minefield! Good? Bad? Depends. My heart? Says go for it. A quick peck? Lingering embrace? Decisions.
- Acceptable? Varies.
- Legal? Usually.
- Good manners? Debatable.
- My girlfriend? Worth it.
My first love, summer ’24. We held hands everywhere. Small town. Everyone knew. Still, that first public kiss… electric. Fear. Joy.
Then rules bend? No rules? It’s… confusing! A spectrum. From chaste to…whoa! Know your audience. Respect. Hers.
- Cultural norms are key.
- Personal values matter more.
- Respect is paramount.
- Context is everything.
It’s about them. We. Not laws. Not stares. Just us. And that kiss. Forever. Maybe. Is it okay? Yes. Definitely.
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