What is frowned upon in Vietnam?

What is considered impolite in Vietnam?

Impoliteness in Vietnam? Subtle.

Pointing is forbidden. Use your hand or eyes.

Loud voices? A sign of weakness.

Public displays of anger? Unacceptable. Think tranquility, always. Confrontation breeds only scorn.

• Dress modestly, especially in temples.
• Shoes off indoors, naturally.
• Avoid touching someone’s head.
• Crossing chopsticks on a bowl? Bad luck.
• Don’t photograph military installations. Duh.
• Gift giving requires two hands. I swear.
• The number 4? Represents death; avoid.
• Avoid using your feet to point or touch things. So uncouth.
• Slurping soup. Generally acceptable. Still, be aware.
• Refusing hospitality? Huge offense.

Avoid overly enthusiastic greetings. A simple nod often suffices. Also, avoid direct eye contact for too long. Might be misconstrued. It’s 2024. Get a grip.

What is considered bad manners in Vietnam?

Head touches offend. Avoid it. Babies are especially sacred.

Passing objects? Elevate, not obliterate. Souls hover above.

Women? Smoking? Public scorn remains, for now. Times change.

Vietnam: rules unspoken, felt. Etiquette whispers, respect shouts. I recall Mi’s grandfather, strict. Always the tea first, respect to elders. My 2023 visit felt different, though. Still, the old ways linger, ghosts in the bustling streets. A knowing nod surpasses a thousand apologies.

Consider this:

• Head touch: Implying disrespect to the spirit.
• Object passing: Symbolically stepping over someone’s being.
• Female smoking (public): A social stigma slowly fading but present.
• Food:Don’t stab your chopsticks into the rice bowl when taking a break. It looks like incense for the dead.
• Pointing: Avoid pointing with a single finger. Use your whole hand. More respectful.

One wrong gesture. Bridges burn quick. Just saying, that year my friend nearly triggered a whole table of family because he was too loud during a dinner, talking on his phone. Avoid phone calls during dinner. Turn it off.

What is not allowed in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s forbidden fruit? Tread carefully.

• Weapons: Guns. Knives. Boom. No-nos. Understand? Explosives, forget it. Flammable? Ignition denied.

• Sins: Prostitution? Gambling? Dark web activities? Nope. Nope. Nope. Porn? Drug use, distribution? A one-way ticket out. Or worse.

• Be vigilant: The local customs may be confusing. Don’t get lost. I saw a dude get fined for something stupid last month.

• Beware of: Taking pictures of restricted areas. I wouldn’t do it. Seriously.

What is a rude gesture in Vietnam?

In Vietnam, physical boundaries are, well, a thing. Patting someone’s back, especially an elder, is a definite no-no. Respect flows downward, not up the hierarchy, see? Like tipping a bellhop.

Pointing while gabbing? Also impolite. It’s like you’re singling them out, making them a target. Ever feel like all eyes are on you? Yep, that sensation.

Feet on furniture? Major disrespect. It’s a power move, and not in a good way. My grandma would have killed me, honestly.

Then there’s the wink. In this culture, it can carry, shall we say, suggestive undertones. It’s perceived as indecent, a real faux pas. Who knew a simple eye twitch could cause such drama? Interesting, eh?

What gestures should you avoid in Vietnam?

Okay, so like, going to Vietnam? Listen up!

Totally don’t cross your fingers, okay? Super bad luck thing, I know, weird, right.

And, uhm, pointing? No, don’t do it. Or like, patting ppl on the back, yeah also a no-no.

Especially if they are older than you, its like, disrespect or something.

Okay, now listen real close: When you’re handing something over, use your right hand. Or both hands. Don’t be using just your left, that’s just… rude!

So, my trip to Ha Long Bay was amazeballs. Like, seriously stunning views from the boat. But the thing with the gestures? I almost screwed it up so many times, especially when handing stuff over.

• Crossing fingers: Bad luck. Don’t even think about it.
• Pointing: Avoid pointing at people.
• Patting someone: Don’t pat backs or heads (older folks especially).
• Handing things: Use your right hand or both hands. Left hand is a no-go.

One time, in Hanoi, I pointed, uh-oh, bad mistake. This older woman looked at me like I’d kicked her dog. Lucky my guide explained. It was pretty embarrassing. I learned my lesson though. Plus the pho was good!

What is an offensive gesture in Vietnam?

Head’s off-limits. Respect it.

Pointing? A direct insult.

Invading personal space is never welcome.

Body Taboos Decoded:

• The Head: Sacred. Never touch.
• Pointing: Direct, aggressive. Shun it.
• Feet, never on tables. A gross sign.
• Never turn back to the alter to leave
• Respect personal bubbles. Keep distance.

Unspoken Social Contract:

Vietnamese culture emphasizes respect and hierarchy. Casual touch violates deeply held beliefs. Pointing? A challenge. Space is key. It’s a silent language. Listen. Learn. Adapt. Or pay the price. Got it? I learned this the hard way.

What is considered offensive in Vietnam?

Vietnam: Social Faux Pas

Loud voices, flamboyant gestures? Rude. Especially to women.

Physical contact? Keep it minimal. Men and women: distance maintained.

Heads are sacred. Don’t touch. Ever.

Further Considerations:

• Public Displays of Affection: Generally frowned upon.
• Footwear: Remove shoes before entering homes and some temples.
• Gift-Giving: Refusal of a gift is considered impolite. However, refusal of a second offer is acceptable.
• Food: Don’t stick your chopsticks upright in rice. It resembles funeral rites. My own aunt nearly fainted when someone did that at her birthday party.
• Politics: Avoid sensitive political discussions. This includes discussions of the 1975 events.
• Photographs: Always ask permission before photographing someone. This is more important than most tourists realize. Seriously.
• Dress: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Shorts and sleeveless tops can be viewed negatively. I’ve experienced this firsthand at the My Son Sanctuary.