How do you show respect to Vietnamese?

How to be polite in Vietnam?

Okay, Vietnam… Politeness. Right. Uh, hey you?! Lol, but respectful. Gotta remember the tones, damn it.

• Address people using appropriate pronouns:

  • Older man: “Bac.”
  • Older woman: “Co.”
  • Younger sibling or younger friend: “Em.”

• So, like, no “excuse me,” just… Bác ơi! If you need to get past someone? Is that right? Hope I don’t mess that up and insult someone. Do kids still use this?

• Using family terms shows respect: It’s like saying “older brother” instead of just their name. Makes sense, actually.

• Maybe learn some phrases in Vietnamese, that always helps, right? Like “Xin chào” (hello). So basic, but necessary. Did I spell that right?

• Always greet elders first. Always. I remember my Grandma telling me that a million times.

• Oh, and nodding. Nodding is good. Is it a bow? No, don’t bow. Nod. Got it.

• Two hands when giving or receiving. Seriously important. My friend told me she almost caused a scene once.

• Never point with one finger, use your whole hand. This is weird, but good to know. Why? Hmmm.

• Shoes off inside. Duh. Like everyone does in my family, anyway. What about socks?

• Remember to be mindful of smiling. Over-smiling can mean something different there, or so I think. Ugh. Culture shock.

Is this enough? Should I Google more stuff? This is confusing.

Are tourists welcome in Vietnam?

Yeah, tourists are totally welcome in Vietnam. I went in 2023, March to be exact. Ho Chi Minh City was crazy busy, a total sensory overload. The street food? Amazing. Seriously. I ate pho every day, different places each time, and never had a bad one. The scooters! Whoa. Thousands of them everywhere. Terrifying and exhilarating at the same time.

I remember this one tiny noodle shop tucked away down a side street. It was completely packed. The air hung thick with the smell of lemongrass and something sweet I couldn’t place. The woman serving was amazing; so fast, so efficient. She barely looked up, just kept slinging noodles. I felt so out of place, a clumsy tourist stumbling around, but everyone was nice. Really nice.

Vietnam’s tourism industry is huge. It’s not just about the beaches now. People are flocking there for the culture, the history, the food. It’s changed dramatically. The government clearly supports it. They need that money. Lots of investment in infrastructure, too, especially in tourist areas. New hotels everywhere.

• Economic impact: Tourism’s a massive part of the Vietnamese economy. It’s not just agriculture anymore; services are king.
• Infrastructure improvements: New roads, airports, and hotels are popping up all the time.
• Positive experience: My overall experience was extremely positive. It’s vibrant and chaotic, but in a good way, you know?

Ha Long Bay, though, that was something else. Seriously breathtaking. Those limestone karsts rising out of the emerald water… It was magical. I’d go back in a heartbeat. I even learned a few words of Vietnamese, enough to order my pho anyway. Still can’t really speak it fluently though. Maybe next time.

Is Vietnam a safe country for foreigners?

Vietnam. Safe? It’s complicated. I’ve been there, twice. 2022 and 2023. Safer than some places, definitely. But…

Petty theft, yeah, that’s real. My friend had his phone snatched in Hanoi. Broad daylight. Crazy. But I was fine. Mostly.

I felt uneasy sometimes, wandering alone at night. The streets… they’re alive, but not always kindly.

Environmental concerns are legitimate. Air quality in some cities is brutal. I coughed a lot. The traffic… it’s a mess. So many scooters. Dangerous.

Overall, though… I’d go back. The people are amazing. The food. Oh god, the food. Worth it. But be smart.

• Be aware of your surroundings. Seriously.
• Don’t flash expensive things. Seriously.
• Use ride-sharing apps. Safer than taxis, usually.
• Learn some basic Vietnamese phrases. It helps.

It’s a vibrant, chaotic place. Beautiful, heartbreaking, exhilarating. It’s a risk, yeah, but a risk I was willing to take.

What mistakes should you avoid in Vietnam?

Okay, Vietnam… Mistakes to avoid… Hmm.

• Losing your temper, yeah, major no-no. Like, seriously frowned upon.
• Arguing loudly? Don’t. Just… don’t. Saw some tourists do that once in Hanoi, cringe.

Making a scene is stupid anywhere but especially in Vietnam.

• Berating people? Huge mistake. Manners are everything, ya know? Plus, who even does that?
• Pointing out flaws, stuff that might embarrass someone… uh, no. Keep it to yourself. Is that obvious?

PDA, right, public displays of affection. Not the biggest fan but it’s not about me.

• Touching? Men and women, yeah, they don’t really do that in public. It’s… different.
• Holding hands maybe? Okay, I’d assume that’s fine. Better to be safe though.

Think that’s it? Maybe? Oh, and bargain respectfully. Don’t be a jerk, even if you’re saving like 50 cents.

• Always say thank you, even if it’s just for a coffee. Manners!
• And learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases. “Xin chào” goes a long way.

What else… Don’t drink tap water, duh. Street food’s amazing, be smart about it.