What mistakes should you avoid in Vietnam?

What are the unspoken rules in Vietnam?

Three AM. The ceiling fan hums a lonely tune. Vietnam… unspoken rules. It’s a weight, you know? Not written down anywhere.

Avoid tight clothes. Seriously. Above-the-knee skirts? Forget it. My cousin learned that the hard way in Hoi An, last summer. It’s… uncomfortable, the stares. Stick to below-the-knee. It’s safer. Always.

Respect is key. Temples. Buddhas. Monks. You wouldn’t believe how much some tourists, oblivious, flaunt everything. Bare feet pointed? Disrespectful. Plain and simple. I’ve seen it. It makes my stomach churn.

Public displays of affection… near holy places? Absolutely not. Insensitive. Rude. Don’t do it. Ever. Even a light touch is offensive. I saw a couple nearly get scolded in My Son Sanctuary, 2023. It was awful.

Hands off. Don’t touch the statues. Don’t touch the monks. It’s not your place. It’s basic human decency, really. It’s just common sense. I learned that the hard way. It’s simple, yet so many fail to grasp it.

• Clothing: Modesty is paramount. Avoid revealing attire, especially near religious sites.
• Bodily Conduct: Respectful posture and gestures are crucial. Never point your feet at sacred figures.
• Physical Contact: Refrain from touching statues or religious figures. Maintain appropriate distance from monks.
• Public Affection: Keep public displays of affection minimal and appropriate, especially in sacred spaces.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Observe local customs and traditions carefully. Respect is essential.

Are Vietnamese nice to tourists?

Vietnamese people? Eh, mixed bag, ya know? Been there twice, once in 2022, then again, uh, this year. First time, Hanoi, mostly. People kinda… kept to themselves. Didn’t smile a lot. Not rude, exactly, just, reserved. Except the street vendors. Pushy, pushy, pushy. Got ripped off couple times, actually. Second trip? Phu Quoc. Total opposite. Everyone super chill. Beaches were amazing. Locals friendly. Smiley. Helpful. Even the street food ladies, way more laid back. Felt safer there too, which was a plus. Big difference between the north and the south, I think. Or maybe just luck of the draw?

• North (Hanoi): More reserved, less smiley, pushy vendors. Felt kinda rushed, crowded. Motorbikes EVERYWHERE. Crazy.
• South (Phu Quoc): Relaxed vibe. Friendly locals. Beautiful beaches. Less hectic than Hanoi. Way more touristy though.
• Street Vendors: Bargaining is key. Don’t be afraid to walk away. They’ll usually come after you. Happened to me like, five times. Annoying, but, part of the game I guess.
• Safety: Felt pretty safe in both places, but more so on Phu Quoc. Just use common sense. Don’t flash cash. Watch your belongings. Usual stuff.

My friend went to Hoi An last year. Loved it. Said the people were amazing. So, yeah. Depends on where you go, I guess. Like, anywhere else, right? Some good, some bad. Some pushy, some nicee. Just gotta roll with it.

Is Vietnam a safe country for foreigners?

Vietnam? Safe? Mostly, yeah. Petty theft, annoying but not life-threatening. Had my phone almost snatched in Hanoi last month, seriously though. Crazy.

Ugh, traffic’s insane. Motorbikes everywhere! So chaotic. But honestly, the scenery is amazing. Worth the stress. The beaches…wow.

Sapa was breathtaking. Treks are killer, though, be prepared. Need good hiking boots! And bug spray, loads of it. Seriously, mosquitoes are ruthless.

Food poisoning is a real risk. Street food? Risky business, even if it smells amazing. Stick to reputable places. My friend got sick last week from some questionable noodles. Learned my lesson.

Safety depends on where you go. Avoid dodgy areas at night. Common sense, right? I’m careful, always aware of my surroundings. Just being smart about it.

Overall, Vietnam is totally worth it. Beautiful, amazing food. Just be prepared. Don’t be stupid.

• Be vigilant: petty theft is a problem.
• Safe travel: avoid less-touristy areas at night.
• Food safety: Avoid questionable street food.
• Environmental hazards: be prepared for intense heat and humidity, mosquitoes galore.
• Transportation: Traffic is crazy! Be careful.

Honestly, I’m going back next year. Maybe to Phu Quoc this time. Need to relax on a beach. Seriously need a vacation from my vacation.

How do Vietnamese people show respect towards others?

Head: Untouchable. Sacred.

Hands: Two. Always. Show respect.

Shoes: Off. Inside. Simple.

Key Cultural Practices:

• Head: Avoid contact. Seriously.
• Gift-giving: Both hands. Essential.
• Homes: Shoes removed. Mandatory. My aunt’s house, strictly enforced.
• Age: Respect elders. Unquestionably. This is non-negotiable in my family.
• Titles: Use appropriate titles (e.g., Cô, Chú, Bà). Shows deference. I learned this the hard way.
• Bowing: Slight bow shows respect. Observe carefully. I’ve seen it countless times.

Additional Notes: These are just basics. Nuances exist. Context matters. Learn more. It’s complex.

How do you show respect in Vietnamese?

It’s late. Respect… in Vietnamese culture.

A slight bow. Bowing my head. Just a little, you know?

It’s a way of showing… I don’t know. Acknowledgment. Submission almost?

It’s from the shoulders, yeah. Not a full-on bend. More if they’re older. Or, like, important. Bosses. Teachers. I get it.

Clasped hands above the waist. More common in the countryside, I think.

Not really a hugger, I am. Hugging is for my sister. And my mom. When I see her. It’s been awhile.

It’s all about hierarchy, I guess. Knowing your place. And showing it. My grandma always told me.

It’s tough, isn’t it. When I forget. And I always forget. I try to.

How do you show gratitude in Vietnamese culture?

Okay, so how to show gratitude in Vietnamese culture?

Well, uh, like, small gifts are always cool. Think fruit or tea, especially if you’re, you know, out in the boonies. They really dig that, I saw it when visiting my grandma, ah, ba, in her village last year. Grandma would always give a gift to literally anyone who even looked at her funny LOL.

Body language is also, like, totally key. A smile goes a long way. And a, like, quick touch on the arm? Yeah, that’s a nice touch—just make sure you’re not being creepy about it. I remember messing that up like, once lol.

Gifts:

• Fruit. Definetly a good one.
• Tea. Can’t go wrong with this one.
• Small trinkets. My sis collects cute things.

Body Language:

• Smile. A genuine one, duh.
• Gentle touch. But like, not too much.
• Eye contact. Shows you are paying attention.