Are Vietnamese friendly to tourists?

are vietnamese friendly to tourists? Yes, 6th globally in 2025

Are Vietnamese friendly to tourists? remains a top question for travelers seeking a welcoming destination. Visitors find genuine smiles and a proud culture eager to share local beauty and incredible cuisine. Understanding these social norms ensures a respectful journey and prevents cultural misunderstandings while exploring.

So, are the people of Vietnam truly welcoming to tourists?

The short answer is a resounding yes. Vietnam is consistently ranked as one of the friendliest countries in the world, and this isnt just anecdotal. In 2025, it was voted the 6th friendliest nation globally by hundreds of thousands of travelers, scoring an impressive 97.27 out of 100 for its warmth and hospitality ^[1] (reference: 1). Youll be greeted with genuine smiles, incredible food, and a culture thats proud to share its beauty.

What the 2025 friendliness ranking means for your trip

This ranking comes from the 2025 Condé Nast Traveller Readers Choice Awards, where Vietnam was praised for its unique sidewalk culture, ancient towns, and residents who cant wait to share it all with travelers(reference:2). This isnt a small survey; over half a million readers participated, and their feedback consistently highlighted how the bonds formed with local guides and drivers are often the most lasting memory of a trip(reference:3)(reference:4). It tells you that beyond the beautiful landscapes, the Vietnamese people are the true highlight of the country.

Is Vietnam safe for tourists? A realistic look at safety in 2025

Generally, yes, Vietnam is very safe for tourists. In 2025, it ranked fourth in Southeast Asia on Numbeos safety index, and violent crime is extremely rare(reference:5)(reference:6). Most travelers experience nothing more than a few persistent street vendors. But you should be aware that petty crime, like bag snatching and pickpocketing, is a real issue in busy tourist spots. The key is to be smart, not scared.

Understanding the real risks: Petty theft vs. violent crime

Lets be honest: petty crime is the main concern in Vietnam, especially in big cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and popular beach towns(reference:7)(reference:8). Canadas travel advisory for 2025 warns travelers to be vigilant due to high rates of pickpocketing and bag-snatching in markets, on public transport, and on crowded streets(reference:9). Tourists have been targeted in Da Nang and Phu Quoc, with a gang in Phu Quoc linked to up to 40 theft cases at tourist sites and hotels(reference:10)(reference:11).

But heres the reality check: violent crime is uncommon, and there have been no reports of a widespread increase in violent incidents against tourists in 2024 or 2025(reference:12). The biggest risk to your safety isnt violence; its crossing the street! The chaotic but strangely functional traffic flow requires patience and a slow, steady walk. And, of course, always use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth.

Protecting yourself from common scams in Vietnam

Scams are another layer of safety to consider. The most common ones are taxi drivers overcharging, tour scams on the internet, and motorbike rental scams. A newer, more dangerous trend is online fraud. In 2024 alone, online fraud in Vietnam caused losses of approximately VND18.9 trillion (around $744 million USD), with many reports filed. This often involves fake hotel or flight booking websites. The lesson? Always book tours, hotels, and transport through reputable, well-known websites or apps, not through random Facebook pages offering deals that seem too good to be true. ^[2]

Will I struggle with the language barrier?

Not really, especially in tourist hubs. English proficiency in Vietnam has been steadily improving. In 2025, the country scored 500 on the EF English Proficiency Index, returning it to the moderate proficiency group ^[3] (reference: 14) (reference: 15). This places it ahead of neighbors like Indonesia, China, and Cambodia (reference: 16). Youll find that most staff in hotels, restaurants, and tourist agencies in cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang speak enough English to help you.

Where English is most (and least) spoken

Hanoi leads the country with an English proficiency score of 532, followed closely by Nha Trang and Da Nang(reference:17). The young workforce, particularly those aged 26 to 30, are the most proficient, scoring an average of 544(reference:18). So, youll have an easier time chatting with younger locals. However, if you venture into remote rural villages or try to bargain at a local market in the countryside, dont expect fluent English. But heres a secret: a genuine smile and a few basic Vietnamese words go a very long way.

Simple cultural etiquette to ensure a warm welcome

The Vietnamese are famously forgiving of foreigners who make cultural mistakes. But making a small effort to respect their customs will be greatly appreciated and will open doors to more authentic interactions. Its a two-way street of respect.

Dos and don'ts for temples, homes, and public spaces

The most important rule is to dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and pagodas. This means covering your shoulders and knees(reference:19).

Also, always remove your shoes before entering someones home or a temple(reference:20). Here are a few other key points: Do greet with a smile and a slight bow. This is a friendly and respectful gesture. Dont touch anyones head. The head is considered the most sacred part of the body(reference:21). Dont point with your feet. The feet are considered the lowest part of the body(reference:22). Ask before taking a photo. Its common courtesy to ask permission before snapping a picture of someone, especially monks(reference:23).

How to avoid offending locals without even realizing it

Two things are particularly important: saving face and public affection. The concept of saving face is huge in Vietnam. You should avoid loud arguments, public criticism, or any emotional outbursts that could cause someone embarrassment(reference:24). Similarly, while its fine to hold hands, overt public displays of affection like kissing are generally considered inappropriate(reference:25). Be a calm, respectful observer, and youll fit right in.

Practical tips for getting around and communicating

Navigating Vietnam is easier than you think. The country has invested heavily in its tourist infrastructure, from transport to visa policies. Heres how to get the most out of your trip.

Getting around safely: Grab vs. taxis vs. Xe om

Forget the hassle of flagging down a taxi and worrying about the meter. Download the ride-hailing app Grab. Its by far the most popular and reliable choice, used by 55% of people in major cities(reference:26)(reference:27). Its also super affordable. A short trip on a motorbike (xe om) might cost you less than a dollar. The app gives you a fixed price upfront, so you wont be scammed. Plus, it works for everything from motorbikes and cars to food and grocery delivery.

If you do take a traditional taxi, stick to reputable companies like Mai Linh or Vinasun. Theyre more trustworthy. And never, ever get on a random guys motorbike who approaches you on the street, no matter how friendly he seems.

Visas, costs, and communication: A 2025 update

Vietnam has made travel much more accessible.

The government now offers a 90-day e-visa for citizens of all countries, and you can get either a single or multiple entry (reference: 28) (reference: 29).

The fee is just $25 for a single-entry visa ^[5] (reference: 30). Citizens of 12 additional countries, mostly in Europe, have been granted a 45-day visa exemption from August 2025 to August 2028 (reference: 31). As for costs, Vietnam is a fantastic budget destination. A budget traveler can get by on around $30-40 USD per day, staying in hostels and eating delicious street food (reference: 32) (reference: 33). A more comfortable mid-range trip might cost $70 USD per day (reference: 34). Your money goes a long way, especially the US dollar, which has strong purchasing power in 2025 (reference: 35).

Real-world examples: A journey from skepticism to genuine friendship

Sometimes a story says more than a statistic. Heres a travelers typical experience.

Should you use a ride-hailing app or a traditional taxi?

Getting around Vietnam is simple and cheap, but your choice of transport can impact your safety, cost, and convenience. Here's how the main options stack up.

Ride-hailing Apps (Grab, Xanh SM)

• The app interface is in English, eliminating any language barrier with the driver.
• Driver details are logged, and routes are tracked, offering good accountability and security.
• Fixed price shown upfront, often cheaper than metered taxis, especially for short trips.
• Super easy. Book with a few taps, track your driver, and pay via card or cash.

Traditional Taxis (Mai Linh, Vinasun)

• You need to clearly communicate your destination to the driver, which can be a challenge.
• Reliable companies are safe, but it's harder to verify the driver and vehicle legitimacy.
• Metered fare. Can be more expensive and vulnerable to scams if the driver takes a long route.
• You can flag them down on the street, but you might wait longer, especially during peak times.

Sarah's first solo trip to Hoi An: From nervous to welcomed

Sarah, a 28-year-old graphic designer from Canada, was anxious before her first solo trip to Vietnam. Her biggest worry? Getting scammed and feeling isolated due to the language barrier. She arrived in Hoi An in late 2025, feeling overwhelmed by the motorbike traffic and constant calls from street vendors.

On her first day, she nervously tried to cross the road to get to a café. An older Vietnamese woman selling fruit saw her hesitation, gently took her hand, and walked her across, smiling the whole time. Sarah tried to pay her for the fruit as thanks, but the woman just laughed and refused.

Encouraged, Sarah used Google Translate to ask a local where to get a good, cheap 'banh mi'. The man didn't just point; he walked her two blocks to his favorite stall, ordered for her in Vietnamese, and paid for it. When she tried to pay him back, he said, "Welcome to Vietnam."

By the end of her week-long trip, Sarah had learned to say 'cảm ơn' (thank you) and 'xin chào' (hello). She was bartering in the market (badly, but with lots of laughs) and had made friends with her hotel staff. Her takeaway? The friendliness isn't just a marketing gimmick; it's the real soul of Vietnam.