What should I be careful of in Vietnam?

What is considered inappropriate in Vietnam?

So, Vietnam, right? Don’t be a loudmouth. Seriously. Avoid big arguments, yelling. It’s just not done. People there are way more reserved than, say, in Italy, where my aunt lives. They don’t like embarrassing anyone, public shaming, that whole deal. Got it?

Public displays of affection are a no-no. Like, total no-no. Holding hands, kissing— forget it. Men and women generally don’t even touch each other in public much. It’s weird to them, I guess. I saw this couple, a tourist couple, total make-out session on a bus last year – so awkward.

Also, be mindful of your tone. Even if you’re just correcting someone, do it super gently. Criticizing people directly is a big no-no. I even feel kinda weird saying it like that, but that’s just how it is. I remember one time my cousin, she was trying to be helpful, but the way she did it was total disaster. I cringe just thinking about it.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Avoid loudness and confrontation. Think quiet, calm demeanor.
• No public PDA. Seriously. Keep it PG.
• Gentle corrections only. Be super polite, always.
• Respect elders. Super important.
• Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples or religious sites. Think shoulders and knees covered.

I learned all this from my friend Mai who lives in Hanoi. She’s the best. She even helped me navigate the crazy scooter traffic. Seriously, that’s a whole other story. Crazy.

Can you show PDA in Vietnam?

Okay, so PDA in Vietnam? Not really a thing, ya know? Like, holding hands is usually fine.

But big displays? Yeah, they’re really not into it.

I learned this the hard way back in 2023 when my girlfriend, Ashley, and I were there.

• Keep it to minimal touching.
• Like seriously, just holding hands.

I mean, we saw a couple making out near Hoan Kiem Lake, and people were giving them the side-eye something fierce! It was kinda awkward to watch, for real.

Seriously, keep your heavy petting sessions for, like, your hotel room.

Trust me, respecting their culture is way easier than dealing with the stink eye or worse. And it’s just polite, innit? People are cool.

Respect is key, or something. I guess.

Is it appropriate to kiss bow or shake hands in Vietnam?

A handshake… that’s mostly it, I guess.

Kissing? No, absolutely not. That’s… foreign here. Like, wrong.

Some tribes bow, just a little. Shows respect? Yeah, I think so.

Here’s some extra stuff, thoughts swirling around, late.

• Handshakes are safe. Business or casual. Always.

• Physical affection is really private. Save it.

• Cultural stuff? It’s complicated. Depends who you talk to.

• My grandma never bowed, but she always said “thank you.” Actions speak.

• Don’t overthink. Just be kind, I mean, okay?