🔄 Last updated: 21 July 2026

You don't need to be perfect — just respectful

Vietnamese people are hospitable and usually forgive an honest mistake made out of not knowing. But a few small courtesies will make you well-liked and smooth every interaction.

🔑 Here are the dos and don'ts by situation. These are general customs — individuals and regions vary, so observe and stay flexible.

🏠 Entering a Vietnamese home

• Take your shoes off before going in (look for sandals left at the door)
• If offered food, accepting warmly shows appreciation; bringing a small gift (fruit, cake) is a nice touch
• Give and receive things with both hands (or your right hand) with elders, as a sign of respect

🛕 At temples and places of worship

• Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees
• Remove your shoes entering worship areas if asked
• Lower your voice, no loud joking; ask before photographing statues/altars
• Don't point your feet toward statues/altars; don't touch sacred objects

🍜 At the table

• Vietnamese meals usually share dishes, with a bowl of rice each — take from what's near you
• Don't stick chopsticks upright in a rice bowl (it evokes offerings to the deceased)
• Inviting elders to eat first is a nice gesture
• Slurping/praising the food is seen as polite and friendly

🗣️ Communication & "saving face"

• Stay calm, avoid raising your voice in public. "Face" matters — losing your temper or embarrassing someone in front of others usually backfires
• A smile defuses a lot; patience and gentleness work better than pressure
• Vietnamese people may ask about your age, family, marriage — this is usually friendly interest, not nosiness
• Learn a few words like "xin chào" (hello), "cảm ơn" (thank you) — locals appreciate the effort

💵 Money, tipping & bargaining

• Tipping isn't traditionally required, but it's appreciated at tourism-facing restaurants/hotels/spas
• Bargaining is normal at markets and street stalls — keep it light and friendly; but don't bargain at fixed-price shops/supermarkets
• Pay in VND and agree the price first to avoid misunderstandings → Beware scams

🚫 A few things to avoid

• Don't pat people on the head (even children) — the head is considered special
• Don't point with a finger at people; gesture with your whole hand
• Don't overdo public displays of affection
• Handle sensitive topics gently: approach history/politics with tact, and listen more than you speak

🎎 A few occasions worth knowing

• Tết (Lunar New Year) (around Jan–Feb, by the lunar calendar): the most important holiday; many places close for several days → Best time to visit Vietnam
• Being invited to a wedding/memorial is an honour — a small gift envelope is appropriate

⚠️ Common misconceptions

❌ "I must master the customs to be accepted." → No. Vietnamese people are forgiving; a respectful attitude matters more than perfection.

❌ "You can bargain everywhere." → Only at markets/street stalls; not at fixed-price shops.

❌ "Asking about age/marriage is rude." → In Vietnam it's usually friendly interest.

❌ "Get loud when there's a disagreement to make your point." → It usually backfires — stay calm and preserve both sides' face.

Sources

• Common customs and courtesies in Vietnam (shoes off in homes, modest dress at worship sites, chopsticks, "saving face", tipping, bargaining) — general in nature and varying by region and individual; observe and respect the context

Note: This article describes common customs for reference, respecting regional and individual diversity. ViEntry is a technology platform supporting foreigners with E-Visa, Visa Run Tour, Fast Track, and Visa Tracker; it is not an immigration authority.

New to Vietnam and want to settle in smoothly (visa included)? Message us — free advice in your language.

🔗 Living in Nha Trang for foreigners: Read the guide 🔗 HCMC for first-time foreigners: Read the guide 🔗 Safety & avoiding scams: Read the guide 🔗 Turn on visa reminders: Visa Tracker

Telegram @vientry_support · WhatsApp +84 963 091 001 · Hotline 0963 091 001