Vietnamese Etiquette
Anger Management: Keep your cool. In Vietnam, public expressions of anger are considered highly inappropriate and can cause someone to "lose face," a concept tied to personal dignity. Always strive to remain calm, even in frustrating situations.
Public Displays of Affection: Save affection for private spaces. Hugging or kissing in public, particularly between the opposite sex, is frowned upon in Vietnamese society.
Temple Visits: Modesty is key. When visiting temples, cover your shoulders and knees, remove your shoes, and avoid pointing your feet toward Buddha statues. A slight bow is a symbol of reverence.
Photography: Always ask before taking photos of locals, especially in rural areas where spiritual beliefs may make it inappropriate. Avoid photographing military sites or images of revered figures like Ho Chi Minh.
Dress Code: While major cities might feel more relaxed, conservative clothing is the norm in most
areas. Keep your shoulders and knees covered, and reserve swimwear for beach settings. For men,
going shirtless in public is seen as inappropriate.
Sitting and Gestures: Be mindful of your body language. Pointing the soles of your feet at someone or crossing your fingers can come across as disrespectful.
Bargaining: Negotiating prices at markets is expected, but always remain polite and composed. Losing your temper during bargaining is a serious cultural misstep.
Dining: While slurping noodles is perfectly fine, never leave chopsticks upright in a rice bowl—it resembles offerings for the deceased. Learning proper utensil use is also a sign of respect.
Crossing the Street: In cities like Hanoi and Saigon, crossing the street is an art. Walk at a steady pace and trust that traffic will flow around you. Sudden movements can disrupt the rhythm.
Essential Travel Information
Before embarking on your journey, ensure you’re well-prepared:
Visa Requirements: Check that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay and apply for a visa if needed before departure. Vietnam offers convenient E-Visas for single or multiple entries.
Currency: The dong (VND) has been the currency of Vietnam since May 3, 1978, having replaced the French Indochinese piastre. Coin denominations are 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000 VND. They may also be in bank notes. Polymer banknotes are in denominations of 500,000. 200,000, 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, and 10,000.
Cash vs. Credit: While credit cards are widely accepted in cities, small vendors and markets often require cash. Carry small denominations of Vietnamese Dong.
Prescriptions: Bring all necessary medications, as availability may be limited locally.
Learn Key Phrases: A few simple Vietnamese phrases like "Xin chào" (Hello) or "Cảm ơn" (Thank you) can go a long way in building rapport with locals. As of 2025, $1 was 25.390 VND.
Seasons: The overall best time to visit Vietnam is in the Spring March - April and in the Fall, September - November because the weather is mild across most regions and is best in Northern Vietnam. The peak time to visit Central Vietnam is January - April and the best time to visit Southern Vietnam is November - April. Typhoon season is September - November which can affect the central and northern regions.
By respecting Vietnam’s unique traditions and embracing the local way of life, you’ll not only avoid cultural missteps but also create memories that will last a lifetime. Approach this vibrant country with an open mind, and you’re sure to have an exceptional journey. Bon voyage!
No comments:
Post a Comment