Respect & culture

Vietnamese customs: what you should know

Greetings, temples, dining, bargaining: the right gestures to travel respectfully and be welcomed.

Greetings & first contact

Vietnamese people are welcoming; a few simple gestures go a long way.

« Xin chào » (sin chow) is enough. Light handshake with men; wait for a woman to offer her hand first.

Elders are shown deference; let them go first, serve yourself after them at meals when you can.

Vietnam blends Buddhism, ancestor worship and community temples. Modest dress and quiet behaviour are expected.

Cover shoulders and knees; remove shoes and hats at the entrance. A scarf in your bag helps.

Ask before photographing worshippers or altars; flash often forbidden.

Sharing dishes is the norm; chopsticks or spoons go around the centre.

Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice (funeral gesture). Don't point at people with them.

« Một, hai, ba, dô! » (Mot, hai, ba, zo!) to toast. Moderation shows respect.

The host often pays; offering to contribute is appreciated. Tip 5–10% in tourist restaurants for good service.

Bargaining is normal in markets and for cyclos; agree a price first, with a smile.

Offer 60–70% of the first price, move up gradually. A polite « no » with a smile beats conflict.

Do you need to speak Vietnamese to travel?

No, but a few words (xin chào, cảm ơn, bao nhiêu) help interactions and prices. See our phrase guide.

What to wear in Hội An or a temple?

Cover shoulders and knees; light breathable fabrics. Avoid swimwear in town.

Xin chào, cảm ơn, bao nhiêu? — our FR→Vietnamese and EN→Vietnamese phrase guide.