Basic Do’ s and Dont’ s
Culture
Basic Do’ s and Dont’ s
The people of Vietnam are kind, generous, compassionate and willing to make you welcome. As“ invited guests” perhaps take a moment to understand that some things are different from home, there are some behavioral customs we need to be conscious of. Vietnam culture is drenched in behavioral etiquette, times have changed somewhat over the years however the basics still apply. We have come up with a few simple day to day things that you may want to take on board. If you make the effort, you will be rewarded.
DO
Dress well when visiting pagodas. No shorts or tacky beer t-shirts. Shoes are fine, and rarely will you have to remove them. If unsure, just follow what the locals do.
If invited into a home, always remove your shoes at the front door when entering.
Touching children on the head is only done by parents, grand parents, etc.
Elderly people always have the right of way in Vietnamese society and should be treated with great respect. Always address the eldest in a group first. As a form of respect to elderly or other esteemed people, such as monks, take off your hat and bow your head politely when addressing them. In Asia, the head is the symbolic highest point – never pat or touch an adult on the head.
Ask for permission when taking a photograph of someone. If they indicate that they do not want you to, then abide by their wishes.
Take a hotel business card from the reception desk before venturing out from your hotel. This will make your return to the hotel in a taxi or cyclo much easier.
Business cards are exchanged on initial meetings and should be presented with both hands. When receiving business cards ensure you show proper respect to it and do not simply glance at it and put it on the table.
how well intentioned may be taken as an insult. Your best bet in such a situation is to buy a small gift for the staff, such as flowers, pastry, candy- things you would buy for a friend at home.
Don’ ts
Never carry more money than you need when walking around the streets. Do not wear large amounts of jewelry. There are two reasons for not doing this:( 1) It is considered impolite to flaunt wealth in public;( 2) It is more likely that you may become a victim of a pickpocket or drive-by bag snatcher.
Three’ s a crowd. It is considered bad luck to take a photo with only three people in. There is a saying in Vietnamese“ chụp ba ma bất một“ – translated roughly as“ photograph three and the devil will take one.”
Never lose your temper in public or when bargaining for a purchase. This is considered a serious loss of face for both parties. Always maintain a cool and happy demeanor and you will be reciprocated with the same.
Do not try to take photographs of military installations or anything to do with the military. This can be seen as a breach of national security.
Physical displays of affection between lovers in public are frowned upon. That’ s why you may come across couples holding hands but not hugging or kissing.
Don’ t do drugs. The punishments for being caught with, or using drugs in Vietnam are very harsh, indifferent of the amount and type of drug. You can be seen as guilty by association just being in the same room or bar as people using drugs.
Don’ t cross your fingers for good luck, crossing your fingers in Vietnam is considered a rude, and disrespectful gesture that refers to part of the female anatomy.
Tipping has not been customary in Vietnam, but as the flow of tourists has increased in recent times, service charges and the expectation of a small tip has become more common. There are however times when it can be taken the wrong way. At small hotels, the staff frequently go out of their way to answer questions, reconfirm plane reservations, and look up addresses and so on. This is a great honor and their way of saying they consider you a friend. Remember, friends don’ t tip friends. A tip, no matter
6 The MAG Vung Tau