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Private tailor-made journeys of a life time
Mar 7, 2023
By Mia
Vietnam, which is located South East Asia, has a lot to offer, including the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh City, the charming city of Hoi An, the unpretentious capital of Hanoi, and much more. To avoid any culture shock, be ready to learn about regional etiquette and customs. Although Vietnamese people tend to be quite kind and welcoming, there are still a few dos and don'ts that you should be aware of when visiting Vietnam.
Spring, from February to April, and fall, from September to November, are the ideal seasons to visit Vietnam. The weather is more tolerable and the rain is falling less often at this time. The driest months of the year for rainfall are March and April when the extreme northern latitudes see comfortable but still chilly temperatures.
However, it is a fact that you can book a Vietnam tour all around the year. At every time of the year, there are still some destinations that you shouldn’t miss.
It is recommended to dress correctly and stay away from see-through or delicate clothing when visiting Vietnam. Being that Vietnamese people are quite traditional when it comes to attire, it would be disrespectful to dress modestly in public, especially at places of worship. Ensure to keep your arms and legs covered, as well as as much of your exposed body as you can.
It is nevertheless preferable to avoid wearing shorts, low-cut shirts, or exposed apparel while going out or visiting a local's house, even if there is little more flexibility for wardrobe in big cities.
In general, Vietnamese people are friendly. Although Vietnam is home to many beautiful spots, including Hoi An and Da Nang, few people would feel comfortable taking photographs there anytime they wanted, therefore this does not indicate that you are free to do so. So, before taking someone's photo, you must always get their consent. In some locations, such as Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, locals could also demand money. If you want to see and capture the locals in action, you should pay for it.
When attending places of worship, you should also dress modestly and be quiet. Nobody likes to be bothered in a serene environment. While it is considered prohibited in Vietnamese culture to wear hats or shoes in the Buddha Hall, it is also advised to remove them before entering the temple. In addition, it is improper to touch or point at the Buddha statue since doing so is disrespectful.
Make sure to have a business card from the hotel front desk with you when you go on your Vietnam trip. As a result, it will be much simpler for you to take a cab or motorbike back to the hotel.
It will be preferred if you have a printed map or an offline map because Vietnam's streets and traffic are so complicated. If you choose to utilize an online map, as an alternative, make sure you have a connection to the Internet. Take a card from your lodging as well, to make it simpler and easier to travel back.
Eating some street food in Vietnam is one of the "Dos" you shouldn't forget to do. Vietnamese cuisine is highly varied, ranging from traditional dishes to street food. Perhaps you'll indulge in some street food, such as Banh Xeo, Banh My, Vietnamese rice noodles (Pho), and rice noodles with a grilled pig (Bun cha). Therefore, in addition to these goodies, each region of Vietnam has its unique specialties, let's investigate and learn about Vietnamese food. Best Vietnam Tour packages suggest that you try our Day tours from Hue if you want to get the chance to savor delectable street cuisine.
Nonetheless, you should get proficient with using chopsticks as most food stalls do not offer spoons or knives. Chopsticks should never be kept in a bowl of rice in Vietnam since it is considered rude to do so.
Banh Mi Vietnam
If you're just staying a few days, it could seem hard to do this. To use a well-known proverb, "If you talk to a man in a language he knows, that goes to his head. His heart will be warmed if you speak to him on his tongue.” If you can speak a few basic phrases like "Cam on" (thank you) and "Xin chao," people will be over the moon (Hello).
Always carry a bottle of water with you since the summer's tropical heat might knock you unconscious at any time. Mineral water bottles are widely accessible, but to be safe, always purchase them from a supermarket or a convenience shop.
The Vietnamese like sharing their rice wine with others while enjoying a satisfying dinner, but they need to exercise moderation as socially acceptable inebriation is discouraged. Additionally, keep in mind that drinking is primarily a male activity, so seeing women drinking in public is just bizarre.
Don't show off your money since there are so many robbers and pickpockets on the streets, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. Remember to take off your jewelry and other accessories, put your bag in front of you, and leave your door open to avoid being stolen.
To prevent being the victim of a drive-by bag thief, hold your bag out in front of you, draped over your shoulder. Bag theft is a big problem, unfortunately, especially at pagodas and temples. One must take precautions.
Compared to the ordinary Westerner, the typical Asian is far more conservative and conventional. The majority of Asian countries, including Vietnam, restrict the public display of romantic love as a result.
Avoid giving your partner several kisses and hugs unless you are in a private setting. Any other physical contact is highly discouraged and is considered impolite in public.
In certain cultures, kissing someone on the cheek as you welcome them is considered courteous. Yet in Vietnam, it's not acceptable and could even be viewed as insulting if you don't know the person you're speaking to personally.
While there are many ways to get about Vietnam, it may be challenging to navigate the traffic, especially in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Panicking, though, will just exacerbate the situation and raise your chance of being struck. The greatest thing you can do to get yourself out of it is to be confident and strong, to observe where you're going, and to have excellent eye contact with other drivers.
If you want to go out at night, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi both have some fantastic clubs and pubs. But, be cautious to avoid prostitution and drug use. These are unquestionably illegal in Vietnam, and tampering with them might land you in serious trouble.
If you would want to inquire about the historical beauty of Vietnam while there, it's fine to do so. Yet since the Vietnam War is such a delicate subject, don't be doubtful and debate about it. For Vietnam, the war had devastating effects and caused enormous devastation.
These are some cultural and social norms to be mindful of if you are invited to someone's home for a meal:
• Before eating, say “Chúc mọi người ăn ngon miệng”. This means the same thing as “Enjoy”, but also shows your excitement for the meal
• Make sure to finish all the food that is served to you since doing so is viewed as a compliment. Leaving food on a plate is rude.
• Wait to start eating until the oldest person at the table does.
• If you must pick your teeth, cover your mouth with your hand.
In both commercial and social settings, some social customs are observed in Vietnam. There are specific gestures and rules of etiquette that should be followed in situations like greets.
Do attempt to introduce yourself to new individuals vocally. Remember to remove your hat and bow respectfully while speaking to senior citizens or other respected individuals. Moreover, you should always take off your shoes before entering a home.
