Customs and etiquette
Customs & etiquette in Vietnam: what to do and what to avoid?
Traveling to a new country is exciting — but small cultural misunderstandings can quickly create awkward moments.
This guide helps you avoid culture shock, behave respectfully, and feel comfortable in everyday situations in Vietnam.
If Culture & People helps you understand Vietnamese society, then Customs & Etiette helps you avoid making people uncomfortable.
Why etiquette matters in Vietnam
Vietnamese society places strong value on:
- Respect for elders
- Harmony and politeness
- Saving face
- Community over individual expression
Most locals are warm and forgiving toward visitors — but showing awareness of basic customs earns immediate respect.
Everyday do & don't
Greetings and respect
Do:
- Greet older people first
- Smile when meeting someone
- Use a slight nod or small bow in formal settings
Don’t:
- Hug strangers on first meeting
- Be overly loud or physically expressive
Handshakes are common in business settings, but among friends and family, warmth is shown more subtly.
Respect for elders
Age matters in Vietnamese culture.
Do:
- Let older people sit first
- Offer them food or tea before serving yourself
- Speak politely and avoid interrupting
Don’t:
- Argue aggressively with older people in public
- Point at them with your finger
Entering a Vietnamese home
If you are invited to someone’s house:
Do:
- If you see shoes left at the entrance, remove yours as well
- Bring small gifts (fruit, sweets, tea)
- Wait to be invited to sit
Some households keep shoes outside, while others may not.
The safest approach is simply to follow the host’s example.
Don’t:
- Walk in with shoes on
- Sit before the host suggests where
Temple and pagoda etiquette
When visiting religious sites:
Do:
- Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees)
- Speak softly
- Follow local worshippers’ lead
Don’t:
- Wear revealing clothes
- Touch statues casually
- Take inappropriate selfies
Vietnam is not strictly religious, but spiritual spaces are treated seriously.
Dining etiquette
In restaurants and local homes:
Do:
- Wait for elders to start eating
- Try a little of everything offered
- Say thank you after the meal
Don’t:
- Stick chopsticks upright into rice (it resembles incense at funerals)
- Waste large amounts of food
- Complain loudly about flavors
Sharing dishes is common — individual plates are rare in traditional meals.
Giving and receiving items
Use both hands when:
- Giving gifts
- Receiving money
- Handing documents
This shows respect and sincerity.
Tipping culture
Vietnam does not have a strong tipping tradition.
- Street food vendors: no tip expected
- Local restaurants: not required
- High-end restaurants and tour guides: appreciated but not mandatory
Small tips are welcomed but not demanded.
Bargaining etiquette
In markets:
Do:
- Smile
- Negotiate politely
- Keep it light and friendly
Don’t:
- Get angry
- Bargain aggressively and walk away rudely
It is a social interaction, not a battle.
Taxi and ride services
With traditional taxis:
- Confirm the meter is running
- Use reputable companies
With ride apps:
- Follow app pricing
- No need to tip unless you wish
Politeness goes a long way.
Drinking culture
When drinking with locals, there is often a shared moment before everyone takes a sip.
Sometimes someone will say “Cheers” — commonly “Một, hai, ba, dô!” — and everyone drinks together.
If you don’t understand the words, don’t worry.
You can simply read the situation:
- If everyone raises their glass, you raise yours.
- If everyone drinks, you can drink.
- If everyone is waiting, you wait.
Just follow the group’s rhythm.
Do:
- Wait for someone to say “Cheers” (often “Một, hai, ba, dô!”)
- Make eye contact when clinking glasses
Don’t:
- Force others to drink
- Refuse too bluntly — a polite explanation is better
You are never required to drink if you are uncomfortable.
Sensitive topics to avoid
Avoid discussing:
- Politics
- War narratives in a confrontational way
- Sensitive territorial issues
- Personal income
Criticizing Vietnamese culture harshly
Curiosity is welcome. Judgment is not.
Special occasions: what visitors should know
You may occasionally be invited to local ceremonies.
Weddings
- Monetary gifts in envelopes are common
- Dress smartly but not overly flashy
- Expect lively celebration
Funerals
- Wear dark clothing
- Speak softly
- Avoid smiling or taking casual photos
Death anniversaries (giỗ)
These are family remembrance meals.
If invited, simply behave respectfully and follow the host’s lead.
Detailed explanations of these traditions are covered in separate cultural guides.
Regional and ethnic customs
Vietnam has 54 officially recognized ethnic groups, each with unique traditions, dress, and social norms.
However, specific regional and ethnic customs are explained in the local tour guide section for each destination where those communities live.
For example:
- Mountain traditions in northern highlands
- Central ancestral worship practices
- Mekong Delta river culture
This page focuses only on general etiquette applicable nationwide.
The golden rule
Vietnamese culture values:
- Modesty
- Respect
- Politeness
- Social harmony
If you are unsure, observe locals and follow their behavior.
A smile, patience, and humility will solve almost any cultural situation.
See also:
