What Not To Do In Vietnam: 12 Things To Avoid

Vietnam is a country rich in culture, the people are friendly and it is also a great place to travel. However, if this is your first visit to Vietnam, knowing a few basics beforehand will help you adapt to local customs and avoid making cultural blunders. Here's what not to do in Vietnam if you don't want to make mistakes.

Written by Nhu PHAM (local expert)Updated on 05-11-2024

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1. How to dress in Vietnam? Things to remember

You can dress comfortably for clothing but must be particularly careful when entering pagodas, temples, and places of worship. One should dress discreetly with sleeves, pants, or knee-length skirts; remove hat and shoes when entering these sacred places.

2. What not to do in Vietnam to avoid snatching

The thing to avoid when coming to Vietnam is not to leave valuables in the wallet or back pocket in crowded places, especially in big cities like Ho Chi Minh City. You must be careful because pickpockets have probably noticed your phone or precious jewelry.

One should take a look before taking out the phone to take photos or make calls, especially when crossing the street, do not take it by hand. And keep the bags in front of you at all times. Knowing what not to do while traveling in Vietnam will make your trip safer.

>>> Read more details about Vietnamese culture: Complete guide to Vietnamese culture

3. Dos and don’ts in Vietnam: payment and purchase

In terms of payment, for foreign tourists, the first thing to do is to withdraw cash. Regardless of the type of credit card one has, one should almost always use cash in Vietnam.

Then there is the exchange. You have to be careful with large denominations like 500,000 VND notes. When you change money, you must ask for notes of different values. This will be easier for your various expenses. In case money is withdrawn in automatic teller machines (ATM), they often give you 500,000 VND notes and try to break these notes in department stores, restaurants, or supermarkets.

Furthermore, you should learn to distinguish between 500,000 VND and 20,000 VND notes. These two notes have similar colors, so it is easy to confuse them. 

When it comes to shopping in Vietnam, it is essential not to buy without first asking the price. Additionally, it is recommended to compare prices in several stores before finalizing your purchases. It should also be noted that many traders in Vietnam are superstitious. It is therefore best to avoid negotiating prices as soon as the store opens, as this could bring bad luck for the rest of the day. To learn more about exchange rates, identifying each banknote, legitimate exchanges, and interesting facts about the currency of this S-shaped country, explore our Vietnam Currency article!

>>> Our Vietnam 10-day itineraries are packed with unforgettable experiences, taking you beyond the tourist traps!

4. Beware of taxis and motorcycle taxis

In Vietnam, in big cities such as the capital Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Can Tho, etc., people use transportation apps such as Grab, Gojek, Xanh SM to book motorbike taxis or cars. Prices are indicated in your phone, thus avoiding any rate fraud.

What you absolutely should not do here is take a taxi or motorbike taxi without using an app. These drivers may wear uniforms from reputable motorcycle taxi companies like Grab, Gojek, Bee, and Xanh SM, but they are scammers and charge excessive fares. Only use these services if you book them through an app or ask a local to book for you.

Avoid taking these transports without using an app. For example, although they advertise 20,000 VND, they can charge up to 100,000 VND at the end of the ride. Be very vigilant, especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where this happens often!

If you unfortunately get scammed, ask local people for help rather than arguing alone. It will be more effective.

5. Traffic and transportation: do’s and don’ts

In terms of traffic, you shouldn't be afraid of all these motorcycles. You can cross the street alone safely if you follow the rules carefully. Wait for the green light for pedestrians, then cross slowly and at the same pace, keeping an eye on your surroundings. There you go, you can cross the street without fear.

It is highly recommended to try, at least once, the experience of traveling by motorbike in Vietnam (you can also use Grab or Gojek) to authentically feel the daily life of the Vietnamese people. Vietnam stands out for the omnipresence of motorbikes, making it a unique opportunity not to be missed to blend into this flow. This experience promises to be memorable. To find out more about this topic, please click here: Transport in Vietnam: How to get around Vietnam?

>>> If you want to engage in Vietnam 2 weeks itineraries, we have the perfect option for you to explore Vietnam with ease and confidence.

6. Some important table manners to note in Vietnam

If you have the opportunity to share a meal with Vietnamese, here are some tips to consider. First of all, it is common to wish each other “Enjoy your meal” at the start of the meal. Additionally, it is best to avoid leaving too much food on your plate, especially when you are invited to the homes of locals. Another important observation is not to hesitate to share the dishes that are served on the table. This is considered a gesture of politeness and generosity.

Here are some suggestions for typical dishes to taste to discover what makes Vietnamese cuisine interesting:

• Pho: An emblematic dish of Vietnamese gastronomy, Pho consists of rice noodles in a fragrant broth garnished with beef or chicken, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and seasonings.
• Bun cha: A marinated grilled pork dish, served with rice vermicelli, fresh vegetables, and a special sauce.
• Nem: Delicate crispy spring rolls, stuffed with minced meat, shrimp, vegetables, and spices, then fried.
• Banh cuon: Rice pancakes stuffed with ground pork, mushrooms, and onions, served with fresh herbs and a slightly sweet sauce.
• Banh mi: A famous Vietnamese sandwich prepared in a crispy baguette, garnished with meat, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and condiments.
• Hu tieu: A staple of Southern Vietnamese cuisine, is a rice noodle soup garnished with meats, seafood, and fresh herbs in a fragrant broth.
• Cao lau: An emblematic dish of Hoi An, in central Vietnam. It consists of yellow noodles served with a broth made from pork bones, accompanied by char siu, pork, and shrimp.

>>> Find more details about Vietnamese cuisine at: Discover the Top Vietnamese Dishes to Try in Each Region! 

7. Chopsticks in the bowl

This belief is deeply rooted in Vietnamese spirituality. Sticking your chopsticks upright in a bowl resembles two burning joss sticks, which are used in funerals and considered unlucky by many locals. Additionally, ancient customs involved sticking chopsticks in a bowl of rice to worship ancestors, symbolizing a connection with the dead, much like burning incense.

Therefore, placing chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice during meals is seen as a bad omen and invites misfortune.

To signal that you are done with your meal, place the chopsticks across the top of the bowl instead.

8. Food safety and hygiene tips

In addition to its magnificent landscapes, Vietnam is also renowned for its delicious street food, an unforgettable experience not to be missed during your visit. However, to fully enjoy this street gastronomic experience, it is essential to take into account the following advice: choose clean stalls, avoid drinking tap water indiscriminately, take paper tissues to clean your spoons and chopsticks, and above all, don't forget to bring medicine for diarrhea, flu, headaches, etc. You can buy them easily and directly from local pharmacies.

Traveling can disrupt the digestive system due to various factors, such as changes in diet, water, time zones, and stress. Probiotics, particularly high-quality ones and saccharomyces boulardii, are commonly used to maintain gut health and alleviate digestive issues while traveling.

Sticking to bottled water in certain destinations and consuming easily digestible foods like soup upon arrival can also minimize digestive problems. Additionally, carrying over-the-counter medications like Pepto Bismol tablets, Imodium, antacids, gas-relief tablets, and ginger tablets can provide quick relief for various stomach ailments.

For individuals with pre-existing conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it's crucial to pack an ample supply of necessary medications, as they may not be readily available in all countries. In cases of severe or prolonged illness, especially in areas with limited medical access, carrying a prescribed antibiotic might be considered, but only after consulting with a doctor.

Maintaining regular eating habits and avoiding long gaps between meals can also contribute to digestive well-being while traveling. Certain food combinations, such as dairy and alcohol, may trigger digestive problems in some individuals, especially when consumed on an empty stomach.

9. Learn a few Vietnamese words before you leave

In Vietnam, people seldom use the phrase "excuse me". Instead, they say "hey you!" but choose different forms of "you" to convey varying levels of respect.

So, how you address someone depends on their age and gender:

• Younger people: "Em ơi" (em oi).
• Younger female: "Chị ơi" (chi oi).
• Younger male: "Anh ơi" (anh oi).
• Older woman: "Cô ơi" (goh oi).
• Older man: "Chú ơi" (choo oi).
• Elderly woman: "Bà ơi" (ba oi).
• Elderly man: "Ông ơi" (om oi).

This can all get a little complex, so if in doubt, say “bạn ơi!” (bang oi) which simply means, “hey friend!”

Well, learning a few common words will make your trip to Vietnam much more enriching and interactive. You can start by memorizing these four simple words: “Xin chao” (hello), “Tam biet” (goodbye), “Cam on” (thank you), and “Xin loi” (sorry). Are you ready for an adventure in Vietnam?

10. Good manners in Vietnam: polite expressions

In Vietnam, it is important not to touch anyone's head, including children. To greet older people, it is common to simply nod your head as a sign of respect. Additionally, it is essential to avoid taking photos of people without their prior consent.

11. Good manners in Vietnam: intimate gestures

There are differences between both Western and Asian cultures in showing affection. For example, the Vietnamese are still reserved, people don't greet with a kiss. This is why we need to know what not to do so as not to embarrass others.

Additionally, in Western culture, it is normal to show affection or kiss in public. But in Vietnam, people don't do it openly in public. We should not forbid expressing affection but at best it is to avoid showing affection in public places if we do not want to be looked at critically. If you're eager to discover more about Vietnam, it's worth visiting our Vietnam Travel Blog!

12. For politics, what not to do in Vietnam?

Politics is always a sensitive subject so avoid talking about it. Whatever your opinion, it should be kept to yourself and should not be judged or discussed. If someone else talks about it, just listen, and avoid expressing opinions.

Furthermore, some people believe they are immune to punishment because they come from foreign lands, although this may not be the case. Therefore, you should avoid joining political crowd movements, no matter how appealing they seem; once authorities get involved, there is no escape. If you are apprehended, you will suffer greatly.

Additionally, power holders should not hear anything said about them. In such situations, even if someone is not directly heard, they are still under surveillance. Even if being part of the mob seems tempting and justified, refrain from doing so.

>>> ✨ Journey through the heart of Southeast Asia with our Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand tour in 3 weeks. ✨

Our last words

Here's what to avoid and what you should do during your stay in Vietnam. Every country has its implicit rules, and if you know them, your trip will be more pleasant and smooth. However, don't worry too much, as the locals are understanding and empathetic towards foreigners. Also don't forget the must-sees for a complete Vietnam experience.

If you want to simplify your trip and personalize each step according to your preferences, we will be happy to help you create a tailor-made itinerary. Do not hesitate to contact us!

>>> Read more essential information at:

• The five most interesting facts about Vietnamese cuisine
• Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City, what name should you use for this city?
• Guardians of Time: A Journey Through the Vietnamese Zodiac
• What to do in Mekong Delta? Complete guide 2024
• Is Vietnam safe to travel?