Behaviour & cultural differences
- Try not to get angry. Showing any frustrations or annoyances by shouting is impolite and unlikely to achieve a positive outcome.
- Pointing with your finger is seen as offensive. Try to gesture using your whole hand instead.
- Refrain from public displays of affection, it is considered impolite. It is extremely rare to see couples holding hands.
- Wear shorts to the knees and cover your shoulders, particularly at religious sites.
- Always remove your shoes when entering a temple or somebody’s home.
- Nude sunbathing is completely inappropriate.
- Remove your hat when entering a religious site, addressing the elderly or encountering esteemed people such as monks.
- It is improper to stare, smile at or approach children of people you don’t personally know.
- When using a toothpick, it is polite to cover your open mouth.
- Don’t leave chopsticks sitting vertically in a rice bowl as it looks very similar to incense sticks that are burned for the dead.
- When passing something to another person, use your hands together or just your right hand.
Public holidays
- TET (Vietnamese New Year): generally takes place at the end of January or early February and lasts for four days.
- It is not recommended to travel over this period because transport is often booked or expensive and a lot of places are closed (museums, restaurants, shops…)
- Liberation of Saigon: 30 April
- International Worker’s Day: 1 May
- Vietnamese National Day: 2 September
Tipping
Tipping is a personal matter and travelers are encouraged to tip any amount they feel is appropriate. For your convenience, we have included a suggested tipping guide below:
- Bellboy: $1-$2 per room
- Chambermaid: $1 per day
- Guides: $5-$10 per day, per person (depending on group size and performance)
- Drivers: $2-$5 per day, per person (depending on group size and performance)
- Restaurants: in smart establishments, the tip will be already included in the bill. In local restaurants, tips are not expected but you may wish to leave loose change on the table.
Vietnamese culture
