7 Vietnamese Customs That May Surprise You: A Traveler’s Guide to Local Culture

1. Vietnamese People May Ask Personal Questions

Don't be surprised if someone you have just met asks about your age, where you're from, or whether you're married.

In Vietnam, questions about age and family can be part of ordinary conversation rather than an attempt to invade someone's privacy.

Age is also important because Vietnamese people often choose different pronouns depending on the relative age and social relationship between speakers.

For example, anh and chị are commonly used for someone slightly older, while em can refer to someone younger.

For foreign travelers, this can feel surprisingly personal at first, but it is usually a way of establishing a comfortable social relationship.

2. Sharing Food Is Part of Vietnamese Dining Culture

Vietnamese meals are often designed for sharing.

Instead of everyone ordering a completely separate meal, a group may order several dishes and place them in the middle of the table.

People then take portions with their chopsticks and eat them with rice or other shared foods.

Common dishes served this way include:

• Stir-fried vegetables
• Grilled meat
• Fish
• Seafood
• Soup
• Spring rolls

If you're invited to a Vietnamese meal, sharing food is often part of the experience.

A useful tip for travelers

If you want to be especially polite, offer food to others before taking a portion for yourself.

3. Giving and Receiving Things With Both Hands Can Be Polite

In Vietnamese social situations, using both hands when giving or receiving something can show respect, particularly when interacting with older people or in more formal situations.

You may notice this when people exchange gifts, documents, or other important items.

You don't necessarily need to use both hands for every casual transaction. However, when someone gives you something with both hands, responding in the same way is a simple gesture of courtesy.

4. Shoes May Need to Come Off Indoors

You may be asked to remove your shoes before entering someone's home.

This is particularly common in private homes and some religious or culturally significant spaces.

If you're visiting a Vietnamese friend's house, simply check what the host does or look for a place where shoes are left near the entrance.

At temples and pagodas, footwear rules can vary depending on the specific area, so follow posted instructions or local guidance.

It's a small habit, but remembering it can help you avoid an awkward moment.

5. Temples and Pagodas Have Their Own Etiquette

Vietnam has a strong Buddhist and folk-religious tradition, and travelers will encounter temples, pagodas, shrines, and other spiritual places throughout the country.

These aren't simply tourist attractions. They can be active places of worship.

When visiting, travelers should:

• Dress relatively modestly
• Speak quietly
• Avoid disturbing people who are praying
• Follow signs and local rules
• Ask before photographing people during religious activities

You may also see people burning incense or making offerings.

You don't need to participate in religious practices if you don't want to. Simply observing respectfully is perfectly appropriate.

6. Tet Is Much More Than a Holiday

Tet, or Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the country's most important traditional celebration.

For many Vietnamese families, Tet is a time for:

• Returning to their hometown
• Reuniting with family
• Cleaning and decorating the home
• Remembering ancestors
• Preparing traditional foods
• Giving lucky money to children
• Wishing others good fortune

During Tet, you'll often see homes decorated with flowers, plants, and traditional New Year decorations.

One thing foreign travelers may notice is that some businesses close or operate on different schedules during the holiday.

If you're traveling around Tet, it's a good idea to plan transportation and accommodation in advance.

7. Avoiding Direct Refusals Can Be a Social Habit

Vietnamese communication can sometimes be more indirect than what visitors are accustomed to.

Instead of saying a direct "No," someone may use phrases such as:

• "Maybe."
• "We'll see."
• "It's difficult."
• "Perhaps another time."

The exact meaning depends heavily on context, tone, and the relationship between the people speaking.

This doesn't mean Vietnamese people are being dishonest. Indirect communication can sometimes be a way of maintaining harmony or avoiding embarrassment.

As a traveler, don't take it personally if you don't receive a straightforward answer immediately.

Bonus: Vietnamese Coffee Culture May Surprise You

Although not necessarily a "custom" in the traditional sense, coffee culture is an important part of everyday life in Vietnam.

People often sit at cafés for extended periods, chatting with friends, working, reading, or simply watching the street.

Vietnamese coffee can also be quite different from what visitors are used to.

Try:

Ca phe sua da – iced coffee with condensed milk.

Ca phe den da – black iced coffee served over ice.

Bac xiu – a milkier, sweeter coffee drink.

Don't be surprised if a coffee break turns into an hour of conversation.

Vietnamese Etiquette: Things Foreign Travelers Should Remember

You don't need to memorize every Vietnamese cultural rule before your trip. A few basic principles are usually enough.

Be Respectful to Older People

Age can influence how people address each other and interact socially.

Dress Appropriately at Religious Sites

Especially when visiting temples, pagodas, and other places of worship.

Don't Touch People's Heads

The head can be considered a sensitive or important part of the body in traditional cultural contexts, so avoid touching someone's head unless you know them well and understand that it is appropriate.

Use Your Right Hand or Both Hands When Appropriate

When giving or receiving important items, using both hands can be a respectful gesture.

Don't Point Your Feet at People or Religious Objects

In more traditional settings, pointing the soles of your feet toward another person or a sacred object can be considered impolite.

Why Understanding Vietnamese Customs Matters

Learning local etiquette isn't about trying to behave exactly like a Vietnamese person.

It's about showing respect and curiosity toward the culture you're visiting.

You will inevitably make small mistakes as a foreign traveler, and that's completely normal. Most people understand that visitors may not know every local custom.

A simple smile, a polite attitude, and a willingness to learn will take you a long way.

Final Thoughts

Vietnamese culture can sometimes feel unfamiliar to first-time visitors, but many customs are connected to simple ideas such as respect, family, community, and maintaining social harmony.

From sharing meals and drinking coffee together to respecting temples and observing Tet traditions, these everyday practices offer travelers a glimpse into life beyond Vietnam's famous tourist attractions.

The best approach is simple: observe, ask politely when you're unsure, and respect the local way of doing things.

That mindset can turn a good trip to Vietnam into a much more meaningful cultural experience.