Here are 10 things to avoid during your trip to Vietnam that you will definitely need.
In general, Vietnamese people are very forgiving. You’ve seen foreigners do pretty stupid things, so any mistakes you make really won’t cause much trouble. Also, a smile and an apology are common. To help prevent you from saying goodbye to locals, be sure to read this article. Here are 10 things to avoid during your trip to Vietnam that you will definitely need.
1. Dress revealing at the temple
The first rule of the 10 things to avoid in your Vietnam tour is dress codes. Vietnamese people tend to dress conservatively. They believe that kind people don’t wear overly erotic clothing. They let you rest when you are in tourist areas but not temples or pagodas. Do not open your shoulders, short skirts, or split-chest shirt.
2. Payment in large denomination
When you use ATMs in Vietnam, it usually spits out 500,000 sheets. For ordinary Vietnamese working in street vendors and small shops, this is their weekly salary. So if you try to pay for your 10,000 ₫ snacks with 500,000 ₫, they most likely won’t have enough change for you. Try to spend big coins in the store or larger store.
3. Should buy if you are the first customer
Vietnam is a very superstitious country. There are many strange customs and beliefs deeply embedded in their culture. But if you are going shopping and you happen to be the first customer in a store, be ready for lots of grumpy and annoying Vietnamese when you leave without buying anything. This is a bad omen for the daily business.
4. Be careful with banknotes
Count your money carefully before making a payment because some people will try to drag you to a scam where they will take your big notes and quickly convert them into small notes. Fortunately, that doesn’t happen often. But if you suspect someone gave you the wrong change, ask them to return it. The Vietnamese count money very carefully because their banknotes have a color that is easy to confuse.
5. Don’t like China
Vietnamese people, in general, don’t like China. Specifically, for the South China Sea, archipelagos of Hoang Sa and Truong Sa. Anti-China protests also take place whenever the political situation becomes tense. But don’t worry, it won’t affect your trip much as the Vietnamese government will solve the problems quickly. Vietnam is a peaceful country, with demonstrations or riots rarely happens.
6. Bid when shopping
Except for supermarkets or shopping malls, you can pay the price when buying in traditional markets or street vendors. Haggling is a common occurrence in Vietnam and buyers usually pay 30 to 50% less than the offered price. However, do not haggle in the early morning without making a purchase, which is something the shopkeeper considers unlucky.
7. Show affection in public
It is very rare that you see a Vietnamese couple showing affection in public. Holding hands is okay, but kissing and hugging are too much for many people in this conservative society. You might not be penalized, but you’ll definitely get a few scornful looks.
8. Wear shoes when entering the house
This won’t get you publicly punished and beaten, but it’s rude. Vietnamese roads are generally quite dirty with dust and rubbish. When you go into someone’s house without taking off your shoes, you are basically telling them that you think the street is cleaner than their home.
9. Tell everyone to hurry up
Vietnamese people have a slow demeanor, which shows a meticulousness and a leisurely way of life. Unless you’re a director or manager in a business, pushing others to hurry is not very welcome.
10. Never defame the historical hero or Uncle Ho
Although some historical figures may be a controversial figure for the West, in Vietnam they are an idolized figure. Ho Chi Minh’s life and image are closely linked to the unity and national independence of Vietnam. Keep your views to yourself. You won’t feel welcome in many parts of Vietnam if you speak badly of their respectable Uncle Ho.
