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Etiquette In Vietnam: A Guide To Good Manners For Travelers – Rainforest Cruises
Vietnam has had a long history of welcoming travelers, so one might think that anything goes. This is far from the truth. Even with the influx of foreign expats in the country’s large cities and the growing awareness of “Western” customs, Vietnamese culture is still steeped in tradition and etiquette that can be quite distinct from what tourists are accustomed to.
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For those planning a journey to Vietnam, our local specialist has compiled a list of her top five rules of etiquette, a useful guide to proper decorum so as to not commit a social blunder and make a positive initial impact with the area’s inhabitants. In the West, certain behavior is taken for granted, yet in Southeast Asia and Vietnam it may not be suitable; while a tourist may be pardoned for their lack of knowledge, it is generally assumed that visitors will adhere to the essential codes of politeness.
Smile
Let’s all
The Vietnamese tend to appear very warm and gentle, mainly due to the abundance of smiles. An outside observer might think that life is stress-free, even though it may be far from it. Therefore, visitors should remember that a part of this “smile culture” includes various regulations.
Be sure to return the smile. Grin before you talk and after you talk. Give a smile to the individuals on the roadsides, street merchants, and servers. Even if something isn’t right, smile. In Vietnam, you should always be grinning regardless of the situation.
Does time really matter in trading?
In the East, the concept of time is unique when compared to its Western counterpart. Seemingly, services are slower, with no guarantee that your coffee will be served promptly; buses may not leave as scheduled. People may appear to be taking their time, so why not take a leaf out of their book and adopt a more relaxed attitude? This could help you to resonate with the locals, and possibly even find some solace.
No matter how much time is passing by, don’t let your frustration or lack of tolerance show. Yelling or getting angry is never appropriate etiquette. Remain calm, even if you think something is off. Put on a friendly face before anything else. Losing your temper will not lead to any resolutions however, it will cause you to lose respect in the eyes of the people around you. In addition, it can cause you to lose face, and that is even worse.
Would you like to try
Many non-Asians struggle to grasp the idea of “loss of face” in Asian culture. Nevertheless, having a positive public image is extremely significant, and could be seen as the most essential component of Asian culture.
As an illustration, if a person has to acknowledge their inexperience or errors in something, or their missteps become visible to everyone, they could suffer a loss of face. To avoid causing someone to lose face, avoid calling attention to their mistakes. Why not try making a praiseworthy comment in public instead?
In the same vein, boasting or displaying ostentatious wealth is not appreciated. Ensure that you do not flaunt large amounts of money. If you demonstrate humility in Asia, you will be held in the highest esteem by all. Being excessively loud and boisterous may make others feel uncomfortable.
Show some respect.
Respect is the most highly regarded trait in Vietnamese culture. It pervades all facets of life and there are various principles that everyone adheres to. Understanding some of them will assist you in comprehending how the Vietnamese look at the world. Listed below are the primary do’s and don’ts when it comes to showing respect:
How Old?!
Age is an important factor in Vietnamese society and it is perfectly normal for people to enquire about it. Do not be put off when asked about your age or occupation – it is a sign of respect.
In Vietnamese, similar to other Asian languages, there is no form of the word “you”. People there address each other as if they were relatives, such as younger or older sister/brother, uncle, grandpa, and so on. Even those who are close still refer to each other as “younger sister” or “older brother”. This is as natural as addressing someone who is 20 years older than you by name in the Western world.
Show respect when speaking with elderly people and allow those who are younger to be courteous when addressing you.
Avoid physical contact with others.
In numerous western nations, touching an arm or shoulder is seen as a friendly signal. Conversely, if you are visiting an Asian region such as Vietnam, it is best to avoid this action. Furthermore, never make contact with someone’s head. Additionally, it is important to refrain from touching any women and wait for them to initiate a handshake.
Channeling your inner chip
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of observing a chipmunk, you’ll be aware that they always hold their nuts with two paws. In the same way, when giving anything, for instance cash to a cashier, to someone in Vietnam, it is customary to use both hands. Particularly if it’s your business card, present it with both hands and bow slightly.
If you are only using one hand, you can demonstrate respect by touching your elbow with the other.
Keep your shoes off,
It would be strange if the situation were reversed. Therefore, it is a good idea to wear sandals that are simple to put on and take off since you will be expected to remove your shoes in a number of circumstances, for instance, when entering temples, dwellings, and even certain shops or cafes.
Vietnamese people don’t have strict clothing requirements, but when you go to a temple, it’s important to make sure that your legs and arms are covered. In urban areas, it’s typical to find Vietnamese women wearing somewhat exposing garments to meals or social occasions, yet in the countryside, you should be more careful, opting for more conservative long trousers rather than shorts.
Vietnamese chopsticks etiquette and meal customs.
Dining on the delicious Vietnamese food will certainly have you lingering around the table! In Asia, meals are typically served in a communal fashion. Waitstaff will only bring a single menu to the table since it is customary for one person to make the decision for the group. So, if you find yourself seated at the table, here are our top pointers for proper mealtime etiquette in Vietnam:
If you would rather not utilize chopsticks, it is possible to request a fork, although many restaurants will not have a knife available.
Vietnam can be a wonderfully fascinating, yet at times a culture-shocking experience. It has remained faithful to its ancient customs, its culture being intricate and multifaceted. Regardless of the situation, a smile and a friendly demeanor are the key to forging genuine relationships while on your journey.
