Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating countries, blending ancient traditions with buzzing cities, unforgettable cuisine, and jaw-dropping landscapes. But for many first-time visitors, cultural missteps are almost inevitable. What seems harmless or even polite in your home country might be seen as rude, invasive, or just strange in Vietnam.
From using the wrong hand gesture to misinterpreting dining etiquette or unknowingly offending someone’s beliefs, Vietnam operates on a different rhythm—and understanding it can make or break your travel experience. These aren’t just rules; they’re reflections of values that prioritize respect, humility, and community.
Before you hop on a scooter or order your first bowl of pho, it’s worth knowing what not to do. Because while Vietnam is warm and welcoming, locals won’t always tell you when you’ve crossed a line—they’ll just quietly take offense or shake their heads once you walk away.
Read here the best things to know before visiting Vietnam, how to get from Hanoi airport to Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh airport to city center.
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Travel Tips for Vietnam
Don’t touch someone’s head—it’s considered sacred.
Avoid pointing with your fingers or feet—both are disrespectful.
Dress modestly at temples, even in the heat.
Never raise your voice in public—it’s seen as losing face.
Always remove your shoes when entering a home.
Don’t expect lines to be orderly—adapt and be patient.
Use both hands when giving or receiving items—it shows respect.
Many Western tourists arrive in Vietnam with a mindset shaped by convenience, personal freedom, and casual social norms. But in Vietnam, harmony and respect often outweigh the individual. For example, raising your voice to demand service may be common in New York or Paris—but in Hanoi, it’s seen as disrespectful and embarrassing for everyone involved.
There’s also a blind spot in how some travelers romanticize Vietnam without understanding its painful historical scars. Behaviors like taking selfies at war memorials or bargaining aggressively with street vendors—who might be war survivors—reveal a disconnect between tourism and cultural sensitivity.
Finally, Vietnam’s rapid modernization has made some tourists assume the culture is Westernizing, too. But even in cities with luxury malls and rooftop bars, deeply rooted traditions around gender roles, family hierarchy, and community conduct remain. Ignoring these out of ignorance or arrogance only reinforces the stereotype of the clueless traveler.
Things Not to Do in Vietnam
1. Don’t Disrespect the National Flag or Leaders
Why It’s Important:
The Vietnamese hold their national flag and leaders in high regard. Disrespecting them is considered offensive and can lead to legal trouble.
What to Avoid:
Making negative comments about the government or the communist party.
Damaging or mishandling the Vietnamese flag.
Tip:
Avoid political discussions unless you’re speaking with someone who introduces the topic themselves.
2. Don’t Wear Revealing Clothing at Temples
Why It’s Important:
Temples and pagodas are sacred places, and wearing inappropriate attire is seen as disrespectful.
What to Avoid:
Wearing shorts, tank tops, or low-cut clothing.
Tip:
Dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites. Carry a scarf or shawl for quick coverage.
3. Don’t Show Public Displays of Affection
Why It’s Important:
Vietnamese culture is conservative, and public displays of affection are frowned upon.
What to Avoid:
Kissing, hugging, or overly affectionate behavior in public.
Tip:
Keep affectionate gestures private.
4. Don’t Touch People’s Heads
Why It’s Important:
In Vietnamese culture, the head is considered sacred, especially for children.
What to Avoid:
Touching or patting someone’s head, even in a friendly manner.
Tip:
Respect personal boundaries and avoid unnecessary physical contact.
5. Don’t Point with Your Fingers
Why It’s Important:
Pointing with your fingers is considered rude and aggressive in Vietnamese culture.
What to Avoid:
Using your finger to point at people or objects.
Tip:
Use your whole hand to gesture politely instead.
6. Don’t Sit with Your Feet Pointing at Others
Why It’s Important:
Feet are considered the lowest and dirtiest part of the body.
What to Avoid:
Sitting in a way that points your feet at people, statues, or sacred objects.
Tip:
Sit cross-legged or with your feet flat on the ground.
7. Don’t Be Disrespectful at War Memorials
Why It’s Important:
War memorials and museums are important places of remembrance for the Vietnamese.
What to Avoid:
Making jokes or taking disrespectful photos at sites like the War Remnants Museum or Cu Chi Tunnels.
Tip:
Show solemn respect when visiting these historical locations.
8. Don’t Lose Your Temper
Why It’s Important:
Vietnamese people value patience and calmness in public interactions.
What to Avoid:
Raising your voice, arguing loudly, or showing anger in public.
Tip:
Stay calm and polite, even in frustrating situations like bargaining or traffic issues.
9. Don’t Forget to Remove Your Shoes
Why It’s Important:
Removing shoes before entering homes, temples, or some shops is customary in Vietnam.
What to Avoid:
Walking into someone’s house or a temple with your shoes on.
Tip:
Look for shoe racks or observe what locals are doing before entering.
10. Don’t Take Photos Without Permission
Why It’s Important:
While many locals are friendly, some may not appreciate being photographed without consent.
What to Avoid:
Snapping pictures of people, particularly in rural areas or ethnic minority communities, without asking.
Tip:
Politely ask for permission before taking photos, and respect their wishes if they decline.
11. Don’t Drink Tap Water
Why It’s Important:
Tap water in Vietnam is not safe to drink.
What to Avoid:
Drinking tap water or using it to brush your teeth.
Tip:
Stick to bottled water, which is cheap and widely available.
12. Don’t Over-Bargain
Why It’s Important:
Bargaining is common in markets, but doing so aggressively can come across as disrespectful.
What to Avoid:
Lowballing or refusing to pay a fair price after negotiating.
Tip:
Negotiate in good humor and agree on a price that feels fair to both parties.
13. Don’t Ignore Traffic Rules
Why It’s Important:
Vietnam’s chaotic traffic can be overwhelming, and ignoring traffic rules is dangerous.
What to Avoid:
Crossing the road without looking carefully.
Driving a motorbike without a proper license or helmet.
Tip:
Cross streets slowly and steadily, allowing vehicles to navigate around you. Always wear a helmet when riding a motorbike.
14. Don’t Leave Chopsticks Upright in Rice
Why It’s Important:
Placing chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice resembles funeral rituals and is considered bad luck.
What to Avoid:
Leaving chopsticks standing in your bowl when eating.
Tip:
Rest chopsticks on the side of your bowl or on a chopstick holder when not in use.
15. Don’t Engage in Illegal Activities
Why It’s Important:
Vietnam has strict laws regarding drugs, gambling, and other illegal activities.
What to Avoid:
Possession or use of illegal drugs, which can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment or worse.
Tip:
Familiarize yourself with local laws and avoid risky behavior.
16. Don’t Assume All Food Is Mild
Why It’s Important:
Vietnamese cuisine includes a range of flavors, including spicy dishes.
What to Avoid:
Taking large bites without knowing the spice level.
Tip:
Ask about spice levels if you’re sensitive and always try a small portion first.
17. Don’t Forget to Use Both Hands When Giving or Receiving
Why It’s Important:
Using both hands shows respect, especially when handing over money or gifts.
What to Avoid:
Using one hand, which can come across as dismissive or rude.
Tip:
Always use both hands to give or receive items, particularly from elders.
18. Don’t Avoid Street Food
Why It’s Important:
Vietnamese street food is delicious, fresh, and an integral part of the country’s culture.
What to Avoid:
Skipping street food out of fear of hygiene concerns.
Tip:
Choose busy stalls where food is cooked fresh and served hot. Look for locals dining there for a good indicator of quality.
19. Don’t Overstay Your Visa
Why It’s Important:
Overstaying your visa can lead to fines, deportation, or difficulties re-entering Vietnam in the future.
What to Avoid:
Staying longer than your visa allows.
Tip:
Check your visa’s validity and extend it if needed before it expires.
20. Don’t Assume Everyone Speaks English
Why It’s Important:
While English is common in tourist areas, many locals, especially in rural areas, may not speak it fluently.
What to Avoid:
Speaking too fast or expecting perfect English everywhere.
Tip:
Learn basic Vietnamese phrases like “Xin chào” (hello) and “Cảm ơn” (thank you). Use translation apps if needed.
Final Thoughts
Vietnam doesn’t expect perfection from its visitors, but it does value effort. Learning what not to do isn’t about walking on eggshells—it’s about showing that you care enough to understand the culture you’re stepping into. That small shift in awareness can lead to richer conversations, warmer interactions, and a far more memorable experience.
Respecting local customs isn’t a burden—it’s a passport to the real Vietnam, the one most tourists never get to see. Avoiding these 20 common mistakes can be the difference between just visiting a country and being genuinely welcomed into it.
So before you board your flight, take a moment to understand what matters in Vietnam—and leave the loud, clueless tourist persona behind. Your experience will be better. So will your impact.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.