The Do’s and Don’ts of Vietnamese Cultural Etiquette

The Do’s and Don’ts of Vietnamese Cultural Etiquette

Vietnamese culture is known for its hospitality, friendliness, and respect for traditions and customs. As a visitor to Vietnam, it’s essential to know some of the country’s cultural etiquette to avoid any misunderstandings. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do: Greet with respect

Vietnamese people value respect highly, and greetings are significant. It’s customary to greet someone with a slight nod or bow of the head, especially if you are meeting an older person or someone of higher rank. When greeting someone, you should use the appropriate title, such as “anh” for older brother, “chi” for older sister, or “ba” for a woman. A handshake is also acceptable, but it’s not the traditional practice.

Don’t: Touch someone’s head

In Vietnamese culture, touching someone’s head is disrespectful. The head is considered the most sacred part of the body, and only parents or grandparents are allowed to touch their children’s heads. Touching someone’s head, especially someone older than you, is considered impolite and offensive.

Do: Bring small gifts

It’s common for Vietnamese people to exchange small gifts when visiting someone’s house. This gesture shows respect and appreciation for the host’s hospitality. If you’re invited to someone’s house, it’s appropriate to bring a small gift such as fruit, sweets or flowers. Make sure the flowers are not white or yellow, as these colors are associated with death and mourning.

Don’t: Point with your finger

In Vietnamese culture, pointing with your finger is considered rude and aggressive. Instead, it’s better to use your whole hand or nod in the direction you mean. You should also avoid pointing your feet at someone, as it’s considered impolite.

Do: Eat and drink with the right hand

Vietnamese meals are typically served family-style, with shared dishes placed in the center of the table. When eating, make sure to use your right hand to pick up food, as it’s considered the clean hand. You should also wait for the oldest person at the table to start eating before you begin.

Don’t: Leave chopsticks upright in a bowl

Leaving chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice or food is considered disrespectful. It resembles the incense sticks used in funerals and is therefore associated with death and bad luck. You should also avoid using chopsticks to move dishes around or play with them.

In conclusion, Vietnamese cultural etiquette is an essential aspect of the country’s heritage, and visitors should familiarize themselves with these customs to avoid any misunderstandings. Remember to be respectful, polite, and show appreciation for the country’s traditions and customs. By doing so, you’ll be sure to have a pleasant and memorable experience in Vietnam.

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