Is it rude to make eye contact in Vietnam?

Vietnamese people typically avoid direct eye contact and may gaze downward when talking. Avoiding eye contact demonstrates respect to elders, people of higher status or of the opposite sex. Speaking in a loud tone with excessive gestures is considered rude, especially when done by women.
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What is considered rude in Vietnamese culture?

Common taboos in Vietnam

Avoid hugging, holding hands, and especially kissing in public. Even touching a member of the opposite sex is looked down upon. Modesty: It is important to keep your body covered. Avoid overly short shorts and revealing shirts.
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What is considered respectful in Vietnamese culture?

The Vietnamese consider the following respectful: Bowing is a greeting and shows great respect. Nodding is used as another way to say hello and yes. Avoiding eye contact shows respect to older people or to people of the opposite sex.
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What is disrespectful to Vietnamese?

To common Vietnamese people, too much make-up, brightly painted nails, heavy tattoos, too much jewelry will create an impression that you're not a decent, educated kind of people, or rather, a trọc phú (an empty-headed rich person). It is considered impolite to flaunt wealth in public.
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What are some taboos in Vietnamese culture?

Body Taboos

Do not stand with your hands on your hips. Do not cross your arms on your chest. Do not touch a person of the opposite sex without a permission. Do not pass anything over someone's head and pass items with both hands.
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VIETNAMESE PEOPLE ARE RUDE? | Hanoi, Vietnam



How do Vietnamese show affection?

Men and women do not show affection in public. However, members of the same sex may hold hands while walking. Always use both hands when passing an object to another person. Touching children on the head is only done by parents, grandparents, etc.
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What is forbidden in Vietnam?

Some things that are illegal in Vietnam include Gambling, Prostitution, Drug Use and Distribution, and Pornography. Vietnamese law is built based on the long-standing culture and the characteristics of the local Vietnamese lifestyle.
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Do and don'ts in Vietnam culture?

The Vietnamese people value humility, restraint, and modesty. Avoid being boastful or showing off wealth. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon so try to avoid touching people of the opposite sex. Dress conservatively and keep your body covered.
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What you should not do in Vietnam?

Don'ts when visiting Vietnam
  • Don't end up in jail. Don't take photos of any military installations and equipment, it is a breach of national security and you could end up in jail, and you do not want to spend your vacations …and a bit … at a Vietnamese jail.
  • Watch your tootsies. ...
  • Observe the altars. ...
  • No chopstick playing.
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Are Vietnamese friendly to foreigners?

The Vietnamese people are welcoming, sincere, generous, and genuinely curious about foreigners; it's an ideal place to make local friends. It's not unusual to meet a stranger, and soon find yourself invited to visit their home or their village.
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What are offensive gestures in Vietnam?

Patting a person's back, especially a senior or someone of higher status, pointing to other people while talking, or putting one's feet on a table or sitting on a desk while talking are all rude and disrespectful. Winking is regarded as indecent, especially when directed at people of the opposite sex.
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What should I be careful of in Vietnam?

What are the common security risks in Vietnam?
  • Petty crime. As a victim of petty crime in Vietnam, I can confirm that it is something that you need to be wary of throughout the country. ...
  • Scammers and opportunists. ...
  • Corruption. ...
  • Road accidents. ...
  • Lack of rural healthcare. ...
  • Typhoons and storms. ...
  • Earthquakes. ...
  • Subscribe to CloseCircle.
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How do you show gratitude in Vietnam?

Cám ơn is the standard way of saying thank you in Vietnamese, especially in Southern Vietnam. In Northern Vietnam, you may hear cảm ơn instead, with a different accent mark, as thank you. Just know that there is no difference in terms of meaning. The word cảm means "to feel", whereas the word ơn means "favor".
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What is the middle finger in Vietnam?

Middle finger: This gesture is impolite and will make others very angry. Pointing finger to the forehead: When you point your finger to the forehead, you are trying to say that someone is crazy.
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How do you greet a Vietnamese woman?

Xin chào is the safest, most polite way of saying “hello” in Vietnamese. You can use it to greet anybody.
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Is it offensive to say Saigon?

It's offensive to some northerners to use Sài Gòn, and offensive to some southerners to use Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh. But on the whole, most Vietnamese won't be offended by either, and will often use them interchangeably themselves.
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What are some weird laws in Vietnam?

  • TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS, VIDEOS, DRAW at some places are not allowed. ...
  • LARGE CROWD in which you can get caught up in the moment. ...
  • MOTORBIKE can not drive more than two people or bulky items. ...
  • DRINKING AGE is 18. ...
  • DO NOT DRIVE AFTER DRINKING. ...
  • SPEAKING AGAINST Vietnam, government and Communist Party may bring problems.
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Is there a dress code in Vietnam?

There is no law for a dress code in Vietnam per se, and Vietnamese have grown totally accustomed to seeing visiting tourists who dress in ways that they normally wouldn't in public.
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Is Vietnam friendly to tourists?

Vietnam is a wonderful country in South East Asia. It's generally known to be one of the most visited by travelers and backpackers when you think about this part of the country. Compared to other continents, Asia is easy to travel to and people are very friendly. Vietnam makes no exception.
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Is Vietnam welcoming to foreigners?

Vietnam not only attracts visitors, tourists, and travelers. It has also become an attractive destination for expats. The Vietnamese are usually very welcoming to foreigners and expats.
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Are tattoos frowned upon in Vietnam?

Tattoos have long been frowned upon in Vietnam, but it wasn't always this way. In ancient times, fishermen used to tattoo their entire bodies to resemble a sea monster for protection against aquatic predators. During the Ly and Tran dynasty, tattoos became an official entry requirement for the imperial court.
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What superstitions do the Vietnamese follow?

Vietnamese superstitions to know
  • No sweeping the house or taking out the trash on the first day of the lunar new year.
  • Dining-related superstitions.
  • No eating eggs before exams.
  • Children wearing hats indoors will not grow tall.
  • If a dragonfly bites your belly button, you learn how to swim.
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What is the consent age in Vietnam?

Age of Consent: 18 years Vietnam Criminal Code Art. 143, paragraph 4 Any person who employs trickery to make his care-dependent or a person in extreme need to reluctantly engage in sexual intercourse or other sexual activities shall face a penalty of 01 - 05 years' imprisonment. 4.
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Can you get tampons in Vietnam?

Tampons/pads

These types of toiletetries in Vietnam are available in a wide range, from the standard to special wings. Tampons on the other hand are incredibly hard to find and are of poor quality- typically only offered in the one standard small size.
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What is the drinking age in Vietnam?

The Drinking Age in Vietnam

The legal drinking age is 18, while the legal gambling age is 21. Also, keep in mind that you are not allowed to bring cultural items into the country that the Government considers to be depraved. In other words, leave your T-shirt that advertises your favorite beer at home.
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