What should I avoid in Vietnam?

11 Things You Shouldn't Eat or Drink in Vietnam
  • Tap water. Might as well start with the obvious one. ...
  • Strange meat. We don't mean street meat, as street food in Vietnam is amazing. ...
  • Roadside coffee. ...
  • Uncooked vegetables. ...
  • Raw blood pudding. ...
  • Cold soups. ...
  • Dog meat. ...
  • Milk.
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What is not allowed 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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What you should and shouldn't do in Vietnam?

Don't wear shorts, knee-baring skirts, or strappy tops when you visit a pagoda or temple. Dress conservatively by covering your arms, legs, and shoulders. Don't sit with your feet pointing towards a family altar if you are staying in someone's house. Don't take pictures of anything to do with the military.
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What is considered rude in Vietnam?

As in many places, it's rude to point with your index finger in Vietnam. To be polite, use your pinky finger when you want to point to something. Pointing with an open hand, palm facing down, is even more polite, but it's a bit overboard for most situations.
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When should I avoid Vietnam?

Hoi An: Avoid visiting in October due to heavy rainfall and possible flooding. Da Nang – Hoi An: Avoid swimming at the beaches in this central region during November as the rip tides can be particularly dangerous this month. Hanoi: Avoid visiting in July as heavy rainfall causes washed out roads and potential flooding.
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10 Things You Should NOT Do in Vietnam



Is it OK to wear shorts in Vietnam?

Remember that short shorts, crop tops and tank tops are not considered appropriate in Vietnam. Loose, long clothing is both respectful and tends to keep you cooler in hot climates.
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Is street food safe to eat in Vietnam?

A lot of travelers ask about street food in Vietnam. Is it safe to eat? The answer is yes, but only if you use caution and common sense to suss out safe street food vendors.
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What does the middle finger mean in Vietnamese?

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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What does fingers crossed mean in Vietnam?

The meaning of crossed fingers in Vietnam

In Vietnam, however, this is an obscene gesture, especially when done while looking at or addressing another person. The crossed fingers are said to resemble female genitals.
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Is Vietnam friendly to foreigners?

Vietnam is a popular destination for travelers thanks to its beauty and attractiveness. Though it's known as a peaceful country, there are bad things about Vietnam that can interfere with your trip. Some foreigners do not want to return to Vietnam because they have had a bad experience.
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How can I be respectful in Vietnam?

Respecting Others in Vietnam
  1. It may be a habit to stand with your arms crossed, but avoid this posture when visiting Vietnam.
  2. Don't stand with your hands on your hips.
  3. Don't flaunt your money.
  4. Don't criticize people. ...
  5. Always give the highest amount of respect to those older than you.
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What do I need to know before visiting Vietnam?

12 things you need to know before visiting Vietnam
  • Apply for your visa (if you're staying longer than 15 days) ...
  • Be prepared for Airport visa queues. ...
  • Check your travel vaccinations. ...
  • Dollars vs Dong. ...
  • Travel Agents are your friends. ...
  • Book accommodation for your first night. ...
  • Get ready to haggle. ...
  • Taxi Knowhow.
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Is water safe to drink in Vietnam?

Drinking tap water generally isn't recommended in Vietnam. Water contaminated with pathogenic organisms is a major source of sickness and can lead to traveller's experiencing diarrhoea, gastroenteritis, typhoid, cholera, giardia, dysentery and hepatitis A.
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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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Does Vietnam block Internet?

(May 2018) Click [show] for important translation instructions. Internet censorship in Vietnam prevents access to websites critical of the Vietnamese government, expatriate political parties, and international human rights organizations, among others or anything the Vietnamese government does not agree with.
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Is there a death penalty in Vietnam?

Capital punishment is a legal penalty in Vietnam for a variety of crimes. The Human Rights Measurement Initiative gives Vietnam a score of 4.4 out of 10 on the right to freedom from the death penalty, based on responses from human rights experts in the country.
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How do you offend someone in Vietnamese?

Do what the Vietnamese don't like.
  1. Bargain – Vietnamese do not bargain. When they bargain its called “loss of face” and it is an act of embarrassment. ...
  2. Go to a pagoda wearing shoes and short clothes. ...
  3. After you finish your meal leave the chopsticks in a vertical position. ...
  4. Talk bad about Ho Chi Minh.
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What does Smiling mean in Vietnamese culture?

For the Vietnamese, the smile is a proper response in most situations when verbal expression is not needed or not appropriate. With a smile, the Vietnamese can show happiness, contentment, agreement, acceptance, desire, and tolerance.
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How do you greet a Vietnamese woman?

Shake with both hands, and bow your head slightly to show respect. Bow to the elderly who do not extend their hand. Vietnamese women are more inclined to bow their head slightly than to shake hands. When greeting someone, say “xin chao” (seen chow) + given name + title.
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Is slurping rude in Vietnam?

For example, it is usually considered polite to slurp or make noises while eating in Vietnam. This is especially true when it comes to eating noodles: slurping is the norm and there are many (good) reasons for this, all of which are related to taste, flavour, and general enjoyment of the food you're eating.”
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Can I carry a knife in Vietnam?

legal in one area, totally illegal in others. (2) searches VERY unlikely, unless you're in a major city late at night or causing trouble. (3) almost everything can be cleared up with a small (often negotiable) fine paid in cash, on scene. however, your knife may very well be part of the "fine".
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What do Vietnamese eat for breakfast?

9 Foods That Vietnamese Eat For Breakfast
  • Pho.
  • Bun (Rice Vermicelli)
  • Mien (Cellophane Noodles/ Glass noodles)
  • Xoi (Sticky Rice)
  • Banh Mi (Vietnamese Bread)
  • Banh Cuon (Rice Flour Steamed Rolls)
  • Cháo (Congee/Porridge)
  • Trứng Vịt Lộn (Balut)
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Do they speak English in Vietnam?

In tourist centres many Vietnamese will speak some English, but a lot will speak none. In more remote areas, English speakers can be very rare. Some older Vietnamese will speak more French than English.
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Do Vietnamese like American tourists?

I work in tourism, and I like American tourists a lot. Most of them are really polite and interested in our country. Some even come here to express their regrets over the Vietnam War, so they try to be extra nice towards us. We have a lot to learn from Americans."
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