9 Things to Avoid while Visiting Vietnam in 2024/2025

When planning a trip to Vietnam, it's important to understand both the must-dos and the things to avoid. Vietnam is a captivating country with beaches, ancient temples, and a rich history. Its distinct culture is a fusion of traditions and influences. Upon arrival be ready for a travel adventure by being aware of what not to do during your visit to Vietnam.

Avoid Drinking Tap Water, always Drink Bottled Water in Vietnam

Tap water in Vietnam is not considered safe for drinking. In urban areas, the water that comes out of the tap will have been treated and purified at the source, but the water distribution infrastructure can allow contamination to occur. In more rural areas, water treatment can be inconsistent or at a lower standard. Stick to drinking bottled water during your time in Vietnam.

The same concerns apply to drinking water-based beverages and ice cubes. Hotels, cafes, and better restaurants are usually very careful to use purified or boiled water for beverages and ice cubes. If you have any doubts about an establishment's hygiene, it is best to choose somewhere else. Boiled water is much safer to drink, so hot drinks like tea and coffee are less cause for concern.

Enjoy a cap of coffee in Hoi An old towm.

Avoid Talking about the Vietnam War or Politics in Public

Part of respecting other cultures is being aware of topics that might be sensitive. When talking with local people in Vietnam, it's best to avoid discussing the Vietnam War and politics in general. The Vietnam War is a deeply personal and often painful topic for many Vietnamese people. It can be easy to unintentionally evoke discomfort or strong emotions.

Social norms vary from country to country, and political topics can be highly polarized. It can be difficult for newcomers to Vietnam to be aware of the current political climate, and it is all too easy to create misunderstandings. Talk to people about their daily lives, local cuisine, and traditional culture, or ask for travel tips. If sensitive topics come up, try to listen more than you talk.

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Avoid Buying Things without Negotiation and Bargaining

Haggling over prices, particularly in markets, is not only expected in Vietnam but also essential. Outside of places with fixed prices like supermarkets and modern shopping centers, the first price you are told will be inflated. Bargaining is part of local culture, and it's not the shopkeeper trying to take advantage of you.

Bargaining is an art form when shopping in Vietnam. It's likely you'll end up paying more than a local person would. Start by offering no less than half the price, and go back and forth until you're satisfied. Keep the bargaining friendly, and walk away if the price stays too high for you.

Shopping in Vietnam.

Avoid Traveling without Using Sunscreen or Hat to Protect Yourself from the Sun

Vietnam is an excellent place for outdoor exploration. Whether wandering the Old Quarter of Hanoi, laying on a beach in Phu Quoc, or taking a boat cruise of Halong Bay, you'll probably spend many hours under the strong, tropical sun. Sun protection is essential at all times. Even on cloudy days, 90% of the UV rays can pass through, causing a risk of sunburn.

At a minimum, put on a high-SPF sunscreen before going outdoors. A wide-brimmed hat can help keep the sun off your face, and sunglasses will be helpful on sunny days. Even on the hottest days, many local people will be wearing long sleeves, gloves, and face masks for sun protection.

Sun protection when you travel in Vietnam.

Avoid Wearing Revealing Clothing, Especially when Visiting Religious Sites

The weather can get hot and sticky in Vietnam, so it can be tempting to wear short and tight clothing. However, Vietnam has a more conservative culture than many Western countries, and you should avoid wearing clothes that are too revealing. Clothes that are too tight, low-cut, or transparent are not respectful of local cultural norms. Instead, choose lightweight and breathable fabrics and loose-fitting clothes. A scarf or shawl can be a good option to wear with a sleeveless top or dress.

Some religious sites, like the Temple of Literature in Hanoi and Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh, have specific dress codes. Even when there are no stated dress codes, conservative attire should be worn in temples in Vietnam. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and hats and sunglasses should be removed.

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Avoid the Rush Hour If Possible, as Vietnam's Traffic is Overwhelming

If you haven't been to Southeast Asia before, you might have experienced truly overwhelming traffic. Rush hour in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can be chaotic and frustrating if you're trying to get anywhere. In addition to all the cars and buses on the road, there will be motorcycles everywhere, often traveling in every direction.

Rush hour lasts from 6 AM to 9 AM and 4 PM to 7:30 PM. The peaks come from 7 to 8 AM and 5 to 6:30 PM when many people are traveling to and from work. It's best to plan your Vietnam itinerary to travel before or after these times. If you do get stuck in traffic, stay patient and calm, you'll get to your destination eventually.

Avoid Showing Disrespect towards Local Culture and Customs

It's always best to have an open mind when traveling to a new country and embrace local customs. General good manners will help a lot. Try to be patient and calm, and understand that things might be done differently than where you are from. Don't be too loud, particularly in museums and religious sites. Learn some Vietnamese phrases. Even simple phrases like hello, goodbye, and thank you will be received as a nice gesture.

Don't show any disrespect towards the Vietnamese flag or national symbols. People are naturally proud of their own country, and there are strict laws concerning the national flag. Touching people's heads without permission is considered rude, as is pointing your feet towards others. Also, avoid public displays of affect. Modesty and reserve are important parts of Vietnamese culture, and such displays can be seen as inappropriate.

Respect Local Cultuer when you travel in Vietnam.

Avoid Displaying Signs of Wealth, Be Careful about the Theft and Pickpocket

The modesty and reserve that are important in Vietnamese culture frown upon people flaunting their wealth. Excessive jewelry or extravagant clothing should not be worn when going out, and showing off large amounts of cash can appear rude.

Petty crimes like bag snatching and pickpocketing are another reason to be inconspicuous about wealth. Try to be discreet when using high-end electronics in large crowds. Don't carry large amounts of cash, and consider using a money belt or hidden pouch for cash and important documents. Most hotels have a safe in the room so you can secure valuables and only take what you need for the day.

Avoid Crossing the Street without Paying Attention

The single biggest danger to tourists is traffic-related accidents. Roads in Vietnam can appear chaotic to outsiders. Pay strict attention when crossing the road. Always cross at crosswalks, and never assume you have the right of way. You'll need to look both ways before crossing, as vehicles, especially motorcycles, can approach from either direction.

A good strategy is to use local pedestrians as guides. They understand local traffic patterns and etiquette and are good signals of when it is safe to cross the road. Try to make eye contact with drivers to ensure that they see you, and raise your hand while crossing to increase your visibility.

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Conclusion

Vietnam is an exciting country to visit, and just a few precautions will ensure you have a great trip. Be respectful at all times, and you'll find local people are happy to share their country and culture with you. Choose one of our expertly crafted Vietnam tours, and you'll also have a professional, English-speaking local guide on hand to provide information and advice. Don't hesitate to contact us, Vietnam tours fill up quickly, and it's a trip you don't want to miss out on.