Culture & Habits

A matter of etiquette

Traveling in Vietnam is not always relaxing. It can be unpredictable, intense and frustrating, but it is rewarding. Being demanding and loud, however, will get you nowhere. Remember the importance of "face" - the subtle but important quality of personal dignity - in Asian countries.

  • Try to learn about the local culture before you travel and broaden your experiences beyond the guidebooks. Guidebooks can make or break a guest-house or hotel by concentrating people in certain places. Guidebooks are also often out of date by the time they are distributed. Be willing to try alternative options.
  • Learn some of the local language. Even basics such as "hello". "goodbye" and thank you" will be appreciated.
  • Respect cultural differences and don't look down on, or try to change them.
  • Be careful when showing affection in public. Relationships in Vietnamese society are fairly traditional, so in general, it's best to limit affection to holding hands - especially in rural areas.
  • Avoid patting or touching people on the head - it's the symbolic high point in Asia.
  • Be aware of the importance of the ancestral shrine in Vietnam. Avoid backing up to, pointing your feet at or changing your clothing in front of it.

What to wear

To be sure of not causing offence, it is best to respect local dress standard and dress modestly, especially in the countryside.

  • There are no areas when nude or topless swimming or sunbathing is appropriate.
  • Women should try to avoid wearing low-cut or tight sleeveless tops and brief, clinging shorts. It is advisable to wear a bra at all times. Men should avoid walking around bare-chested.
  • At religious sites, do not wear shorts or sleeveless tops, and remember to remove your shoes.

Questions, privacy and humor

Vietnamese concepts of privacy are very different from those of Westerners, as they are accustomed to living and sharing in a close-knit community and in crowded conditions.

  • Don't be offended by the (very Vietnamese) fascination with your personal details. How old are you? Are you married? Do you have children? ect - question that you may consider private. You may find the answer "not yet" (chöa) to the question of marriage or children a useful one.
  • Don't be taken aback if people are intrigued by your size, especially if you are tall or well-built. The Vietnamese are a small, slight race and may openly display their amazement at Western bulk. Remember this when selecting your clothing.
  • Take to the locals and make friends. The people of Vietnam are friendly and hospitable. They love it when they hear a foreigner try to their language.

Snap Happy

Vietnam is a photographer's dream - from the vivid greens of the rice paddies and cloud-shrouded mountains to the bustle of open-air markets and street life, there are endless photographic opportunities. However, nobody enjoys being followed by camera, so remember to ask permission before taking photographs - and respect a refusal.

  • Don't hound men and women in traditional ethnic dress for the "perfect colorful shot" ifthey appear shy or void your camera, and remember that videos are even more intrusive.
  • Try to get into the situation of paying for the right to take photos, as it encourage a begging mentality.
  • If you promise to send back a photo, make sure you are sincere in your offer.

Just say no

It's in your own interest to respect local regulations and practice concerning drugs and alcohol. Drugs are illegal in Vietnam and their possession or usage carry harsh penalties.

  • Be careful about alcohol consumption, especially when visiting rural and ethnic minority
  • Remember that tourism can fuel the demand for alcohol and drugs, and lead to increased consumption/use by locals, encouraging social problem.

Getting personal

Be aware that in some communities it may be taboo to conduct an intimate relationship with a local.

  • Don't assume that what is acceptable at home is acceptable everywhere. Vietnam is still a largely traditional society, and getting involved with a local may cause offence.
  • Remember also that the recipient of a foreigner's attention can be seriously affected within their local communities in term of their well-being, social standing and reputation.

OUT AND ABOUT

Buying local

By using locally-product goods and services, you can contribute financially to the community you are visiting and help turn tourism to the country's benefit.

  • Drink and eat local food when you can
  • Use local transport and local shops.
  • Offer to repay hospitality in cash or in kind, to avoid exploiting the goodwill of others. At the same time, try to avoid paying for simple acts of kindness in cash - for example, being given directions.
  • Hire a local guide when visit protected areas or historical site. This way you will contribute to the local economy, learn more about the area, and have the opportunity to meet local people.

Giving money or gifts

Giving money away to both children and adults promotes a begging mentality and culture. It also highlights the income gap and strips away people's self-esteem. By avoiding cash hand-outs you can play a part in discouraging the development of a society which equates every human action as a potential money-making scheme.

  • Avoid giving children money or gifts, it is better to pay for a postcard, map, or a shoeshine.
  • Giving chocolate or sweets is a bad idea, as many people do not have access to dentists and knowledge of dental hygiene is poor.

The hard sell

Vietnam is a developing country, and one that has experienced a long period of war so poverty is obvious and unavoidable. Be prepared to be approached by street sellers, shoeshine boys, ect., or followed by empty cyclos expectantly awaiting your patronage, especially in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and other large towns.

  • If you are approached by a street seller, be firm but polite and calm in turning them away, even if you are irritated by a day filled with similar approaches.
  • Take a cyclo when you can, as they are a great way to see a city and view street life at close quarters. Cyclos are today closing out to taxis and xe om (motorbike taxis), so you'll also supporting a threatened trade.
  • Certain street have been made off-limits to cyclos, so your driver may have to take an indirect route to your destination.
  • Negotiate prices in advance before accepting either goods from street sellers, or getting on a xe om or into a cyclo.

The sex trade

In Asia, prostitution is an unfortunate fact of life. The link between tourism and prostitution is undisputed. Be aware that prostitution is illegal in Vietnam. Be careful not to act in any way that could be seen as encouraging this, especially where children are concerned.

  • Don't buy sexual services, remember that the relationship between tourist and prostitution is almost always unequal and tends to be exploitative.
  • The sexual exploitation of children is a significant problem right across Asia. However, several countries now have laws which enable the trial at home of tourists who have committed crimes of paedophilia abroad. If you observe anyone known to you to be involved in child prostitution, you might consider reporting them when you get home.

(Provided by IUCN Vietnam (Tel: 84-4-8257730, fax: 84-4-8140407))

 

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