13 Common Culture Shocks in Vietnam and Tips to Avoid

Culture shocks in Vietnam are a common experience for foreigners, especially first-time visitors. Even many expats who have lived and worked in Vietnam for years still find it challenging to understand and adapt to local culture and customs. 

During my seven years of experience as a local guide, I have witnessed many awkward, hilarious, and embarrassing moments that my travelers experienced in Vietnam due to cultural differences. 

This article will highlight common culture shocks in Vietnam and provide thorough explanations to help you understand them better. Hopefully, this will broaden your mind and help you appreciate Vietnamese culture and people a lot more!

Bear in mind, in Vietnam, always expect the unexpected! 

#1. Crazy Traffic and “Ninjas” Everywhere!

As soon as you land in Vietnam, you will encounter your first and perhaps most intense culture shock: crazy traffic. Crossing the street in Vietnam can be a daunting experience. Traffic is often chaotic, motorbikes constantly weave in and out of traffic and drivers don’t always follow the rules. 

Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you feel scared when you step foot on the street and wait hours to cross the road? Well, you’re not alone! 

According to the latest statistics, every day in Vietnam, 7,456 new motorbikes are sold equivalent to 5 motorbikes sold every minute. 

In big cities like Hanoi or Saigon, ‌rush hour traffic can be overwhelming due to the sheer number of motorbikes. This sight is so common that it no longer raises an eyebrow.

To make matters worse, some people even drive their motorbikes on the pedestrian pavement to rush to work, creating a chaotic and shocking scene for foreigners. 

Ho Chi Minh City traffic is in rush hour. Image source: Vietnamnet 

What leaves foreigners jaw-dropping is that Vietnamese people can do almost anything with their motorbikes. They can transport their entire family, animals like pigs, cows, ducks, or even a refrigerator or another motorbike. 

Watch this TikTok video and you’ll know what I mean.

@elena.in.vietnam Motorbikes in VN won’t stop surprising me 🇻🇳#vietnam #nuocngoaitrend #nuocngoai #xemay #nguoinuocngoaiovietnam ♬ оригинальный звук – 😇

Vietnamese people love motorbikes because they are affordable, easy to obtain a driving license for, and hassle-free when navigating small alleys or country roads compared to cars. 

Motorcyclists have to wear masks, sunglasses, long pants and jackets (that look like “Ninjas”) to shield themselves from exhaust fumes and overexposure to the sun since they don’t have roofs like cars. This explains why the term “Ninja” was coined as a funny joke among Vietnamese people. 

Tips from Phoebe and Besties: How do you cross the streets in Vietnam? 

1. Look on both sides of the street before crossing
2. Be confident and walk at a leisurely pace. The traffic will avoid you.
3. Remember: don’t run! Running can startle drivers and cause accidents.

#2. Karaoke all Day and Nights

Karaoke is an extremely popular pastime in Vietnam. Nearly every Vietnamese family owns a karaoke machine, and there are even karaoke roads lined with shops offering hourly rates.

Singing karaoke is a fun way to relieve stress, socialize, and celebrate special occasions such as birthdays and weddings. Even if you’re just passing by, you might be invited inside to sing along—the more, the merrier! 

A well-decorated karaoke room with games in Vietnam

However, karaoke addiction can also be very annoying as people can turn on loud karaoke at any time of day, even at midnight. So if you’re thinking of living in Vietnam, you better be prepared to get used to it. 

#3. So Different Customs and Etiquette

Being aware of local customs and etiquette when visiting Vietnam is important. What is considered normal in your culture may be offensive in Vietnamese culture. Below are some examples: 

Fingers crossed? Be Careful! 

In the West, crossing your fingers symbolizes hope for good luck. This gesture holds an optimistic meaning.

In Vietnam, it’s considered highly inappropriate and rude to cross your fingers in public, especially towards another person. The gesture is equivalent to the middle finger in Western cultures. 

The shape created by overlapping fingers resembles female genitalia. Given that our culture emphasizes modesty, all sexual organs are considered taboo and vulgar.

When I share this secret with my fellow travelers, their eyes and mouths open wide in speechlessness. They unanimously agree that this is one of the most hilarious culture shocks in Vietnam. 

Shoes off When Entering Houses

You will drive Vietnamese people mad if you enter their houses with your shoes on.

Vietnamese families usually share many activities on the floor, like eating, partying, playing cards, or sleeping. Parents even let their toddlers crawl and play around on the floor. That’s why we mop the floor 3-4 times a day, keeping it spotlessly clean. 

Image Source

Bringing your shoes to the house will dirty the floor, so take them off and put them nicely outside, please! This is a respectful gesture that shows you value the host and the cleanliness of their home.

Just Talk, No Pointing on the Face

In Vietnam, there’s a saying: “Polite people talk, not point at someone’s face!”

Pointing your finger at someone’s face during a conversation or discussion is rude. This gesture is seen as a sign of anger and can lead to a heated argument or even a physical fight.

Loud Speaking or Eating in Public

In this case, being loud is not a sign of rudeness but rather a part of our habit. 

Vietnamese people may seem loud when speaking in public, as if you might think “Oh my god! Are they getting into a fight?”.

Walking past a street food stall, you’ll notice a lively and bustling atmosphere with people eating, cheering, chatting, laughing, and so on. Even if you’re sharing a public bus with locals, you’ll likely notice someone talking loudly on their phone.

During your time in Vietnam, you are likely to bump into some loud Vietnamese people at least once or twice. This can be amusing and slightly annoying, so be prepared for this cultural experience.

Bargaining is a Lifestyle

Bargaining is a widespread practice in Vietnam. When shopping at markets or street stalls, you can negotiate for the best price.

In Vietnam, we often say “bargain for fun,” meaning that it’s not just about saving money but also about embracing the local lifestyle. 

Shop owners prefer win-win situations, so don’t lower your prices aggressively. Instead, be respectful and friendly during the bargaining process. 

The first customer of the day is particularly important, as it can set the tone for the entire day’s sales. Therefore, when you enter a shop, at least make some interaction. If you enter, look around, and leave without saying a word, you may upset the locals. 

#4. Dog and Cat Meat Consumption

It’s sad to admit that in some parts of Vietnam, particularly in the northern areas, people still see dogs and cats as a food source. Some local markets and restaurants outside Hanoi Old Quarter even openly display dog and cat meats as their specialties. 

According to some beliefs, dog meat has a cooling nature that can balance the body during illnesses. Moreover, some people believe that consuming dog meat at the end of the year will cleanse them of bad luck from the previous year and bring prosperity in the coming year.

In foreign countries, dogs and cats are cherished pets, deeply loved and protected. Therefore, it’s understandable that many foreign visitors are shocked and appalled to learn that the dog and cat meat trade still exists in Vietnam.

The government is working to curb this trade nationwide, but it is a slow process due to the deep-rooted cultural customs involved. 

Fact to know #1: If you see any stores with signs that say “Cầy Tơ,” “Thịt Chó,” “Tiểu Hổ,” or “Thịt Mèo,” do not enter, as they sell dog and cat meat. 

Fact to know #2: Did you know that Hoi An was the first city in Vietnam to say no to dog and cat meat? 

Phoebe and Besties offers outstanding cooking classes, cultural food and sightseeing tours, giving you deeper insights into our country’s history and heritage.

#5. Excessive Plastic Use 

In some foreign countries, plastic bags are discouraged or require a fee for their use. In contrast, plastic bags are widely available in Vietnam. If you visit any local market or store and ask for a takeaway, you will notice the excessive amount of plastic you receive. 

Too much plastic use leads to uncontrollable littering and places a strain on the environment, especially in suburban and remote areas. Plastic waste is a real can of worms in Vietnamese society.

Despite government efforts to educate the public, particularly young children, about recycling and waste classification, these initiatives seem like a drop in the ocean in fostering sustainable habits.

#6. Communism but Not Really! 

Being labeled a communist country, many foreigners traveling to Vietnam, especially those from capitalism, expect it to be similar to other communist nations like Russia or China.

However, after spending a few days in Hanoi or Saigon, they are surprised to find that Vietnam is not the typical communist country they thought it would be, particularly in terms of freedom.

“Can you open and own your own business in Vietnam, or does it belong to the government?” “Can you use Google or Facebook in Vietnam?” These are questions that I get asked frequently.

We can freely open and own our businesses, starting simply by selling food in front of our homes without going through excessive paperwork or dealing with numerous authorities. The government even creates startup conferences and encourages young people to pursue entrepreneurship. 

Unlike in China, Vietnamese people have access to Google, YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat, Netflix, HBO, and basically any media channel that Westerners can access. 

Many foreigners have shared on TikTok how they ironically found freedom in Vietnam, receiving numerous likes and agreements. 

#7. Country and Family Always First

When traveling in Vietnam, you will notice propaganda banners everywhere, from the streets and parks to government buildings.

These banners serve to praise the country, honor Uncle Ho Chi Minh, the government, and the soldiers, and aim to inspire citizens to contribute to developing the country. They also play a role in educating younger generations about the importance of protecting the country’s sovereignty.

Image Source

Since we were little children, the first thing we were taught in school was “Rule No.1: Love the country and your fellow countrymen!” Our love for our country and family has been nurtured through generations. 

In the past, millions of Vietnamese people were willing to sacrifice for Vietnam’s freedom and independence.

Today, we show our pride and love for the country through various actions, including respecting and hanging Vietnamese flags on every special occasion, preserving Vietnamese culture by wearing traditional “Ao Dai” clothing, joining hands to clean the environment, and supporting people in need. 

Vietnamese flags are hung up on the street to celebrate Independence Day 

If you feel a strong sense of patriotism in Vietnam, it’s normal. Don’t be surprised! 😊

#8. Diverse Cuisines, Healthy Diet, Active People

Is anyone here a fan of Vietnamese food? Hands up! 🙌🙌🙌

Vietnamese cuisine is well-known worldwide for its diversity, delicious flavors, and healthy balance between vegetables and protein.

You’ve likely heard of our iconic dishes such as “Phở,” “Bánh Mì,” and “Bún Bò Huế,” but beyond these, we also have thousands of other dishes that showcase the distinct flavors of each region. 

The flavor of each region reflects the habits, lifestyle, climate, and personality of its people. For example, Northerners enjoy the original flavors of ingredients, so they add a few spices to their broth.

Meanwhile, people from the Central region live in hot and humid weather all year round and prefer spicy, salty food that can whet their appetites. That’s why you may find Northern food to be more bland, while Central food is spicier. 

Despite consuming a substantial amount of food in their daily diets, Vietnamese people tend to be fit and slim. Many of my fellow travelers have expressed surprise, asking me, “Phoebe, how is it that Vietnamese people eat so much yet remain so thin? We haven’t come across any overweight people here!” 

Vietnam has one of the lowest obesity rates globally, and the secret lies in our diet and active lifestyle. We prioritize fresh foods and greens and avoid too much processed or fast food.

Every morning, locals wake up early, around 4:30 am, to exercise, such as running, jogging, yoga, Tai Chi, Zumba, aerobics, swimming, volleyball, and shuttlecock kicking.  

Image source: www.thanhnien.vn

#9. Vibrant Coffee Culture

First introduced to Vietnam by the French in the 19th century, coffee quickly became a beloved drink. Today, Vietnam is the second world’s largest coffee producer and exporter, and coffee is deeply embedded in the country’s culture and daily life.

Coffee, known locally as “Cà Phê”, can be found on every street corner in Vietnam. We take great pride in our robust, flavorful coffee and have creatively come up with many unique coffee variations.

In addition to the classic and iconic “Cà Phê Sữa Đá” (coffee with condensed milk), you’ll also find yourself falling in love with “Cà Phê Trứng” (egg coffee), “Cà Phê Muối” (Vietnamese salted coffee), or “Cà Phê Dừa” (Vietnamese coconut coffee). 

Coffee is also an important part of social gatherings in Vietnam.

There are low-chair cafés where people sit on stools and chat, hammock cafés where they can relax or nap while enjoying a cup of coffee, quiet coffee shops where people study and work, and chic, well-designed coffee shops for photo enthusiasts. 

What excites visitors the most is how Vietnamese people have transformed coffee, something not originally theirs, into a symbol of a distinctive culinary culture that is only found in Vietnam.

#10. Nap At Noon

If you happen to be outdoors around noon and notice that all the streets have suddenly become empty and quiet, chances are that the locals are about to enjoy their siesta time. This practice, known as “ngủ trưa,” is not only a personal preference but also has cultural and historical roots.

The tradition of taking a midday nap in Vietnam dates back to the country’s agricultural past.

In the past, most Vietnamese people were farmers who worked long hours in the fields. To cope with the intense heat and humidity of the afternoon sun, they would often take a break and nap under the shade of trees or in their homes. This practice helped them ‌conserve energy and stay productive throughout the day.

Today, taking a nap is still a good habit in Vietnam, but it’s not limited to farmers. Many office workers, students, and even businesspeople take a short nap during the afternoon to recharge and improve their productivity.

Some companies even have designated nap rooms or areas for their employees to rest. Staff can bring their pillows and blankets to enjoy their siesta time. 

Nap on a motorbike. Do you dare?

#11. Cheap Cigarettes and Beer 

Cigarettes in Vietnam are incredibly cheap compared to many other countries. A pack of 20 cigarettes can cost as little as 20,000 VND, about 0.40 USD. 

Beer is also very affordable in Vietnam. A bottle of local beer costs around 25,000 VND (1 USD), and a pint of imported beer starts at 40,000 VND (1.30 USD). This is a stark contrast to many other countries, where cigarettes and beer can be significantly more expensive.

The low cost of cigarettes and beer in Vietnam is due to several factors, including the country’s low cost of living, the widespread availability of tobacco and alcohol, and the government’s relatively lax regulations on these products.

Fact to know #3: “Bia Hơi” is the freshest and cheapest beer in the world. You can easily find “Bia Hơi” on many street corners or on Beer Street in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. 

Don’t miss out on “Bia Hơi” and other tasty street foods in Hanoi. Join our Hanoi Food Tour now! 

#12. “What is Bánh Bao Đây?”

This is among the strange yet funny culture shocks in Vietnam that often catch first-time travelers and expats off guard.

“Bánh Bao” or bao buns are steamed buns filled with meat or vegetables. The dough is made from rice flour, and the filling is usually from minced pork, quail eggs or coconut.

You can buy “Bánh Bao” at bakeries, but more often, you’ll see a bao bun vendor on a motorbike yelling “Bánh Bao Đây,” which means “bao buns here!” while also producing lots of steam. 

So what caused the shock here? 

Without a doubt, many expats get curious when they hear the yell and try to find out what it is. However, what drives them crazy is that they rush outside every time they hear the shout, only to see the smoke from the bao bun guy’s cart because he’s already gone.

Some foreigners even have trouble sleeping as they hear the shout around the clock, whether it’s early morning or midnight.

#13. Weak Sense of Personal Space

Vietnamese culture is generally more collectivist than individualist, and personal space is less important than it is in some other cultures. You can tell right away, by looking at how Vietnamese people interact with each other, both physically and verbally. 

People tend to stand closer when conversing and may touch arms, and shoulders, or brush against one another more frequently. This does not necessarily indicate a lack of respect or interest, but rather a cultural difference in the perception of personal boundaries.

One of my travelers got freaked out during the market tour since the lady vendors approached him, rubbed his beer belly, gave him a thumbs-up, and smiled. Since he came from the West, he said he could perceive this behavior as harassment.

Meanwhile, in Vietnam, people usually adore a beer-belly man as “Happy Buddha”, and rubbing the belly is believed to bring luck and happiness. After my explanation, he felt relieved and even allowed the ladies to take photos with him. 

Tips to Avoid Culture Shocks in Vietnam 

Here are some tips to help you avoid culture shocks in Vietnam and have a more enjoyable trip:

• Research before you travel here. Before you go, take some time to learn about Vietnamese culture and customs. This will help you understand the local way of life and avoid embarrassing mistakes.

• Be respectful. Respect local people, cultures and customs. Vietnamese people are very respectful of their elders and authority figures. When interacting with local people, you can impress them with a friendly hello, a smile or a bow.
• Learn Vietnamese. Speaking some basic Vietnamese words like “Xin Chào” (hello) or “Cám Ơn” (thank you) will help break the ice. 

• Join a cultural class and tour. It’s a hassle-free way to confidently overcome culture shocks in Vietnam. Not only will you gain new skills, but you’ll also learn to appreciate the country’s heritage. Did you know that Northerners and Southerners have different ways of enjoying Phở? 

• Embrace the bizarre. Be open-minded and willing to try new things. Be bold, ask questions and learn about the local customs. Vietnamese people are happy if you’re eager to learn more about the country, so they’re willing to teach you everything with a warm heart. 

• Dress appropriately. When in Vietnam, it’s important to dress modestly. This means covering your shoulders and knees, especially when visiting temples or other religious sites.

• Reach out to your Vietnamese friends or local guides. Having a friend or local guide show you around will minimize the chances of experiencing culture shocks in Vietnam. Not only will they provide deep insights into the history and culture, but also serve as an excellent interpreter and bridge between you and the locals. 

Embrace Culture Shocks in Vietnam with Phoebe and Besties! 

Culture shock can be a challenging experience, but it can also be a very rewarding one. Hopefully, this article provides a helpful source to help you avoid common pitfalls and have a fantastic trip to Vietnam.

Needing a local friend to show you the beauty of the Vietnamese landscape, culture, people, and cuisine? Phoebe and Besties is the right choice for you! 

Whatsapp us at +84 978755865 or email us via xinchao@phoebeandbesties.com for free tour itinerary recommendations! 

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