Hanoi Uncovered: Stories On Foot, Crafted By Hand

Vietnam is welcoming and easy to travel in, but understanding a few local norms will make your experience smoother, more respectful, and more rewarding.

Customs & Traditions

✅ DO

• Dress modestly when visiting temples, pagodas, and ancestral houses (covered shoulders and knees).
  
• Remove your shoes when entering someone’s home or certain religious spaces.
  
• Greet elders first and show respect with calm body language.
  
• Ask before taking photos of people, especially in rural areas or religious settings.
  

❌ DON’T

• Touch someone’s head, especially children — it’s considered disrespectful.
  
• Point your feet at people, altars, or Buddha statues.
  
• Raise your voice or show anger in public — calm behaviour is valued.
  
• Publicly criticise local customs or compare them negatively to your own.
  

Money & Payments

✅ DO

• Carry cash, especially small bills (VND 10,000–100,000) for markets and street food.
  
• Check your change after paying — mistakes are usually unintentional.
  
• Tip politely for excellent service, though tipping is not mandatory.
  
• Use ATMs or exchange counters, not street money changers.
  

❌ DON’T

• Expect card payments everywhere — many places are cash-only.
  
• Flash large amounts of cash in public.
  
• Argue aggressively over small price differences — it’s rarely worth it.
  
• Assume prices are fixed at markets; bargaining is normal (and friendly).
  

Transportation & Taxis

✅ DO

• Use ride-hailing apps like Grab, Gojek, or Be for transparent pricing.
  
• Confirm the price before riding cyclos, boats, or private taxis.
  
• Wear a helmet when riding a motorbike — safety matters.
  
• Walk confidently across streets — traffic flows around you.
  

❌ DON’T

• Get into unmarked taxis or accept unsolicited offers at airports.
  
• Assume traffic will stop for pedestrians — it usually won’t.
  
• Ride motorbikes without insurance or proper guidance.
  
• Rush drivers — patience goes a long way.
  

Food & Dining

✅ DO

• Eat where locals eat — busy stalls usually mean fresh food.
  
• Try regional specialities — food changes dramatically from north to south.
  
• Use communal condiments respectfully (spoons provided).
  
• Tell vendors about allergies — many will adjust dishes if possible.
  

❌ DON’T

• Stick only to Western food — you’ll miss Vietnam’s best experiences.
  
• Be afraid of street food — it’s often cleaner than it looks.
  
• Waste food — order small and add more if needed.
  
• Assume all dishes are spicy — many aren’t unless you add chilli.
  

Social Etiquette

✅ DO

• Smile often — it’s the universal language here.
  
• Be flexible — plans may change, and that’s normal.
  
• Show appreciation for small gestures and hospitality.
  
• Follow your local guide’s advice — they know the context best.
  

❌ DON’T

• Touch religious objects casually.
  
• Push for quick answers — patience is appreciated.
  
• Forget you’re a guest — respect opens doors everywhere.
  

Final Thought

Vietnam rewards travellers who slow down, observe, and respect daily life.
A little cultural awareness goes a long way — and often leads to the most meaningful moments of the journey.