10 Essential Don’ts for a Respectful and Safe Journey in Vietnam

Traveling to Vietnam is a wonderful opportunity to explore the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. However, to fully enjoy your journey and show respect to the local customs, it’s important to be aware of certain behaviors to avoid. This guide highlights 10 things not to do in Vietnam to help you have a respectful, safe, and enjoyable experience in Vietnam. Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re a seasoned traveler, these tips will help you navigate the cultural norms and potential pitfalls, ensuring a smooth and memorable trip.

Don’t wear revealing clothing, especially in sacred places

Vietnamese people usually dress conservatively, and wearing revealing clothes like shorts, tank tops, or crop tops at these religious sites is seen as disrespectful. Casual dress is fine in hotels and tourist spots, but when you visit temples, pagodas, or even some local homes, make sure to cover your shoulders and cleavage, and wear clothes that go below your knees. In some places, you’ll also need to take off your shoes before entering. This dress code and the practice of removing shoes are signs of respect for these sacred and private spaces.

Don’t show affection in public

Vietnamese couples usually keep things low-key, so while holding hands is fine, more intimate gestures like hugging and kissing are considered private. These actions aren’t against the rules, but they will probably get you some curious looks from locals.

However, Vietnam is a popular place for couples to take wedding photos, and during these special moments, public displays of affection are more accepted. People generally don’t mind couples showing their love during these important events.

Don’t take pictures of military installations

When traveling to Vietnam, you’ll see many military installations around the country, but it’s important to know that taking pictures of these sites is a big no-no. This is a serious issue because it can be seen as a threat to national security.

If you’re caught snapping photos of military areas, like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum or soldiers on duty, you could get into serious trouble. Always ask for permission before taking any photos, especially in places that might be sensitive. Not following these rules can lead to major consequences, such as being detained or even ending up in a Vietnamese prison. To have a safe and respectful trip, avoid any actions or photography involving the military or restricted areas.

Don’t drink tap water

While tap water might be safe to drink in your home country, it’s a different story in Vietnam. Even in expensive hotels, tap water is not safe for drinking. To avoid any health issues, don’t drink tap water directly. Instead, take a few simple precautions: boil the tap water before drinking it or buy purified bottled water.

There are also plenty of tasty and safe alternatives to tap water in Vietnam. You can easily find fresh smoothies, fruit juices, sugar cane juice, and lemon tea from street vendors nationwide, both in rural and urban areas. These drinks are safe, delicious, and affordable, usually costing around 50 cents. Remember, the key takeaway is to avoid tap water and opt for safer alternatives like boiled water, bottled water, or these delightful local beverages.

Don’t panic when crossing the street

Traffic in Vietnam, especially in busy cities like Ho Chi Minh City, can be overwhelming. There are many cars and even more motorcycles, making the streets look chaotic, especially in crowded areas and near tourist spots. Motorcycles move quickly, so staying alert and keeping a safe distance is important. Here are some tips to help you cross the street safely:

• Look both ways and pay attention to your surroundings.
• Walk at a steady pace and avoid sudden stops or changes in direction.
• Keep moving predictably so drivers can anticipate where you’re going.

Locals are good at navigating the traffic, and if you stay predictable, they can avoid hitting you. Even though the traffic seems chaotic, the chances of an accident are quite low if you follow these tips. Try to avoid crossing the streets during rush hour and be cautious in areas where theft is common.

Don’t give money to beggars

In Vietnam, you’ll see beggars who are children, women, elderly people, and even those who seem able-bodied. Many of these beggars are part of scams, and some are forced to beg by criminal groups. Some dishonest beggars might hide the money they get and then take a bus or taxi home, rather than being truly homeless or in need.

Instead of giving money directly to beggars, donating to trusted organizations that help the poor is better. Groups like the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin, the Vietnam Women’s Union, and the Vietnam Red Cross Society provide real support to those who need it. By donating to these organizations, you can be sure your help is going to the right place.

Don’t sleep or sit with feet pointing at the altar

If you’re invited into a local’s home, take off your shoes at the entrance. While there, never sleep or sit with the soles of your feet pointing towards the family altar. In Vietnamese culture, feet are considered the lowest

and least clean part of the body, so pointing them at an altar or sacred object is seen as very disrespectful. When visiting a temple or a home with an altar, sit with your feet tucked under you or to the side, and avoid lying down with your feet pointing towards the altar.

Don’t go out alone late at night

When you’re out late at night, especially in places you’re not familiar with, it’s important to stay safe. Even though it’s unlikely that you’ll run into trouble, it’s better to be cautious if you’re unsure about the area. Avoid going out alone late at night in places you don’t know well.

Instead, try enjoying late-night activities with a group or stick to well-lit and busy areas. While the chances of something bad happening are small, being careful helps ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time in Vietnam. Putting your safety first and avoiding unnecessary risks is always a good idea.

Don’t carry too many valuables in your luggage

When traveling in Vietnam, it’s important to keep your valuables safe. Crowded areas can sometimes be hotspots for pickpocketing and petty theft, and though it’s not very common, motorcycle gang robberies can still happen.

To avoid any trouble, try not to carry lots of jewelry, big bags, or large amounts of cash. Many hotels in Vietnam offer safes where you can securely store your valuables. It’s best to carry just what you need, like a small amount of cash, your ID, and necessary cards.

When you’re flying, make sure not to put valuable items in your checked luggage. Checked bags are handled by airline staff and stored in the cargo hold, which means you can’t access them and there’s a risk of theft, loss, or damage. Keep your electronics, jewelry, important documents, and other pricey items in your carry-on bag instead. Always keep an eye on your valuables and check your airline’s rules about what can go in checked and carry-on luggage.

Don’t be confrontational

In Vietnamese culture, staying calm and polite is highly valued, even during disagreements. Openly displaying emotions, especially anger, is considered inappropriate and can cause a loss of face for everyone involved. Aggressive behavior in public is one of the things to avoid in Vietnam, as Vietnamese people are generally reserved and conservative. It’s more respectful to maintain your composure and address issues calmly and privately. Raising your voice or showing anger in public can lead to misunderstandings and escalate conflicts.

Conclusion

Respecting local customs and norms is key to having a safe and enjoyable journey in Vietnam. By being mindful of what to avoid, such as not wearing revealing clothing in sacred places, not showing too much affection in public, and keeping your valuables secure, you can ensure that your trip is respectful and hassle-free. Understanding and adhering to these 10 things not to do in Vietnam will not only enrich your travel experience but also show your appreciation for Vietnam’s unique traditions.