Here are few things you should know before going to Vietnam. I made few mistakes and it was quite embarrassing not knowing about these customs and culture. Also I have written some tips on how to be safe in Vietnam. I mean it is one of the safest country, but still just wanted to let you know. Here are the lists!
Do NOT Bow with Closed Palms
One thing that we do in Thailand is bow with closed palms. It is a common practice for saying thank you or a way to greet people. It is especially very common in a lot of South East Asian country. But not all country does it. Not Korea. Not Vietnam.
I didn’t know this until I had a private tour in Dalat Vietnam. I didn’t even think about this before someone told me. I didn’t know I was being ignorant. But this was a great way to learn and understand about different cultures. I guess I was just assuming about Vietnamese because I was just in Thailand.
So next time you greet of say thank you in Vietnam, just bowing would be enough.
Please Carry Your Stuff on the Right Side or In Your Pocket
If you are planning to go to Vietnam, you will know that there are 1000s of motor bikes on the road. They drive fast and close to the pedestrian walk way. So, often times, they can easily snatch your phone or wallet and drive away. It will be too late when you realize your phone is gone and start running towards them.
Holding your stuff on the left side is literally exposing your valuable to the world. So always put your valuables in a safe place where people cannot snatch it easily.
Hold Your Backpack Inward When You Are on a Motorbike
Riding a motorbike is a must do activity in Vietnam. Riding a motorbike is exhilarating and fun in a busy city. You can really feel the lives of Vietnamese when you are mixed in with the people. but you are also being exposed to the world. Of course, you have to drive safe, but make sure to look after your backpack (If you are bringing one).
Backpacks are behind your back, so you cannot always look after it (unless, you have an eye behind you hear, JKJK). It can easily be sliced open if you are not watching it. Yes, that happened to one of my friend at the hostel. So always hold your backpack on the front. Like a frontpack 🙂
There Is No Tip Culture in Vietnam
I don’t want to blame us, but we kind of ruined certain towns in Thailand. Especially where a lot of tourists come. Everywhere we go, they expect to pay a tip now. Or even the tips are included in the bill. I am sure this was not a custom in Thailand, because I only know that America has tip culture. Not in Korea, not in England, not in Japan and so on.
Vietnam does not have a tip culture and you don’t have to pay tips unless you do a tour that indicates that they work on tips. I hope Vietnam doesn’t adapt tipping culture.
Vietnam War Happened and They Have a Different Perspective
Every war has their own side of the story, and if you come to Vietnam and listen about Vietnam war, you will hear about it on their side of the story. I am sure there are times you want to speak up and give your opinion about this war. But I think we should respect their views as well as we are in their land.
Personally, I thought it was a great way to learn about different people’s perspective. Especially when our country has become so divisive and don’t even try or want to listen to each other.
These were the things I wished I knew before going to Vietnam. What is yours and why?!