Traditions & Customs in Vietnam
In traditional Vietnamese culture, elders are given a great deal of regard and deference. When strangers are concerned, the expectations are less but as far as you know, it is considered polite, respectful and quiet to individuals who look older than you.
This is especially so in rural areas outside main towns and in central and northern parts of the country. Generally, southerners tend to be more exposed to foreigners. But wherever one goes they should expect interrogating questions at the beginning of a conversation like; How old are you? Are you married? Do you have any children? This might seem strange in western societies but here these questions are just normal and useful because they help people know how to address someone. It is better if we play this game.
An Asian woman often faces undue attention when traveling with a man who is not Asian. Since Vietnam War involved various GI’s sexual exploits therein, people usually relate her as an escort or prostitute while she can sometimes be embarrassed or harassed even if she isn’t dating him. These biases have eased up a bit recently but they still exist. In Vietnam public display of affection are considered disrespectful especially among married couples; thus couples are advised to show modesty while in public places.
The War
The most remarkable thing about the Vietnam War (called American War or War of Reunification in Vietnam) is that many Vietnamese do not begrudge visitors from the countries that partook in it, in addition to appreciating or respecting prior American- and French-led military efforts against the North by many Vietnamese people in the South, especially older ones who were involved in battles or had relatives involved. The West is viewed positively by 2 out of every 3 persons born after the war. While some attractions show a negative view of America during this period others are surprisingly restrained.
When discussing old issues, be sensitive. Over three million Vietnamese have died therefore any comment that may seem disrespectful to war dead on both sides should be avoided. It is wrong to assume all Vietnamese hold one opinion because there are some south Vietnamese who still remain angry with Northerners for their defeat.
T-shirts which bear a red flag and features of “Uncle Ho” are well received souvenirs in Vietnam. Many overseas Vietnamese heavily criticize Vietnam’s government. Therefore think twice before putting on communist clothes within your own communities at home. A nón lá could be a less controversial purchase (straw hat).
Religion
From the way Vietnamese look, you wouldn’t believe that most of them are not religious according to official statistics. However, whether or not they regularly go to the church, many Vietnamese are quite devoted and incorporate several religions into their everyday life.
Vietnam is like its Southeast Asian neighbors in having Buddhism as its most popular and significant religion. In contrast to its Southeast Asian neighbors, Vietnam adheres to the Mahayana school of Buddhism, which is widely practiced in China. This implies that monks must be vegetarians while people looking for blessings often become vegetarians too. Unlike other Southeast Asian countries, monks rarely beg for food on the streets. They rely on contributions made by temples or grow their own food. The monks who hang around tourist sites asking for money are frauds. Also these swastikas are holy symbols indicating blessings in Buddhist temples just as they do in china and neighbouring countries but has nothing related with Nazism nor anti-Semitism.
The Chinese have a reverence towards ghosts and ancestor worship similar to Vietnamese people’s behavior. Every home or office owned by a Vietnamese person has at least one shrine where incense sticks can be burned so that certain spirits can be honored or appeased. These shrines are often decorated with statues or pictures of various sacred figures: Buddha or Bodhisattva for Buddhists; a crucifix or Mother Mary for Catholics; other deities or traditional spirits for “non-religious” people. Sometimes photos of deceased family members adorn these altars. Incense is usually burnt in honor of dead relatives.
A good portion of Vietnamese society retains some superstitions about death and supernatural world; hence there exist some taboos.
- Put chopsticks uprights in the middle of a rice bowl – indicates that this is performed during funerals when bowls with rice are placed near the corporeal remains as if buried there.
- Take photographs with odd groups – It says that evil spirits target individuals located at the center. Even number groups (2, 4, 6 or 8 people) are okay to photograph.
- Sit with your back turned on a family shrine – This is disrespectful behavior towards the dead and the spirits of ancestors.
- Go up on altars for photos with statues – That is extremely offensive to sacred deities.
Traditional costume
Aodai, a traditional Vietnamese dress signifies the connection between the national heritage and cultural customs. It is one long silk dress that has a slit on the side. From time immemorial Aodai has been seen as a symbol of patriotism and loyalty to Vietnam. Vietnam was under Chinese rule for over four thousand years; this had led to some influence from the Chinese, in particular their fashion sense. On somber occasions such as the anniversary of death of Hung Kings, Quanho Bac Ninh, Celebration at Huong Temple, New Year’s Eve etc., it will be observed when tourists are visiting Vietnam that Vietnamese people wear Aodai for such events. In its early days, Aodai was worn by both males and females but women tend to adore it because it is slim and graceful thereby enhancing their appeal as Vietnamese ladies should do. People wearing Aodai may also have a Nonla (nón lá meaning leaf hat or silk hat) or any other sort of headgear. It comes in various forms including miniraglan styles and additionally does have turtleneck designs which are other types of necks meant for garment dressing purposes. “Miss Aodai” is one among many beauty contests that feature traditional attires and are well-known globally.Miss Aodai is aimed at preserving and promoting the Vietnamese traditional costume to worldwide audiences. Those who visit Vietnam might witness this performance at Ho Chi Minh City’s cultural palace too. Furthermore, if one wants to embark on her/his own Ao Dai business then they may consider these suggested branches: Lien Huong Ao Dai , Thai Tuan Ao Dai . You can receive purest Ao dai from them below.
Respect
Vietnamese souvenir shops offer a large selection of T-shirts bearing the red flag and “Uncle Ho” pictures. Vietnamese who have migrated to other countries would think twice before wearing such shirts in their communities at home since many of them are strongly anti-Vietnamese government. A nón lá (straw hat) can be a milder choice.
In some parts particularly northern and middle areas as well as in rural places people may give you odd looks. Natives from the southern part are likely to accept it more.
When Asian women travel with non-Asian men, they may attract notice, be mistaken for hookers, paramours or escorts by some people or even get harassed or insulted at times. Such practices and opinions have become diminished but not yet quite gone.
What is shocking about Vietnam War also called American War or Reunification War in Vietnam is that Vietnamese do not harbor any bad feelings against travelers from countries that participated in it, especially older Vietnamese living down south who fought in the war or had relatives involved appreciate if not respect earlier Western military efforts against North Vietnam.The post-war generation which accounts for two thirds of population has positive attitude towards the West. However, there are certain sights that show a very anti-American side to the effects of war which could make some people uncomfortable.
If you have to raise old disagreements do so tactfully. Do not discuss anything that might seem an act of disrespect towards all parties’ sacrifices during wars since over three million Vietnamese died.Don’t assume that all Vietnamese have the same opinions because many of them in the South are still angry about losing to the North.
PR’s formal link with government Due to recent maritime border disputes between these two countries China has recently gotten worse; therefore stay neutral and get informed.
Travel Tips - etiquette
The people of Vietnam are friendly and have a rich culture. This long stretch of narrow territory, divided into three separate regions, is a great hub for legends and customs. If you are going to Vietnam for the first time, it is good to be familiar with local customs so as to mingle freely with residents in politeness and help them better. Below are top eight guidance tips to get you started.
Practice the art of saving face
Saving face has always been an important aspect of daily life in Vietnamese culture. A majority of Vietnamese will avoid making public gestures that can harm their reputation. Be calm, avoid noisy arguments or fights, criticizing others for mistakes they made and any topic that would embarrass local citizens.
Take care when visiting temples or homes
Before entering someone’s home, take off your shoes outside the front door in Vietnam. Some shrines are put up by Vietnamese families at their homes and businesses some floors below ground level. Thus these altars should not be walked on or passed through inadvertently.
Dress modestly; remove your shoes and hats before entering temples though shoes might be brought along provided they are not worn on your feet.
Ask before taking photographs
There are lots of opportunities for great photography in Vietnam alone whereby most people wouldn’t mind if you took pictures just don’t invade their privacy by asking before taking any picture with cameras raised.This kind of photography is how you would like yourself treated by others when they pose for photographs but it could as well serve as a unique way to interact more effectively with people.
Dress as the Vietnamese do
Modern fashion styles rule in Vietnamese cities where many young folk dress this way. However, most rural Vietnamese still hold traditional conservative values.Your friends from Vietnam wouldn’t want to see your exposed undergarments, thin clothes or little which shows too much skin.
You can tell what attire and coverage are appropriate by observing other visitors there who you think must know what they are doing. Men should not go without shirts when out in public places and wear swimming costumes only while at the seaside or resorts during their holiday. One way of showing respect for Vietnamese traditions is by avoiding any clothes that may offend the locals.
Eat with good manners
Vietnamese meals are all about sharing. Most of them consist of a variety of small rice bowls, shared dishes and chopsticks for every person at the table. At meals, if you are serving food along the table, use both hands or your right hand (not your left) and hold your spoon in your left hand if it is soup.
A guest should be served first by bringing food to him/her, pouring drinks into his/her cup and putting in nice bits from a dish into his/her bowl as a model of excellent service. Let’s say politely again that you do not have room for more food if you wish to stop eating anymore. The one who invited will most likely pay for the invitation fee for social gatherings; otherwise the eldest person does it.
Use your hands wisely
Despite its meaning in Vietnam, the middle finger is not usually considered to be impolite; rather, many Westerners often resort to a derisive “fingers crossed” gesture when they feel positive. If you want luck on your side, please keep off this bad habit!
A good guideline is never point or touch someone’s head or back particularly if they are older than you.
Rather than using one of your hands or your left hand only, use both of yours for passing something across.
