Vietnam Local Customs

  Basket boat in Vietnam.
by cachaseiro
 
  • Basket boat in Vietnam.
      Basket boat in Vietnam.
    by cachaseiro
  • Basket boat.
      Basket boat.
    by cachaseiro
  • Fish farm in Vietnam.
      Fish farm in Vietnam.
    by cachaseiro
  • Floating village in Vietnam.
      Floating village in Vietnam.
    by cachaseiro
  • Alter for burning fake money and paper clips.
      Alter for burning fake money and paper...
    by cachaseiro
 

Most Viewed Local Customs in Vietnam

126.

People   Ho Chi Minh City

People, Ho Chi Minh City

 54 Reviews  If you are eating at a semi-outdoor /streetside place and you are set upon by beggar children, its best not to give them anything. If you do, it can start a frenzy and cause trouble for the... 

 See All 123 Local Customs in Ho Chi Minh City

127.

Politics   Ho Chi Minh City

Politics, Ho Chi Minh City

 4 Reviews  Though Vietnam seems like any thriving capitalist city in asia, it is still a communist country by heart. You'll see propaganda pictures and policemen everywhere, even in places like Apocalypse Now (... 

 See All 123 Local Customs in Ho Chi Minh City

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Where to get all Vietnamese stuff

by we2364

Next to our lovely guesthouse, there is the centre market of Hoi An which is the epitome of vietnamese life in one place. You can find out all fresh seafoods in this market - I almost have an idea to buy some of those and cook in our guesthouse. Next time, I will try it!You can find many species of vietnamese crafts and living commodities here.You can find vietnamese ladies wearing their typical dress and hat, from young to old.You can find very friendly local people trying to sell stuff to you. But you can also find stubborn old ladies whom wont let you take the photos of them - very tuff personality :-)))

Tip Photo
Early Bird Shopping

by KhanhLy

While waiting to be fitted by a tailor in Hoi An one early morning, I was going to window shop. My father told me not to go into the store first thing in the morning and not buy anything. The store owner doesn't like that.

Tipping for service

by MParent

Being Americans, we are accostumed to tipping for almost anything. The Vietnamese do not expect you to tip, but when you do, they love it. In fact, several times our waiter tried to give us back the money we left on the table until we explained it was for him.

R.I.P.

by muddybok

Vietnamese believe that the soul of the decease will hover around the house or property for almost a year & guard the belongings and welfare of their loved ones. Therefore, it is a common sight of seeing tomb being setup in the field or next to houses.Of course the city resident cannot just bury their loved ones in the house or next to busy streets; proper burial ground or cremation will be carried out for practicality sake.

Tip Photo
I Hate Cheap Tourists!

by epicult

While traveling I witness heaps of "well off" westerners who are waited on "hand and foot" while moawing down huge meals and heaps of alchoholic beverages. Unfortunately, I rarely see any of them leave a tip. This was especially true in Vietnam. In guidebooks and other resources, you'll read that it's not part of their culture but chances are, neither are you. These people work hard and usually for little more than a dollar a day. Leaving a dollar tip between a party of two or more certainly won't bankrupt you but it will make a HUGE difference in someone's life, if even for a day. If the service is poor, don't leave anything. But if you're served well, leave a small tip to show your appreciation.

Dragon

by muddybok

There are so many designs of dragon found in Vietnam’s pagodas. It could be due to the fact that Chinese influent in Vietnam is strong prior to French colonial.This trip to Vietnam is almost a dragon hunting trip. I have taken almost 50 different designs and usage of dragons during my 16 days in Vietnam.I will most likely to include a dragon travelogue in near future.

Tip Photo
This one for the Free Spirits

by muddybok

This is a spirit house setup in nowhere and mostly at some dangerous bends or cliffs. Many Chinese (or those that with Chinese influents) believed that if these spirits were constantly supplied or respected, they will be less likely to find “relieve” or “substitute” for their fates. In short, these spirits will not haunt the passing by motorists.My personal advice is don’t drink and drive, stop blaming the visions or spirits.

Tip Photo
Land of Dragons?

by muddybok

I don’t think Vietnam can be considered as Land of Dragons when we already have Big Dragon (China).I must admit that I see many dragon designs on almost everything. Dragon, phoenix, and other mythical creatures are considered as lucky animals in Vietnam.

Tip Photo
Take a cooking lesson

by windsorgirl

If you enjoy Vietnemese cuisine, then you should sign up for a cooking lesson. We did ours in Hoi An, it only cost $10 and we had a five course meal! It was a fun experience, we all helped to make the springrolls, and fish wrapped in banana leaves. We were also served soup, and fruit salad for dessert.Our guide arranged our private lesson, but while in Hoi An, I noticed flyers posted in local restaurants advertising cooking lessons as well. I'm sure your hotel could help you make these arrangements.

Tip Photo
Street names in the Old Quarter

by Aliceinhn

Most street name starts with "Hang", means "product" and then name of the main product traded in that street not long time ago. Such as: Hang Tre is "street of Bamboo", Hang Bong is "street of Cotton", Hang Mam is "street of fish sauce". Interesting, isn't it?

Top 3 Hotels in Vietnam

Park Hyatt Saigon  Ho Chi Minh City

 5 Reviews and 438 Opinions  All rooms offer pool of City views with full luxury amenities. As true sense 5- Star hotel, it is... 

 Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Hanoi Elegance 2  Hanoi

 5 Reviews and 712 Opinions  I booked our family sized room for 2 adults and our teenage daughter direct with the hotel from... 

 Hotels in Hanoi

Victoria Hoi An Resort  Hoi An

 4 Reviews and 444 Opinions  It's worth the money to stay and enjoy the beach like in Victoria Hoi An. Price from 150$++ public... 

 Hotels in Hoi An

Questions and Answers

suzeb profile photo

Q:  could someone please help? where can i buy ao dai (preferably well made and silk) for my grand-daughters, they are only 2-3... 

pfsmalo profile photo

A: Loads of places in both cities to buy Ao Dai either already made or to measure. For the small extra cost, have them made to measure and take the mesurements before going... 

Read 5 Replies

postQuestion_button