You’ve mastered the roads, can order pho without fear, and even negotiated a little in the markets. Congratulations, you are officially a semi-pro traveller in Vietnam. But beware. Every country has its quirks and unwritten rules. Vietnam is no exception. One wrong move, and you go from “friendly tourist” to “confused person holding a selfie stick in the middle of traffic.”
Here are 10 things you really shouldn’t do in Vietnam if you want to stay safe, respectful, and generally liked by the locals.
1. Disrespect Traffic Rules
🚦 The roads are wild, but chaos does not equal lawlessness.
💡 Don’t: Step into traffic without looking or assume motorbikes will stop.
💡 Do: Cross slowly, steadily, and like you own the pavement in spirit. Confidence is safer than panic.
2. Ignore Local Customs
👘 Vietnam has traditions that matter.
💡 Don’t: Point your feet at people or religious objects, and avoid touching heads of children.
💡 Do: Be mindful of temples and pagodas. Remove shoes, dress modestly, and show respect.
3. Expect Tipping to Be Mandatory
💰 Tipping is polite but not required.
💡 Don’t: Overspend on tips out of obligation.
💡 Do: Round up small amounts or leave a 5-10% tip in restaurants if service is exceptional.
4. Overpack Your Schedule
🗺️ Vietnam deserves time.
💡 Don’t: Rush through cities trying to see everything in one day.
💡 Do: Spend extra nights in places you love, slow down, and let experiences sink in.
5. Disregard Street Food Hygiene
🍲 Street food is amazing, but your stomach is not invincible.
💡 Don’t: Eat at empty stalls or try raw dishes without checking first.
💡 Do: Follow the locals, look for high turnover, and enjoy freshly cooked meals.
6. Haggle Aggressively
🛍️ Markets are for negotiation, but friendliness matters.
💡 Don’t: Demand ridiculously low prices or get confrontational.
💡 Do: Smile, joke, and negotiate politely. Walking away is often your best bargaining tactic.
7. Assume Everyone Speaks English
🗣️ Tourist areas are more English-friendly than rural regions.
💡 Don’t: Expect flawless communication everywhere.
💡 Do: Learn basic phrases, use gestures, and have translation apps handy.
8. Disrespect Nature
🌿 Vietnam’s landscapes are stunning and fragile.
💡 Don’t: Litter, carve names into trees, or disturb wildlife.
💡 Do: Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photos, and enjoy responsibly.
9. Be Flashy with Valuables
💳 Safety is usually good, but pickpockets exist.
💡 Don’t: Flaunt expensive phones, jewellery, or large sums of cash.
💡 Do: Keep essentials in a small, secure bag and be discreet in crowded areas.
10. Forget to Smile
😄 Vietnam is friendly and warm, but first impressions count.
💡 Don’t: Walk around with a grumpy or entitled attitude.
💡 Do: Smile, greet people, and be polite. A friendly tourist goes a lot further than a grumpy one.
✨Final Thoughts
Vietnam is vibrant, welcoming, and full of experiences that will stay with you long after you leave. Respect the culture, move carefully, and keep an open mind. Avoid these common pitfalls, and your trip will be smoother, safer, and far more memorable. Remember, a little awareness, a dash of patience, and a healthy dose of curiosity will make you the kind of tourist that locals actually like.
If you’re looking for Vietnam travel guide books, I’ve added a handy Amazon link* to help you find a few great options.
You might also enjoy checking out our other Vietnam articles.
Vietnam: Top 10 Adventure Activities to Enjoy
Da Nang: Top 10 Adventure Activities
*This article contains affiliate link. If you make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
