About Vietnam

Yes, leaving a small amount of food shows you are satisfied and polite, as finishing everything may imply the host didn’t provide enough.

Walk slowly and steadily, making eye contact with drivers; they will flow around you, but sudden movements can confuse them.

Visit a local sidewalk café (quán cóc), sit on a tiny stool, and order cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with condensed milk) to blend in with locals.

Always remove your shoes before entering, avoid pointing your feet at Buddha statues, and dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees).

Rent a bicycle instead of a motorbike to reduce emissions and connect more intimately with the countryside and its people.

Observe what locals pay before ordering, and carry small bills to avoid confusion or being given incorrect change.

Always ask for permission first, especially in rural areas or with older individuals, as some may find it intrusive.

Try bún bò Huế, a spicy beef noodle soup from Hue, which is less famous than pho but equally iconic and flavorful.

On buses, offer your seat to elders, and on trains, bring your own snacks as vendors onboard often charge higher prices.

Never stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, as it resembles incense sticks used in funerals and is considered bad luck.

Avoid visiting during the first three days of Tet unless invited, as many businesses close, and families prioritize private celebrations.

In the north, winter (Dec-Feb) can be surprisingly cold and damp, so pack layers if visiting Hanoi or Sapa during this time.