Vietnam is a country of breathtaking beauty, from the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay to the misty peaks of Ha Giang. But beyond the landscapes lies a rich, complex culture that has thrived for thousands of years. As visitors, how do we explore this magnificent land without leaving a negative impact? How do we move from being just “tourists” to becoming “responsible travelers”?
At Vietnam Responsible Tour, we believe that travel is not just about seeing new places; it’s about connecting with new people. This guide is your key to unlocking the true heart of Vietnam—navigating our customs with respect, kindness, and an open mind.
Here is your ultimate guide to responsible travel etiquette in Vietnam.
1. Sacred Spaces: Temples, Pagodas, and Churches
Vietnam is a spiritual mosaic. You will encounter Pagodas (Chùa – for worshiping Buddha), Temples (Đền – for worshiping historical figures/deities), Communal Houses (Đình), and Churches (Nhà thờ). While they differ in architecture and purpose, the rule of respect remains the same.
- Dress Modestly: This is the golden rule. Always cover your shoulders and knees. Tank tops and short shorts are considered disrespectful in sacred spaces. A sarong or a light scarf in your daypack is a lifesaver.
- Remove Your Shoes: Look for the pile of shoes at the entrance of the main prayer hall. If in doubt, follow the locals.
- Keep the Silence: These are active places of worship. Speak softly and switch your phone to silent mode.
- Body Language: Never turn your back on the Buddha statue to take a selfie. It is considered highly offensive.
Responsible Tip: At the Phat Diem Stone Cathedral in Ninh Binh, notice the unique blend of European Gothic architecture and Vietnamese temple styles—a symbol of cultural harmony. Respect this harmony by observing quietly.
2. Interacting with Ethnic Minorities (Sapa, Ha Giang, Bac Ha)
The mountainous regions of Northern Vietnam are home to diverse ethnic minority groups like the H’mong, Dao, and Tay. Their colorful attire and warm smiles are iconic, but interactions here require sensitivity.
- Ask Before You Click: Always ask for permission before taking photos of locals, especially the elderly. A smile and a gesture to your camera are usually understood. If they say no, please respect their privacy.
- The “No Candy” Rule: It is heartbreakingly common to see tourists giving candy or money to village children. Please do not do this.
- Why? It encourages children to skip school to beg from tourists. It also causes dental issues in areas with limited dental care.
- Do This Instead: If you want to help, support local schools or NGOs. Or simply book tours with companies (like ours) that contribute directly to community projects, such as our vocational training program in Bac Ha.
- Buy Local: Instead of giving handouts, buy a handmade bracelet or textile directly from the artisans. This is “Fair Trade” in action—dignifying their labor and preserving traditional crafts.
3. The Art of Bargaining: It’s a Conversation, Not a War
Shopping at local markets (like Ben Thanh or Dong Xuan) is a must-do experience. Bargaining is part of the culture, but it should be fun and social.
- The “Win-Win” Mindset: Start by offering about 50-60% of the asking price and work your way up. Keep smiling! Getting angry or aggressive causes the vendor to “lose face.”
- Know When to Stop: Haggling over 10,000 or 20,000 VND (less than $1 USD) might be a game to you, but it could be the cost of a meal for the vendor.
- Pay a Fair Price: Responsible tourism means ensuring the local community benefits from your visit. If you feel the price is fair for the quality, pay it with joy.
4. Environmental Responsibility: Say No to Plastic
Like many Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam faces a challenge with plastic waste. As a responsible traveler, you can be part of the solution.
- Refill, Don’t Buy: Bring a reusable water bottle. Many hotels and refill stations now offer filtered water.
- Refuse the Straw: When ordering a coconut or an iced coffee, say “Không ống hút, làm ơn” (No straw, please).
Leave No Trace: Whether you are trekking the rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai or hunting clouds in Ta Xua, carry your trash back down with you. The mountains are not a landfill.
5. Dining Etiquette: Chopsticks and Sharing
In Vietnam, dining is a communal affair. We rarely order individual plates; we share everything.
- The Chopstick Taboo: Never stick your chopsticks vertically into your bowl of rice. This resembles incense sticks burned for the dead and is a sign of bad luck.
- Sharing is Caring: Use clean chopsticks (or the reverse end of your chopsticks) to pass food to others. It’s a gesture of hospitality.
- Finish Your Rice: Rice is the “pearl of heaven” in our agricultural culture. Leaving a lot of rice in your bowl can be seen as wasteful.
6. Cultural Nuances: The Head and The Feet
In Vietnamese culture (and Buddhism), the body is hierarchical.
- The Head is Sacred: The head is considered the highest, most spiritual part of the body. Never touch someone’s head—even a child’s—unless you are very close to them.
- The Feet are Lowly: Feet are in contact with the dirt. Never point the soles of your feet towards a family altar, a Buddha statue, or another person. When sitting on the floor, tuck your legs beneath you or to the side.
7. Tipping Culture
“Do I need to tip in Vietnam?” is a common question. While tipping is not mandatory like in the US, it is highly appreciated.
- Who to tip: Tour guides, drivers, and rowing boat practitioners (in Ninh Binh or Mekong Delta) work incredibly hard, often for modest base wages.
- How much: A tip is a direct way to say “Thank you” for their effort in keeping you safe and happy. Even a small amount encourages them to continue delivering excellent service.
Responsible travel isn’t about following a strict list of rules; it’s about mindfulness. It’s about realizing that we are guests in someone else’s home.
When you travel responsibly, you don’t just see Vietnam—you feel it. You create genuine connections, support local livelihoods, and ensure that the beauty of this country remains for generations to come.
Ready to explore Vietnam the local way? Discover our [Bac Ha Off-The-Beaten-Track Tour] or our [Eco-Friendly Ninh Binh Adventure] to experience these values in action.
Plan Your Responsible Journey With Us
