Vietnam is an incredibly welcoming country, but it also runs on a set of social rules that are very different from what most Western travellers are used to. Things that feel harmless back home, joking with elders, complaining about politics, or the way you behave at the dinner table, can come across as deeply disrespectful here without you ever realising it.
After living in Vietnam for several years, I’ve learned that most cultural mistakes aren’t made out of bad intentions, but out of habit. Vietnam places a strong emphasis on respect, hierarchy, and tradition, shaped by centuries of history, superstition, and community-focused values. Locals are usually patient with foreigners, but some actions still cause genuine discomfort, especially around food, family, religion, and national identity.
This guide breaks down the most common cultural mistakes tourists make in Vietnam, explains why they matter to locals, and shows you how to avoid them, so you can travel more respectfully, avoid awkward moments, and experience the country the way it’s meant to be experienced.
5 Common Cultural Mistakes Tourists Make in Vietnam
1. Placing Your Chopsticks Upright In Rice
When eating in Vietnam, people not familiar with the customs, particularly children, tend to stick their chopsticks upright in their rice to keep them from rolling off the bowl and onto the floor.
Unfortunately, this resembles the bowls of sand and incense sticks used at funerals to pay respects to the deceased. While locals are usually aware of tourists’ ignorance, it is still considered a terrible omen and unsettling for the locals, as Vietnamese people are still highly superstitious with their beliefs.
2. Stepping Over Food
If you’re eating with locals, a lot of the time you’ll be dining on the floor. While I doubt any of you reading would intentionally step over the food, it does sometimes happen to people, including myself.
Once, I was eating with my host family in Hoi An when I had to get up and rush to help someone with heavy luggage. Without thinking, I stood straight up and stepped directly over the food, as it was instinctually the quickest route, only to be met with gasps that I was clueless about.
When I asked what had happened (thankfully,) the family politely told me that stepping over food is a huge taboo, not just because it’s considered dirty, but extremely disrespectful, as food is a cherished commodity, following years of poverty.
Whenever you’re eating on the floor and want to get up, slide yourself backwards, turn away on the side and then stand up, and walk around the people and the food rather than bull-headedly storm your way through the middle.
3. Disrespecting Your Elders
Vietnam still has old-school social rules, so disrespecting the elderly, even by mistake, is considered taboo. You can’t greet the elderly like old friends, while they understand you aren’t familiar with their honorific system, you should still at least bow and say hello before directly asking for anything.
Also, particularly with the elderly, it is more appropriate to have things handed to them with both hands as a mark of respect rather than just one.
4. Public Displays of Affection
Just like most Asian countries, Vietnam is quite conservative when it comes to public displays of affection. While hugs and small kisses are totally fine, prolonged kissing, or intimate kissing, is best saved for more private settings.
Particularly in or near temples, public displays of affection are a big no-no. While things do gradually change and the youth of Vietnam are more open to romance, they still respect the boundaries around holy and sacred sites, so save the mushy stuff for somewhere else, no matter how tame.
5. Disrespecting the Government or National Symbols
Having lived here for a number of years, and having a Vietnamese wife, while in private, people complain about the government all the time, in public, it’s a completely different story.
While not as strict as the likes of China, where you can be stopped and have your phone checked for any disrespect, it’s still advised not to disrespect the government in any way.
And it isn’t just the government itself. Anything related to how Vietnam runs, such as its medical services, police, etc., shouldn’t be discussed in public.
If you’ve ever been to Vietnam, particularly Saigon, you’ll be well aware of the notorious 1 to 3-hour-long immigration lines.
And while you do see people snapping videos and pictures of the line, a friend of mine was pulled aside and made delete his photo when they spotted him as the line is deemed embarrassing to the country.
Also, keep in mind that Ho Chi Minh (the person) is highly respected throughout Vietnam, with his photo in many homes and businesses, as well as on every banknote.
Crumpling your cash or laughing at his picture is deeply disrespectful, and even though there is still a divide between North and South, both sides tend to love Ho Chi Minh for what he did for the country.
Key Takeaway
Vietnam is one of the most welcoming countries you can travel to, but that warmth is closely tied to respect. Most cultural mistakes aren’t about being rude on purpose; they happen because visitors simply don’t realise how deeply tradition, hierarchy, and symbolism are woven into everyday life here. Small actions around food, elders, public behaviour, or national symbols can carry far more meaning than they would back home.
After living in Vietnam for years, I’ve learned that locals are incredibly forgiving if you show humility and make an effort. You don’t need to memorise every custom, but being observant, slowing down, and following local behaviour goes a long way. Respect the culture, and Vietnam will reward you with deeper connections, warmer interactions, and experiences most tourists never get to see.
FAQs About Cultural Mistakes in Vietnam
What is considered rude in Vietnamese culture?
Disrespecting elders, mishandling food, inappropriate behaviour at temples, and showing disrespect toward national symbols are all considered rude. Even unintentional actions, like placing chopsticks upright in rice or stepping over food, can make locals uncomfortable.
Are Vietnamese people strict about cultural rules?
In daily life, locals are generally understanding toward foreigners. However, traditions around food, elders, religion, and government are taken seriously. Repeated or careless behaviour is far less tolerated than an honest one-time mistake.
Can tourists get in trouble for cultural mistakes in Vietnam?
Most cultural mistakes won’t cause serious problems, but disrespecting the government, taking photos in sensitive areas, or mocking national figures like Ho Chi Minh can lead to warnings or being asked to delete content. It’s best to stay cautious in public spaces.
Is Vietnam conservative compared to Western countries?
Yes, especially when it comes to public behaviour. Public displays of affection, loud confrontations, or overly casual behaviour around elders and sacred sites are frowned upon, even if they seem normal elsewhere.
How can I avoid cultural mistakes when travelling in Vietnam?
Watch how locals behave before acting, be polite and patient, and ask questions if you’re unsure. When in doubt, take a quieter and more respectful approach. Vietnamese culture values intention, humility, and effort far more than perfection.
