17 Things Not to Do in Vietnam for a Smooth Travel Experience

Vietnam is a captivating blend of bustling cities, peaceful rice terraces, ancient temples, and mouthwatering cuisine. Whether you’re wandering through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, sailing through Ha Long Bay, or exploring the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, the country welcomes you with warmth and charm.

To make your journey even more enriching, it helps to understand the key things not to do in Vietnam. This guide will make you aware of the common mistakes to avoid in Vietnam and ensure you move through the country with cultural awareness and confidence.

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1. Do Not Disrespect Religious Sites

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Vietnam’s temples and pagodas are deeply sacred. Wearing shoes inside prayer halls, touching statues, or speaking loudly are things that offend locals in Vietnam. Being mindful of religious etiquette is one of the most important things not to do in Vietnam for first-timers.

2. Do Not Wear Revealing Clothing

If you’re unsure about what not to wear in Vietnam, avoid short shorts, crop tops, or low-cut clothing when visiting temples or rural areas. Modest dresses help you be aware of the things to avoid in Vietnam as a tourist and show deep cultural respect.

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3. Do Not Raise Your Voice

Vietnamese people value calm and gentle communication. Speaking loudly, arguing, or showing frustration in public are travel mistakes in Vietnam to avoid, especially in restaurants, markets, and taxis.

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4. Do Not Touch People’s Heads

The head is considered sacred in Vietnamese culture, and touching someone’s head— even a child’s can be seen as intrusive or disrespectful. It’s one of the subtle things not to do in Vietnam that many visitors may not realize. Always avoid this gesture to prevent causing discomfort and to show awareness of local cultural values.

5. Do Not Point With Your Feet

Feet are considered the lowest and least clean part of the body in Vietnam, so pointing them at someone or resting them on chairs, tables, or other elevated surfaces can be seen as rude. These actions are among the key things not to do in Vietnam, as they may easily offend locals who value respectful posture and body language.

6. Do Not Cross Roads Carelessly

Vietnam’s traffic flows differently. Running across the street abruptly is one of the common mistakes to avoid in Vietnam. Walk slowly and predictably, allowing motorbikes to weave around you.

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7. Do Not Skip Greetings

A simple hello or nod goes a long way. Ignoring greetings, especially with elders, is one of the things that offends locals in Vietnam. Always acknowledge others politely.

8. Do Not Take Photos Without Consent

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Always ask before photographing locals, especially monks, vendors, and ethnic communities. Taking photos without permission is one of the things not to do in Vietnam for first-timers.

9. Do Not Sit With Your Back to the Altar

Sitting or standing with your back facing Buddha statues or altars is considered disrespectful. This is one of the things to avoid in Vietnam as a tourist when visiting religious sites.

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10. Do Not Throw Rubbish Everywhere

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Littering in cities, beaches, or national parks is one of the top things not to do in Vietnam. Disposing of trash improperly is considered disrespectful by locals and harms the natural environment. Always use designated bins and help keep Vietnam’s public spaces clean, beautiful, and enjoyable for everyone.

11. Do Not Bargain Rudely

Bargaining is normal, but being overly aggressive is one of the things not to do in Vietnam. If you’re wondering what not to do in Vietnam’s malls, remember that malls have fixed prices, unlike street markets.

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12. Do Not Ignore Local Food Etiquette

In Vietnam, finishing most of your food is polite. Mixing sauce incorrectly or sticking chopsticks upright in rice are travel mistakes in Vietnam to avoid. Place chopsticks neatly on the holder instead.

13. Do Not Show Public Affection Excessively

Holding hands is fine, but passionate kissing or hugging in public are things to avoid in Vietnam as a tourist. Such actions may make locals uncomfortable, especially in traditional areas.

14. Do Not Forget Temple Manners

When visiting temples in Vietnam, remove your shoes, dress modestly, speak softly, and avoid filming or photographing rituals without permission. Ignoring these customs is one of the common mistakes to avoid in Vietnam, as temples are sacred spaces where respectful behavior is expected from all visitors.

15. Do Not Assume Card Payments Work Everywhere

Many small eateries, taxis, and street vendors in Vietnam still operate on a cash-only basis, so assuming card payments work everywhere can lead to awkward situations. This is one of the practical things not to do in Vietnam, especially for first-time travelers. Keeping smaller bills handy ensures smoother purchases and avoids unnecessary delays.

16. Do Not Offend with Inappropriate Gifts

Avoid gifting knives, handkerchiefs, or any item associated with separation or sadness, as these are considered inauspicious in Vietnamese culture. This is one of the cultural things not to do in Vietnam that many visitors overlook, and choosing thoughtful, positive gifts ensures you show respect and strengthen relationships.

17. Do Not Ignore Motorbike Rules

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Motorbikes dominate Vietnamese roads. Standing recklessly, blocking parking areas, or walking in bike lanes are things that offend locals in Vietnam. Being aware of traffic habits helps you avoid committing travel mistakes in Vietnam.

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FAQs

What are the laws in Vietnam for tourists?

Tourists should follow temple rules, respect traffic laws, dress modestly, and avoid damaging natural areas. Drug offenses carry severe penalties.

Is it okay to wear shorts in Vietnam?

Shorts are fine in beaches and cities, but if you’re unsure about what not to wear in Vietnam, avoid very short or revealing clothing in temples or rural communities.

Can unmarried couples visit Vietnam together?

Yes, unmarried couples can visit and stay together without restrictions. However, public affection should be kept minimal.

Is Vietnam safe for solo travelers?

Yes, Vietnam is generally safe, but staying aware of the common mistakes to avoid in Vietnam keeps your trip smoother.

What are the best months to visit Vietnam?

February to April and August to October offer pleasant weather across many regions.

Can two male friends share a hotel room in Vietnam?

Yes, there are no cultural issues with two male friends sharing a room.

What is not allowed in Vietnam as a tourist?

Avoid littering, disrespecting religious symbols, yelling in public, and photographing locals without consent. These are key things not to do in Vietnam.

What are some of the strict rules to follow in Vietnam?

Respect for elders, temple etiquette, environmental protection rules, and traffic safety practices are among the important regulations visitors should follow.