Local culture in Vietnam

The local culture in Vietnam presents different values and customs from the West, which can take some getting used to when you first arrive. Expect at least some culture shock as you settle in. A calm approach to Vietnam’s chaotic aspects will serve you well. Friendliness, openness, and eagerness to learn about Vietnamese culture will make your expat experience more rewarding.

Having an open mind and a sense of humour will help reduce culture shock in Vietnam. Expat surveys show that over four in five newcomers feel welcome in the country, and Vietnam ranks among the top destinations for ease of settling in.

Attitudes towards foreigners in Vietnam

When living in Vietnam, you’ll notice a marked difference in how Vietnamese co-workers treat you compared to market vendors and touts. Vietnam draws many tourists, so at times, locals might perceive you as just another visitor. Once you venture beyond tourist hotspots though, you’ll discover the authentic Vietnam, its people and culture.

The people that expats interact with daily at work are typically warm, welcoming and ready to help. Vietnamese colleagues value harmony in work settings and rarely show anger, contributing to a more relaxed atmosphere than in many Western offices.

Politics in Vietnam

You’ll quickly learn that Vietnamese people take great pride in their country, so avoid mentioning the painful history of the Vietnam War. Learning about Vietnam’s national history and holiday traditions will help you connect with locals.

Steer clear of sensitive political topics in public spaces. Focus on safe conversation topics like family, food (especially regional dishes), travel destinations within Vietnam, and sports (football is hugely popular).

The concept of ‘face’ matters greatly in Vietnamese culture – maintaining respectful conversations helps preserve good relationships and shows cultural awareness.

Language barrier in Vietnam

The language barrier in Vietnam can be challenging, but speaking Vietnamese isn’t always essential for workplace success. Learning a few basic phrases will serve you well in social situations. Although Vietnamese isn’t the simplest language to master, even basic lessons will help you read signs and manage daily interactions, particularly with pronouncing names and places.

Vietnamese people appreciate it when you make an effort to speak their language. Simple phrases like ‘Xin chào’ (hello) and ‘Cảm ơn’ (thank you) open many doors. Remember that Vietnamese is tonal – the same word can mean different things depending on pitch, so practice your pronunciation.

City life in Vietnam

Expats who relocate to Vietnam will likely land in the bustling energy of Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. At first, the non-stop activity of Vietnamese city life might feel overwhelming. Life amid the street vendors, travellers and motorbikes brings a lot of excitement but also noise.

You may become the focus of unwanted attention from vendors, curious onlookers and children. Accept this attention and learn to tune it out. Most foreigners eventually get used to the comments and blend into their surroundings.

Market vendors often assume Westerners have deep pockets, so expect higher prices than locals pay for the same goods. Never accept the first price offered. When shopping at Vietnamese markets, bargaining is expected. To haggle effectively, stay friendly, maintain a smile, and start at about 40 percent of the asking price.

Popular expat areas include Thao Dien (District 2) in Ho Chi Minh City and Tay Ho in Hanoi, where you’ll find more Western amenities and fellow English speakers.

Best Places to Live in Ho Chi Minh City

Road safety and transport in Vietnam

Road safety in Vietnam presents major challenges. You’ll need to navigate numerous transport options while staying alert. Buses and trains get incredibly crowded, as do the roads during rush hours. Traffic safety requires constant awareness of your surroundings.

Learning to cross streets filled with motorbikes, cars and bicycles is essential. Picture the traffic as a school of fish and cross slowly without sudden movements. This helps drivers predict where you’ll go and adjust accordingly. New laws now require pedestrians to signal with their hands when crossing roads without traffic lights or crosswalks, with fines for non-compliance.

If you choose to ride a motorbike, always wear a helmet, stay on the right side, and use your horn often.

Transport and Driving in Vietnam 
Safety in Vietnam 

LGBTQ+ in Vietnam

LGBTQ+ rights in Vietnam have advanced in recent years. Same-sex activities are legal, and in 2022, the health ministry officially declared that being gay or transgender is not a medical condition. The 2015 civil code allows transgender people to change their legal name and gender. Currently, there are ongoing efforts to develop more comprehensive gender-affirmation laws that would make the process more straightforward.

While society grows more accepting, public displays of affection face disapproval for all couples, regardless of their orientation. LGBTQ+ expats will find more established communities and social venues in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, as rural areas are more traditional. 

For day-to-day life, discretion serves you better in public spaces and workplaces, especially outside major cities. Dating apps like Grindr and Tinder work throughout Vietnam, although many users are discreet about their identities.

LGBTQ+, Diversity and Inclusion in Vietnam 

Women in Vietnam

Expat women in Vietnam will encounter a society with distinctive gender dynamics. Vietnam shows higher female workforce participation than many neighbouring countries, but traditional gender roles still shape daily life, especially in rural settings.

In professional environments, expat women typically receive respectful treatment. Recent initiatives like the Gender Equality and Returns project aim to improve workplace equality across Vietnam, but there are still pay differences between men and women in similar roles.

Street harassment in Vietnam occurs less frequently than in many Western countries, but you should still follow standard safety measures, particularly after dark. For personal safety, using reputable taxi services like Grab rather than motorcycle taxis at night is advisable.

Despite these challenges, female solo travellers and expats make their ways around Vietnam safely, with most sharing positive experiences throughout the country.

Gender Equality and Women in Leadership in Vietnam