Things NOT to do in Vietnam (Part 2)

Summary

In this informative video, the host explores 15 cultural faux pas that might make Vietnamese people uncomfortable. From the significance of altars in Vietnamese homes to the taboo of crossing fingers, the video offers insights into local customs and etiquette. It also covers appropriate gestures, the importance of respecting seniority, and the cultural implications of certain behaviors like PDA and table manners. The host's collaboration with the waterproof shoe brand, Vessi, adds a practical tip for visitors during the rainy season, ensuring they can enter homes respectfully. The video is a must-watch for anyone looking to navigate Vietnamese culture with sensitivity and respect.

Takeaways

• 🙏 Respecting the altar is crucial in Vietnamese culture, as it is considered sacred and associated with good luck, health, and wealth.
• 👟 Removing shoes when entering a Vietnamese home is a sign of respect and cleanliness, especially important during the rainy season.
• 💏 Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon in Vietnam, reflecting traditional values and the importance of modesty.
• 👋 The 'come here' gesture varies by culture; in Vietnam, it's polite to move your hand up and down towards your body with a smiling face.
• ✋ Crossing fingers is seen as inappropriate in Vietnam, as it resembles an offensive gesture related to private parts.
• 🍽️ Using chopsticks improperly, such as sticking them直立 into a rice bowl, can be seen as a sign of death and is disrespectful.
• 💰 When dining out or on a date, it's customary to 'fight' to pay for the meal as a sign of generosity and respect.
• 👶 Vietnamese people are known to be fond of children and may touch them affectionately; if uncomfortable, it's best to say the child is unwell to avoid seeming rude.
• 🍲 Refusing food offered by Vietnamese hosts can be seen as a rejection of their hospitality and love.
• 😡 Avoiding conflict is valued in Vietnamese culture, but provoking someone may lead to a strong response, reflecting the country's history of resilience.

Q & A

Why is it inappropriate to point your feet directly at an altar in Vietnam?

In Vietnam, an altar is a sacred place where people worship gods and ancestors. Pointing your feet directly at it is considered very disrespectful because feet are seen as the lowest and least important part of the body.

What is the cultural significance of taking off shoes when entering a Vietnamese home?

Taking off shoes when entering a Vietnamese home shows respect for the host and the cleanliness of their home. It is also a reflection of the collectivist culture where people often gather on the floor for various activities.

How can wearing waterproof shoes benefit visitors during the rainy season in Vietnam?

Wearing waterproof shoes like those from the Vessi brand can keep your feet dry during the rainy season, which is important when entering homes to avoid tracking in wetness and dirt.

What does PDA like french kissing or grabbing signify in Vietnamese culture?

Public displays of affection such as french kissing or grabbing are considered inappropriate in Vietnam due to traditional Confucian values that discourage direct physical contact between men and women outside of certain relationships.

Why is it offensive to use a particular hand gesture to call someone over in Vietnam?

In Vietnam, using the 'come here' gesture by curling one finger is offensive because it is used to call animals or challenge someone to a fight. The correct way is to move your hand up and down from the outside toward your body.

What is the cultural interpretation of crossing fingers in Vietnam?

Crossing fingers in Vietnam is seen as inappropriate because it resembles the private part of the female body, which is considered vulgar. Sexual organs are generally taboo in Vietnamese culture.

Why is it disrespectful to give something with one hand to older people in Vietnam?

In Vietnamese culture, giving something with one hand to older people is considered disrespectful. It shows a lack of respect for seniority and hierarchy, which are important aspects of Vietnamese society.

What does it mean to stick two chopsticks upright into a rice bowl in Vietnamese culture?

Sticking two chopsticks upright into a rice bowl is a gesture used to honor the dead in Vietnam. It resembles the incense sticks burned at funerals and is considered a reminder of death.

Why is it important to 'fight to pay' when dining with a Vietnamese girl or her parents?

In Vietnam, 'fighting to pay' for a meal is a way to show respect and the ability to take care of someone. It is a part of the saving face culture and is especially important when meeting potential in-laws or in business settings.

How should you respond if you are offered food in Vietnam, and you cannot eat it for personal reasons?

If you are offered food in Vietnam and cannot eat it due to allergies or religious reasons, it is best to be honest and explain your situation politely. For example, if you are a vegetarian, you can simply state that you do not eat meat.

What is the cultural expectation regarding facial hair for men in Vietnam?

In Vietnam, having a heavy beard may make some people, especially the older generation, feel uncomfortable as it can be seen as a sign of not caring about cleanliness or laziness. It is less common and can draw attention in a collectivist culture.