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Taboos in Vietnam: Top 10 things travelers should beware of

28/05/2025

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The list of cultural taboos in Vietnam highlights important traditions and social norms that visitors should respect, from proper dining etiquette to behavior at religious sites. Understanding them helps travelers avoid misunderstandings and shows cultural sensitivity.

1. Vietnamese taboos in daily life
2. Taboos in Vietnamese culture on special occasions

1. Vietnamese taboos in daily life

In Vietnamese culture, there are certain taboos that travelers should be aware of to ensure a smooth and respectful journey. Let’s explore some of the common taboos in Vietnam.

1.1. Dressing

There are certain dress-related taboos you should be aware of:

Dress modestly and observe how locals dress: It will help you understand what is appropriate. Avoid see-through, skimpy outfits, and visible undergarments.
Show respect for local customs by avoiding offensive outfits: For example, Men should not go shirtless in public; swimwear is for beaches only.

Dress modestly to show respect towards Vietnamese people

1.2. Dining

Vietnamese people place great importance on dining etiquette. There are several taboos in Vietnam related to meals and Vietnamese chopsticks that you should keep in mind:

Don’t tap your bowl with chopsticks: This sound is associated with bad luck and is linked to begging.
Don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice: This resembles funeral offerings and is seen as ominous.
Avoid passing food chopstick-to-chopstick: This reminds people of funeral rites involving ashes.
Don’t place your chopsticks of uneven lengths or let them cross: Uneven or crossed chopsticks signal misfortune or disagreement.
Never flip fish: For fishermen, this symbolizes a boat capsizing.
Avoid dropping bowls or plates: Breaking tableware symbolizes family conflict or separation.
Don’t scoop rice with just one ladle: This is typically done when serving food to the deceased.
Don’t eat before the host: Wait until the host starts the meal to show respect.
Offer drinks respectfully: Keeping your glass lower than elders’ shows deference.
Avoid picking through the food: It is considered impolite.
Don’t shake your legs while eating: Shaking legs is linked to poverty and is distracting.
Eat quietly: Loud slurping or chewing is considered rude.

1.3. Salutation and Communication

When visiting Vietnam, be mindful of Vietnamese taboos related to greetings and forms of address:

Avoid speaking loudly or aggressively: A calm, respectful tone is preferred.
Stay away from sensitive topics: Topics like politics, religion, or finances should be avoided to avoid causing discomfort.
Use proper titles and pronouns to show respect: When greeting locals, say “Xin chao” (Hello). Here are some basic guidelines:
- For females: Same age – “em”; slightly older – “chi”; elderly – “ba”
- For males: Same age – “em”; slightly older – “anh”; elderly – “ong”

Using proper titles and pronouns is important in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

More on: 23 do’s and don’ts in Vietnam to ensure a respectful visit

1.4. Body gestures

Body language and gestures also play a key role in taboos in Vietnam—let’s take a closer look!

Control emotions: Displaying anger is frowned upon.
Use both hands when giving something: It shows respect.
Use your whole hand to point or gesture, not your finger: If not, it is considered rude.
Avoid touching others’ heads or shoulders: This one shows disrespect.
Don’t stand with hands on hips or in pockets, especially when talking: It shows disrespect.
Avoid turning your back on people, especially elders: It shows disrespect for others.
Don’t whistle at night or in dark places: It is believed to attract bad spirits.
Avoid group photos of three: It is considered unlucky.
Avoid excessive public displays of affection: It may make others uncomfortable.

1.5. Visiting sacred sites

When visiting spiritual or religious sites in Vietnam, remember to observe these important Vietnamese taboos:

Use side entrances: Avoid the main gate when entering a temple, as it is reserved for Buddha, deities, or royalty.
Remove your shoes: Take off shoes before entering prayer halls or sacred spaces to maintain sanctity.
Don’t walk in front of people who are praying: To show respect, you can kneel behind someone who is standing to worship.
Stay quiet and respectful: Avoid making noise, pointing at, or touching sacred statues.
Dress modestly: Wear long sleeves and simple attire, avoiding short skirts, shorts, or low-cut tops.
Don’t take photos or videos of Buddha statues, especially with inappropriate or disrespectful poses: It is generally considered unacceptable in temples.

Remove your shoes before entering temples – an important taboo in Vietnamese culture (Source: Collected)

1.6. Visiting a family home

If you are invited to a Vietnamese home, remember the following Vietnamese taboos to ensure a smooth and respectful visit:

Take off your shoes before entering: To show respect.
Avoid family altars: Do not step over or walk in front of ancestral altars to avoid disrespect.
Don’t place hats, bags, or belongings near the ancestral altar: Because it is a sacred space.
Don’t touch the worship items or sit with your back toward the altar: To show respect.
Don’t whistle indoors: It is believed to call spirits into the home.

When visiting ethnic minority villages in Vietnam, some Vietnamese taboos are:

Don’t move or step on the stones used to support the stove: Some ethnic groups believe these are home to fire spirits.
Honor sacred spots: Avoid sitting on the threshold, hanging hats on sacred columns, or leaning against the main house pillar, as these are sacred.
Wait for invitation: Do not sit on cushions in ethnic minority villages unless invited, as they are reserved for elders or important guests.

Discover: Vietnamese etiquette: A complete list of do’s and don’ts

2. Taboos in Vietnamese culture on special occasions

2.1. Vietnamese New Year

During Vietnamese New Year, certain Vietnamese taboos are observed to ensure good luck and prosperity for the year ahead:

Avoid breaking things: This symbolizes separation and bad luck.
Don’t say negative or unlucky words: These will affect your entire year.
Avoid leaving food unfinished: This can bring hunger or hardship.
Avoid borrowing or lending money: It is thought to cause financial difficulties.
Don’t wear black or white: These colors are associated with mourning. Bright colors are preferred.

Avoid breaking things during Vietnamese New Year

One of the most important taboos in Vietnam is avoiding breaking things

2.2. Weddings

Weddings in Vietnam are considered significant occasions, and there are a few important Vietnamese taboos that guests should be aware of.

Avoid asking awkward or taboo questions: Questions like “When are you having children?” or “How much did this wedding cost?” are considered rude.
Avoid breaking anything during the ceremony: Things like broken mirrors, cups, or chopsticks are seen as bad omens for the couple’s future.
Don’t dress too casually or provocatively: Outfits like T-shirts, flip-flops, or revealing dresses draw attention away from the bride and are considered disrespectful.

2.3. Funerals

At solemn events like funerals, it is essential to follow these taboos in Vietnam out of respect:

Avoid colorful or flashy clothes: Wear dark, modest clothing to show respect.
Don’t make vows or promises in front of the deceased: It is believed their spirit can hear and follow you.
Turn off your phone or keep it on silent mode: Loud ringtones are inappropriate at funerals.
Avoid rude or loud conversations: It is disrespectful to the grieving family.

2.4. Ghost Month

In Vietnamese belief, the 7th lunar month is Ghost Month, when the gates of the underworld open and spirits return to the living world. Many taboos in Vietnam are followed during this time:

Don’t call someone’s name at midnight: It is believed that spirits might remember the name and follow that person.
Avoid big events like buying property, weddings, or groundbreaking ceremonies: Wandering spirits may interfere with important affairs.
Don’t stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice: It is an invitation to spirits.
Avoid breaking dishes or teapots: These are signs of relationship trouble.
Don’t scare or surprise people by tapping their shoulders or heads: It is believed this makes them vulnerable to spirit possession.
Don’t take photos at night: It is believed that ghosts may appear “invisibly” in photos with the living, which is considered a bad omen.

During Ghost Month, don’t take photos at night (Source: Collected)

Respecting taboos in Vietnam is key to having a meaningful and respectful travel experience. These cultural practices reflect the values and beliefs of the Vietnamese people. By understanding and observing Vietnamese taboos, visitors avoid misunderstandings and show appreciation for the country’s rich heritage and traditions.

After exploring some taboos in Vietnam, why not plan a trip to experience the country firsthand? Iconic destinations like Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Hoi An offer an opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant heritage of the Vietnamese people.

For an adventure like no other, be sure to visit VinWonders – a vibrant network of entertainment hubs offering everything from thrilling theme parks and water adventures to impressive aquariums, lush gardens, wildlife encounters, and spectacular live shows.

Take your journey to the next level with a stay at the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl, where world-class service and top-notch facilities promise an unforgettable getaway.

Nha Trang

Phu Quoc

Ha Noi

Nghe An - Ha Tinh

Hoi An - Da Nang

Hai Phong

Ho Chi Minh City

Nha Trang

Phu Quoc

Ha Noi

Nghe An - Ha Tinh

Hoi An - Da Nang

Hai Phong

Ho Chi Minh City

Taboos in Vietnam: Top 10 things travelers should beware of

1. Vietnamese taboos in daily life

1.1. Dressing

1.2. Dining

1.3. Salutation and Communication

1.4. Body gestures

1.5. Visiting sacred sites

1.6. Visiting a family home

2. Taboos in Vietnamese culture on special occasions

2.1. Vietnamese New Year

2.2. Weddings

2.3. Funerals

2.4. Ghost Month

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