Local Customs & Etiquette in Vinh, Nghệ An, Vietnam

All Topics about Vinh All Cities in Vietnam

1. Vinh Greeting Custom

A double handshake followed by a slight bow is the standard greeting in Vinh. This shows respect and friendliness to locals.

Double Handshake: Unlike most places, a simple handshake is not enough in Vinh.
Slight Bow: The slight bow is an additional gesture of respect that travelers may find refreshing.
Friendliness: This greeting style reflects the warm and welcoming nature of the people in Vinh.

Eating with your hands is common during informal meals. It's important to wash your hands before eating.

Informal Meals: Using hands to eat is more common in less formal settings, not in restaurants.
Hand Washing: Always wash your hands before partaking in a meal with your fingers.
Respectful Eating: Eating slowly and mindfully shows respect to your host or dining companions.

It's considered rude to start eating before everyone has their food. Wait for the host or eldest person to begin.

Respecting Elders: Waiting for elders to eat first shows respect in a Vietnamese setting.
Patience: Be patient and wait for everyone to receive their food before starting your meal.
Shared Meals: Sharing food is a common practice in Vietnamese dining culture.

Gifts should be wrapped and odd numbers of gifts are considered lucky. Avoid white gifts as it's associated with funerals.

Wrapping: Gifts should always be well-wrapped to show thoughtfulness.
Odd Numbers: Four is considered an unlucky number, so avoid giving gifts in groups of four.
Avoiding White: White is a color associated with mourning, so it's best to avoid white gift wrapping.

Modest and respectful clothing is appreciated. Long pants and shirts with sleeves are recommended for men.

Modesty: Covering your shoulders and knees shows respect in a traditional Vietnamese setting.
Respectful Clothing: Dressing conservatively demonstrates respect for the local culture.
Long Pants and Sleeves: Men are advised to wear long pants and shirts with sleeves in formal or traditional settings.

Visitors should remove their shoes before entering temples and pagodas. Be respectful and quiet while inside.

Shoe Removal: Removing your shoes is a sign of respect when entering religious sites.
Quiet and Respectful Behavior: Being quiet and respectful shows your appreciation for the sacred nature of these places.
Cultural Preservation: Preserving the peace and tranquility of religious sites is important to locals.

Bargaining is expected at local markets. Be friendly and persistent but also be aware of fair prices.

Bargaining: Negotiating prices is a common practice in local markets.
Friendliness: Be friendly during negotiations to build rapport with the vendor.
Fair Prices: Understand fair prices for common items before starting your bargaining process.

Tea is an integral part of Vietnamese culture. Offering tea to guests is a sign of hospitality.

Hospitality: Offering tea to guests shows warmth and friendliness.
Variety of Tea: Vietnamese tea culture offers a wide variety of flavors and types to try.
Respectful Drinking: Drink your tea mindfully and avoid making loud slurping noises.

During festivals, dress modestly and be respectful. Avoid taking photos without permission.

Modest Dressing: Respect local traditions by dressing conservatively during festivals.
Respectful Behavior: Show respect for the cultural and religious significance of the festival.
Permission for Photos: Always ask for permission before taking photos, especially during sacred or private moments.

Stand when a seat is available and offer your seat to the elderly or pregnant women.

Seat Availability: Always stand when a seat is not taken, to allow others to sit.
Respect for Elders and Pregnant Women: Offering your seat to these groups shows respect and kindness.
Cleanliness: Keep the public transportation clean and tidy, and dispose of waste properly.

Street food vendors often serve small portions. It's common to order multiple dishes and share.

Small Portions: Vendors usually provide smaller portions, so ordering multiple dishes is the norm.
Sharing: Sharing food with companions is an integral part of the street food experience.
Food Safety: Avoid street food vendors that appear unsanitary or have poor hygiene practices.

Remove your shoes before entering the house and offer to help with household chores.

Shoe Removal: Removing your shoes is a sign of respect when visiting someone's home.
Helping with Chores: Offering to help with simple chores demonstrates your willingness to participate and contribute.
Gift Giving: A small gift, such as fruit or flowers, is a thoughtful gesture when visiting someone's home.

Business cards should be presented with both hands and carried horizontally. Be punctual for meetings.

Respectful Presentation: Presenting business cards with both hands shows respect.
Punctuality: Arriving on time for meetings demonstrates professionalism and respect for the other party's schedule.
Formal Titles: Use formal titles when addressing your business counterparts to show respect.

Always wear a helmet and follow traffic rules. Use the horn politely and sparingly.

Helmet Usage: Wearing a helmet is mandatory and important for your safety.
Traffic Rules: Adhering to traffic rules ensures a safe driving experience for everyone.
Polite Horn Use: Use your horn politely and sparingly, only when necessary to signal other drivers or pedestrians.

Park your motorbike away from doorways and entrances to allow for easy access.

Clear Access: Leaving space around your parked motorbike makes it easier for others to move about.
Respect for Property: Avoid parking in inconvenient or blocked locations to show respect for the property and rights of others.
Parking Space Sharing: If no specific parking spaces are available, share parking spaces with other motorbikes if necessary.