The most common and polite greeting is “Xin chào” ('Hello'), which can be used to greet people of any status. It is common to get someone's attention by saying “O'i” (Hey). This is a perfectly polite way to beckon someone over or greet someone casually in Vietnam.
You is ''chi'' when talking to a female slightly older than you. You is ''chee'' when you are talking more formally. You is ''em'' when you are talking to someone younger than you, male or female, and it covers informal and formal situations though the latter would be rare, if ever.
If a Vietnamese girl likes you, she will talk a lot and ask many questions, she'll be asking you about meeting her family, she'll maintain eye contact and smile, she'll be eager to show you her culture, she'll play with your hair, and she'll laugh at your jokes.
TIP: Vietnamese dislike public displays of affection, and men and women often do not touch in front of others. Try to respect the local sentiment by keeping public displays of affection to a minimum.
Vietnam still holds the idea of white, flawless, and bright skin as the epitome of beauty. Today, cultural practices like teeth blackening that once were symbols of beauty have died out.
Vietnamese like to show intimacy by physical contacts like tapping on the shoulder, sitting close (too close to westerners) to each other, whispering into others' years, or people of the same gender walking hand in hand or hands over shoulders with each other.
Key Takeaways. Nguyen is the most common surname in Vietnam, meaning 'musical instrument' and rooted in Chinese. Nguyen is popular worldwide due to Vietnam's historical ties with countries like Australia and France.
Chu ([tɕū] or Châu ([tɕə̄w]) is a Vietnamese surname. It is transliterated as Zhou (for Chu) and Zhu (for Châu) in Chinese, and Ju in Korean. Châu is also a unisex Vietnamese given name. Chau is the anglicized variation of Châu.
Fish sauce, known as 'nuoc mam' in Vietnamese, is a staple ingredient in many Southeast Asian cuisines, particularly in Vietnam. It is made from fermented fish, usually anchovies, and is prized for its umami flavor.
The simplest and most universally accepted way to greet a woman in business is with a handshake. Extend your hand confidently, make eye contact, and offer a firm, but not overpowering, handshake. This shows respect and establishes a professional rapport.
Literally: Hello older brother / Hello older sister. Chào anh is often used when you need to greet someone who is old enough to be your "older brother".
How do you make a good impression on Vietnamese people?
Greetings and First Impressions. In Vietnam, a friendly smile goes a long way. Handshakes are common, but they may be softer and more formal than in the West—especially with women or elders.
Physical Contact: In Vietnam, it is not appropriate to touch strangers unless it is unavoidable. People also generally don't hug one another or show any physical affection to the opposite gender in public. Avoid backslapping and putting your arm around someone's shoulder.
Avoid revealing clothing and inappropriate behavior in temples. Modesty is crucial, especially when visiting religious sites. Dress appropriately by covering your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect for cultural norms.
For us it is just a kiss on her forehead which can be very cute when she is very happy and feeling affectionate towards me, she will lean her head towards my lips to get me to kiss her.
Vietnamese people typically avoid direct eye contact and may gaze downward when talking. Avoiding eye contact demonstrates respect to elders, people of higher status or of the opposite sex. Speaking in a loud tone with excessive gestures is considered rude, especially when done by women.
If you're a first-time solo traveler wondering if Vietnam is good for solo travelers, I'd say yes! It was easy to get around, people were friendly, and there was so much to do. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, which can make communication easier for travelers who don't speak Vietnamese.
What should I wear? In Vietnam, modesty is respectful. Cover your shoulders and knees in areas of religious or cultural importance, like temples and people's homes, and keep any undergarments out of sight – watch out for bra straps poking out of a vest top and avoid sheer fabrics.
