What are food taboos in Vietnam?

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.

What is a taboo in Vietnam food?

Most Vietnamese avoid dog meat, mainly due to religious and moral reasons, while Buddhists consider dogs polluting, possibly because dogs eat their own excrements and are highly incestuous.

What foods do Vietnamese not eat?

Many Vietnamese lack calcium since sources such as milk, dairy products and soy products are not part of the diet. (Vietnamese of Chinese descent, however, may eat tofu and other soy products.) Further, many Vietnamese adults are lactose intolerant.

What food is prohibited in Vietnam?

Vietnam expressly prohibits products such as fresh meat, fresh dairy, fresh fruit originating in an infected area, drugs, weapons and arms, and electronic cigarettes (since 2025). Products of endangered animals and used electronics are also forbidden.

What are the unspoken rules in Vietnam?

The Vietnamese are not demonstrative so no kissing on the cheek/hugs/backslapping when you say hello. - Low cut tops on women You'll never see a Vietnamese woman show off her cleavage! - Don't give sweeties or pencils etc. to kids you come across whilst touring. Give any treats to their accompanying adults.

5 Taboos you should avoid in Vietnam 🇻🇳

Do and don'ts in Vietnam?

As a general rule, keep your cool and avoid loud arguments, making a scene, berating others for mistakes, or pointing out anything that may cause the locals to feel shamed. TIP: Vietnamese dislike public displays of affection, and men and women often do not touch in front of others.

What is the 2 child rule in Vietnam?

The two-child policy, in place since 2009 to prevent overpopulation, restricted families to one or two children. While enforcement was relaxed for ordinary citizens, the policy was strictly applied to government officials and members of the ruling Communist Party.

What food to avoid in Vietnam?

What can't you wear in Vietnam?

Clothing and footwear

Remember that short shorts, crop tops and tank tops are not considered appropriate in Vietnam.

What isn't allowed in Vietnam?

Sharp objects, weapons or weapon-like items such as knives, swords, multi-function knives, darts, scissors, axes, etc. Firearms, parts of firearms, ammunitions, stun guns, imitation firearms, toy guns or weapon-like toys/items.

What not to drink in Vietnam?

What do Vietnamese people eat every day?

Typical Vietnamese family meal

A typical meal for the average Vietnamese family would include: Cơm trắng: Cooked white rice. Món mặn or main dishes to eat with rice: Fish/seafood, meat, tofu (grilled, boiled, steamed, stewed or stir-fried with vegetables) Rau: Sauteed, boiled or raw fresh green vegetables.

What is a Vietnamese breakfast?

Pho, Banh Cuon, and Bun Rieu are typical breakfast dishes in the North. Central Vietnam is well known for its generous use of spices. Notably, in Hue, the foods are influenced by the traditional royal cuisine of Vietnam. Bun Bo Hue and Mi Quang are signature breakfast dishes in the region.

What is considered rude in Vietnam?

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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.

Can you not flush toilet paper in Vietnam?

Yes, you read that right—no flushing that tissue, folks. Unlike Western sewer systems, many in Vietnam simply aren't built to handle paper waste, which can lead to all kinds of plumbing headaches. Instead, there's a handy trash bin right next to the toilet where you should toss your used tissue.

What is ban me Vietnamese food?

A bánh mì sandwich typically consists of one or more meats, accompanying vegetables, and condiments. Accompanying vegetables typically include fresh cucumber slices or wedges, leaves of the coriander plant and pickled carrot and daikon in shredded form (đồ chua).

Can females wear shorts in Vietnam?

Yes, girls can wear shorts in Vietnam, especially in cities and touristy areas like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or beach destinations like Nha Trang and Phu Quoc. The dress code in urban and coastal areas is generally relaxed, and you'll see many locals and tourists wearing shorts in hot weather.

What does crossing fingers mean in Vietnam?

In Vietnam the gesture is considered rude, especially to another person. Referring to female genitals, it is comparable to the middle finger in American culture. In German-speaking countries, as well as Sweden and Latvia, the gesture is a sign of lying. Instead, wishing for luck is gestured by holding one's thumbs.

What can I not bring back from Vietnam?

Bringing fresh food such as fruits, vegetables, or raw meat out of Vietnam is generally prohibited. However, processed, sealed, and commercially packaged foods like dried fruits, snacks, or spices are allowed. Ensure these items meet your home country's food import standards.

How do I prepare my stomach for Vietnam?

Start taking probiotics for one week before you leave for Vietnam. I use Optibac's For Travelling Abroad and Allergy Research Saccharomyces Boulardii. The latter is not only researched for diarrhoea but is supportive of the immune system which helps your digestive system fight any incoming bugs that may slip in.

Can you brush your teeth with tap water in Vietnam?

Brushing Your Teeth: Safe or Not? The good news is, yes, you can usually brush your teeth with tap water in Vietnam—particularly in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and popular tourist destinations like Ninh Binh.

Can I eat bananas in Vietnam?

It's not much of concern for fruits like bananas or watermelons as we don't eat the skin. However, with apples, guava or things like that, consider washing fruits thoroughly before you eat them. You also check the restaurants you dine at whether they do the same.

What is the legal age gap in Vietnam?

A man and a woman wishing to marry each other must satisfy the following conditions: a) The man is full 20 years or older, the woman is full 18 years or older;… Age of Criminal Responsibility: 14 years Vietnam Criminal Code Art.

Does a child born in Vietnam get citizenship?

A child born in the Vietnamese territory whose parents, at the time of his/her birth, are both stateless persons with a permanent residence in Vietnam has Vietnamese nationality.

How many children does a couple often have in Vietnam?

Vietnamese families are having fewer children than ever before. The birth rate in 2021 was 2.11 children per woman, just over the replacement rate required for a population to avoid shrinking over the long term. Since then, the birth rate has steadily declined: to 2.01 in 2022, 1.96 in 2023 and 1.91 in 2024.