Things NOT to do in Vietnam (Part 2)

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Hello everyone! Here are the 15 things that foreigners accidentally make Vietnamese feel uncomfortable. Vietnamese people wouldn't be too harsh on you if you make these mistakes, but it's important to know each other's culture right?
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☀️About me:
Hey, I’m Van Vu from Vietnam! I’m gonna show you a BUN CHA good food besides PHO (Hope you like the puns :)) I love sharing Vietnamese unique food, hidden gems, and especially our culture. I strongly believe that the world will be a better place if we know each other’s culture. Learn more about me here: whatthephovn.com/about/
For business inquiries - [e-mail]

[@WhatThePho]

Thanks again Vessi! Use my whatthepho for $25 off each pair of your Vessi shoes! Free shipping to CA, US, AUS, NZ, JP, TW, KR, SGP

[@dongshengdi773]

My brother s wife is Vietnamese. She wanted my brother, kiss in public, hold hands in public. So all the other girls lost the war. So my brother had no choice but to marry the Vietnamese girl 😂🤣😅

[@dongshengdi773]

7:40 this is not just in Vietnam this is very common all over the world. This is proof that women just want to play. Women always want to test the man. Women always do the opposite.

[@dongshengdi773]

Vietnamese people fighting foreigners is in their blood. Communism with Vietnamese characteristics. 😂 Vietnam is following the footsteps of China . Vietnam is still poor , So No power. Therefore , They are keeping quiet for now , keeping a low profile . After 2 decades later , if it succeeds economically , it will start to take over everything just like what China is doing now . They've got nothing to lose because They already Lost since 1975.

[@aussieamy6367]

I'm waiting for a refund for some rain shoes I bought that sweat too much. Once the refund is processed, I think I'll buy a Vessi!

[@nickdual]

Love Vietnamese people speak English! I'm from Vietnam.

[@ericrichards3591]

I’m a Korean-American and everything you said in this video is exactly like the Korean culture. I didn’t realize that the cultures were so similar. It’s no wonder why I love going to Vietnam. I just got back a few weeks ago and I just night a return ticket for April ‘24 😂

[@huyquang6308]

❤

[@SaigonBrit]

Another one (I know a lot of younger Vietnamese complain about this one in their own country) is the indiscriminate dropping of litter/trash on the streets/plastic bags everywhere and cigarettes. Some of my Gen Z Vietnamese friends have told me that it's definitely a middle aged/elderly generation problem and they feel embarrassed about it.

[@prubly68]

I agree. I've witnessed people throwing trash into the river, on the roads, etc, but its always the older people that do this. I've talked with some of the younger kids about it, and it seems they are learning about pollution in school now so are becoming more aware.

[@SaigonBrit]

@@prubly68 agreed:))

[@Paslyona_Potopovna]

A lot of young folks litter as well, unfortunately. For instance, the young teacher of our kids can eat something in their school bus and then throw the pack out of a window. When little kids see that kind of behaviour from grownups around them they adopt it naturally. We ourselves have to put much more effort now to teach our kids appropriate behaviour, because we can see their negative transitioning after living here for one year. I can say the same about unhealthy habits in food (a lot of sweets, sodas, chemical contained food). A lot of time spending speaking and explaining to our kids is our salvation.

[@rickdavis2710]

As an American and my Wife is Vietnamese. We have a new home in Saigon. I love Vietnam and it’s people but I do prefer Saigon the best for me. Like you said it is very international and I find that true. My wife and her family are what we would call very Westernized but still keep to some Vietnamese traditions. My wife has her daughter and husband and 2 grandchildren that live with us. I like that so much, the closeness of family. I am retired from ExxomMobil and my Wife who is a US citizen pooled our money together and had a house built in Thu Duc City outside of Saigon. Returning back in December this year and eventually sell our US home in New Jersey and live permanently in Vietnam. I listen to your channel a lot for insights on Vietnamese culture even though I am quite familiar with Vietnam for the last 26 years. Thank you for very professional vlog .

[@WhatThePho]

Thank you so much Rick for taking the time of your day and letting me know my content has been helpful to you. I really appreciate it. As a foreigner living in Vietnam, what struggles do you have here?

[@amnong1517]

Even im a Vietnamese but i still want to watch her channel because there are many things about cultures that i haven't known

[@seanymac242]

How is the medical care there

[@rickdavis2710]

@@WhatThePho Don’t know of any yet. Medical seems to me to be important. Since I have Medicare in US. Looking to find good affordable medical care insurance in Vietnam.

[@CurtFell]

@@seanymac242 There are international hospitals in the big cities in VN that most foreigners and wealthy citizens use. They have the latest equipment and excellent doctors.

[@liveandlearnwithmike]

Van, can you please do more videos like this? This will help others learn the Vietnamese culture. Thank you

[@WhatThePho]

Yes of course!!

[@monishavarma]

You are wonderful Vin

[@chacmool2581]

Those of us who have been around SEAsia for while and studied it will know that none of these dislikes and behaviours are unique to Vietnam. They are virtually present in all the region's countries and points to a general cultural uniformity based on a very early substrate of Indian and Chinese culture. It also points to the animist past (and present). Just one example. Indonesian will routinely ask you upon encountering you, 'sudah makan?', 'did you eat already?'.

[@tommyrfc10]

I'd love to see a video on business practices because working in Saigon it drives me nuts that the saving face culture runs so deep that a lot of my coworkers can never admit fault or apologise for their errors. In some cases there's a lot of tiresome buck passing, excuses and, sometimes even lying, rather than a simple apology

[@franceskirsch9906]

This also frustrates me about saving face culture. I’m a Euro-Australian who married into a Chinese family and the lengths that people will go to in order to save face just baffles me. I understand and appreciate the idea of avoiding conflict and maintaining harmony in a community, and avoiding embarrassing anyone. But so often I’m finding it crosses the line from consideration of others to maintaining stupidly delicate egos and giving way too much power to what other people think of you. There’s very little balance. It’s not shameful to be humble, honest and teachable.

[@ngochieu_nguyen]

That is absolutely accurate, Vietnamese right here. The saving face culture is rooted deep over generations, as many people are told to stay away from problems as much as they can, hence some tend to not take responsibility even though they're obviously at fault. Many Vietnamese are also afraid of failures, and mistakes, and they also consider saying sorry as a way of embarrassing themselves. This is not only true for some Vietnamese in the workplace, but even at school, many have the same character trait.

[@caovan4912]

You can talk with your coworkers INDIVIDUALLY, give some hint to improve it, and the issue will be solved soon. They knew their problem already, they just don't want to admit it in front of the crowd

[@ucngocnguyen8938]

Very simple. You just need to meet them privately in a room with no other people or outside a bar, pub or coffee shop to change the matter. Vietnamese people save face with others in the same workplace but are receptive to opinions, not conservative. Just do it right and the problem is solved.

[@zhenghemei]

Try not to visit Vietnam and don't take VietJet Air.

[@raksu3553]

Same shoe policy in Finland. We never wear shoes in the house.

[@marka.nelson8191]

Learning about Vietnamese business culture would be great! I have had two Dutch managers, two Chinese bosses, some Indian bosses, a Brazilian boss, a German boss, and others and the cultural differences in management style are indeed enormous. Dutch people are exactly as you said )

[@janruhlmann3725]

Indeed Please introduce us into the Vietnamese business culture.

[@eMJay010993]

Lol! That must be a ride. Although Germany & the Netherlands are right next to each other, the management style differences are quite big. I really enjoyed the agency my managers gave me within the workplace. Titles meant little to them. It's their assigned tasks that mattered the most. Otherwise, everyone contributed to the improvement of the workspace. I've heard there's a bigger power distance in Germany though.

[@GaryAa56]

Two things mentioned removing shoes and Chop Sticks put straight up in Rice is in every Asian culture. I did however learn many things I hadn't known about before.

[@paulwalsh829]

So essentially. Just be respectful. I love the concept of avoiding conflict at all costs.

[@Hakulanni]

One year ago you wrote about understanding cultural differences. This Video really does a more thorough work of understanding Vietnam and its mores. In Hawa'ii, because of the heavy influences of our Asian friends and residents, we are more familiar with these. I am so happy to see that you always explain with kindness and deep understanding. I can't comprehend why some people who travel abroad don't think to be more concerned about this. I always look forward to your updates... Thank You!

[@WhatThePho]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment and your support!

[@mistapete1]

I love your perspective! “Lets just roast each other in the comments down below because i feel like the more we understand each other’s culture. The better.” I visited hcmc and thu dau mot last year. It was such breath of fresh air seeing how everyone makes fun of everything/everyone. It’s a much more relaxed atmosphere i feel

[@maxmclanahan6821]

Van VU thank you for this video. To me it is good to inform people about one's culture it goes a long way for better understanding and better relationships. What is sad for me is to see the new generation of Vietnamese slowly drifting away from the old culture. The Vietnamese culture has been around for thousands of years, and it is what has made Vietnam so Uneek especially when it comes to the family. That is what I love the most about Vietnam and its people. When I first came to Vietnam in 1968 and spent two years there, I learn lot of good ways and better ways to live and grow for I was a young man of 17 then. I am 74 now and still carry what I learn back then, and I think I have been a better man for it.

[@ivy0912]

As a staunch Hindu and an Indian, I would like to point out that touching feet at the altar is bad not because feet are the least important part, but because feet are assumed to have dirt which will soil the altar. In our culture, we take blessings from elders by touching their feet, as a sign of respect that I am not bigger than the mother earth.

[@jroddy1]

So why you put the alter on the floor where people walk around with their bare nasty feet. Common sense, put it on a table then.

[@Enjoy51690]

Hello ma'am. I'm Latino man going to da nang in July. Whathepho lol. Thanks for keeping viewers aware of how to put best foot forward when visiting Vietnam

[@_-_-.-_-_]

Very good and accurate video. A few things that I find annoying, especially with KZbinrs from America: Some how they think it is their job to expose fake markets in Bui Vien, it is as if their countries don't have them. Also, unlike Phuc Map, they live in Vietnam and thinks they don't have to learn Vietnamese while we live in America, we are supposed to speak English. Not talking about tourists. I have been helping most of my Vietnamese friends in Ha Noi that not all foreigners (including Viet Kieus) are the greatest. Some come very entitled and "I am an American" attitude. There lots of good foreigners too but have seen a mixture.

[@davidzee641]

As an American that hopes to visit Vietnam someday, I have spent the last 18 months trying to learn Vietnamese. The more I learn, the less I know!

[@jroddy1]

America doesn't have an official language for your information. 😂

[@Franciscoluche]

6:17 Yes, in 2008, it took me months to understand where I was in the scheme and how to call myself and Vietnamese people. 😅

[@andrewloi5320]

Thank you for your hard work. Everything makes perfect sense. Godspeed!

[@WhatThePho]

Thank you!

[@Austininvn]

OMG!!! I've done rude things. I feel ashamed 💔 Thanks for teaching us about your culture 🇻🇳 Btw, nice haircut 🥰

[@threedoubles4827]

I agree with each point you make

[@pcahir8741]

Another highly informative and interesting post. Thank you Van.

[@WhatThePho]

Please share :))

[@professionalplumber177]

I will watch your videos all day and never get tired of it. Your content is very addicting. Plus u are always in a good mood seems like that keeps me watching. Plus love vietnamese culture and the vietnamese women have me hooked lol.

[@WhatThePho]

Thank you so much!!

[@markbrazil4408]

This is one of your best videos yet Van! I’ve been in HCMC now for almost two months and your information has helped me tremendously. I love your “dude” voice! LOL!

[@WhatThePho]

haha thank you!

[@ChuckSuey]

Thank you for the very informative video! It will be very useful when I go to Vietnam next month. I noticed that a lot of these applied when I went to Japan.

[@bernardtan3639]

Hi! Van. Thank You for sharing the 15 informative tips. Very handy for us as foreigners. Truly appreciated👍🏻

[@JubeiKibagamiFez]

4:43 I feel like this is more universal across Asian cultures. I see this gesture in a lot of Chinese films, too.

[@WanderEats]

Whoa... 7 of the 15 is new to me... thanks for sharing Van and keep these insightful videos coming!

[@WhatThePho]

Which one is the most shocking?

[@WanderEats]

@@WhatThePho I would have to say is No. 8 = Not Fighting to Pay the Bill at least 3 times. Does this apply to business as well in any way?

[@dominichill1492]

Think you for sharing this information on what makes people in Vietnam uncomfortable. Thank you god I have you're channel to learn from. I'm understanding Vietnamese culture more from you Van.

[@WhatThePho]

Just in time haha

[@kiruga5866]

Excellent video! Super informative!

[@WarrenRCG]

Thanks, this was helpful!

[@yody1978]

Wow, I felt that I was taught by elder sister 😅 By the way, we have a lot in common here in Indonesia. Just love your content as always.

[@jacquestuan]

Perfect timing! This video dropped 2 weeks before I head to Việt Nam. Thanks, Vân! 😀

[@WhatThePho]

Awesome! Glad it’s helpful for you!

[@jamescai698]

Love your videos so very much. Keep it up!❤❤❤

[@patrickpepper412]

Van, another great video! Love your new hair cut

[@danielzuck143]

Thanks for the interesting video 😊 I liked watching 😊 It would be nice to hear more about business culture 🙏

[@danielbennett1791]

Vietnamese people are very understanding about the differences in foreigners and themselves. You can break almost all of these rules and they will still be very accepting of you. However, this is all spot on about their expectations of normal behavior and if you at least try to follow these guidelines you will find it very easy to fit in with your Vietnamese friends and they will appreciate your modicum of effort. My experience with my Vietnamese friends and in-laws are completely congruent with your 15 points of etiquette in this video.

[@drewcorry5056]

Absolutely loved this video and outstanding job

[@bevis90]

Good helpful and pretty much spot on

[@elizabethbriones3046]

Thanks for the updates of your culture,liked to know more and see your country soon god bless

[@lloydglyn6831]

Great video ❤️

[@sheldondesouza8779]

Hi Van Just back from Vietnam Had a wonderful time Your videos were informative and helpful. Cheers

[@frankb1]

Love your videos

[@euphoricanimal]

the fight to pay made me laugh so hard

[@gotty19]

very helpful thanks pho!

[@Misajoejoe1]

This is a great video. These manners cross many Asian cultures. Btw, your skin looks amazing!

[@Micksprint]

Thank you Pho, messaged received.

[@dandecker3694]

Great content. And just saying your hair looks amazing.

[@dandecker3694]

@UC-bC1zU5OL52TQrP8RcIRTAhello again

[@WhatThePho]

Thank you!

[@robertlehman9411]

Thank you from Canada & Hope one day I can see your Country

[@hollybui6030]

Your video is always so informative. Thanks a lot chi Van

[@EirendaleCimagalateach]

Thank you for sharing.

[@blinkytran]

we need some food vlog with you and calvin bui!

[@WhatThePho]

For sure! We'll collab soon!

[@blinkytran]

@@WhatThePho yay! i’m going over there to see him for tết! miss that fool, sometimes! lol

[@crboris]

Oh man, as I was watching the list I was scared to hear each one hoping I didn’t do any of these. Thankfully nothing except maybe saying I’m not hungry!

[@bophaneanglin]

Great sharing! ❤❤👍

[@happyalways7379]

Thanks for posting often.. we love all your contents! Pls film anything that is common to u too.. who knows it b interesting to us!

[@ShazWag]

Very interesting. Thank you for sharing

[@MariaLin-li4jl]

Your tips are very useful, thank you!!

[@internationalfranchisealli5547]

Glad I found this channel. Although I have been to Saigon several times I am still learning thanks to you..P.s Love the new hair style

[@majorronaldmandell7835]

When I served in Vietnam as a Marine (Yeah! Once upon a time we fought a war there), we frequently saw male Viet soldiers walking down the street holding hands. This was long before being gay was cool and popular, and we were Marines, so this sent chills of revulsion down our spines.

[@phi1968]

Haven't seen you in a while. The new look is great. More sophisticated:)

[@Cris022]

I'm finally early to one! I would love to see a video on Vietnamese business culture! :)

[@WhatThePho]

Yes, I will. Thank you for watching!

[@JUNAHMAILO]

Hi thank you for some information about your country and your culture. I really love to hear you in explaining everything about your culture thanks a lot for these because I plan to go there and hoping that someday we will meet each other.

[@garynash2571]

Love the hair 🔥

[@arandomvan]

Yes please make a video on Vietnamese business customs!

[@MFizz01]

This is very helpful information! THANK YOU! I will be going to Saigon with my girlfriend in March to visit her mother there for around 3 weeks, so I want to know as much as I can about the culture there.

[@christophervahland8700]

thank you for tjat video, that was very helpful

[@danpulaski4023]

Yes! Please make a video about business culture.

[@norbertschmitz3358]

Thank you. This was one of the most helpful videos to understand, how to not offend Vietnamese people and culture.

[@ForeverMiniTacos]

Dating a Vietnamese girl here in the states for 2 yrs was a lot of work. My Chinese family is modernized, so it was tiresome to encounter her family who is still heavy on the saving face practice.

[@ForeverMiniTacos]

@whatthepho the reply above seems suspicious with the account using your profile photo.

[@phuongnamtran6953]

Tôn trọng người khác là một ý tưởng tốt, đánh giá người khác là một ý tưởng tồi

[@sajikumar13]

Good post

[@tyzprod]

I learned a lot, thank you very much :)

[@voldem0rt]

I am binging all your content. I am learning small words that I hope make my visit to HCM later this year a little more enjoyable. You are a god send. Thank you.

[@erictaylor5462]

4:50 I learned this one from the Japanese. Only they say "Come hear with the hand level palm down. The fringes sweeping back and forth. Like the come here in the west but upside down.

[@JOSHUAJACOBMORTEL]

thank you for this great videos please continue sharing so we could have enough knowledge in case will go there have a great day God bless

[@simewood2040]

Really helpful video. Thank you so much. Also, the shoes look really good.

[@time2livelife]

My mom is a Vietnam War refugee but has been living in the U.S. since she was 12. Based on this video, she must be rude even by her own cultural standards. 😂 I was actually surprised how many of these I knew about.

[@jerrynam]

Amazing video by Ms. Van Vu. Always beautiful and delightful.

[@Elevate_Calisthenics]

Is that The Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss behind you? That’s my favorite book! 😄

[@nickdual]

Love Vietnamese people speak English! I'm from Vietnam.

[@stacy58306]

I wish that I knew these things, when I was in Vietnam many years ago. WOW!

[@ardentabacist]

Thank you for this wonderful cultural lesson. I knew or know NOTHING about beautiful Vietnam. Good luck and continued success! ~

[@terrynowhere]

I was in the train station in Ga Thap Cham and there was a was a vietnamese woman keep sneezing not only one time but 3 times while walking besides other passengers waiting for their train schedule . If I'm not mistaken she works as a helper, weighing luggage at the station. Gosh she might not know the it's very rude.

[@artistlovepeace]

Your haircut looks great!

[@genesis3157]

You’re hair is so cute! and your face is so beautiful 💕

[@khanhle7917]

great video very helpful thanks van now i know what not to do when i go to vn

[@darthamador5188]

Another good video. Yes please do a video on Business.

[@dallascowboys7585]

thank you love the.channel.🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@phuocle8334]

Very good video .cám ơn Vân

[@darwinsvaleza]

i have like 8 Vietnamese co-workers now i gain something Thank you ❤️

[@elmoseat]

Love your new hairstyle

[@gregchambers6100]

Very nice. I love the elegance and beauty of the Vietnamese culture and people. On the job (electrical) I DO raise my voice at younger electricians, sounding like scolding, but I yell only my praise in fake anger: "DAMN that's pretty. What are you trying to do asshole? Make me look bad?" Everyone giggles and the young electrician gains respect. But I do whisper my criticisms, wink and/or pat them on the back. I have a saying: "Our job sites are SO safe, no one even gets their feelings hurt."

[@somphongsenthep2183]

Thank you Van I will go to Vietnam for cruise

[@sulabhsaini4587]

Love from india.. Vietnamese people are the most affectionate people.

[@briancrawford69]

All Asian cultures tend to remove shoes when going in the house and it makes a lot of sense. Don't track in dirt and crap from outside

[@tomaakinokolotau7062]

Respect always when you travel abroad

[@Italonino]

I read about the Mongol invasion of Vietnam, they didn't get very far. The signal for come here/go away could cause a dog to attack you. Vessi is designed in Vancouver and manufactured in Vietnam and Cambodia. Being from Toronto, this is the first time I've heard of them.

[@erictaylor5462]

I love learning about the culture of other places. I think Americans are seen by others as quite ignorant because Americans can be rude while abroad without really meaning to. I don't travel much, but when I encounter someone from elsewhere I like to show I know something (especially if it is obscure) about that culture. It shows respect and fosters friendships. I was working in a hotel in Yellowstone and I met a family from Ireland. I said, "If you're from Ireland then I have to ask: How's the craic?" They looked really shocked for a moment then they were really delighted. Turns out the craic was brilliant. I bet hearing that question with an American accent was the last thing they ever expected to hear.

[@ronamador1463]

Thank you.

[@theXenomancer82846]

Scenario: I am walking with company down a street. I feel a sneeze coming. The weather allowed for an overpiece-underpiece shirt combination. I say, "excuse me a moment..." I turn 180 degrees towards the wall of a building, lift my lapel, and sneeze into my armpit, hidden from view of everyone and everything. Then, also hidden from view, I bring a tissue to wipe my nose with it from behind the lapel of my shirt (still facing the building wall). I quickly put the tissue into a trashcan nearby. BONUS: I add sanitizer to my hands. How is this viewed by the Vietnamese?

[@RaymondYocum-uw5hd]

I had a full beard and my Vietnamese girlfriend bought a beard trimmer for me last Christmas. After I shaved she was very complimentary. Lol

[@comgaxoimo9411]

Quá đúng, quá hợp lý luôn chị ơi 😁😁