Integration Tips
-Vietnam-
“Hòa nhập,” - (BLEND IN)
Making Friends Locally
Building Meaningful Friendships: Vietnamese culture places high value on relationships and community. By showing genuine interest in the culture, expats can create meaningful connections with locals.
Learn Basic Vietnamese: Even learning a few phrases can go a long way in breaking down barriers and showing respect. While many younger Vietnamese speak English, making an effort to speak the local language is greatly appreciated.
Finding Common Interests: Shared activities and hobbies are a great way to connect with Vietnamese people and build rapport.
Join Local Classes, Groups & Sports Teams: Try activities like yoga, martial arts (Vovinam or Tai Chi), or cooking classes to meet new people. Football (soccer) is a national passion, and joining a local game or community league is a popular way to bond over sports.
Attend Social & Cultural Events: Engaging in festivals, night markets, and local events is an easy way to meet locals in an informal setting. Traditional events like Tet (Vietnamese New Year) or the Mid-Autumn Festival offer chances to connect and learn about customs.
Breaking Down Cultural Barriers: Being aware of Vietnamese social norms and values can help build trust and friendships.
Respect for Elders & Hierarchy: Vietnamese culture emphasizes respect for elders and social hierarchy. When meeting someone older or more senior, greet them first and use polite language. Showing respect in social settings helps establish trust and can lead to deeper friendships.
Participate in Daily Social Activities: Meals are an important part of social life in Vietnam, and sharing food is a way to bond. Don’t be afraid to accept invitations to eat together, whether at a street stall, a home-cooked meal, or a restaurant. Try local dishes, and don't hesitate to let the host know you enjoy the food—it's a compliment.
Cultural Activities
Participating in Local Hobbies and Traditions: Vietnam offers a rich cultural tapestry, and joining in on local activities is a great way to connect with the community and experience Vietnamese life.
Take Up Traditional Arts & Crafts: Learn about Vietnamese crafts by taking a silk lantern-making class in Hoi An or trying your hand at pottery in the Bat Trang Village near Hanoi. These activities let you appreciate the skills behind local handicrafts and meet like-minded locals.
Join Martial Arts & Fitness Classes: Vietnam has a variety of martial arts, such as Vovinam (Vietnamese martial art) and Binh Dinh (central Vietnam martial art). Many fitness centers offer martial arts classes, and joining one is a great way to learn about the discipline and connect with fellow practitioners.
Immersing in Music, Dance, and Festivals: Music and dance are key components of Vietnamese culture, and joining or observing these traditions can be a gateway to understanding local life.
Traditional Music & Dance: Attend performances of Ca Tru (a genre of traditional music), Water Puppet Theater in Hanoi, or local opera. Some community centers offer lessons in traditional Vietnamese musical instruments, like the dan bau (monochord) or dan tranh (zither), if you’re musically inclined.
Local Festivals & Street Fairs: Participate in or observe festivals like the Mid-Autumn Festival (with mooncakes and lantern parades) or the Hue Festival (a biannual cultural event in Hue showcasing traditional music, dance, and art). Markets are a great place to connect with locals and discover Vietnamese street food.
Connecting Through Sports & Outdoor Activities: Sports and outdoor activities are popular across Vietnam and offer a great way to build camaraderie.
Join Cycling & Walking Groups: Cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have active cycling and walking communities. Some groups organize weekend bike rides through the countryside, while others explore local street food or nature walks, creating social and exercise opportunities.
Outdoor Activities & Beach Sports: Vietnam’s landscape offers diverse options for activities like kayaking in Ha Long Bay, hiking in Sapa, or joining a beach volleyball game in Da Nang. These activities are great for connecting with both locals and fellow expats.
Navigating Social Situations
Handling Different Types of Social Settings: From casual hangouts to formal events, understanding Vietnamese social etiquette can help you build strong connections and avoid misunderstandings.
Casual Get-Togethers: When invited to a local’s home or to a casual meal at a street food stall, it’s polite to bring a small gift, like fruits, sweets, or flowers. Expect communal eating, where dishes are shared, and be sure to wait until the host starts eating before taking your first bite. If you’re offered a drink, it’s seen as friendly to accept, even if just a small amount.
Formal Events & Ceremonies: At more formal gatherings, like weddings, official events, or religious ceremonies, dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees) and be punctual. If giving a gift, present it with both hands as a sign of respect, and avoid giving gifts in black or white wrapping, as these colors are associated with mourning.
Approaching Conversations & Social Etiquette: Vietnamese people are generally friendly and open to conversations, but showing respect for cultural norms is key to establishing good relationships.
Address People by Their Titles: Use titles like "Anh" (older brother), "Chị" (older sister), or "Bác" (aunt/uncle) when addressing someone older, and "Em" for those younger. When in doubt, stick with "Anh" or "Chị" for those around your age.
Keep Conversations Light & Polite: Focus on general topics like food, family, or travel, and avoid discussing sensitive subjects like politics, war, or personal income. Complimenting local culture or showing interest in learning Vietnamese will be well-received.
Understanding Non-Verbal Cues & Body Language: Non-verbal communication plays a significant role in Vietnamese social interactions. Being mindful of these cues will help you navigate social situations smoothly.
The Power of the Smile: A smile is commonly used to express politeness, friendliness, or to ease uncomfortable situations. It's a useful way to show respect and make connections.
Showing Respect & Body Language: When receiving gifts, shaking hands, or greeting elders, use both hands to show politeness. It’s considered disrespectful to touch someone’s head or to point your feet at others, religious objects, or pictures of elders, so keep your feet down when sitting.