What are the rules/laws and or cultural norms/values in Vietnam?

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I've not been back to Vietnam for a long time so I don't know much about the laws. However, one thing I know as a Vietnamese, you don't party after 10 pm and disturb your neighbours if you live in a rental property.

Respect elderly whether you know them or not. Unlike in the US or western culture, never using their first name even if know it. Always referring as CÃ´, bÃ¡c, chÃº, bÃ , Ã´ng depends on their age. Women shouldn't talk or laugh too loud because that shows 1- you're not feminine, 2- you have no self respect.

Dress appropriately when you go out. Don't give anyone ideas that you're easy or have no self-respect. Talking too much (as a woman) also won't go well if someone doesn't know you. That doesn't mean that you can't talk but choose your word carefully before you open you mouth.

I grew up in a very traditional Vietnamese family. Although as an adult, when I come home to visit my parents and my older sisters, I'm still a child and I have to follow the protocol so I wouldn't offend anyone. There are some things better left unsaid.

Don't be scare. If you respect your parents, you shouldn't have any problems visiting Vietnam. Always careful if you travel alone anywhere in the world. No, not because you're a woman, people would kidnap you and sell you to the Taiwanese. That's an absurd and irresponsible comment. My niece was an intern for a French company after she graduated from college. She lived in Vietnam for 6 months, riding a Vespa around town and nothing had happened to her.

Obviously, some people on here who have no clue about Vietnamese culture.

Have fun in Vietnam.

serious

That might be a true in some hotels or dormitories but there is no such law governing the whole country. Afterall, how would they enforce it? I've visited friends and have stayed in their homes past that time. As a cultural norm though, most families in vietnam tend to go to bed around ten. So unless you know them very well, it would be considered impolite to stay late (overstaying your welcome). It's not like in the U.S. where dinner parties typically last until 11 or 12. In VN, if you're invited for dinner, you typically leave before 9pm. Also consider the location/ circumstances. Small villages will typically be more conservative/ earlier than big cities. Young singles will typically be more inclined to socialize later than families witth children. Use your good judgement.

Hope that helps.

MojaveDan

What you heard is either not true or distorted from an actual law. I'm positive that there no laws stating specifically what you heard. I have never ever been escorted out of someone's house because it was later than 10:00 PM in Vietnam.

There is a law forbidding anyone of the opposite sex to occupy your hotel room overnight unless you can provide a marriage certificate. This rarely enforced law is supposed to be a deterrent against prostitution and could be interpreted into what you had heard.

adiavoy

I strongly, do not think that is true. But I wouldn't go out wandering at night if I were you. Safe Travels!

viet_forever_more

Vietnamese culture is generally quite superstitious. There are tonnes of superstitions including:

- To wish someone else bad things out loud
- To not finish your rice, rice is the "grain of the gods"
and much more ...

Also, there are many social rules:

- Eat before you study
- To study you need to move yourself
- Relationships tend be shyed or kept secret since children and teenagers are meant to succeed in education first
- respect your elders
- not to lose self respect for your culture.

Since Vietnamese culture sprouted from indigenous and Chinese teachings, many beliefs are from China including tonnes of phrases and proverbs.

Vietnamese tend to be familial, that is family-orientated, diligent (hard working) and respectful (generally). Life revolves around family but not always.

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As for that come home before 10 pm, that's because of the familial values and to ensure nothing bad happens at night, with all the rapists and murderers around.

Marriage is starting to be more "laissez-faire" (looser and freer) in choice of partner but generally the family must accept or some people are forced under arranged marriages.

Education is seen as a "must" otherwise it's hard work if you don't get a decent education. Health is important more so than wealth since if you are unhealthy, how can you enjoy the wealth?

l d

I have been living in VN for the last 4 years, spending much of my time in Ha Noi.

I have stayed in many villagers' houses overnight - both during this 4 year period, as well as 11 years ago when I first came to Ha Noi and worked for 3 months between Ha Noi and the Chinese border. I remember some COLD, COLD nights from 11 years ago! I also had official permission to do so.

Hotels often do not want registered guests entertaining outsiders unless they register them at the front desk.

My neighbors (mostly foreigners, but some Vietnamese as well) have had guests until well after 10PM, but the Vietnamese often hit the road well 10PM, and usually well before the last foreign guest decides to go.

I have had foreign guests stay at my house, for 2 weeks or more. I would also invite Vietnamese friends to stay with me, but they generally have family and friends to stay with.

wiremu

Vietnamese are communists after the fall of South Vietnam. U should expect weird rules.

aznangel

what? i've visited Vietnam but i didn't know that. actually i am viet and over there they ride motor cycles and taxis. only the rich peoples have cars and there's no speed limit so be careful. also the police over there aren't very good. remember its a communist country. this one time the police went into my ong noi's, grandfathers, house and threatened to hurt him and his family if he didn't give them what they wanted. also watch out cause some people are now kidnapping women and children to sell to taiwan. In taiwan they either make u their slave or make you strip in cafes for nothing. you don't get paid and may never be able to get out. i would be careful if i were you. have a safe trip if you are goin.

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