When you meet someone it is natural to ask their name and where they are from, as these are great ice breakers. Please note though there are some differences between Vietnamese and Western cultures that may come as a surprise!

Basic Greetings

Age

In Vietnam it is also perfectly normal and polite to ask someone's age, as for the Vietnamese to be polite it is very important to know someone's age know how to address someone correctly, so please don't be offended if someone asks your age and don't be afraid to ask somebody else's.

If you feel a little put out by the question, just remember - in Vietnam the older and wiser you are the higher your status and the more respected you are - people are only asking so they can show you the appropriate level of respect and reverence.

Money

Likewise, despite the taboo nature of directly asking someone's salary in the West, in Vietnam it is a perfectly normal question and in no way impolite. If you do not wish to answer you may demur but please do not take offense should the question arise, as the person asking will have no idea it could make you feel uncomfortable.

Family

The family is held in very high regard in Vietnam, and so people will be delighted if you take an interest in theirs, and eager to know about your own family back at home. They will be even more delighted to meet them, and love to see families travelling together.

Marriage & Relationships

It is common for people in Vietnam to marry young, and highly unusual for couples to live together before marriage, so you may find when travelling people assume you are married or find it unusual if you are not - particularly if you are over twenty five. Boyfriend and girlfriend suggest a casual relationship so if you are with a long term unmarried partner you may find it easier to state you are married, particularly in more rural, traditional areas.