Basic etiquette and the Vietnamese phrases you need

You do not need to speak Vietnamese, but a few words and a bit of manners change how people treat you. Etiquette that matters • Take your shoes off when entering a home, a homestay, and many small shops and temples. Watch what is by the door. • At pagodas, cover shoulders and knees. Do not point your feet at an altar or a person. • Hand over and receive money, cards and gifts with two hands, or with your right hand. • Do not touch an adult on the head. • Never raise your voice. Shouting makes everyone lose face and ends the conversation. A smile gets a better price than anger. • Tipping is not expected, but it is appreciated for guides, drivers and staff. • Ask before photographing people, especially older people and street vendors. Phrases worth learning • Xin chào: hello • Cảm ơn: thank you • Dạ or vâng: polite yes • Bao nhiêu tiền: how much • Đắt quá: too expensive • Không, cảm ơn: no, thank you • Cho tôi: I would like • Tính tiền: the bill, please • Ngon quá: very tasty, and it always gets a smile • Xin lỗi: sorry, excuse me Tones matter, so if you are not understood, show the words written on your phone. Nobody will mind.