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 😂🤣😅
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.
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.
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 😂
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.
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.
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.
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 .
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?
@@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.
@@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.
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?'.
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!
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 )
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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!
Very good and accurate video. A few things that I find annoying, especially with RU-vidrs 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
About number three: When I lived in China, I almost immediately noticed girls holding hands while walking down the street or in the shopping areas. At first, I was taken aback, knowing how their culture frowns on same-sex couples. But I quickly learned that it is common, just as you showed in Vietnam, and simply friends being close. And I would *love* to hear all about Vietnamese customs in business. That would be great! My head was *_swimming_* for a while when I was first learning all the business customs in China! As always Van, your vlogs are the BEST!
@@WhatThePho Well, I haven't been there yet! Remember? LOL! But in China, there are _SO_ many! Like, you must hand your business card with both hands, and the receiver MUST take it from you with both hands. And, you must NEVER put the business card in your back pocket (close to your bum). And again, by the same token, you must never get your card *from* your back pocket to hand it out! If you ask the other guy out for a business lunch/dinner, then you should pay. And they will try like *mad* to try and pay because then they feel like they commanded the deal/meeting. You are also expected to drink booze at these business meals, and that can sometimes go overboard. It's all very macho. Speaking of which, I had a secretary/interpreter who would travel with me. And she pointed out that they always made weird faces when we arrived and would be very cold towards her, even during the introductions. She explained that it is because business meetings, especially at meals, are considered to be for "the men". It was pretty funny. She laughed about it. (You remind me of her because she too had spent 5 years in the US and not only spoke perfect English, but she also understood our customs) There are many more, but I honestly don't want to offend anyone in case they take my observations the wrong way. Anyway, that's why I would love to hear all the cultural ins and outs of doing business (and having business meals) in Vietnam.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yeah, she basically said, "We've kicked ass before. So show some respect." True. Most recently Vietnam defeated the mighty U.S. military which withdrew with its tail between its legs. Respect!
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?
The thing you said about refusing food = refusing love struck me. Way back in 2016, my vietnamese gf would take care of me and bring me food when i worked from home. She once fed me too much and i said no this is too much and she got very very upset. I think what you said is why. I did not understand then.
As a Vietnamese-American, I would understand how refusing food would be considered rude, but I still kinda feel the culture to be burdensome. Like I appreciate how much labor they put into making the food, but I don't wanna feel pressured eating it. Plus, everyone has different preferences, and I think pressuring people to eat your food would be ruder than simply politely declining.
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.
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.
I took a motobike in HMC once and guy that hung out in front of the hotel took me to a bar for we agreed to about $2 USD. I ended up giving him about $3. The next day I asked him to take me to the same place and we get there and he demands $10, I started arguing with him because he was so friendly with me before this. A police man was standing about 10 feet away and he came to us. I thought I was going to get scammed by the cop. The cop talked to us and said give him $5 and he will leave. So, I think the policeman was fair.
I really enjoy your videos. I’ve been living in Vietnam for 5.5 years. I never knew about blowing the nose. I find this strange as Vietnamese (I am in the south) openly pick their nose. I’ve just taught my children I teach to blow their nose, not pick their nose, wash their hands and cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze. 😅
From Canada and I've always remove shoes at the front door place them neatly. Unless we're running in and out. That's because I don't know where your shoes have been.
Ca dao và tục ngữ Vietnam có câu “ Gà rừng chim cú chớ nuôi, râu rìa lông ngực chớ chơi bạn cùng” Beard and chest hair people are considered wild and savaged. This verbs was mainly written to remind the era of colonialism of how bad French treated Vietnamese people. Meaning “stay away from people who have beard and chest hair”
I haven't looked through your videos yet so I don't know if you've done a video on it, but it would be interesting to see the flip side of the coin. I.e.: what is OK in Vietnam, and therefore you should NOT think is wrong. The example that comes to mind is that in many countries, it's rude to ask someone's age. Of course, it's not rude but in fact is necessary in Vietnam so you will know the correct way to address someone you've just met.
