Northwest Vietnam - Dos and don'ts - Vietnam visa for Australia

When you travel to a foreign country, it is always a great idea to follow its basic etiquette. Vietnamese in general and the people in the Northwest in particular are very friendly and open. However, most of people in the Northwest Vietnam are from ethnic minorities. They have their own rules and customs. You should note the tips below to make your trip more meaningful and complete.

*The Northwest Vietnam in the ripen rice season*

Do – Dress appropriately

We often see people in highland area dress in colorful costumes with delicate motifs all year round. Therefore, when traveling to the northwest highland villages, you should not wear white linen that is not dyed. Because the ethnic people think that it is the color of the funeral and brings the bad luck.

*People in the Northwest Vietnam often dress in colorful costumes*

Visiting ethnic villages

On the way to the ethnic villages, if you see a temporary gate made from tree branches, on the top of the gate has wooden knifes, wooden swords or chicken head, etc., you should not go in. That are the signs of the taboo. At that time, the village is holding a ceremony to remove evil spirits. Some ethnic groups use such symbols but others do not. It is better to ask anyway before proceeding.

*Should ask carefully before entering a village in the Northwest Vietnam*

If a stranger accidentally wears a hat, uses umbrella or wears a backpack then enters the village, he or she will be fined by paying for the offerings for the ceremony.

When you enter a house of a local or on the road, you should greet with sincere attitude. It is considered polite to bring along some gifts such as cigarettes or postcards from your home country as visiting a village.

*Do not rub hands on the head of children*

Remember not to rub your hands on the head of Mong, Dao and Thai children because the people of these ethnic groups believe that the soul of people is at the head. If strangers touch their children’s head, the soul should be panic and escape, making children sick.

Seating position in a house in Northwest Vietnam

Each ethnic group has different views on seating positions. Therefore, it should be noted not to sit in some special positions when being in a house of the local. Where people sit in the house is associated with their status. High status people, male elders and guest are seated towards the window. Lower status people, females and children sit on the non-window side. This arrangement is maintained even when families are relaxing or eating.

*To ethnic groups in the Northwest, the places that people seat are associated with their status*

Altar is the sacred place in the house. You should not put objects on or touch worship items and do not sit back to the place of worship. Especially, the door and the main pillars are also the important places of worship. So, do not sit on the door or hang a hat and lean back on the pillars.

*The place of worship is the most sacred place in the house*

Some gestures should be avoided in Northwest Vietnam

It is rude to pointing at someone with your finger or foot. You should better not to do that to other people. Some gestures also considered impolite are crossing the fingers, crossing the arms, standing with hands on hips and beckoning someone using the index finger with the palm of the hand facing upwards.

*Crossing fingers is considered impolite in ethnic groups in the Northwest Vietnam*

And the last thing you should always keep in mind is not to take any picture with the military if you see them. This can be considered as a breach of national security. If you do, believe me, you can be put in jail and cannot come back to your home country.

Hopefully, with the tips above, you and your travel mates will have a safe, funny and meaningful trip to the Northwest of Vietnam.