7 Vietnamese Culture Shocks: From “You Got Fat” to “Why No Boyfriend Yet?”

So you think you know Vietnam? You’ve watched a few travel vlogs, learned how to say phở properly (it’s not “fo”), and maybe even practiced your “xin chào.” Cute. But the real Vietnam? Oh girl, it’s full of surprises that will smack you in the face (in the nicest way possible). Let me walk you through some cultural shocks you’ll definitely bump into… and maybe never recover from.

Discovering the Heart of Vietnam

Vietnam is not just a destination; it's an experience. From the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the serene landscapes of Ha Long Bay, every corner of this country has a story to tell. Whether you're here for business, family ties, or just to explore, there's something for everyone. So, buckle up as we dive into the delightful chaos that is Vietnam!

1. Traffic: The Real-Life Video Game

You’ve seen traffic jams, but have you ever seen 199 motorbikes, a huge pig, and a grandma selling vegetables on wheels, all in the same intersection? That’s Vietnam, baby. The shocking part? Nobody crashes. It’s like chaos and Zen had a baby, and it drives a Honda.

2. Coffee at Midnight (And Still Sleeping Like a em bé)

In your country, coffee after 5 PM = “Oh no, I’ll never sleep.” In Vietnam, people sip cà phê sữa đá at 11 PM, chat for hours, and then go home and pass out like a rock. Meanwhile, you’re still awake at 3 AM, heart racing, questioning your life choices.

3. “Have You Eaten Rice Yet?” = Hello

In Vietnam, people don’t ask “How are you?” They ask “Ăn cơm chưa?” (Have you eaten rice yet?) Spoiler: they don’t actually care if you ate rice. It’s just their way of saying hi. But if you say “chưa” (not yet)… prepare for an instant invitation to eat. Congratulations, you now have 7 new aunties.

4. The Family Meal Olympics

Picture this: you sit down at the family dinner table. There are 12 dishes. You’re thinking, “Wow, feast!” Wrong. That’s just Tuesday. And guess what? You don’t serve yourself. The family will lovingly pile food onto your plate until it looks like Mount Everest. Refuse? They’ll smile and keep going. Resistance is futile.

5. Personal Space = Optional

Westerners: “I need at least 1 meter of personal space.” Vietnamese aunties at the market: “What’s a meter? Let me stand so close I can read your mind.” It’s not rude, it’s just how things are. Once you get used to it, honestly, it feels kinda cozy.

6. Weddings With 500 Guests (And 300 Strangers)

Get invited to a Vietnamese wedding? Good luck. You’ll be eating, drinking, and yelling:

“1, 2, 3 dô!!!” (1, 2, 3 cheers!!!) until your voice cracks. The shocking bit? Out of the 500 people there, the bride and groom probably only know half. The rest are neighbors, cousins, and that guy who fixed someone’s motorbike once.

7. Honesty Mode: Activated

Vietnamese people don’t do small talk. They’ll greet you with:

• “You got fat lately.” (Dạo này mập vậy)

• “Your skin looks darker.” (Da nhìn đen hơn nha)

• “Why no boyfriend yet?” (Sao chưa có bạn trai?)

  
  

Ouch? Maybe. But guess what? It usually comes from care. Don’t take it too personally; most of the time, it’s just their way of saying, 'Hey, I see you, and I care.' But don’t worry! It’s usually only between people who know each other.

Of course, some people are just way too curious! The best response I recommend is: 'Nhiều chuyện quá!' which literally means 'So nosy!' or 'Mind your own business!' in a playful way.

Embracing the Culture

Now that we've covered some of the quirks, let’s talk about embracing the culture. Learning Vietnamese is not just about the language; it’s about understanding the heart of the people. When you learn to speak, you unlock doors to deeper connections. Imagine chatting with locals, complimenting them on how young they look, or even getting invited to a family meal.

The Wrap-Up

Vietnamese culture is shocking, yes. But it’s also warm, hilarious, and addictive. You’ll roll your eyes, laugh, maybe cry, but one day you’ll wake up and realize you actually miss the chaos. So if you’re ready to survive traffic, drink midnight coffee, and get adopted by random aunties… come learn Vietnamese with me. Visit ExploreVietnam.ca