A cultural travel guide to the world

Etiquette & taboos

Etiquette & taboos

Understanding local customs is where a journey begins. Find the topics that matter to you and feel at ease wherever you go.

Vietnam

1 rules found

Essential restrictionsDrivingPlace-specific guidance · Vietnam

Vietnam: helmets are compulsory on motorbikes

Do

  • Riders and passengers must both wear helmets

Don’t

  • Riding or being a passenger without a helmet
  • Drink-driving

Riding without a helmet is illegal; drink-driving can bring a fine or even prison, and after an accident you may be barred from leaving the country.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Vietnam travel advice

Site-specific notes 5

Taken from the "don'ts" on each site page here. Open a site for its full etiquette and background.

Hạ Long Bay

  • Don't litter in the bay (environmental checks are strict)
  • don't touch stalactites in caves
  • don't swim outside designated areas.

Hội An Ancient Town

  • Don't be loud in the assembly halls
  • don't enter religious sites in revealing clothes
  • don't carve anything on the old buildings.

Phở

  • Don't stand your chopsticks upright in the bowl
  • don't drop used tissues back into the soup

Hội An cao lầu

  • Don't stand your chopsticks upright in the bowl
  • don't be loud in old-town shops