Vietnam is a country with a rich history, unique culture and traditions that may seem unexpected to foreigners. Some of them are rooted in ancient beliefs and closely related to respect for ancestors, while others are shaped by the local way of life.
Why do Vietnamese people drink tea before discussing money? Why do they put not only real but also fake money in coffins? And why is it not customary here to throw noisy birthday parties? We may find these traditions strange, but all of them have a deep meaning and ancient roots. For many tourists, learning about these customs firsthand is as exciting as discovering a concealed jewel, like if they stumbled upon a 1930 buffalo nickel value that turned out to be much more meaningful than expected. So, now we are going to speak about 5 amazing customs in Vietnam to help you better understand the local culture and avoid embarrassing situations when traveling.
Unique Traditions of Vietnam You Should Know About
Placing Money and Gold Jewelry in Graves of the Deceased
One of the most intriguing customs in Vietnam has to do with honoring the dead. Vietnamese people believe in the existence of an afterlife where dead family members continue to watch over the living. To ensure their ancestors a prosperous existence in the other world, many families put money, gold jewelry and other valuable things in the graves of their loved ones.
However, not all offerings are real. Along with real money and gold, families burn ritual “money for the afterlife” (vàng mã) - skillfully made paper replicas of banknotes, clothes and even luxury goods. The practice is based on the belief that the burned items will pass to the spiritual world where the deceased can use them.
Tip: Many Vietnamese believe that old coins bring good luck, and some even keep rare pieces as family heirlooms. If you come across an old Vietnamese coin, you can check its history and value with Coin ID Scanner - a useful app for identifying a piece worth your collection.
The tradition of burning paper money goes beyond funerals. During Tết (Lunar New Year) and other ancestor worship days, families continue to send offerings to their departed relatives. Although this practice may seem superstitious to an outsider, it reflects a deep cultural value: the connection between the living and the dead is never interrupted.
Drinking Tea Before Discussing Money or Business
In many countries, business deals are concluded efficiently - straight to the point, quick negotiations and firm handshakes. But in Vietnam, discussing money without first having tea is considered impolite and even disrespectful. This tradition comes from the belief that important conversations should be conducted only calmly, so that both parties need time to establish trust before discussing financial matters.
Tea plays a central role in this and offering a cup of tea before negotiations serves as an unspoken agreement of goodwill. This ritual allows to slow down the discussion and assess the sincerity of both parties' intentions. Skipping tea is often seen as a sign of impatience or even dishonesty.
An interesting fact is that in some cases rice wine replaces tea, especially in family discussions involving marriage, inheritance or major life decisions. This version of the ritual carries an even deeper meaning - people who drink together share a mutual respect and commitment. For travelers and businessmen visiting Vietnam, having a cup of tea before starting a conversation is more than a formality, it is a way to build strong relationships.
Eating Rice Leftovers, Even from the Floor
In many cultures, dropping food on the floor means it is no longer edible. But in Vietnam, leaving even a single grain of rice uneaten is considered deeply disrespectful. Rice is not just a staple food, it is a symbol of prosperity, hard work and ancestral blessing.
Traditionally, Vietnamese children are taught from an early age that wasting rice can lead to financial hardship. In the past, when food was in short supply, every grain of rice was precious and throwing it away was considered an insult to both the peasants who grew it and the deity of the Earth.
This custom is still widespread today, especially among the older generation. Many Vietnamese families emphasize the importance of eating every last grain of rice on the plate, and in some rural areas, elders still encourage children to pick up and eat fallen grains, thinking it teaches gratitude and humility.
For tourists, this is an important cultural nuance to be aware of: if you visit a Vietnamese home or dine at a local restaurant, expressing gratitude for a meal by refusing to eat rice will be taken as a sign of respect.
Celebrating Birthdays Differently from Western Countries
In many countries around the world, birthdays are grand celebrations with cakes, candles and parties. However, Vietnamese culture takes a different way of celebrating one's age. Unlike Western traditions where birthdays are personal milestones, Vietnamese historically do not celebrate personal birthdays at all.
Instead, the most significant “birthday” for everyone falls on Tết (Lunar New Year). In the past, many Vietnamese people didn't even know their exact birth dates - instead, they aged collectively with the arrival of the new year. Traditionally, as soon as Tết arrives, every Vietnamese person automatically becomes one year older, regardless of their actual date of birth.
This practice was especially common in the past when record keeping was less accurate. Today, younger generations may celebrate their birthdays at small gatherings, but Tết remains a more important event marking the passage of time.
Fun fact: Due to this tradition, if you ask an elderly Vietnamese about his age, they may give a figure that is one or even two years more than what is on their official birth certificate! For tourists, it's a fascinating experience of how cultural views on time and age can differ dramatically from Western norms.
Giving "Lucky Money" in Red Envelopes During the Lunar New Year
One of the most joyful customs during Tết is the tradition of giving lì xì, i.e.red envelopes filled with money. This practice is deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture and symbolizes luck, prosperity, and protection from evil spirits.
During the first days of the Lunar New Year, elders, parents, and married couples give these envelopes to children, younger relatives, and even employees as a gesture of goodwill and encouragement for the year ahead. The amount inside does not matter as much as the act itself, it is the symbolic value that counts.
However, there are a few rules when it comes to giving lucky money:
Avoid the number 4, as it is associated with death. Instead, people prefer to give amounts containing 6 or 8, as these numbers symbolize luck and financial success.
The money should be crisp and new, representing a fresh start for the recipient.
Red envelopes should always be given with both hands, as a sign of respect.
Even tourists visiting Vietnam during Tết might find themselves receiving lì xì as a gesture of hospitality. You should accept it with gratitude, and who knows, maybe it also brings you luck in the coming year.
Vietnam - a Land of Surprises
Vietnam is not only picturesque landscapes and delicious food, but also a world of unique traditions that can surprise any traveler. So catch a chance to learn these unusual customs and become a part of them to truly understand the culture of this amazing country.