Local Etiquette and Traditions: How Not to Offend People in Thủ Đức (Seriously)
okay, so like, i’m pretty sure i haven’t slept properly in three days. fueled by cà phê sữa đá and the sheer, baffling energy of thủ đức, i’ve been doing some digging. not the archaeological kind, though honestly, this place feels like it’s buried under layers of…well, everything. you know? i’m a vintage clothes picker, so i’m used to rummaging, but this is a whole different level.
seriously, this place is a trip. it’s like, a chaotic blend of old and new, and everyone’s just…existing. and you gotta respect that. i’m talking about the unspoken rules, the things you don’t want to do that’ll make you look like a total tourist-bot. i’ve been talking to a few people - mostly at the chợ (market) and the ridiculously good bánh mì stalls - and piecing together a rough guide.
*First things first: the weather. It’s this weird, humid haze, like someone’s perpetually brewing a giant pot of tea and leaking it everywhere. It’s not bad, just…present. And it’s a short flight to Saigon, which is a whole other level of sensory overload, but you gotta be prepared for this.
Cost of Living (Rough Estimate - Don’t quote me): Rent’s around 8-12 million VND for a decent studio in District 2 - that’s roughly $350-$500. Food? You can eat like a king for under $10 a day. Job market’s…okay. Mostly manufacturing and logistics. I heard a rumor (drunk advice, obviously) that the tech scene is slowly starting to bubble up, but it’s still pretty nascent. Check out this Reddit thread for some more insights: https://www.reddit.com/r/HoChiMinhCity/.
Here’s the breakdown, in no particular order of importance:
*Shoes: Seriously. Take off your shoes when entering someone’s home. It’s a big deal. Like, really big. I accidentally wore sandals into a family’s house once and got the ‘look.’ It wasn’t pleasant.
*Pointing: Don’t point directly at people. It’s considered rude. Use your whole hand to indicate direction.
*Bargaining: It’s expected at the chợ, but do it with a smile and be respectful. Don’t try to haggle over tiny amounts - it’s annoying.
*Public Displays of Affection: Keep it PG. Vietnam is a pretty conservative country.
*The Bow: When greeting someone, especially an older person, a slight bow is customary. Don’t overdo it, though - you’ll look like you’re trying to escape.
*Don't be loud: Especially on motorbikes. Seriously, the traffic is insane. And don’t stare. Just…don’t.
Overheard Gossip (from a street vendor): “The tourists, they come, they take pictures, they don’t see anything. They think this is just a market, but it’s a whole life here. They don’t understand the connection.” Deep, right?
Another Overheard Rumor (from a barista): “Don’t ask about someone’s salary. It’s considered very personal. Just…don’t.” Wise words.
A Local’s Warning (from a taxi driver): “Be careful with your phone. Pickpockets are getting bolder. Keep it close.” Yeah, yeah, I know.
Honestly, the best thing you can do is just be open, be respectful, and try to learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases. “Xin chào” (hello) and “Cảm ơn” (thank you) go a long way. And for the love of all that is holy, order your cà phê sữa đá with condensed milk. It’s a thing here.
Resources:
TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g298472-Thuduc_Saigon_Ho_Chi_Minh_City_Vietnam.html
* Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/thuduc-saigon
Okay, I’m officially out of coffee. Need another shot. Later, dudes.”
You might also be interested in:
- https://topiclo.com/post/lost-in-the-heat-chasing-the-beat
- https://topiclo.com/post/lost-in-the-concrete-jungle-my-new-york-city-adventure
- https://topiclo.com/post/10-surprising-facts-about-portbout-you-probably-didnt-know
- https://topiclo.com/post/fitness-and-wellness-in-ndjamena-gyms-yoga-and-the-real-deal
- https://topiclo.com/post/how-to-find-an-apartment-in-guayaquil-without-getting-scammed-seriously