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Vietnam1 min read

Vietnam Business Culture: Conducting Business in Vietnam Successfully

Grace PatelEditorial Team
July 20, 2017Updated June 22, 2026
Vietnam business culture

Understanding business culture in Vietnam

How to build trust in Vietnam

Always keep in mind - show respect and genuine interest while staying humble.

Communication in business environment

Nothing is actually impossible in Vietnam

To call or write an e-mail?

“Keeping the Face” in Vietnam business culture

  • Give sincere compliments - this helps build the face of your partner. If appropriate, do not hesitate to give them meaningful credit
  • Politely draw attention away from yourself - compliments coming towards you give an opportunity to show your gratitude to previous teachers and mentors. Vietnamese appreciate the humility you have shown
  • Save the other from embarrassment - when an embarrassing situation lies ahead for your friend or partner, you have the opportunity to find a distraction and save them from losing face
  • Keep your promise - never promise something you can not keep as broken promises may lead you to lose face
  • Be silent if necessary - silence is common in Vietnam business culture and may occur during meetings. When one party disagrees with another it is sometimes wise to keep silent in order to avoid losing face

Socializing in business atmosphere

Dinner on business

Doing business as a woman in Vietnam

Social etiquette in Vietnam

Greetings

Xin chào

Sharing gifts

Table manners

In fact, what keeps you in the safe zone is making as little noise as possible with bowls, chopsticks and food.

Body language

company registration page

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About the author
Grace Patel
Editorial Team
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