Elderly people always have the right of way in Vietnamese society and should be

treated with great respect. Always address the eldest in a group first. In Vietnam,
people are expected share good fortune with their friends. This extends from
anything from a having a haircut to getting a new motorbike. This custom is known
as "cleansing." [Main Source for This Article: The Traveler's Guide to Asian
Customs & Manners by Elizabeth Devine and Nancy L. Braganti. International
etiquette expert: Mary Kay Metcalf of Creative Marketing Alliance in New Jersey.

 Public displays of affection are frowned upon. As a whole, Vietnamese are still
quite reserved when it comes to showing affection for the opposite sex. While kiss
or a hug with your partner is considered acceptable in the main cities of Hanoi and
Saigon it is a social taboo elsewhere. When meeting with Vietnamese of the
opposite sex sometimes a handshake is okay. A slight bow or nod is safer. A kiss
on the cheek is a bad idea. It is best not touch a member of the opposite sex.

 Respect is often expressed by nonverbal behavior. According to Vietnam-

culture.com; A Vietnamese student who sits quietly and listens attentively to the
teacher wants to express respect to his teacher. This behavior has often been
misinterpreted by the American teacher as passivity and non-responsiveness. It is
also out of respect that the Vietnamese student avoids eye contact with the teacher
when speaking or being spoken to. By American standards, a person acting in this
way would appear suspicious, unreliable, or mischievous. In Vietnamese culture,
however, looking into somebody's eyes, especially when this person is of a higher
status (in age or in social or family hierarchy) or of a different gender, usually
means a challenge or an expression of deep passion. The proper respectful
behavior is to avoid eye contact in talking who is not an equal or the same sex.

Always take your shoes off when entering a Vietnamese home. Space is often tight
and People socialize by sitting on the floor rather than in chairs. Houses guest are
often offered black tea, mangosteens or some other fruit and butter cookies.

Tea (called tra by the locals) is the most common drink in Vietnam. As a matter of
fact, most Vietnamese prepare an amount of tea that is enough to last for an entire
day. Tea is also served before and after every meal. Most Vietnamese prefer green
tea, but there are also black, fermented teas that can be purchased in urban areas.
While tea is the drink of choice for most Vietnamese, the country also grows and
sells coffee. Coffee, or "caphe," is a famous Vietnamese drink that is made by
mixing French-roast coffee and condensed milk. It can be served hot or cold,
depending on preference.

En conclusión;

Always respect the elders and remember that the oldest person is seated first.
When food is served, start off with using both hands when passing dishes. Note
that being able to finish your plate is a sign of good behaviour.

Also, keep in mind that when served rice, one should never stick chopsticks
vertically in the bowl. This reminds Vietnamese of death and the deceased. Also, it
is rude to tap the chopsticks on the bowl or plate. This is what the beggars have
done in the past

JUAN PABLO VALENZUELA ROBLES