By aussiematesvietnam 
G’day and Welcome to the Land of Communication Adventures
When Tracy and I first landed in Vietnam nearly two decades ago, we were like a couple of galahs trying to order coffee using nothing but wild hand gestures and hopeful smiles. Fast forward almost 20 years, and while I wouldn’t claim we’re fluent in Vietnamese, we’ve picked up enough tricks to get by without looking like complete drongo tourists. Whether you’re planning a quick holiday or thinking about a longer stay in this beautiful country like we did, dealing with the language barrier is part of the adventure.
Vietnam has welcomed me and my better half Tracy with open arms since we made the leap from Down Under. The Vietnamese are some of the most accommodating folks you’ll ever meet, but that doesn’t mean the language barrier won’t throw you for a six occasionally. So, I’ve put together this guide based on our years of fumbling, laughing, and eventually finding our way through the linguistic maze of Vietnam.
[IMAGE:vietnamese-market-conversation]
The Basics: Learn a Few Key Phrases
Look, I’m not suggesting you need to become fluent in Vietnamese before your trip. The tonal nature of the language means it’s bloody difficult for most Aussies to master. But learning a handful of basic phrases will take you a long way and earn you massive respect points with the locals.
Here are a few essentials that have saved Tracy and me countless times:
- “Xin chào” (sin chow) – Hello
- “Cảm ơn” (kam un) – Thank you
- “Xin lỗi” (sin loy) – Excuse me/Sorry
- “Bao nhiêu?” (bow nyew) – How much?
- “Tôi không hiểu” (toy khong hee-ew) – I don’t understand
- “Phòng vệ sinh” (fong vay sin) – Toilet
I remember when I first tried ordering a beer using “Một bia, làm ơn” (one beer, please). The waiter’s face lit up like I’d just handed him a fifty. Such a small effort, such a big result. Pronunciation might not be spot on, but the effort alone wins hearts.
Technology: Your Digital Interpreter
Fair dinkum, technology has been a game-changer for travelers. Back when Tracy and I first arrived, we lugged around a chunky phrasebook that was about as useful as a screen door on a submarine when conversations got complicated.
Today, there’s no excuse not to leverage these digital marvels:
- Google Translate: Download the Vietnamese language pack for offline use. The camera function that translates text in real-time is particularly handy for menus and signs.
- Translation Apps: Apps like Papago often handle Asian languages better than Google for complex sentences.
- Picture Dictionaries: Sometimes showing a picture is worth a thousand mispronounced words.
Just last year, Tracy and I were trying to explain to a pharmacist about her allergies. After several failed attempts at charades, I whipped out Google Translate, typed in the details, and boom – problem solved in seconds. Technology, mate – bloody brilliant!
[IMAGE:phone-translation-app]
Body Language: The Universal Communicator
Don’t underestimate the power of a smile and appropriate gestures. Vietnamese culture is generally more reserved with physical contact than we Aussies might be used to, but friendly body language transcends verbal communication.
Some tips we’ve learned the hard way:
- Smile genuinely – it works wonders
- Point respectfully (using your whole hand rather than one finger)
- Speak slowly rather than loudly – increasing volume doesn’t improve understanding!
- Show patience and gratitude – frustration won’t help anyone
I’ll never forget when Tracy was trying to ask for vegetarian food at a street stall. After several confused exchanges, she simply mimicked eating, then pointed at vegetables and nodded, while making an “X” gesture toward meat products. Simple but effective – she got exactly what she wanted and we still visit that same stall whenever we’re in Hanoi.
Picture Menus: Your Culinary Savior
When it comes to ordering food, nothing beats a good picture menu. Many restaurants in tourist areas have cottoned on to this, but in more local joints, you might need to get creative.
My top tip? Before your trip, save photos of common dishes you enjoy or might want to try. When words fail, just show the picture. Tracy and I have a dedicated “Food” album on our phones just for this purpose. It’s saved us from many potential culinary mishaps!
If you’re feeling adventurous though, sometimes just pointing at what someone else is eating works a treat. Some of our best meals in Vietnam have come from the “I’ll have what they’re having” approach!
[IMAGE:street-food-ordering]
Cultural Context: Understanding Goes Both Ways
Here’s something I’ve learned after almost two decades in Vietnam: communication isn’t just about words – it’s about understanding context. Vietnamese communication often relies heavily on context, relationship, and saving face.
A few cultural communication tips:
- Vietnamese people may say “yes” to be polite, even if they don’t understand
- Direct “no” answers are often avoided – watch for hesitation instead
- Laughter might indicate embarrassment rather than humor
- Respect for elders is paramount – address older people with appropriate titles
Tracy once spent 20 minutes giving detailed directions to a young man who kept nodding and saying “yes” – only to discover later he hadn’t understood a word but was too polite to say so. Now we always verify understanding with follow-up questions rather than assuming those nods mean comprehension.
Local Friends: Your Best Language Resource
If you’re staying longer term like we have, making local mates is your best strategy for language navigation. They can help with translations, explain cultural nuances, and often enjoy practicing their English with you.
We’ve built a network of Vietnamese friends over the years who’ve gotten us out of more sticky situations than I can count. Plus, there’s nothing like the combination of broken English, basic Vietnamese, and wild gesticulation to cement a friendship!
Even on a short trip, connecting with English-speaking locals through tours or hospitality services can provide valuable assistance when needed.
[IMAGE:vietnamese-aussie-friends]
When All Else Fails: Have a Laugh
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my years here, it’s that sometimes you just have to laugh at the communication breakdowns. Vietnamese people generally appreciate a good sense of humor, and showing you can laugh at yourself goes a long way.
Some of our fondest memories involve spectacular failures in communication that ended in shared laughter. There was the time I accidentally ordered sixteen beers instead of six, or when Tracy thought she was asking for the bill but was actually complimenting the waiter’s family (similar-sounding phrases). These moments make the best stories later!
Wrapping Up: Embrace the Challenge
Language barriers in Vietnam can be challenging, but they’re also part of what makes travel such a rich experience. Every miscommunication is a story waiting to be told back home over a cold one.
Tracy and I have found that approaching language difficulties with patience, humor, and genuine effort to learn has opened doors to experiences we’d never have had otherwise. The Vietnamese people appreciate even the smallest attempt to speak their language, and that goodwill translates into warmer welcomes and more authentic experiences.
So pack your translation app, learn a few key phrases, and most importantly