Basic Vietnamese Phrases and Words for Travellers

Although many Vietnamese can speak basic English in big cities, it may be challenging to find one in rural areas or off-the-beaten-path areas.

To have the best trip to Vietnam (and make some Vietnamese friends), I recommend learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases and words before traveling to Vietnam.

To learn Vietnamese, please check my Vietnamese Guide site for more guides.

1. Addressing people

2. Greetings in Vietnamese

Vietnamese people love talking to foreigners and making new friends (but we can be shy), so start a conversation first if you’d like to.

3. Asking for directions in Vietnamese

If you’d like to ask for any location, you can ask …. o dau?

For example:

• Where is the hotel? – Khách sạn ở đâu?
• Where is the restaurant? – Nhà hàng ở đâu?
• Where am I? – Tôi đang ở đâu?
• Where is the taxi? – Taxi ở đâu?

Basic Vietnamese words for location

4. Bargaining in Vietnamese

Because there are several tourist traps in Vietnam (unfortunately), you should bargain first when you purchase anything.

You can start with 10% – 50% less than the price a seller tells you.

Also, if you use a traditional taxi, you must ask how much it costs before entering a cab because they may charge you higher.

5. Numbers in Vietnamese

6. Dining out

Vietnamese food is tasty!

You should ask for an English menu first when you enter a restaurant. However, not all Vietnamese restaurants have an English menu for foreigners, so it may be difficult to order.

Basic Vietnamese phrases and words for food & drinks

Vietnamese food is delicious! Here is the list of words you should know to order food and drinks.

7. Emergency 

In case of an emergency, you should remember the Vietnamese phrases below.