Vietnam - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

Don’t just see the sights―get to know the people.

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most fascinating and alluring countries; its rich history, fragrant and flavorful cuisine, and offerings of fast-paced city life, sun-soaked coastline, and idyllic rural getaways are drawing travelers from around the globe once more.

Since having emerged from two decades of war in 1975, the country has undergone a period of rapid and far-reaching change, and today its people have their eyes fixed firmly on the horizon. Culture Smart! Vietnam is for those who want to learn about the values, sensibilities, and modern way of life of the Vietnamese. It explains deep-seated attitudes and describes some of the social, economic, and cultural changes now under way. Aimed at helping you make the most of your time abroad, it also gives practical advice on what to expect and how to behave in unfamiliar situations so you can discover for yourself the warmth and humor of this tough, resilient people.

Have a more meaningful and successful time abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on values, attitudes, customs, and daily life will help you make the most of your visit, while tips on etiquette and communication will help you navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.

Geoffrey Murray is an English-born journalist, author, and teacher who has lived and worked in the Asia Pacific region for more than sixty years. He moved to Australia in 2014 to enjoy a semi-retirement, where he continues to work, as a freelance book editor for various departments of the Chinese government and as a consulting editor for one of the most prestigious Chinese English dictionaries. He has published sixteen books on a wide range of business and socio-economic issues, mostly about China, but also including Vietnam: Dawn of a New Market and Simple Guide to the Customs and Etiquette of Vietnam. Geoffrey has followed developments in Vietnam ever since he served as a news agency war correspondent with the Australian Army in the mid-1960s, winning the Australian government s Vietnam Logistics and Support Medal. He is officially listed as a Vietnam War Veteran by the Australian government.