USEFUL VIETNAMESE PHRASES EVERY TRAVELER SHOULD KNOW WHEN VISITING VIETNAM

Vietnam is a beautiful Southeast Asian country that attracts millions of international visitors every year. With breathtaking natural landscapes, delicious cuisine, rich cultural heritage, and friendly locals, it’s no surprise that Vietnam has become such a popular travel destination.

However, language barriers can sometimes make traveling in Vietnam challenging for foreign visitors. While English is commonly spoken in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, it is far less common in rural areas. Learning just a few basic Vietnamese phrases before your trip can make a big difference – helping you get around more easily, connect with locals, order food confidently, and enjoy a deeper cultural experience.

Below are some of the most useful Vietnamese words and phrases every traveler should know when visiting Vietnam.

Basic Pronouns and Ways to Address People

Understanding simple pronouns helps you communicate politely and naturally:

  • I / Me – Tôi /toy/
  • You – Bạn /ban/
  • Mr. – Ông
  • Mrs. – Bà
  • Miss / Ms. – Cô

Common Vietnamese Greetings

Greetings are essential in daily interactions and show respect:

  • Hello – Xin chào  (Sin chow/ Ciao)
  • Good morning – Chào buổi sáng (Chow bwoi sang)
  • How are you? – Bạn khỏe không? (Ban Kwe Khom)
  • I’m fine, thank you – Tôi khỏe, cảm ơn
  • Thank you – Cảm ơn Cảm on (kahm uhn)
  • Sorry / Excuse me – Xin lỗi (Sin Loy)
  • You’re welcome / It’s okay – Không có gì (Khong koh zi)
  • Goodbye – Tạm biệt (Tarm Byeet)
  • No, thank you – Không, cảm ơn (Khom, kahm uhn)
  • Do you speak English? – Bạn nói tiếng Anh được không?  (Ban noi thien an durkh khom)

Asking for Directions in Vietnamese

These phrases are useful when navigating cities and towns:

  • I want to go to… – Tôi muốn đi đến…
  • Where is…? – Ở đâu? (uh dow?)
  • Where is the ATM? – Máy ATM ở đâu? (May ATM urn dole)
  • Where is the exit? – Lối ra ở đâu?
  • Where is the entrance? – Lối vào ở đâu?
  • Go straight – Đi thẳng (Di Thaang)
  • Turn left – Rẽ trái (Se chai)
  • Turn right – Rẽ phải (Se fine)
  • Stop – Dừng lại

Useful Vietnamese Phrases for Shopping

Shopping is more fun when you know these expressions:

  • I like it – Tôi thích (toy tick)
  • How much is this? – Cái này bao nhiêu? (Baow nyew)
  • Too expensive – Đắt quá (dat qwa)
  • Can you give me a discount? – Giảm giá cho tôi được không?
  • Do you sell this? – Có bán không? (Zam za cho toy)
  • I want to buy this – Tôi muốn mua (Toi muon mua)
  • One size bigger – Lớn hơn một size
  • One size smaller – Nhỏ hơn một size

Basic Vietnamese Numbers

Knowing numbers is extremely helpful for prices and transportation:

  • 1 – Một
  • 2 – Hai
  • 3 – Ba
  • 4 – Bốn
  • 5 – Năm
  • 6 – Sáu
  • 7 – Bảy
  • 8 – Tám
  • 9 – Chín
  • 10 – Mười
  • 100 – Một trăm
  • 1,000 – Một nghìn
  • 100,000 – Một trăm nghìn

Currency: Vietnamese Dong (đồng)

Emergency Vietnamese Phrases

In case of emergencies, these phrases are essential:

  • Help me! – Cứu tôi với! (Coo toy vuyh)
  • I was robbed – Tôi bị cướp (Toi bee cuoop)
  • Call the police – Gọi cảnh sát (Goi gang sack)
  • I need a doctor – Tôi cần gặp bác sĩ (toy can gap back szi)
  • I’m sick – Tôi bị bệnh (Toy bee benh)
  • I need to go to the hospital – Tôi cần đi bệnh viện (Toy can di ben vien)
  • Food poisoning – Tôi bị ngộ độc thức ăn (Toy bee nyo doc thuch an)

Why Learning Basic Vietnamese Is Worth It

Connect with Locals

Vietnamese people truly appreciate it when foreigners make an effort to speak their language – even just a few words. It opens the door to warmer, more authentic interactions.

Handle Everyday Tasks Easily

From ordering food and asking for directions to shopping and transportation, basic Vietnamese helps you travel independently and confidently.

Gain Cultural Insight

Language reflects culture. Learning Vietnamese gives you insight into local values, humor, and ways of thinking that you won’t find in guidebooks.

Build Confidence

Being able to communicate – even at a basic level – makes navigating a foreign country empowering and rewarding.

Make New Friends

Some of the most memorable travel moments come from genuine connections with locals, and language is the bridge that brings cultures together.

Conclusion

Vietnam’s rapid development has made the country more accessible to international travelers than ever before. While English is increasingly common in major cities, stepping off the beaten path still requires some basic Vietnamese skills.

By learning just a handful of essential phrases, you can communicate more effectively, understand local culture, travel more smoothly, and enjoy a richer, more authentic experience. Even a small effort goes a long way – and may inspire you to continue learning Vietnamese long after your journey ends.

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