Vietnam Minority Travelers

All non-Asian travelers are minority travelers in Vietnam. People will stare at you, unblinking, for the duration of five-hour bus rides; children will point at you and giggle; aspiring English speakers will test their “hello” on you ad nauseam. Non-white travelers may actually attract less attention, for better or for worse. Instances of harassment or refusal of service based on race are extremely rare. Being of Asian descent, though, doesn’t mean you won’t stand out; especially in more rural areas, any outsider at all will attract substantial attention. Don’t feel threatened by the stares or the laughter—in tourist-sensitive Vietnam, being an outsider with Œ·ng usually results in extra safety and courtesy, not hostility. Then again, don’t go out of your way to identify yourself as a tourist. Following local customs and dressing conservatively are always good ideas, helping you to integrate with local communities and helping local communities accept you.

More Travel Concerns in Vietnam

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