Cultural Differences Between France and Vietnam: What Surprised Me

Introduction

Traveling or living in Vietnam as a French person is an enriching experience — but also a cultural shock in many ways.
Between ancient traditions and rapid modern development, I encountered a lifestyle profoundly different from what I knew in France.
Here are the main cultural differences that truly surprised me — and may surprise you too.

1. Family Comes First

In France, individual independence is highly valued. Young adults usually leave their parents' home early for studies or work.
In Vietnam, however, the family unit remains central. It’s common to see three or even four generations living under the same roof, and important decisions are often made collectively with elders.

Key figure: In 2022, 80% of Vietnamese households had three generations living together — compared to just 15% in France.

Respect for parents and grandparents is deeply rooted. Family hierarchy is not questioned — it is embraced.

2. Communication and Politeness: Indirect vs. Direct

In France, we tend to express opinions directly, even if they sound blunt.
In Vietnam, indirect communication is the norm. Saying “no” outright can be considered rude — people often use subtle cues, soft expressions, or even silence to express disagreement.

A smile can mean many things — politeness, discomfort, or simply a way to avoid confrontation.

Personal story: While asking a street vendor in Hanoi if he had a certain item, he smiled and nodded without answering. I later understood it was a polite way of saying “no” without offending me.

3. Food Culture: A Whole New World

In France, meals follow a classic structure: starter, main course, dessert. In Vietnam, food is meant to be shared — and every table becomes a mosaic of textures and flavors.

Vietnamese cuisine is deeply tied to daily life, with vibrant colors, fresh veggies, and fragrant broths. Whether you're enjoying a simple noodle soup or a full meal of stir-fry, noodle salad, and grilled pork, you're bound to encounter a balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and sour flavors.

Many dishes are made with rice noodles, rice vermicelli, or Vietnamese noodles, and include ingredients like bean-sprouts, cilantro, onion, cucumber, carrot, and pickled vegetables.
Dishes often feature chopped, sliced, shredded, minced, or marinated meats and vegetables, and are fried, stir-fried, steamed, or boiled depending on the regional style.

You'll find bowls of flavorful soups like pho, bun bo, or beef noodle soup, prepared with broth seasoned with fish-sauce, soy-sauce, hoisin-sauce, chili sauce, and dipping sauces. Fresh garnishes include fresh herbs, mint, and scallions.

Even simple street food — from banh-mi sandwiches to spring rolls — showcases the mastery of balance between crunchy and savory textures.

Common ingredients in Vietnamese cooking include tofu, shrimp, mushroom, ginger, lemongrass, shallots, cabbage, sesame, and various dipping sauces. Some dishes include delicious meatballs or vegetarian alternatives.

Meals often involve careful cooking methods like boiling over medium heat (over medium), with precise seasoning using tablespoons (tbsp) or teaspoons of traditional flavorings.

Signature dishes like curry infused with coconut milk, fried rice packed with herbs, and refreshing noodle salads filled with fresh herbs, carrot, and lettuce embody the richness of Vietnamese restaurants.

Fun fact: 60% of Vietnamese people consume organ meats regularly, compared to just 20% of French people.

4. Transportation: The Scooter Reigns Supreme

In France, we rely on cars, public transport, or bicycles. In Vietnam, it's all about the scooter.

Personal anecdote: On my first day in Hanoi, I needed almost 10 minutes to figure out how to cross a busy street. A local calmly walked through traffic, and I followed. The scooters adjusted around us — a perfect example of Vietnamese urban flow.

Key figure: Over 85% of Vietnamese households own at least one scooter.

5. Time and Punctuality

In France, punctuality is a sign of respect. In Vietnam, time is more flexible — especially for informal meetings. A delay isn’t necessarily impolite; it’s just... normal.

6. Beliefs and Spiritual Life

Vietnamese culture blends Confucianism, Buddhism, and animism. Almost every home has an ancestor altar, and offerings are made regularly.

Temples and pagodas play an essential role in spiritual life, especially in Hue, the Mekong Delta, and Phu Quoc Island.

Key figure: About 90% of Vietnamese families maintain a home altar.

7. Work Culture and Hierarchy

In France, workplaces encourage dialogue and debate, even with management.
In Vietnam, hierarchy matters. It’s rare to challenge a superior publicly.

Comparative stat: 70% of Vietnamese employees say they avoid contradicting a superior, compared to just 30% of French workers.

Conclusion: A Cultural Awakening

Living or traveling in Vietnam changed the way I see the world.
Yes, it was a cultural shock, but it taught me to approach life with more flexibility, curiosity, and respect for difference.

French and Vietnamese cultures are not better or worse — they are simply different lenses through which we view life, family, food, and time.
And it’s exactly in those contrasts that we grow the most.