12 Essential Basic Vietnamese Travel Phrases (With Pronunciation)

For your Vietnamese travels, master these essential phrases: “Xin chào” (hello), “Cảm ơn” (thank you), “Xin lỗi” (sorry/excuse me), “Làm ơn” (please), “Bạn có nói tiếng Anh không?” (Do you speak English?), “Bao nhiêu?” (How much?), “Mắc quá!” (Too expensive!), “Tôi không hiểu” (I don’t understand), “Tôi cần giúp đỡ” (I need help), “Phải/Trái” (Right/Left), “Tạm biệt” (Goodbye), and “Hẹn gặp lại” (See you again). The proper pronunciation makes all the difference in connecting with locals.

Getting to Know Vietnamese Pronunciation Basics

Why is Vietnamese pronunciation so unique? The language features vowels like ă, ơ, and ê that don’t exist in English, plus it’s tonal—meaning the pitch you use completely changes a word’s meaning.

Vietnamese’s exotic vowels and tonal nature create a pronunciation landscape where pitch isn’t just expression—it’s essential for meaning.

When pronouncing Vietnamese, focus on mouth shape rather than tongue or lip movement. Unlike English, Vietnamese consonants are typically unaspirated (less breathy), and the language avoids consonant clusters.

You’ll need to master six distinct tones: flat, dropping, rising, and deep falling among them. Each tone dramatically alters meaning, even in simple phrases like “cảm ơn” (thank you). The level tone starts and stays at a middle pitch throughout pronunciation, making it the easiest for beginners to learn.

To improve quickly, listen to native speakers, practice consistently, and don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. Regional variations exist too—northern and southern Vietnamese have notable differences in how certain consonants are pronounced. If you’re planning a Southeast Asian adventure, learning Vietnamese basics can be especially helpful before deciding between Thailand or Philippines for your travel destination.

The Art of Saying Hello in Vietnamese

Mastering Vietnamese greetings begins with the universal phrase “Xin chào” (pronounced “zin chow”), but there’s much more to it than these two simple words.

For casual interactions, use “Chào” with the appropriate pronoun: “chào anh” for men, “chào chị” for women, or “chào bạn” for peers. Some learners find it easier to approximate the pronunciation as sin chiao when first attempting to say these phrases.

When greeting groups, say “chào các bạn” (hello everyone). Remember to use the falling tone on “chào” – start high and drop sharply.

In formal settings, stick with “xin chào” unless you know specific titles. Always greet the eldest or highest-status person first in groups.

Accompany your greeting with appropriate body language: handshakes with a nod for men, slight bows for women, and always with a smile. Being mindful of these customs helps you avoid cultural missteps that could inadvertently offend locals during your Vietnam travels.

Polite Expressions Every Traveler Should Know

When steering Vietnam as a visitor, a few well-placed polite expressions can transform your entire experience. The simplest yet most effective phrase is “Cảm ơn” (pronounced “gam-urn”) for “thank you,” which you can emphasize with “rất nhiều” to show deeper gratitude.

A few simple Vietnamese phrases, starting with “Cảm ơn,” open doors to authentic connections throughout your journey.

For apologies or getting attention, “Xin lỗi” (“sin loy”) works perfectly when orchestrating crowds or making requests. Pair it with “Bạn có nói tiếng Anh không?” when you need to find English speakers.

Remember “Làm ơn” or “Vui lòng” for “please,” with the latter being gentler. When someone helps you, respond with “Không có gì” (“you’re welcome”). Learning these basic Vietnamese phrases will demonstrate your respect for the local culture. Vietnam is consistently ranked among the top 10 foreign-friendliest countries, making these basic phrases even more appreciated by locals.

Always accompany these phrases with a smile and slight nod—these non-verbal cues are just as important as the words themselves.

How to Order Food Like a Local

For example, say “Cho em một tô phở” for a bowl of phở or “Cho chị hai dĩa cơm tấm” for two plates of broken rice.

Choose pronouns based on your relationship to the vendor—”em” if you’re younger, “anh” (male) or “chị” (female) if older.

To customize your order, use “không” to exclude ingredients (“không ớt” for no chili) or “thêm” to add something.

When you’re ready for drinks, apply the same structure: “Cho tôi một ly cà phê sữa đá” for iced milk coffee.

Vietnamese food is generally very affordable, especially compared to neighboring countries like Cambodia where tourist prices can be higher.

In restaurants without English menus, it’s helpful to learn how to get attention from waiters by saying “hey you” in a respectful tone.

Bargaining Phrases for Vietnamese Markets

Exploring Vietnamese markets requires a basic understanding of bargaining phrases, as most local vendors expect some negotiation on prices. When approaching a stall, start with “Giá bao nhiêu?” (How much is this?) to inquire about the cost. If the price seems high, respond with “Mắc quá!” (Too expensive!) followed by “Có thể giảm giá không?” (Can you reduce the price?). Remember that to finalize your purchase after successful bargaining, simply say “Tôi mua” (I’ll buy). Vietnam’s bustling markets are among the most dynamic outdoor experiences in Asia, offering both shoppers and nature enthusiasts authentic culture.

1. Show genuine interest – Compliment the item while examining it carefully, which may encourage vendors to offer better prices.
2. Start low but reasonable – Begin at 40-50% of the asking price, then work toward a middle ground.
3. Know when to walk away – Sometimes saying “Cảm ơn” (thank you) and moving on can prompt sellers to call you back with a better offer.

Asking for Directions When Lost

Xin lỗi” (excuse me) followed by “làm thế nào để đến…?” to ask how to reach your destination.

For basic navigation, remember “trái” (left), “phải” (right), and “thẳng” (straight). If you need to locate something specific, ask “… ở đâu?” (Where is…?). Many locals may direct you to use Circle K as a landmark when giving directions. While Vietnam offers a completely different travel experience than Southeast Asian neighbors, knowing these phrases will be valuable no matter which region you explore.

When seeking nearby establishments, try “Tôi cần tìm một nhà hàng gần đây” (I need to find a restaurant nearby).

Vietnamese locals are generally helpful, so don’t hesitate to approach someone with “Bạn có thể giúp tôi không?” (Can you help me?). Carry a map (“bản đồ”) for pointing at destinations when language fails.

Transportation Terms for Getting Around

Getting around Vietnam’s bustling streets becomes much easier when you’re familiar with basic transportation terminology. When hailing a “xe tắc xi” (taxi) or hopping on a “xe buýt” (bus), knowing how to communicate your destination is vital. For ride-hailing apps, ask for “xe công nghệ” like Grab.

Navigating Vietnam requires mastering a few key phrases to smoothly communicate with drivers and find your way around bustling streets.

1. Essential vehicles: Use “xe máy” for motorcycle, “xe đạp” for bicycle, and “xe ô tô” or “xe hơi” when referring to cars. If you’re feeling unwell while traveling by sea, you can say “tôi bị say sóng” to explain you’re experiencing seasickness. Vietnam offers more affordable transportation options than other destinations in Southeast Asia such as Thailand or Taiwan.
2. Giving directions: “Rẽ trái/phải” (turn left/right), “đi thẳng” (go straight), or “dừng ở đây” (stop here) will help drivers navigate.
3. Ticket vocabulary: Ask “giá vé?” for fare prices, specify “một chiều” (one-way) or “khứ hồi” (round-trip) when purchasing tickets.

Emergency Phrases That Could Save Your Trip

While maneuvering Vietnam’s transportation systems helps you enjoy the journey, knowing what to say during unexpected situations can be a lifesaver.

If you need immediate assistance, say “Tôi cần giúp đỡ!” (toy kuhn zoo-uhp!) or the more polite “Làm ơn giúp tôi” (lahm uhn zoo-uhp toy).

For dangerous situations, “Cháy!” (chai!) alerts others to fire, while “Cẩn thận!” (kuhn tuhn!) warns of imminent danger. If you feel completely disoriented, saying “Tôi bị lạc!” (toy bee lack!) tells others you are lost.

Medical emergencies require specific phrases like “Cần bác sĩ ngay lập tức!” (kuhn bahk see ngay luhp tuhk!) or “Gọi cấp cứu!” (goy kuhp koo!) for an ambulance.

If you need authorities, use “Tôi cần cảnh sát!” (toy kuhn kang saat!).

Remember urgent commands like “Nhanh lên!” (nyang len!) when time matters.

Unlike traveling between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in Cambodia, navigating emergencies in Vietnam requires these specific Vietnamese phrases.

Connecting With Locals Through Simple Conversational Phrases

The real magic of visiting Vietnam lies in connecting with its people, not just seeing its landscapes. Learning a few conversational phrases will open doors to authentic experiences and warm smiles from locals.

1. Start with the basics: Greet people with “Xin chào” (sin chow) and ask how they’re doing with “Bạn như thế nào?” (bahhn nhu theh nay-ow). When you don’t understand something, simply say “Tôi không hiểu” (toy kong hew).
2. Ask engaging questions: Use “Ở đâu?” (uh dah) to ask where something is, or “Khi nào?” (khee nauh) to ask when something happens. When seeking directions, remember key terms like “chai” for left and “phải” for right.
3. Show respect: Get someone’s attention politely with “Em ơi” (em oy) and always say “cảm ơn” (gam-um) to express gratitude. Many travelers find that learning basic phrases enhances their journey, much like when exploring neighboring Laos with its equally rich cultural experiences.

Showing Appreciation in Vietnamese

For formal settings or with elders, begin with “xin” before “cảm ơn.” Pay attention to the falling tone on “cảm” and flat tone on “ơn” to avoid confusion. Remember that Vietnamese culture often values understated gratitude – a smile might suffice for small favors.

When thanking specific people, add appropriate pronouns after “cảm ơn” – like “cảm ơn cô” (thank you, miss). For exceptional kindness, try “bạn thật là tử tế” (that’s very kind of you). When saying “thank you very much” as “cảm ơn nhiều,” both “yohai” and “yo” pronunciations are acceptable. Similar to Japanese culture, acknowledging proper etiquette rules when expressing gratitude shows respect for local customs.

In professional contexts, “trân trọng cảm ơn” conveys sincere appreciation, especially in written form.

Restaurant and Cafe Etiquette Words

Getting around Vietnamese eateries begins with knowing the right phrases to guarantee a smooth dining experience. You’ll need to reserve tables, order food, and pay with confidence.

Start with “Cho tôi đặt bàn” (I’d like to book a table) when making reservations, and mention your preferences like “bàn gần cửa sổ” (table near the window).

Making reservations in Vietnamese is simple—just say “Cho tôi đặt bàn” and specify preferences like “bàn gần cửa sổ” for window seating.

When you’re ready to order:

1. Get staff attention with “Em ơi” or “Anh/Chị ơi,” depending on the server’s gender.
2. Request the menu with “Cho tôi xem menu” and point while saying “Cho tôi món này” (I’ll have this).
3. Make special requests clearly: “Ít cay thôi” (less spicy) or “Không đường” (no sugar).

When finished, simply say “Tính tiền” to ask for the bill.

Be mindful that some restaurants serve processed foods which contain thực phẩm đông lạnh and other convenience ingredients that may be less healthy options.

After exploring Hanoi’s culinary scene, you’ll discover why Vietnamese cuisine is one of the top reasons travelers find the city worth visiting.

Saying Goodbye and See You Again in Vietnamese

When ending conversations in Vietnamese, knowing the right goodbye phrases will help you leave a positive impression.

For formal situations, use “Tạm biệt” (tahm bee-it) or the more respectful “Kính chào” (kin chao) with elders or in professional settings.

With friends, you can use casual expressions like “Bái bai” (bye-bye) or “Chào nhé” (chao neh).

If you plan to meet again, try “Hẹn gặp lại” (hen gap lie) for “hope to see you again” or specify timing with “Hẹn mai gặp nha” (hen my gap nya) for “see you tomorrow.” Tạm biệt is considered the most common and universally accepted way to say goodbye in Vietnamese culture.

While learning Vietnamese for travel, you might also consider exploring island destinations in Southeast Asia like Bali or the Philippines for your next adventure.

Remember to adjust your tone and body language—formal goodbyes may require a slight bow, while casual farewells work with a friendly rising intonation.

Last Words

You’ve now got the Vietnamese basics to navigate your journey with confidence! Did you know that 75% of Vietnamese communication relies on tone? Your effort to speak even a few local phrases will open doors to authentic experiences most travelers miss. Keep practicing these expressions, and you’ll find yourself connecting with locals in meaningful ways that transform your travel experience completely.