Essential Vietnamese Phrases for Travelers

Greetings and courtesy

Xin chào — Hello. Cảm ơn — Thank you. Xin lỗi — Sorry or excuse me. Tạm biệt — Goodbye. Không sao — No problem. Vietnamese people may use family-style forms of address, but these neutral phrases are useful everywhere. Speak slowly and listen to the reply.

Shopping and directions

Bao nhiêu tiền? — How much is it? Giá cố định không? — Is the price fixed? Tôi chỉ xem thôi — I’m just looking. Nhà vệ sinh ở đâu? — Where is the restroom? Làm ơn chỉ giúp tôi — Please show me. Writing a destination name is often more reliable than attempting a long spoken address.

Vegetarian dining

Tôi ăn chay — I am vegetarian. Món chay — Vegetarian dish. Không thịt, không cá, không nước mắm — No meat, no fish, no fish sauce. Không trứng — No egg. Không sữa — No milk. Món này có phải món chay không? — Is this dish vegetarian? Repeat important restrictions and confirm with a friendly nod.

Help and safety

Tôi không hiểu — I don’t understand. Bạn nói chậm hơn được không? — Can you speak more slowly? Giúp tôi với — Please help me. Tôi cần bác sĩ — I need a doctor. Gọi taxi giúp tôi — Please call a taxi for me. Save your hotel name, emergency contact and key medical information in both English and Vietnamese.

Practical takeaway: Learn a few short phrases, keep the written form ready and let kindness carry the conversation when pronunciation is imperfect.

If you want to Learn some basic Vietnamese: Visit this website: Learn Vietnamese