Speak Like a Local: Essential Vietnamese Phrases Every Traveler Should Know
A friendly language guide from Chapi Tours to help you connect, explore, and enjoy Vietnam with confidence
Traveling through Vietnam is an unforgettable journey—full of rich culture, warm hospitality, vibrant street life, and delicious food. But there’s one simple way to make your travel experience even more meaningful: learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases!
Even speaking just a little Vietnamese shows respect, breaks barriers, and brings instant smiles. Whether you’re ordering a bowl of phở, bargaining at a night market, or asking for directions in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, these easy phrases will help you interact like a thoughtful and confident traveler.
1. Warm Greetings & Polite Essentials
A friendly greeting goes a long way in Vietnam.
- Hello – Xin chào (Sin chow)
- Thank you – Cảm ơn (Gahm uhn)
- You’re welcome – Không có chi (Kong kaw chee)
- Goodbye – Tạm biệt (Tahm bee-et)
Chapi Tip: Pair “Cảm ơn” with a smile — it works magic everywhere in Vietnam!
2. Asking for Help & Directions
Perfect for navigating streets, markets, or transportation.
- Where is…? – Ở đâu? (Uh dow?)
- How much? – Bao nhiêu? (Bow nyeo?)
- Excuse me / Sorry – Xin lỗi (Sin loy)
Example:
Where is the restroom?
Nhà vệ sinh ở đâu? (Nyah vay sin uh dow?)
Chapi Tip: Using Vietnamese often leads to friendlier service — especially in local shops!
3. Ordering Food & Drinks Like a Pro
Vietnamese cuisine is incredible — here’s how to enjoy it smoothly.
- I would like… – Tôi muốn… (Toy mu-ohn)
- Not spicy – Không cay (Kong kai)
- Delicious! – Ngon quá! (Ngon wah)
- Check, please – Tính tiền, làm ơn (Tin tee-en, lam uhn)
Chapi Tip: Try phở bò (beef noodle soup) or phở gà (chicken). Vietnam’s comfort classic!
4. Numbers for Shopping & Bargaining
Useful for markets, souvenirs, and street vendors.
- One – Một (Moat)
- Two – Hai (High)
- Five – Năm (Nam)
- Ten – Mười (Muoi)
- Hundred – Trăm (Chum)
- Thousand – Ngàn (Ngan)
Shopping helpers:
- Too expensive – Đắt quá (Dut wah)
- Can you lower the price? – Giảm giá được không? (Zam zaa duk khong?)
Chapi Tip: Bargain politely and with humor — it’s part of the fun!
5. Handy Travel Vocabulary
Great for getting around.
- Hotel – Khách sạn (Khak san)
- Taxi – Taxi (Tak-see)
- Bus stop – Trạm xe buýt (Chum seh buh-it)
- **Help! – Giúp tôi với! ** (Zoop toy voy)
6. Emergency Phrases
Hopefully never needed — but good to know.
- I need a doctor – Tôi cần bác sĩ (Toy gun bahk see)
- I am lost – Tôi bị lạc (Toy bee lahk)
- Call the police – Gọi công an (Goy kong ahn)
7. Cultural Courtesy Phrases
Vietnamese culture values respect and kindness.
- Please – Làm ơn (Lam uhn)
- It’s okay / Don’t worry – Không sao (Kong sow)
- Yes – Vâng (Vung) / No – Không (Kong)
Chapi Tip: Speak gently, especially with elders — it shows cultural understanding.
8. Dietary & Allergy Phrases
Perfect for vegetarians, vegans, or sensitive diners.
- I am vegetarian – Tôi ăn chay (Toy an chai)
- No meat – Không có thịt (Kong kaw tit)
- No fish sauce – Không có nước mắm (Kong kaw nook mam)
- Allergic to… – Dị ứng với… (Zee ung voi)
- Vegan – Tôi ăn chay hoàn toàn (Toy an chai hwon twan)
Chapi Tip: Vegan dishes exist — but clarify clearly.
Practice, Connect & Enjoy Vietnam!
Even small efforts in Vietnamese create big moments — shared laughter, friendly conversations, better prices, and deeper cultural connection.
At Chapi Tours, we believe language is a doorway into the heart of Vietnam. Our guides love helping travelers learn, practice, and communicate with confidence throughout their journey.
Ready to explore Vietnam with cultural insight, local connection, and authentic experiences?
Chapi Tours is here to guide you every step of the way.
For more travel tips and support, visit www.chapitours.com
—and let your Vietnam adventure begin!
