Current Time in Vietnam
Vietnamese culture regarding time
Vietnamese culture regarding time
Flexible sense of time "Giờ cao su"
In Vietnam, there is a concept of "Giờ cao su" (rubber time), which means some delays to appointments are acceptable. In particular, in social situations, delays of about 30 minutes are common.
Early morning activity culture
To avoid the heat during the day, markets open at 4am, and many people start their activities at 5-6am. Parks are bustling with people doing exercises and tai chi from 5am.
Siesta time
In the south, it is customary to take a lunch break from 12 noon to around 2pm. During this time, shops and offices also take a break, and the city becomes quiet.
Vietnamese values regarding time
Relationships > Punctuality
Work and important matters take priority over appointments with family and friends. Even if you are kept waiting, the culture is tolerant, saying "Thôi, không sao" (it's okay).
Emphasis on experience over efficiency
As the proverb "Ăn chậm nhai kỹ" (eat slowly, chew well) says, it is important to take time to experience things.
Adaptable schedule management
The idea of "Tùy cơ ứng biến" (adapt according to the situation) is popular, and flexible plans that assume plans will change are preferred.
Things foreigners should know about when traveling or relocating to Vietnam
Short opening hours of government offices
Government offices and banks have short opening hours of 7:30-11:30 and 13:30-16:30, and on Saturdays they are often only open in the morning. They are closed for 1-2 weeks around Tet (Lunar New Year).
Travel planning taking traffic congestion into consideration
In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, morning and evening rush hours are intense, and it is not uncommon for it to take an hour to travel 5km.
Lifestyle of a nocturnal society
Cafes and restaurants are bustling even after 10pm, especially among young people. Street restaurants are sometimes open until 2am.
Interesting trivia about time in Vietnam
Traditional markets without clocks
In local markets, the custom remains of indicating trading hours by the position of the sun rather than the time of day, such as "morning market" and "day market".
Celebrating two new years
In Vietnam, people celebrate both Tet (Lunar New Year) and the Gregorian New Year, experiencing two "year-end and New Year holidays" from January to February.
Coffee culture and time
Vietnamese coffee is extracted by dripping slowly over a long period of time. Enjoying coffee slowly is a symbol of how to spend time.