Your Essential Guide: 50+ Basic Vietnamese Phrases for Travelers

Planning a trip to Vietnam is an exciting adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and some of the world’s best food. While many locals in tourist areas speak English, knowing a few basic Vietnamese phrases can transform your experience. It’s a sign of respect and can help you navigate daily interactions, whether you’re haggling at a market in Hoi An or ordering a steaming bowl of Phở in Hanoi.

This guide is designed for the absolute beginner. We won’t delve into complex grammar, but instead focus on practical, “survival” phrases that will make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Let’s get started!

The Absolute Must-Knows: Greetings and Politeness

Mastering these simple phrases is the easiest way to make a great first impression. The Vietnamese language is tonal, so don’t worry if your pronunciation isn’t perfect—locals will appreciate the effort.

Simple Greetings

Hello: Xin chào (Sin chow)
Goodbye: Tạm biệt (Tam bee-et)
How are you?: Bạn khỏe không? (Ban qwheh kohm?)
I’m fine, thank you: Tôi khỏe, cảm ơn (Toy qwheh, cam uhn)

Essential Courtesies

Enjoying the sights of Hanoi from the comfort of a cyclo, a classic Vietnamese experience. Photo: hanoicitytour

Thank you: Cảm ơn (Cam uhn)
Sorry / Excuse me: Xin lỗi (Sin loy)
Please: Làm ơn (Lam uhn)
Yes: Vâng (Vuhng – North) or Dạ (Yah – South)
No: Không (Kohng)

Getting Around: Phrases for Transport and Directions

Navigating cities like Ho Chi Minh City can be chaotic but exciting. These phrases will help you get from A to B with confidence.

Where is…? …ở đâu? (…uh dow?)
I want to go to… Tôi muốn đi đến… (Toy moohn dee den…)
How much is this? Cái này bao nhiêu tiền? (Guy nai bao nyoo tee-en?)
Go straight: Đi thẳng (Dee thang)
Turn left: Rẽ trái (Ray chai)
Turn right: Rẽ phải (Ray fie)
Stop here: Dừng lại ở đây (Zoong lie uh dai)

Pro Tip: Ride-sharing apps like Grab are widely used and often the easiest way to get around, but it’s always good to have these phrases on hand for taxis or when asking a local for help.

Foodie: Ordering at Restaurants

Vietnamese cuisine is a highlight for many travelers. Don’t be shy about trying new things!

Can I see the menu? Cho tôi xem menu (Cho toy sem menu)
What is this? Cái này là gì? (Guy nai la zee?)
This is delicious! Ngon quá! (Ngohn gwah!)
The bill, please. Tính tiền, làm ơn (Ting tee-en, lam uhn)

Essential Food and Drink Entities

Knowing these words will help you spot your favorites on any menu:

Phở: Noodle soup
Bún chả: Grilled pork with noodles
Bánh mì: Vietnamese sandwich
Cà phê sữa đá: Iced coffee with condensed milk

Shopping and Bargaining like a Local

Vietnamese markets offer a fantastic opportunity to buy unique souvenirs and practice your haggling skills.

How much? Bao nhiêu? (Bao nyoo?)
Too expensive! Mắc quá! (Mac gwah! – South) or Đắt quá! (Dat gwah! – North)
Can you lower the price? Giảm giá được không? (Jarm zaa doo-uk kohng?)
I’ll take this. Tôi lấy cái này (Toy lay guy nai)
Do you have…? Bạn có… không? (Ban koh… kohng?)

For Emergencies: When You Need Help

While Vietnam is generally a safe country for tourists, it’s always wise to be prepared for the unexpected.

Help! Cứu tôi với! (Coo toy voy!)
I need a doctor: Tôi cần bác sĩ (Toy kun bac si)
Where is the hospital? Bệnh viện ở đâu? (Ben vee-en uh dow?)
Call the police: Gọi cảnh sát (Goy kang sat)

Learning these phrases is not just about communication; it’s about connecting with the local people and culture. With these simple tools, you’ll be able to navigate your journey with confidence and warmth. Enjoy your trip to Vietnam!