Dangers and Annoyances

Like the sections within the Lonely Planet books, which caution against the pitfalls of certain aspects of a location, I feel that it is worth noting a tried and true shortcoming of what is an otherwise pleasant existence in Vietnam.

In contrast to expectations, this is not to do with dangers of training, nor is it to do with precautions you should be taking whilst navigating through the realm of oppurtunistic locals.
It is a diatribe about a cultural oddity of Vietnam, more specifically to do with social interactions with members of the opposite gender.

Having been raised largely in Australia, I feel that my values are predominantly Western. Then in astonishment was I to realize that in Vietnam it is the norm that within any gathering involving males and females, that the males (or male) of the group are expected to be solely responsible for monetary exchanges as a result of the event.

Not only has this been true in my experience, but also of close friends who have lived in Vietnam for years.

With anticipation of a amenable disposition for the large percentage of females in Vietnam, it was to great alarm when on one particular occasion, I literally had notes ripped out of my hand by a Vietnamese girl to pay for the her and her friend; including meals they had consumed before I had joined them.

What to expect -

When meeting a girl, do not be surprised if she shows up with one, or even multiple friends who are more than happy to saviour the main courses and have no reservations about sitting demurely when the bill arrives.
Especially in finer institutions, it is a matter of 'saving face' that an adequate tip be left. Be prepared for a look of disdain from both your present company and the staff if you leave with all your notes and coins.

Cost -

Haha : ) You have been warned!
Stick to places where seating requires you to squat uncomfortably and your hip pocket will come out much heavier.