Politeness and etiquette can very greatly country from country. Wanting to be good representations of our country, our school, and ourselves, it is important for to try to keep customs in mind in order to be polite and respectable. Here are some tips I found online:
1. When you give/receive a business card, hold it with two hands.
2. When speaking to a group, address the eldest person first. The elderly are very respected in Vietnam and so they should be treated in high regards.
3. Business should not be immediately discussed. Before ever talking about business, small talk about personal lives and family should be discussed. In Vietnam, businessmen and women want to get to know you first before conducting business.
4. Take your shoes off when entering a home.
5. When eating with a Vietnamese family, do not begin eating until the head of the household or the eldest person begins eating.
6. Do not show that you are upset/angry. Showing these emotions and reflect badly on yourself. Stay calm.
7. Tipping is not a custom in Vietnam, but it is appreciated.
8. Public displays of affection are not acceptable in many parts of Vietnam. Stick to handshakes for greetings.
These tips gave me a lot of insight. I think country customs awareness is very important when traveling. Especially as business majors, customs are essential when conducting business internationally. I found these tips at this site: http://www.destination-asia.com/vietnam/about/etiquette/