Vietnam proves to be an enticing and incredibly affordable travel spot, offering a diverse range of attractions, from its historical war remnants and unexplored caves to its vibrant urban streets and stunning limestone mountains. However, prior to visiting this country, one might ponder, "Is English widely spoken in Vietnam?"
Despite certain statistics suggesting that approximately 50% of the Vietnamese population possesses rudimentary English skills, my personal experience during a month-long journey through the northern regions of Vietnam, encompassing both urban and rural areas, leads me to believe that this estimation is quite exaggerated.
Reddit: Do people in Vietnam speak English?
Quang from Hanoi says: "The majority of the population may not have a good grasp of English, so it might not be very helpful. However, you can rely on translator apps if necessary. In cities like Saigon or Hanoi, you'll find some young people who can speak a bit of English, but in other areas, English speakers are nearly nonexistent."
Mai from Dalat says: "To local people, they should always speak Vietnamese because the Vietnamese community truly appreciates that and is willing to assist with grammatical and pronunciation issues. English should only be used when the community members ask if some time can be spent to help them improve their English (students enjoy conversing in English with foreigners) or to avoid scams."
Helena from New York says: "I'm an American white woman. When I visited Vietnam, I made an effort to learn some basic phrases. My Vietnamese tutor encouraged me to try speaking the language whenever possible, and he was absolutely right! I had a couple of memorable encounters with locals who were genuinely excited when I attempted to communicate, even if it was just asking for something simple like "where is water." I believe it's a considerate gesture to go to a foreign country and make an effort to speak at least a little of the local language, even if your proficiency is not perfect. This is especially important when you come from the United States, a country that unfortunately has some tourists who can be disrespectful and oblivious to local customs, often flaunting their wealth. In my experience, Vietnamese people are incredibly welcoming and appreciative of your attempts to speak their language, and it can lead to positive and enriching interactions."