What language is spoken in Vietnam?

The official language

The Vietnamese language is the official language of Vietnam, spoken by more than 95 million inhabitants. This tonal language uses the Latin alphabet with specific diacritical marks.

Foreign languages in daily life

English is commonly spoken in tourist areas such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hoi An and Ha Long Bay. Younger generations, hotel staff and tour guides generally have a basic command of it.

French is still understood by older generations, a legacy of the colonial period, but its use is gradually declining.

Advice from our local agency

Learn a few basic expressions in Vietnamese: "xin chào" (hello), "cảm ơn" (thank you), "xin lỗi" (excuse me). Vietnamese people appreciate the effort and it makes interactions easier, especially in villages and local markets.