Discover the beautiful cultural differences in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. Learn essential etiquette, greetings, temple rules, and how to travel respectfully across these four countries with expertly crafted multi-country tours by Legend Travel Group.
Graceful traditions that differ from country to country (Source: Internet)Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights and guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
By Legend Travel Group – Operating since 2008
Legend Travel Group specializes in private and small-group journeys across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. Book with peace of mind: only 10% deposit required, final payment due 30 days before departure.
Warm Vietnamese welcome vs the wai, nop, and sampeah (Source: Internet)Traveling through Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand is one of the most rewarding experiences in Southeast Asia. Each country shares Theravada or Mahayana Buddhist roots, yet expresses them in beautifully distinct ways. Knowing these subtle (and sometimes striking) cultural differences helps you travel with respect, avoid unintentional offense, and connect more deeply with local people.
Whether you’re planning a multi-country adventure with Vietnam Tours, exploring ancient temples with Cambodia Tours, seeking serenity with Laos Tours, or enjoying vibrant festivals with Thailand Tours, this guide prepares you perfectly.
Laos – where time slows and serenity reigns (Source: Internet)|
Aspect |
Vietnam |
Cambodia |
Laos |
Thailand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Primary Religion |
Mahayana Buddhism + Ancestor worship |
Theravada Buddhism |
Theravada Buddhism |
Theravada Buddhism |
|
Traditional Greeting |
Handshake or nod + “Xin chào” |
Sampeah (palms together) + “Suo sdei” |
Nop (palms together) + “Sabaidee” |
Wai (palms together) + “Sawasdee” |
|
Head vs Feet |
Head sacred, feet lowest |
Same – never touch head |
Same – never point feet at people/Buddha |
Same – feet never toward Buddha |
|
Temple Dress Code |
Shoulders & knees covered |
Same + remove hats & shoes |
Same + women cover upper arms |
Same + no shoes, no pointing feet at Buddha |
|
Monks & Photography |
Ask permission |
Never touch monks (women) |
Same as Cambodia |
Women never touch monks |
|
Saving Face |
Important |
Very important |
Extremely important |
Central to Thai culture |
|
Tipping Culture |
Not expected, small tips appreciated |
Small tips appreciated |
Rounding up common |
Rounding up or 10–20 THB common |
The art of the perfect wai – different heights show different respect (Source: Internet)Remove shoes when entering someone’s home
Never touch someone’s head (even children)
Use both hands when giving/receiving business cards or money
Pointing with one finger is rude – use your whole hand
Public displays of anger cause loss of face
Vietnam Travel Tip: Vietnamese people are incredibly warm once trust is built. A smile and “Xin chào” go a long way.
The sampeah greeting varies by age/status – higher hands for elders/monks
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or person
Women must never touch monks or hand them anything directly
Speaking loudly or showing strong emotions is frowned upon
Always ask permission before photographing monks or religious ceremonies
Cambodia Tours Insight: Cambodians are among the gentlest people in Southeast Asia – returning their soft smiles creates instant connection.
The “nop” is performed with fingertips at chin level for peers, nose level for elders
Speaking softly and moving slowly aligns with Lao concept of “boun” (calm merit)
Never enter a temple with shoes or point feet toward the Buddha
Public affection between couples is rare and considered impolite
Laos Tours Experience: Laos is often called the most laid-back country in Southeast Asia – matching the local pace brings the best experiences.
The wai is everything: level of hands shows respect (higher for monks/elders)
The King and royal family are deeply revered – never disrespect (lèse-majesté law)
Feet are the lowest part of the body – never point them at people or Buddha images
The head is sacred – do not touch (even playfully)
“Jai yen” (cool heart) – staying calm is highly valued
Thailand Travel Secret: Thais will go out of their way to help someone who shows respect and keeps “jai yen”.
Floating away bad luck – each country has its own version (Source: Internet)Always remove shoes (and sometimes hats) before entering
Dress modestly – cover shoulders and knees
Never point feet at Buddha images
Women: do not touch monks or enter certain monk-only areas
Speak quietly and move mindfully
Ask permission before taking photos of people praying
Tet Festival in Hue Imperial City (Source: Internet)Vietnam – Tết (Lunar New Year): family reunions, ancestor worship
Cambodia – Khmer New Year & Pchum Ben (ancestors festival)
Laos – Boun Pi Mai (Lao New Year water festival) & Boun That Luang
Thailand – Songkran (Thai New Year water festival) & Loy Krathong
Joining these festivals respectfully creates lifelong memories.
Khmer New Year Festival Cambodia (Source: Internet)Traveling across four countries with different languages, customs, and currencies can feel overwhelming. Legend Travel Group takes care of everything:
Private English-speaking local guides in each country who understand their culture deeply
Respectful dress code reminders before every temple visit
Perfectly timed itineraries that respect prayer times and local pace
Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles with knowledgeable drivers
Only 10% deposit – final payment 30 days before departure
24/7 support from our Southeast Asia team
Popular multi-country journeys:
Vietnam & Cambodia Tours (14–18 days)
Indochina Discovery: Vietnam Cambodia Laos (16–21 days)
Grand Indochina: Vietnam Cambodia Laos Thailand (21–28 days)
Book your culturally respectful journey at https://www.legendtravelgroup.com
By Legend Travel Group – Crafting respectful, life-changing journeys across Southeast Asia since 2008
Website: https://www.legendtravelgroup.com
Only 10% deposit – Keep your peace of mind until 30 days before departure.
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