草榴社区s young and old may fear not being able to develop a social network when they relocate to another country. While no city is the same, some are simply more buzzing than others. Luckily, with their sights set on Ho Chi Minh City, they will be pleased to discover that making new friends within Saigon isn't terribly difficult.
Developing your social circle in Ho Chi Minh City
Although the city can feel isolating and overwhelming at times, a significant benefit of living here is the many different opportunities to meet people. The city is undergoing some major changes at the moment, and is prioritizing evolving into a multicultural haven. In the last two years, various activities and events have become regular fixtures in the diary. Whether expats are interested in personal or business growth, family-friendly gatherings, or want something more wild, there are plenty of options! Below are a few examples of how new expats can find their circle.
Socializing at work
Some expats may find that many of their colleagues are friends outside the workplace. This might be more common among the younger crowd, but it is certainly one way for people to get acclimated to their new surroundings and automatically connect with like-minded foreigners abroad. If you are teaching at an international school, there will most likely be a social committee and mixers to climatize you with your department, but why not find out if anyone is interested in creating a team for a pub quiz night or finding a karaoke room for an upcoming weekend?
Workshops
Something expats may love about Ho Chi Minh City is that there are dozens of workshops held every week. There are several creative clubs like that bring all sorts of art infused with traditional Vietnamese style into your mind and home. has hosted many interesting classes to understand finance as a business owner and partnered with Jackfruit Adventure Cycling to curate an exhilarating exercise opportunity. You can also check out for workshops catered towards adults, youth and children. These niche-focused collectives are perfect as they allow participants to chat with those around them while getting to partake in exciting, hands-on activities that promote bonding.
Exercised-focused groups
For those who are a bit more interested in getting their sweat on CrossFit Thao Dien and Hustle are both popular, and we encourage you to check out the ReClub app that will list sports happening daily, including games that you can join, from badminton to volleyball. There's also the Dancenter to take beginner, intermediate or advanced dance classes. If you choose a building with a pool may encourage you to hire a private swimming instructor or perhaps joining one of the many yoga and pilates studios will be the refreshing alternative you're seeking.
Family-friendly activities
Aside from attending one of the city's kids' cafes or jungle gyms, many of the international schools and pre-schools in town host kid-friendly events. For specific family-focused groups, check out the or take part in one of the local dog or cat rescue shelters. Many restaurants will have kid-friendly dining, but particularly The WKND has a play area connected to its dining room for families eating with tiny busy bodies. If you are interested in learning a new skill like pottery, the is a great place to consider offering a one-day class for participants as young as twelve.
If none of these options look appealing, expats should also check out MeetUp.com, where they can find a number of other niche-related activities and gatherings that may cater more toward their wants. Also, utilizing Facebook or Meta to find your chosen community that aligns with your lifestyle is a great option to explore electronically before diving in! No matter what, the most important aspect is to be vulnerable at times and put yourself out there.
Developing your professional network in Ho Chi Minh
It's a common misconception that the majority of expats living in Ho Chi Minh City are English as a Second Language teachers (ESL). In light of different visa regulations, you'll find a lot more new arrivals with a specific expertise in environmental or technology mindsets. There are an incredible number of professionals from various backgrounds located within Saigon, and with that comes the opportunity for personal and professional growth.
Connect with like-minded people at events
草榴社区s who are looking to expand their portfolio or swap ideas and collaborate with others in town can do so by attending workshops or networking events throughout the city. Some start-ups will host free portfolio nights or happy hour events; larger companies generally host paid or sponsored events at hotels or convention centers. Check out websites like Eventbrite, MeetUp, or Facebook(Meta) to see what is on the schedule for the future.
Browse LinkedIn
While this may not be the most social option of the three, it is certainly one way to develop one's business prospects. Just like anywhere else in the world, Vietnamese professionals who are also looking to expand their connections browse LinkedIn throughout the day to find individuals working within a similar business realm. By doing so as well, expats might be able to find others who are willing to collaborate on projects or may open doors that they might not have otherwise been aware of.
Visit coworking spaces
Ho Chi Minh City is a non-traditional office dream with plenty of coworking spaces and a robust cafe culture. As more people are choosing to work for themselves, the demand for coworking spaces is in full force. There are quite a few of these centres throughout Saigon; but especially in the popular Thao Dien neighborhood or District 2, where you can visit The Hive Saigon, The Sentry, and Workflow, all in the area. Writers, designers, and marketing-minded individuals are the primary audience in these establishments. Freelancers have the option of renting a space on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis; this is an awesome chance to get to know other professionals also living in Ho Chi Minh City and build upon your skills together.
The concept of professional networking is a foundation in Ho Chi Minh City, and more niche spaces continue to flourish as the city welcomes different people.
Ho Chi Minh City's networking etiquette
Moving into this vibrant metropolis infuses a different energy into your day. You'll be engulfed by the population's buzz as they are up early and seize every opportunity. It's a little intimidating to watch from the sidelines, and learning how to harness that energy and turn it into momentum takes a bit of reflection and, most importantly, networking!
Overall, most of the etiquette is similar to many cultures worldwide, but there are a few slight differences. Here are a few things expats should know before stepping through the door of a networking event.
Greetings
Regardless of whether the event is Vietnamese-centric or one that wants to blend cultures, it's important to research the organization and the host before you arrive. It will really impress the room if you thank the host or organizer upon arrival by their name or reference an achievement you saw online. In Vietnamese culture, there are many different ways to address folks, and the most respectful greeting depends on age. You can usually rely on these three greetings:
- Anh: Used to address a man slightly older than you;
- Ch峄�: Used to address a woman slightly older than you;
- Em: Used to address someone younger than you or to call attention to a waiter or server.
It is essential to remember that there is a hierarchical culture in Vietnam, meaning when introducing yourself to larger groups, try to approach the eldest member first to show a sign of respect. It's a standard practice to shake hands, and no one will be expecting you to bow at less formal networking events. Make sure to smile and confidently introduce yourself and have a platitude ready about your arrival to Vietnam or the answers ready to the two most popular questions, regardless of environment, your age, and your marital status.
Another thing to keep in mind is that when you receive business cards or someone is telling you their name, the preferred structure is Surname 鈥� Middle Name 鈥� Given Name. Nguyen is the most common last name in Vietnam, but don't risk embarrassment by mistaking their first name when reviewing the new contacts you've made.
If you are at a networking event that will have drinks or alcohol, it's polite to make sure everyone around you has a drink, and if you are cheering someone older than you, your left hand should be on your right wrist as you clink glasses.
If you are going to a foreigners-only networking event, then you can rely on the traditions and cultures you're already familiar with.
Avoid touchy topics
Don't bring unwanted attention to yourself by touching sensitive topics, including political affairs from the past and present, and gossip or salacious news of anyone in the room. Vietnamese people are quite nationalistic and proud of their country, and while they have moved on from previous world events, peppering them with questions about the war or current affairs will make you appear uneducated. Remember, this is a networking event, and you will be judged on your responses within conversations. While everyone else might seem relaxed, one wrong move could jeopardize potential business deals or the next steps in your professional development.
Read the room
The primary cultural aspect expats should be aware of is the prominence of 'keeping face'. Similar to many parts of Asia, the idea of saving face is significant to Vietnamese culture and can be detrimental to interpersonal business prospects and how they play out in social and professional scenarios. Examples of this include avoiding proving someone wrong in front of others or arguing in public about an idea or concept. Other good habits are to match your tone of voice to those around you, be patient while listening and others are speaking, maintain a level of sobriety, be polite to waitstaff, and humble about your experiences before arriving in Vietnam. Avoid asking anyone about unfinished business and find a way to congratulate new endeavors. Avoid the use of stereotypes or jokes at anyone's expense, and avoid sarcasm.
Overall, one thing that all cultures have in common is respect for others. When conducting business discussions, know that Vietnamese culture generally requires everyone to be on board with a decision. This may not always flow as quickly as it does in your home country, so remain patient and respectful of the culture.
The dress code
When planning an outfit for a networking event in Ho Chi Minh City, be mindful of the fact that Vietnamese culture is a bit on the conservative side. While Ho Chi Minh City is incredibly modern and progressive, it's still common to see blazers or more traditional work attire. If possible, hide any tattoos and try to minimize earrings or accessories. Women typically wear skirts that are below the knee and avoid wearing tops that reveal cleavage or their shoulders. Men are encouraged to wear button-down shirts or professional polos and absolutely no jeans or shorts. Blazers are not always required but aren't a bad idea in case the AC is too cold.
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