Temple etiquette: how to behave in a Vietnamese temple

Etiquette is about being a considerate guest. It is separate from ritual: you can follow every point here without bowing, lighting incense or believing anything. For the acts of respect themselves, see how to pay respects. Each temple has its own habits, so a sign or a word from someone at the temple comes first.

Arriving

A temple is a place where people practise, work and rest. Arrive without hurry, lower your voice at the gate, and look for signs about opening hours, where to leave shoes and where visitors may go. Some areas, such as living quarters, kitchens and the monastics' rooms, are private even when nothing says so.

Dress

Neat and modest is enough: shoulders and knees covered, nothing see-through or with loud slogans. Plain, calm colours are easy to wear. Take off hats and sunglasses inside the main hall. If you have nothing suitable, a light scarf or shawl helps, and many temples will tell you kindly what they prefer.

Voices, phones and children

Speak softly, walk rather than run, and put your phone on silent before you enter a hall. Take calls outside. Ask children to hold your hand in crowded rooms and to look rather than touch; a short explanation beforehand helps more than a reminder in the middle of a hall.

Photos

Outdoors and in the courtyard, photos are often fine. Inside the main hall, many temples ask for few or none, especially during a service. Switch off flash and shutter sounds, never stand on or lean against an altar for a picture, and ask before photographing monks, nuns or people at prayer. A sign with a camera crossed out settles it.

Moving around

Take off your shoes where there is a rack, a mat or other people's shoes at the door.
Walk behind people who are bowing, not in front of them.
Step over the threshold rather than on it where the custom is kept, and use side doors if the middle door is closed.
Do not touch statues, ritual objects or offerings, and keep your feet from pointing at the altar when you sit.
If a service is on, join quietly at the back or wait outside until it ends.

Monks, nuns and other visitors

Greet monks and nuns with palms together and a slight bow. Do not touch them, and wait to be spoken to before offering a hand. Forms of address are in the questions page. Give people at prayer space and time, queue patiently for the incense burner and do not compare what others bring or do.

Eating and drinking

Many temples serve vegetarian food, and some invite visitors to share a meal. Accept simply, take what you can finish and leave the place tidy. Avoid bringing meat, alcohol or strong-smelling food into the grounds.

If you are unsure

Watch what people around you do and follow. Asking quietly is always welcome. If you make a mistake, a small bow of apology is enough; nobody expects visitors to know everything.

Keep reading

Enter the temple