After years of relative isolation, approximately 10 years ago, relations between Vietnam and western countries like the United States became relatively more open. As time has progressed this has become more the case. For example, there is a significant amount of business now being conducted with the Vietnamese and students from Vietnam are now attending schools in the US on student visas. Old political wounds are deep, however, and you should not use a translator from one part of the old Vietnam to translate conversations with someone from the other part. The Vietnamese have many beautiful traditions and customs, as well as well entrenched values which influence daily life.
Gender roles are well established and the influence of Chinese culture is felt in many areas.
For example, after puberty, it is inappropriate for boys and girls to play together. Among adult, it is inappropriate and considered disrespectful for men to make body contact with women. The best way to establish contact between someone of the opposite gender is to nod your head while giving a verbal greeting. As your relationship with the person changes and becomes closer, follow their lead before making more intimate contact. In Vietnamese culture, it is believed that the soul of a person resides in the head.