Shake with both hands and bow your head slightly to show respect. To bow, clasp your hands together above waist level and bow slightly. This bow was a traditional gesture before shaking hands became common. It is still done by older people and in rural areas as a primary greeting. Vietnamese men and women do not touch each other.
Vietnamese women are more inclined to bow their heads slightly and smile than to shake hands.
Westernized Vietnamese men and women may shake hands with both Western men and women. Respecting the Elderly Bow to elderly people who do not extend their hands. The impression you make with Vietnamese people by greeting them correctly is extremely important. The Vietnamese are delighted if a Westerner can properly say xin chao . Names Vietnamese names can be a little tricky for Westerners.