Visitors to Vietnam need to be careful with gestures and physical contact. For instance, Vietnamese women do not usually shake hands. Hugging should also be avoided, along with patting people on the back – a sign of disrespect in the country. Also avoid the temptation to ruffle the hair of kids, since the head is sacred to the Vietnamese. When it comes to gesturing, pointing at objects or people should not be done with the index finger – use your thumb or pinky instead.  Have your palm facing down when you are calling someone since an open, upward-facing palm is meant for dogs only.