Honest question: my wife and I are overweight and not thick-skinned. Are comments or jokes about body weight common in Vietnam? Just want to know what to expect and how to react.Thanks.Honest question: my wife and I are overweight and not thick-skinned. Are comments or jokes about body weight common in Vietnam? Just want to know what to expect and how to react.Thanks.
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I have a beer belly and as a few mentioned in comments some of them do touch or tap your belly, but not disrespecting or body shaming. Cool country and even more cooler are locals. Don’t worry come and enjoy your stay 🤗
The truth is…absolutely grow a think skin or learn to just ignore it. I’m half Vietnamese, a little overweight and 5’6” tall. My mom is 4’10” and my sisters are just around 5’. I’m a giant over there…as well as here in Little Saigon. Store clerks will often say something along the lines of “nothing will fit you” before I even cross the door, never assuming I may be shopping for a gift.
They will probably say something about it (in Vietnamese- so you won’t even understand it). But they’re not mean about it- they like to make comment. But overall, we are very nice people (I’m Vietnamese).
I’m overweight too & was patted down every time I went through the airport! Yes you will be noticed & it may be commented on because of your size but I turned it into a joke and they laughed too. It is what it is. If you’re easily offended, then perhaps don’t go 🤷🏻♀️
They don’t mean to be rude. They just have no filter. Vietnamese are usually quite slim so they could just be curious. No malice intended
I was bigger the first time and I had nothing but respect as my bone structure is solid I feel like princess Fiona wherever I go in Asia even when I lost weight
They are friendly but have no filter. You’ll have some people say something and some taxis may not even take you or charge you extra
My daughter works/lives in Hanoi and speaks Vietnamese. She took me into shop near her apartment that she has frequented before. She knew I would like the clothes. As I was looking at a dress, the three shopkeepers were talking about how fat I am-they were laughing, but I did not understand. My daughter yanked me out and told me we were leaving now. I was confused…until she told me what they were saying outside. I am a size 8 in women’s clothes. This is considered NOT fat at all by American standards. The good news for you? You won’t understand the chatter and little laughs like me (unless you also have a daughter that speaks Vietnamese) 🤣
We’re here now, most locals don’t bat an eye. Sometimes you will get a look(up and down) and rarely they’ll talk about you and advise their friend to look. We just smile and say hello.
They comment to each other not thinking you understand. The first day I was in Hanoi I had a guide rub my belly and say “ahh happy Buddha“. Brush it off and get on with life.