What Matters Most to Vietnamese People? Work, Love, Family, Money, or Friends? (And why it matters if you live or do business in Vietnam)

Quynh Chu July 28, 2025

If you're living, working, or doing business in Vietnam, this question can unlock powerful insights: What do Vietnamese people value the most in life?

In many countries, work is the top priority.

In the U.S., productivity and individual achievement are celebrated.
In South Korea and Japan, it's not uncommon for people to work 10–12 hours a day, sometimes even on weekends.
In Germany or the UK, people often plan their lives around career growth, relocation, and long-term financial security.

But in Vietnam, while people work hard, sometimes even holding multiple jobs, they do it for a different reason.

“We work hard so our family can have a better life.”

That’s a common mindset. Family is not a part of life: it is the center of life.

Even during hectic working weeks, many Vietnamese still prioritize family meals, check in with their parents, send money home, or take time off for important family events. Work and family are not in conflict -> they support each other.

Why is this important for expats, entrepreneurs, and travelers in Vietnam?

Because if you understand what motivates people, you can:

Build stronger personal and professional relationships
Communicate more respectfully and meaningfully
Integrate faster into Vietnamese culture
Do business with more ease and empathy

Want to understand Vietnam better? Start with the language.

Learning Vietnamese isn’t just about vocabulary or grammar: it’s a window into the mindset and values of the people. At iSpeak Vietlingo, we help expats and foreigners learn practical, real-life Vietnamese so they can: