‘From 8 am 10pm and no overtime’: Vietnam’s punctual work culture wins over Indian Redditor, says ‘can’t help but admire it’

An Indian traveler’s post on Reddit that went viral sparked discussions about his great work ethic and time discipline in Vietnam. Recalling his visit to the country, the author contrasted Vietnam’s structured work-life balance with India’s often chaotic approach to time.

The post noted that stores across Vietnam open at 8 a.m. and close by 10 p.m., with staff strictly adhering to schedules. In one Indian restaurant in Vietnam, even the owner refused to serve his Indian colleagues during break hours, explaining that doing so would mean paying the employees two or three times their wages.

“All Vietnamese have a midday break of one or two hours (depending on the stores and their opening hours at whatever time suits them). We went to a popular Indian restaurant that refused to serve us because we were in ‘off-hours’ (4:00-6:00 p.m.). The Indian owner said clearly, we cannot serve you at all. And to some people in our groups who asked as an ‘Indian exception’, he said, ‘I have to pay For employees 2-3 times the pay for it. Nap time, make it Wake up from their bedtime for this break if you make them work at that hour. If you are comfortable paying 2-3 times for your food, I can ask them to cook it for you.

He said they refused to pay 2-3 times for the food order, so the owner said he wouldn’t have his workers work during nap time. “Obviously we said no. I told the owner I liked that attitude and they said money was his best way to get the Indians to say no. “They would never agree to pay extra, and he would never make his workers work during nap time.” “I absolutely loved rubbing this respect for time in the faces of the other members of our group,” the post read.

The traveler also described how local tour guides and shopkeepers maintained clear boundaries. One guide warned the group that delays might mean additional fees, a situation that quickly ensured punctuality. Restaurants and street vendors also closed their operations on point, cleaned meticulously, and closed shops by 10:30 p.m. – leaving entire streets clean and silent by 11 p.m.

The writer praised the “culture of time respect” in Vietnam, and noted that most companies work in shifts rather than overworking employees. “It’s not 14 hours of work, it’s 14 hours of work,” they explained.

While acknowledging Vietnam’s government-controlled economy and limited political freedoms, the traveler said the country’s civic sense and business discipline were outstanding. “It is not surprising that some find Indian tourists undesirable,” the publication admitted. “But after seeing how they live and work – with pride and respect – I can’t help but admire them.”