More businesses are working with IT outsourcing companies in Vietnam as the country’s tech sector continues to grow. It is now one of the fastest-growing outsourcing destinations. It has thousands of skilled developers, good infrastructure, and strong technical training.

Still, many companies working with IT outsourcing companies in Vietnam make the same mistakes.

Some think they don’t need to be involved and that it’s enough to hand over the project and wait. Others expect teams to work exactly like they do at home. Some believe Vietnam is just a cheaper version of India or Eastern Europe.

This article shares what we’ve seen on the ground. It covers the common misunderstandings clients bring to the table and what it takes to build a good working relationship with a Vietnamese dev team.

If you’re planning to outsource or already working with a remote team, this will help you avoid problems and get better results.

Misunderstanding #1: Expecting Too Much from IT Outsourcing Companies in Vietnam

One of the most common mistakes companies make when working with IT outsourcing companies in Vietnam is assuming that developers will function like an immediate extension of their local team. They expect results without investing in proper context, onboarding, or communication.

This often leads to misunderstandings.

Vietnamese teams are highly capable. But like any team, they need more than just a task list. They need to understand the product, the user, and how their work fits into the bigger picture. That kind of understanding doesn’t come from a ticketing system alone.

Some clients assume that outsourcing works the same way everywhere. But in Vietnam, developers may not ask for clarification early on. That’s not a lack of experience. It’s a cultural tendency to show respect and avoid appearing confrontational.

The fix is simple: provide onboarding, be clear about expectations, and make it easy for team members to speak up. Once that foundation is set, Vietnamese teams adapt quickly and maintain a high level of consistency.

Misunderstanding #2: Assuming Low Cost Means Low Quality

Vietnam is more affordable than many other outsourcing markets. But that doesn’t mean the quality is lower.

Many developers in Vietnam are highly trained. Most outsourcing companies here invest in full-time teams, not short-term contractors. Salaries are lower because the local cost of living is lower, not because the workersare is less skilled.

Some clients assume that paying less means they don’t need to plan carefully. They expect speed without structure. That’s where problems begin.

IT outsourcing companies in Vietnam can offer great value, but they still need clear scope, feedback, and proper timelines. When those are in place, the output is strong—often stronger than expected.

Misunderstanding #3: Underestimating Communication Differences

Many clients assume that developers everywhere communicate the same way. But when working with IT outsourcing companies in Vietnam, small differences in style can have a big impact.

Vietnamese teams often take a more reserved approach, especially in the early stages of a project. If something is unclear, they may wait before asking questions. If there’s a problem, they might try to solve it first before raising it. This isn’t a lack of initiative—it’s a sign of professionalism and respect. But if the client isn’t aware of it, things can be misread.

Some European clients mistake this silence for agreement or assume progress is on track when it’s not. Then issues surface late, when they’re harder to fix.

The fix is simple: encourage open questions early, and make it clear that speaking up is part of the job. Once that trust is built, communication becomes fast, honest, and productive. Many teams in Vietnam just need that small signal from the client, and they’ll adjust quickly.

Misunderstanding #4: Expecting Results Without Investing in Process

Outsourcing is not a shortcut. It’s a different way of building, one that still needs planning, structure, and ongoing attention.

Some clients expect that once they hand off the work, the results will just appear. They assume the outsourcing company will manage everything internally, without much involvement. This often leads to delays, misaligned expectations, or technical debt that shows up later.

IT outsourcing companies in Vietnam are often skilled and experienced. But like any partner, they work best when the process is clear. That means having shared tools, defined workflows, and someone on the client side who can answer questions and make decisions when needed.

Vietnamese teams are usually fast to adapt and eager to deliver. But they’re not mind-readers. Success comes when the client sees the team not as a service provider, but as part of the project: involved, informed, and supported.

When that happens, delivery improves, and teams stay aligned without extra management overhead.

VI. Final Thoughts and Common Questions

Working with IT outsourcing companies in Vietnam can be a smart, efficient, and scalable choice if approached with the right expectations. Most issues come from misalignment, not ability. When clients understand how these teams work and what they need to succeed, the results are often better than expected.

Here are a few common questions we hear from companies exploring this path:

1. Is Vietnam a good place to outsource software development?

Yes. Vietnam has a fast-growing tech sector, strong STEM education, and a developer community experienced with global projects. Major hubs like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang produce thousands of IT graduates each year. English proficiency is strong in the tech sector, and most developers are familiar with modern tools like Git, Jira, Slack, and Agile methods. The country also has political stability and an improving legal environment for international business.

2. Will time zone differences make communication difficult?

Vietnam is 5 to 6 hours ahead of Central Europe and 12 hours ahead of the US East Coast. Many teams shift their hours to create overlap with clients. Most communication happens via Slack or Microsoft Teams, with standups held in the client’s timezone. Clear communication habits, written updates, and shared dashboards make time zone gaps manageable. The key is establishing a rhythm early on.

3. Do I need a project manager on my side?

Yes. A client-side PM or product owner keeps things aligned. Even if your outsourcing partner has a project manager, having someone who understands the business context and can make quick decisions will prevent delays. You don’t need to micromanage, but having a single point of contact on your side makes the relationship much smoother.

4. How do I choose the right IT outsourcing company in Vietnam?

Look for a team that communicates clearly and asks detailed questions before the project starts. Ask about their team structure, onboarding process, previous international clients, and development workflow. A good company won’t rush you — they’ll show you how they work. Avoid anyone who promises too much too quickly or avoids questions about how they handle mistakes or project changes.

5. What’s the typical team structure in a Vietnamese outsourcing company?

A typical team includes full-time developers, a tech lead or project manager, and optional roles like QA engineers or DevOps, depending on the project. Some companies offer product owners, UI/UX designers, or bilingual client managers. Many teams work in pods — small groups assigned to one client — which keeps things focused and minimizes handover issues.

6. How long does it take to ramp up a project with a Vietnam-based team?

It usually takes 1–3 weeks to prepare the team, depending on the size and complexity of the project. This includes knowledge transfer, tool setup, access configuration, and introducing communication routines. Starting with a small test phase or MVP is common — and it helps build confidence before scaling up.

7. What are common mistakes to avoid when outsourcing to Vietnam?

The biggest ones are vague scope, unclear feedback channels, and assuming the team will fill in all the blanks. Others include failing to introduce business context, not assigning a point of contact on the client side, and waiting too long to review early deliverables. Teams in Vietnam are adaptable and fast, but they work best when you set the right expectations early.