Vietnam Travel Tips

Vietnam is known as a friendly and comparatively safe country for travelers, but every country has its special conditions, so does Vietnam. Learn some dos & don'ts will secure you a smooth and happy tour more, and advices below meant to help you have a joyful journey in Vietnam:

Dos

- Learn about Vietnam prior to your trip, especially note entry & exit requirements and some typical features of Vietnamese culture.

- Make sure that your intended destinations are safe, with no risk of natural problems.

- Bring the printed phone number, address and other information of your travel agency.

- Exchange for some Vietnamese currency (at airport or bank). Vietnamese dong will be needed occasionally.

- Be sure that you bring any necessary medicines with you.

- Leave your valued and important things in the hotel safe. Most 4-star hotels or above have in-room safes. Store your passport in a safe place, a photocopy of it will suffice if local law states that you need to.

- Take a hotel business card by your side, this will make your return to the hotel in a taxi or cyclo much easier.

- Use arranged transportation instead of taxi or cyclo as much as you can, and avoid cyclo rides after dark.

- Show your respect to the habits and religious beliefs of the local people.

- As a courtesy, take off your shoes before entering someone’s house.

- Bargain when purchasing something (except for fixed price); the 500,000 and 50,000 notes look similar as does the 100,000 and 10,000 notes, so mind your change and take your time to count the zeroes.

- Pay attention to food safety, cheap or street food may be understood as low quality or made in poor conditions, keep away from drinking the tap water.

Don'ts

- Touch someone at the head or point at someone by your finger (or feet) is considered to be rude.

- Never sit or sleep with the soles of your feet pointing towards the family altar when in someone’s house.

- Do not wear revealing clothing when visiting temples or pagodas. Shoes are fine, and rarely will you have to remove them. If unsure, just follow what the locals do.

- Should not photograph someone if he/she does not want you to.

- Physical displays of affection between lovers in public are frowned upon. That’s why you may come across couples holding hands but not hugging or kissing.

- Never carry more money than you need or wear large amounts of jewelry when walking around the streets. Take care of your belongings, especially in Ho Chi Minh or while taking a ride by motorbike taxi (xe om).

- Don't offer money directly to minority people – instead donate to a local charity.

- Never lose your temper in public or when bargaining for a purchase. This is considered a serious loss of face for both parties.