Vietnam Travel Tips

Vietnam Travel Tips and Advices - Some information you need to know when traveling in Vietnam.

You Should:

1. Learn about Vietnam prior to your trip (the best source is friends or relatives who have visited Vietnam).
2. You should note some typical features of Vietnamese culture.
3. Follow Vietnam's laws - avoid getting involved in illegal issues!
4. Leave your passport, papers, air tickets and other important things in the hotel safe.
5. Take a hotel card before going out, so you can easily contact your hotel in case you lose your way.
6. Call a taxi instead of a Motorbike taxi when going out in the evening.
7. Double-check your luggage before leaving home.  Ask your travel agent what you should bring for your trip.
8. Respect the habits of the local people.
9. As a courtesy, take off your shoes before entering someone's house.
10. Try to learn some useful Vietnamese for emergency cases.
11. Bargain when purchasing something (except for fixed price).
12. Take a careful look before crossing streets, especially in Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. 
13. Practice food safety abroad, cheap or street food may be understood as low quality or made in poor conditions.
14. Hire a tour guide if you think necessary for a guide knows how to help you avoid unnecessary problems.
15. Only bring with you necessary things.
16. Should bring some U.S. dollars, for dollar is the most popular foreign currency in Vietnam.
17. Should exchange for some Vietnamese currency (at airport or bank).  Vietnamese đồng will be necessary for some small transactions.
18. If possible, get the address or phone number of your diplomatic liaison in Vietnam.  U.S. citizens may find current information at the websites of the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi or the consulate in Ho Chi Minh.
19. Make sure that your visiting areas are safe, with no risk of natural problems.  See our health advice.
20. Buy travel insurance for your trip.
21. Be sure that you bring any necessary medicines with you.
22. Bring printed e-mails or fax sent by your Vietnam travel agent, or notify a partner in Vietnam 3-4 days prior to your departure.  You want to be picked up at the airport on time!

You Should Not:

1. Do not bring with you highly valued things when going out.
2. Don't go out late with anyone you do not know.
3. Pointing your fingers at people is considered to be rude.  Also, do not point at local altars or other religious icons.
4. Please respect the environment.  Do not throw away water bottles while trekking outdoors.
5. Shorts are inappropriate attire when visiting temples or pagodas.
6. Should not photograph someone if he/she does not want you to.
7. Avoid getting involved in the issues and conflicts of local people.
8. Do not approach restricted areas, especially army zones!