Vietnam travel tips

Vietnam tour in comfort, it helps to be prepared. ‘Vietnam Travel Tips’ contains a compendium of information, advice and suggestions to avoid potential pitfalls. The subject matter is based upon enquiries and feedback from customers. It isn’t a comprehensive list so if there’s something missing as for as you’re concerned, let us know and we’ll rectify the omission.

• Taking care – Health and security matters are obviously high on the agenda for safe holidays. Neither is a major
  
  

  Vietnam travel tips

  
  
  issue on a Vietnam holiday, but some basic commonsense strategies can prevent problems.
• Tipping and bartering – Also of frequent concern are aspects of the delicate topic of relative wealth. Vietnam is a poor country – a day’s pay for a middle class ‘Westerner’ is on a par with a year’s income for a Vietnamese farmer in a rural area. In this section, you’ll find advice about tipping, responding to beggars, bartering and so on.
• What to bring and take back – Customers often enquire about what they should bring with them – it’s always frustrating to carry heavy suitcases halfway across the world and return with much of their contents unused. Although it’s somewhat previous, we’ve also added a section on some of the things you might want to take back with you. Choosing suitable souvenirs can be a stressful business as the time runs out at the end of your holiday – having ideas in advance often helps.
•  It’s in your best interests not to drink the tap water, especially after flooding!
• Avoid cyclo rides after dark.
• Dress modestly and appropriately when visiting local dwellings and religious sites, etc.
• Leave your valuables behind before a night out on the town, or going to the beach.
• When crossing the road – especially in Ho Chi Minh city – always keep looking to the left and right and walk slowly!
• Don’t offer money directly to minority people – instead donate to a local charity or offer a small gift, such as pens.
• However frustrated, don’t loose your temper (“loosing face”), as it won’t get you very far!
• By all means, sample the delicious street food but for hygiene’s sake only at venues that are busy with a big turnover.
• Always ask permission first before taking photographs, especially in minority areas.
• Arrange for medical insurance (including the provision for emergency evacuation) prior to their departure, as there is no free medical treatment available in Vietnam and the standard of local health facilities is below international standards