- Greetings are no different to western countries, there are no cultural formalities that as a foreginer you would be expected to know or practice.
- Drink plenty of bottled water, especially when walking around sightseeing.
- Keep your cash, credit cards, airline tickets and other valuables in a safe place.
- Always make sure that you keep a local map with you whenever you are out.
- When crossing the road always keep looking to the left and right and walk slowly. Make eye contact with oncoming motorbikes and check that they see you so that they can avoid you. Be prepared for zebra crossings to be ignored and for motor vehicles to expect you as a pedestrian to give way to them.
- When you enter the church, temple or any other holy or spiritual place you should dress smartly and modestly. You should cover your breast, legs and arms as most of locals are very conservative.
- Check the travel agency you are going to book a tour with online before you pay the deposit. There are many unreliable travel agencies here so it’s easy to become a victim of a scam.
- Always take off your shoes when you enter someone’s house. It’s extremely impolite to walk into a room with your shoes on.
DONTs:
- Wear a lot of jewellery or take a bag with you. Violent crime is highly unusual in Vietnam, but petty crime is more apparant. If you have a bag, or tout a digital camera around your neck, you are a potential target.
- Losing your temper in Vietnam means a loss of face. Keep a cool head and remain polite, you’ll have a greater chance of getting what you want.
- Do not try to take pictures of military installations or any military-related sites. By doing so, you can be in breach of national defense.
- Do not take cameras into ethnic minority villages as it is considered a serious intrusion of local culture.
- Do not go out alone too late at night, particularly to isolated places.
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