Travel, Teach, Live in Asia
Here are some advice for your travel in Vietnam, hoping these are helpful.
You should check full information on Vietnam prior to your trip (It is best from your friends or relatives who ever visited Vietnam, their information is very precious).
You should note some typical features of Vietnam culture.
Follow Vietnam Laws, avoid involving in illegal issues.
Should not bring with you high valued things when going out.
Ask your hotels to keep your papers: Passport, air tickets and other important things.
Take a hotel card before going out, thus you will easily contact your hotel if lost the way.
Should not go out late with anyone you do not know.
Should call a taxi instead of a Motorbike taxi when going out in the evening.
Should check carefully luggage for the trip, ask your travel agent what should be brought with for your trip.
Respect the habits of the Local people.
Do not point your figures towards local altar for it is considered to be rude.
Should not dispose empty bottle when trekking, for you are not sure the bottle is safe or without risk of dental problems.
Should not ware shorts when visit temples or pagodas.
Should take off your shoes before entering some one's house.
Should learn some useful Vietnamese for emergency cases.
Bargain when purchasing something except for fixed price.
Take a careful look before crossing streets.
Taking care of yourself with safe food, cheap or street food may result in low quality and poor conditions.
Should hire a tour guide if you think necessary for a guide knows how to help you avoid unnecessary problems.
Only bring with you necessary things.
Should bring with you some dollars for dollar is the most popular currency in Vietnam.
Should exchange for some Vietnamese currency (at airport or bank), Vietnam currency will be necessary for some of your small payment.
If possible, get the address or phone number of your Embassy in Vietnam.
Make sure that your visiting areas are safe and no risk of natural problems.
Should visit Vietnam from August - March, for this period is really suitable for traveling (good climate).
Buy travel insurance prior to your trip.
Should not photograph someone if he does not want you to.
Avoid involving in issues of local people, everything should be settled in peace.
Should not approach restricted areas especially army zones.
Be sure that you bring with you necessary medicines.
Should print emails or bring with you fax sent by Vietnam partner, or should notify Vietnam partner your coming 3-4 days prior to your departure to make sure that you will be picked up at the airport in time.
Good luck.
By Nguyen Phuc Thinh
