Published:  15:37 Tuesday - July 19, 2011

Things to remember and things not to miss in Vietnam travel

Things to remember

• It’s in your best interests not to drink the tap water, especially affer 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 Sai Gon and Hanoi, always keep looking to the left and right and walk slowly
• Don’t offer money directly to minority people – in stead donate to a local charity or offer a small gift, such as pens.
• However frustraited, don’t loose your temper (“loosing face”), as it won’t get you very far.
• By all means, sample of 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.

Things not to miss

• Sleeping out on a deck on a boat in Ha Long Bay
• Ordering  custom-made clothes from the local tailor shop
• Taking a slow cyclo ride through the French Quarter of old Sai Gon, also in Hanoi old quarters
• Eat “Pho Ga” – chicken noodle soup at a street – side noodle stall.
• Watch the traditional water-puppet performance in Hanoi
• Experience the Full-moon Festivities in the ancient town of Hoi An
• Drink rice-wine in the minority villages of the north
• Take a boat along Hue’s Perfume River, taking in the Royal Mausoleums
• Overnight in a homestay in the Mekong Delta’s riverside orchards.
• Barter for bargain at Sai Gon’s largest market, Ben Thanh (Suggestions in most markets in Vietnam)
• Take a stroll through Hanoi’s ancient old quarters.

Hong Tam

(Collected)

 Halong Vietnam -  Vietnam Travel