subject: Things To Do Or Not To Do When Visiting Vietnam [print this page] In case you stay in Vietnam Hotels for your vacation you'll need some useful advices for the things which you should do and these which are not proper doing.
DO
Store your money, credit cards, airline tickets along with other valuables in a safe place. Most of the hotels in Vietnam have safe deposit boxes, in any other case request the reception to keep your valuable things in their deposit facility.
Be sure that you've taken a hotel business card of the reception desk before venturing out from your hotel. This may help you to find your hotel much easier.
Dress appropriately. Not simply for the prevailing weather conditions, but also to not cause offence to the local people. Vietnamese have conservative dress codes, and it is only in larger cities that these codes are a little more relaxed. Do not wear revealing clothes.
If invited into a home, always remove your shoes in the front door when entering.
First ask for permission when taking a photograph of someone. If they show that they do not want you to, then abide by their wishes. DO NOT offer money or push the issue.
DONT
Make sure in no way to carry more cash than you'll need when walking across the streets. Never wear also large amounts of jewelry. There are two motives for not doing this. The first one is that it's regarded as impolite to flaunt wealth in public as well as the second one is that it really is more likely that you may turn into a victim of a pickpocket.
Do not be paranoid about your security, just be aware of your surroundings.
Don't put on singlets, shorts, dresses or skirts, or tops with low-neck lines and bare shoulders to Temples and Pagodas. To do this is regarded as extremely rude and offensive.
In no way sit with the soles of your feet pointing in opposition to the family altar when in somebodys house.
Do not lose your temper in public or when bargaining for any purchase. It is regarded as a serious loss of face for both parties.
Don't try to take photographs of military installations or anything to do with the military. This will be seen like a breach of national security.
In no way take video cameras at the ethnic minority villages. They may be considered to be far too intrusive by the local people.
Using these advices you can be sure that you'll have wonderful time in and out of your hotel in Vietnam.
