Some tips

HEALTH:
• Prior to departure arrange for medical insurance. Local medical standards and facilities have improved dramatically and International hospitals can be found in the major cities however outside of them local health facilities are below international standards.
• Vietnam’s climate is hot and humid so drink plenty of bottled water to prevent dehydration. While out walking around and sightseeing bottled water is always easily accessible and can be bought from vendors and shops.
• It is generally not safe to drink tap water in Vietnam. Bottled water, soft drinks and beer are cheap and freely available. Ice is generally made from boiled water, however if the sanitary conditions of the vendor questionable or if you have a sensitive stomach then ask for no ice in your drinks.
• Street food is delicious, cheap and usually safe to eat. Good signs to look for are if the restaurant or vendor is busy with a large turnover which means they are trusted by the locals for their food’s flavor, quality and hygiene.


SAFETY:
• Viet Nam is a safe country. However, as other big cities, petty crime is prevalent so always be aware of the pickpockets. Your handbag or camera should be with a shoulder strap across your chest for avoiding the snatch-and-grab thieves on motorbikes.
• Whenever possible it is advised to carry only as much money as needed for that day’s outing, night out on the town, or going to the beach. Store your cash, credit cards, airline tickets and other valuables in your room’s safe deposit box or ask the hotel’s receptionist to keep your valuables in their deposit facility.
• It is not necessary to always carry your passport; usually the hotel will hold your passport when checked in or leave it in your room’s safe, it is advisable to keep a photocopy with you.
• Do not use the motorbike taxi (xe om) rides for you safety. You may be transfer with a pedicab ( cyclo) as in itinerary but that is a “ tourist pedicab” and it rides on the safety route and for sightseeing. No matter what time of day always choose reliable metered taxi companies. Taxi’s information at the reception.


GENERAL ADVICE:
• Dress modestly and when visiting Temples and Pagodas wear shirts that cover shoulders and long pants are most appropriate.
• Before venturing out from your hotel you should take a hotel business card from the reception desk. This can be shown to a taxi to make your return to the hotel much easier.
• Instead of offering money directly to beggars, street kids or minority people it is better to donate to a local charity or orphanage.
• Do not photograph military installations, military equipment or military personnel. This can be related to the national security; this also applies to the police and traffic police.
• Vietnamese traffic looks crazy with thousands motorbikes, specially in Saigon and Ha Noi. When crossing the street, following your tour guide or tourist supporter ( in big city). Always keep looking towards the oncoming traffic and walk with a slow and steady pace which allows drivers to predict your movement and to flow around you. Never run across or suddenly change direction!

PLEASE CLICK “ GUIDANCE FOR TRAVELLING TO VIET NAM” FOR MORE INFORMATION AND ADVICE