The unique culture and customs to be found only in Vietnam make travelling in Vietnam and must. And like anywhere else in the world, you should respect the local customs and culture. If you are planning to spend a few weeks touring Vietnam, here are some essential do’s and dont’s to help make your trip more enjoyable.
Do Dress Modestly
Vietnamese people, like most Asian people like to dress conservatively; and wearing scanty clothing is generally frowned upon. Girls should avoid wearing tops with a plunging neckline, and regarding skirts and shorts, nothing more than 6 inches above the knee is recommended.
Don’t Flaunt Your Wealth
Wearing too much expensive jewellery is not cool in Vietnam, indeed any flaunting of wealth is not considered the done thing. There is opportunist crime like pickpocketing and bag snatching in some urban districts, and by wearing expensive jewellery, you are a very attractive target for such criminals. There are luxury Vietnam private tours you should know before traveling, and making a booking with a local tour operator will prove invaluable. You can have your very own English-speaking local guide, who can help you in more ways than one.
Do Avoid Talking About The War
Even though Vietnam triumphed against the USA, they do not like to talk about this harrowing chapter in their history. Some of the older people have very mixed views about the Vietnam conflict. It is far better to ignore the topic. If you are interested in the war with America, there are museums, and a local tour operator could help you make bookings. If you are from the USA, making this obvious will not gain you any favours, so avoid clothing or bags that show the stars and stripes if possible.
Don’t Be Too Camera Happy
Some of the locals do not like having their photo taken by complete strangers. So it is best to ask permission, even in the rural areas. If you are travelling in Vietnam anywhere near a military installation do not take photos. Taking photos could land you in a whole heap of trouble!
Do Share Your Food
The Vietnamese like to share their food. There are 4 or 5 main dishes that are positioned at the centre of the table. And these are for all diners to share. Each dish will have its own spoon, which should be used, rather than your own spoon, for hygienic reasons. Much like in Thailand, eating is a communal affair. And it is perfectly normal for all the diners to constantly pick at the various dishes on the table.
The Vietnamese people, much like the Thais, are very hospitable. Tolerance plays a major role in the attitude towards life. By noting all of the above, you will experience the wonders of this unique country. If you search online, there are specialist tour operators who offer both guided and unguided tours. With their expertise, you can plan for the perfect holiday that will be remembered for all the right reasons.
This article is published in partnership with Mediabuzzer
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