Do's & Dont's

Things to remember

• It’s in your best interest not to drink water from the tap, especially after heavy rainfall as occurred. We advise to drink water from sealed bottles.
• Dress modestly and appropriately when visiting local dwellings and religious sites or during any other cultural activity
• Leave your valuables behind if you plan to go out at night or to the beach.
• When crossing the road, especially in Ho Chi Minh city, walk slowly and constantly pay attention to your left and right
• Do not offer money directly to the less fortunate, if you want to support the minorities it is best to donate to local charities,
• unless you want to give something directly you should do so by offering small gifts such as pens and books.
• Try out the delicious local street food at least once during your stay, you will be surprised!
• Always ask permission before you take a photograph, especially in minority areas, they hardly refuse but still ask!
• Have at least some local currency valued of about $100 which you can change at the hotel or bank
• Avoid riding the rickshaw at night (if you really want to, check the prices carefully)
• If you take a taxi, make sure there is a meter or discuss a price beforehand (suggestions for taxi’s: Hanoi Taxi, Mai Linh Taxi, Vina Sun Taxi)
• Any insurance claim will require a police witness, you guide and your company stamp as well as you detailed report on the matter.

Should not be missed during your holiday

• Sleep outside on the deck of the cruise ship in Ha Long Bay
• Order custom-made clothing from the local tailor shops
• Take a slow rickshaw through the French Quarter in Saigon
• Eat some Pho ga (chicken noodle soup) at a local street stall
• Watch the traditional water puppet performance in Hanoi
• Experience the full moon festivities in the ancient town of Hoi An
• Drink some rice-wine in the minority villages in the north of Vietnam
• Take a boat along Hue’s Huong river (Perfume river) that takes you to the Royal Mausoleums
• Barter in Saigon’s largest market, Ben Thanh Market
• Take a stroll through Hanoi’s Old Quarters

Tipping wide accepted as the way you appreciated their services provide

• Tipping is widely accepted as to show your appreciation with the service provided, below is the norm of Vietnam’s tipping.
• At restaurants: Some restaurants already include a service charge, if this is the case you do not need to tip, if this is not the case and you want to tip, 10% of your total bill is the norm
• At hotels: The bell man who takes care of your luggage is equivalent to $1.00 per bag
• For boats: about $5.00 for a boat ride (There are some small boat rides that are included in the tour program)
• Cruise crew: From $3.00 to $5.00 dollar per person for the entire crew (If you want to give someone a bonus it is the norm to give so to the Captain of the ship)
• The driver of a big bus: $2.00 per person per day for both the driver and his assistant
• The driver of a minivan or car: $3.00 per person per day
• Tour guide: $5.00 to $10.00 per person per day for a group of 2-8 people
• Tour guide: $3.00 to $7.00 per person per day for a group of 9 or more people