Located in the eastern part of Indo-China Peninsula, Vietnam boasts ancient cultural sites and a beautiful coastline. This fascinating country attracts many travelers to explore on their Southeast Asia tours. Here are five tips for your Vietnam tours.
Buy a SIM Card
Owning a local SIM card can be more convenient in traveling. There are three main operators in Vietnam: Viettel, Vinaphone and Mobiphone. You can buy them at specialty stores at airports, train stations, and downtown areas. Also buy them at local convenience stores and supermarkets. Or buy prepaid SIM cards online before traveling to Vietnam.
It is also easy to recharge your Vietnam SIM cards. You can recharge at the operator’s specialty stores or agencies. Or recharge online at the operator’s official website. Besides, Vietnam SIM cards do not need to be activated and can be used immediately.
Payment Methods
When traveling in Vietnam, you need to exchange Vietnamese dong for spending. Cash payment is still commonly used in Vietnam, especially at street stalls and markets. You can exchange it at local banks or exchange points, but pay attention to issues such as exchange rates and fees.
It is recommended to prepare VND of various face value. Union Pay cards can also be used to withdraw cash from ATMs in Vietnam. Vietnam does not have a general tipping culture, so tipping does not have to be mandatory.
Wear Proper Clothing
In North Vietnam, the weather is hot from April to September, so you can wear summer clothes, such as short sleeves and shorts. From October to March, the temperature is cooler, so it is recommended to prepare some warm clothes. In South Vietnam, the climate is hot all year round, so short sleeves and shorts are the best choice.
Choose comfortable clothing during your trip. The sun is strong in Vietnam, so be sure to take precautions against the sun. Don’t forget to bring sun-protective clothing, sun hats, sunglasses and sunscreen to avoid strong sunlight. You need to protect yourself from mosquitoes when you are outdoors, especially at night or in the morning.
Respect for Local Culture
Learn about local culture and customs before traveling to Vietnam. Dress appropriately when visiting temples and respect local religious beliefs. And do not touch any Buddhist objects, including Buddha statues and Buddhist artifacts. When interacting with locals, you should pay attention to polite words and attitudes.
Do not damage public facilities and cultural relics while traveling. If you see green branches hanging at the intersection of a village, please do not enter. Do not touch people’s heads or slap people on the back. Avoid using your left hand to deliver items when traveling in southern Vietnam.
Diet Customs
In Vietnam, chopsticks and spoons are commonly used to eat. Avoid knocking chopsticks or spoons against bowls and tables, which can be considered rude. Vietnamese cuisine is mainly sour and spicy. You can choose your favorite food according to your taste. Meanwhile, if you are allergic to a certain food, you can inform the waiter in advance to avoid unnecessary trouble.