When travelling to a foreign country, aside from knowing the sites to see and places to visit, it is also important to know some important things about the place, like the best time of the year to visit, the appropriate clothing to wear, and cultural restrictions throughout the country. This will help you avoid certain circumstances that will put you in a compromising position and will also make sure that you will have a trouble-free vacation. In this regard, here are a few important tips to take note of when visiting Vietnam.
When to Visit
Basically, because of its geography, there is no one specific time to visit Vietnam. Because it spreads out from north to south, the country basically has three distinct climatic zones. What you should consider is the specific place in Vietnam that you intend to visit. It is ideal to visit when the tropical monsoons have passed, and that is in the months of May to September (in the country’s northern and southern areas) and October to April in central Vietnam. So the rest of the year will be typically sunny.
Clothing
In relation to the weather, you should also choose the right clothing to wear. If you intend to visit in the summer and lounge in the beaches in central Vietnam, loose fabrics that are of cotton or other natural fabrics is advisable as it can get as warm as 40 degrees centigrade. But if you are visiting the country during the rainy season, raingear is advisable, but you should also bring along some cool and loose clothing as it still can get warm even during the rainy season. Your phlebotomy training classes can wait for a while if your visiting this beautiful spot. The only areas that would need warm clothing would be the northern part of the country.
Restrictions
You should keep in mind that Vietnam has a different culture than the western countries, and their religion and beliefs are also different. Remember to observe the different restrictions dictated by their religions. When it comes to clothing, shorts are not advisable, and you should consider clothing that is simple, and discreet. When visiting Buddhist temples and pagodas, you have to remember to remove your footwear as a sign of respect. The locals also consider it rude when you touch their heads, so be sure not to do that. When giving gifts or business cards, it is proper to use two hands – Vietnamese people consider that polite.
When you intend to document your trip and take pictures, make sure to always ask if it is allowed as some harbors, ports, and airports restrict picture-taking. Vietnamese people also find it rude to take their picture without their permission.
Now that you have read the aforementioned information about Vietnam travelling in and about the country should be easy breezy. Do not forget to bring a handy dandy Vietnam map and an English-Vietnamese dictionary which will help you greatly when exploring the area and talking with the local. Moreover, it is highly advisable that you book your accommodations in Vietnam way ahead of time so that you will be able to get the best room available that your money can afford.