* Clothing

In daytime and evening, dress informal.  When visiting some places, smart clothes are required.

* Food, fruit and drink

Eating while in Vietnam is a delight for visitors, because many of the local specialties come straight from the imperial kitchens that served the emperors of Vietnam. The diversity of dining options is tremendous, ranging from cheap street side noodle stalls to banquets of freshly caught seafood. And our tours not only offer the chance to eat these culinary creations, but to learn to make them as well.

Seasonal fruits such as dragon fruit, rambutans and longans, can be enjoyed, though all fruits and vegetables should be cooked or peeled before eaten. Drinking water or ice is generally not recommended, even in the cities. Bottled water is cheap and readily available, so we recommend clients not to take the risk. Vietnam is a beer culture, and there are plenty of local as well as imported brands. 333, Carlsberg, Hanoi, Tiger, Saigon, La Rue, San Miguel and Heineken are some common brands.

* Health

No vaccinations are officially required to visit Vietnam, but local medical authorities recommend protection against polio, diphtheria, typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and B, and Japanese encephalitis. For travellers spending much time in the countryside, anti-malaria pills are recommended and you should take precautions not to get bitten. Repellents and mosquito nets are necessary.

All travellers are advised to bring any prescription medications (in the original containers) currently required. Travellers should pack a small medical kit, which includes sunscreen, insect repellent, diarrhea medication, ibuprofen or aspirin and antibacterial ointments. For those who wear eyeglasses, it is recommended that an extra pair be taken, as the quality of local replacement services varies.

Medical care facilities are available in the largest cities, but are limited outside of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. It's wise for each traveller to consult with each insurance company to see whether coverage is included for Vietnam, because care is expensive, and often requires evacuation to nearby countries.

* Shopping

Bargaining is customary at roadside stalls and at open markets.

The following items are preferred by foreign travellers:

- Carved wooden furniture, fine lacquerware (these can be shipped home upon request).

- Traditional Vietnamese hand-made silk dresses, kimonos, embroideries, etc.

- Simulated antiques, fine ceramics, old watches or Zippo lighters, etc.

- Copies of famous artist paintings

* Security and advice

Vietnam is by and large a very safe country; violent crime is extremely rare. Unfortunately you cannot expect hospitality at every turn and you may experience problems with petty theft and pick pockets.

- As with any big city, do not bring items of value as you go shopping or sightseeing on city streets.    

- It is customary to give alms to beggars and to buy souvenirs from street vendors.

- Foreign currencies should be exchanged at banks, or authorized exchange facilities. Do not exchange money in the street.

- Store your cash, credit cards, airline tickets and other valuables in a safe place. Most 4-star hotels have in-room safes, otherwise ask the reception to keep your valuable things in their deposit facility.

- Don't wear singlets, shorts, dresses or skirts, or tops with low-neck lines and bare shoulders to Temples and Pagodas. To do this is considered extremely rude and offensive.

- Do not try to take photographs of military installations or anything to do with the military. This can be seen as a breach of national security. Never take video cameras into the ethnic minority villages. They are considered to be too intrusive by the local people.

- It is advisable NOT to take pedicabs or "honda-om" on your own.

* Time zone: Hours in Vietnam: GMT + 7

* Electricity and water supply

- Electric power: 220V, frequency: 50 Hz

- Cities, towns and townships are supplied with fresh sterilized water.

* Hotel and restaurant

- Accommodation is various from one star to five star hotels that can meet the diverse demands of visitors at different levels.

- Restaurants in the major towns and cities can satisfy tourists? gastronomic demands. Some specialize in European, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean foods, so clients can always find some food that suits their fancy. In popular tourist centers, special restaurants are available for travellers who are vegetarian, on diet or religious.