Vietnam

• Taxi meter scams or drivers taking unnecessarily long routes; use reputable companies or ride-hailing apps.
• Overcharging for market goods or tours; agree on prices beforehand and compare options.
• Motorbike rental damage disputes; photograph the bike before and after use.

• Avoid drinking tap water; choose bottled or filtered water and be cautious with ice in street drinks.
• Food hygiene varies—street food is a highlight but choose busy, clean stalls and watch food being cooked fresh.
• Mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue are present; use repellent and cover up at dawn and dusk.

• Routine vaccines. Hepatitis A and typhoid are usually recommended. Consider hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies depending on activities and regions visited.

• Learn a few Vietnamese phrases and use respectful greetings.
• Dress modestly at temples and pagodas; cover shoulders and knees.
• Remove shoes when entering homes and some smaller guesthouses or temples.

• Avoid raising your voice or losing your temper in public; calm negotiation is more effective.
• Don’t touch people’s heads or point your feet at Buddha images.
• Avoid sensitive discussions about politics and recent history unless invited and you understand the context.

Tipping is not mandatory but is increasingly common in tourist areas. Round up bills and tip guides, drivers, and hotel staff for good service.

Casual and lightweight clothing is fine in most places, with more modest attire in religious sites and rural communities.

Buddhism, folk religions, and ancestor worship are common. Be quiet and respectful in temples and pagodas, and ask before taking photos of worshippers.