Things to remember

• It's in your best interests not to drink the tap water, especially after flooding!
• Avoid cyclo ride after dark.
• Dress modestly and appropriately when visiting local dwellings and religious sites, etc.
• Leave your valuables behind before a night out on the town, or going to the beach.
• When crossing the road, especially in Ho Chi Minh city, always keep looking to the left and right and walk slowly!
• Do not offer money directly to minority people - instead donate to a local charity or offer a small gift, such as pens.
• Try at least once the delicious, local street food.
• Always ask permission first before taking photographs, especially in minority areas.  

Things do not to miss

• Sleeping out on deck on a boat in Halong Bay
• Ordering custom-made clothes from the local tailor shop
• Taking a slow cyclo ride through the French Quarter of old Saigon
• Eating pho ga (chicken noodle soup) at a street side noodle stalls.
• Watching the traditional water - puppet performance in Hanoi.
• Experience the full moon festivities in the ancient town of Hoi An.
• Drinking rice-wine in the minority villages of the north
• Taking a boat along Hue's Huong (Perfume) River, visiting the Royal Mausoleums.
• Overnight in a homestay in the Mekong Delta's riverside orchards.
• Bartering for a bargain at Saigon's largest market, Ben Thanh Market
• Taking a stroll through Hanoi's Old Quarters.