Can I wear flip flops in Vietnam?

Lightweight jacket or fleece – Especially for Northern Vietnam. Rain poncho or travel umbrella – A lifesaver during the rainy season. Comfortable walking shoes and flip flops – Essential for cities and temples. Sunhat, sunglasses and scarf – For sun protection and respectful coverage.

Do people wear flip-flops in Vietnam?

Although flip flops are casual shoes, they can come in handy for many reasons while you're in Vietnam. Aside from keeping you cool, flip flops are also easy to slide off and on. If you're visiting a lot of religious sites or local Vietnamese homes, it's custom to remove your shoes before entering.

What shoes to wear on a trip to Vietnam?

Good quality, comfortable footwear is best for hiking. Paths can be uneven, rocky, slippery and muddy depending on the season, so waterproof, worn-in walking boots or shoes with good grip are recommended. A raincoat is also a good idea during the rainy season.

What not to bring to Vietnam?

What is one of the biggest mistakes you can make in Vietnam?

Overpacking Your Itinerary

Vietnam is long and narrow, stretching over 1,600 km from north to south. A common mistake is trying to “see it all” in one trip, cramming Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa, Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and Phu Quoc into just two weeks.

Meet a Slide and Sandal Factory in Vietnam

What is frowned upon in Vietnam?

Speaking too loudly and making excessive gestures is considered rude in public places, especially as a woman. Many will not speak or look at others to avoid disrespect in public. Vietnamese culture greatly respects the elderly and, in general, figures of authority.

What should I be careful of in Vietnam?

Don't use or carry illegal drugs, including marijuana. Penalties for drug offences include the death penalty and life imprisonment. Never carry parcels or luggage for others. It is a crime to have drugs in your system, and you can also be charged for using drugs, even if it was outside of Vietnam.

What to avoid wearing in Vietnam?

Tight or Transparent Clothing: These items are considered inappropriate, especially in rural areas. All-White Clothing: you should avoid wearing all-white because white is associated with mourning in Vietnamese culture. Impractical Footwear: High heels or delicate shoes aren't suitable for Vietnam's often uneven ...

Can you brush your teeth with tap water in Vietnam?

Brushing Your Teeth: Safe or Not? The good news is, yes, you can usually brush your teeth with tap water in Vietnam—particularly in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and popular tourist destinations like Ninh Binh.

Should you bring toilet paper to Vietnam?

Toilet paper in Vietnam

The little dustbins (which are right next to the toilet ) are usually a swing bin ( so you can't see everyone else's used toilet paper ) and are easy to use. In the towns/cities then you will find toilet paper provided in most toilets, however, out of town you may like to take your own.

How should female tourists dress in Vietnam?

When traveling in Vietnam, women are advised to wear light, breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen, especially in hot weather. Outfits that cover the shoulders and knees are recommended, particularly when visiting temples or exploring rural areas.

Do I need waterproof shoes in Vietnam?

Good quality, comfortable footwear is best for hiking. Paths can be uneven, rocky, slippery and muddy depending on the season, so waterproof, worn-in walking boots or shoes with good grip are recommended. A raincoat is also a good idea during the rainy season.

Should I bring a suitcase or backpack to Vietnam?

Pack the Right Bag

Vietnam is best navigated with a backpack. You'll be happy not to be managing a cumbersome suitcase on your trip while navigating city streets and public transportation, or if you plan to rent a motorbike that doesn't have much storage.

Where not to wear flip flops?

Don't wear flip-flops while walking long distances. Even the sturdiest flip-flops offer little in terms of shock absorption and arch support.

Should you wear a bra in Vietnam?

What should I wear? In Vietnam, modesty is respectful. Cover your shoulders and knees in areas of religious or cultural importance, like temples and people's homes, and keep any undergarments out of sight – watch out for bra straps poking out of a vest top and avoid sheer fabrics.

Why do you take your shoes off in Vietnam?

One of the key do and don'ts in Vietnam is to always remove your shoes before stepping into someone's home or a temple. This simple act shows respect for personal spaces and sacred grounds and helps keep these places clean.

What mistakes should you avoid in Vietnam?

As a general rule, keep your cool and avoid loud arguments, making a scene, berating others for mistakes, or pointing out anything that may cause the locals to feel shamed. TIP: Vietnamese dislike public displays of affection, and men and women often do not touch in front of others.

How do I prepare my stomach for Vietnam?

Start taking probiotics for one week before you leave for Vietnam. I use Optibac's For Travelling Abroad and Allergy Research Saccharomyces Boulardii. The latter is not only researched for diarrhoea but is supportive of the immune system which helps your digestive system fight any incoming bugs that may slip in.

What are two taboos in Vietnam?

If you are invited to a Vietnamese home, remember the following Vietnamese taboos to ensure a smooth and respectful visit: Take off your shoes before entering: To show respect. Avoid family altars: Do not step over or walk in front of ancestral altars to avoid disrespect.

What colors to avoid in Vietnamese culture?

Avoid wearing red or black clothes when visiting a funeral or a mourning house. These are considered unlucky colors in Vietnamese culture. White, gray, or blue are more appropriate. Avoid wearing military-style clothing or accessories, such as camouflage, khaki, or dog tags.

What to be cautious of in Vietnam?

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Violent crime against foreigners is rare, however petty crimes such as theft and pickpocketing occur regularly. Bag-snatchers operate in crowded areas and in places visited by tourists. Typically, there is a rise in petty crime during the Christmas and Tet Lunar New Year seasons.

Should I bring toilet paper to Vietnam?

Always Carry Toilet Paper with You.

Is it better to carry cash or card in Vietnam?

cash in Vietnam. Vietnam remains a predominantly cash-based society, and many restaurants and shops (with the exception of large international chains) will not accept plastic. Instead, it's best to carry enough cash for everyday transactions.

Should I bring my phone to Vietnam?

Check your phone

If your phone is unlocked, simply bring it with you and buy a sim card when you arrive in Vietnam. Then, you will have a local number for communicating during your private tours in Vietnam. You also can have access to 4G/3G with a local sim card here.