Do’s
Always drink plenty of bottled water. During the summer months you should be drinking a minimum of 2 liters per day. If you drink tea, coffee and alcohol you should increase you water intake accordingly as these will dehydrate you.
Always leave your excess cash, airline tickets, passports and valuables with the hotels safety deposit facility.
Always be aware where entering someone’s home as at some homes it is a must to remove your shoes at the front door.
Always ask his or her permission first when taking a photograph of someone. If they indicate that they do not want you to, then abide by their wishes. Do not push the issue or offer money.
Don’ts
Never wear shorts, dresses or skirts, or tops with low-neck lines and bare shoulders to Temples and Pagodas.
Never sleep or sit with the soles of your feet pointing towards the family altar in someone’s house.
Never venture out from your hotel with more cash than you really need for that day. It is not something to be paranoid about, simply do not make yourself a target for pickpockets or drive-by bag snatchers in the big cities. Ho Chi Minh City seems to be a little worse than anywhere else in Vietnam.
Never lose your temper in public or when bargaining for a purchase. This is considered a serious loss of face for both parties. Always maintain a cool and happy demeanor and you will be reciprocated with the same.
Never try and take photographs of military installations or anything to do with military. Never take video cameras into the ethnic minority villages. They are considered to be too intrusive by many local people.