Posted: Wed Sep 22, 2004 2:57 pm Post subject: Vietnam Do's and Don'ts
Do avoid visiting during the weeklong Tet holiday, Vietnam's lunar new year celebration that occurs in either January or February. Travel is difficult, if not impossible, during that time.
Don't cross your fingers for good luck - the gesture is considered obscene by Vietnamese.
Don't point your finger at people. The locals believe it sends them negative energy.
Do remove your shoes before entering Buddhist pagodas.
Don't let the soles of your feet face any sacred monument, such as a statue of Buddha.
Don't wander off well-trodden paths. You could fall into overgrown trenches or encounter forgotten land mines and undetonated munitions. Never touch a leftover shell, grenade or mine!
Don't be surprised if taxi drivers swarm around as soon as you clear immigration at the airport. But once you've indicated your choice, the others will drop away.
Do take soap and toilet paper if you plan to travel off the beaten track.
Do be cautious of street urchins. Some of them are skilled pickpockets.
Do expect to pay a lot more than the locals for everything.
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