Come prepared for weather conditions: Your Vietnam tour company can help. Vietnam can be easily divided into three climatic zones: north, central and south. The north is cooler compared to others from November to January especially on the mountains and China/Laos border area. If you plan to visit this area during cooler months, you need to pack warm cloths. In the central coast area warmer weather prevails from July to October and November to May cooler, wet weather is more prevalent. The central highland which includes Annamese Cordillera range gets more rain than the national average.

The south where Ho Chi Ming City and Mekong Delta is located is steamy hot all year round but rain from March to May make a difference. Your Vietnam travel agency can give you a weather update. So depending on the weather you can chose Saigon in February or March. A north – south route or vise-versa is more beneficial. Visit www.vietnamtravelsolutions.com for more information before planning your next trip.

Respect cultural differences: Early religions in Vietnam were Mahayana Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. According to the Pew Forum, more than 45 percent practice indigenous religions, over 16 percent Buddhism, and around eight percent are Christians. Today most Vietnamese consider them as non-affiliates. Talk to a Vietnam tour company. Locals dress conservatively. When visiting a temple or pagoda, don’t wear short dresses or shorts, skirts, low-neck lines, and bare shoulders out of respect. Be aware of over-aggressive street vendors and all those vendors expect you to bargain. Bargaining is way of life for much of the Southeast Asia. Be aware of pick pocketing and hotel room thefts. Wearing lots of jewelry is not advised, it attracts thieves. Your Vietnam tour operators can provide additional information.

What to pack for your trip: Voltage is 220V to 240V and 50 cycles. So, many of the gadgets you use in the U.S. need a converter. The two-pin plugs are popular, but if you have three-pin plugs, pack an adapter. Some hotels do carry these adapters. Your Vietnam travel agency can help. Long distance phone calls are advised at your hotel or public post offices. Hotels may charge more for your long distance calls. Phone cards are also available. A map or guide book is good to pack. Keep copies of your passport, visa entry, copies of your credit cards, ID and driver’s license, and important documents in a separate place for additional safety. Do not carry more money than you need when you go out. Few U.S. dollars may help you in an emergency. Always pick up a business card from the hotel; it will help you to find your way back.

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