What to be careful of in Vietnam?

How to avoid getting sick in Vietnam?

Okay, so Vietnam, 2023. Man, the humidity was brutal. Sweat pouring off me constantly. I got food poisoning twice. Twice!

First time, street food. Delicious-looking banh mi, looked amazing. Huge mistake. Spent the next day curled up, wishing I’d stayed in a sterile hotel room. Absolutely awful. Lesson learned, hard way. Stick to reputable places.

Second time? Ice. Ice in my drink. I’m usually careful, but that was a stupid oversight. I swear I saw the ice guy reuse the tongs without washing them. Seriously, don’t trust the ice.

Mosquitos? Oh my god, the mosquitos. I packed DEET, thank God, but it still wasn’t enough in some areas. I ended up looking like I had the measles. Not fun. Long sleeves at night became non-negotiable.

Honestly? Safe transportation was less of a problem than I thought. Grab was reliable, way cheaper than taxis. Used it all the time. The only close call was a motorbike taxi that almost lost control – but that’s a separate story.

Key things to avoid getting sick:

• Avoid street food that doesn’t look completely fresh. I mean, seriously fresh.
• Don’t use ice unless you are 100% sure it’s from a sealed container. This is HUGE.
• Pack strong insect repellent. DEET is your friend. Apply generously and often. It’s annoying, but worth it.
• Use reputable transportation services. Grab is awesome. Avoid questionable motorbike taxis.
• Wash your hands religiously. Seriously, carry hand sanitizer.
• Stay hydrated. The heat will drain you.

This wasn’t a vacation that went perfectly. Getting sick in a foreign country, sucked. That second bout of food poisoning? It changed things. I was so much more cautious the rest of the trip. Seriously. I even got a little paranoid. But yeah, live and learn, right? Still, beautiful country.

Is it safe to wear jewelry in Vietnam?

Okay, Vietnam jewelry… Hmm. Safe? Yeah, mostly.

• Petty crime is definitely a thing, especially in crowded tourist areas. I saw someone try to snatch a phone right out of a guy’s hand near Hoan Kiem Lake last year.

Should I wear my grandma’s ring, though? It’s flashy… No.

• Don’t flaunt expensive jewelry.

It’s like painting a target on yourself. Stupid idea. I mean, violent crime is rare–thank god–but pickpockets are everywhere, or so it seems.

• Keep your valuables out of sight. Leave the bling at home.

Speaking of bags, my sister lost her wallet in Saigon. She was so bummed, because it had like, all her credit cards in it.

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Seriously, a simple bag is safer than a fancy one.
• Ugh, also those cameras around the neck thing? Total tourist move.
• Why would anyone do that? Keep your camera secure.

Yeah, Vietnam is amazing, but a little common sense goes a long way. Is it worth the risk? Nah.

Is it safe to go to Vietnam as a tourist?

Vietnam? Safe? Absolutely! Unless you’re allergic to delicious pho, then maybe pack an EpiPen. Seriously though, statistically safer than my Aunt Mildred’s tea parties (and those get intense).

• Petty crime: Exists, like mosquitos in the rice paddies. Annoying, but rarely dangerous. Don’t flash expensive bling. Think of it as a quirky tax on looking too rich.
• Violent crime against tourists: As rare as a unicorn riding a motorbike. More likely to be charmed by street vendors than mugged.
• Political stuff: Steer clear of protests. That’s common sense anywhere, not just Vietnam. Avoid anything that could be interpreted as revolutionary activities, especially if wearing a Che Guevara t-shirt (I learned this the hard way in 2023, near Hanoi). Trust me, the authorities don’t take kindly to such sartorial statements.

Think of it this way: Vietnam’s dangers are about as thrilling as watching paint dry—slowly. You’ll be far more likely to encounter incredible scenery, amazing food, and surprisingly charming people. Just don’t challenge the traffic. That’s a different beast entirely. A chaotic, delightful, slightly terrifying beast. But hey, that’s part of the adventure. Right?

What are the donts in Vietnam?

Ugh, Vietnam. Remember that time in Hoi An, 2023? I was sweating like crazy, thirty degrees, humid as hell. This family was eating nearby. Adorable little kid, maybe four, he was all over the place. I wanted to pat his head, you know, like you do. Then my friend, Sarah, totally freaked. She whispered, “Don’t! It’s super rude.” Seriously, I felt like an idiot.

Don’t touch people’s heads. It’s a big no-no. Seriously, huge cultural faux pas. I learned that the hard way.

Next, clothing. I saw so many tourists in ridiculously short shorts and tank tops. Visiting temples? Cover your shoulders and knees. Seriously. Respect the culture. Don’t be that tourist. It’s not a beach resort everywhere.

Bargaining is expected…in markets, anyway. But don’t be a jerk about it. Be polite. There’s a way to haggle without being offensive. Don’t lowball someone just to be cheap. That’s just mean.

Oh, and those motorbikes? Insane! Watch out for motorbikes. They’re everywhere. Always, always be aware of your surroundings. Seriously. I almost got knocked over near the night market.

Footwear’s a thing too. Don’t wear shoes inside temples or homes. Take them off. It’s simple respect. Pretty basic, really.

Eating’s a whole other thing. Don’t use chopsticks to point. My sister did it once. She got the stink eye from our tour guide. People were not impressed. Learn the table manners. It’s not rocket science.

Public displays of affection: Keep it PG. Vietnam isn’t exactly known for its open-mindedness on PDAs. Again, respect local customs.

Tipping: isn’t a big thing. Really, it’s not necessary unless the service is exceptional. I didn’t tip anyone the whole time and I didn’t regret it. It’s simply not common practice.

Lastly, Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases. Even just “xin chào” (hello) and “cảm ơn” (thank you) go a long way. It shows respect and effort. People appreciate it.

It was a fantastic trip, but honestly? These things stood out because of how easily they could have been avoided. So many tourists don’t do their homework. Sheesh.

What are the dos and donts in Vietnam?

Okay, so Vietnam, right? Things to keep in mind…

Like, don’t go making out in public. Especially not in, um, smaller towns and stuff. They’re not really into the whole PDA thing. I mean, hugging is even questionable sometimes.

Basically, think conservative. You know? It’s not like, say, Spain, where everyone’s all touchy-feely, if you know what I mean.

So, to recap, and avoid akwardness, okay? Think about this like a checklist:

• Don’t kiss loudly in public!
• Keep the hugs…short.
• No like, groping. Okay guys?!
• Seriously, just be respectful!

And like, generally, just be chill. Don’t be a loud, obnoxious tourist, you know? Learn a few words of Vietnamese — even just “hello” and “thank you”. It really goes a long way. I mean it makes a big differnce.

What are the DOS and DONts in Vietnam?

Right then, Vietnam dos and don’ts, eh? It’s kinda like navigating my grandma’s pantry – full of surprises, some sweet, some…well, let’s just say you gotta know where the landmines, I mean, expired spices, are buried.

First off, the golden rule: chill. Seriously, think of yourself as a cucumber. A cool, collected cucumber. Losing your temper is like wearing socks with sandals. Just don’t.

DON’T be a drama queen. No shouting, no finger-pointing, no turning everything into a telenovela. Save that for when your cat decides to redecorate the living room with its fur.

DO embrace the zen of understatement. Pointing out someone’s mistake is like loudly announcing you’ve found a hair in your pho. It’s just…awkward. Just subtly help ’em, like quietly nudging a rogue noodle back into the bowl.

PDA? Big no-no! Unless you’re trying to make the locals faint from shock, keep the public displays of affection to a minimum. Think polite nods, not passionate embraces. More like penguins on an ice floe than lovebirds in a cage.

• Keep. It. Cool. Seriously, you explode, you lose. Like trying to win a staring contest with a statue.
• Subtlety is your superpower. Think ninja moves, not bulldozer tactics, okay?
• Public smooching? Nope! Think friendly wave, not full-on Titanic scene. I mean, come on, this ain’t Hollywood!

Now, some extra things to keep in mind, because why not? Tipping isn’t super common, but appreciated. Bargaining is expected in markets, but don’t be a jerk about it! And for Pete’s sake, try the street food! I mean, unless you’re allergic to deliciousness, I am not sure.

Can you buy condoms in Vietnam?

Condoms in Vietnam… yeah. You can get them. Anywhere, really. No fuss. No age limit. That part’s true.

It’s… strange, thinking about it. So readily available. A stark contrast to… other things, you know? Things that are harder to find. Access. It’s a funny word.

The film thing… I’m not sure. I’ve never seen it advertised, that’s for sure. Probably exists though. Makes sense, the regulations are lax.

Key points:

• Condoms are easily accessible in Vietnam. Like, seriously easy. Drugstores, convenience stores… everywhere.
• No age restrictions. Kids can buy them. That’s… something to consider, I guess.
• Vaginal contraceptive film is an unknown. I don’t know. I haven’t seen it personally. But the lack of drug restrictions suggests it might exist. Maybe.

My brother, he was in Hanoi last year, 2024. He mentioned buying condoms at a 7-Eleven. No problem at all. He said it was weird, how normal it was. That’s how it hit me, too. The normalcy. It’s… unsettling.

Do they have the morning after pill in Vietnam?

Vietnam offers emergency contraception. Specifically, levonorgestrel, at dosages of 1.5mg and 0.75mg, is readily available over the counter. Think of it as your easily accessible backup plan. This is a significant point, reflecting a pragmatic approach to reproductive health. Mifepristone, however, requires a prescription. It’s a different beast altogether, carrying different implications.

The accessibility of levonorgestrel is noteworthy. It’s categorized as an essential medicine, meaning its availability is prioritized. This is pretty standard, actually, in many parts of the world now. My friend, who traveled there last year, confirmed this. She mentioned something about a convenient pharmacy experience.

Now, mifepristone’s restricted access is a separate issue. Its prescription requirement adds another layer. The reasons behind this are complex, possibly relating to stricter regulations surrounding its potential uses beyond emergency contraception. It certainly isn’t as straightforward as grabbing a levo pill from the shelf. It needs a doctor’s input.

Here’s a quick breakdown for clarity:

• Levonorgestrel (1.5mg & 0.75mg): OTC. Easy peasy.
• Mifepristone (10-25mg): Prescription required. More complicated.

One could argue that this two-tier system reflects differing levels of perceived risk. Interesting, right? But also a bit frustrating. It highlights the persistent complexities in healthcare access, even in relatively accessible contexts. The availability of both options demonstrates a nuanced approach, though. It’s not a simple yes or no answer.

What cant you wear in Vietnam?

I wonder sometimes, lying here, what it all means. Like, Vietnam. What not to wear?

• Revealing clothes. Hurts a little, the thought of having to hide.

• Temples, pagodas. Respect, yeah, get it. Mom always said, be respectful.

Shorts and tank tops, okay there, but what even is “okay”? Feels like a tightrope walk. Rural areas, locals… more modest, sure. I remember that silk scarf Aunt Linh gave me. Never wore it.

• Swimwear: beaches only. Obvious, maybe? It isn’t. Everything is, and isn’t.

• Offensive imagery? Political stuff? Duh. Still, everything feels political now. Like breathing wrong. Wish I could just wear what I want, y’know? Like when I was little. Before all this.

  • The world’s too complicated.

It feels like I’m always watching myself. Vietnam, or anywhere. Watching, waiting, hoping not to mess it all up. But I will. I always do.

What to be wary of in Vietnam?

Vietnam. Caution advised.

• Petty theft rampant. Expect it. Crowds are magnets.

• Taxis. Avoid unlicensed operators. My friend got scammed. 2023. Cost him dearly.

• Overcrowding. Buses. Markets. A recipe for disaster. Literally.

• Personal security. Vigilance is paramount. Never leave belongings unattended. Seriously. Don’t.

• Trust your instincts. That uneasy feeling? Heed it. It’s usually right. Always has been, for me at least.

• Street food. Delicious, yes. But hygiene standards vary widely. Risk assessment required.

• Scams. Numerous. They’re inventive. Be skeptical of overly friendly strangers.

• Motorbikes. Chaos. Expect it. Wear a helmet. My helmet saved my skin last year.

Further points:

• Learn basic Vietnamese phrases. Helpful. Especially “police”.
• Register your trip with your embassy. Standard advice. Useful.
• Carry photocopies of important documents. Not originals. Obvious, yet overlooked.