What to take with you
There are a few things you should not travel without:
* A map of each city where your
destination will be certainly an necessary item
* Photocopies of your passport and visa.
* Cash in US$ 20’s and $ 100’s notes.
* A folding umbrella if you plan to visit during the rainy season. The wettest
months are July and August.
* Zip lock bags. They are cheap, disposable, and keep all kinds of things fresh
and dry.
* Hotel cards: You should keep your hotel cards or brochures to show people to
get guidance in case of missing way back home.
* Business Cards. You will discover that practically everyone in Vietnam has a
calling card of some kinds. The proper way to offer your card is to hold it by
the corners with both hands.
What to wear
Appropriate dress differs from
North to South. Southern Vietnam is tropical year round and people dress
comfortably and casually. Lightweight cotton and wool fabrics will be
comfortable at any time of year. While they may resist wrinkles, synthetics and
are blends miserably hot. Generally, short pants are inappropriate anywhere but
a beach resort or a farm and you will look like a foolish tourist on the streets
of most cities. Jeans are almost always fashionable except for business
occasions.
Winter (November through April) can be cool in Hanoi, and a coat may be
necessary. Dress here is a bit more formal and somber than the fashionable
South. If traveling on business, jackets and ties are usually appropriate,
regardless of the weather. Saigon’s business community is very image oriented.
It’s alright to ask your business partners here what kind of attire is
appropriate and expected.
Remember that Vietnam is a
tropical country. Most of the year it is warm and humid. If you are not used to
tropical weather, be prepared to shower and change your clothes two or three
times a day. During rainy season in Saigon the rain is often short (20-30
minutes) and some times quite sudden. Practically every hotel in Vietnam has
laundry service, which is usually a little inexpensive.
