Random notes and tips that we thought could be helpful

As we are closer to the equator, day and night lengths are fairly evenly split and stable year-round. Locals wake up around 6-6:30 AM. Work and school start at 7 AM. During the hottest part of the day, 11:30 AM - 1:30 AM, we take a lunch break and siesta (short nap). Many shops and vendors close down during this time of day and reopen in the afternoon.

  1. Dec - Jan sunrise around 5:50 AM
  2. Dec - Jan sunset around 5:45 PM
  3. Greeting people is important, especially elders. A warm “xin chào” goes a long way. Greeting elders first is appreciated. For family gatherings, you might see children and younger-ins greet everyone individually when entering or leaving.
  4. Vietnam is lively and crowded, the concept of suburb does not exist because life happens in every corner. With the noise from traffic, karaoke, street vendors, etc., the locals can be a bit loud, and you might need to be too, at times, to make sure you are heard, especially when you’re saying “hello”.
  5. Some noises could carry into the night, having earplugs is helpful
  6. Most coffee shops and restaurants have free wifi, many of them have passwords posted on the wall, or you can ask the staffs
  7. Don’t drink tap water, stick to boiled or bottled water
  8. Toilet paper is not always guaranteed, carrying pocket tissues and hand sanitizers is helpful
  9. No sharks in the ocean
  10. No predators in the mountain either, there are usually only monkeys - best not to feed them
  11. Many bathrooms in homes and smaller establishments are wet bathrooms - aka the shower area is not separated from the rest of the bathroom. It is normal for the floor to get wet - so be extra careful! Shower sandals can be handy. Most hotel bathrooms are dry/Western style, though, so no worries.
  12. Many places are seat yourself, so make sure you walk fast and grab that table with a good view you’ve been eyeing
  13. Service style is very hands-off. Giving space is considered polite (vs checking in constantly). Wave and make eye contact to get a staff member’s attention.
  14. Sharing food is the norm
  15. The default is chopsticks and spoons, some smaller places don’t have forks
  16. Food comes out when it’s ready, and that might mean they arrive at different times
  17. Water is not always free, and it does not automatically come with ice
  18. Beachwear is totally fine at the beach, but for churches, temples, and pagodas, you can be denied entry if not dressed modestly