Relaxing and/or adventuring responsibly in Vietnam will be easy when traveling with Footprint – many common questions from our past guests such as “do we have to pick up the trash or do we have to pay extra to the local communities?” The answer is NO, we’ll take care of everything for you! However, if you want to play a part in making your trip more sustainable, you can. It’s not difficult, and in return you’ll be rewarded with richer traveling experiences. 

Here are some tips for you to play a part too:

ENVIRONMENT

• Please say NO to wild meat such as bear, muntjac, bat, monkey, and python, etc…
• Please say NO to products made from endangered plants or animals, such as elephant ivory, tortoise shell, and wild animal skins.
• Please turn off your air conditioner, fans, lights, and other electrical appliances when you leave your hotel or guesthouse.
• When visiting coral reefs: please do not touch live coral, as this hinders growth.
• Cover up & limit the use of sunscreens while swimming or avoid sunscreens containing harmful chemicals to protect coral reefs and marine life.
• Please leave no trash and practice the 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
• Please leave no trace, keep to designated trails when out walking, for example avoid making unnecessary noise…

Cultural Etiquette 

• Try to learn about the culture before you travel and be willing to try alternative options.
• Learn some of the local language, even the basics such as ‘hello’, ‘goodbye’ and ‘thank you’. All attempts will be appreciated!
• Respect the cultural differences and do not look down on or try to change them.
• Be careful when showing affection in public, it is best to limit affection to holding hands- especially in the rural areas.
• Avoid patting or touching people on their heads, it is the symbolic high point in Asia.
• Be aware of the importance of the ancestral shrine in Vietnam. Avoid backing up to, pointing your feet at or changing your clothes in front of it.

Appropriate Dress

• To be sure you are not causing offense, it is best to respect local dress standards and dress modestly, especially in the countryside.
• In Vietnam, there are no areas where nude or topless swimming or sunbathing is appropriate.
• Women should try to avoid wearing low – cut or tight sleeveless tops and brief, clinging shorts. 
• At religious sites, do not wear shorts or sleeveless tops, and remember to remove your shoes.
• Don’t be offended by the very Vietnamese fascination with your personal details; How old are you? Are you married? Do you have children? How much money do you make? etc. – questions that you may consider private. You may find the answer ‘not yet’ (chua) to the question of marriage or children a useful one.
• Don’t be taken aback if people are intrigued by your size, especially if you are tall, well built, or husky. The Vietnamese are a small, slight race and may openly display their amazement at Western bulk. Remember this when selecting your clothing!
• Talk to the locals and make friends. The people of Vietnam are friendly and hospitable. They love it when they hear a foreigner try to speak their language.

Photography

• Vietnam is a photographer’s dream, so remember to ask permission before taking photographs and respect a refusal.
• Don’t hound men and women in traditional ethnic dress for the ‘perfect shot’ if they appear shy or avoid your camera and remember that videos are even more intrusive.
• Try not to get into the situation of paying for the right to take photos, as it encourages a begging mentality.
• If you promise to send back a photo, make sure you are sincere in your offer.

Getting personal

• Be aware that in some communities it may be taboo to conduct an intimate relationship with a local.
• Don’t assume that what is acceptable at home is acceptable everywhere. Vietnam is still a largely traditional society and getting involved with a local may cause offense.
• Remember also that the recipient of a foreigner’s attention can be seriously affected within their local communities in terms of their well being, social standing and reputation.

Buying local

• By using locally produced goods and services, you can contribute financially to the community you are visiting and help turn tourism to the country’s benefit.
• Drink and eat local food when you can.
• Use local transport and local shops. Offer to repay hospitality in cash or in kind, to avoid exploiting the goodwill of others. At the same time, try to avoid paying for simple acts of kindness in cash- for example, being given directions.
• Hire a local guide when visiting protected areas or historical sites. This way you will contribute to the local economy, learn more about the area, and have an opportunity to meet local people.

Giving money or gifts

• Giving money away to both children and adults promotes a begging mentality and culture. It also highlights the income gap and strips away people’s self- esteem. By avoiding cash hand- outs you can play a part in discouraging the development of a society which equates every human action as a potential money- making scheme.
• Avoid giving children money or gifts, it is better to pay for a postcard, map, or a shoeshine.
• Giving chocolate or sweets is a bad idea, as many people do not have access to dentists and knowledge of dental hygiene is poor.

The hard sell

• Vietnam is a developing country, and one that has experienced a long period of war, so poverty is obvious and unavoidable. Be prepared to be approached by street sellers, shoeshine boys, etc., or followed by empty cycles expectantly awaiting your patronage, especially in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and other large towns.
• If a street seller approaches you, be firm but polite and calm in turning them away, even if you are irritated by a day filled with similar approaches.
• Take a cycle when you can, as they are a great way to see a city and view street life in close quarters. Cycles are today losing out to taxis and xe om (motorbike taxis), so you’ll also be supporting a threatened trade.
• Certain streets have been made off- limits to cycles, so your driver may have to take an indirect route to your destination.
• Negotiate prices in advance before accepting either goods from street sellers or getting on a xe om or into a cycle.

The sex trade

• In Asia, prostitution is an unfortunate fact of life. The link between tourism and prostitution is undisputed. Be aware that prostitution is illegal in Vietnam. Be careful not to act in any way that could be seen as encouraging this, especially where children are concerned.
• Don’t buy sexual services, remember that the relationship between tourists and prostitutes is almost always unequal and tends to be exploitative.
• The sexual exploitation of children is a significant problem right across Asia. However, several countries now have laws which enable the trial at home of tourists who have committed crimes of pedophilia abroad. If you observe anyone known to you involved in child prostitution, you might consider reporting them to the police when you get home.

Thank you and enjoy your travels!

Footprint Travel Team