 | Ho Chi Minh City Local Customs | Tips 31 - 40 of 113 |  |
It might seem like a simple enough task, but, until you get there, you have no idea how tricky this can be! Luckily I met some people who'd already been to Saigon before I arrived and they filled me in on how to do it. If it weren't for them I may just have found myself stuck on the same block during the whole of my stay! Unlike anywhere else I've been, there's no point in waiting for a gap in the traffic, this never happens! And the green lights on the pedestrian crossings are a bit of a waste of time too. Basically, the trick is to just go! Stick you're head down and walk slowly and steadily accross the road and the millions of motorbikes that fill the streets of Saigon will just go around you - kind of like water flowing around a rock in a river. The first couple of times you do it are incredibly scary, but you get used to it pretty quickly! If in doubt then just find a local and shadow them! Good Luck! Leave a Comment
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Remove your shoes before entering Buddhist pagodas. Small donations placed in the boxes found in temples are appreciated. It is acceptable to keep your shoes on within Chinese pagodas. Never let the soles of your feet face other people or any sacred monument, such as a statue of Buddha.. Leave a Comment
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Tipping is not really a custom for restaurants in Vietnam but of course any small amount given would always be appreciated. It is a nice idea to tip guides and drivers who might have given you good service. Do not tip too much though. Leave a Comment
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there are abundant food stalls that line the streets of Saigon. The tables are often miniature sized, like kindergarten sized child furniture. Be prepared to sit in a tiny chair hunched over. Leave a Comment
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As noted in a "must see" tip, the cathedral is closed except for one Sunday service. But the young couples come here in large numbers to have their wedding pictures taken! Leave a Comment
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It is monsoonal in the north, bringing a hot, rainy season from mid-May to mid-September and a warm, dry season from mid-October to mid-March. Occasional typhoons from May to January bring extensive flooding to the middle regions of Vietnam. Leave a Comment
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Always be aware that in other cultures it is not always acceptable to take photos of people and is always polite to ask permission for specific photos. Also in places of worship, always check that there is no offence taken for taking photos. Usually permission is granted when asked. Leave a Comment
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Even with the free enterprise in Saigon, Vietnam is still a communist country and if you look you will see evidence of this. The Government of Vietnam posts bill boards everywhere giving messages to its citizens. Some of the bill boards just say to be a good citizen, where others talk about family commitment, getting regular immunizations for children or warn about AIDs.
Pictured here...one sign with several messages Leave a Comment
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International or U.S. driver's licences are not considered valid in Vietnam. Foreigners renting vehicles may risk prosecution and imprisonment for driving without a Vietnamese licence. Leave a Comment
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There is an endless amount of cyclos, motorbikes and bicycles around the city streets. To cross, just walk very slowly, don't panic and rush across,s and you will find that you can get across safely. It actually does work! Leave a Comment
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on August 11, 2005
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on May 22, 2004
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on December 9, 2003
