THE PHYSICAL REALITY & CULTURE SHOCK
Travel in Vietnam is generally easy and relaxed, the people welcoming and friendly, although many will find the heat and humidity a bit draining. We have allowed for this in designing our tours which should be comfortable for all.
Infrstructure is reasonably well developed, particularly for tourism - international phone and internet connections are readily available.

Crossing Roads: Particularly in Hanoi and Saigon the level of traffic, particularly motorbikes, may make roads seem uncrossable. Simply head for the otherside at a slow, steady pace and traffic will veer around you - do not stop or run (easier said than done the first time).

ACCOMMODATION & TRANSPORT
All accommodations are on a twin share basis with private bathrooms - in remoter areas lodges are simpler, but always clean and comfortable.
Land transport is by private air-conditioned vehicle and roads are reasonable. Our drivers are all accustomed to driving western tourists, though some travelers may find the driving practices of other road users somewhat stressful.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
Responsible or ‘low impact’ travel may be defined as “minimizing the negative impact on environments and cultures caused by tourist activity and enhancing the positive results of tourism”.
Traveling is as much about how you visit as where you visit. Tourism does impact on local communities and we strongly believe in a need to balance the welfare and conservation of all people and environments with the benefits sustainable tourisms offers to protect the people, cultures, environments and resources of the areas in which we work.

Respect: This is the basis of every great travel experience, and its lack the cause of the bad ones. Showing respect for everyone around you, traveling companions and locals alike is essential. This applies to behavior, attitudes, religious beliefs, actions, concepts of personal space and cultural differences - many of which you may find alien or unpleasant.
Please ask people before taking their photograph and respect their refusal.

Religion: Buddhism is absolutely central and essential to the lives of all Vietnamese. You are welcome to enter temples, but please respect worshippers and monks.
* Don’t take photos inside wat buildings - outside is OK unless there are signs prohibiting it.
* Remove your shoes and head coverings when entering buildings.
* Don’t turn your back on the Buddha.
* Always keep your voice low in and around the temple.
* Do not touch the monks.
* Always dress in long trousers and shirts covering the shoulders.

Appearance: It is inappropriate in Vietnam, especially in monasteries, for women to wear skimpy string tops. Not wearing a bra or wearing tight, body-hugging attire is also not acceptable. Men should always wear shirts and long pants (shorts below knee length are OK).