Vietnam Laos Travel Guide
Let's face it, there's a lot to think about before you go.
What should I pack? How should I behave in a different culture? Do I need to bargain with the locals? What health precautions should I take? What are the toilets like? etc etc etc
Here's some handy Vietnam and Laos travel tips that can SAVE YOU lots of trouble and hassles while on the road. Some of these tips could help you have a brilliant holiday as opposed to an ordinary one.
And of course if you have any specific questions, feel free to send an email. No question is too silly.
Creating a positive travel experience
TRAVEL TIP: Arrive with expectations and you may be disappointed. Arrive with an open mind and heart and you will be delighted creating a positive travel experience.
Smile, smile, smile, smile…
The weather is unpredictable. Embrace whatever climatic conditions the day bring and remember it's all part of the adventure!
Research before you leave. Familiarise yourself with the culture, religion, politics and the history. A little bit of local knowledge can help to enhance your experience greatly.
Always dress conservatively especially in rural and remote areas. Covering shoulders, knees and chest avoids stares and protects you from the sun. Also be aware that Temples and Pagodas have dress codes for entry. Observe what the locals wear as an indication of what is the accepted dress code.
Be very thoughtful when taking photographs of local people. Put yourself in their shoes - a tourist takes a photo of you in front of your home up to five times a day! Ask permission first and respect them if he or she says no. If they are selling something, repay the photograph and buy something. Show them their photograph if you are using a digital camera – much joy is found in the simple things.
Begging is a hard one. On one hand it tears at your heart to see the poverty, especially children. On the other hand, it encourages a vocation reliant upon hand outs. If they are selling something, no matter how basic, giving money will help. The best way to give money is by donating to recognized local organisations that can ensure it is distributed equally and appropriately to villages. Giving western clothes in remote areas destroys the cultural fabric of the local people.
Never lose your cool! If you feel frustrated, take a deep breath, and refer to Tip No. 1.
Learn two or three phrases in the local language. You will be amazed at the reaction. Why not write down same basic phrases like “hello, how are you” and have it handy so you can practice with the locals. They will be very impressed you have attempted to learn their language and will have fun correcting you and remember to refer to Tip No.1.
Unsure of what to do or what the customs are – ask your guide.
Be prepared to get out of your comfort zone - it's all part of the journey.
Dollars + sense
TRAVEL TIP: Help support the local economy and buy local, eat in local restaurants and stay in home-stays especially in regional areas where your purchases are greatly appreciated.
Bargaining is very much a part of everyday life in countries like Vietnam and Laos, although meals are not negotiable. Firstly, it is advisable to do your homework. Find out the approximate going rate from your hotel or other tourists and take into account the difference of quality between mass produced and hand-crafted goods. Enjoy the bargaining interaction, but don’t get too carried away over a dollar, as it will probably mean more to the recipient than you.
When you arrive in the country by air, to get you started change a small amount of money (around $20 - $50) into the local currency at the money exchange office at the airport.
Always check that your air tickets include airport departure tax. If they don't put some money aside for International and Domestic Airport Departure Taxes. Most airports accept local currency or US dollars.
Carry small currency denomination as change is not always available. Try to have the exact amount for tuk-tuk, cyclo or taxi drivers.
If your local guide provides great service – as a rule of thumb tip AUD$3 to $5 a day at the end of the trip. Feel free if you want to tip more and you feel the service was worth it.
Carry money on you in several locations. For example a small purse that is easily accessed for small denominations of local currency; your money belt or neck wallet for credit cards, foreign currency and larger amounts of local currency.
Check with your bank before you leave to ensure your ATM Card can be used overseas. Don’t forget to ask about bank fees when withdrawing money from your account while overseas.
Converting local currency back into your currency can be challenging. Write down a list of conversions and carry it with you at all times. For example, 50c = $1 = $5 = $10 = etc
Health + vaccinations
TRAVEL TIP: When planning your trip it is wise to see your doctor as early as possible, preferably two months before you leave FOR recommended courses of vaccinations.
Also discuss with your doctor if you are travelling into malaria regions and what are the best available anti-malaria tablets. It is not a bad idea to have a dental check up.
A balanced diet, plenty of water and adequate rest is generally a good recipe for a healthy holiday. Bottled water is readily available and cheap in developing countries. Always check that the seal is not broken when you purchase bottled water.
Some handy travel items
TRAVEL TIP: Take a hotel business card from reception before venturing out. This will make your return to the hotel much easier.
Hand wipes, travel pack towel, water purifying tablets, sturdy water bottles, garbage bag or waterproof internal bag for backpack, rain cover for your backpack, small torch, small calculator, small paper pad and pen, local language travel book, small medical kit, safety pins, karabiners, travel clothes line and washing soap, earplugs, universal plug adaptor and a folding umbrella (just in case!).
A warm sweater or fleece will be most welcomed for travel in highland regions and air-con bus or train trips and if you don’t mind carrying it, a travel pillow can make all the difference to a good night’s rest.
Carry a roll of toilet paper or tissues in your day pack on long excursions from your hotel. You never know when you might need it!
A Swiss-army knife or equivalent comes in handy, but you don’t need 27 separate functions, just one blade and an opener. Don’t forget to pack your Swiss-army knife or equivalent in your check-in luggage when travelling by air!
One of the secrets of successful packing is plastic bags or snap-lock bags – not only do they keep things separate and clean, but also dry. That means a lot at the end of a long, wet day.A photo of your family, home or something unique to your country can be a wonderful ice-breaker when mixing with the locals. This sharing of information helps to educate both the host and the guest. Also some people like to bring small souvenirs from their country to give as a token of thanks to their host or guide. For example a small badge, sticker etc.
And don’t forget to leave plenty of space in your luggage for souvenirs!
Personal safety
TRAVEL TIP: If a thief targets you, just let go. Your health and personal safety is far more important.
Carry your PASSPORT, travellers’ cheques and other valuables in a concealed money belt or similar device.
Have photocopies of TRAVELLERS' CHEQUES RECEIPTS, insurance policies, airline tickets, passport + visa stamp and keep them separate to the originals.
AVOID DRAWING ATTENTION to yourself and do not flash around expensive jewellery or watches, clothes and electrical equipment ie. IPod. Sometimes it’s best to leave your treasured items at home if you can.
AVOID carrying your camera and expensive sunglasses around your neck.
Do not leave anything IMPORTANT lying around in your hotel room.
A PADLOCK or combination lock comes in handy for your day pack and luggage.
BE DISCREET when taking out your cash and be particularly weary in crowds especially in crowded places like bus/train stations and markets.
IF A THIEF TARGETS YOU, just let go. Your health and personal safety is far more important. You’ll need to report the incident at the nearest police station within 24 hours in order to claim on your insurance. Try to recruit a local who speaks English to accompany you to the station.
Tread lightly + appreciate nature
TRAVEL TIP: During rest periods, take a moment to be silent... let nature's sounds prevail and nature's beauty transpire.
Be mindful on walking tracks and give way to locals who use the tracks daily. Respect other tourists and protect the quality of their experience too.
Respect sites of cultural significance and preserve the past by examining and not touching historical structures and artifacts.
Leave natural objects as you find them and avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
Observe wildlife from a distance and do not follow or approach them. Avoid wildlife during sensitive times like mating, nesting, raising young or winter.
Never feed animals – it damages their health, alters natural behaviours like hunting and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and rubbish securely.
Avoid buying souvenirs made from endangered species or which damage the environment, for example, coral, tortoise shell and ivory. Be aware these items generally incur hefty fines at airport quarantine checkpoints in some countries.
Squat toilets tend to be the norm in rural areas. In larger towns or cities you will find western toilets. But please be aware that regardless of the toilet, plumbing can be very basic and a waste paper basket is usually provided for your toilet paper or hygiene products. Ladies if there is not a waste paper basket please pack out your hygiene product until you find a more appropriate disposal site –a snap lock bag is handy for these situations.
In the rural areas of developing countries, the locals tend not to use toilet paper. So if you find yourself in a situation where you are enjoying a bush toilet experience, pack out your toilet paper until you reach an appropriate disposal site.
