THINGS TO DO AND NOT TO MISS IN VIETNAM

You would lose half of your trip if missing these things...

1. Sleeping out on deck on a boat in Halong Bay;

2. Ordering custom-made clothes from the local tailor shop

3. Taking a slow cyclo ride through the French Quarter of old Saigon

4. Eat Pho ga (chicken noodle soup) at a street side noodle stalls if avian flu is stopped;

5. Watch the traditional water - puppet performance in Hanoi;

6. Experience the Full-Moon festivities in the ancient town of Hoi An;

7. Drink rice-wine in the minority villages of the north;

8. Take a boat trip along Hue's Perfume River, taking in the Royal Mausoleums;

9. Overnight in a homestay in the Mekong Delta's riverside orchards;

10. Barter for a bargain at Saigon's largest merket, Ben Thanh;

11. Take a stroll through Hanoi's ancient old Quarter.

and these things should be avoided:

1. Drinking water from the tap, especially after flooding;

2. Riding bicycle after sunset;

3. Dressing midestly and appropriately when visiting local dwellings and religious sites, etc;

4. Leave your valuables behind before a night out on the town, or going to the beach;

5. When crossing the road, especially in Ho Chi Minh city, always keep looking to the left and right and walk slowly;

6. Giving money directly to minority people - instead donate to a local charity or offer a small gift, such as pens;

7. However frustrated, don't loose your temper ("loosing face"), as it won't get you very far;

8. Missing at least once the delicious, local street food;

9. Taking photographs, especially in minority areas without advance permission.