The law is strict in Vietnam. The use of illegal narcotics is strictly forbidden, and dealers and persons caught trafficking, whether Vietnamese or foreigner, face execution. Don't risk it under any circumstances!

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You will be surprised by the warmth of your reception. We Vietnamese live in the present and the future – the war is history. We warmly welcome people from all countries and races.

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Vietnam is fifteen hours ahead of Los Angeles, twelve hours ahead of New York and seven hours ahead of London, one hour behind Perth and three hours behind Sydney (give or take an hour during daylight saving time).

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Vietnam has a particularly complicated climate and, like elsewhere in the world, weather patterns have been changing over recent years. The situation described below is therefore only an indication of the type of weather you can expect.

* Northern Vietnam Climate

Starting in the north, autumn (September to December) is undoubtedly the most pleasant season. At this time of year it's generally warm (average temps above 20°C), dry and sunny in the delta, though you'll need warm clothes up in the mountains and on the waters of Ha Long Bay. Winter (December to February) can be surprisingly bitter as cold air sweeps south from China bringing fine, persistent mists and temperatures as low as 10°C. Things begin to warm up again in March, which ushers in a period of good, spring weather before the summer heat begins in earnest in May, closely followed by the rainy season in June. This combination makes for hot, sticky weather which takes many people by surprise. Temperatures, which can occasionally reach 40°C, average 30°C, while humidity hovers around 70-75%. The rain comes in heavy downpours, causing frequent flooding in Hanoi and the delta. By mid September, however, the rains are petering out, and from October onwards it's perfect sightseeing weather.

* Central Coast Vietnam Climate

The coastal region from Hanoi south to Hue lies in the typhoon belt. Around Hué, typhoons seem most prevalent in April and May, while further north the season generally lasts from July to November. However, typhoons are incredibly difficult to predict and it really is a matter of luck - or bad luck, rather - if you are caught. Flights are usually only disrupted for a matter of hours, but in recent years the main road and rail routes heading south have been cut by floods at least once during the typhoon season. The good news is that they usually get everything moving again incredibly quickly - within four or five days, depending on the severity of the damage.

The central region of Vietnam has a notoriously wet climate, particularly around Hue, where the annual average rainfall is a generous 3m. The so-called "dry" season lasts from February to May, though you'll need an umbrella even then. After this it gets wetter and hotter (average temperature 30°C) until the rainy season begins in earnest in September, gradually easing off from November through January. Winter temperatures average a pleasant 20°C or above.

* Southern Vietnam Climate

Southern Vietnam is blessed with a more equitable - and predictable - climate. Here the dry season lasts from December to late April/May, and the rains from May through November. Most of the rain falls in brief afternoon downpours, so you can still get out and about, though flooding can be a problem in the delta. Daytime temperatures rarely fall below 20°C, occasionally reaching 40°C in the hottest months (March to May). Once the rains start, humidity climbs to an enervating 80%.

* Central Highland of Vietnam Climate

The central highlands follow roughly the same weather pattern as the southern delta. In the rainy season (May-November) roads are regularly washed out, but it can also be very beautiful at this time, with tumbling rivers, waterfalls and misty landscapes. You just have to build a bit more flexibility into your schedule.

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Do's:

• Drink mineral water or bottled drinking water when traveling.
• Dress formally when visiting pagodas and temples in Vietnam.
• Bargaining before using the services in the streets or in the shops/restaurants without prices clearly indicated.
• For longer excursions from your base hotel, it is always a good idea to carry a roll of toilet paper in your daypack. You never know when you will need it because public toilets in Vietnam are rare.
• Dress appropriately. Not only for the prevailing climatic conditions, but also not to cause offence to the local people. Vietnamese have conservative dress codes and it is only in larger cities that these codes are relaxed a little.
• Leave your valuable things such as cash, airline tickets, passports, etc with the hotels safety deposit facility.
• Be aware when entering someone’s home as it is a must to remove your shoes at the front door in some houses. Just follow what the local people do.
• Ask people’s permission before taking a photograph of them. If they do not want you to do that, do not push the issue or offer money. 

Don'ts:

• Avoid venturing into unfamiliar areas at night, especially in certain parts of Ho Chi Minh City such as Dong Khoi district and a long the Saigon River.
• Don’t wear shorts, dresses or skirts, or tops with low-neck lines and bare shoulders when visiting Pagodas and Temples. To do this is considered extremely rude and offensive.
• Don’t sleep or sit with the soles of your feet pointing towards the family altar in someone’s house.
• Don’t walk around in the streets with much cash, jewelry in your handbag. It’s not something to be paranoid about, simply do not make yourself a target for pickpockets or drive-by bag snatchers in the streets.
• Don’t lose your temper in public or when bargaining for a purchase. This is considered a serious loss of face for both parties. You’d better maintain a cool and happy demeanor and you will be reciprocated with the same.
• Don’t try to take photographs of military installations or anything to do with the military. This can be seen as a breach of national security.
• Don’t be paranoid about your safety; just be aware of your surroundings when traveling in Vietnam.

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