It is advisable to keep important documents such as your passport/visa in a safety deposit box. When you arrive at your hotel, check if there is a safe located within your suite for you to store your jewelry and other valuables. In case there is none, call the hotel’s front desk or concierge and inquire if they offer a safety deposit box.

If you need to bring prescription medicine during your trip to Vietnam, make sure that you bring these in their original packages, and include the original copy of your prescriptions. Wearing a medical alert bracelet is also advisable if you need one. Getting medical travel insurance is an option that you should not forget before you leave your own country. Remember that your local medical insurance may not be honored in Vietnam as well as your other health insurance coverage. Pay with your credit card when needed so that you can have the necessary proof when claiming reimbursement.

Dress in a conservative manner while traveling through Vietnam, especially if you are visiting small villages. In the major cities, modern attire is acceptable, but small towns are very strict about the way other people dress. If people think you are revealing too much, this can cause offense on their part. When visiting churches or pagodas, be sure you are wearing conservative clothes. Try to avoid wearing short skirts, short dresses, or off-shoulder tops. These might be viewed as rude since the place you are visiting is sacred for the locals.

Try to limit the extra cash you have on hand when you travel. Don’t bring extra credit cards, airline tickets or other documents you don’t need on your body. You can leave these at the hotel safe, just to be sure.

Never wear a bag or purse to avoid being targeted by bag snatchers, and do not show off your money in public places. Just keep enough money in your pocket, and keep the rest on your body. ATMs are commonplace, and you can withdraw the money wherever there is an international network sticker although you might incur a small fee. After withdrawing, don’t count your money while you’re standing at an ATM, but instead put it quickly in your wallet and check it later in a safe place, away from the crowd.

When taking photographs, take care not to offend the locals by seeking permission before photographing people, and respect them if they decline. Also, do not take pictures of the military, military establishments or government buildings unless you have permission from the authorities. It might also be a bad idea to take photos of ethnic minorities in their respective villages.

Vietnam is also rife with motorcycles and cyclists. Be careful when crossing the street, since these vehicles can come suddenly without much warning.

Also, here are a few tips for lesbian and gay travelers. Vietnam is quite a conservative country, and while there is no law against homosexuality, the Vietnamese culture considers it as a “social evil.” In big cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, authorities tend to let crimes against the so-called third sex pass.

If you’re a lady traveling alone or with other women, it might be a good idea to avoid drawing too much attention. You might want to wear a fake wedding ring if you’re single, in order to turn away any potential suitors. Also, try to wear dark sunglasses, because direct eye contact with the opposite sex might be viewed as an invitation to court.

When traveling alone, inspect hotel rooms before agreeing to stay. Make sure the doors lock properly, and that the windows are secure. Try to avoid rooms at the first floor, since these can easily be accessed from outside. If you don’t feel comfortable, feel free to ask for another room, or check in at another hotel.

Eating in Vietnam is very cheap, and a full meal costs from $3 to $5 in most restaurants. But if you want to go for a fancier meal in a hotel restaurant, expect to pay $10 to $15 a person. Pho is the most popular food here, which is a noodle soup cooked with chunks of meat and vegetables.

Stick to drinking bottled water, as it is inexpensive, always available, and you are assured of the cleanliness of the water. Do not drink service water. If you can live without ice, don’t add ice to your beverages. Also, avoid eating fruits and vegetables that are not cooked or peeled. When eating fruits yourself, wash these thoroughly, with bottled water if possible.

Plan your itinerary, and follow it carefully. It will be a good idea to leave a copy of your itinerary with someone back at home, so they know where you will be at any time. Follow these safety tips for a great time in Vietnam.