Putting your knife in your mouth in the west is unheard of, and considered very rude if witnessed. So what is the dining etiquette in Vietnam?

First and foremost, don’t ever leave chopsticks sitting vertically out of your rice bowl at the end of a meal. This resembles the position of incense sticks used to commemorate death, and so it is considered very rude. Placing the chopsticks side by side, or on top of the bowl, is a lot more polite.

Do not tap the side of your bowl using your chopsticks as it is thought to be unlucky for your next life. The older generation believe if you do this, you won’t have rice to eat when you are reincarnated.

Unlike Thailand, it is better to finish every last grain of rice in Vietnam. If you have been invited to dinner with a family, allow the oldest family member to eat first, as a sign of respect. Try to eat everything you are given, as the best is always saved for guests. When you are full, gently cover your bowl with your hand to signal you have had enough. This is a polite way to refuse; however, it doesn’t always work!

Always drink bottled water in Vietnam

If you have been to Asia before, you probably have a good idea of what to expect on arrival in Vietnam; however, every culture has its differences. Here is a quick list of travel tips which may be useful if you are planning a trip to Vietnam:

Don’t drink tap water. Bottled water is readily available and cheap.

Don’t take cyclo rides after dark. Exercise the same caution you would anywhere in the world. Using your common sense is usually enough to keep you safe in Vietnam.

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and local dwellings.

Before heading out on the town at night, put any valuables in your hotel safe or a locked bag in your room. Also, avoid taking valuables to the beach.

When crossing busy city thoroughfares, walk slowly and keep looking to the right and left. Don’t ever change your pace, or turn back!

Don’t offer money to minority people, as it encourages begging. Making a donation to a local charity or offering a useful gift is the best way to help.

Always ask for permission to photograph locals or their communities.

No matter how frustrated you feel, don’t loose your temper. It is embarrassing for everyone and it certainly won’t help your situation.

Don’t be afraid to try some of the delicious street food. If you are concerned about hygiene, check the vendor is presentable and has a high turnover of food.

Book medical insurance before you travel.

Make sure you keep the yellow form from the airport. This exit/entry form needs to be returned on departure, so if you lose it you may be fined.

Important information for travellers entering Vietnam:

Citizens of Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia and Laos are granted 30 days on arrival.

Citizens of Japan, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and South Korea receive 15 days on arrival.

French nationals in possession of valid diplomatic passports don’t need a visa, and can stay for up to three months at a time.

All other citizens entering Vietnam need a valid passport and visa. Visas can be obtained from Vietnamese consulates and embassies. Visas are not granted on arrival so it is imperative to arrange before travelling to Vietnam. Travellers should coordinate dates on their visa and dates of travel carefully, as making changes in Vietnam can be complicated and expensive.

Tourist visas last 30 days, but can be extended while inside Vietnam. Double entry visas are suitable for travellers who intend to visit surrounding countries such as Cambodia or Thailand. The cost of the visa varies, and is set by individual embassies.

You will be required to fill out three application forms, and submit three passport sized photos. One application should be posted to your nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate, while the other two should be handed over when entering the country.

Dealing with family life can sometimes be challenging; even a trip to the local supermarket can end up being a nightmare. So if you have ever considered travelling as far as Vietnam with younger members of the family in tow, you may have quickly changed your mind. Long flights, language barriers, lower levels of hygiene and different food may have made you reconsider.

However, family travel can be incredibly rewarding, and it is always entertaining to see the world through a smaller pair of eyes. Children can benefit greatly from travel, and learning about a different culture.

If you decide to travel with your children on board, you first need to make sure all their vaccinations are up to date. Pack a lot of insect repellent (suitable for little ones) as there isn’t a vaccine to stop Dengue fever and some other tropical diseases carried by mosquitoes.

Most families travelling in Vietnam prefer to fly between destinations, in order to avoid the overcrowded, sweaty public transport options. However, some trains are quite comfortable, especially in the north.

Larger resorts tend to be more child-friendly. Often with special children’s pools, play areas and menus. Even the smallest guesthouses usually have babysitting service. Parents are often surprised how well their children can adapt to a new culture, usually faster than the parents themselves.

It is a good idea to warn your child that locals may try to talk, touch or take photos of them. It can seem a bit much at times, but it is all just an innocent fascination with the West.