The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website is a good source of health information for travelers.

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Sightseeing may require, at minimum, the ability to walk at a moderate pace for a mile or two and the balance and agility necessary to climb stairs, enter and exit buses and boats, and navigate uneven or cobble-stoned streets. Some sightseeing stops do not have elevators or wheelchair access. Bring medications in their original, clearly labeled containers. A signed and dated letter from your physician describing your med­ical conditions and medications, including generic names, is also a good idea. If carrying syringes or needles, have a physician’s letter documenting their medical necessity. When on vacation, it is always wise to watch what you eat and drink and avoid drinking tap water while traveling. Most hotels will provide complimentary bottled water. You can purchase additional bottled water throughout your trip.

Vietnam’s unit of currency is the dong (₫), available in the following denominations: Banknotes: 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000, 500,000 ₫; Coins: 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000. You can exchange foreign currency at authorized agencies such as banks, exchange offices, and hotels. ATMs are available on most major streets, in shopping centers, and at some hotels. All major credit cards are accepted. Bargaining is a common practice except in large department stores. The exchange rate constantly fluctuates. The current exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = 23,000 VND. For the most updated exchange rate, please check www.xe.com.

The standard electrical voltage in Vietnam is 220 volts and 50 hertz. Bringing an adaptor is a good idea if you plan to use electronics (i.e., cell phones, laptops, cameras, etc.) during your trip.

Vietnam has a long history of elaborate food preparation; over 500 traditional dishes have been recorded. Rice and noodles are staples in Vietnamese cuisine, and fish, lobster, shrimp, crab, and other seafood are abundant and inexpensive. Ingredients that are commonly used include soy sauce, shrimp paste, fish sauce, fresh herbs (ginger, mint, coriander, chili, basil, etc.), fruits, and vegetables. Favorite dishes include delicate spring rolls (vegetables, shrimp, and other ingredients wrapped in rice paper), pork sausages, and beef noodle soups.

Traditional Vietnamese food is believed to be one of the healthiest cuisines worldwide as it is deeply admired for its use of fresh ingredients, minimal use of oil, and dependence on herbs and vegetables. Regardless of precautions, changes in water and diet can result in mild abdominal upsets and nausea. Avoid suspect foods such as uncooked vegetables, peeled fruit, unpasteurized milk, and milk products to prevent serious illness. Beware of any food or drink sold by street vendors.

In Vietnam, the national language is Vietnamese, with northern (Hanoi), southern (Ho Chi Minh City), and central (Hue) dialects. Vietnamese is a tonal monosyllabic Mon-Khmer language in which words derive meaning from one of six tones in which they are spoken. French is often a second language among educated citizens more than forty years of age. English is required to be taught in the school curriculum and is used as the second language in the country. In rural areas, foreign language speakers are rare.