FCA CENTRAL FLORIDA

*Do remove your shoes before entering Buddhist pagodas. Don't let the soles of your feet face any sacred monument, such as a statue of Buddha.

*Do take noted that it takes the country a week to return to normal after the Tet holiday, and travel during this period is especially difficult.

*Do consider a bicycle trip, but travel north in summer and south in winter to avoid strong headwinds.

*Don't be surprised if the weather changes your travel plans--a monsoon can turn roads to impassable mud.

*Don't take photos of any military or governmental locations, harbors or airports, and don't bring political or religious literature into the country.

*Don't wander off the well-trodden paths while visiting the old firebases in what was formerly the demilitarized zone (e.g. Camp Carroll, the Con Thien Firebase). Little remains except overgrown trenches, forgotten land mines and unexploded munitions. Never touch a leftover shell, grenade or mine!

*Do go see a water-puppet show. This type of performance is unique to Vietnam. (Don't bother with the circuses, however--they're really quite poor.)

*Don't get paralyzed by the chaotic traffic.  There are very few stop signs, stoplights or crosswalks, but the drivers of bicycles, scooters, cyclos and cars are all very, very alert and constantly maneuvering to avoid
one another (and pedestrians) at intersections.

*Do as the Vietnamese do--simply walk into the street. The drivers are in fact watching for you and will avoid you. This may not be the case with buses and trucks!

*Do take soap and toilet paper for travel off  the beaten track.

*Do be cautious if dealing with the map-selling street people. Some of them are skilled pickpockets.

*Do keep your hands straight down by your sides when walking through Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum in Hanoi. If they're behind your back or your elbow is bent at all, soldiers will unceremoniously straighten them for you.

*Tipping is officially prohibited, through common, especially in the South. Tip 5%-10% for taxi drivers and waiters (unless a service charge has already been added to the restaurant bill).