Vietnam: don't take photos near military bases
- Put your camera away when you see a military area
- Taking photos near military bases
Travel near military bases is also restricted.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Vietnam travel advice
Country guide · VN
Vietnam
5 destinations & festivals · 4 etiquette rules
Before you go
Read before you go
Vietnam: helmets are compulsory on motorbikes
- Riders and passengers must both wear helmets
- Riding or being a passenger without a helmet
- Drink-driving
Riding without a helmet is illegal; drink-driving can bring a fine or even prison, and after an accident you may be barred from leaving the country.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Vietnam travel advice
Vietnam: e-cigarettes are banned
- Leave your e-cigarette at home before you travel
- Bringing in or buying e-cigarettes
E-cigarettes and related products are banned.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Vietnam travel advice
Vietnam: cover shoulders and knees at temples and cultural sites
- Cover your shoulders and knees when entering religious and cultural sites
- Wearing a vest or shorts into a temple
Respect local customs.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Vietnam travel advice
Places & local life
Landmarks, hidden gems & local life
Hạ Long Bay
A 'Guilin on the sea' of 1,600 limestone islands: Vietnam's 'where the dragon descended into the sea'
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Hội An Ancient Town
Lantern-lit banks of the Thu Bồn River: an old dream of a Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese trading port
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Phở
A noodle soup that appeared in northern Vietnam only in the early 20th century, shaped by French and Chinese influences.
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Hội An cao lầu
Noodles said to be made only with water from Hội An's ancient well.
Japanese Covered Bridge (Lai Viễn Kiều)
A covered bridge built by 16th-century Japanese merchants; the little temple on it is said to pin down the giant catfish that causes earthquakes…