Vietnam: don't take photos near military bases
Do
- Put your camera away when you see a military area
Don’t
- Taking photos near military bases
Travel near military bases is also restricted.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Vietnam travel advice
Etiquette & taboos
Etiquette & taboos
Understanding local customs is where a journey begins. Find the topics that matter to you and feel at ease wherever you go.
Vietnam
3 rules found
Vietnam: helmets are compulsory on motorbikes
Do
- Riders and passengers must both wear helmets
Don’t
- 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
Do
- Leave your e-cigarette at home before you travel
Don’t
- Bringing in or buying e-cigarettes
E-cigarettes and related products are banned.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Vietnam travel advice
Site-specific notes 5
Taken from the "don'ts" on each site page here. Open a site for its full etiquette and background.
Hạ Long Bay
- Don't litter in the bay (environmental checks are strict)
- don't touch stalactites in caves
- don't swim outside designated areas.
Hội An Ancient Town
- Don't be loud in the assembly halls
- don't enter religious sites in revealing clothes
- don't carve anything on the old buildings.
Phở
- Don't stand your chopsticks upright in the bowl
- don't drop used tissues back into the soup
Hội An cao lầu
- Don't stand your chopsticks upright in the bowl
- don't be loud in old-town shops
Japanese Covered Bridge (Lai Viễn Kiều)
- Don't climb or lean on the bridge's railings
- don't touch the deities or offerings
- don't hold long photo shoots in the middle of the bridge