Travel To Vietnam – Visiting Ethnic Minorities In Sapa

Scored of different ethnic minority groups inhabit northern Vietnam, the central highlands of Vietnam and northern part of the country as well as northern Laos, in particular, and their distinctive styles of dress and age-old rituals may be of special interest to western travelers who travel to Vietnam. If you choose to visit or stay in minority village, please remember that it is not a human zoo. Etiquette and customs vary between the minorities, but the following are general rules of good behavior that should be adhered to whenever possible.

What to consider regarding the house rules?

Organize your visit through a local villager or a Vietnam tours provider that supports the village and the area very well.

Inform yourself of local trekking rules and guidance.

Dress modestly and avoid undressing or changing in public.

Ask for permission before entering the local house.

Ask for permission before photographing anyone as old people and pregnant women often object to having their photograph taken and be aware that villagers are unlikely to pose out of the kindness of their hearts so don’t begrudge them the money; for many, tourism is their livelihood.

Buy handicrafts that support local industry.

Avoid sitting or stepping on door sills.

Avoid excessive displays of wealth and do not hand out gifts.

Avoid introducing western medicine.

Do not touch or photograph village shrines.

Health check before travel to the remote area in Vietnam

See your GP or travel clinic at least 6 weeks before travel to Vietnam for general advice on travel risks and vaccinations. Try phoning a specialist travel clinic if your own doctor is unfamiliar with the health conditions In the regions. Make sure you have sufficient medical travel insurance, get a dental check, know your own blood group and if you suffer a long-term condition such as diabetes or epilepsy, obtain a Medic Alert / necklace. If you wear glasses, take a copy of your prescription.

Vaccinations:

It is advisable to get vaccinated against polio, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A, and rabies especially if travel to more remote areas. Japanese Encephalitis may be advised for some areas, depending on the duration of the Vietnam tours you are taking and proximity to rice growing and pig-farming areas. Yellow fever does not exist in Vietnam, Cambodia or Laos. However, the authorities may wish to see a certificate if you have recently arrived from an endemic area in Africa or South America.