Ceramic

Speciality of Hanoi

Vietnam traditional dress for children

Gifts

Concerns about gifts fall into two classes – bringing gifts to distribute in Vietnam, and giving presents to folks you meet in lieu of money.

Some guests, aware that this can be a poor nation, feel they need to carry small gifts, particularly for children. While appreciating that such gestures are made with the best of intentions, we’d somewhat you didn’t. There are two causes for our view. Firstly, it’s inevitable that you will shortly draw a crowd, and can find yourself with crying infants when the supply runs out and, secondly, it’s dangerously near condescension.

In case you travel with Gia Linh Travel, we’re very keen to assist in other ways. There is a robust sense of group in Vietnam, so we advocate gifts from which everyone can benefit. For example, most rural schools are always determined for equipment. We can contact the pinnacle teacher, find out what’s top of the want listing, and provide it on your behalf. As results of prices are low here, a small quantity of dollars goes a good distance – a year’s supply of exercise books and pencils doesn’t cost a lot, however makes a big difference.

We’ll supply you with ideas, and manage it for you – no charge, in fact – and report back to you later if time prevents you from handing over the gift yourself.

Alternatively, we work with several organizations and charities involved with conservation, social care and so on – we’ll be completely satisfied to place you in touch.

Tipping:

While recognition of particularly good service is universally welcomed, there is not a general culture of tipping in Vietnam.

There are just a few exceptions. Tourist guides traditionally rely upon tips to build up their wages. As a rough indication, $5.00 per day per client would be about right for a good job, maybe extra for one thing particular, with less than a day at a pro-rata rate.

Porters at railway stations rely on small tips for an earnings, however taxi drivers will normally assist you to with luggage as part of their service, unless you’ve got one thing notably heavy or tough to carry. In the event you’re in a hotel for just a few days or more, a tip for your chambermaid or anybody else who has been useful could be appreciated.

You may find a definite distinction between the North and South of Vietnam. Saigon’s exposure to the American lifestyle through the war has created an expectation of an automatic reward, so expect to pay extra, and more usually!

It’s also polite to make a small donation while you visit pagodas. Even a small quantity might be appreciated – place some small notes in the donations box or on the altar, and a monk will sound the gong to recognize your generosity.