Hi to all once again, the following is a very long post about what we should do as tourists while in Vietnam. Please take the time to go through it as you may find it useful. Lets hope this is one of many posts by me.....
Thanks!!!
( Taken From Intrepid website)
PS: So far the tag board cannot be used too by me. It wont even load on my screen...
Also, how is the shirt coming along? Are we still making one? And please check back here this weekend as Zhan Liang will post the equipment prices after a recce. Thanks. - Jiawei
Respecting cultural differences
Please make sure in your dealings with local people you accept these differences and not try to change them for your own benefit or comfort. Remember that many places operate on different concepts of time - things happen when they happen! The traveller who wishes to have a happy and successful trip should keep as calm, cheerful and friendly as humanly possible. Demanding impatient tourists do not earn respect. Patience, courtesy and smiles are virtues that open many doors.
tourists do not earn respect. Patience, courtesy and smiles are virtues that open many doors.
Friendships
. Don't expect any special privileges though, as you may be only one of many travellers to the area. Accept and enjoy offers of hospitality when you can - "please come and drink tea"! By taking the time to chat with the locals you will learn about their daily lives, culture and attitude to life, plus have a very enjoyable time and a few laughs. This is a chance for them to learn about your culture too. Consider ways to reciprocate hospitality - e.g. post back photos. Don't make promises that you can't keep. In less developed regions don't flaunt your wealth - use discretion with jewellery, cash and techno-gadgetry!Be prepared for lots of questions. Just walking in the street you may be asked: "What's your name? Where are you from?, How old are you? Where are you going?" - perhaps questions you may consider personal. Don't be affronted or consider it rude or an invasion of privacy. It's usually genuine curiosity, friendliness or a desire to practice their English. Respond with patience and a cheery manner.
Etiquette
In Asia crooking your finger to call somebody is considered impolite. People generally use a subtle downward waving motion to summon someone.
In most countries it is inappropriate to express anger in a raised voice. Becoming angry is embarrassing to the local people with whom you are dealing - they will not be embarrassed for themselves, but for you making a fool of yourself. 'Keeping face', that subtle but important quality of personal dignity, is important! Personal candor in Asia is largely a matter of sensibility and face.
Dress
Many countries conservative dress standards, particularly in Asia. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. Shorts should be knee-length. Singlets and tank tops are not suitable. Dress modestly at religious sites anywhere in the world. There are certain places where shoes and/or hats need be removed. In any Muslim area, knees and shoulders should be covered. Check what is acceptable swim wear with your group leader. When in doubt about dress, look to how the majority of locals are clothed.
Cameras and Video Cameras
Be aware of the impact of photography. Sensitivity is the key. Please ensure that you ask permission before videoing or taking photographs of people and respect their wishes if they refuse. Minority groups in particular are often unhappy to have their photo taken. Travellers should avoid paying for the right to take a photo as this has been found to encourage a begging mentality in the locals. Instead if you do take photos, send back copies through your group leader or direct to the people themselves. The locals gain a great buzz from seeing themselves in photos and it encourages a 'sharing' rather than 'taking' attitude towards photography.
Environmental Responsibility
Pollution and waste management is a huge problem throughout the world. In some countries, particularly in Asia, disposal systems are inadequate and recycling of plastics is limited. We suggest avoiding plastic packaging where possible and take along your own bag when shopping. Plastic bags will be offered for everything - don't be shy in suggesting that it isn't needed. Don't be fooled by the rubbish bins on public transport as they may be emptied straight out the window! Collect and dispose of at the next town or hotel.
When trekking, many travellers take an extra plastic bag to pick up any rubbish that they see to improve the area and for their own rubbish. In many cultures it is not appropriate to put rubbish in the cooking fire. Rubbish may have to be carried until a suitable disposal opportunity in the next town.
Bottled water is for sale in most countries, but unfortunately there are few facilities for recycling of the bottles. Please try and minimise the waste of plastic water bottles. Consider packing a water filter, water purification tablets or iodine to purify drinking water..
The natural environment is also very important. If in the bush we need to make sure our human waste is buried away from waterways. Burying or carrying out used toilet paper is a must. Minimise use of soap or shampoos in rivers and lakes - your group leader will let you know when using soap is unsuitable.
There is little education on environmental awareness in some countries, so many locals are unaware of the implications of littering.
Dining & Shopping
Eat local food and drinks and your money supports the locals, rather than seeking out imported familiar snacks and drinks from home. Buy handicrafts and art directly from the makers in local villages when you can, rather than from fancy emporiums or department stores. This may help the maker to obtain a better price.
We ask you not to purchase endangered flora and fauna products that may be offered for sale. In many cases wildlife products that are offered for sale in popular tourist locations cannot be taken through customs on your return home. Avoid contributing to illegal or detrimental trade in wildlife by not purchasing:
Sea turtle products
Coral
Snake skin
Shahtoosh garments (wool from the highly endangered Tibetan antelope)
Butterfly specimens
Sea shells- which may have been taken from the sea while still inhabited by living animals
Ivory - in Hong Kong and China many ivory products are available for sale
Wild animal meats on restaurant menus.
The art of bargaining is something you can work on during your trip. Here's a few pointers to help you on your way:
Start bargaining with some idea of what you consider a fair price for the item to be. This will usually involve sourcing the item in a number of different stores;
The correct price for an item is the price you agree to pay, that keeps both you and the seller happy. Therefore there's no 'right' price;
Be polite, patient, but firm in your bargaining. No-one ever has received a cheaper price through being rude or insensitive;
Don't appear too interested in an item. Walking out of a store is often a good way to get the price to drop;
Shop with a friend - buying in bulk will often reduce the price;
Learn the numbers in the local language. It will win respect from the seller, and will certainly make the process a lot more interesting;
Once a price you have offered is accepted it is not appropriate to back out of the deal;
Only say you'll buy something later if you intend to buy later. The sellers usually have amazing memories, and will come hounding you on your promise!;
Most importantly, enjoy the experience, and remember you're often only bargaining over only a couple of dollars - keep it in perspective.
Donations and Gifts
Please do not give money, pens, or sweets to the local people in the communities we visit, as it can promote a 'begging culture'. It can create unequal relationships between tourist and visitor, with tourists being seen as purely 'givers', and it can also strip self esteem away from people when they get money for simply being poor rather than having to solve their own issues of poverty through community action. With sweets - local people may not have access to dentists, nor be able to afford them.It is considered proper to make a small donation at the end of a visit to a pagoda or temple - most have a contributions box for this purpose.
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