The significant improvement in Vietnam's economy has brought with it some major advances in public health. Rural areas can still pose a problem when it comes to finding good health care, however

Vietnam is a relatively hassle-free place for homosexuals. There are no official laws on same-sex relationships in Vietnam, nor much in the way of individual harassment.

It is easy to get your laundry done at guesthouses and cheaper hotels for just a few US dollars.

Civil Law:

On paper it looks good, but in practice the rule of law in Vietnam is a fickle beast. Local officials interpret the law any way it suits them, often against the wishes of Hanoi.

The first currency of Vietnam is the dong, which is abbreviated to “đ”. Banknotes come in denominations of 200d, 500d, 1000d, 2000d, 5000d, 10,000d, 20,000d, 50,000d and 100,000d, 500,000d.  

Most bookshops in Vietnam stock a good range of maps. A must for its detailed road maps of every province is the Viet Nam Administrative Atlas, published by Ban Do

Today the Internet is widely available throughout towns and cities in Vietnam. There is everything from trendy cybercafes to computer terminals in the lobbies of hotels and guesthouses, plus public Internet access in many Vietnamese post offices

Politics affects everything, including public holidays. After a 15-year lapse, religious holidays were re-established in 1990.

Insurance is a must for Vietnam, as the cost of major medical treatment is prohibitive. Although you may have medical insurance in your own country, it is probably not valid while you are in Vietnam.

Colour print film is widely available and prices are pretty reasonable al about US$2.50 for a roll of 36 print film. Slide film can be bought in Hanoi and HCMC