Mr Bin
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Apr 12, 2010, 7:12 PM
Post #1 of 1
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Warnings for female travelers in Vietnam
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Vietnam has been strongly influenced by Confucianism, so men regard women as subservient, as do most women. It doesn’t really affect female travelers, apart from an almost universal assumption that a male companion will automatically be the one in charge, and therefore the one to be addressed. Attempting to be politically correct is likely to be met with blank incomprehension.
Your manner of dress and behavior is important. It’s a common belief among Vietnamese men that ‘western women’ are very liberated, and therefore an easy lay! This belief will be strengthened if you wear ‘sexy’ clothes, and you may well attract unwelcome attention. Ostentatious ‘male’ behavior, such as drinking beer and/or smoking, will also help to confirm that you are available.
For this reason, it’s wise to avoid tight shorts, hot pants, figure-hugging tops and low cut blouses. Teeny bikinis are not a good idea, and topless sunbathing immediately attracts a crowd of male admirers who will stand and stare at you. It’s also highly likely to land you in trouble with police.`
Apart from the behavior of men, Vietnamese women are embarrassed when visitors expose large areas of flesh. They’re also perplexed about why anyone would wish to sunbathe – in Vietnam, a white skin is considered beautiful by men and women. A sun tan identifies you as a peasant.
Single women travelers tend to attract more notice, as Vietnamese women seldom travel, and those that do seldom travel alone. However, providing you don’t call attention to yourself by your appearance and ignore would-be admirers, the most you’ll get is minor nuisances from time to time.
Personal safety when traveling alone
• Insist on inspecting your accommodation before agreeing to stay. If unhappy with the room request a change or where possible move to different accommodation.
• The lone woman traveler will often be flouting convention simply by her presence. Unfortunately women in the developing world don't have the independence that their western counterparts take for granted. For this reason, their presence, especially unaccompanied, will generate interest within local people of both genders.
• How you dress is an easy method of self-preservation and the most immediate symbol of respect. Dress codes differ greatly from country to country and to get them wrong would put you at an immediate disadvantage. A culture's standard of dress has a lot to do with what parts of the body are considered to be sensuous or provocative. As a general rule tight and skimpy clothes are inappropriate for most countries outside of Europe and North America. Clothing should be conservative and presentable, loose fitting and comfortable. Arms and legs should be covered, especially when visiting places of worship and national monuments.
• When traveling, try to be inconspicuous yet confident avoiding confrontational challenging situations with men by adopting an assertive, dismissive manner.
• Remember many men can see eye contact as a 'come-on'. The use of dark sunglasses will limit this problem.
• Be prepared to answer questions about yourself particularly if single and travelling alone. The often-asked questions of your marital status and family, are ones of genuine interest. To avoid the unwanted attention of some men, the use of a few white lies about 'your husband' and a fake wedding ring are a useful pretence.
Menstruation
• Emotional upset, exhaustion and traveling through different time zones can all contribute to an upset in the menstrual pattern. Irregular menstruation is a very common problem affecting women travelers, excessive exercise and the stress of travel may cause infrequent periods, if this is the case it may lead to confusion over the timing of oral contraception and great anxiety of unplanned pregnancy. Dysmenorrheal may also be aggravated by travel.
• Oral contraception can be used to suppress menstruation. This is achieved by taking the pill continuously, without the usual seven-day break in between packets. A reminder to take extra packets to allow for this should be stressed. However, this method is not advisable for women taking biphasic or trochaic pills because the dose in the first seven pills is too low to prevent possible breakthrough bleeding.
• Sanitary hygiene: Tampons and sanitary towels are widely available in larger cities but harder to find in remote and mountainous areas. Locally made menstrual supplies are usually available although the standard varies.
http://vietnamvisaonline.net/fees.html
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