Merchants and peddlers do see western travellers as great sources of income and relatively easy marks. Small children selling postcards and shoeshining services can be quite ruthless. People asking for hand-outs are very persistent and at times unpleasant. Dress Dress is casual for most occasions. Older adults, both men and women, dress very conservatively, women mostly in pants and long-sleeved blouses, regardless of the weather.
Younger people wear a wider variety of clothing and western styles are becoming popular.
Women wear both skirts and pants. Shorts are not common for adults, but are perfectly acceptable for most settings. Moderate modesty is appropriate. Vietnamese wear hats in all weather, notably the ubiquitous conical hat. Plastic shoes and sandals are the order of the day year-round.