The Traveller's Good Health Guide
Ted Lankester
Book

How to stay healthy and what to do when you're not. Recommend by Ellen even though she never needed to use it.
Amazon Link

The Basic Basics: how to cook from A-Z
Janet Macdonald
Book

Basic food advice and recipes for those new to cooking and those with limited resources overseas. - Lavinia
Amazon Link

Spanish Dictionary Plus Grammar
Collins
Book

Recommended by Luke The mini 'Gem' version is also worthwhile.
Amazon Link

The BBC's Suenos Spanish Pack
BBC
Cassette Tape

Includes course book, 4 tapes, and work book - gives an good grounding in basic Spanish, with interesting cultural info as well. I've used it to teach beginners and it has been very useful - Luke
Amazon Link

Understanding Vietnam
Neil Jamieson
Book

Recommended by Kate
Amazon Link

The Sacred Willow
Duong Van Mai Elliott
Book

Recommended by Kate
Amazon Link

Shadows and Wind
Robert Templar
Book

Recommended by Kate
Amazon Link

Vietnam: A History
Stanley Karnow
Book

Recommended by Debs
Amazon Link

The Sorrow of War
Bao Ninh
Book

Recommended by Debs
Amazon Link

The Girl in the Picture
Denise Chong
Book

Recommended by Alison & Graeme
Amazon Link

The Quiet American
Graham Greene
Book

Recommended by Alison
Amazon Link

Culture Shock! Vietnam
Claire Ellis
Book

Part of the Culture Shock! series which, while we haven't read them all, we would generally recommend as a good set of guides to customs and etiquette.
Amazon Link