Vietnam Travel Service
The Vietnam you see today is steeped in ancient rites and traditions that have survived throughout the bumps and scrapes of history. It’s a place where handmade water puppets spin elaborate tales, singing kites soar overhead, highland markets promise the hope of love to young villagers, and Mekong River markets float. A passion for beauty flows from poetry and paintings, from palaces and pagodas. It’s a beauty rooted in the past and complimented by the natural surroundings of the present.
Sharp-angled mountains, cloaked in dense foliage, jut from forest and sea. Impossibly long stretches of white sand shimmer under the warm afternoon sun. Lush vegetation masks rivers edge. Immense caves gulp seawater. Ho Chi Minh City is calling out to you. Hanoi is whispering your name. And the beaches are beckoning.
|
|
Geography
Vietnam is located on the eastern margin of the Indochinese peninsula and occupies about 331,688 square kilometers, of which about 25 % was under cultivation in 1987. It borders the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin, and South China Sea, alongside China, Laos, and Cambodia. The S-shaped country has a north-to-south distance of 1,650 kilometers and is about 50 kilometers wide at the narrowest point. With a coastline of 3,260 kilometers, excluding islands, Vietnam claims 12 nautical miles (22.2 km; 13.8 mi) as the limit of its territorial waters, an additional 12 nautical miles (22.2 km; 13.8 mi) as a contiguous customs and security zone, and 200 nautical miles (370.4 km; 230.2 mi) as an exclusive economic zone. |
|
Climate
Vietnam’s climate is very diverse because the country covers a wide range of latitudes and altitudes.
The North: The cold season is between November and April when average temperatures are around 60°F/16°C and it is often wet and chilly. In the hot period, between May and October, the average temperature is about 86°F/30°C.
Central: Central Vietnam offers a combination of climates: northern and southern. The southern part has less rainfall and the temperatures are similar to those in the south. The northern part has more rain and significant changes in temperature. The rainy season in the center lasts from September to December. Especially during the months of October and November, central Vietnam is hit by typhoons with strong winds and heavy downpours.
The South: The temperatures in the south are constant all year, ranging from 77-86°F/25-30°C. The dry season is from November to April and the wet period from May to October.
|
|
History
In 111 BC ancestors of the present-day Vietnamese who inhabited part of what is now southern China and northern Vietnam were conquered by forces of China's Han dynasty. Chinese rule lasted more than 1000 years (until 939 AD) when the Vietnamese ousted their conquerors and began a southward expansion that, by the mid 18th century, reached the Gulf of Siam. Despite their military achievements the Vietnamese continued to suffer from internal political divisions. Throughout most of the 17th and 18th centuries, contending families in the north and south struggled to control the powerless kings of the Le dynasty.
Vietnam was reunited following a devastating civil war in the 18th century but soon fell prey to the expansion of European colonialism. The French conquest of Vietnam began in 1858 with an attack on what is now the city of Danang.
Fiercely nationalistic, the Vietnamese never truly accepted the imposition of French rule. By 1930, the Vietnamese Nationalist Party had staged the first significant armed uprising against the French, but its virtual destruction in the ensuing French repression left the leadership of the anti-colonial movement to those more adept at underground organization and survival - the communists.
A prolonged three-way struggle ensued among the Vietnamese communists (led by Ho Chi Minh), the French, and the Vietnamese nationalists (nominally led by Emperor Bao Dai). Ho Chi Minh's Viet Minh forces fought a highly successful guerrilla campaign and eventually controlled much of rural Vietnam. The French military disaster at Dien Bien Phu in May 1954 and the conference at Geneva, where France signed the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities in Vietnam on July 20, 1954, marked the end of the eight-year war and French colonial rule in Indochina.
By 1963 the Vietnamese communists had made significant progress in building a strong network of supporters in South Vietnam. Nevertheless, in 1964 Hanoi decided that the Viet Cong (VC) cadres and their supporters were not sufficient to take advantage of the political confusion following the overthrow of Diem in November 1963. Hanoi ordered regular troops of the North Vietnamese army (People's Army of Vietnam - PAVN) into South Vietnam, first as ‘fillers’ in VC units, then in regular formations. The first regimental units were dispatched in the autumn of 1964. By 1968, PAVN forces were enduring most combat on the communist side.
In December 1961 President Diem requested assistance from the United States. President Kennedy sent US military advisers to South Vietnam to help the government deal with the instability that plagued the southern part of Vietnam. By the spring of 1969 the United States had reached its greatest troop strength - 543,000 - in Vietnam.
While the United States withdrew from ground combat by 1971, it still provided air and sea support to the South Vietnamese until the signing of the ceasefire agreements. The peace agreement was concluded on January 27, 1973. At the beginning of 1975, the North Vietnamese began a major offensive in the South that succeeded in breaking through the central highlands defences. After taking over provincial capitals in that area, a combination of forces from the demilitarised zone area and the highlands led to the withdrawal of South Vietnamese forces.
For the first few months after the war, separate governments were maintained in the northern and southern parts of the country. However, in mid-November 1975, the decision to reunify the country was announced, despite the vast social and economic differences remaining between the two sections. The assembly ratified the reunification of the country and on July 2 renamed it the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV). It also appointed a committee to draft a new constitution for the entire country. |
|
Religion
Vietnam supports adherents of all the major world religions, as well as followers of religions that are peculiarly Vietnamese: Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, Protestant and Catholic Christianity, Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, Cao Daism, Hoa Hao and Hinduism. In addition spirit and ancestor worship, To Tien, is also practiced. Confucianism is probably the most pervasive doctrine of all.
People
Ethnic Vietnamese constitute almost 90 percent of the population in Vietnam. Originating in what is now southern China and northern Vietnam, the Vietnamese people pushed southward over several centuries to occupy the entire eastern seacoast of the Indochinese Peninsula. This expansion began in 939 AD, after a millennium of Chinese occupation. Although Vietnamese culture was strongly influenced by traditional Chinese civilization, the struggle for political independence from China developed a strong sense of national identity in the Vietnamese people. Nearly 100 years of French rule (1858-1954) introduced important European elements, but the Vietnamese still attach great importance to the family and continue to observe rites honoring their ancestors, indicating the persistence of tradition.
Various ethnic groups make up the remaining 10 percent of the population, with approximately 1.2 million Chinese, concentrated in southern Vietnam, being the most numerous.
The second largest minority, the southern Montagnards (mountain people) comprises two main ethno-linguistic groups - Malayo-Polynesian and Mon-Khmer. About 30 groups of various cultures and dialects are spread over the highland territory. The third largest minority is the Khmer Krom (Cambodians), numbering about 600,000, who are concentrated in the southern provinces near the Cambodian border and at the mouth of the Mekong River. Most are farmers. Other minority groups include Cham (remnants of the once-mighty Kingdom of Champa, destroyed by the Vietnamese in the 16th century).
Arts and Architecture
The first flourishing of Vietnamese art occurred with the emergence of the Dongson culture on the coast of Annam and Tonkin between 500 and 200 BC. The inspiration for the magnificent bronzes produced by the artists of Dongson originated from China: the decorative motifs have clear affinities with earlier Chinese bronzes. At the same time, the exceptional skill of production and decoration argues that these pieces represent some of the first and finest Southeast Asian works of art. This is most evident in the huge and glorious bronze drums that can be seen in museums in both Hanoi and Saigon. If there was ever a 'golden' period of the Vietnamese art and architecture it was that of the former central Vietnamese kingdom of Champa, centerd on the Annamite coast. It flowered in the 10th and 11th centuries. Only 20 of 250 former sites have survived the intervening centuries, the most famous being My Son and Dong Duong. Characteristic of Vietnamese art and architecture are the pagodas and palaces at Hue and Hanoi, although Chinese prototypes are evident.
Manners
The Vietnamese used to greet one another by clasping their hands, prayer-like, in front of their faces and bowing slightly. Unfortunately, this charming custom has been replaced by the handshake. When trying to gain the attention of a Vietnamese, try not to point or gesture excessively. This is regarded as rude. Call out their names if possible, if not beckon by using the whole hand, palm downwards. Again, as in the other countries of Southeast Asia, do not touch people on the head as it is regarded as spiritually the 'highest' part of the body. Expect to be the center of attention outside Saigon, Hanoi and the main tourist centers. React accordingly and be a good ambassador.
Dance and Theatre
Classical Vietnamese theatre, known as hat boi, shows links with the classical theatre of China. Since the partition of the country in 1954, there has developed what might be termed 'revolutionary realist' theatre and classical Vietnamese theatre is almost defunct today. However, the most original theatrical art form in Vietnam is mua roi muoc or water puppet theatre. Plays are based on historical or religious themes: the origins of the Viet nation, legends, village life and acts of heroism. Some include the use of fireworks - especially during battle scenes - while folk opera singers and traditional instruments accompany all performances. Performances usually begin with the clown, Teu, taking the stage and acting as a linking character between the various scenes. |
|
Places to Visit
The Vietnam of today is influenced not only by its ancient traditions and culture but also by its chequered and often tragic past. Vietnam is finding its way back to its ancient roots of serenity and family oriented lifestyle. Experience a country still unspoiled and tolerant, a country quite unique in the world.
Hanoi
Vietnam's lovely capital is a city of lakes, shaded boulevards and public parks. With narrow alleyways lined with shophouses selling traditional handicrafts and arts, the old center is an enchanting place to wander. Other major attractions include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and house.
Cuc Phuong National Park
The largest national park of Vietnam is home to unique flora and fauna. Many species dwelling were no longer found anywhere else in the world. Excursions under the expert guidance of park rangers help visitors experience this unique habitat. The park also includes the largest jungles remaining in Vietnam.
Dien Bien Phu
In the far northwest of Vietnam near the Laotian border in a beautiful valley, the last, decisive battle with the French was fought in 1954. The journey to this remote region passes through impressive and picturesque mountain terrain with glimpses of ethnic villages - a very special experience.
Hue
This imperial city was the cultural and intellectual center of Vietnam. The old imperial palace, the citadel and the Thien Mu Pagoda, which is one of Vietnam's landmarks, are only a few examples of the sights of Hue. There is also a boat trip down the Perfumed River, which leads to the six impressive imperial tombs.
Hoa Binh
The capital of the province of the same name is the starting-point for excursions to the Muong and the Thai-minorities still living in their traditional pile-dwellings. See traditional dances and taste traditional tribal food prepared especially for visitors from afar.
Halong Bay
With thousands of exquisite limestone islands rising from the waters, this bay was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. According to legend, the bay's beautiful scenery was carved out by a dragon as he made his flight seawards. The bay is best enjoyed by a leisurely excursion by boat, with stops to explore the area's many cliffs and caves.
Nha Trang
Nha Trang is perhaps one of Vietnam's most beautiful seaside resorts. It features miles and miles of empty beaches, deserted bays, numerous islands and coral reefs. Swim, snorkel and dive all day. Nha Trang has many good mid-range hotels. There are beach cafes, fine seafood restaurants and one beach resort.
Danang
The road from Danang to Hue crosses the famous Pass of Ocean Clouds, one of the most spectacular parts of Highway One. The Cham Museum, the Marble Mountains and China Beach are all in close vicinity, the latter being famous for the wave surfing GIs of the Vietnam War.
Hoi An
For many centuries Hoi An was one of South-East Asia's most important ports. Fortunately Hoi An was spared much of the destruction of the Vietnam War. No other town in Vietnam has such well-preserved ancient buildings. Today Hoi An is unsurpassed for its charm and has blossomed into an artists' colony.
Dalat
Vietnam's honeymoon town nestles in a mountain valley at an altitude of 5000 ft. (1500 m). The climate is temperate and the cool evenings attract newly weds from all over Vietnam. The area is dotted with lakes, waterfalls, evergreen forests and gardens.
Mekong Delta
This huge river delta is home to a bustling rural culture of floating markets along its many river branches and canals. Although it is difficult to single out individual towns, Vinh Long, Chau Doc, Ha Tien, Soc Trang and Tra Vinh are all especially worth seeing.
Con Dao
The notorious penitentiary island Con Dao is the home of the 'tiger cages', made famous by movies on Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Once again the city has become the effervescent economic center of Vietnam. To some it's a hectic and terribly noisy city, to others the former 'Paris of the East' with Vietnam's best restaurants and cafes and an intense nightlife. Saigon has restored famous hotels like the Majestic, the Continental and the Rex and boasts recently opened Asian luxury hotels a la Bangkok or Singapore.
|
|
Visa Procedures for Vietnam
Who Needs a Visa. Most nationalities require a visa to enter Vietnam. Exceptions are listed below:
* Citizens of Kyrgizistan may enter Vietnam for 90 days without a visa.
* Citizens of the following countries may enter Vietnam for 30 days without a visa: Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.
* Citizens of the Philippines may enter Vietnam for 21 days without a visa.
* Citizens of the following countries may enter Vietnam for 15 days without a visa: Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.
Types of Tourist Visa
- Single-Entry Visas. Valid for 31 days after date of entry; must be used within one year of being issued
- Multiple-Entry Visas. Valid for 31 days after the date of first entry; must be used within one year of being issued. Required for all travellers who will leave and re-enter Vietnam on one itinerary (with the exception of travellers who fly in and connect immediately to an international flight, but never leave the international terminal. Travellers who connect to a domestic flight before connecting to an international flight must still apply for a multiple-entry visa). Additional surcharges may apply.
Methods of Applying for a Visa. There are two methods of applying for a visa from Vietnam: applying through a Vietnamese Embassy and applying for visa on arrival. Please note that, in order to obtain a visa on arrival, the traveller needs to apply for an invitation letter before the date of travel.
Visa Extensions. Visa extensions are available from 1 month to a maximum of 6 months.
International Entry Points
International Airports
1. Noi Bai Internat’l Airport (Hanoi)*
2. Da Nang Internat’l Airport*
3. Tan Son Nhat Internat’l Airport (Saigon)*
Overland Border Crossings
Cambodia:
1. Vinh Xuong (near Chau Doc) - Khorm Samnor
2. Moc Bai - Bavet
Laos:
1. Cau Treo, Tatinh - Nam Phao (Lak Xao), Bokikhamxai Province*
2. Lao Bao, Quang Tri - Dan Savanh, Savannakhet Province
3. Chalo, Quang Binh - Na Phao, Khammouane Province**
4. Nameo, Thankh Hoa - Banleui, Houa Phan Province*
5. Nam Kanh, Nghe An - Nong Het, Xieng Khuang Province**
6. Kontum - Phou Keua
China:
1. Huu Nghi/Dong Dang (near Lang Son) - Huu Nghi Quan, China
2. Lao Cai - Ha Khau, China
3. Mong Cai - Dong Hung, China
* Indicates that visa-on-arrival facilities are available. However, Indochina Services recommends visa on arrival only at international airports or major entry points; at smaller border crossigs, this process may be more time consuming.
** Indicates poor road conditions - not advisable for group travel.
Applying For a Visa On Arrival
In order to obtain a visa on arrival, it is necessary to have an invitation letter from the Vietnamese Authorities, which is available from Indochina Services.
Available Entry Points. Visa on arrival is available at the three international airports (Hanoi, Danang and Saigon).
Requirements
1. Invitation letter from the Vietnam authorities (see procedure below)
2. Passport (must be valid for at least six months, and have one full page for the visa stamp)
3. Two recent passport photos
4. USD 25 in cash (USD 50 for multiple entry)
5. Visa application form (available at the airport)
Procedure and Processing Time for Obtaining an Invitation Letter
Indochina Services can apply for an invitation letter for any clients with a roundtrip booking with us in Vietnam. An application fee will apply: please see current tariff for rates. To apply, submit the following details to service@orientalescape.com:
- Passport details (full name, date of birth, gender, nationality, passport number, date of issue, date of expiry)
- Dates of travel
- Port of entry
- Specify single or multiple entry
Please allow for at least 7-10 days to process the invitation letter. Urgent visa approvals are available within 5-7 working days, with additional surcharges
Procedure and Processing Time on Arrival in Vietnam
Hand over the passport, invitation letter, application form, passport photos and fee to the visa counter at the airport. Average processing time is 30 minutes, but this may vary.
NOTE: during the annual TET Festival in late January/early February, Immigrations offices are closed. No applications for invitation letters or approval numbers can be processed during this time. Before and after the holiday, approvals are often delayed due to the volume of applications. All travellers planning to come to Vietnam in this period should submit their applications well in advance.
Applying For a Visa From a Vietnamese Embassy
Requirements
1. Visa approval number from the Vietnamese authorities (see procedure below)
2. Passport (must be valid for at least six months, and have one full page for the visa stamp)
3. Two recent passport photos
4. Visa application fee (please contact embassy for current fees)
5. Two visa application forms
Procedure and Processing Time for Obtaining a Visa Approval Number
1) Applying directly from the embassy. Please contact your nearest Vietnamese Embassy for procedures and processing times, as they may vary from embassy to embassy.
2) Applying from the embassy with a visa approval number obtained from Indochina Services. Indochina Services can apply for visa approval numbers for clients who have roundtrip bookings with us. Applying with a visa approval number can mean lower visa fees from the embassy and expedited service.
Step 1: Apply for an approval number from Indochina Services
* Please sumbit the following details;
- Passport details (full name, date of birth, gender, nationality, passport number, date of issue, date of expiry)
- Dates of travel
- Port of entry
- Please specify single or multiple entry
* Processing time: please allow 7-10 days for processing. Urgent visa approvals are available in 5-6 days, with additional surcharges.
* Fees: this service is free of charge for clients with roundtrip bookings, but service fees apply for hotel-only bookings, and for urgent visa approvals.
Step 2: Apply for the visa from the Embassy. After receiving your visa approval number, please submit the following documents and information to your nearest Vietnamese embassy. Please check for fees and processing time with the embassy nearest you;
- Visa approval number
- Passport (must be valid for at least six months, and have one full page for the visa stamp)
- Two recent passport photos
- Visa application fee (please contact embassy for current fees)
- Two visa application forms
Procedure and Processing Time for Obtaining a Visa
Please contact the Vietnamese Embassy nearest you for procedures and processing time, as they may vary.
Procedure and Processing Time on Arrival in Vietnam
Hand over the passport with visa to the visa counter at the airport. Average processing time is 30 minutes.
Important Notes:
Please recheck the dates noted on the visa stamp to make sure that they match the dates of travel, and that it is the correct type of visa (single-entry or multiple-entry). If the wrong date or type is stamped, travellers may be refused entry into the country.
TET Festival: during the annual TET Festival in late January/early February, Immigrations offices are closed. No applications for invitation letters or approval number can be processed during this time. Before and after the holiday, approvals are often delayed due to the volume of applications. All travellers planning to come to Vietnam in this period should submit their applications well in advance.
|
|
Getting around in Vietnam
In the early 1990's, when Vietnam first reopened its doors to foreign visitors, the transportation infrastructure was creaking at best and totally dysfunctional at worst. A product of a few generations of war followed by a punitive and punishing economic embargo, the nation's transport was unreliable, expensive and uncomfortable. The grandiose-sounding Highway One was dotted with rusted-out ferry crossings in place of bombed out bridges; the rail system was glacially-paced and expensive. Budget airlines were unheard of and domestic carrier Vietnam Airlines was double priced, unreliable and equipped with vintage Russian aircraft.
Plane
Vietnam Airlines and Jetstar are the two main domestic carriers. Fares are very reasonable and the frequency of flights to main hubs are good. Flights can be a handy way to lop off a day of travel for not as many dong as you may expect -- Hanoi to Dien Bien Phu and Saigon to Phu Quoc Island are both popular time-savers.
Train
Vietnam's train system is a lot better than is used to be, and while it's not all that cheap, it's comfortable, exceedingly scenic in places, and an overall very interesting and fun way to travel.
If you're travelling in high season or especially over Tet, book as far in advance as possible. On the downside it serves only the Vietnamese coastline along with a couple of spurs out af Hanoi (most notably northwest to Sapa). The coastal line serves many of the key destinations in Vietnam, notable exceptions are Hoi An (alight at Da Nang), Qui Nhon (alight at Dieu Tri) and Mui Ne (alight at Muong Man).
The Railways Vietnam website has comprehensive and accurate timetable and price information. Travelfish members can also avail themselves of the PDF timetable and pricelist we put together after fighting our way through the Vietnam Railways website. You can download it from the resources section of the Member Centre.
Automobile
Rental cars for long distance travel are yet to be much popularised in Vietnam, and seeing the state of the traffic it's easy to see why. Most who opt for self-drive transport do it via motorcycle rather than car.
Local buses and minibuses
These take about as long as Open Tours but can be overloaded to outrageous degrees. On the upside -- you'll be the only foreigner on board -- on the downside, it won't take too long to figure out why. Local buses and minibuses are fine for trips under three to four hours, but longer than that can be a bit gruelling.
One disadvantage of the local bus system is that the bus stations they operate from are often on the outskirts of town and the transport to and from the bus station (mainly xe oms) will gouge you heartlessly given the opportunity, thus reducing your saving in travelling this way.
Motobike
Grab a minsk and hit the road. These bikes can be purchased for as little as a few hundred US dollars and you'll often not have too many troubles selling the bike off to another traveller when the time comes to leave Vietnam. The bikes are only semi-reliable, but just about any local with a screwdriver should be able to fix it up should you have minor ailments. If you don't want to listen to us, listen to your Mum -- invest in a helmet -- easily purchased in both Hanoi and Saigon. For more information, read our feature story on exploring Vietnam by motorcycle.
Bicycle
Long, with a scenic flat coastline, Vietnam can be a great destination for cyclists. The only really gruelling part is the northern mountains -- even the Central Highlands are not really all that hilly. Most nearly every town in Vietnam will have some lodgings, so you shouldn't struggle for a room. Things to pack -- a good supply of inner tubes and patch kits -- and of course, your bike -- but you probably knew that already. Vietnamese bikes are not of a very high standard, so BYO bike is a very good idea. The country has a pretty good network of secondary roads which are far preferable to cycling on the main road, where cyclists rank just above chickens in the pecking order ... get it ;-) -- you will be expected to yield to all larger vehicles.
Boat
This is only really an option in the Mekong Delta, where you can travel in both tourist boats for short haul trips and take freighters for longer trips. The former are comfortable, the latter can sometimes be comfortable, other times less so. Boat transport is slow -- figure on two days for a trip from My Tho to Chau Doc on the Cambodian border. The most popular tourist service are the ferries from Saigon to Vung Tao, and the boats from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh. Boat travel generally works out as being more expensive than bus travel over a similar route. |
|
Currency
The currency of Vietnam is the dong. All goods and services can and should be paid for in dong. Exceptions are made in hotels and when buying international air tickets. Shops and restaurants in the bigger cities will also accept US dollars, but you should be aware of the fact that usually a lower exchange rate will be used. It is therefore advisable to change a certain amount of Vietnamese dong to cover your day-to-day expenses.
Travellers Cheques
Travellers cheques must denominated in US dollars. You can change them to dong or to US dollars (with a 2 percent commission). Those issued by American Express, Bank of America, Citicorp, First National City Bank, Thomas Cook, and Visa are accepted. They are also accepted at major tourist hotels, but not in most shops. Vietnam is still very much a cash economy.
Credit Cards
Visa, Mastercard and - with exceptions - American Express are accepted in virtually every hotel in major cities throughout the country, as well as in upmarket restaurants, especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Health
No vaccinations are officially required by the Vietnamese authorities, but immunization against hepatitis, typhoid, tetanus and polio is advised. Vaccination for typhoid fever is recommended for long stay and intensive travelling tourists. Rabies is widespread in Vietnam, so you are advised to avoid dogs and other animals that may bite as a precaution.
Malaria
Malaria is widespread in the Central Highlands and some parts of the Mekong Delta. The best protection against malaria is to avoid being bitten in the first place. Check with your physician about taking a course of anti-malarials. If it is considered necessary given your itinerary, you might need to begin before your trip and continue for a time after you return. But if you are not traveling to the Central Highlands nor going on overnight treks in the mountain region of Sapa, no anti-malarial drugs are needed.
Dengue fever, which is also transmitted by mosquitoes, is often mistaken for malaria. Its symptoms are severe pain in the joints, high fever, and extreme headache. Aside from avoiding being bitten altogether (this mosquito is active in daytime and is often a striped variety), there is no prevention available. Hospital treatment is urgently required.
Food & Water
As with most underdeveloped countries, stomach upsets and diarrhea are a common problem and can ruin a visit. Most problems stem from contaminated water. Unless it has been thoroughly boiled, do not drink tap water. You should also avoid ice in drinks, especially in the countryside. Imported bottled water is available in most cities, but beware of bottles that have been refilled with tap water. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are fine and in hotels you can use the hot water in your room to make Chinese tea. You should have no problems with thoroughly cooked food, but stay clear of anything that looks like it has been reheated from a previous meal. Take care with seafood and avoid undercooked meat. Only eat fruit that you have peeled yourself, and salads should be given a miss.
Security
When planning your trip abroad, take steps to protect yourself from crime or theft. Vietnam is a relatively safe destination, with a low record of petty crime experienced by travellers but crimes against travelers are a growing problem worldwide.
Mines & Munitions
Although most of the land mines have been cleared you should avoid walking through jungle or remote areas, especially in the north of the country.
Communication
Telephone
The country code is 84, the area code for Hanoi is 04, Saigon 08, Hue 054 and Danang 0511. International calls from international hotels cost between US $3 and US $5 per minute.
Mobile Telephone
More roaming contracts being signed with cellular phone providers in different countries.
Time Zonev
Standard time in Vietnam is 6 hours ahead of Central European Time (CET), 7 hours ahead of GMT, 12 hours ahead of time in New York, 3 hours behind time in Sydney and in the same time zone as Bangkok.
Electricity
Electricity: 220V / 50V.
However, electricity supply can be unreliable in smaller towns. |
|
Eating & Drinking
Vietnamese cuisine is a mixture of Chinese, French and a little Thai and is one of the most sophisticated cuisines in Asia. The basic ingredients of Vietnamese cuisine are rice and the famous fish-sauce, nouc mam.
One of the specialties of Vietnamese cuisine are spring rolls, ingredients and size vary depending on the region of the country. The traditional breakfast, chicken soup (pho ga) or beef soup (pho bo) is available at most of the food stalls on the main streets of nearly every city in Vietnam.
Shopping
Vietnam offers a huge variety of souvenirs and traditional handicrafts. Popular buys include lacquerware, ceramics, embroidery, silk and paintings. As with most countries, the Vietnamese government does not allow the export of any item of historic or cultural significance. Saigon has the best buys for modern goods like CDs and clothing. |
|
|
Fast Facts
cambodia
laos
myanmar
thailand
vietnam
tour pacakage
customized trip
