Vietnam

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Quick Facts

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Local name

Việt Nam

Capital

Hanoi

Government

Communist State

Nationality

Vietnamese

Population

84 155 800^[1]

Languages

Vietnamese, English, French, Chinese, Khmer

Religions

Buddhism, Christianity (Catholic)

Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Calling Code

+84

Time Zone

UTC+7

Summer (DST)

Not observed

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Introduction

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© All Rights Reserved a.devaud

The setting of the most protested and controversial war of the second half of the 20th century, Vietnam is once again hosting thousands of Americans - but this time they're armed with money, not guns. And they are not alone, as travellers from around the world are flocking to Vietnam. Perhaps partly due to the memory of the Vietnam War, travel in Vietnam is cheap and only just on its way into fruition. But change seems to occur at a rapid rate in Vietnam, as the country busily promotes its palette of offerings: a culture kept bravely alive through the nation's tumultuous past, hot white beaches, peaceful inland rainforests, picturesque rugged landscapes and, of course, a varied and delicious cuisine. In essence, Vietnam has all the delights one would expect of southeast Asia, at a better price.

Brief History

Geography

Vietnam is a long narrow country running along the Golf of Tonkin to the South China Sea. Once a traveler leaves the coast, the mountains, covered densely with jungle, begin. These mountains are home to many different minority groups that are completely different from the Vietnamese. Because the country is so long and narrow, when the weather is good in one half of the country it can be bad in the other half.

Vietnam shares international borders with Cambodia, Laos and China. It is very easy to cross over land with Cambodia and China in certain places. Although it is difficult and time consuming to cross overland to Laos, many people say it is worth it.

Regions

• Northern Vietnam - Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa, Lao Cai, Ninh Binh
• North Central Coast - Vinh
• Central Coast - Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An
• Central Highlands - Dalat
• South Central Coast - Nha Trang
• Southern Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City is the country's economic heartland
• Mekong Delta - Mytho, Cantho

Cities

• Hanoi - The capital
• Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
• Da Nang
• Hué - Former Imperial capital
• Hoi An - Customise fitted high quality clothing
• Can Tho
• My Tho
• Ha Long
• Vinh
• Vung Tau
• Dalat - A wonderful hill town with a mild climate and nice pine forests.
• Ninh Binh - City centre is dirty and industrial - escape that and you're in paradise
• Nha Trang - Technically a seaside resort town, but on the backpacker route

Sights and Activities

Halong Bay

Halong Panorama

© All Rights Reserved tranthai

Halong Bay is located in the north of the country, along the coastline east of Hanoi. It is world famous for its spectacular scenery of grottoes and caves, forms the central zone of Halong Bay, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. One activity recommended here is Kayaking.

Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels are located near the town with the same name, about 40 kilometers north of Ho Chi Minh City. It is a large underground community made up of 250 km of tunnels and chambers below the city. Although they were used extensively during the Vietnam War in the sixties and seventies of the twentieth century to provide refuge and a defensive advantage over the American soldiers, the original tunnels were already being made during the French occupation about 30 years earlier.

Beachlife

Vietnam, especially the southern half, has some very fine beach resorts but along the entire coast you can find some perfect kilometers long white beaches, fringed with palms and the warm waters are pleasant to have a swim or at some cases go snorkeling and diving. Nha Trang and Mui Ne are just a few options you can choose from. Con Dao Island and Phu Quoc Island south of Vietnam are perfect with nice beaches and coral reefs. Nha Trang is THE place for partying and a great place to unwind as per of a trip around Vietnam.

Sapa

Terraces in Sapa valley 2

© All Rights Reserved Wardsan

In the extreme north of the country, towards the border with China there are some great mountain landscapes to explore near Sapa. The scenery is outstanding with rice terraces clinging to the hills and with several minorities to be visited as well. Sapa itself is a picturesque village that lies on the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. Ethnic minorities to be visited in and around Sapa are Hmong and Dao to name just a few.

Other sights

• Hue is the former home of Vietnam's emperors, places on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• Hoi An is an ancient port city, als on the UNESCO World Heritage list]]. Its the place for having (silk) suits/ties/shirts made (and to a very high standard)
• Cao Dai Temple, near Tay Ninh.
• My Son ruins near Hoi An is an interesting ruined Kham city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site]].
• Central Highlands offers rough mountain scenery and minority people near Kontum.
• Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a former border area of North and South Vietnam.
• Motorbike Tour of Dalat - Located in the hills west of Ho Chi Minh City, Dalat is a pleasant city and the local Easy Riders offer great motorbike tours in the countryside allowing an amazing glimpse into the everyday life of the local Vietnamese.

Events and Festivals

• Tet Nguyen Dan, or simply Tet, celebrates the Vietnamese New Year and is the country's most popular holiday.

Weather

Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate dominated by south to southeasterly winds from May until September and northerly to northeasterly winds between October and April. But there are differences between north and south. Also coastal areas compared to mountainous areas have huge differences, not only regarding temperature but also regarding rainfall. During the latter period (October to April) rainfall is infrequent and light. Annual rainfall is almost everywhere above 1000 mm and rises to between 2000 mm and 2500 mm, especially the areas that are facing the sea.
On the coast and in those parts of the central highlands that face northeast, the season of maximum rainfall is between September and January. This area often receives heavy rain from typhoons and there is also much cloud and frequent drizzle. In the north of Vietnam there are more cloudy days with occasional light rain during the period of the northeast monsoon. The south of the country is more likely to be dry and sunny at this time. In the southern and central parts of Vietnam temperatures remain high around the year, but in the north there is a definite cooler season as the north monsoon brings colder air from central China from time to time. Temperatures in Hanoi can sometimes be rather chilly, although averages are quite pleasant, between 20 and 23 degrees during the day. Most rain here falls from June to September when temperatures can reach well over 35 degrees Celsius. Although the rainfall applies to Ho Chi Minh City as well, temperatures are high year round, 31 degrees during the day, 23 at night. The best time for visiting most of the country are Februry and March, avoiding most of the wet weather in the country and temperatures being pleasant as well. Only in the north you can have some cooler days and colder nights.

Getting There

By Plane

There are three international airports in Vietnam:

• Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), serving Ho Chi Minh City.
• Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), serving Hanoi.
• Da Nang International Airport (DAD), serving Da Nang.

Vietnam Airlines is the national airline. For Vietnam Airlines flights, in Hanoi call (04) 934 9660, in Ho Chi Minh City call (08) 832 0320. For other flights, call their airline office in Vietnam.

On international flights there is an airport tax of US$14. Children under two are exempt and the airport tax is included in the ticket price for domestic flights.

Lost & Found

• Noi Bai Airport: (04) 884-0008 or 886-5013
• Tan Son Nhat Airport: (08) 844-6665, ext. 7461

By Train

It is possible to go to and from China by rail between the Vietnamese town of Lao Cai and Kunming in Yunnan province. Lang Son to Nanning is another option and there are longdistance-trains from Beijing via Dong Dang to Hanoi and back. Check the Vietnam Railways website for more information about schedules and prices.

By Car

Vietnam can be entered by car from China, Cambodia and Laos, but few travellers do this. Crossings to and from Laos especially can be tough going. If you manage, be sure to have proper documentation and insurance and of course an international driving permit.

By Bus

Getting to Vietnam from China is relatively easy. The Friendship Gate border crossing is painless. From Nanning it is possible to catch a ride in a local bus or taxi cheaply and once through the gate, there are plenty of cheap transport options south into Vietnam.

Getting to Vietnam from Cambodia is an adventure worth considering. The most popular route is by bus through the north, but a more adventurous route is via Sihanoukville, along the coast. This way you have the opportunity to do a two or three day Mekong Delta trip, as a journey along the Mekong is a treat.

Like all good things though it comes at a cost - in this case not a financial one - rather one of sanity. You will probably stay at a border island called Ko Kong - a largely under developed sess pool of gambling, black markets and drugs. Keep your wits about you here and you'll be fine though.

Trips from Phnom Penh cost about USD20 and include bus sand boat transfers to Ho Chi Minh City for two or three days. The northern route is easier and can be arranged in Seap Reap. This is a cheaper options but the roads are terrible and the scenery not as good.

Come prepared with money at the border wherever you arrive or depart from as the money changers are known to pass on counterfeit currency. Examine all notes carefully, thankfully, the Vietnamese Dong is now plastic so it is much harder to copy - not so the Chinese Yuan.

By Boat

There is a ferry from Phnom Penh in Cambodia to Chau Doc in the Mekong Delta. Tickets can be booked through local travel agents or at the dock. In additional there is a service from Can Tho to Phnom Penh.

Getting Around

By Plane

There are several airports in Vietnam making domestic flights possible. The two largest airports are in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, while there are smaller airports with regular service in Da Nang, Hue, Phu Quoc and Dalat. There are some even smaller airports located around the country with infrequent service.

By Train

Most of the train lines built in Vietnam during the 19th century were destroyed either in World War II or by the Americans. The main rail line links Ho Chi Minh City with Hanoi and was built after the Vietnam War. Then there are two other rail lines branching from Hanoi, one to Sapa and the other to Halong Bay.

Reunification Line
After the Vietnam War was over the Vietnamese government quickly connected Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi with a rail line. The key word here is quickly. The line is single-track, meaning different trains have to take turns going north or south, or sometimes trains are stopped for hours so freight trains can go by. Also every passenger train starts and ends in either Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. All these factors added together can make for massive delays that can be several hours. Therefore if a train is due in Hanoi at 5:00 am, it's more likely to get in around 9:00 am.

By Car

It is possible to rent a car with a driver in most Vietnamese cities. It is even possible to use these drivers to link you to other cities. Some people have rented cars and drivers for their whole trip while in Vietnam. More adventurous travellers have also purchased motorbikes and driven across the country themselves. The roads are pretty crazy in Vietnam and the traffic moves quickly and unpredictably. The main highway in the country links Ho Chi Minh City with Hanoi and there are several spurs off to other smaller cities.

By Bus

Open Bus Ticket
Throughout Vietnam the open bus ticket is a popular and cheap system of intercity bus travel. While local buses often run the intercity routes cheaper they are intended for locals and many inexperienced travellers may be overwhelmed.

The open bus system is sometimes referred to as a scam. Mainly because of poor expectation management on behalf of the traveller or how random it can be sometimes. Although the different open bus ticket companies are completely different therefore make sure to ask other travellers about which company to use.

In general for about $25 you can get a 7 stop open ticket on buses. This allows you to get on and off at the most popular Vietnam destinations. The stops are negotiable as is the price. It is essential that you are happy with the price you pay because the standards of the buses you will ride on will vary greatly depending on the day and the company. If you're expecting a stinky local bus without air conditioning, doing the normal intercity route and overcrowded, you won't be disappointed - if you get a classy superliner coach you will be happy.

Like most other tourist products in Vietnam, you don't always get what you pay for - be sceptical of touts offering air conditioning, big buses only and negotiate for the lowest price you can. Another perk of the open bus ticket is that the buses tend to pick up and drop off travellers in the touristy part cities. Travellers can also buy one stop tickets from open bus ticket vendors.

By Boat

Getting around Vietnam by boat is a little complicated. Many tourist trips offer day trips and over night trips on boats as part of a tour. Although actual domestic travel on boats is next to impossible to find as a foreigner. If someone is willing to spend a lot of time working on finding passenger ferries it might be possible. Although it will most likely be extremely local and rustic.

Red Tape

Visitors from the following countries do not require a visa for tourism purposes for a limited period of stay.^[2]

• 30 days: Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand.
• 15 days: Denmark, Finland, Japan, Norway, South Korea, Sweden.

All other nationalities are required to obtain a tourist visa, which are generally valid for 30 days. Visas can be obtained from Vietnamese Embassies and Consulates abroad. Cost of tourist visa vary from one Vietnamese Embassy to another. When your passport is returned to you from the Vietnamese embassy, one application form with photo will be returned along with it. Keep the form, as you will be required to hand it to the immigration upon arrival in Vietnam. If you misplaced this form, you can complete a new form upon arrival – there are photo booths at the airport. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the end of the trip.

For the adventurous travellers that do the crossing from Cambodia, visa support is provided very cheaply from the myriad of guesthouses in Phnom Penh. The processing time takes about three days or less.

Money

See also: Money Matters

The currency in Vietnam is the Dong (VND). The US dollar is also still widely accepted at hotels, but you should have local currency available for use anywhere else. Credit card acceptance is spreading in higher-end hotels, restaurants and shops in big cities, but outside of these cash is still by far preferable. Never change money on the streets from hustlers.

ATMs or cash machines

ATMs are now the easiest way to get hold of your money in Vietnam. ATMs are a common site in most Vietnamese towns.^[3] The number of ATMs in the country is increasing all the time, and there is now usually at least one ATM in every town, more in the larger cities. However, it is not sensible to rely on them entirely, as ATMs can go down, or might be out of cash, and you could also be left penniless if you were to lose your card. A combination of bank cards, cash and a few travellers cheques is often best.

Pounds sterling or travellers' cheques

Larger value notes such as £50 and £100 usually get the best exchange rate, but you get a lot of Dong for £100 so it's best not to change up too much at a time. Travellers' cheques can be cashed in banks and money exchanges in the larger towns/cities.

Credit Cards

These are accepted in the larger hotels and restaurants, as well as a limited number of banks. Visa and MasterCard are the most often accepted cards. Very few places will accept American Express cards - so they are better left at home. Money, passports and other valuables like travellers' cheques are best kept in a safety deposit box at your hotel. Never leave valuables or money unattended in your hotel room. It's also advisable to avoid carrying unnecessary valuables on your person, especially at night, just in case.

Personal expenditure

You can spend very little or a lot in Vietnam depending on your personal spending pattern. A modest weekly budget of approx. £70 (around $55-USD) for day to day things like food, drinks, tips, entry fees (when not included) and small souvenirs. This amount is naturally just an estimate.

Greenback (US Dollars - $)

There is no "black market" in Vietnam, but US Dollars are widely accepted by the locals. Sometimes things are quoted in US Dollars, even if you then pay for them in Dong. It's very handy to have some low denomination notes ($1, $5 and $10) in your wallet, they can make wonderful things happen!

Tipping

It is not customary to leave a tip in small local eateries, but more sophisticated restaurants will expect a tip. Tips are often divided between the waiting and kitchen staff, so if you have experienced great food and service, it is advisable to show your appreciation with a tip- between 5-10% of the bill is normal. A tip is also very welcomed by local guides and drivers.

Work

Study

Language

Eat

Sleep

As hotels and private hosts must register your presence with the police, you’ll be expected to hand over your passport, along with your visa number and your yellow form upon checking in.

Drink

Health

See also: Travel Health

There are no specific health requirements for entry into Vietnam, however you should contact your local doctor for updated information if you are planning a trip. Some will recommend vaccinations and anti malaria prescriptions depending on where you are planning to travel to and from.

It's advisable that you visit your local GP or medical facility at least 6 weeks before you depart.

Vietnam has a tropical climate, and you are therefore at greater risk of becoming ill than you are in Europe. There are more varieties of bacteria in a tropical climate, and your body isn't as used to them as you don't live in that area of the world. Although the risk of getting ill must not be exaggerated, and certainly should not spoil the enjoyment of your holiday, it is advisable to be prepared for your trip and to be aware of the health risks of that country.

Vaccinations for Vietnam

DTP

Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio. This combined vaccination is recommended for almost everywhere outside Europe. The vaccination lasts for 10 years.

Hepatitis A

You can choose either short-term or long-term protection. The long-term version lasts 10 years.

Typhoid

This vaccination is advised by most health organisation, if you are planning to stay for longer than 2 weeks in Vietnam. The vaccination provides 3 years' protection.

Malaria

Malaria does exist in Vietnam, and although it is not a major problem it is extremely important you seek up-to-date advice from your GP before you travel. The entire coastal region and the flat delta regions (Red River Delta and Mekong Delta) are almost malaria-free, except for the most southerly point of the Mekong Delta to the south of Ca Mau. All provincial capitals are also malaria-free except for Kon Tum.

Because anti-malaria medicine is quite strong, and the fact that there is not a really large risk of malaria in many areas, some travellers do not take any medication. That is the decision of each traveller, and should be based upon the information they have received from the NHS or medical authority.

The best bet is to try and reduce the risk of catching malaria by preventative measures. Keeping your arms, legs and feet covered in the evenings, using anti-mosquito spray/cream on exposed areas of skin (the best ones contain DEET), and sleeping under a mosquito net where possible.

If during or after your trip you find yourself with flu-like symptoms lasting longer than two days (even upto 2 months after your return back home), seek the advice of a doctor immediately, and advise you have been in a malaria area.

Dengue fever and Japanese B encephalitis

Both of these diseases are carried by mosquitoes, so you can take the same precautions as for malaria. For more information about these diseases, and the status of any outbreaks, you're advised to seek the advice of the NHS or a suitable medical institution.

There is no vaccine against dengue, however, there is for Japanese B encephalitis, which is advised but only if you are going to be in Asia for longer than six months.

Before You Travel

You are advised to visit your local GP at least 6 weeks before you depart. They can check your records and advise what vaccinations you already have, and what you will need.

If you are currently taking prescription medicines, take the information leaflet with you and some spare medicine.
This can help in two ways :
1) There will be no chance for confusion at customs.
2) It will make life much easier trying to if you happen to lose your medication and need to replacce it whilst away.

If you wear glasses or use contact lenses, it's a good idea to take a copy of your prescription or a spare pair of glasses or lenses.

Health on location

Of course it's important that you avoid becoming ill while you are on holiday. When you're away on holiday remain alert: when in doubt, consult a doctor. If you have language problems you can ask our local agents in the larger towns and cities to help.

Jet Lag

Jet lag is when your biological clock is confused, caused by flying through different time zones. The body has to adjust to the new biorhythm for the first few days after your flight, during which time you can feel tired in the day and awake at night.

Overcoming jet lag

It's generally recommended that you drink limited amounts of coffee or alcohol during the flight, and upon arrival don't demand too much of your body for the first couple of days. It's also handy to get into the new sleeping pattern as quickly as possible. It's a good idea to sleep for an hour after arrival, and then stay awake and have an early night.

Diarrhoea

A change of routine, climate and food (especially spicy) can throw your stomach out of sorts. As long as it is only loose, watery stools and no other symptoms, it's normally unnecessary to take anything, just take it easy and drink plenty of water in small quantities. The elderly and children may require some Oral Rehydration Salts, these are dissolved in water and prevent dehydration. Drugs, such as lope amide and diphenoxylate, may be taken if you really have to travel when you have diarrhoea (not suitable for children under two years old). These drugs have the effect of sedating the intestines, which stops stomach cramps and suppresses the diarrhoea, but doesn't actually cure it. Only use these drugs when you're on the move and cannot get to the toilet regularly. If the diarrhoea: persists for more than 48 hours, AND is accompanied by headache, vomiting, or blood in the stool OR; you’re taking any other medication at the time, you should contact a doctor. Antibiotics are more readily available in Vietnam than in Europe, but remember that alcohol is often a bad combination with antibiotics, and that both diarrhoea can prevent oral contraception pills working properly.

Diarrhoea prevention

Only consume water, and soft drinks from properly closed and sealed bottles or cans. Drinks made with boiled bottled water, such as tea or coffee are also fine. Ice is only trustworthy in the form of manufactured bagged ice, but this is widely available. Fruit juice is safe, but only if no water has been added. Food, especially meat and fish must be cooked properly, so that it is well cooked all the way through.
In Vietnam eating food from street stalls is common place, but to prevent illness a good idea is to eat where it's busy. This usually means that the food is good, and that the turnover means the time between food preparation and consumption is the shortest possible. It's probably best not to eat meat at the end of the day, as the meat can sometimes have been lying around all day in the heat un-refrigerated.

A few more health tips

Skin care

Always use a high factor sunscreen cream on exposed skin, even during the rainy season. Snorkelling in a T-shirt is a wise idea as even waterproof sunscreen washes off after a while.

If you cut or scratch yourself whilst in the tropics, keep a close eye on them. Clean them with disinfectant and keep them covered with a plaster during the day. Don't scratch mosquito bites, they're infuriating, but it only makes them worse.
You can avoid attracting biting insects, by wearing light coloured clothing, especially in the evening. Try to avoid resembling a flower, and go easy on the strong perfume aftershave or deodorant. It you're prone to skin irritations, wear cotton or linen clothing, and you can help avoid prickly heat by using talcum powder after your morning shower.

Wash or disinfect your hands after using the toilet, and don't bite your nails.

Sunstroke

Sunstroke can be prevented by wearing a hat and sunglasses. Always try and keep a bottle of water with you, especially if you're out in the wilderness and unlikely to come across drinking water. If you suspect sunstroke (feeling light-headed, headaches), you can prevent it from getting worse by drinking water and finding somewhere in the shade to rest.

When you get home

After your trip (and this can be months later), pay close attention to your health for a little while. If you contract flu like symptoms, have stomach problems, or experience something unusual symptoms, contact your GP and let them know where you've been on your travels.

Safety

See also Travel Safety

As in any country when travelling, keep a close eye on your belongings. Secure your valuables, documents and credit cards in your hotel safe or carry them close on your body if that is not possible. Beware of pickpockets, purse-snatchers and mobile phone thieves, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. If you choose to rent a motorbike or ride a bicycle, always wear a helmet.

The emergency telephone numbers are:

• 113 - Police
• 114 - Fire
• 115 - Medical

Keep Connected

Electricity

Vietnam uses 220V electricity nationwide. In the south, power outlets are often US-style flat pins. In the north, many power outlets are the European-style round pins. As the electrical current varies, use a surge protector when running sensitive electronic equipment like laptops.

Internet

High-speed internet connections are plentiful throughout Vietnam, although naturally more so in the cities.

Phone

See also: International Telephone Calls

International and domestic phone calls are available in almost every hotel or internet café. International phone charges are high in Vietnam and hotels often add a mark up fee so it is smart to always check the rates before dialling. Public phones require phone cards, which are available at post offices.

Some common and useful phone codes are:

• 00 – International call prefix
• 110 – Operator
• 113 – Police
• 114 – Fire
• 115 – Medical Aid
• 116 – Directory Assistance
• 1080 – Information

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