Vietnam Travel Guide
Vietnam General Information
Tet
2013: February 10th will be the 1st day of the Year of Snake. The New Year’s Day “Tet” will be held on Februar 10th in 2013. Domestic tourism will increase dramatically starting some days before and lasting at least for one week. Many oversea Vietnamese will come back to their motherland and arrival terminals at main airports will be extremely busy from February 1st to 20th. Markets, shops, museums and many local restaurants are closed during “Tet” leading to some changes in our programs. “Tet” festivities last for around 4 days and are considered as National Holiday.
We do not recommend traveling during this period.
2013: February 10th will be the 1st day of the Year of Snake. The New Year’s Day “Tet” will be held on Februar 10th in 2013. Domestic tourism will increase dramatically starting some days before and lasting at least for one week. Many oversea Vietnamese will come back to their motherland and arrival terminals at main airports will be extremely busy from February 1st to 20th. Markets, shops, museums and many local restaurants are closed during “Tet” leading to some changes in our programs. “Tet” festivities last for around 4 days and are considered as National Holiday.
We do not recommend traveling during this period.
The twelve most asked questions about Vietnam
1. WHAT IS NEW? Vietnam is getting more and more popular for tourism lovers all over the world and programs throughout the country occupy a considerable space in brochures of major tour operators and travel agents. Rich culture and history, friendly people, spectacular landscape and beautiful beaches help Vietnam compete with regional countries that have strong tourism potentiality. With the quick development in infrastructure and tourism facilities in coastal cities, beach stay in Vietnam becomes an alternative to other beaches in the region. Besides classic tour programs, more products are created to cater the diversified interest of tourists such as Soft-adventure, Homestay and Ecolodge, Wellness holidays with world class spa treatment in traditional setting, Golf vacations thanks to multiple new golf courses around the country, Vespa tour, Culinary tour to explore the best of Vietnam.
In term of tourism destination, important potential have been recognized and featured on tourist map. From remote north Ha Giang, Dong Van has recently been designated International Karst Plateau Geopark. This new title has brought a new face to Dong Van, new accommodation facilities, better road conditions as more and more tourist are in thirst of discover this highest and further land, and most authentic hill tribe in Vietnam.
In the central, researchers have found new giant caves and grottos in Quang Binh. Son Doong Cave is hidden in the jungle that requires adventurers to explore during 2 or 3 day trekking. However, the newly opened Paradise Cave is large and splendid enough to surprise everyone. Together with other tourist potentials which have just exploited, Quang Binh is a rich region to discover from Hue, Danang or stop over on the “Route Mandarine” from Hanoi.
In term of service and accommodation, the rustic style of eco-lodge has been introduced and more and more developed, from hill top in Sapa until Mekong river bank, offering a close to nature experience in guaranteed comfort. On the other end, luxury resorts pampering to all senses have been seen in Quy Nhon, Nha Trang Bay, Con Dao more and more targeting high-end holidays maker to the hideaway paradise. To facilitate the access to new destination, Vietnam Airlines, the national flag carrier has opened more connections or increase the frequencies. Private owned Air Mekong, newcomer, also helps to ease the travelling to Con Dao and Phu Quoc island as fast and economic as ever.
2. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL?
Vietnam shares borders with Cambodia, Laos and China, and features 3,200 km of coastline bordering the Eastern Sea. With an area of 332,000 square km, Vietnam's topography varies from coastal plains to mountain ranges.
Vietnam stretches over 1,800 km from north to south; therefore weather patterns in the principle cities are very different.
NORTH: Winter lasts from November to April, with temperatures averaging 16oC but little rainfall. Summer begins in May and lasts until October, with an average temperature of 30oC, heavy rainfall and the occasional violent typhoon.
CENTER: Central Vietnam experiences a transitional climate, halfway between those of the north and south. It is affected by the South West monsoon from Laos during May – June which causes a muggy heat and sometimes produces typhoons and tropical storms during November – December, with long lasting rains. Despite this fact, the months of November and December are constantly considered the peak period of incoming tourists. January and February are still cloudy and rainy occasionally.
SOUTH: Temperatures are fairly constant through the year; 25C – 30C. Seasons are determined by the rains - the dry season runs from November to April and the wet season from May to October. The hottest period is March and April, before the rains have broken. Typhoons are quite common in coastal areas between July and November.
HIGHLAND AREAS: In the hill resorts of Dalat (1,500 m), Buon Ma Thuot and Sapa, nights are cool throughout the year, and in the winter months, October to March, it can be distinctly chilly with temperatures falling to 4C. Even in the hottest months of March and April the temperature rarely exceeds 26C.
The best time for a long tour from North to South Vietnam would be from January until April and those longing for beach holidays can come to enjoy warm water and sunshine in the central coast during summer time, from May to October.
Months falling between July and September are usually the wettest due to typhoon season in Southeast Asia. Although not very often typhoons reach mainland Vietnam it is important to know that it can occur. This fact would bring heavy unpleasant rain and may affect to the programs in some cases.
3. IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL? ARE THERE PLACES TO AVOID?
No part of Vietnam is considered unsafe for tourists, even for those who individually discover the country on their own without pre-arranged services. However self-drive in Vietnam is not in practice due to road signboard system not being of International standard yet. To be able to drive in Vietnam you will be required an International driving license & a special permit. There is no travel warning indicated to any destinations within the Vietnamese territory.
4. DO'S AND DONT'S?
Eating out is no problem at all in major cities where you can easily find good restaurants. It is advisable to eat in hotels in remote areas unless you have reliable advice from your guide. You should avoid uncooked, partially cooked or reheated meat, fish and raw vegetables, especially when they have been left out exposed to dust and flies. Filtered and bottled water should be bought, whenever possible, in super markets or restaurants only, not from street vendors. Your guide is happy to assist you.
Certainly in big urban areas such as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, robbers may snatch pedestrian’s belonging on the street; however this could happen anywhere if one is not vigilant. Valuables such as cameras, precious jewelry, cash and passport should be deposited at hotel or taken care carefully while traveling by train or walking on the streets.
Local trains have been renovated and service on trains has been improved in the past few years. However, the standard is still below international qualification and therefore travel by train is not recommendable to elderly people.
5. WHAT MONEY SHOULD I TAKE?
The local currency is the Dong (abbreviated "d" or VND). There are coins at value of 200d, 500d, 1000d, 2,000d, 5,000d, and bank note from 10,000d, 20,000d, 50,000d, 100,000d and 500,000d. At press time, the exchange rate is approximately Dong 21,000 against one US Dollar.
Most major currencies can be exchanged in at banks and moneychangers. You should exchange some cash into local currency for daily transactions. Visitors are recommended to carry US Dollar bills in small denominations. Traveler’s cheques are not largely and for the convenience of tourist, we do not highly recommend this payment method. It is only possible at some international hotels and cashed in at banks with your presence and the signing to be witnessed by the bank officers. When cashing Traveler’s Cheques, it is necessary to take proof of purchase and passport to the bank. Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and banking hours are usually from 07:30-16:30 at State Banks and 0800-1700 at Foreign Banks or 24-hour service at ANZ Bank.
6. WHAT ARE THE VISA REQUIREMENTS AND CUSTOM FORMALITIES?
Visas are required for all nationalities except for citizens of Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. For visa approval letter obtained by Asian Trails we require the following details at least two weeks prior to arrival in Vietnam:
Full name as per passport
Passport number, date of issue and expiry
Date and place of birth
Occupation and nationality
It takes normally full 4 working days to obtain the visa approval letter. The visa will be stamped in the passport at the embassy in the passenger’s home country according to the number on the visa approval letter. Two photos and a filled out application form are required.
Visas can also be obtained on arrival at international airports in Vietnam but not in land borders, in which case the stamping fee will be quoted separately. We also require passport details in advance for visa stamp on arrival. We will send a confirmation letter to show to the airline staff at the departing airport confirming that clients will get the visa on arrival. Visas can only be requested via us in connection with the booking of travel arrangements to Vietnam.
Tourists traveling to Phnom Penh from Vietnam by road through Moc Bai or by boat via Chau Doc border gates could obtain Cambodian visa at the border gate. However Vietnamese visa on arrival is not applicable at any other point than any of the three International Airports. Same case happens at the borders with Laos.
7. WHAT LANGUAGE WILL THEY UNDERSTAND?
Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam. Learning foreign languages, particularly English, is currently in vogue among young people in Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Da Nang and other cities. English is spoken in hotels, restaurants, shops, airlines offices, and service offices. Tourist guides are available for English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese and Japanese speakers.
8. HOW ABOUT MY HEALTH?
No vaccination is required. Malaria prophylaxis is no longer recommended but visitors are advised to check with their doctor on travel immunization clinic regarding the advisability of inoculation against diphtheria, polio, typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A & B.
9. WHAT FOOD WILL I FIND?
Rice is an indispensable part of every meal in Vietnam. But Vietnamese cuisine has much more to offer than rice and veggies (however, there are dozens of delicious veggies used but unknown outside Vietnam – try them!). Don’t forget to taste ‘Pho’, the traditional and already internationally famous beef (or chicken-) noodle soup. Spring Rolls are part of Vietnamese Cuisine Culture – and are served in many different ways and not only deep fried with plain taste as known in Europe or the U.S. For addicts of fresh Sea Food Vietnam will be paradise on Earth – many cities, in particular those close to the Sea, serve a wide range of fresh Sea Food at very reasonable prices. For those more into ‘meat’ – it is absolutely worth to taste ‘Gio Lua’, Vietnamese pork sausage. Don’t forget the tasty ‘Cha Ca’ – grilled fish with special herb. Vietnamese love to eat and opulent meals are celebrated as the best way to maintain and care friendship.
10. HOW IS THE SHOPPING AND WHAT DO I TIP?
Handicrafts made of rattan, gold, silver and stone and traditionally woven fabrics are good buys. Lacquer ware is diversified and well designed from traditional to contemporary motif. Small lacquer trinkets such as boxes and trays are portable and make nice presents. Antiques and authentic reproductions are available in most tourist centers, the later often at reasonable prices. However, export of antiques is banned and requires a license from Custom department.
Tourists can find sophisticated stone-made sculptures in the Marble Mountains in Danang or silk suits, various handicrafts, and nice paintings in Hoi An. Woven tapestries, “tho cam” handbags and other handicrafts are produced by the traditional skills of the women of ethnic minorities in such rural regions in the north as Sapa, Mai Chau and Dien Bien.
TIPPING
Tipping is becoming more and more common in Vietnam and many staff in the service industry depends on your tip to make a living. ‘Do tip when you feel satisfied with a service received, when you have been served with a smile. ‘Do not tip’ if you don’t feel satisfied and do never feel obliged to tip. Tips are always at personal discretion and the following guidelines should help you to give an appropriate tip: Porters: VND 15.000-20.000/bag. Restaurant (local) VND 15.000/guest is appreciated, Restaurant (middle, high class) 5-10% of the total bill, tour guides: USD5/day/guest, drivers (on excursions/tours): USD2/day/guest,
Taxi drivers in general don’t expect tips, but are grateful if odd amounts are rounded up to the next VND10.000
11. WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ITINERARY?
http://www.asiantrails.travel
12. WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFO ABOUT THE COUNTRY IN GENERAL?
Please have a look at:
http://english.vietnamnet.vn
http://www.thanhniennews.com
http://en.vietnamplus.vn/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam
http://www.vietnamtourism.com
Vietnam General information & conditions
RESERVATIONS
All tours and services can be booked directly with our office in Vietnam:
ASIAN TRAILS CO., LTD.
9th floor, HMC Tower, 193 Dinh Tien Hoang St.
Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tel (84 8) 39 10 28 71
Fax (84 8) 39 10 28 74
Email vietnam@asiantrails.com.vn
RATES/ VALIDITY
All rates are quoted net to Travel Agents in U.S. Dollars at current rates of exchange and are subject to change without prior notice. All rates are valid until October 31, 2012.
CHILD POLICY
For children between 2 to 12 years old (12 years old are considered adults), the following price policies apply:
- Child in extra bed 15% discount on total package
- Child no bed 25% discount on total package
- Child in twin no discount (child airfare only)
- Land services only 50% discount on total package
Note: Maximum 02 children are allowed at reduced rates, per party.
For infants between 0-2 years old (who has completed year 1), the following policies apply:
- No extra bed, no meals, no entrance, all services free, except air ticket (90% discount of adult fare)
- Crib upon request, rate to be determined on a case by case basis.
- Extra bed upon request.
- Local services: 90% discount
RESERVATION FEES
If only hotel reservations are required, US$30 reservation fee per booking will be charged.
PAYMENT
Full prepayment by bank draft or bank certified check must be received at least two weeks before the commencement of services to our bank account unless a credit is agreed.
CANCELLATIONS
Cancellation of confirmed arrangements is subject to cancellation fee as follows:
Tours & Packages
Cancellation (*) notice received:
Up to 22 days prior to arrival in Vietnam: no charge
From 21-15 days prior to arrival: 10% of the total tour price
From 14-8 days prior to arrival: 20% of the tour price
From 7-1 days prior to arrival: 30% of the tour price
No Show 100% charge
(*) Subject to change if specific hotel policy is different.
Hotel Reservations
Up to 22 days (for groups) or 8 days (for individuals) prior to arrival in Vietnam: no charge
From 21-1 days (for groups) or 7-1 days (for individuals): One night charge
No-show: Full charge of the whole period of booking
Beach hotels may apply different policies which are confirmed case by case
Deposits
Deposit is required for MICE (Meeting/Incentive/Conference/Exhibition) groups of which total invoice exceeds USD5.000. Upon confirmation of group reservation, Asian Trails will request a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total invoice which must be paid in within one month at sight of the pro-forma invoice. The balance must be settled 3 weeks before the groups’ arrival and any cancellation after that is subject to cancellation terms above.
For leisure and series groups, deposit for domestic or international air ticket is also applicable. Term is advised upon receiving notice from the airlines for each booking expectedly 1 month prior to traveling date.
LIABILITY
Asian Trails Vietnam shall always do its utmost to provide the Services to the best of its capacity and upon the satisfaction of the Client. It is the understanding of the Parties that Asian Trails Vietnam acts as an intermediary between the Client/Agent and airlines, hotels, transport operators, local tourist offices and other contractors providing the Services to the Client. Asian Trails Vietnam shall in no event be liable to the Client/Agent, by reason of breach of Services or unsatisfactory Services provided to the Client by third parties or by way of indemnity or in tort or otherwise, for any loss, injury, damage, delay, change in schedule or other adverse events which are beyond the control of Asian Trails Vietnam and/or sustained by an act or default of any person or company providing the Services to the Client. The Client/Agent warrants that Asian Trails Vietnam shall not be responsible and/or liable for additional expenses and/or damages incurred due to any delay, accidents, natural disaster, political action or unrest.
All tours and services can be booked directly with our office in Vietnam:
ASIAN TRAILS CO., LTD.
9th floor, HMC Tower, 193 Dinh Tien Hoang St.
Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tel (84 8) 39 10 28 71
Fax (84 8) 39 10 28 74
Email vietnam@asiantrails.com.vn
RATES/ VALIDITY
All rates are quoted net to Travel Agents in U.S. Dollars at current rates of exchange and are subject to change without prior notice. All rates are valid until October 31, 2012.
CHILD POLICY
For children between 2 to 12 years old (12 years old are considered adults), the following price policies apply:
- Child in extra bed 15% discount on total package
- Child no bed 25% discount on total package
- Child in twin no discount (child airfare only)
- Land services only 50% discount on total package
Note: Maximum 02 children are allowed at reduced rates, per party.
For infants between 0-2 years old (who has completed year 1), the following policies apply:
- No extra bed, no meals, no entrance, all services free, except air ticket (90% discount of adult fare)
- Crib upon request, rate to be determined on a case by case basis.
- Extra bed upon request.
- Local services: 90% discount
RESERVATION FEES
If only hotel reservations are required, US$30 reservation fee per booking will be charged.
PAYMENT
Full prepayment by bank draft or bank certified check must be received at least two weeks before the commencement of services to our bank account unless a credit is agreed.
CANCELLATIONS
Cancellation of confirmed arrangements is subject to cancellation fee as follows:
Tours & Packages
Cancellation (*) notice received:
Up to 22 days prior to arrival in Vietnam: no charge
From 21-15 days prior to arrival: 10% of the total tour price
From 14-8 days prior to arrival: 20% of the tour price
From 7-1 days prior to arrival: 30% of the tour price
No Show 100% charge
(*) Subject to change if specific hotel policy is different.
Hotel Reservations
Up to 22 days (for groups) or 8 days (for individuals) prior to arrival in Vietnam: no charge
From 21-1 days (for groups) or 7-1 days (for individuals): One night charge
No-show: Full charge of the whole period of booking
Beach hotels may apply different policies which are confirmed case by case
Deposits
Deposit is required for MICE (Meeting/Incentive/Conference/Exhibition) groups of which total invoice exceeds USD5.000. Upon confirmation of group reservation, Asian Trails will request a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total invoice which must be paid in within one month at sight of the pro-forma invoice. The balance must be settled 3 weeks before the groups’ arrival and any cancellation after that is subject to cancellation terms above.
For leisure and series groups, deposit for domestic or international air ticket is also applicable. Term is advised upon receiving notice from the airlines for each booking expectedly 1 month prior to traveling date.
LIABILITY
Asian Trails Vietnam shall always do its utmost to provide the Services to the best of its capacity and upon the satisfaction of the Client. It is the understanding of the Parties that Asian Trails Vietnam acts as an intermediary between the Client/Agent and airlines, hotels, transport operators, local tourist offices and other contractors providing the Services to the Client. Asian Trails Vietnam shall in no event be liable to the Client/Agent, by reason of breach of Services or unsatisfactory Services provided to the Client by third parties or by way of indemnity or in tort or otherwise, for any loss, injury, damage, delay, change in schedule or other adverse events which are beyond the control of Asian Trails Vietnam and/or sustained by an act or default of any person or company providing the Services to the Client. The Client/Agent warrants that Asian Trails Vietnam shall not be responsible and/or liable for additional expenses and/or damages incurred due to any delay, accidents, natural disaster, political action or unrest.
Vietnam Photo Gallery
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Hanoi City Tour
Full Day, Sightseeing Tour, Hanoi118.00USD
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Hanoi City Tour
Half Day, Sightseeing Tour, Hanoi47.00USD
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Tray & Tay Phuong Pagoda
Half Day, Sightseeing Tour, Hanoi72.50USD
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Bat Trang Ceramic Village
Half Day, Sightseeing Tour, Hanoi60.90USD
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Ho Chi Minh City Tour
Full Day, Sightseeing Tour, Ho Chi Minh City118.00USD
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Ho Chi Minh City Tour
Half Day, Sightseeing Tour, Ho Chi Minh City53.50USD
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Cu Chi Tunnel
Half Day, Sightseeing Tour, Ho Chi Minh City109.00USD
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Tay Ninh/Cu Chi Tunnel
Full Day, Sightseeing Tour, Ho Chi Minh City173.00USD
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Cai Be & Vinh Long
Full Day, Sightseeing Tour, Ho Chi Minh City206.00USD
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Explore Halong Bay
Full Day, Sightseeing Tour, Halong Bay277.00USD
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Hue City Tour
Half Day, Sightseeing Tour, Hue46.00USD
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Hue Full Day Tour
Full Day, Sightseeing Tour, Hue118.00USD