Travel Information & Advices

1. Visa Information

• In order to enter Vietnam, you will need a valid visa unless you are from countries whose citizens are visa extempt for Vietnam( see Vietnam visa page) .You cannot get a visa on arrival without prior approval.We recommend you get your visa in advance in good time by application to Vietnamese embassy/consulate near your place or have your visa approved by Travel Authentic prior to your departure to be allowed to get your visa on arrival.

2. Airport Departure Taxes

• Airport departure tax (service charge) is now included in your air ticket. It is no longer necessary to pay it in cash at the airport.

3. Money Matters

• The currency in Vietnam is called the 'Dong'.At the time of writing US$1 =  about 23000 Dong approx.
• There is no point in trying to obtain Dong in the UK, it is best to buy what you need on arrival. As it is awkward to change Dong back into Sterling, change only small amounts to cover your immediate needs.
• The US dollar is also universally accepted. Sterling can readily be changed to Dong in the larger cities, but we have experienced some difficulties changing sterling in smaller places. In summary, we recommend you carry US dollar bills and a credit card for settling hotel incidentals bills and major purchases.

4. Mobile Telephones.

• If your mobile phone is enabled for roaming, you will find it works in the most parts of Vietnam except perhaps remote country areas.

 5. Health.

• We strongly recommend you take medical advice from your doctor before visiting any part of Indochina. He or she will be be able to advise you on the latest health-related recommendations and preventive measures. Water is drinkable in major hotels, but we recommend you stick to bottled water which is available everywhere. In particular, when ordering beer or other drinks, the Vietnamese habit is to fill the glass with ice first. It is probably better to ask for drinks 'No Ice'.

6. Sensible Precautions.

• Visitors to Vietnam rarely experience crime or other difficulties but please remember that there are bad people everywhere and, particularly in the main cities (especially HCMC), petty crime e.g. theft can be a problem. Please take sensible precautions as for any 'third-world' country.
  Please do not carry passports, important papers or a lot of money when walking in the street: make use of hotel safes where available. Handbags and cameras have been snatched by motor-cycle pillion riders. Ostentatious jewellery or watches are a temptation.
• Cyclos (bicycle rickshaws) are more of a tourist attraction than practical city transport. Always negotiate fares with cyclo drivers before embarking, and avoid cyclos after nightfall. Taxis are inexpensive and a much better bet for city travel beyond walking distance. Most taxis are clearly marked with the taxi company's name and drivers are licensed and usually reputable.

7. Weather.

• Northern Vietnam
  (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hai Phong) has two distinct seasons - hot and rainy summers and cool and dry winters.
  Summer:May - October. Average temperature 24 - 33º C It is hot and humid, especially inland, which is not touched by cool coastal breezes. Tropical rain showers and the occasional typhoon are also possibilities - light clothes and an umbrella are recommended.
  Winter:November - April. Average temperature 16 - 23º C It remains fairly dry up until late February/March.
  Best time to visit: During winter when rainfall is minimal and temperatures are comfortable.
• Central Vietnam
  (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang) coastal areas are more temperate than the sticky south (although they do experience high rainfall), while the Central Highlands (Da Lat) are pleasantly cooler.
  Summer:May - October. Average temperature 23 - 24ºC
  Lowlands(Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang) The weather is warm and reasonably dry from May to September. The monsoon winds then change bringing above average rain during late September. This time is not very pleasant as it can rain constantly - there is a high probability of flooding, visibility is poor and typhoons are also a possibility.
  Winter:November - April. Average temperature 17 - 23º C
  Best time to visit: During the winter between February and April, when rainfall is low and temperatures are warm.
• 
  Highlands (Dalat)
  Temperatures can fall slightly below the average and rainfall is higher than at lower elevations. However, most rain tends to fall during the summer months when it can be very wet - although these summer months do provide a respite from the often intense heat of other areas.
  Light cotton clothes are recommended, although a few warm layers are advisable throughout the year as temperatures can drop away, especially at night. Waterproofs are also a good idea as rain can fall at anytime of the year.
  Best time to visit: During winter when rainfall is minimal and temperatures are comfortable.
• Southern Vietnam
  (Ho Chi Minh, Bin Thuen, Mekong Delta) is fairly consistently hot and humid all year round. Worth Carrying lightweight jumper as it can be chillingly cold inside air-conditioned buildings during summer.
  Summer:May - November. Average temperature 24 - 31º C It is hot, humid and rainy but heavy downpours are usually short lived.
  Winter:December - April. Average temperature 22 - 33º C Remains hot and humid, although humidity levels are more bearable between December and February. During April and May the southwest monsoon winds bring rain showers to the Mekong Delta and southern Vietnam.
  Best time to visit: Temperatures are not as extreme from September to February as they can be during March and April when the heat is fierce.

10 MUST DO’S

• Watch a traditional water puppet performance.
• Savour a bowl of Pho Ga (chicken noodle soup) or Pho Bo (beef noodle soup) at a street side noodle stall. To complete the breakfast, enjoy a strong Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk.
• Order tailor-made clothes from the local tailor shop (Our recommendation of local tailors are listed under shopping.)
• Enjoy a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter of Hanoi, around Hue’s Imperial Citadel, through Hoi An’s Ancient Town, in Nha Trang, Phan Thiet or through the French Quarter of old Saigon.
• Sleep out on the deck aboard a wooden junk in Ha Long Bay.
• Rejuvenate during a relaxing two hour traditional Vietnamese massage.
• Experience a home stay in the ethnic minority villages in the north or in the Mekong Delta’s riverside orchards.
• Witness the full moon festivities in the ancient town of Hoi An.
• Take a scenic boat along Hue’s Perfume River, admiring the grandeur of the Royal Mausoleums.
• Test your bargaining skills and set out for shopping at Saigon’s Benh Thanh market.

10 DON’TS

• Do not drink tap water and avoid ice cubes, if you have a sensitive stomach.
• When visiting a temple or pagoda, wear long trousers and dress respectfully.
• Leave your passport and valuables in the hotel safe deposit box before heading out into town, especially on a night out or when going to the beach.
• When crossing the road, walk steadily and slowly in the same direction, always looking to the left and right. Do not run or make sudden movements.
• Always ask permission first before taking photographs of people, especially in minority areas and border control zones.
• Try not to loose face in public. Hold your temper and put on the biggest smile you have.
• Do not offer money to begging children or minority people. Donate or even better volunteer at a local charity instead. When travelling in remote areas, offer small gifts, such as pens, paper, soap and other useful utensils.
• Sample local food, but patronize only those food stalls which are busy with locals.
• Try not to compare Vietnam to other Asian countries. Vietnam has its own identity, culture and history. The Vietnamese are extremely proud of their heritage.
• Do not go naked or topless on beaches or in the water. Culturally, this is a big no-no and would be asking for trouble.