Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, covers an area of 332,000 square kilometres of mainland territory and shares common borders with China, Laos, and Cambodia. With a population of more than 90 million, it is the most densely populated country in Southeast Asia and likely to grow rapidly as 75% population is under 30 years old. The vast majority of the population is Vietnamese and other ethnic groups include Chinese, Muong, Thai, Meo, Khmer and Cham. 
 

Vietnam's topography varies from low, flat delta in the south and north to hilly, mountainous terrain in the centre, far north and northwest. Three-quarters of Vietnam is hilly or mountainous. One of the country’s main attractions is its 3,444 km of coastline bordering the East Sea. 

 

Hanoi is the capital with a population of 6.5 million, and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) with a population of 7.5 million is the largest business centre of the country. Vietnam is a rapidly modernizing country thanks to its industrious population. Vietnam, once a forbidden country for tourists, now attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors (with numbers increasing) every year. Rich culture, strong tradition, and a patriotic people characterize this fascinating country. Images abound, but to most people Vietnam is the rumble of a million motorbikes, a patchwork of emerald-green rice paddies, throngs of women in conical hats, a long idyllic coastline and superb food!

 

Vietnam has nine International Airports: Hanoi / Noi Bai, Hai Phong/Cat Bi, Hue /Phu Bai, Danang / Danang Airport , Nha Trang / Cam Ranh, Dalat / Lien Khuong, Ho Chi Minh City / Tan Son Nhat, Can Tho / Can Tho Airport, Phu Quoc / Phu Quoc Airport and there are numerous direct flights from and to Vietnam operated by various international airlines. 

 

International flights require a check-in 2 hours prior to the flight departure. 

Please retain your luggage tag as you will be required to show this against your suitcase on arrival before being allowed to exit the airport.

 

Currently, Vietnam Government gives bilateral visa exemptions to nine ASEAN countries, including Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines, and as well as visa-free entrance to visitors from four Nordic countries, Russia,  Japan and South Korea

 

From 1 July 2015 to end of 30 June 2016, citizens of the United Kingdom, the French Republic, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Kingdom of Spain and the Italian Republic holding different kinds of passports are exempt from visa requirements and are allowed to stay for not more than 15 days.

 

From 1 July 2015 to end of 30 June 2020, citizens of the Republic of Belarus holding different kinds of passports are exempt from visa requirement and are allowed to stay for not more than 15 days.

 

The following nationalities are exempt from tourist visas as detail:

29 Days or less: Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Indonesia, Cambodia

20 Days or less: Philippines

14 Days or less: Japan, South Korea, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Russia, Brunei, Finland, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom

 

As of now, these visa exemptions for European nations are only valid until June 30th, 2016 – so if you haven’t booked your ticket yet, you should soon!

 

Additionally, visa waivers for Australia, New Zealand and Canada are being considered.

 

Foreigners or Vietnamese holding foreign passports are exempt from visas to enter and stay in Phu Quoc Island (Kien Giang Province) for not more than 30 days.

 

If you are not a nationality of the mentioned country above, you will need to get either a visa through your local Vietnam Embassy prior to your departure, or get a visa upon arrival from HA Travel. 

 

For further information on your journeys to the country’s must-see destinations – Vietnam, please contact our sales expert at sales@hatravel.com.vn to customize your journey to Vietnam!

 

 

No actual vaccinations are officially required. Visitors are advised to check with their doctor or travel immunization clinic regarding the advisability of inoculation against polio, typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A & B and Malaria. 

 

Those visitors taking medicine for certain conditions such as diabetes or heart problems should make sure that they carry these medications in their hand luggage at all times in case the main luggage should be delayed. 

 

The sun is strong throughout the year so proper care against sunburn and dehydration must be constantly taken. Vietnam is a tropical country so insect repellent is essential. It is recommended that all travellers take out comprehensive Personal Travel Insurance to cover personal expenses, in case of accident, illness, etc.

 

All visitors to Vietnam must fill in declaration forms and show their luggage to customs officials on request. 
 

Visitors can bring with them unlimited amounts of foreign currency, objects made of gold, silver, precious metals and gemstones or plated with silver or gold, all of which must be declared in detail on the customs forms. Commercial video films and printed materials that are considered offensive are normally confiscated and sent to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for inspection. 
 

Goods prohibited importing: weapons, ammunition, explosives, military technical equipment, drugs, toxic chemicals, debauched and reactionary products, firecrackers of all kinds, toys with negative impacts on the dignity education, social security and safety, cigarettes beyond the stipulated quantity, etc. 

 

Goods prohibited exporting: weapons, ammunition, explosives, military technical equipment, antiques, drugs, toxic chemicals, wild animals, rare and precious animals and plants, documents related to the national security, etc. 
 

Duty free concessions for the baggage of arriving passengers:

- For liquor: Liquor at 22º and above: 1.5 litres; Liquor below 22º: 2.0 litres; Alcoholic beverage: 3.0 litres.

- For cigarettes and cigars: - Cigarettes: 400 pieces; - Cigar: 100 pieces; - Tobacco: 500 g

- For tea, coffee: - Tea: 5kg; Coffee: 3kg

- For Clothes, personal belongings: With reasonable quantity in service of the trip's purpose

- Articles other than those mentioned at items above (outside the list of goods banned from import or subject to conditional import): Total value not exceeds 5,000,000 VND.

There is a declaration limit for foreign currency of USD 7,000.

 

The local currency is the Dong (abbreviated "d" or VND). Bank notes are 500d, 1000d, 2,000d, 5,000d, 10,000d, 20,000d, 50,000d, 100,000d & 500,000d. Coins include 200d, 500d, 1000d, 2000d & 5000d. 
 

However coins are not in common use anymore. 
 

The exchange rate (as of 26th August 2015) is approximately 22,500.00 Dong to one US Dollar.
 

Money and travellers’ cheques, particularly US Dollars, can be exchanged at banks, hotels and authorized money-exchangers. It is advisable to carry US Dollar bills in small denominations. 

Credit cards are generally only accepted in major hotels, and in some up-market shops and restaurants in major cities. ATM facilities are available in all major cities.

 

Local time is GMT + 7 hours. 
 

Governmental agencies work Monday to Friday from 7:30 hrs to 16:30 hrs (excluding one-hour lunch) and are closed Saturday and Sunday. 
 

Banks are open from 7:30 hrs or 8:00 hrs to 11:30 hrs and from 13:00 hrs to 16:30 hrs. Some banks are open on Saturday morning from 8:00 hrs to 11:30 hrs. Sunday is close.
 

Private shops are open from 8:00 hrs or 8:30 hrs to 21:00 hrs or 23:00 hrs. During the Lunar New Year shops may be closed for several days before and after as well as during the festive holidays, depending on recommendations made by a fortune teller.

 

The major religious traditions in Vietnam are Buddhism (which fuses forms of Taoism and Confucianism), Christianity (Catholicism and Protestantism), Islam, Caodaism and the Hoa Hao sect.

Buddhism was first introduced to Vietnam in the 2nd century, and reached its peak in the Ly dynasty (11th century). It was then regarded as the official religion dominating court affairs. Buddhism was preached broadly among the population and it enjoyed a profound influence on people's daily life. Its influence also left marks in various areas of traditional literature and architecture. As such, many pagodas and temples were built during this time. At the end of the 14th century, Buddhism began to show signs of decline. The ideological influence of Buddhism, however, remained very strong in social and cultural life. Presently, over 70 percent of the population of Vietnam is either Buddhist or strongly influenced by Buddhist practices.

 

Catholicism was introduced to Vietnam in the 17th century. At present the most densely-populated Catholic areas are Bui Chu-Phat Diem in the northern province of Ninh Binh and Ho Nai-Bien Hoa in Dong Nai Province to the South. About 10 percent of the population is considered Catholic.

 

Protestantism was introduced to Vietnam at about the same time as Catholicism. Protestantism, however, remains an obscure religion. At present most Protestants live in the Central Highlands. There still remains a Protestant church on Hang Da Street in Hanoi. The number of Protestants living in Vietnam is estimated at 400,000.

 

Islamic followers in Vietnam are primarily from the Cham ethnic minority group living in the central part of the central coast. The number of Islamic followers in Vietnam totals about 50,000.

 

Caodaism was first introduced to the country in 1926. Settlements of the Cao Dai followers in South Vietnam are located near the Church in Tay Ninh. The number of followers of this sect is estimated at 2 million.

 

The Hoa Hao Sect was first introduced to Vietnam in 1939. More than 1 million Vietnamese are followers of this sect. Most of them live in the south-west of Vietnam.

 

Researchers describe the Vietnamese mother-worship cult as a primitive religion. Mother, Me in the Vietnamese language, is pronounced Mau in Sino-­script. The mother worship cult might be originated from the cult of the Goddess in ancient ages. In the Middle Ages, the Mother was worshipped in temples and palaces. Due to the fact that it is a worshipping custom and not a religion, the Mother worshipping cult has not been organized as Buddhism and Catholicism have. As a result, the different affiliations of the cult have yet to be consistent and different places still have different customs. The custom of Mother capital letter originated from the north. In the south, the religion has integrated the local goddesses such as Thien Y A Na (Hue) and Linh Son (Tay Ninh). In fact, the Mother worship cult was influenced by other religions, mainly Taoism.

 

Vietnam stretches over 1,800 km from north to south and its topography varies from coastal plain to mountain ranges; therefore weather patterns in the principle cities are very different. 

 

North: Winter lasts from November to April, with temperatures averaging 10 C – 16 C and during January – March fog and drizzle. 

 

Summer begins in May and lasts until October, with an average temperature of 30 C, heavy rainfall and the occasional violent typhoon. 

 

Centre: Central Vietnam experiences a transitional climate, with heavy rain falls between November and December and dry, hot summer months. 

 

South: Temperatures are fairly constant throughout the year; 25 C – 30 C. 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. 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, during October to March, it can be distinctly chilly with temperatures falling to 0 C, and even during the hottest months of March and April the temperature rarely exceeds 26 C.

 

Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam. Learning foreign languages, particularly English, is currently popular amongst young people in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Danang and other cities. Tourist guides are available for English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Japanese and Russian speakers.

 

220 volts AC, 50 cycles; Two-pin plug sockets require an adapter, which is available from Housekeeping at most hotels.

 

Generally we recommend bringing light loose fitting cotton clothes for the warmer months and for Southern Vietnam. If travelling to the north some form of layering is required as Hanoi can experience wide temperature changes from one day to the next. During the winter months in the north and for travelling to the mountains it is imperative to bring warm clothing. An umbrella is definitely useful during the rainy periods. 
 

Formal style clothing is not required. A sarong with its multi uses is a very useful item to bring. 
 

Laundry facilities are widely available and quick. 
 

When visiting a temple or pagoda, you should wear long trousers and dress respectfully.

 

Never drink water from the hotel tap, no matter what category of hotel you are staying in. Bottled mineral water is available at all hotels throughout Vietnam. Do not have any ice in your drinks as this is often made from water that has not been purified.

 

A regular international post service is available. In addition Express Mail Service (EMS) is available to more than 50 countries worldwide with a delivery time of 2 to 10 days. 
 

Vietnam has high international telephone charges. It is important to check the exact amount with the hotel before making a call, as hotel surcharges are often imposed.
 

VOIP calls which help reduce call charges (for most of international calls from any destination within Vietnam and for domestic calls between the main cities of the country) are now available as well pre-paid internet & mobile cards can be bought in the major cities.

 

Vietnam joined the global computer age and internet-service providers are currently operating in most of the cities. You can access the internet through hotels, cyber cafés & Internet/Computer Service Centres. Following are internet addresses with relevant information on Vietnam: 

Vietnam Airlines 

 

Foreign visitors to Vietnam have the opportunity to buy souvenirs made of rattan, gold, silver and stone. There is a diverse range of products, from woodenwares such as wooden buttons or sindora beds to lacquer paintings, bowls and chopsticks, bamboo screens and stone tea sets. Woven tapestries, “tho cam” handbags and other handicraft 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. When shopping please consider individual customs and import regulations of your own country as well as regulations regarding the protection of species.

 

Tipping is widely practiced and expected; however it should be given for good service. 
 

Taxi drivers 

 

Vietnam has abundant food supplies and an elaborate cuisine. Cooking is seen as an art and some Vietnamese dishes have achieved international fame, including such traditional dishes as noodle soup (pho), pork sausage (gio lua), spring rolls (nem ran), and fish balls (cha ca). In addition to Vietnamese food, the larger hotels also serve a wide variety of Continental and Chinese cuisine. In the smaller cities, where hotels only have one restaurant, ordering a-la-carte may involve a slight wait. Consequently, it is advised that if in a rush, you take advantage of the large and diverse buffets available at these hotels to minimize any delay. 
 

Never drink water from the hotel tap, no matter what category of hotel you are staying in. Bottled mineral water is available at all hotels throughout Vietnam. Do not have any ice in your drinks as this is often made from water that has not been purified. 
 

Joining in a half or full day cooking class is a fun and unique way to become more acquainted with Vietnamese cuisine. Please see our excursions in Hanoi, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City for detailed information about cooking classes. 
 

Vietnam has some excellent and atmospheric restaurants. Please refer to our list of restaurant recommendations or contact your local tour guide for more suggestions.

 

Vietnam is generally a safe country. However some simple common sense precautions with possessions lessen the chances of becoming a victim to petty theft. Carry your handbag or rucksack to the front of you and be particularly aware that handbag snatches / thefts from motorbikes occur especially in the larger cities and crowds. 
 

It is advised to keep luggage locked while travelling, whether it is stored in the hold of a car or bus, during flights or train journeys. Virtually all hotels have safe deposit boxes. 

 

Any flight in your itinerary is in economy class, unless specified otherwise. Flight times quoted are local and subject to change. Domestic flights require a check-in 1 hour prior to the flight departure. 

Vietnam Airlines has frequent flight time changes and cancellations often occur at short notice even after confirmations for a flight have been received. 

 

Carry-on luggage is limited to one piece plus a camera. All “carry-on” hand luggage must have luggage tags which are provided by the airlines when passengers check in at the airports for their flights. Security regulations at airports are strict. Appropriate announcements may or may not be made for this procedure. In economy class air travel baggage allowance is 20kg per person. Excess baggage may be subject to overweight charges by the airline. HA Travel cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to passenger’s belongings. 

Please retain your luggage tag as you will be required to show this against your suitcase on arrival before being allowed to exit the airport.

 

Compared to some of its neighbours, Vietnam has less monuments and cultural sights and therefore the joy of seeing the country is discovering its people, lifestyle and cuisine. Exploring a small area on foot, cyclo or bicycle can be extremely rewarding and photogenic. 
 

If you decide to leave the hotel and go out on your own, there are various means of transport that you may like to take such as taxis or “cyclos”. If taking a taxi or “cyclo”, insist on the meter being switched on before you begin your journey. Due to an effort to stop pollution, most “cyclos” are pedaled as opposed to motor. It is suggested that you carry the name of your destination or hotel written in local language in the event your driver does not understand English. The staff at your hotel can assist you in this regard. 
 

The standards of tour guides in Vietnam can vary from the young dynamic and eager to embrace western ideas to the more rigid, staid communist approach. 
 

Please note that the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi is closed every Monday and Friday and for the full duration of two months in autumn, usually in October and November. Museums are closed on Mondays and partly on Fridays.

 

Airport departure tax for international and domestic flights is included in the airfare.

 

Try to avoid travelling during Tet (Lunar New Year) as this is a family-orientated holiday where businesses and shops close for almost a week. 

Hanoi – staying in the old town is recommended, but hotels are narrow and usually only have 1 window (either the front or back of the room). Front windows have a view, but can be noisy whereas the back windows often are within the hotel but quieter. Many elevators are narrow hence expect waiting. Smaller hotels have restaurants on top floors (elevator stops one floor below) so it involves walking up, but there are great views from the top. 
 

An inescapable fact is the contact noise, mainly of motorcycles. A good tip is to escape into a café for some quiet relief at intervals to recharge your batteries. The Vietnamese are early risers and so traffic noise starts early around 5:00 hrs onwards and you may be woken up by the crackle of a loudspeaker as the Voice of Vietnam starts up with music and rhetoric. For light sleepers ear-plugs are useful to bring! 
 

Crossing the road is an art – the trick is to walk steadily and slowly across the road in the same direction and the motorcycles and bicycles will weave around you. Do not run or make sudden movements. 
 

When hiring a motorcycle or jet-ski there is no insurance coverage and the hirer is personally liable for any damages or accidents. When exploring on your own, it is not advisable to take a motor bike taxi as these are often involved in accidents. 
 

The country has been hurtled in a relatively short time from an underdeveloped Communism country into its present dynamic state and so a flexible approach, humour and patience will ensure a more enjoyable holiday. 
 

For non-smokers request rooms on non-smoking floors rooms, where available.

 

The road system in Vietnam is reasonable in the main urban cities. The drives through the countryside can be a wonderful sightseeing experience. However, it must be noted that the roads are narrow and some may be poorly paved when outside the main cities, and as a consequence the drives can be rough and difficult at times. Traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road. Drivers are very unlikely to speak any English. 
 

The journey timings described in your itinerary are based on the usual amount of time a particular journey will take. However, please appreciate that not all roads can be checked for their condition throughout the year. 
 

Most cars used are manufactured locally by Toyota, Honda and Ford and are for the most part comfortable and ideally suited to local roads. Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle, under any conditions. There is ample opportunity to smoke during photographic, luncheon and sightseeing stops. 
 

Border crossing into Vietnam is possible from China, Laos and Cambodia. Regulations for crossing overland borders can change at short notice. Tourists can pass borders at the following checkpoints: 

Vietnam side /China side