Travel Tips for Viet Nam
Welcome Aboard! You are embarking on an exciting cultural learning adventure to Viet Nam. This departure information is meant solely to be helpful and to provide you with some general guidelines, insights and ideas for trip preparation.
Documentation
A visa is required to enter Viet Nam (except for Laos, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei , Philippines Cambodia Myanmar, and Indonesia, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Russian Federation, Japanese, South Korean). Proof of citizenship in the form of a valid passport is required of all passengers. Please note that it is recommended that passports have an expiration date of at least six months after your return date from Viet Nam. It is a good idea to travel with photocopies of your passport, credit cards and traveler’s cheques in case they are lost or stolen.
If you enter and exit Vietnam for more than one time, you must process a multi entry visa: For example, you visit Vietnam then you travel to Cambodia and back to Vietnam for few days, you must have a multi entry visa beforehand.
Customs Regulations
Entry: Tourists must fill out a baggage declaration form (in two copies) and hand it in to customs, retaining the carbon to show upon exit.
Personal belongings will be admitted duty free, including food, two bottles of liquor and two cartons of cigarettes. Wristwatches, radios, tape recorders, cameras, movie cameras, and similar items may be brought in for personal use but cannot be sold or transferred to others and must be brought out of Viet Nam. Gifts for relatives or friends in Viet Nam, or articles carried on behalf of other, must also be declared. Visitors can bring in USD 7000 or value equivalent of foreign currency, however, to unlinited currency when you travel, visitors can bring visa card . Bringing in the following articles is prohibited:
+ Arms, ammunition, and explosives of all kinds
+ Radio transmitters-receivers and principal parts
+ Manuscripts, printed matter, films, photographs, gramophone records, cinematographic films, loaded recording tapes and videotapes, etc. which are detrimental to Viet Nam's politics, economy, culture, and ethics
+ Poisonous drugs, habit-forming drugs, opium, morphine, heroin, etc.
+ Animals, plants and products thereof infected with or carrying germs and insect pests
+ Unsanitary foodstuffs and germ-carrying food-stuffs from infected areas
+ Other articles the import of which is prohibited by state regulations
Exit: On leaving Viet Nam, tourists must again submit the baggage declaration form for customs inspection (the second copy).
Items purchased in Viet Nam with VND converted from foreign currencies may be taken out or mailed out of the country after receipts are presented for customs inspection. In cities where a Customs Office does not exit, this can be arranged through the local Friendship Store.
Taking out the following articles is prohibited:
+ Arms, ammunition, and explosives of all kinds
+ Radio transmitters-receivers and principal parts
+ Viet Nam currency in cash and negotiable securities in VND
+ Unratified foreign currency, foreign notes or drafts
+ Manuscripts, printed matter, films, photographs, gramophone records, cinematographic films, loaded recording tapes and videotapes, etc. which are detrimental to Viet Nam's national security
+ Rare and precious copies of books about Vietnamese revolution, history, culture and art that are not for sale
+ Other articles the export of which is prohibited by state regulations.
Climate & Suggested Clothing
The climate of Vietnam varies considerably from region to region. Although the entire country lies in the tropics and subtropics, local condition varies from frosty winters in the far northern hill to year-round, subequatorial warmth in the Mekong Delta.
Vietnam 's weather is indicated by two monsoons . The winter monsoon comes from the northeast between October and March, bringing wet cold winter to all areas north of Nha Trang, and dry and warm temperatures to the south. From April or May to October, the southwestern monsoon bring warm, humid weather to the whole country except for those areas sheltered by mountains.
For the best balance, try the months of April, May or October.
For those sticking to the south, November to February is dry and a touch cooler.
From July to November, violent and unpredictable typhoons hit central and northern Vietnam .
It gets pretty crowded from November to March and in June and August. Prices tend to peak over the Christmas and New Year period, but if you don't fancy sharing the sites with the masses, try to avoid these busy times.
Some travellers like to time a visit with Tet (Vietnamese New Year ), which is the biggest festival in the calendar in late January or early February. A nice idea but not ideal, as the whole country is on the move.
+ Southwestern monsoon: 28°C and above, T-shirts, short sleeve shirts, skirts, sandals, caps, rain wear.
+ Winter monsoon: 20°C or lower, overcoat, cotton clothes, lined coats. In very cold areas a cap, gloves and cotton-padded shoes are required.
Average Temperatures (Centigrade/Fahrenheit) in Major Cities
|
Month
|
Ha Noi |
Da Nang |
Ho Chi Minh City |
|
Average Temp
|
Rain (mm)
|
Average Temp
|
Rain (mm)
|
Average Temp
|
Rain (mm)
|
|
JAN
|
12/30
|
26
|
17/25
|
21
|
21/32
|
26
|
|
FEB
|
13/21
|
26
|
18/26
|
22
|
22/32
|
10
|
|
MAR
|
16/23
|
60
|
20/28
|
23
|
23/33
|
15
|
|
APR
|
20/28
|
110
|
23/30
|
75
|
25/35
|
50
|
|
MAY
|
25/28
|
220
|
25/35
|
200
|
25/35
|
200
|
|
JUNE
|
28/33
|
280
|
29/36
|
280
|
25/33
|
325
|
|
JULY
|
28/33
|
350
|
29/36
|
300
|
24/33
|
300
|
|
AUG
|
28/33
|
340
|
25/34
|
280
|
24/33
|
275
|
|
SEPT
|
28/33
|
280
|
23/30
|
260
|
24/33
|
325
|
|
OCT
|
23/28
|
160
|
23/28
|
260
|
24/33
|
225
|
|
NOV
|
18/27
|
80
|
21/28
|
80
|
23/32
|
100
|
|
DEC
|
15/21
|
10
|
20/27
|
40
|
23/32
|
50
|
Packing for Viet Nam
The rule of thumb is to pack lightly, and bring casual clothes. A sturdy, comfortable pair of walking shoes is an absolute. A sports coat and a nice shirt for man, and one or two dresses or pantsuits for women will suit the most formal occasions to be encountered in Viet Nam. Travelers should bring shirts, sweaters and jackets that can be worn in layers to suit a range of climates. Shorts (for both men and women) are fine for summer days though not recommended when visiting religious shrines. Remember, dress for Comfort, not for Style.
Checklist:
+ Electrical converter and adapter plugs. Viet Nam’s electrical system operates at 220 volts. Please look for WA series for grounded adapters and for non-grounded you can use #2. Hair dryer (both of all hotels we will be staying have the facilities), razor, alarm clock.
+ Common toiletries, cold and digestive medications, lip balm, sanitary napkins and any over-the-counter medicines you generally use.
+ Chewing gum, mints or throat lozenges to keep your mouth moist.
+ Reading materials, including a guidebook on the places you will see.
+ Sunscreen lotion and sunglasses.
+ A light raincoat or an umbrella except in winter months.
+ Camera, film and memory card. Be aware that while print film and reading memory cards are available in most places, slide film may be difficult to find. And be sure to pack extra batteries.
+ A notebook to keep track of all the exciting things happening on the trip.
Individual Airport Arrivals (Peking Capital Airport PEK)
This is the most convenient way to enter Vietnam . Formalities at Vietnam 's international airports are generally smoother than at land borders, as volume of traffic is greater.
Network of Airports in Vietnam
+ For both International and Domestic flights: Noi Bai (35km northwest of Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (in Ho Chi Minh City), Danang (in Danang city).
+ For Domestic flights only (North to South): Muong Thanh (in Dien Bien), Son La (in Son La), Cat Bi (in Hai Phong), Vinh (in Nghe An), Phu Bai (in Hue), Pleiku (in Pleiku), Buon Ma Thuot (in Buon Ma Thuot), Cam Ranh (in Nha Trang), Dalat (in Dalat), Can Tho (in Can Tho) and Phu Quoc (in Phu Quoc island).
For international flights
Cities having direct flights to Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat airport includes: Bangkok, Beijing, Franfurt, Fukuoka, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Kaohsiung, Kuala Lumpur, Kunming, Manila, Melbourne, Moscow, Osaka, Paris, Phnom Penh,Pusan,Seoul,Siem Reap, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei, Tokyo, Vientiane.
If entering through Danang airport, you can only fly from Bangkok .
If there's no direct flight to Vietnam , the best way is taking a flight to Bangkok or Hong Kong and gets a connecting flight on arrival. You can either stay there several days for leisure (recommended for shopping) before flight to Vietnam. As they are two greatest hubs of Southeast Asia (many flights daily), you can depart at flexible time and have significant savings on ticket prices.
Ticket Reconfirmation
Depended on airliners' policy, when you are in Vietnam , you should reconfirm the tickets 48 hours or 24 hours prior departure time to avoid any delay or cancellation or unsecured seat (automatically cancelled by system). Please check with ticket seller whether your tickets are required to do or not. Reconfirmation can be done at any their booking offices in Vietnam . Normally, your travel agent in Vietnam will do it as it takes a bit time.
Hotel Location and Assistance Information
Vietnam is not only famous for its many beautiful scenic spots, but also attracts tourism by the quality of service and caring hospitality of the natives. Vietnam hotel system has many advantages such as much cheaper price than many countries in the region. Besides, being on the way to develop, Viet Nam has many new hotels are built every year, so that accommodations are always new, clean and creative in design with a team of professional service will satisfy any visitors coming here. In addition, many hotels in Vietnam are owned by famous international hotel groups in the world such as IHG, ACCOR, HYATT, SIXSENSES, GHM..
No. 01 Thanh Nien, Ba Dinh Ha Noi
Tel:(84.4) 3823 8888 Fax: (84.4) 3829 3888
www.sofitelplazahn.com.vn
- Intercontinential Asiana Saigon
Corner Hai Ba Trung & Le Duan, Dist 1, HCM
Tel: (84.8) 3520 9999 Fax: (84.8) 3520 9955
www.intercontinental.com/saigon
No. 2 Lam Son Square, Dis 1, HCM City
Tel: (84.8) 3824 1234 Fax: (84.8) 3822 5550
www.saigon.park.hyatt.com
No. 88 Dong Khoi, Dist 1, HCMC
Tel: (84.8) 3827 2828 Fax: (84.8) 3827 2929
www.sheraton.com/saigon
No. 17 Le Duan, Dist. 1, HCMC
Tel: (84.8) 3824 1555 Fax: (84.8) 3824 1666
www.sofitel.com
Hotel Procedures
Upon arrival you will be required to present your passport along your Viet Nam visa and immigration stamp received upon arrival at the airport. This must be copied and recorded by the hotels. You will also be required to present a major credit card for personal charges at the hotels. Your room accommodations and breakfast daily are included in the tour fare. At departure from each hotel, you will be asked to check-out with the front desk and pay for any incidental charges you may have incurred during your stay.
Currency & Foreign Exchange
Exchange Rate: http://www.eximbank.com.vn/WebsiteExrate1/ExchangeRate_vn.aspx
The currency in China is the Yuan or Renminbi (People’s Currency) : $1 = VND 20.915
Please note that exchange rate is set by the national government in Viet Nam, so the rate is the same no mater where you exchange money in Viet Nam. Beware of counterfeiters, only exchange money at reputable places (e.g. hotel, airport, Bank of China and other state owned banks, Amex).
ATM cards can be used reliably at the following Vietnamese banks:
+ Bank of Viet Nam
+ Vietcombank (Viet Nam commercial Bank)
+ Eximbank VN (Export and Import Bank VN)
+ Vietinbank`VN ( Industial commercial Bank)
+ ACB Bank ( Asia Commercial Bank )
In addition, some American banks have branches in Ho Chi Minh and Ha Noi
If you plan to exchange cash, please make sure your bills are in good condition. Many places will refuse to exchange old or worn bills or those with pen or ball pen marks. When exchanging currency, you should keep the transaction records, which may be required by customs on your departure.
It is always a good idea to notify your credit card companies and banks that you will be traveling abroad. By providing your trip dates and intended destinations, any purchases made in abroad will not cause alarm or unnecessary blocking of your credit cards.
Safety
Travel in Vietnam is generally safe and violent crime is uncommon. If you travel with 4U Tours, don’t worry about anything, we will care about everything for you. You’ll be driven in a high-quality vehicle by an experienced driver with an unblemished safety record. The places you visit will be safe and managed properly. For example, we only use officially licensed boats on Ha Long Bay, and always moor in a secure area for overnight stays.
Of course, accidents can occur at any time. All 4U Tours guides and Tour leaders are experienced and chosen not only for their local knowledge, but also for their sense of responsibility and ability to act decisively. They can be relied upon to take prompt, effective action when a situation merits it. The safety of guests is always top priority.
Laundry
Laundry and dry cleaning services are available in our hotels. Pease consult the information provided in your hotel room or contact housekeeping.
Passport
Your passport name and your ticket name must match. Be sure to bring your passport to the airport! Keep your passport in a secure but accessible place and always on your person. You will have to produce it many times during the trip. It is a VERY important document, which you do not want to lose or have stolen. NEVER leave it in a shipped suitcase at anytime! We recommend you photocopy the main page of your passport with your photograph and keep this in a separate bag in case you lose your passport.
Health & Hygiene
Blessed by nature, Vietnam is a beautiful country in the Southeast of Asia. The country because of its natural beauty is visited by large number of tourists from across the world. But there are some health precautions and advices, which you must take on your Vietnam travel. Asia rooms offers to give you online information on Vietnam Health Information , Asia .
Before traveling to Vietnam it is advised that you should discuss your own particular. Health needs and take proper vaccines or tablets as advised by the doctor and also get full details on Vietnam health information.
Before leaving for Vietnam you should ensure that you are fully insured for medical emergencies. The 'T7' leaflet gives you full details on health care agreement between countries and is accompanied by an application form for the European Health Insurance Card (or EHIC). The EHIC entitles the traveler not only to reduced cost but also free medical treatments in most European countries.
As there is risk of exposure to various diseases like Hepatitis B, influenza etc. it is recommended that you take vaccines for diseases like tuberculosis, rabies, hepatitis B, Japanese B encephalitis, pneumococcal etc.
Courses or boosters usually advised before traveling to Vietnam are tetanus, hepatitis A, typhoid, diphtheria etc. Yellow fever certificate is required if over 1 year old and entering from an infected area.
Health facilities in Vietnam are not up to the mark and do not meet international standards. Travelers may face difficulties communicating with the doctors, as most of them do not know English.
Besides, travelers should avoid drinking non-bottled water and should only drink canned or boiled beverages.
Besides, Vietnam Health Information like information on vaccinations and other health precautions like safe food, water, health precautions etc. may be obtained from the centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline international number.
For your convenience, bottled water will be provided on the van at all times.
Emergency Medical Service
The clinics in large hotels and restaurants offer medical and first aid services to travelers. If you feel uncomfortable while on a tour, you may call the outpatient department of a local hotel, or ask your guide to take you to see the doctor.
Electricity
The electricity used in Viet Nam is 220 volt AC. Many middle and high-class hotel wash rooms have transformer plugs for electric shavers and hair dryers, but it is better to be prepared with an adapter plug.
Telephone and Postal Service
In towns and cities, IDD service is provided at all hotels and post offices. Phone cards are available in post offices inside hotels or in the streets. Even more conveniently, most newsstands in major cities also carry phone cards. Telephone booths in the streets are mostly for local calls.
For international calls from Viet Nam, dial the international access code (00) followed by the country code, then the area code and phone number.
For any post you wish to send, please enquire at the hotel concierge for stamps and posting information.
Some Useful Numbers
113 -- Police
114 -- Fire
115 -- Ambulance
1080 -- Information about weather, phone number, address of something. ect
Mobile Phones (VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW)
For the short time visitor to Viet Nam, a mobile phone is a highly useful tool. Note, however, that due to different technologies used, mobile phones from your home country may not to work in Viet Nam. It is highly recommended that you contact your current mobile phone provider to ensure compliance in Viet Nam. If you are using a 3G mobile phone, you will be able to use the service in Viet Nam. Other users should secure a mobile phone prior to departure or when you arrive in Viet Nam. Instead,
Shopping
When shopping in the markets, all prices are negotiable, it is best to bring a calculator with you for this purpose, many vendors speak English and some can read English numbers. In established boutique stores and shopping malls, all prices are fixed and listed on tickets.
Arts and Crafts
Viet Nam is a treasure house of arts and crafts which are an important part of the Nation's cultural inheritance. Products such as carving, embroidery, pottery and porcelain, glassware and dyeing, replicas of ancient cultural relics are all exquisitely crafted.
Tipping Policy
Tipping for good service is not expected but is always appreciated in these developing nations. It is customary, though not compulsory, to tip tour guides and drivers at the end of a tour. Hotel and station porters should also be tipped.
Attire
Please remember to ware comfortable shoes during the day. Temperatures maybe rise during our trip so light clothing is strongly recommended as it is a light rain jacket in case of rain. Layered clothing is always suggested to ensure comfort in any weather situation or air conditions spaces.
Crossing the Street
Crossing the street is a dangerous practice in Viet Nam. Do not assume that you have the right of way. When attempting to cross a busy intersection it is best to latch on to a group and follow the locals. The general rule of the road is that size is the only thing that matters. Be alert when walking on sidewalks. Motobike, bicycles are common, noiseless, and often ridden recklessly. Driving is on the right in both Ho Chi Minh and Ha Noi
Restrooms
This might be the most difficult part when you travel in Viet Nam. Though western toilets are available in most places, you may find traditional Asian-style as well and you must learn how to use them properly. You may not be able to find tissue in public rest rooms. Pocket Kleenex are a wise back up. They can also double as hand towels and/or dryers -- not necessarily provided in public restrooms.
Cultural Notes
The national language of Viet Nam is Vietnamese. All most of people speak Vietnamese but very few speak English. If someone approaches you to “Practice their English” or they are “Art school Students to show you their art works” especially around your hotel when you walk alone on the street, please just politely say no and move on, as not all but most of these are tricks.
In crowded tourist locations, some people may ask to take pictures with you. Non-Vietnamese are especially uncommon in rural areas, and some of these people find it a charming novelty to have pictures of non-Vietnamese to show to friends and family back home. As you wish, you may like to say yes and take photos with a smiling face, or you are not expected to comply.
Personal space is a Western conception. In crowded spaces the only law of personal space is what you can physically occupy at a given time. Often in lines and at ATMs people will wait directly behind you.
Staring is also common practice. In Viet Nam this is not considered rude. People stare because they are curious, and this is acceptable by Vietnamese standards.
Meals
Breakfast and selected lunch and dinners are included. Any additional meals or snacks you order at the hotels are at your own expense. Room service charges are not included in the tour price. If you have any special dietary requirements or medical restrictions, please advise us immediately so that we can advise the tour operators.
Additional Flight Information & Hints
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) post daily items that you can and cannot bring with you when traveling by air. Please refer to their website for the very latest information regarding liquids and gels and other restricted items.
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm
Carry on luggage is limited to a small bag no more than 45 linear inches (length + width + height = 9“x 14“x 22 “), which will fit under your seat or in an overhead storage bin. Women may carry one additional purse OR camera case -- everything else must fit into carry on. Men are permitted a camera case OR small laptop computer OR briefcase in addition to the carry on luggage piece. The airlines are becoming very strict about carry-on luggage, so be sure to conform to regulations.
On the return trip you will have to be cautious about extra shopping bags or breakables. You may have to ship your carry on in the hold with your suitcase to accommodate that situation. Shipping from Japan is expensive!
Please take with you on the plane your passport, money, suitcase keys, traveler's checks, medicine (in case you get delayed en route), reading and writing materials, and any entertainment devices. You may also wish to take socks and underwear in case of flight delays.
Smart Travel Hints On The Plane
Airplane closed air systems dehydrate the body. Drink a lot of WATER or suck on ice whenever you think of it. It is a good idea to keep a cup of water or ice at your seat. Avoid caffeine drinks (they dehydrate) or, at the least balance the effect with water. Alcoholic beverages are available, but also dehydrate the body.
Carry lip balm (even if you wear lipstick) and use it regularly in the plane. At least twice during the international flight go to the rest room and splash your face with water. Pat your face dry lightly to leave some moisture on the skin. Creams help with skin dehydration too. Trust us, dehydrated folks feel jet lag worse and dry membranes are more disease susceptible.
Try to move about on the plane in order to exercise from time to time. We recommend you rest or nap whenever possible. Remember, you do not have to eat and drink every time it is offered on the flight - your stomach will not know what time it is by the end of the flight! Headphones are available, usually free on international flights, should you wish to listen to music or enjoy in-flight movies and videos.
Blankets and pillows are available and should be on your seat when you enter. Airplane temperatures can vary as they are often lowered along with the lights during the "night". A crowded flight can also become stifling, so dress in layers to be comfortable. Wear something soft that doesn't pinch anywhere. Clothing made of fabrics that stretch or give is wise. Synthetic fabrics, like acrylic sweaters, do not “breathe” or absorb perspiration, which can easily make one feel overheated or sweaty. Try not to wear new shoes! Take your most comfortable ones. No high heels! You may wish to take a toothbrush to freshen up en-route -- it's over 24 hours. With airlines cutting back on the number of flights, cabins are frequently full or nearly full making comfort difficult.
Suitcases
Your major suitcase should be lightweight, modest-sized, and, preferably, have wheels. We recommend a week-ender size or only slightly larger--preferably with attached wheels and an enclosed frame top pull out handle. The regulations allow 62 linear inches (L + H + W). Any case weighing more than 70 pounds will be assessed a hefty excess baggage surcharge by the airline. A small overnight suitcase, a backpack or athletic bag or small duffle, again preferably with wheels, makes a good carry on.
Wheeled steel frames with stretch cords work for suitcases without built in wheels, but become a nuisance factor, as one must detach them at airline check-ins, security checks and for baggage shipment. You will also end up carrying them half the time. Avoid luggage with side pull straps, if possible, as this type is difficult to pull and fall over easily if unbalanced. Avoid luggage with open frame backs for pull out handles. The Airline will not assume liability for damage.
Be sure to have a luggage tag on each case, even your carry-on. Mark your suitcase and carry-on with something distinguishing--colored yarn, or a rainbow strap, decals, etc. so they can be easily identified on luggage rounds, train racks and other baggage pick-up locations. Black suitcases abound! Be sure to remove destination tags from previous trips so your luggage doesn’t end up where someone’s last trip took place.
You are actually permitted two suitcases and a carry on by the airline. However, one suitcase is preferable for all but the homebound trip, as you may have to lug it occasionally.
During the tour your suitcase will be shipped from city to city. Carry-on bags with wheels are preferable so you are not lugging full weight over long walking distances. Pack carefully and lightly!
You may wish to pack a soft, foldable or collapsible bag in your suitcase for use as a second suitcase on the air trip home. Softer, inexpensive items like socks can be packed in it and your larger bag or carry on used for more expensive items, purchases and/or gifts.
Beware of carrying anything pressurized in suitcase as airplane hold is not pressurized. A can of mousse, hair spray, deodorant, soda or beer, for example, can burst under those conditions. At check-in or security you may be asked if you have any of these kinds of items and if you do you will be asked to remove them. It is best not to bring them.
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UNESCO HERITAGE HALONG BAY 
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