Vietnam Travel Information & Guides
Bordered by China, Laos and Cambodia, Vietnam is a mosaic of diverse cultures and landscapes with a fascinating history dating back more than 4,000 years.
Vietnam's thriving cities, beguiling people and stunning natural beauty will leave an enduring impression on visitors.
Year after year the country's infrastructure has improved and travellers in Vietnam will enjoy service and hospitality to match its better-known neighbours.
Hanoi - Vietnam's capital. The city centre is an architectural museum piece, with blocks of French Colonial buildings in the "Old Quarter" a reminder of Vietnam's history, situated right on the banks of the Red River with a population of 5 million people. Modern shops and restaurants sit alongside traditional stalls and street vendors.
Ho Chi Minh City - Formally known as Saigon, and with a population of over 6 million people, Ho Chi Minh City is the bustling & vibrant economic centre of the South. A fabulous city with a rich personality offering easy access to the Mekong Delta and the "must see" Cu Chi Tunnels.
Halong Bay - Just 2 hours drive from Hanoi, this stunning region is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Bay itself covers 1.5 square kilometers & is filled with over 3,000 islands jutting out of the emerald water - a must see.
Beach Destinations are now some of the best in Asia
Hoi An - The ancient town of Hoi An was one of the major trading centres of Southeast Asia in the 16th century is a UNESCO World Heritage site it offers a distinctive Chinese atmosphere with low, tiled-roof houses & narrow cobbled streets all set for exploring.
Nha Trang - The 7km long white sandy beach of Nha Trang is sunny all year round with an average temperate of 25C. It has less rainfall than anywhere else in the country, ensuring that it is the ultimate beach destination in Vietnam.
South: Temperatures are fairly constant right throughout the year - around 25 - 30 ° C. Seasons are determined by the rains - the dry season from November to April & the wet season from May to October. The hottest period is March & April.
Phan Thiet - Just a 3 hour drive from Saigon, Phan Thiet is situated on the banks of a river. Just 10 minutes out of Phan Thiet is the stunning Mui Ne beach, famous for it's sand dunes. Home to a professional 18 hole golf course & a magnificent stretch of beach, Phan Thiet is an excellent "getaway" destination from Saigon
Airports
Noi Bai International Airport at Noi Bai is 45km (28 miles) from Hanoi.
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is 7km (4.5 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Airport Taxes
International Departure tax for all passengers at Hanoi and Ho Chi MinhCity: US$14, Da Nang US$8 (payable in Dollars or Dong).
Tax for domestic flights is Dong 20,000 at Hanoi, Ho Chi Ming, Da Nang & Hai Phong, at all other airports is Dong 20,000- 25,000.
Subject to change witjout notice.
Customs at Airports
The importation of non-prescribed drugs, firearms and pornography is prohibited.
Duty Free
1 individual pack of cigarettes, 2 bottles of alcoholic beverages and a reasonable quantity of perfume.
Passport Requirements
Passports must be valid for at least 1 month after expiration of visa. Tourist Visas are valid for 1 month from date of entry.
Passengers are advised to hold an extra passport photo on arrival in Vietnam. Visas can usually be extended for another month, at extra cost, in the larger towns.
It is important to remember that all Vietnamese Visas are issued with a specified exit point. If this exit point needs to be altered, it must be done so at an immigration office or through a travel agent in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Note: For security reasons, it is advisable to carry copies of documents rather than originals when in Vietnam.
Climate
Because of its geography the climate in Vietnam varies greatly from north to south.
Tropical monsoons occur from May to October.
It is almost totally dry throughout the rest of the year.
Language
Vietnamese is the official language.
English, French, Chinese are also spoken.
Communications
Some hotels have direct dialling facilities. Check with the operator for long distance and international charges, which may be found in the telephone directory.
The international country IDD code for Vietnam is 84, for Australia 61.
Currency
New Dong (D).
Notes are in denominations of D50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500, 200 and 100.
Coins are not used.
The US dollar is the most favoured foreign currency although the Australian dollar can usually be changed in the larger cities.
Credit Cards
An increasing number of outlets accept Visa and Mastercard.
Check with your credit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Time Zone
Vietnam's time is GMT + 7 hours, normally 3 hours behind Sydney.
Health
Cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential.
Malaria risk exists throughout the year everywhere except urban areas, the Red River delta and the coastal plains north of Nha Trang.
The risk is highest in highland areas. Japanese encephalitis is a risk in Hanoi and in rural areas, a vaccine is available and travellers are advised to consult their doctors prior to departure.
Electricity
220 volts, 50 cycles AC current.
Tipping
Tipping is officially prohibited but widely practised, especially in the south. Discretion is advised.
Useful Contacts
Australian Embassy
Van Phuc Compound, 8 Dao Tan Street
Ba Dinh District Hanoi
Telephone: 04 8317755
Faximile: 04 8317711
Australian Consulate General
5th Floor, The Landmark Building
5B Ton Duc Thang, District 1 Ho Chi Minh City
Telephone: 08 8296035
Faxsimile: 08 8296031
