Overland travel guides

Vietnam shares land borders with Cambodia, Laos and China and there’re several border crossings open to foreigners with each neighbour, a big improvement on a few years ago.
Laos beauty spot Cambodia beauty spot Vietnam beauty spot

•     With Cambodia: Bavet (or Moc Bai), Kaam Samnor (or Vinh Xuong) and Phnom Den (or Tinh Bien),
•     With Laos: Donsavanh (or Lao Bao), Nam Phao (or Cau Treo), Nam Can and Tay Trang,
•     With China: Youyi Guan (or Huu Nghi Quan – English name is Friendship Pass), Hekou (or Lao Cai) and Dongxing (or Mong Cai).

Important notes for overland travel to Vietnam

•     All the above border crossings can arrange on arrival visa (one-month visa only) but it strongly recommends you should arrange visa in advance, at the Vietnamese Consulates to avoid any unexpected problems that may break your plan;
•     Schedule to arrive at the border crossings after 7.30am and before 4.30pm (working hour) as they do not stamp foreign passports before or after that time. You also need time to shop around and bargain for good transportation and accommodation;
•     Try and get a group together as local buses will not leave without a full van load. And customs seem easier for a big group;
•     Prepare some small denomination US dollars handy (commonly acceptable) and local currencies for local service purchases. Black market can be an option as there are few legal money-changing facilities, but you should be careful.
•     Local currencies include: Dong (Vietnamese), Renminbi (Chinese), Kip (Laos) and Riel (Cambodian).

Good travel health for your family (P3)

Medical kid   
A small, straightforward medical kit put together with special thought for children's ailments is a wise thing to carry.

1.     Make sure that you know the appropriate children's dose of any medicines you are carrying, and that they are in fact suitable for children.
2.     Ideally, antibiotics should be administered only under medical supervision and should never be taken indiscriminately. Take only the recommended dose at the prescribed intervals and continue using the antibiotic for the prescribed period, even if the illness seems to be cured earlier.
3.     Antibiotics are quite specific to the infections they can treat. Stop immediately if there are any serious reactions and don't use the antibiotic at all if you are unsure that you have the correct one for the infection.
4.     In Indochina, if a medicine is available at all it will generally be available over the counter and the price will be much cheaper than in the West. However, be careful when buying drugs in developing countries, particularly where the expiration date may have passed or correct storage conditions may not have been followed.
5.     Bogus drugs are common and it's possible that drugs which are no longer recommended, or have even been banned in the West are still being dispensed here.
6.     What you should bring along

•         Infant analgesic - with measuring cup or dropper
•         Antihistamine (such as Benadryl) - useful as a decongestant for colds, allergies, to ease the itch from insect bites or stings or to help prevent motion sickness. Antihistamines may have a sedative effect and interact with alcohol so care should be taken when using them.
•         Antibiotics - useful if you're traveling well off the beaten track, but it must be prescribed and you should carry the prescription with you. Some people are allergic to commonly prescribed antibiotics such as penicillin or sulfa drugs.
•         Kaolin preparation (Pepto-Bismol, Imodium) - for stomach upsets.
•         Rehydration mixture - for treatment of severe diarrhea. This is particularly important if traveling with children who dehydrate easily. An electrolyte mixture is available in sachets.
•         Antiseptic (like Dettol or Betadine), mercurochrome and antibiotic powder or similar "dry" spray - for cuts and grazes.
•         Calamine lotion - to ease irritation from sunburn, bites or stings.
•         Bandages, band-aids, gauze and cotton wool - for minor injuries.
•         Scissors, tweezers and a thermometer/fever strips - mercury thermometers are prohibited by airlines.
•         Insect repellent, sun block, suntan lotion, chap stick - check that it is suitable for children's skin.
•         Water purification tablets.
•         Diaper rash cream, teething gel - for predictable ailments.
•         Worm treatment, lice shampoo, anti-fungal powder - for treatment of minor but irritating health problems.
•         A couple of syringes - in case you need injections in a country with medical hygiene problems. Ask your doctor for a note explaining why you are carrying them.

Good travel health for your family (P2)

Immunizations

1.     Vaccinations provide protection against diseases you might meet along the way. For some countries no immunizations are necessary, but the further off the beaten track you go the more necessary it is to take precautions.
2.     It is important to understand the distinction between vaccines recommended for travel in certain areas and those required by law. Essentially the number of vaccines subject to international health regulations has been dramatically reduced over the last 10 years. Currently yellow fever is the only vaccine subject to international health regulations.
3.     Vaccination as an entry requirement is usually only enforced when coming from an infected area.
4.     All vaccinations should be recorded on an International Health Certificate, which is available from your physician or government health department.
5.     Plan ahead for getting your vaccinations: some of them require an initial shot followed by a booster, while some vaccinations should not be given together. It is recommended you seek medical advice at least six weeks prior to travel.
6.     Most children from Western countries will have been immunized against various diseases during childhood but your doctor may still recommend booster shots against measles or polio, diseases still prevalent in many developing countries. Apart from these, special vaccinations are not normally given to children under 12 months of age. Talk to your doctor.
7.     The period of protection offered by vaccinations differs widely and some are contra-indicated if you are pregnant or likely to become pregnant within three months of the vaccination.
8.     The possible list of vaccinations includes:

•         Smallpox: Smallpox has now been wiped out worldwide, so immunization is no longer necessary.
•         Cholera: Not required by law. Protection is poor and it lasts only six months. It is contra-indicated in pregnancy.
•         Tetanus & Diphtheria: Boosters are necessary every 10 years and protection is highly recommended.
•         Typhoid: Available either as an injection or oral capsules. Protection lasts from one to three years and is useful if you are traveling for long periods in rural, tropical area. You may get some side effects such as pain at the injection site, fever, headache and a general feeling of being unwell. A new single-dose injectable vaccine, which appears to have few side effects, is now available but is more expensive. Side effects are unusual with the oral form but stomach cramps may be one of these.
•         Infectious Hepatitis: The most common travel-acquired illness which can be prevented by vaccination. Protection can be provided in two ways - either with the antibody gamma globulin or with a new vaccine called Havrix. Havrix provides long-term immunity (possibly more than 10 years) after an initial course of two injections and a booster at one year. It may be more expensive than gamma globulin but certainly has many advantages, including length of protection and ease of administration. It takes about three weeks to provide satisfactory protection - hence the need for careful planning prior to travel. Gamma globulin is not a vaccination but a ready-made antibody which has proven very successful in reducing the chances of hepatitis infection. Because it may interfere with the development of immunity, it shouldn't be given until at least 10 days after administration of the last vaccine needed; it should also be given as close as possible to departure because it is at its most effective in the first few weeks after administration and the effectiveness tapers off gradually between three and six months.
•         Yellow Fever: Protection lasts 10 years. Vaccination is contra-indicated during pregnancy but if you must travel to a high-risk area it is probably advisable. Check with your doctor.
•         Meningitis: This vaccination is recommended for visitors to Nepal and for visitors to some areas of Africa and Brazil. It is given as a single injection and gives immunity for up to three years duration.
•         Tuberculosis: TB is widespread throughout the developing world. Most Westerners will have been vaccinated at some time during their school years. For children vaccination is not deemed necessary unless they will be spending prolonged periods (say up to a year) in an area of risk.

Good travel health for your family (P1)

Travel health depends on your pre departure preparations, your day-to-day health care while traveling and how you handle any medical problem or emergency that does develop. While the list of potential dangers can seem quite frightening, with a little luck, some basic precautions and adequate information few travelers experience more than upset stomachs.

Pre-Departure Preparations
 

Health Insurance
A travel insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is a wise idea.
Check the small print:

•     Some policies specifically exclude "dangerous activities" which can include scuba diving, motorcycling, even trekking. If such activities are on your agenda you will need another sort of policy. A locally acquired motorcycle license may not be valid under your policy.
•     You may prefer a policy which pays doctors or hospitals directly rather than you having to pay on the spot and claim later. If you have to claim later make sure you keep all documentation. Some policies ask you to call back (collect) to a center in your home country where an immediate assessment of your problem is made.
•     Check if the policy covers ambulances or an emergency flight home. You may also need to cover the expanse of an additional person to accompany you in the case of certain illnesses. If you have to stretch out you will need two seats and somebody has to pay for them!

Health Preparation

•     Make sure you and your children are healthy before you start traveling. If you are embarking on a long trip make sure your teeth are OK; there are lots of places where a visit to the dentist would be the last thing you'd want to do.
•     If children wear glasses take a spare pair and the prescription. Losing glasses can be a real problem, although in many places you can get new spectacles made up quickly, cheaply and competently.
•     If your kids require a particular medication take an adequate supply, as it may not be available locally. Take the prescription or, better still, part of the packaging showing the generic rather than the brand name (which may not be locally available), as it will make getting replacements easier. It's a wise idea to show you legally use the medication - it's surprising how often over-the-counter drugs from one place are illegal or even banned in another country without a prescription.

Hiking travel guides

About one and a half million years ago mankind learned how to stand upright and walk. So in some way you could say that hiking was invented in the Stone Age. Nowadays when we talk about Hiking and Trekking we mean it in the pastime sense of the word. It is hard to say when walking as a means of hunting and surviving became walking for fun and recreation. Throughout the years man has always used walking as a means of relaxation. Going for a stroll is a great way to meditate on possible dilemmas or to get away from things and clear your mind.

General hiking tips:

1. Make sure that you drink enough water. Also make sure that you bring enough water with you or you can find water supply during the hike. In hot weather dehydration is especially dangerous.

2. Be careful what you pack. The most important rule of hiking is smart about what you pack. A beginning hiker generally becomes exhausted carrying a sack full of trail munchies, games, a portable CD player, three sweaters, and a video camera. Although pictures are nice, consider carrying a disposable camera for a more enjoyable hike. ( Learn more about Minimizing your pack)

3. Think before you step. Keep an eye on the trail well in front of where you are walking, and always consider the path before bounding forward.

4. Bring your own medicines. 

5. Never hike alone. NEVER- under any circumstances venture into the woods by yourself. Outdoor adventures are fun for the family, but hiking is only a group sport. The chances of becoming lost, sustaining injury, or losing supplies is much higher when alone, making the sport extremely dangerous.

6. Don't don and doff layers continually.
Though it is good to dress in layers, choose which layers, and stick with them for a time. Otherwise, you will exhaust yourself and try the patience of the group you are with. It's generally better to be a little cool than too hot, but don't change unless you are really getting uncomfortable.

7. Put the slowest hiker in front and pace the group to that person.
This works great in a group of differing ages! With the fast hikers in the front, they have a tendency to spread out too much. Then someone small at the back gets exhausted running to keep up. If you do divide into faster and slower groups, the one ahead should never get too far ahead and should stop and let the others catch up on a regular basis.

8. Take regular breaks.

9. Avoid sunburn.

10. Encourage kids not to exhaust themselves early in a hike. Sometimes little ones run at the beginning, run out of energy and have to be carried.

11. Always carry out what you carry in.
The first rule with interacting with the environment is: Leave it as you found it. This rule applies to the trees, the earth, the animals, the campsite, and even the flowers.

Important notes for overland travel to Vietnam

All the above border crossings can arrange on arrival visa (one-month visa only) but it strongly recommends you should arrange visa in advance, at the Vietnamese Consulates to avoid any unexpected problems that may break your plan;

Schedule to arrive at the border crossings after 7.30am and before 4.30pm (working hour) as they do not stamp foreign passports before or after that time. You also need time to shop around and bargain for good transportation and accommodation;

Try and get a group together as local buses will not leave without a full van load. And customs seem easier for a big group;

Prepare some small denomination US dollars handy (commonly acceptable) and local currencies for local service purchases. Black market can be an option as there are few legal money-changing facilities, but you should be careful.
Local currencies include: Dong (Vietnamese), Renminbi (Chinese), Kip (Laos) and Riel (Cambodian).

Vietnam travel health

Travellers tend to worry about contracting infectious diseases when in the tropics, but infections are a rare cause of serious illness or death in travellers. Pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease, and accidental injury (especially traffic accidents), account for most life-threatening problems. Becoming ill in some way, however, is a relatively common thing. Fortunately, most common illnesses can either be prevented with some common-sense behaviour or be treated easily with a well-stocked traveller’s medical kit.

Heath care in Vietnam

Health issues and the quality of medical facilities vary enormously depending on where and how you travel in Vietnam. Many of the major cities are now very well developed, although travel to rural areas can expose you to a variety of health risks and inadequate medical care.

Some international hospitals/clinics in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (American, French and German doctors on staff)

In Hanoi: (tel code: 84-4)

    * Hanoi French Hospital
      1 Phuong Mai Str.
      Tel: 577-1100, emergency: 574-1111

    * Family Medical Practice
      Unit 109-112, Van Phuc, Blog A1, Kim Ma Str.
      Tel: 843-0748 (24hours))

    * International SOS
      31 Hai Ba Trung Str.
      Tel: 934-0666, emergency: 934-0555

    * Vietnam-Korea Friendship Hospital
      12 Chu Van An Str.
      Tel: 843-7231

In Ho Chi Minh City: (tel code: 84-8)

    * International SOS
      65, Nguyen Du Str.
      Tel: 829-8520, emergency: 829-8424

    * Saigon International Clinic
      8 Alexandre de Rhodes Str., District 1
      Tel: 823-8888

    * Gia Dinh International Hospital
      1 Trang Long Str., Bin Thanh District
      Tel: 803-0678

    * Franco Vietnamese Hospital
      6 Nguyen Luong Bang Str., District 7
      Tel: 411-3333

Resources of Health Advice for Travellers

    * Travel-related risks
    * Medical consultation before travel
    * Medical kit and toilet items
    * Travellers with pre-existing medical conditions and special needs
    * Insurance for travellers
    * Role of travel industry professionals
    * Responsibility of the traveller
    * Medical examination after travel

(Source: World Health Organization (WHO) http://www.who.int/ith/en/)

Advice for woman travellers - 03

Menstruation

    * Emotional upset, exhaustion and travelling through different time zones can all contribute to an upset in the menstrual pattern. Irregular menstruation is a very common problem affecting women travellers, excessive exercise and the stress of travel may cause infrequent periods, if this is the case it may lead to confusion over the timing of oral contraception and great anxiety of unplanned pregnancy. Dysmenorrhoea may also be aggravated by travel.
    * Oral contraception can be used to suppress menstruation. This is achieved by taking the pill continuously, without the usual seven-day break in between packets. A reminder to take extra packets to allow for this should be stressed. However, this method is not advisable for women taking biphasic or triphasic pills because the dose in the first seven pills is too low to prevent possible breakthrough bleeding.
    * Sanitary hygiene: Tampons and sanitary towels are widely available in larger cities but harder to find in remote and mountainous areas. Locally made menstrual supplies are usually available although the standard varies.

Advice for woman travellers - 02

Personal safety when travelling alone

    * Insist on inspecting your accommodation before agreeing to stay. If unhappy with the room request a change or where possible move to different accommodation.
    * The lone woman traveller will often be flouting convention simply by her presence. Unfortunately women in the developing world don't have the independence that their western counterparts take for granted. For this reason, their presence, especially unaccompanied, will generate interest within local people of both genders.
    * How you dress is an easy method of self-preservation and the most immediate symbol of respect. Dress codes differ greatly from country to country and to get them wrong would put you at an immediate disadvantage. A culture's standard of dress has a lot to do with what parts of the body are considered to be sensuous or provocative. As a general rule tight and skimpy clothes are inappropriate for most countries outside of Europe and North America. Clothing should be conservative and presentable, loose fitting and comfortable. Arms and legs should be covered, especially when visiting places of worship and national monuments.
    * When travelling, try to be inconspicuous yet confident avoiding confrontational challenging situations with men by adopting an assertive, dismissive manner.
    * Remember many men can see eye contact as a 'come-on'. The use of dark sunglasses will limit this problem.
    * Be prepared to answer questions about yourself particularly if single and travelling alone. The often-asked questions of your marital status and family, are ones of genuine interest. To avoid the unwanted attention of some men, the use of a few white lies about 'your husband' and a fake wedding ring are a useful pretence.

Advice for woman travellers - 01

 Below are some advices for women travellers we have collected on the Internet.
Personal safety and security

* When travelling, particularly alone, leave an itinerary of your trip with a responsible person contacting them at pre-arranged times and dates. Ostentatious displays of money, jewellery, luggage and dress can encourage the wrong type of attention. When travelling be aware of where your luggage, particularly hand bags, are at all times. Do not leave them unattended or hanging on the back of chairs in restaurants.

* Choose your accommodation carefully:
o Try and pick accommodation which is in a safe area;
o Request a room near the lift or stair well, not on the ground floor;
o Inspect the door locks and window fasteners;
o Never open the door to your room until you have identified the caller;
o Do not identify yourself on the telephone until the caller has done so;
o Keep your money and valuables close by you at night.

* Be alert, listen to the advice of locals and fellow travellers, develop a street sense, try not to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

* In a confrontational situation a woman traveller is rarely a physical match for a man. So, the following rules can help:
o Don't turn a scary situation into a dangerous one if you can help it (e.g. it would be unwise to launch into a physical attack if the man confronting you just want your money - hand it over and avoid finding out what he may do if provoked);
o Don't panic or show fear or let the person confronting you to get the upper hand, try to gain psychological advantage throwing him off his balance i.e. compliance;
o If you do find yourself in physical danger, try to anticipate the aggressor’s next move and plan ahead for it. As the innocent party in the confrontation you have the advantage of surprise, if you are forced to strike back physically, make sure it is a crippling blow that gives you a chance to escape;
o If you are worried about your ability to gauge dangerous situations and to defend yourself then consider joining a women's self defense course before travelling.

What NOT to Pack for Your Vietnam Trip

List of things you do not need to take with you when traveling to Vietnam. What Not to Pack for Your Vietnam Trip was compiled by Caroline based on adoptive parents postings to the APV.

Overwhelmed by suggestions of what to pack on the trip to Vietnam, I was attracted by a passing remark in a posting on APV requesting suggestions on what NOT to pack.  When I didn't see too many replies I asked again.  The list below is a collation of what people said they wished they had left at
home, or brought less of.  It should be noted that for some of these items, other people said they did bring them and were glad: for example, stroller, books and tapes, PC.  I plan to use this list as a 'corrective' to the packing frenzy, when my turn comes!

o Too many clothes, for both parents and babies. (Hotels have inexpensive laundry service, and many inexpensive and interesting items of clothing can be bought.)
o Too many bottle nipples (Hotels will give you thermoses of boiled water for cleaning nipples.)
o An umbrella or raincoat (Rains are short and lightweight rain ponchos are inexpensive.)
o Cans of formula (The kinds the kids are already used to will be available there.)
o Inflatable baby bathtub (Some hotels had them, and they could be bought cheaply.)
o Too many batteries (They could be gotten there.)
o Some people did not use their voltage converters. (This might depend on whether you bring a camcorder.)
o Nylons.
o Too much reading material (too many other things to do).
o Cologne (attracts insects).
o Makeup (The weather makes a mess of it).
o CDs or tapes and a portable player (No 'down time' for listening.)
o Pot for boiling water.
o A hot water thermos (Many of the hotels had them).
o Too much packaged snack food.
o Toilet paper.
o Too large a volume of supplies like Q-tips and Desitin.
o Stroller (Light ones can be bought there and left.)
o Robes and slippers (Better hotels often had nice robes.)
o Laptop PC.
o Blow dryers (Many hotels had them.)

Tips for Traveling with a Two Year Old Child

 Therese Bartlett shared us some tips

   

We took our two and a half year old daughter (Moya, adopted 12/98) with us in December, 2000 when we adopted our son, Nathan, from Binh Thuan Province.

1.  We took our digital video camera with us. Uses very small tapes. We taped from VHS cassettes to the small digital tapes several of Moya's favorite videos and played them on the plane, in the hotel, and whenever she needed a "fix" of home or just some quiet time. This was our number one lifesaver. Be sure to save some new videos for a little surprise.

2.  We brought lots of snacks for her, although her favorite ended up being a fishy cracker that was available for very cheap at Tax market in HCMC. The adults liked 'em, too. They were like Chicken in a Biscuit in fishy shape. The bananas and fruit available there were hits also, as was the freshly squeezed orange juice from our hotel kitchen.

3.  We brought juice boxes for the plane ride there and saved some for the ride back. Also a good idea. Milk not easily available (nor can you trust that it's all pasteurized if you DO find it) so vitamins are a good idea, too.

4.  We had lots of toys to keep her occupied on the plane:  drawing things of all kinds, a doll for the plane and one more hidden in our checked luggage, simple card games, books and a few of her smaller favorites. But we also brought some things she didn't see before we left. Every day or so, when she would get "out of sorts" from the attention paid to her new little brother, or from boredom or just the change of schedule, something NEW really brought a change of spirit. Now, it was Christmastime and gift-giving wasn't unusual, so thankfully she didn't return home and expect new things everyday. She definitely knew this was a special time.

5.  We brought some gifts that were to ge given to Nathan from her, and some from Nathan to her. Helped in the bonding between siblings, although she just loved everything about him and being there with us was the best thing for her and us. It just was right for us. I know it's not right for everybody.

6.  Bring a shovel and pail. We (and subsequent families, we've learned) had a hard time finding one there and we were near the ocean beaches for a good portion of our trip.

7. Clothing for kids is no different from here in the US. Moya wore shorts or sleeveless dresses the whole time, except in Hue where it rained and was almost cold by comparison to Hanoi and HCMC.  

Source:Therese Bartlett's Vietnam Packing Tips

Frequently Asked Questions - 04

Should I use my ATM card while traveling?

Yes, you’ll have access to cash during your trip so you won’t have to take as much cash with you and using your ATM card can also be a good way to get cash in foreign countries.
The ATM will issue money in local currency.
You should exchange at the bank’s wholesale exchange rate. You may still want to shop around to different banks since some will charge a high usage fee for their ATMs. Although, even high ATM fees may be less than others will charge for currency exchanges.
Don't wait until you're out of money to go to an ATM, the machines can run out of money or break down.

Frequently Asked Questions - 03

How can my credit card company help prepare me for my trip?

You can arrange to pay bills that will come due while you are gone.
They will be aware that you will be making charges from another country.
They will be able to give you an idea of how acceptable their credit card is in that particular country.
They can verify acceptance at certain foreign locations.
They’ll be able to see if your PIN number will work in the countries you are visiting. They can also issue you another PIN number if your current PIN is unacceptable to the foreign bank’s system.
They can explain cash advance, ATM, foreign purchase and foreign exchange rate policies and fees.
They can explain any services they offer, such as, extra insurance for your rental car, luggage or purchases. Make sure the coverage offered extends outside the United States and will be valid in all the countries where you’ll be traveling. Also, be sure to note any other exceptions.
They may need to give you another phone number to call in case you need to reach them. The 800 number listed on the back of your card may not work from foreign locations.
You can find out if they charge a currency conversion fee, so you can find the most economical card on which to place your foreign purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions - 02

Why should I contact my credit card companies before I leave? 

You want to notify them of your trip. They may delay you if they are unaware you are traveling. The unfamiliar spending patterns might cause them to suspect that the card is being used fraudulently and delay your approvals.
They will be able to explain many of the services that they can provide while you are on your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions - 01

What credit cards do I need to take with me?

Take your major credit cards, such as, Visa, Master Card and American Express.
Make sure they are really credit cards and not just debit cards with a credit card company’s logo on them. Many locations require a credit card and will not accept a debit card, so they may have limited use on your travel.
Leave all your local store credit cards in a secure location at home; there will be no need to carry them with you.

Tips and Things to remember Before You Go - 2

Health equipment and Medical Items

No actual vaccinations are officially required. Malaria prophylaxis is no longer recommended but visitors are advised to check with their doctors or travel immunization clinics regarding the advisability of inoculation against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A & B.
Carry a medical kit with bandages, splints and the like. However, the leaders (tour guides) are not permitted to dispense personal medicines to clients. It is important if you bring a complete, personal medical and first aid kit along with a few other essential items. Suggestion the following (Note: You will need to pack sharp objects in checked baggage due to tightened airline security):
• Aspirin or Tylenol Band-Aids and betadine ointment
• Throat lozenges and cough medicine
• Cold medicine and antihistamines
• Cipro - an antibiotic for indigestion
• Chaps tick
• Suntan lotion 100% UV effective (25 SPF or higher)
• Biodegradable soap (The blue bottles of Mountain Suds are excellent)
• Pack towel/washcloth
• OB tampons (women)
• Hand/body lotion
• Brush/comb
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Eye drops
• Facial breathing filters (optional for Kathmandu)
• Antiseptic toilettes
• Insect/ mosquito repellent
• Sewing kit with scissors, tweezers, and needle. (Note

Tips and Things to remember Before You Go - 1

Packing tips for traveling to Vietnam:

Bring as little as possible, Vietnam has pretty much anything you can find back home.
Necessary documents: your passport and visa (with their copies); 2 photos (3cmx4cm), tour dossier (tour itinerary, address of travel agent or travel company operator, contact number… ) and others (if needed).
Cash in US$5’s, US$10’s, US$20’s and US$100’s (US dollars are commonly acceptable)
All the soaps and smellies are cheap and plentiful, and clothing, shoes and backpacks are all manufactured in Vietnam and available at a fraction of the price in the West. Tampons are available in all major towns and cities, but not in more remote areas.
A Swiss-army knife or equivalent come in handy, but you don’t need 27 separate functions, just one blade and an opener. A torch (flashlight) and compass are also useful.
Other handy things to bring are: name cards, as Vietnamese deal them out like a deck of cards; ear plugs to block the ever-present noise; a universal plug adaptor; a rain cover for the backpack; a sweater for the highlands and air-con bus trips; mosquito repellent to keep the bugs at bay; and a folding umbrella if you plan to visit during the rainy season (July and August are the wettest months).
The secret of successful packing: plastic bags – not only do they keep things separate and clean, but also dry. That means a lot at the end of a long, wet day.

Luggage Packing tips

What needs to be brought in Vietnam?
- International Airline ticket
- Passport and photocopies of your passport
- Visa or Visa approval letter and some color passport photos (size 4x6cm) (at least 2)
- Insurance document (if any)
- Cash in USD or Euros (20’s and 100’s)
- Other equipment as follows;

General
• Duffel bag - waterproof and with a lock, or easily wheeled suitcase
• 5-6 zip lock bags (They come in handy for all kinds of uses.)
• Sun glasses or reading glasses
• Good walking shoes and sandal
• Good trekking shoes (for trekking tour) or slippers (for beach relaxing tour)


Optional

• Camera and film
• Mobil phone
• Head phone and your favorite music compact disc (CDs).
• Favorite Books/ Vietnam Guide book/Diary
• Biro pens, pencils, note book
• Pictures of your family


Basic Clothes

• Good walking shoes or cloth sneakers (They are light and dry easily. Good for driving.)
• 3-4 pairs of socks
• Polar fleece pullover or jacket or sweater (if travel in the north from November to March)
• 4-5 T-shirts or blouses
• Wide-brimmed sun hat
• Underwear (3-5 sets, depending on your desire to wash)
• Mid-calf lightweight walking skirts or dresses or loose pants (women)
• 1-2 bandannas
• Bathing suit
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Raincoat or poncho
Notes: Dress in Southeast Asia tends to be quite casual because of the warm, humid, tropical climate. For women, casual cotton pants and skirts are most acceptable for daytime wear, but bare sundresses and short shorts are frowned upon, especially in pagodas & temples.
A sweater, sweatshirt, light jacket, or fleece pullover is a good idea when visiting the northern areas in the winter (from November to March); and, it is useful to have a windbreaker or rain poncho as protection against the unexpected rain showers that tend to occur.

10 tips to savvy shopping in VN

DO always ask around to get an idea of basic prices: a ride on a motorbike, a plate of fried noodles, a packet of cigarettes, a kilo of mangoes, etc. For more important purchases, try and get a local friend to go along with you, or better still, let him do the buying without you: prices are often lower when foreigners aren’t around.

DON’T feel awkward or rude about bargaining: everyone bargains in Vietnam and you’ll look like a green tourist if you don’t.

DO insist on being quoted a price as soon as you start showing interest in a commodity or requesting a service. It’s too late to ask once the silk shirt has been wrapped or after your bike has been fixed. This first price is your starting point and it’s quite probably too expensive, so

DON’T look happy or resigned to paying what you’re asked: always begin by showing your gentle disapproval, tut-tutting or saying something like: Đắt quá! (Too expensive).

DO consider various bargaining options, not just a straight fight over figures. If you buy several, the price should come down. Ask them to throw in some small extra you would like, for the same price. If you are quoted a price in US dollars, ask how much that is in Vietnamese Dong and try rounding it down. Be forewarned, though, that the concept of the special offer is still in its infancy here (like 1 percent off if you buy a truckload)…

DON’T hesitate to walk away if you cannot agree on a price: either they’ll come after you or you’ll find the same thing on sale somewhere else.

DO stay Zen… Shopping can be quite a rodeo when you’re surrounded by eager stallholders all shouting, smiling, waving and pointing at their wares.

DON’T buy antiques to take home unless you’re confident that you can get them out of the country. The law prohibits their export, but remains vague as to what exactly constitutes as an antique.

DO buy ethnic minority products directly from ethnic minority people, if at all possible, rather than from shops run by ethnic majority merchants, who often exploit their suppliers ruthlessly.

DON’T expect to get the better of any deal: Vietnamese have boundless reserves of experience and patience in doing business.

Ref: Good buys in Vietnam:

Lacquer ware
Ceramics Painting
Woodblock prints
Silk
Clothes in general
Embroidery
Carvings (stone and wood)
Precious or semi-precious stones (such as jade)
Jewellery
Rugs

Shopping in VN in brief

Shopping in Vietnam is a fun and interesting experience, and guarantees good bargains to those who know what to look for. It is true to say that you can find nearly anything in Vietnam. Markets vary from high class shopping malls, supermarkets to bustling open market, galleries, boutiques and street stalls.
It is not recommended that you buy imported, famous branded products such as clothing, perfume or electronics in Vietnam as tax makes these items more costly than neighboring countries.
In terms of shopping for tourists, Vietnam is most famous for its handicrafts, war souvenirs, authentic clothing, art, antiques and gems.
Hotspots include Hanoi, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, each of which has a temping selection of everything from avant-garde art to sumptuous silk suits.

Art and Antiques
Vietnam has very strict regulations about exporting real antiques. There are several shops to hunt for art and antiques. Both traditional and modern paintings are a popular item. More sophisticated works are displayed in art galleries, while cheaper mass-produced stuff is touted in souvenir shops and by street vendors. Be careful and check your sources for certificates if they claim to sell you an original or antique piece.



Clothing
Vietnam is emerging as a regional design center and there are some extravagant creations in the boutiques of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Clothing varies greatly from tourist T-shirts to beaded handbags and traditional ao dai (the traditional costume) made to fit your size. Items made from silk are a popular buy, with prices varying depending on the material and tailor. Pre-made traditional dresses are sold in many places. However, it is more recommended to have the dress made to fit your body, which takes more time and slightly more money.
Shoes, slippers and handbags made from traditional materials (silk and bamboo) can also become unique gifts and accessories.
The Vietnamese traditional conical hat, can be found everywhere throughout the country, but hats made in Hue are most famous as they have a poem embroiled on the inside.
Non (conical hats) are favorite items for women in both rainy and sunny times. The best quality ones can be found in the Hue’s area.

Gems and jewelry
Vietnam is rich in gemstones. The jewelry business is also increasing during current years, and sophisticated works are produced by both big businesses and traditional craftsmen. The quality of the gemstones sold is sometimes doubtable, so it is recommended that you buy gems at prestigious locations and be ware with cheap prices.

War souvenirs
Most war souvenirs sold today in Vietnam (for example, Zippo lighters engraved with platoon philosophy) are fake reproductions. Be careful while transporting these items as many airlines do not allow weapons, even fakes to be carried on their planes.

Handicrafts
Other popular handicrafts in Vietnam include lacquer ware, wood-block prints, and oil and watercolor paintings, blinds made from bamboo, reed mats, carpets, and leatherwork.

Tip: Bargaining
Bargaining should be good-natured, smile and don’t get angry or argue. Once the money is accepted, the deal is done. Remember that in Asia, “saving face” is very important. In some cases you will be able to get a 50% discount or more, at other times this may only be 10%.

Shopping in Vietnam

Shopping in Vietnam is a fun and interesting experience, and guarantees good bargains to those who know what to look for. It is true to say that you can find nearly anything in Vietnam. Markets vary from high class shopping malls, supermarkets to bustling open market, galleries, boutiques and street stalls.

It is not recommended that you buy imported, famous branded products such as clothing, perfume or electronics in Vietnam as tax makes these items more costly than neighboring countries.

In terms of shopping for tourists, Vietnam is most famous for its handicrafts, war souvenirs, authentic clothing, art, antiques and gems.

Art and Antiques

Vietnam has very strict regulations about exporting real antiques. Most “antique” and art pieces sold to tourists are fake or copies of the original. Be careful and check your sources for certificates if they claim to sell you an original or antique piece.

Clothing

Clothing varies greatly from tourist T-shirts to beaded handbags and traditional ao dai (the traditional costume) made to fit your size. Items made from silk are a popular buy, with prices varying depending on the material and tailor. Pre-made traditional dresses are sold in many places. However, it is more recommended to have the dress made to fit your body, which takes more time and slightly more money.

Shoes, slippers and handbags made from traditional materials (silk and bamboo) can also become unique gifts and accessories.

The Vietnamese traditional conical hat, can be found everywhere throughout the country, but hats made in Hue are most famous as they have a poem embroided on the inside.

Gems and jewelry

Vietnam is rich in gemstones. The jewelry business is also increasing during current years, and sophisticated works are produced by both big businesses and traditional crafstmen. The quality of the gemstones sold is sometimes doubtable, so it is recommended that you buy gems at prestigious locations and be ware with cheap prices.

War souvenirs

Most war souvenirs sold today in Vietnam (for example, Zippo lighters engraved with platoon philosophy) are fake reproductions. Be careful while transporting these items as many airlines do not allow weapons, even fakes to be carried on their planes.

Handicrafts

Other popular handicrafts in Vietnam include lacquer ware, wood-block prints, and oil and watercolor paintings, blinds made from bamboo, reed mats, carpets, and leatherwork.

Ten Tips to Survive Vietnam's Traffic

DON’T spend hours waiting to cross the street on foot: that constant tide of traffic won’t stop until late at night, so
DO as the Vietnamese do: take the plunge and inch slowly across. Observe the Miracle of the Red Sea, as the traffic parts like magic, flowing smoothly in front of you or behind, meeting up again on the other side.
DON’T make any sudden or unpredictable movements: freeze if you have to, but never lunge forward or backward towards the safety of the sidewalk. In fact, you can do just about anything, but do it with conviction!
DON’T forget, if you’re riding or driving, to look where you’re going – all the time: if you hit anything in front of you, then it’s your fault.
DO give way to any vehicle bigger and noisier than yours. Trucks and buses are particularly dangerous: often old, sometimes unsafe and usually all over the road.
DO watch out for unfamiliar obstacles: water buffaloes, rocks of various sizes, broken-down trucks…, people sitting in the road, missing bridges, girls in ao dai cycling five abreast, slow-moving mountains of farm produce, dog fights, impromptu football matches, piles of building materials – and almost no light on anything at night..
DON’T hesitate to take evasive action – even if this sometimes means leaving the tarmac or coming to a dead stop.
DO try to avoid getting involved in one of the all-too-frequent minor accidents that plague Vietnam’s roads (and the major ones as well, of course), but if you are unlucky,
DON’T lose your cool, in spite of the interference of the large and vocal crowd that may gather: try to settle things amicably and swiftly. Sometimes, paying a reasonable amount of money will save you a lot of hassle.
DO remember that the only rule is: you’re not allowed to bump into anybody… irrespective of what they did or should have done, or of what the road signs or traffic lights were telling them to do. Some people still seem to think that anything red means forward, comrade

Taxis, xe om, and cyclos in Vietnam - DOs & DON'Ts

Taxis are fairly cheap and plentiful

DO check that the driver starts the meter, unless you agree to a price before you move off and then stick to it.

If you use taxis, xe om, or cyclos, it’s best to always make sure you have some small notes on you. The “sorry, no change” line is often used to try and round up the fare to fit your bank notes. If you only carry 50,000 VND bills, it might get expensive.

DO make sure the driver has really understood where you want to go rather than just answering “yes” to everything you say and then driving around aimlessly – with the meter running – with the hope that inspiration will strike from some unlikely quarter… If you can’t make yourself understood, show your destination to him in writing.

A xe om is a motorbike taxi, a very popular and practical way of getting around. You’ll find them on every street corner in the country – or rather they’ll find you and eagerly offer their services. This is the fastest way to get across town without having your own bike and is often the best and cheapest way to get to a distant beach, village, site, airport, etc. DO fix a price before you hop on, politely ignore any attempt to renegotiate the amount along the way and check that you are indeed where you want to be before you pay off your xe om. You DON’T need to bring along a helmet cause all xe om drivers carry one more (besides theirs) for customer.

Cyclos, or bicycle trishaws, offer a quiet, leisurely and eco-friendly way to cover short distance. Cyclo features three wheels. DO choose Cyclo to enjoy a city tour as it moves quite slowly.

DON’T take Cyclos late at night, unless you know your way around as this is not a very safe option.

Planes, Trains & Buses in Vietnam: DOs & DON’Ts

DO consider flying if you’re going a long way within Vietnam, because any other means of transport is always much slower and sometimes only slightly cheaper.
DON’T get stuck in the mud: in the rainy season, road and rail are frequently flooded or even washed away in the regions that are hardest hit.
DO reconfirm any flight to make sure there’s no change.
DON’T arrive at the airport just in time for a domestic flight. Until recently, it was actually more expensive for foreigners to travel from Hanoi to Hochiminh City by train than by air. And this is for a journey that still takes a couple of days as opposed to a flight lasting a mere couple of hours!
If what you are after is seeing plenty of scenery and having time to meet people and chat with them, DO let the train take the strain. Trains are still very slow, despite reports almost weekly that they are picking up extra speed. They are also a bit noisy and often rather Spartan, but a very pleasant and civilized means of transport, with much more legroom than any kind of bus, and conserve some of the charm of a bygone era. They offer – for a price – air conditioning, plush seats, comfy sleepers and gourmet food in a restaurant car.
DON’T opt for the bus if you’re prone to claustrophobia, motion sickness, are pregnant, suffer from a weak heart or actually expect to have a good time. The Vietnamese are not renowned for the safety or courtesy of their driving.
DO use local city buses: once you’ve worked out where to catch the ones you want, these present an excellent (and stunningly cheap) way of getting around. Cities in Vietnam are investing in new buses and improving the service in an effort to combat traffic congestion.
DO keep things on the planes, trains, and your hired vehicles clean. In case there’s something wrong you may find, call the master right away, or else you may get into trouble later.

The Food of Vietnam - Vietnamese Food

Increasingly famous worldwide with restaurants sprawled over the globe, yet no Vietnamese food abroad can equal in flavor or quality to that made in Vietnam itself. In brief, Vietnamese cuisine depends heavily on rice grown in water paddies throughout the country, with dishes varying from simple everyday meals to most complex dishes designed for the King. Reaching a balance between fresh herbs and meats; as well as a selective use of spices to reach a fine taste, Vietnamese food can be considered one of the healthiest yet most divine cuisines worldwide.

Spices and ingredients

Vietnam’s ingredients reflect its geography and climate. Rice (grown in water paddies throughout the country) is the main starch used in everyday meals, and is also made into different kind of cakes and noodles. Besides a number of Buddhist vegetarian dishes, most Vietnamese dishes or meals are a combination of a variety of vegetables, herbs and meats.

Common herbs may include lemon grass, lime or kaffir. Popular meats are pork, beef, chicken, prawn and various fish. Lamb, duck, birds, and even dog or other wild animals are also used but not widely. Fish sauce and soy sauce are used as both flavorings and dipping sauces for nearly every dish.

Peanuts are also used widely in Vietnamese cuisine.

Vegetarians and those with allergies should be careful and ask beforehand while enjoying Vietnamese cuisine.

Style of cooking

The Vietnamese cook their food in a variety of ways: deep fry, stir fry, boil, steam. Unlike the Chinese, the Vietnamese use a minimal amount of oil while cooking. Vietnamese cooks aim to preserve the freshness and natural taste of food as much as possible. Hence Vietnamese cuisine is often considered as one of the healthiest foods in the world.

Food of three regions

Like everything else, Vietnamese food also differs geographically from location to location. North Vietnam’s food uses soy sauce, fish sauce and prawn sauce and has many stir fried dishes.

With harsh weather and less developed agriculture than the South, North Vietnamese tend to use less meat, fish and vegetables; and black pepper (instead of chili) to create spice. The taste is strict and less sweet, but more salty than in other regions.

Central Vietnam is distinct in its extreme spices and color of food. Hue’s cuisine, affected by royal cuisine once created for kings and queens, emphasized on quality and quantity – A meal constitutes of many complex dishes served only at small proportions.

Southern Vietnamese are heavily affected by Cambodia, Thai and Chinese cuisines (due to trade and immigrants). Southerners prefer sweet tastes (created by adding sugar or coconut milk) and spicy tastes (created by chili peppers).

A variety of dried fish and sauces originate from the South. Southerners prefer seafood and use simple cooking methods with larger and less servings.

Customs

Influenced by the Chinese, chopsticks and spoons are used in Vietnam. Many foods (such as cakes) are wrapped in banana or coconut leaves. When eating with elders, younger Vietnamese always ask the elders to eat first.

A typical family meal

A typical Vietnamese meal (lunch or dinner) will include steamed rice; a soup dish to eat with rice, a meat or fish dish and a vegetarian dish (either stir fried or boiled).

Vietnamese do not eat in separate servings, but the food is placed in the middle. Each member of the family has a small bowl and chopsticks with which they take food from the table throughout the meal.

Vietnamese noodles and cakes

Besides the typical meal with rice, Vietnamese cuisine has many different types of noodles and cakes (mostly made from rice). To name a few: beef soup noodles (pho), crab noodle (bun rieu), spring rolls (nem), sticky rice cake (chung cake)…

Vietnam Money and Currency

Currency

Vietnam’s currency issued by the Vietnam State Bank is the Dong (VND). Vietnamese use both coins and paper notes. But as Vietnam is currently changing its money system, there exists parallel two different money systems (old and new) which can cause confusion.

Coins include VND 5,000; 2,000; 1,000; 500 and 200. These values have paper note equivalences.

The following values: VND 500,000; 200,000; 100,000; 50,000; 20,000; 10,000. exist both in the new polymer form and the old normal paper notes.

Cheques with value as Vietnamese dong include: VND 1,000,000 and 500,000.

Exchange rates

In general, 1 USD is approximately 19500VND and 1 EUR approximates 26000VND

You can exchange your money at the airport before leaving, or at banks and official exchange centers in Vietnam. It is strongly recommended that you do not exchange money in the black market.

Method of payment

Direct payment of cash is most popular in Vietnam. Small shops, restaurants and markets usually do not accept any other payment.

Major credit cards (such as Visa, Master Charge and to some extent American Express) are increasingly being used, especially in big cities and tourist places, but only in restaurants, hotels or big shopping malls with a transactional fee (3%-5%).

Traveler’s cheques are an easy method of carrying money around, and can be cashed at major banks (but not small banks in small towns).

ATM machines

For those hesitant to carry a large amount of cash around, ATMs (automatic teller machines) have become increasingly popular in Vietnam (mostly in cities) and have attracted many foreign visitors.

Most banks offer this service and the registration for an account is simple and fast. All ATMs are locally interconnected. However, ATMs only give in VND.

Banking hours

The hours may differ from bank to bank. Generally banks open from Monday to Friday: 8:00 – 11:30 and 1:00 to 4:00. Some large banks also open through lunch or on Saturday mornings. Banks are closed on public holidays.

Two tier pricing system

In many places in Vietnam, foreigners and visitors still have to pay a much higher fee for entrance or services. However this system is slowly changing as prices are being standardized.

Vietnamese Language

Vietnam’s official language is Vietnamese, a tonal language spoken as a mother tongue by 90% the country’s population. Vietnamese is written using a 29 letter alphabetical system. However, the accent of Vietnamese varies from province to province. Besides Vietnamese, around 50 other languages are spoken by ethnic minorities. English is a popular foreign language and is used in most offices, restaurants… in big cities or tourism places. French, Russian, Chinese, Japanese… are also popular and can be found in tourist places.

Vietnamese: Vietnamese belongs to the Austro-Asiatic language group. It is mother tongue to nearly 85% of the country’s population and an additional 3 million Vietnamese living abroad and is the 17th most spoken language in the world (Ethnologue estimate 2005).

The language is most closely related to Khmer but is heavily influenced by Chinese and somewhat influenced by French. It is a mono syllabic language.

Tones: Vietnamese seems complicated to foreigners because it is mono syllabic and has six different tones. Hence, sounds that are slightly different will have totally different meaning. The 6 tones of Vietnamese are:

Level: ba (three/dad)

High rising: bá (to hug)

Low falling: bà (grandmother)

Dipping- rising: bả (poison)

High rising glottalized: bã (trash)

Low glottalized: bạ (random)

Dialects: Vietnamese is spoken differently depending on geographic location. Each region and province has its distinct dialect. Even though grammatical differences are negligible, Vietnamese varies greatly in tone, accents and even vocabulary. For example, “ch” and “tr” sounds are distinct in the South but are merged by Northerners. The Hanoi accent is considered the “standard” Vietnamese.

Writing: Many find it surprising that Vietnamese is written by Latin letters. Vietnamese used to be written based on a complicated Siniform script that was based heavily on Chinese; hence was not popular.

During the 17th century, Roman Catholic missionaries introduced a Latin-based orthography for Vietnamese, Quốc Ngữ (national language) with 29 letters and is now used widely and officially.

Other minority languages:

Vietnam has 53 other ethnic groups besides Viet (making up nearly 10% of the population, many living in mountainous areas), each with their own languages. 24 even have a written form. A few popular languages besides Vietnamese are:

* Chinese: spoken by Ethnic Chinese immigrants who have settled in Vietnam during the last 300 years, living mainly in big cities and provincial towns.
* Muong: spoken by the Muong ethnic group inhabiting the Northern mountainous regions of Vietnam.

It is not necessary to know these languages when visiting places with ethnic minorities, as Vietnamese is a common language used between groups.

Languages you speak:

English is the most popular foreign language in Vietnam and is taught is school. Many people speak English and information in English can be found easily in big cities such as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh; and growing tourist places such as Da Nang or Nha Trang. Guides in English are usually offered.

French and Russian are fairly popular, especially in Northern Vietnam.

Japanese, Korean and Chinese are also growing in popularity. Tours in these languages are also possible depending on location and agency.

Some important one-for-one phrases for your reference.!

Content by Phan Dieu Linh and Nguyen Vu Hanh Dung

Vietnam Weather - Climate

Vietnam’s weather varies from the sub-tropics in the North to the tropics in the South. The humidity is high, with average ranging around 84% a year. Moderated by two monsoons, the average temperature (from 22 to 27) is lower than other countries also in the equatorial regions. The weather varies greatly from North to South, depending on elevation and type of landscape.

Northern weather

Northern Vietnam (from Hue up North) has four seasons with a cold winter and hot summer. The temperature ranges from 5-6C in winter to up to 35C in summer. The further North it is, the colder it gets. In mountainous regions in the far North (such as Sapa) the temperature some times drops below zero. Rainy months are August, October, November. February and March have persistent, light, drizzling rain.

Central Vietnam

Temperatures are high all year round. The temperature tends to be warmer and more humid than the South in the middle of the year and cooler during the dry season from November to April. Flooding may occur from October to December.

Southern Vietnam

Has a distinct dry season (from November to April) and wet season (from May to October). Average temperature ranges from 25-30C. During wet months, heavy and short downpours may occur in mid-afternoons.

Weather by month January

Vietnam weather by month: Categorizing Vietnam weathe by month with information on what to expect for each month in Vietnam.

Content by Phan Dieu Linh and Nguyen Vu Hanh Dung

Do's and Don'ts in Vietnam

Vietnam is a friendly and safe place to travel. With a sprinkling of common sense, your trip should be smooth and trouble free. Tourists usually complain about over-aggressive street vendors, tour operators with a bad attitude and dangerous driving. However, with a cool head and sensible planning, one can avoid these problems.
DO’S

Greetings are no different to western countries, there are no cultural formalities that as a foreginer you would be expected to know or practise.
Vietnamese dress conservatively. Despite the heat, it’s best not to show off too much skin. If you do, especially girls, you’ll only draw stares from the locals.
Dress well when visiting pagodas. No shorts or tatty beer t-shirts. Shoes are fine, and rarely will you have to remove them. If unsure, just follow what the locals do.
Drink plenty of bottled water, especially when walking around sightseeing. No need to carry huge bottles around with you, a vendor is never far away and no doubt they will find you before you find them.
Keep your cash, credit cards, airline tickets and other valuables in a safe place.
Travel with recommend tour agencies. Even if you plan to buy tickets when in country, research your journey a little first on the Internet. A good resource is Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree Forum, where fellow tourists discuss travel in Vietnam. This way you avoid unreliable tour agencies and badly run hotels.
DON’TS

Wear a lot of jewellery or take a bag with you. Violent crime is highly unusual in Vietnam, but petty crime is more apparant. If you have a bag, or tout a digital camera around your neck, you are a potential target.
When taking a ride by motorbike taxi (xe om) make sure your bag, if any, is not on display or easy to grab. Bag snatches, although still rare, are probably the most likely crime a tourist would encounter, and it raises the probability immensely if you are tailing a camera or a laptop in the wind.
Don’t wear singlets, shorts, skirts or dresses, or revealing clothes to temples or pagodas.
Physical displays of affection between lovers in public are frowned upon. That’s why you may come across couples holding hands but not hugging or kissing.
Losing your temper in Vietnam means a loss of face. Keep a cool head and remain polite, you’ll have a greater chance of getting what you want.
Remember, this is Vietnam, a devloping country, and things don’t quite work as you are maybe used to. Don’t be paranoid about your safety, just be aware of your surroundings.

By Jon Hoff

Use Information about Vietnam - 2

5. CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

All visitors are required to fill out customs declaration forms upon their arrivals. A copy of the customs declaration form should be kept and handed over to the customs officers on their departures.

On arrivals, visitors are allowed to bring in the following duty-free items:
• Cigarettes: 400
• Cigars: 50-100
• Tobacco: 100g
• Liquor: 1.5 l.
• Small gift items valued at not more than US$ 300.
Note:
There is no limit to the amounts of cash, precious metals and gems that visitors may bring in, but amounts of over US$ 3,000 must be declared.
The following items are prohibited:
• Weapons, explosives and inflammable objects.
• Opium and other narcotics.
• Cultural materials unsuitable to Vietnamese society.
• Infected animals, plants or foodstuffs.
Upon departures, please note that goods of commercial nature and articles of high value require export permits issued by the customs authorities. Antiques, some precious stones and animals listed in Vietnam’s red-book may not be brought out of the country.

6. LANGUAGE

Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam. In major cities and tourist destinations, a large number of local people can converse in English. Most travel agencies can also provide experienced tour guides fluent in English, French, Russian, German, Japanese, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), etc.

7. PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

January 1, 2009 New Year’s Day (One day holiday)
January 26, 2009 Lunar New Year (Four-day holiday)
April 30, 2009 Saigon Liberation Day (One day holiday)
May 1, 2009 International Labor Day (One day holiday)
September 2, 2009 National Day (One day holiday)


8. OTHER USEFUL TIPS

Vietnam time: GMT + 7
Office hours:
All government offices are open from Monday to Friday from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. (with one-hour lunch break) and closed on Saturday and Sunday.
In local areas, offices are open from 7:00 am to 11:00 a.m. and from 1:00p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Banks are open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30p.m and closed on Saturday afternoons and Sundays.
Private shops are open from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 or 10:00 p.m.
ciated

Electrical current: 220 volts A.C.
Airport tax:
Airport tax is applied to every passenger on every departure
International flights:
• US$ 14.00/person (Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi)
• US$ 12.00/person (Tan Son Nhat Airport, Ho Chi Minh City)
• US$ 8.00/person (Da Nang Airport, Da Nang)

• No tax for children under two.
Domestic flights: included in airfares.

Important telephone numbers:
Police : 113
Fire brigade : 114
Ambulance : 115
International operator: 110

Gratuity is not a must and highly appreciated

Use Information about Vietnam

1. VISA

Most visitors are required to obtain valid visas to enter Vietnam. Entry visas can be obtained at Embassy or Consulate of Vietnam in many countries.

The requirements to obtain visas at Embassy or Consulate of Vietnam will include:
• Original passport
• 02 passport-size photos
• Visa fee
• Application forms (Please contact any Embassy or Consulate of Vietnam most convenient to you)
You are required to send the above documentations and payment for visa stamp fee to the Embassy or Consulate of Vietnam which is most convenient to you. You will be replied by post, therefore, make sure you provide stamped envelops with your name and correct mailing address.

Visas may also be obtained upon arrival for those who are invitees of competent Vietnamese companies or for tourists traveling on package tours organized by Vietnamese tour operators.

It is easier to obtain visas by using visa arrangement services provided by Vietnamese travel agencies. The necessary information to be provided to the travel agencies include:
• Full name
• Date and place of birth
• Nationality
• Profession
• Passport number, place of issue, date of issue and expiry date
• Entry and exit dates
• Country you plan to receive your entry visa from the Vietnamese embassies or consulates
For overseas Vietnamese overseas, the following information is required:
• Year and reason to leave Vietnam
• Leave Vietnam by means
• Full names and addresses of relatives in Vietnam
Visa Extension: this service is available at all travel agencies.
Visa Exemption: Visas are exempted for the citizens of the countries, which have signed a bilateral visa exemption agreement with Vietnam, including Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Laos. Vietnam also made a unilateral decision on visa exemption for citizens of Japan and Korea.

2. AIR ACCESS

Apart from Vietnam Airlines and Pacific Airlines, there are a number of international ones having access to Vietnam All Nippon Airways, Air France, Aeroflot, American Airlines, Asiana Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, China Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Czech Airlines, Eva Air, Emirates Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Japan Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Airlines, Lao Aviation, Lauda Air, Lufthansa German Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Qantas Airways, Royal Cambodian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Shanghai Airways, Siem Reap Air, Swiss Air and Thai Airways International, United Airlines, etc.

3. CLIMATE

Vietnam is located in both the tropical and temperate zone. The annual average temperature is between 22oC and 27oC. The average rainfall is from 1,500 to 2,000 mm and the humidity ranges around 80% In general, there are big difference in climate between the South and the North of Vietnam. While there are only 02 seasons (rainy and sunny) in the South, the North of Vietnam is strongly influenced by the temperate zone climate with 04 distinct seasons.

4. CURRENCY

The Vietnamese unit of currency is DONG. There are both notes and coins currently in use. Notes are in denominations of 500,000; 200,000; 100,000; 50,000; 20,000; 10,000; 5,000; 1,000; 500 and 200 dong. Coins consist of 5,000; 2,000; 1,000; 500 and 200 .

US dollars and major credit cards are widely accepted even at local shops. It is recommended that all foreign currencies should be exchanged at hotel cashiers, banks or other government’s authorized agents.