Climate
The climate in Vietnam is dominated by two seasons - the dry and the Monsoon. The Monsoon season runs from May to October and is characterised by warmer, humid conditions and sporadic afternoon showers. The Monsoon rarely affects travel in the region. Note that while temperatures remain stable in the south, it can reach as low as 10 degrees celsius in the winter months between December and February in north Vietnam. Average minimum / maximum temperatures
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon - the south)
| January 21/32 | April 25/35 | July 24/31 | October 24/31 |
Danang (Central Coast)
| January 19/24 | April 23/30 | July 25/34 | October 23/28 |
Hanoi (the north)
| January 12/19 | April 19/26 | July 24/32 | October 20/27 |
Passports & Visas
To enter Vietnam you will require a passport (with 6 months validity) and a tourist visa - which MUST be obtained prior to arrival. Visas cost AUD$70 and travellers should allow two weeks for processing. One visa form and one passport photo must be supplied with each application. A combined Entry/Exit and Baggage Declaration form will be issued to you prior to arrival and MUST be retained until your departure from Vietnam.
If entering Vietnam more than once, you must obtain a multiple entry visa at a cost of AUD$130. If you transit in Vietnam on your second stop in the same day and do not leave the airport, a double entry visa will not be required HOWEVER if transitting in Hanoi, you MUST have a multiple entry visa.
Safety & Security
Vietnam is generally a safe country, however petty street crime is on the rise as tourist numbers increase. In Ho Chi Minh City we recommend that as little jewellery as possible is worn and that when on the street your spending money is kept close to your body in a secure place. Take taxis rather than cyclos at night.
Money
The currency in Vietnam is the Dong. At the time of writing, AUD$1 is equivalent to approx, 12,000 dong. It is possible to change Australian dollars at most hotels in major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. All international currency, with the exception of the USD, must be changed into the local currency, the Vietnamese dong. It is acceptable to pay for goods and services in US$ or dong, however you will get better value for your money if you use local currency. Most hotels change travellers cheques (with a 1-2% commission) and cash. Note that credit cards are only accepted in some major hotels, restaurants and shops in Ho Chi Minh City, Hue and Hanoi however they are not widely accepted outside these cities. Cash advances can be obtained using these cards at the major banks in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. Please note if travelling to remote areas of Vietnam it is advisable to carry dong or USD.
Airport taxes
All travellers leaving Vietnam must pay a departure tax of US$12 for flights leaving Saigon, and US$14 for flights leaving Hanoi. This tax can be paid in local currency. Domestic air taxes apply and range from 10,000 dong to 20,000 dong depending on flight.
Health & Vaccinations
Travellers to Vietnam should observe similar precautions to those taken elsewhere in Asia. There are now a number of international standard medical care facilities available in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Outside the cities, medical care facilities are basic. We strongly recommend you consult your preferred doctor for the most up to date advice on the best health precautions at least one month prior to travel.
Food/Water
Vietnamese cuisine is diverse and tasty and one of the many highlights of a visit to the country. Most food presented is well cooked however some optional dishes may be served cold. Travellers should note that raw, cold food presents a higher risk of stomach upset than well cooked foods. Drinking local tap water is not recommended - bottled water is readily available throughout Vietnam.
Post & Communication
International post generally takes 7-10 days to reach their destination with prices equivalent to western postal charges. Reverse charge (collect) calls are not available. International phone and fax fees are expensive - vary between 4-6 USD per minute. Email services are inexpensive and available in the major tourist areas. Mobile phones do work in Vietnam, you will need to contact your service provider prior to departure.
Photography
Print film is widely available and of good quality at US$3-4 per roll. Vietnam has good, fast, and value for money, film processing facilities. Slide film and Hi8/V8 video cassettes are not widely available outside Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. X-ray machines at airports are safe.
Local Time
Vietnam is 7hours ahead of GMT and 3hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
Shopping
Vietnam is fast becoming known as a shoppers paradise Ceramics, lacquer, bamboo, silk and embroidery are just some of the many good buys. Many travellers also have clothes tailored due to the low prices - standards vary. A few guidelines to follow when shopping: 1)Except in department stores, bargaining is the norm. To get the best price you will have to haggle hard. 2)Export of certain antiques is not permitted. Make sure you know the regulations before purchasing. 3)Fake reproductions are common. Make sure you know what you are buying - especially antiques.
Language
The Vietnamese language is written with Latin characters. English is widely spoken throughout the country, especially in tourist areas. The Lonely Planet Vietnam Phrasebook is recommended for those wanting to learn more about the language.
Airlines Notice
Airline schedules are subject to change and cancellation. Travel Indochina wishes to advise that we cannot be held responsible for delays or alterations to tour content arising from changes to Airline schedules. Further, whilst we will use our fullest endeavours to assist our travellers, we cannot be responsible for any additional costs incurred by our travellers stemming from alterations to airline services. Travellers should note that costs resulting from airline schedule alterations will normally be reimbursed under good travel insurance policies. Travellers should also seek the fullest possible assistance from the airline should late cancellation or flight rescheduling impact on travel arrangements. Please ensure flight sectors are reconfirmed prior to travel.
Train Travel
Train timetable, class and availability are subject to change as tickets can only be purchased in country at the last moment due to local Rail Authority regulations. Train travel in Vietnam is in shared 4 berth compartments. On overnight train journeys you will be required to share with other people.
Recommended Reading
Some books worth reading before your trip include:
Guide Books
Lonely Planet Guide to Vietnam
Rough Guide to Vietnam
General
The Quiet American by Graham Greene
Bridge Across my Sorrow by Christina Noble
Historical
Vietnam - A History by Stanley Karnow
A Bright Shinning Lie by Neil Sheehan
Two Cities by Neil Sheehan
