For many people Vietnam is synonymous with war and destruction. However it has been 25 years since the Vietnam War ended, and the country is moving out of its shadow. Vietnam has a unique culture which is marked by the various different peoples living in the country. The magnificent scenery of the country consists of trackless jungle, fertile agricultural country, beautiful beaches and mysterious caves. Moreover, the inhabitants are known for their hospitality whether they live in small mountain villages or in the throbbing centre of Saigon.
Find your travel arrangement to Vietnam here
Region and City Guides
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Facts
Local name
Viet Nam (Cung Hoa Xa Hoi Chu Nghi Viet Nam)
Capital
Hanoi
Size
325,360 km2
Principal Languages
Vietnamese
Principal Religion
No official religion. Communism. Buddhism
Inhabitants
78,773,873 (June 2000)
Government
Socialistic republic
Geography
Vietnam borders on China, Laos and Cambodia. To the east and west, the country is bordered by the Chinese Sea. Vietnam is shaped like an S, and the distance from north to south is more than 1600km. The Metong River and the Red River flow through the country, and are the basis of the country's production of rice. Furthermore, a large part of the country is covered by mountains and jungle.
Travel preparation
Best time to visit
In Vietnam, there is no real peak- or off-season. The climate varies from region to region, and when it is cold and wet in one region it is hot and sunny in another region.
Literature
Lonely Planet Vietnam
Rough Guide Vietnam
Fodor's Vietnam
Rough Guide Vietnam
Fodor's Vietnam
Local conditions
It is possible to reach even the remote areas of the country by public transportation. The crowded buses go everywhere in the country. However, the further you get from the cities, the worse the roads and buses get. If you prefer to travel more comfortably, Vietnam Airlines has destinations all over the country.
Weight and Measures
Length: Metre
Weight: Kilo
Cubic content: Litre
Temperature: Celsius
Weight: Kilo
Cubic content: Litre
Temperature: Celsius
Photography
It is allowed to photograph in most places in Vietnam. If you are in doubt then ask for permission. Airports and military installations cannot be photographed.
Drinking water
It is recommended that you do not drink the tap water, drink mineral water instead. Try to avoid ice cubes, as the hygiene is not always good.
Electricity
220v/110v. The voltage differentiates.
Behaviour
Always make sure to dress nice and decently as the Vietnamese are very concerned with proper clothing. If you choose to follow the norms you can be sure to be treated with respect, and it can be easier to get what you want. People older than you must be treated with respect.
Business Hours
Banks are open from 07.00-17.00, lunch break from 11.30-14.00 (Monday-Friday). Banks are open in the morning on Saturdays.
It is difficult to determine the opening hours of shops. Usually, shops are open from early morning until late night.
It is difficult to determine the opening hours of shops. Usually, shops are open from early morning until late night.
Food and drink
Vietnamese food is varied and can be delicious. The country has approximately 500 traditional dishes, which consists of everything from cobras and shellfish to delicious vegetarian dishes. Fish is also an important ingredient in the Vietnamese kitchen, and practically all dishes are served with rice and noodles. Green tea is served everywhere. Vietnamese coffee is excellent, and beer is also served everywhere.
Disabled travellers
There are very few hotels or museums etc., which show any awareness of the needs of disabled travellers.
Holidays
New Year's Day, 1st January
Tet - New Years Celebration, in January or February and lasts for at least three days
The Liberation of Saigon, 30th April
Labour Day, 1st May
Ho Chi Min's Birthday, 19th May
National Day, 2nd September
Tet - New Years Celebration, in January or February and lasts for at least three days
The Liberation of Saigon, 30th April
Labour Day, 1st May
Ho Chi Min's Birthday, 19th May
National Day, 2nd September
Accommodation / Hotel
In Vietnam the only legal form of accommodation is the Hotel. The quality of hotels ranges from small, sleazy hotels with dormitories to luxury hotels which meet all requirements. The prices vary and there are hotels for every budget. Notice that you have to register and inform the local police about where you are staying every time you arrive in a new place.
Book your Hotel in Vietnam here
Book your Hotel in Vietnam here
Camping
No camping possibilities.
Bed og breakfast or guesthouse
There are no B&B/guesthouses.
Hostels
There are no hostels.
Local transport
Buses are best for local transport.
Planes
Vietnam has very good domestic airline connections. It is relatively expensive to fly domestically as Vietnam Airlines has a monopoly. It is more expensive for tourists to fly to domestic destinations than it is for the Vietnamese.
Bus
In Vietnam, the bus network is both good and cheap. Notice that buses are always crowded.
Trains
It is preferable to take the express trains instead of local trains, which are often crowded. There are two classes on the trains, and a "soft seat" is preferable. There are many thieves on the trains, therefore, make sure not to leave your luggage unattended.
Taxi
There are taxi companies only in the large cities. However it is always possible to get a private driver. Remember to always agree on a price in advance as the drivers do not have fare-meters.
car rental
It is not possible to rent cars in Vietnam, and it is only legal to drive for persons with a Vietnamese license.
Other Transport
In the chaotic traffic in Vietnam, bicycles as a means of transportation is recommendable. Bicycles are let at the hotels or in bicycle shops.
In the cities, scooters is also used a lot as a means of transportation. You can rent scooters at the hotels, and it is inexpensive. Always remember to wear a helmet; the Vietnamese drive like crazy.
In the cities, scooters is also used a lot as a means of transportation. You can rent scooters at the hotels, and it is inexpensive. Always remember to wear a helmet; the Vietnamese drive like crazy.
Special conditions
Around in the country are still remnants from the war. For example there are areas in which mines have not yet been removed. Therefore it is recommended that you stay on paths and roads, unless you are travelling with someone acquainted with the local conditions. Mines are especially a problem in Central Vietnam.
Region and City Guides
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