A passport with more than 6 months of validity remaining is essential.
Check here for detailed information on visas to Vietnam: https://www.vietnamstay.com/visa-to-vietnam.
No actual vaccinations are officially required. Noted in our Vietnam travel tips, travelers are advised to check with their doctor or travel immunization clinic regarding the advisability of inoculation against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A & B and malaria. It is recommended that all travelers take out comprehensive Personal Travel Insurance to cover personal belongings, or in case of accident or illness, etc.
The usual voltage is 220V, 50Hz. The two-pin (ungrounded) plug is more popular than the three-pin one. If you have any devices needing a special outlet, please bring its adapter kit. The best investment is a universal AC adapter, which enables you to plug it into any outlet without damaging your appliances.
The local currency is the Dong (abbreviated "d" or VND). Money, particularly US dollars, can be exchanged at banks, hotels, and authorized money exchangers. Most retailers do not accept checks. But Visa, Master & JCB cards are widely accepted. Some merchants also accept AMEX. A 3% bank charge on transactions (4% for AMEX) is pretty common, due to bank policies. ATMs are very popular in most tourist destinations.
Local time is GMT + 7 hours. Most government offices are open from 8:00 / 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 / 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, but are closed from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for lunch. Banks are closed after 4:00 p.m. Some foreign companies or private enterprises are open Saturday mornings. Most shops and department stores are open every day until 8.00 or 9.00 p.m.
Local time is GMT + 7 hours. Most government offices are open from 8:00 / 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 / 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, but are closed from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for lunch. Banks are closed after 4:00 p.m. Some foreign companies or private enterprises are open Saturday mornings. Most shops and department stores are open every day until 8.00 or 9.00 p.m.
Flight times may vary from day to day. Schedules are subject to change without prior notice. You should allow an hour at the airport for the check-in process before your flight departure. Baggage allowance is 20kg per person in economy class. Hand luggage should not weigh more than 7kg. You are recommended to reconfirm your intention to travel at least 24 hours before departure from all your points on your itinerary, even if you have a confirmed reservation.
You can access the internet at hotels, cyber cafés & Internet/Computer Service Centers. ADSL technology is widely used in major cities. Also, WIFI internet is available at some cyber cafés, restaurants, and most hotels in major tourist destinations.
Free WIFI is also available in some international airports.
Vietnam has high international telephone charges. It is essential to verify the exact amount with the hotel before making a call, as hotel surcharges are often applied. VOIP calls help reduce call charges. Prepaid internet & mobile cards can be bought in the major cities, so if your phone is unlocked, this solution is cheap (around USD5) and will allow you to call in case of emergency, call your driver, your hotel, and even home if you need! Service providers for mobile phone networks are GSM of Vinaphone, Mobile Phone, and Viettel, while CDMA are EVN Telecom and S-Phone, HT Mobile, etc.
Vietnam stretches over 1,800 km from north to south, with an area of 332,000 square km. Vietnam's topography varies from coastal plains to mountain ranges; therefore, the climate from North to South can be very different.
Vietnamese society is an interesting blend of modern and traditional. Rural areas are known to be more traditional than big cities, hence it is appropriate to dress modestly in rural areas as well as in temples, museums, and historical heritage sites.
It is worth noting that in Vietnam, pointing at something or somebody with your finger is considered impolite, as well as touching people, especially on the head
Vietnamese society is very respectful of its elders, and while nobody would say a thing in any circumstance, it is again appropriate to respect elderly people, help them cross the street, and keep your voice low when talking to them.
Ask to the person you want to take a picture of if it’s okay to do so.
Vietnamese food has recently become more and more famous around the world with several delicious dishes, from Pho (rice noodle soup) to Banh mi (bread), spring roll to Bun cha (grilled pork with rice vermicelli), etc.
Hanoi is arguably Asia's most charming capital city. Hanoi, meaning – where the river bends, sits on the Red River Delta, which has sustained the city's prosperity for over a thousand years. Unlike other cities in Vietnam and the region, Hanoi has managed to modernize with some grace, retaining its old world charm.
The Social Republic of Vietnam comprises of three different areas. Then, the best time to visit Vietnam somehow will depend on the areas you like to go
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam's political system is defined by a single-party, the communist party. Within this party, the executive power is represented by the president, who is the head of state, and the government, led by the prime minister. The judicial power is in charge of enforcing the constitution, and is separated from the executive and legislative powers.
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