General information
A.
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A. Everyone in Vietnam
seems to be learning English. Standards are relatively high
considering the country has only been open for just over a
decade. Most young people and many of those working in the
tourist industry speak sufficient English to communicate at
a basic level. You’ll find more and better English-speakers
in the south - a legacy of the American presence - but even
here don’t expect to find English spoken at small
restaurants, in markets or anywhere off the tourist trail.
For such situations it will help to have a basic phrasebook.
People over 60 years old, especially in the north speak
wonderfully old-fashioned French. Other northerners might
speak Russian or German, depending where they were sent to
be educated or as “guest workers”.
Though you will certainly be able to get by in English, it’s
worth learning a few Vietnamese phrases before you go. The
pronunciation is a bit tricky, but otherwise Vietnamese is
not a particularly complicated language. A few standard
phrases (such as hello, thank you, how much is it? and
goodbye) always go down well. It will also help if you learn
the numbers, though this can be circumvented by asking
people to write down prices, times etc...
A.
The holiday season is here again! Before you take off for
that long awaited and exciting trip to the Viet Nam, make
sure you have everything ready: Passport, camera,
toothbrush... ...and don't forget your travel insurance. For
those of you who are not familiar, here's a quick guide to
understanding your travel insurance needs and to getting the
right package for your trip. Although you may have medical
insurance in your own country, it is probably not valid
while you are in Vietnam. So, It takes times when you come
back your country & make declaration.
A.
If you plan to do any driving while you are abroad, get
an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your local
Automobile Association or motor vehicle department before
you leave. In many countries, these are valid for only one
year, so there is no sense getting one too far in advance of
your departure. However, some countries will issue IDPs that
remain valid for several years - it depends on where you
live. Make sure your license states that it is valid for
motor if you plan to ride one.
In Vietnam, you can drive. It is recommended for you to rent
a car in Tourist Company because it is safe. And you can
have thoughtful care from the driver. Tourists who are not
used to the traffic in Vietnam find it difficult to drive.
A.
Tipping is not expected in Vietnam, but will be greatly
appreciated. Smart hotels and restaurants nowadays add a
10-15% service charge (which should be indicated on the
bill) but else where it’s up to you. It’s a good idea to tip
guides, drivers and anyone else that has provided good
service.
A.
Giving small gifts to those who have performed a special
service or with whom you have a working relationship is
greatly appreciated. Anything from your local area, such as
cakes, sweets, chinaware or photo books or calendars, is a
good idea. Otherwise, inexpensive make-up, perfume, jeweler
and pretty toiletries go down well with women, while men
will prefer pens, cigarette lighters, imported cigarettes,
whisky or other spirits and car/biking magazines. For
children, obviously small toys such as inflatable playground
balls and skipping ropes are popular and easy to transport.
Or how about drawing books/pads of paper and pencils or
crayons, erasers, model cars, small-size T-shirts and other
clothes.
When presenting gifts, don’t expect effusive thanks, as this
isn’t Vietnamese style. Whatever their reaction, you can be
sure that the gift was appreciated.
A.
Vietnam has a good variety of lightweight, transportable
souvenirs. You’ll find them on sale in all the main tourist
areas, though Hanoi and HCMC probably offer the greatest
variety.
Silk is probably high on most people’s list, either tailored
or as uncut cloth. Hoi An, in central Vietnam, has become
the place to get clothes made, but you’ll also find good
tailors in Hanoi along Hang Gai and in HCMC. Beautifully
embroidered cottons are another popular choice, as are
printed T-shirts in a whole range of designs.
Traditional craft items include laquer ware, items decorated
with mother-of-pearl inlay, conical hats, carvings made of
cinnamon and camphor wood, bronze Buddhist bells and musical
instruments. A water puppet also makes a nice memento.
Fabrics from the various ethnic minorities are either sold
in lengths or made into bags, purses or skullcaps. Minority
groups in the south produce wonderful basketry and bamboo
pipes.
Vietnam has a thriving fine arts scene, with some artists
commanding substantial sums, though you need to be wary of
fakes. Galleries in Hanoi, HCMC, Hue and Hoi An also show
works by lesser-known artists at more affordable prices.
Look out also for lovely, hand-painted greetings cards.
Note that export restrictions apply to all items deemed to
be of “cultural or historical significance”, including works
of art and anything over 50 years old. To take any such item
out of the country you’ll need an export license. Even if
it’s a modern reproduction it might be worth getting
clearance anyway, since customs officials aren’t necessarily
very discriminating.
Traveling in
Vietnam
A.
If you wish to have a pleasant trip and free of care, no
way is better than traveling through a tour company. You
just only tell us your requirements, your interests, your
trip's budget, we will arrange for you a good trip. Your
main task is now: Enjoy your mean time with experience real
Vietnam by your own way. You do not have to lose time for
finding transportation to go somewhere you want; You do not
have to spend time on finding hotel rooms to stay,
restaurant to eat, think of where to visit and how to know
the best about that place?
In fact, some tourists have face with many troubles relate
to the above elements because they are strangers in a
strange country. That takes them lots of time and makes
their trip unmemorable.
However, you can save money because when you use the
packaged services, the cost is not as high as detail
services. And if you book hotel rooms, then transportation,
then tour guide, and eat yourselves...the total cost is much
higher than packaged services.
A.
There is no good and bad time to travel to Vietnam. When
the region is wet, cold or steaming hot, there is always
somewhere else that is sunny and pleasant. From October to
April is winter and spring in Vietnam. In the Northern, it
is cool. It is the most suitable time for international
visitors to come to Vietnam because this is the time for
flowers to bloom and especially to enjoy the boisterous
atmosphere of Tet in Vietnam. From December to January is
the coldest time of the year. The average temperature from
12- 16o C
A.
The quickest way is asking us directly for information.
We are willing to advise you and answer any your asked
question. Please let us know how can we help you?
A.
All long life is not enough for discovering Vietnam. But
with your limited time, you can choose one of these options:
Please click here (Tour programs).
Do you have any special request? or for further information,
please do not hesitate to contact us
A.
Beside the above airports where you can enter Vietnam
when traveling by air, you can also enter Vietnam overland
at any of 8 official international borders: With Cambodia
(3), Laos (2), and China (3).
* Cambodia: The most popular border crossing between
Cambodia and Vietnam is Moc Bai, which connects Vietnam's
Tay Ninh Province with Cambodia Svay Rieng province. Bus run
daily between Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh city and vice versa
(via Moc Bai).
- A highly popular alternative to the Moc Bai border is Vinh
Xuong border near Chau Doc, in the Mekong Delta. One major
plus of entry or exit via Vinh Xuong border is that you can
take a trip through Mekong Delta en route, and on the
Cambodian side of the border, the spectacular boat ride up
the Mekong River is part of the trip.
- The third international border between Cambodia and
Vietnam is Tinh Bien, about 25 km west of Chau Doc, along
the road to Ha Tien.
Note: To cross overland in to Vietnam or Cambodia, you must
prearrange a visa for either country. Visa on arrival are
not available. If you plan to exit Vietnam and return to
Vietnam again, try applying for a multiple-entry Vietnam
tourist visa.
* Laos: There are two points where you can cross overland
between Laos and Vietnam: Lao Bao and Keo Nua Pass.
- Lao Bao: is on National Highway 9, 80 km west of Dong Ha
town ( Quang Tri province - Vietnam) and 3 km east of Laos.
Just cross the border is the southern Lao province of
Savannakhet.
- Keo Nua Pass: Vietnam's National Highway 8 crosses the
border at Keo Nua Pass (known as Cau Treo in Vietnamese).
The nearest Vietnamese city of any importance is Vinh, about
80 km from border and accessible via National Highway 8.
* China: The Vietnam and China border-crossing hours are
from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm ( Vietnam time = GMT +7). There are
currently three border checking points where foreigners are
permitted to cross between Vietnam and China: Friendship
Pass, Lao Cai and Mong Cai.
- Friendship Pass: The busiest border crossing is at
Vietnamese town of Dong Dang, 164 km northeast of Hanoi. The
closest town on the Chinese side of the border is Pinxiang.
The Friendship Pass is also known as Huu Nghi Quan
(Vietnamese) and Youi Guan (Chinese). There is a twice-
weekly international train between Beijing and Hanoi that
stop at Friendship Pass. You can board or get off at
numerous stations in China. The entire Beijing - Hanoi run
is about 2951 km.
- Lao Cai - Hekou: is the border between Lao Cai province
(Vietnam) and Hekou town (China). It is 294 km from Hanoi
and 468 km from Kunming.
- Mong Cai - Dongxing: Vietnam's third border crossing to
China can be found at Mong Cai town, in the northeastern
corner of the country. Just opposite the Chinese city of
Dongxing. This border is now very popular for Chinese
tourists going to Vietnam overland or oversea.
A.
You will be surprised by the warmth of our reception like
many other Americans were. We - Vietnamese live for the
present and the future along with respect for the past. The
war is history. We warmly welcome people from all countries
and races.
A.
Vietnam is a relatively safe country to visit. Indeed
Vietnam was recently voted one of the safest destinations in
the world. Women and independent travelers have found it
relatively hassle-free and easy to travel throughout the
country. That said, there are increasing instances of theft,
especially in HCMC where pickpockets and snatch thieves on
motorbikes are the worst menace. The best tip is to be
vigilant at all times. Often cute kids or old grannies have
deft fingers. Leave all valuables (expensive watches,
jeweler, glasses, etc.) at home, and don’t even wear flash
costume jeweler. Make sure you have a firm grip on cameras
and shoulder bags at all times and never leave anything you
value lying around unattended. I would also not advise
taking cyclos late at night, especially in HCMC.
The other problem area is on the trains, especially the
night trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai. Again, make sure all
your luggage is safely locked, preferably stowed out of
sight or attached to an immovable object, and don’t leave
things near open windows. It’s also wise not to accept food
or drink from people you don’t know (there are reports of
one or two people being drugged and robbed this way).
You might also have read warnings about unexploded shells,
mines and other ordnance lying around. This is still the
case in the DMZ, around My Son and certain border areas,
particularly along the Chinese border. It is advisable to
visit such areas only with an experienced local guide and
never stray off well-trodden footpaths anywhere in Vietnam.
Finally, there’s the traffic. Trying to cross the street in
Hanoi or HCMC is an adventure in itself! You’ll be faced
with a tightly packed stream of scooters, bikes and cyclos,
which looks completely chaotic at first. But don’t give up!
Either walk till you find some traffic lights or just go for
it. The key is to walk slowly and steadily out into the
traffic. As long as you keep a steady pace and make your
movements clear, the traffic will flow round you. Problems
arise if you stop or move too quickly and the drivers/riders
can’t anticipate your progress.
But don’t get paranoid! Thousands of people visit Vietnam
each year without experiencing any problems whatsoever. It’s
also worth bearing in mind that the situation in Vietnam is
certainly no worse than many big European and American
cities. Just take the same precautions you would in any
unfamiliar place, and you should be fine.
A.
Vietnam cuisine has become a favorite throughout the
Western world. And drinking and eating in Vietnam is
considered an art. Though you can enjoy Vietnamese food in
many restaurants in Europe, USA, Australia..., you should
not lose the chance to enjoy traditional Vietnamese food in
Vietnam with full flavors.
Moreover, you can also enjoy food from all over the world.
You can choose restaurants with Chinese, Indian, Japanese,
Korean, Asian, French, Italian, style and other
international restaurants, and especially if you are
vegetarians, you can choose vegetarian restaurants.
Payment and Purchase
A.
Major credit cards (Visa, American Express, JCB,
MasterCard, Dinner's Club) are gradually becoming more
widely accepted in Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi and HCMC.
All top level and many mid-level hotels accept them, as do a
growing number of restaurants and up market shops catering
to the tourist trade. But watch out for the extra taxes they
wrap on when using a credit card - these can amount to an
additional 5 percent. Outside the major cities you will have
to rely on cash and travelers’ cheques.
A.
Cash advances on credit cards are available at the
central Vietcombank in Hanoi, HCMC and other major cities,
for which you will be charged around 3 %. Hanoi and HCMC
also boast 24hr ATMs where you can withdraw cash on
MasterCard, Visa and other cards in the Cirrus/Plus
networks. In Hanoi, go to the ANZ Bank beside Hoan Kiem Lake
; in HCMC both ANZ Bank and HKSB have ATMs.
A.
Despite government attempts to outlaw the practice, the
US $ still acts as an alternative currency which is almost
completely interchangeable with the dong. Many prices,
especially for hotels, tours and expensive restaurants, are
still quoted in US$, though you can pay in dong if you’d
rather - just check what exchange rate they’re using.
For everyday expenses, I recommend carrying a mix of US$
cash and dong. For larger items (hotel bills, train tickets,
etc.) or when the exchange rate works in your favor, use
dollars. For cyclos, local food stalls and small purchases,
it’s best to use dong. In either case, make sure you always
have a stock of small notes so that you don’t have to worry
about change.
A.
You can change cash and travelers’ cheques at exchange
desks in big hotels and at authorized foreign exchange banks
in the main cities. Among the banks, Vietcombank usually
offers the best exchange rates and charges the lowest
commission (around 1-2%). Note that commission rates are
slightly lower if changing travelers’ cheques into dong
rather than dollars. Vietcombank does not levy commission
when changing dollars cash into dong, though some other
banks do. It’s worth bearing in mind that you get a slightly
better exchange rate for $100 and $50 notes than for smaller
denominations. When cashing travelers’ cheques you may be
asked for your passport, though this practice seems to be
dying out.
Outside the main cities and tourist areas, authorized
foreign exchange banks are few and far between. So if you’re
heading off the beaten path, stock up with enough cash
(dollars and dong) to last the trip. Wherever you are,
you’ll always find someone willing to change dollars cash
into dong, though rates will vary.
A.
Vietnam ’s official currency is the dong, which cannot be
purchased outside Vietnam. The main banks in Hanoi and HCMC
can handle a fairly broad range of currencies nowadays, but
the dollar is still the most widely accepted. I therefore
recommend taking a combination of US$ cash and US$
travelers’ cheques, with the bulk in travelers’ cheques for
safety. American Express, Visa and Thomas Cook cheques are
the most recognized brands. It’s a good idea to arrive with
at least some small denomination dollar bills ($1s, $5s and
$10s) to get you from the airport into town and to a bank.
Even if they’re open, the airport exchange desks offer
unfavorable rates. If you do bring dollars cash into
Vietnam, make sure they are not badly tattered as they may
be refused.
A.
Almost everything is negotiable in Vietnam (with the
notable exception of meals) and bargaining is very much part
of the Vietnamese way of life. All tourists are regarded as
wealthy - which we are compared to most locals - but that
doesn’t mean you’ll always be quoted an outrageous price;
small shopkeepers and restaurant will often charge you the
local rate.
When bargaining it helps if you know some Vietnamese numbers
and have a general idea of the going rate for the item.
Otherwise, the trick is to remain friendly, be realistic and
make the process fun. If you manage to reduce the price by
40%, you’re doing well. In most cases it’ll be more like
10-20%. A common ploy is to start moving away if you’re on
the verge of agreement. But don’t bargain just for the sake
of it - if your price is agreed, then you are honor bound to
purchase. And always keep a sense of perspective: don’t
waste time and energy haggling over what only amounts to a
few cents.
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