Vietnam

Vietnam remains one of the most attractive countries in Southeast Asia, with contrasting climates, seasons and landscapes to bring endless fascination to the tourist. Once a battleground for imperialists and communists alike, Vietnam today offers the tourist unspoiled landscapes, virgin beaches, mist-shrouded hills and mountains, and tranquil rivers and springs. Its long history and distinctive culture are quite unique and serve as additional magnets for the foreign visitor.

Compared to Thailand, tourist facilities are not so well developed. Nonetheless, growing interest in Vietnam and a concerted effort to boost the tourism industry has resulted in the emergence of luxury hotels and resorts managed by world-class chains, expansion of the national airline network to all major tourist spots, and significant upgrading of the infrastructure. All this has served to bring greater convenience and comfort to the foreign visitor.

	Getting There		Money
	Visa Requirements		Where to go Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Sapa
	When to go		Danang, Halong Bay

The best way to get to Vietnam is via Bangkok, the airline hub for Southeast Asia. Direct flights (daily at 11.00 in THAI) are available to Ho Chi Minh City, just 80 minutes away, Hanoi (08.30 Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun on THAI) in the north of the country, and Danang (6.35, 8.35 Tue, Thu, Sat on THAI), a seaside town midway up the coast of this long, diverse land.

Vietnam Air, the government airline, still tightly controls flights into the country, although other airlines such as Thai Airways are allowed some access. Consequently, there aren't many bargain deals available. The departure tax on international flights is US$8 from Ho Chi Minh City and US$7 from Hanoi.

Two kinds of visas are available for Vietnam — single-entry and multiple-entry, which must be obtained before arrival into Vietnam. Single-entry visas are valid for 30 days and are generally applicable for tourists. Those traveling on business may obtain a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 6 months. Visas may not be extended. A 30-day visa costs approximately US$40 from an agent in Bangkok. Five business days should be allowed for processing of visa applications, though express visas may be available for an additional charge.

You can visit Vietnam at any time of the year. When one region is wet or cold, or steamy hot, there is always somewhere else that is sunny and warm. Basically, the south has two seasons: the wet (May to November, wettest from June to August) and the dry (December to April). The hottest and most humid time is from the end of February to May. The central coast is dry from June to October. The north has two seasons: cool, damp winters (November to April) and hot summers (May to October). The highland areas are significantly cooler than the lowlands, and temperatures can go below zero in winter. Typhoons may affect northern and central areas in the monsoon season between July and November.

However, travelers should take the Tet new-year festival (late January or early February) into account when planning a trip. Travel of all kinds becomes very difficult during this period, hotels are full and many services close down for at least a week and possibly a lot longer.

Two kinds of visas are available for Vietnam — single-entry and multiple-entry, which must be obtained before arrival into Vietnam. Single-entry visas are valid for 30 days and are generally applicable for tourists. Those traveling on business may obtain a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 6 months. Visas may not be extended. A 30-day visa costs approximately US$40 from an agent in Bangkok. Five business days should be allowed for processing of visa applications, though express visas may be available for an additional charge.

Travelers staying in budget accommodation, eating out at modest restaurants and cafes and using buses and trains for transportation may be able to get by on as little as US$20 per day. Those wanting to stay in mid-range hotels, eat out at moderate restaurants, charter occasional taxis and enjoy the nightlife should budget on around US$65 a day.

Currently, all businesses, except the national airline, can be paid in dong, the local currency, but many still display prices in US dollars. It's always a good idea to have some dollar cash available.

There are four ways to exchange currency: at a bank; through authorized exchange bureaus; at hotel reception desks; and on the black market. The banks offer the best rates, but the exchange bureaus are often more convenient and have longer opening hours. The black market rate is worse than the legal exchange rate and should be avoided. Most major credit cards are accepted in the major cities and popular tourist destinations.

Back to Top