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EXOTISSIMO Experts in Asia - in Asia
TRAVEL
Exo Travel Guides
Vietnam
www.exotissimo.com
Introducing Vietnam
Seeing the real Vietnam with Exotissimo...
Thank you for choosing Exotissimo Travel Vietnam to capitals. History buffs can learn about Vietnam’s recent
organize your travel arrangements in Vietnam. This hard fought wars in the museums. Culture seekers will
document will give you some more information about delight in the discovery of the diverse landscapes and
the country, the different destinations to visit, useful everyday sights, from bustling floating markets, lush
information for travelers, a listing of the Exotissimo paddy fields to colorful hill tribes in the highlands. For
preferred hotels, reservations and booking procedures. beach lovers, Vietnam’s long coastline is framed with
sandy beaches and clear seas with lots of opportunities
Vietnam is an intriguing destination. At the crossroads for water-based adventures.
of tradition and modernity, an eclectic mix of old and
new, this country will reveal astonishing finds to every Whatever your interest may be, we assure you that
type of traveler. The old world charm is still retained traveling with Exotissimo to explore Vietnam’s hidden
amid the French influenced architectures, wide tree- treasures will surely be an impressive trip.
lined boulevards gracing the cities and former imperial
Where should I go in Vietnam?
That depends how long you’ve got, what you want to see and what you want to do. The guide below should help you make those decisions.
If you want to really discover Vietnam, you should set aside a couple of weeks to travel, meet the people and get some kind of understanding for this beautiful and fascinating country. Our shortest tours are half day excursions but the longer you’ve got the better. At Exotissimo we pride ourselves on being
able to fill everybody’s travel plans with just the right mix. It will be our pleasure to make the suggestion and arrangements to allow you to make the most of your precious leisure time. After all, our team of Vietnamese and western travel enthusiasts work, live and travel all over the country and we would
be happy to share our new discoveries with you.
When to go to Vietnam?
Vietnam’s weather varies greatly from north to south travel plans.
with each area marked by slightly different seasons
and climates. Because of these regional variations, a Although the temperature remains fairly steady
part of the country is seasonable at any time of year. throughout the year, Southern Vietnam has two sea-
sons. The dry season lasts from December to May,
The north, overall, tends to be cooler than the rest of while from May to November is the rainy season. Most
the country. During the winter, from November until of the rain is in the afternoon and only lasts a short
February, the day time temperature is pleasantly cool time so it is unlikely to disrupt touring plans.
and the weather is often damp. To the far north in
places like Sapa, there is occasionally freezing tem- The Chinese new year of Tet is celebrated throughout
peratures during this time. The north begins to warm Vietnam in late January or early February. During this
up in March and stays dry and warm until May. From time, transport options fill up quickly and lots of res-
June to October, the north is hot and rainy making it a taurants and tourist sites are closed so it is not recom-
fairly unpleasant place to travel. Overall the best time mended to travel to Vietnam then.
to visit the north is from November until April.
This is a guide to the best of the best of Vietnam filled
Central Vietnam experiences warm weather from July with ideas for travel sightseeing and accommodation
to October and wet, colder weather from November to with a few insider tips along the way.
May. Frequent typhoons hit the central coast from Au-
gust to October which can cause flooding and disrupt
Hanoi
Lying in the heart of the Red River Delta, the Vietnamese capital city of Hanoi blends
the old world charm with the dynamism of a rising Asian city. Its legacy as a former
French territory is still evident from the French-inspired features - lakes and parks,
colonial architecture and broad tree-lined boulevards - that still dot the present
cityscapes. The city has undergone dramatic transformation over the last thirty years What to see in Hanoi?
and is now seeing a burgeoning population paralleled by rising motorbike ownership, Hanoi is one of Asia’s most fascinating cities with its unique blend of western and streets. Pay homage to the late Ho Chi Minh at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and his
a rapidly expanding retail sector and a flourishing art scene. Yet when compared oriental charm. You can wander through the 36 streets in the Old Quarter, rummage ‘house on stilts’ and learn why “Uncle Ho” is such a respected figure to the Vietnam-
with Ho Chi Minh City, the economic powerhouse in the south, Hanoi still retains a for souvenirs and witness the artisans working on their specialty crafts. As the oldest ese. Vietnam is a culturally diverse country and the fascinating ways of life of her 54
romantic and elegant atmosphere. university (established since 1070), the Temple of Literature and its five courtyards ethnic groups can be seen at the Museum of Ethnology.
retains a scholarly atmosphere and makes a peaceful respite from Hanoi’s busy
To check out the budding arts scene, compared to Tam Coc - as well as 10th
pop into the dozens of art galleries that century relics from when the area was
stock works ranging from traditional to the capital’s country.
modern. Some of our favorites, the Apri-
cot Gallery and Art Vietnam have consis- To learn about Vietnam’s pottery his-
tently received positive accolades from tory, a visit to Bat Trang Ceramic Village
art connoisseurs and travelers. Although should be on the travel agenda. Here,
modern entertainment outlets are read- you could try your hands at making the
ily available in Hanoi, why not opt to ceramics, but it is much easier to be en-
catch a water puppet show - a unique ticed into owning the exquisite vases,
cultural form of North Vietnam? For early bowls and dishes produced from the
risers, head to Hoan Kiem Lake or Park of hands of the talented Bat Trang potters.
Reunification (formerly Lenin Park) and For lovers of indigenous crafts, the Van
observe Vietnamese in their synchro- Phuc Weaving Village lures visitors with
nized Tai Chi moves. On fine afternoons, its bewildering range of silk products.
stroll through the French quarter, sip an
aromatic cup of coffee on the sidewalk Explore the rustic landscapes by cycling
and observe the bustling street life. around the city’s northern outskirts in
Dong Ho Village, which is also famous
If you have more time to spare, there are for its painting styles that depict the
many interesting locales in Hanoi’s out- traditional Vietnamese village lives. Fol-
skirts that are lesser visited by tourists. low the trails of Vietnamese pilgrims and
Tam Coc in Ninh Binh - with its series embark on a 2-hour trek up Huong Son
of limestone rock formations jutting out Mountain to Perfume Pagoda (or Chua Where to stay in Hanoi?
from a sea of rice paddies, is a scenic Huong), with lots of photographic oppor- When in Hanoi, a stay in a colonial-style hotel should not be missed. The Sofitel famous Hoan Kiem Lake, the boutique Maison D’Hanoi prefer The Silk Path Hotel - conveniently located within
and surreal place to visit. Nearby Hoa Lu tunities along the way. Metropole Legend Hanoi is a celebrated Hanoi institution which boasts of an impres- Hanova Hotel appeals to discerning travelers with its walking distance to the Old Quarter and other city
also offers similar landscapes of rocky sive guest list. For a lavish stay, the InterContinental Westlake Hanoi tops with its 55 tastefully designed rooms. For accommodations that attractions.
outcrops - no less spectacular when chic Vietnamese décor and waterfront location by the historic West Lake. Nearby the are more wallet-friendly but yet present good value, we
Where to eat in Hanoi? For street eats, Pho Bo (beef noodle Housed in an old colonial building, both soup), Bun Cha (grilled meat with dry Wild Lotus and Seasons of Hanoi are styl- noodles) and Banh Cuon (pho package ish establishments that serve rich Viet- with beef rolls) usually make good intro- namese menu with tasteful Asian décor. duction to the local cuisine. For delicious For French - Vietnamese fusion fare, opt pho eats, consider the ubiquitous Pho for Didier Corlou’s La Verticale which 24 which offers different varieties of the showcases an impressive selection in an much-loved Vietnamese beef noodle. intimate setting. For the ultimate dining The popular Quan An Ngon makes a experience, head to one of the homes of good introduction to Vietnamese cuisine the celebrated chefs who will whip up a with its scrumptious and inexpensive of- tantalizing dinner for you. fering in a courtyard setting. A classic Hanoi dish, Cha Ca - grilled fish with tumeric usually served with rice noodles - is best savored on Cha Ca Street where this northern specialty dish originated at Cha Ca La Vong Restaurant. Highway 4 is a recommended stop for its complete dining experience with its de- lectable range of traditional Vietnamese liquor and specialty dishes. The bustling Bao Khanh Street, lined with numerous cafés and open-air eateries, is a great hunt for a cup of Vietnamese coffee while people-watching.
What to see in Hue?
Step into imperial times with a visit to the large Hue
Citadel, the prime attraction of Hue. There, the walled
interior houses the Forbidden City - a sprawling com-
plex of palaces, temples, pavilions and galleries. Enjoy
a romantic boat ride along the Perfume River on the
way to explore the royal tombs of Tu Duc, Minh Mang
and other former emperors that lie scattered around
the countryside. The covered bridge, lush paddy fields
and cottage industries that dot the city outskirts of-
fer varied and interesting excursions. Hue is good for a
day trip out to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), a buffer
site between North and South Vietnam that saw intense
fighting during the American War. Traverse the quaint
streets of Hue on a cyclo or bicycle and take in Hue’s
unique atmosphere. Do not forget to visit nha vuon, el-
egant historic garden houses that are exclusive to Hue.
Where to stay in Hue?
Hue La Residence Hotel & Spa is the city’s top accommo-
dation with its enchanting blend of French colonial
An imperial city during the Nguyen dynasty, Hue still décor and tranquil location by the Perfume River. In
retains much of its royal heritage and laidback atmo- the quaint countryside, Pilgrimage Village lures with its
sphere. Straddling the banks of Song Huong River (Per- harmonious combination of a rustic village setting and
fume River) in Central Vietnam, it is best known for modern art elements.
its historic monuments and architecture and has been
appointed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hoi An
Situated along the south central coast of Vietnam, Hoi
An is an outstanding example of a well-preserved an-
cient town that has been designated a World Heritage
Site. Known as Faifo in the past, it was a major port
town that boasted multi-cultural influences from the
16th – 18th centuries. Today, it is a quaint and pictur-
esque town that can be easily explored on foot.
Where to go in Hoi An?
Where to eat in Hue? Hoi An’s tailors are renowned for their high workman-
ship, so be sure to shop for tailor-made clothes. Do also
The recommended street eats are Banh Khoai (tradi- shop for interesting souvenirs such as silk lanterns and
tional savory pancake), Com Hen (tiny mussels served custom made jewelry. Head to the Old Town where his-
on rice with soup) and Bun Bo Hue (hot and steamy torical sights await. There, you can cross the Japanese
beef noodle soup). Modeled after a style house, An- covered bridge, stroll through the cultural halls, enjoy a
cient Hue offers imperial style cuisine. Near the Citadel, traditional music performance, and explore the layout
Y Thao Garden is a simple yet charming choice. Dine of an ancient house.
in style in the grounds of the former mandarin houses
or hobnob with the locals as you tuck into a bowl of
noodles at the Dong Ba Market. For the romantics, a
private dinner cruise down the Perfume River makes a
memorable experience.
Where to stay in Hoi An?
Situated close to the old town, the Ha An Hotel offers Ho Chi Minh City
a pleasant stay amid its shophouse-style property and
manicured gardens. For a luxurious resort stay, it has Commonly referred to as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City
to be The Nam Hai which sits on a tranquil stretch of (HCMC) is Vietnam’s largest city and undisputed com-
palm-lined beach facing China Sea. Overlooking the merce capital. It is a dynamic city that is currently en-
scenic Do River and lush paddy fields, the gorgeous joying the fruits of Vietnam’s economic boom – lavish
Life Resort is highly favored for its proximity to Cua Dai hotels, decadent restaurants and trendy nightspots
beach and the old quarter. are continually added to the cityscape. The younger
residents may seem status oriented and eager to flank
Where to eat in Hoi An?
their new-found wealth, a significant change from the
In Hoi An, do not miss the local specialty Cao Lau which war-savaged population barely one generation ago.
is a dry noodle dish with a tantalizing touch. Other deli- Yet against the backdrop of new-found confidence,
cacies include Hoa Hong (white ‘rose‘ dumplings) and frenetic development and urban bustle, the boutique
Mi Quang (noodle soup with a foray of ingredients). charm of HCMC still lives on amongst the tree-lined
With only 6 tables, the seafood specialty restaurant Hoi boulevards, quaint wooden shops, old temples and co-
An Hai San features a cozy and intimate atmosphere lonial architecture. The city is quickly making a name
but pre-booking is required if you want guaranteed for itself in Vietnamese crafts shopping, an emerging
seats. The funky Mango Rooms serves fusion food at its art scene and a wide range of dining pleasures (with
best – delectable dishes with great visual appeal. If you almost every imaginable cuisine available).
are eager to learn local culinary recipes, be sure to join
Just a few kilometers out of town, Cua Dai Beach’s in the cooking classes at Tra Que Organic Vegetable Vil-
golden sands provide a nice place to unwind over fresh lage which produces the country’s finest organic food.
seafood. Explore the small villages on a bicycle and dis- For an original culinary experience in Hoi An, indulge
cover artisans crafting pottery in the narrow streets. For in a private picnic on a deserted beach on the Cham
day trips out of Hue, opt for the historical Cham stat- Island (accessible by speedboat).
ues at My Son or to the Marble Mountain where caves,
temples and magnificent views await at the summit.
For more ‘posh’ buys, head to art galleries and fashion
shops that line Dong Khoi. If you are keen to own a
piece of propaganda art, Dogma stocks a unique range.
History buffs should reminisce at Rex Hotel, where me-
dia briefings known as ‘five o’clock follies’ to inter-
national correspondents were held during the Vietnam
War. For a night out, hit the city’s chic bars and restau-
rants that are crowded by the rich and trendy.
If you have a bit of time to spare, make a day trip
outside of Ho Chi Minh City to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This
network of over 200 kilometers of tunnels was used
by the Vietcong during the American war and offers a
fascinating look into the lives of the inhabitants during
the war-time era. This can easily be combined with a
stop at Wildlife at Risk (WAR) rescue centre, a non-
profit organization to stop illegal wildlife trade, and Tay
What to see in HCMC?
Ninh Temple, home to the intriguing Cao Dai religion.
Within the city, HCMC has many sights that should not
be missed. A city tour of the Opera House, Le Loi Street,
Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and War
Remnants Museum on a classic Citroen or Vespa scoot-
er are nostalgic ways to be introduced to this former
colonial city. Ben Thanh Market, a massive old-style
market in the central district, is a place to rummage
for knock-offs and interesting souvenirs. However, do
not forget to bargain hard (but in a polite manner) for
your purchases.Where to stay in HCMC? What to eat in HCMC?
Park Hyatt Saigon is the city’s most luxurious hotel Street eats can be found in almost every corner of this
that packs world-class restaurants and spa services in bustling city. To be inducted into Southern Vietnamese
a classic French colonial building. One of the finest in cuisine, opt for Lau (hotpot with cook your own ingredi-
its class, the Caravelle Hotel offers commanding views ents served on the side), Com Nieu (broken rice served
of the city and overlooks Lam Son Square and the Op- out of a claypot) and Banh Xeo (pancakes cooked over
era House. Recently refurnished, Palace Hotel Saigon a flame). To enjoy the clatter of an authentic Vietnam-
retains its original French architecture and is favored ese eatery, Com Nieu will surely leave an impression
for its convenient location in the city’s heart. Another when the waiters fling claypots across the restaurant.
landmark building from the colonial era, Hotel Majestic Dong Pho is the best place to enjoy a meal of tradi-
exudes old world charm combined with excellent ser- tional Hue dishes in Ho Chi Minh City.
vice and rooms come with either pool or river views.
The cosy and unique Sanouva is well located close to
Ben Thanh market and boasts charms with its well fur-
nished interiors and friendly staff.
If you are looking for authentic Vietnamese cuisine in an old world setting, Anh Vien receives the thumbs-up – it
offers superb food and tasteful décor in an old French villa. Tucked in a former opium refinery (hence the name)
in a small alley, the Refinery is a French bistro that serves a wide range of light eats in classy décor. Just next door,
Hoa Tuc serves a tantalizing selection of Vietnamese dishes in an elegant setting of green and purple hues. Xu is
our favorite when it comes to fusion Vietnamese fare, a renowned restaurant cum bar tops with a chic and classy
atmosphere.Halong Bay Sapa Danang Buon Ma Thuot Dalat Mui Ne
From Hanoi, a scenic 3-hour drive through the Red Vietnam’s northern mountain ranges are breathtak- Although not a major stop on the tourist trail, Danang’s Buon Ma Thuot is the largest city in Vietnam’s Central With its perennial cool weather, pine-clad valleys and Just a four-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne
River Delta leads you to Hanoi. In the famed Halong ingly beautiful with fresh air and cool temperatures. location between Hoi An and Hue makes a nice stop Highlands region, an unexplored area with great ad- weathered but elegant French hilltop villas, Dalat is is renowned for its long stretches of sandy beaches
Bay, the sublime beauty of magnificent limestone for- To visit these remote mountains, take advantage of the along the way. The city is one of the most dynamic of venture and trekking potential. The abundance of un- Vietnam’s premier hill station. Opportunities abound and perennial sea breezes that greatly complement
mations rising dramatically from the waters is best elegantly restored Victoria Train with its plush seat- Vietnam’s modern cities with rapid industrial and eco- touched forests, stunning landscapes, national parks for meetings and incentives in boutique colonial hotels wind-surfing and kite-surfing. It is also famous for the
experienced on a boat cruise. Be transported back to ing and wood-paneled Pullman carriages. Home to a nomic growth. Visitors to Danang can enjoy the under- and hill tribe villages are still off the tourist trails. such as the Dalat Palace Hotel, as well as mountain ad- wind-sculpted red and white sand dunes that make
the nostalgic charm of yesteryear aboard the Emer- diverse group of hill tribes such as Tay, Red Dao, Black stated, yet fascinating Cham art and culture at Cham ventures of absailing, canyoning and even world-class great postcard shots and adventurous sports. Golfers
aude, a luxurious replica of a grand colonial steamer. and Flower H’mong, Sapa boasts of ample hill tribe Museum. On the outskirts of town is China Beach, golfing. For an opulent alpine retreat, Ana Mandara Vil- can tee off at the Nick Faldo-designed Ocean Dunes Golf
Other charming vessels in Halong Bay include Jasmine trekking and home stay opportunities. Victoria Sapa steeped in legend yet wonderfully deserted. las Dalat is a good fit. Course. Home to many different resorts, the luxurious
and Violet Junks, Paradise Cruise and utterly charm- Resort combines mountain traveling with stylish com- Victoria Phan Thiet, the boutique Cham Villas and the
ing Indochina Junks. Make a stop at a local village to fort while Topas Eco Lodge provides a peaceful retreat newly refurnished Blue Ocean are our top selects for
enjoy the captivating performance of traditional water amid the lush valleys. Beyond Sapa, Mount Fansipan this charming beach town.
puppetry, a distinctive art form of the Red River Delta. (Indochina’s highest peak) is great for trekking and
exploration.Phan Thiet Nha Trang Quy Nhon Mekong Delta Phu Quoc
Located in Binh Thuan province, Phan Thiet is a small In the heart of Khanh Hoa province, Nha Trang is the Quy Nhon is Vietnam’s other ‘secret’ destination. Occu- One of the world’s most fertile areas, the Mekong Delta Off Vietnam’s southern coast in the Gulf of Thailand,
coastal town with a thriving fishing industry. Check undisputed beach capital of Vietnam. Besides long pying the stretch of coastline between Danang and Nha is home to countless rice fields and tributaries across the island of Phu Quoc is one of Asia’s up and rising
out the production of nuoc mam (fish sauce seasoning stretches of sand lapped by crystal clear waters, it is Trang, this port city is close to spectacular secluded thousands of square miles of flat land. An overnight beach destination. The island’s clear waters, isolated
commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine). Golf lovers will dotted with many islands each with its own distinct bays and unpopulated private islands. The Life Well- cruise in the Mekong Delta is definitely worthwhile, for beaches, forested interior and charming local character
be delighted with a choice of two international class character. The turquoise waters play host to teem- ness Resort Quy Nhon makes an ideal location for a the experience of awakening in the early morning to make for an ideal beach escape. Do not forget to sam-
golf courses overlooking the sea – Ocean Dunes and ing marine life, and snorkeling and scuba diving are peaceful retreat. find floating markets and villages floating around you ple Phu Quoc’s famous traditional products - fish sauce
the recently established Sealinks. perennial favorites. This beach town also features a is incredible. The small sizes of the Song Xanh Sam- and black pepper. For a relaxing tropical beach retreat,
vibrant night life. The lovely Evason Ana Mandara and pans and Cai Be Princess are perfect for glimpses into try La Veranda Resort & Spa or ChenSea Resort & Spa.
Sheraton top the resorts in Nha Trang and for travel- the local ways of life while relaxing in the comfort of a
ers seeking a luxurious resort experience, the remote floating boutique hotel. The ornate vessels of Pandaw
six-star Six Senses Hideaway Ninh Van Bay does not and Bassac are great for Mekong Delta cruises between
disappoint. Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh.Hanoi include: Vietnam Airlines, Air France, United Air- From Cambodia: If you travel from Phnom Penh by CLOTHING JCB: 2.75% surcharge, American Express: 4% surcharge. you can expect to try include pho, a type of rice noodle
Vietnam - FAQs lines, Lufthansa, Thai Airways, Qatar Airways, Bangkok speedboat, you will enter Vietnam at Chau Doc, in the soup eaten for breakfast, cha gio, deep-fried spring
Airways and many more. Major airlines flying to Dan- Mekong Delta area. If you arrive from Cambodia by road Comfortable lightweight clothing in natural fabrics such NOTE: Surcharges can change without prior notice. rolls and goi ngo sen, a delicious salad made with lotus
ang International Airport include PB Air from Bangkok into Ho Chi Minh City, you will enter Vietnam at Moc as cotton is most suitable for traveling in Vietnam. The Check the percentage charged before you pay. stems, shrimps and peanuts. Due to the strong Bud-
and Silk Air from Singapore. Bai, which connects Vietnam’s Tay Ninh Province with dress code is fairly casual as in most parts of the trop- dhist influence in Vietnam, vegetarian food is widely
AIRLINES Cambodia’s Svay Rieng Province. Border crossing at ics but it is advisable to cover arms and legs in the ELECTRICITY available.
BY LAND: Vietnam shares a border with China in the Prek Chak/Xaxia (close to Kep in Cambodia and Ha Tien evenings against biting insects. A lightweight raincoat
Domestic: Three domestic airlines are currently operat- north (three border crossings), Laos in the west (three in Vietnam) are now possible. and umbrella are a good idea in the rainy season and Vietnam mainly uses 220V but in some areas, 110V is HEALTH
ing in Vietnam: Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar-Pacific Airlines border crossings) and Cambodia in the south-west an umbrella can also offer useful shade from the sun. also used. A mixture of flat and round 2-pin outlets
and Indochina Airlines. Both Jetstar-Pacific and Indochi- (three border crossings). NOTE: You cannot obtain a visa on arrival at land bor- are used throughout the country. It is recommended to No vaccinations are mandatory except for yellow fever
na Airlines are low-cost carriers (LCC). Jetstar is a joint der-crossing points. If you enter Vietnam by land, you Evenings in the north and the center can be quite chilly bring a universal plug adaptor. if you are coming from an area where the disease is
venture company between Qantas Australia and Pacific From China: Trains from Beijing to Hanoi pass by Nan- must obtain the visa before arrival. Refer to our VISA so bring a sweater and a good jacket especially from present. However visitors should be inoculated against
Air. Indochina Airiness is Vietnam’s newest airline and ning and Pinxiang in China and enter Vietnam at Dong section below for more information. November to February. Visitors should not wear shorts, ENTERTAINMENT typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A & B, tetanus and polio.
is privately owned. All airlines are using a mixture of Dang (north of Lang Son). There is also a road crossing short skirts or other revealing clothing when visiting pa- Malaria is present in most of the region and it is ad-
Boeing and Airbus planes and Vietnamese as well as know as Huu Nghi in Lang Son province. Trains coming ARRIVAL FORMALITIES/ VISA ON ARRIVAL godas and monasteries. Shoes must be removed before There are plenty of entertainment options in Vietnam visable to take precautions, especially if traveling off
foreign pilots. from Kunming cross the border at Lao Cai, in northwest entering some religious building or a private home. It is and restaurants, bars and nightclubs open until late the beaten track. Medical facilities are limited and it is
Vietnam. From Guangzhou, you will cross the border In case you are obtaining your pre-arranged visa on therefore useful to wear shoes without too many laces at night/early in the morning. A wide variety of restau- essential to take out a good medical insurance policy
AIRPORT TAX at Mong Cai, a few hours drive from Halong and its arrival please proceed to the Visa counter and read the and which can easily be taken off. rants are on offer, with everything from Vietnamese, before traveling in case evacuation is needed.
spectacular Bay. visa section. Asian, Italian, French cuisine, etc. to fast food.
There is a departure tax on all international flights from Consult your doctor for up-to-date information and
CREDIT CARDS
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City but this tax is already in- From Laos: If you travel from Laos by road via Savan-
ATMs FOOD prescriptions for vaccinations, anti-malarial tablets and
cluded in the price of your all airplane tickets. nakhet and Sepon, you will get to Vietnam by the Lao Most credit cards are accepted in Vietnam. Visa and any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst traveling in
Bao (Vietnam) border crossing. This crossing links Laos ATMs for withdrawing Vietnamese Dong are available in MasterCard are the most widely accepted. JCB and Vietnamese cuisine comes as a pleasant surprise to Vietnam. Some vaccination courses may need time to
ARRIVAL IN VIETNAM to central Vietnam (Danang and Dong Ha). If you travel major airports, hotels, towns and capitals of provinces American Express are also accepted in some outlets. many visitors and is definitely a part of the Vietnam ex- be completed. If you plan to take anti-malarial tablets,
from Vientiane, you will cross Lak Sao before entering throughout Vietnam. Most ATMs have an English lan- Not all hotels, commercial centers, shops and restau- perience not to be missed. One of the characteristics of you usually need to start one week before arrival. We
BY AIR: Consult your local travel agent for routings, Vietnam by Cau Treo border crossing, in Ha Tinh Prov- guage version. Ask your tour guide for help when you rants accept credit cards. Check with the cashier before Vietnamese food is that it is always bought fresh from recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any
fares and availability on flights to Vietnam. Discount ince (Vietnam). The Nam Can border crossing connects need to locate an ATM. making any purchases. Bear in mind that in some plac- the market the same morning. Food is usually prepared personal medical requirements (including a spare pair
websites and flight search engines may offer some Nghe An Province (Vietnam) and Xieng Khuang Province es a surcharge applies for credit card purchases: Visa with a minimum of oil and served with the ubiquitous of glasses).
good deals. Major airlines flying to Ho Chi Minh City or (Laos). and MasterCard charge approximately 2.2% surcharge, fish sauce called nuoc mam. Typical Vietnamese dishesHOURS OF BUSINESS has six different tones, it is a difficult language for most professional quality films (like slide films). Digital pho- April 30 SHOPPING TIPPING
foreigners to speak despite the fact that the Roman al- tos can easily be downloaded and loaded onto a CD- Liberation of Saigon Day
Offices are usually open from Monday to Friday from phabet is used in modern Vietnamese. The same word Rom in case you run out of memory. Souvenirs to look out for in Vietnam include lacquer- Tipping for good service is not expected but is always
07:30 or 08:00 until 17:00 or 18:00 and often close for can have six different meanings depending on the tone May 1 ware, silk, conical hats, woodcarvings, hill tribe fabrics appreciated in a country where the average annual in-
lunch between 11:30 and 13:00. Some offices also open used to pronounce it. Russian and Chinese are also POSTAL MAIL International Labor Day and handicrafts, embroidery, marble, ceramics, silver come is quite low compared to Europe for example. It is
on Saturday morning. Shops open early and close any spoken by some people. jewelry, antique watches and paintings. Ho Chi Minh customary to tip tour guides and drivers at the end of
time between 18:00 and 22:00. Most shops are open 7 Postcards are sold at all main tourist sites and stamps September 2 City and Hanoi have the best choices when it comes to a tour. Hotel and station porters should also be tipped.
days a week. MONEY are available from post offices and some hotel recep- National Day shopping but Hoi An is also a very good place to hunt Do not let the guide talk you into tipping more than
tion desks. A postcard to Europe costs VND 9,000 (0.5 for bargains. you plan to. It is totally up to you who you tip, when
INTERNET The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). USD) to send and can take up to two weeks to reach and how much
US Dollars and Euros are accepted in many hotels, res- the country of destination. RELIGION TELEPHONE
Major hotels have Business Centers with PCs connected taurants and shops. Banks are open Monday to Friday TRANSPORTATION
to the Internet. Some of them have wireless broadband from 08:00 to 05:00 and some on Saturday morning. Buddhism is the dominant religion in Vietnam and is If you have worldwide coverage, you can bring your
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2011 - 2012
access in rooms or public areas. Cybercafés are avail- In the major cities, some exchange offices open long usually combined with elements of Confucianism and own mobile phone and use it to make domestic or in- Vietnamese law does not allow foreigners to rent and
able everywhere and are easily found in major towns hours near places frequented by tourists and most ho- January 1 Taoism. About 10% of the country’s population is Catho- ternational calls. Check with your mobile phone pro- drive a car. It is highly advisable to rent a car with a
and cities. Prices are reasonable, usually below US$1 tels will change US Dollars and Euros at very reasonable New Year’s Day lic and there are also communities of Protestants and vider for the costs before using it abroad - it may be driver who knows the roads and can speak Vietnamese
per hour. Most Internet cafés are equipped with web- rates. Muslims. Vietnam is also home to a unique religion expensive. in case of any problems. Traffic and roads conditions
cams, headsets and microphones. Vietnam has an ex- February 2 -5 called Cao Dai, a religious cocktail of all the world’s may be very different to what you are used to.
ceptional amount of cafés and restaurants offering free For everyday expenses, we recommend carrying a mix Tet or Vietnamese New Year. The actual dates vary from major faiths. Most hotels now have IDD phones in rooms and it is
WIFI connections, if having a meal or a drink internet of US Dollars and VND in cash. For larger items or when year to year according to the lunar calendar. Officially possible to send faxes from hotels and post offices al- Generally drivers do not speak English although you
fees are waived. the exchange rate works in your favor, use US Dollars. a three-day holiday but many businesses close down SAFETY though these services are expensive. It may not always might get lucky.
For cyclos, local food stalls and small purchases, it’s for a full week. This is the busiest time of the year for be possible to make international calls in remote areas.
LANGUAGE best to use VND. In either case, make sure you always travelling in Vietnam and hotels, flights and trains are Vietnam is a safe country to visit. As a global rule, never
TRAVELERS CHECKS
have a stock of small notes so that you don’t have to often full. leave your belongings unattended and always maintain TIME
The national language of Vietnam is Vietnamese. In worry about change. eye contact or a firm grip on cameras and shoulder Banks such as CitiBank, ANZ Bank. HSBC and Vietcom-
big cities and in places with many tourists, people will April 12 bags. Avoid cyclos late at night and choose reliable Vietnam is GMT 7 and does not operate daylight-saving bank can change your travelers checks for VND or US
speak basic English. The younger generation will be PHOTOGRAPHY Hung King’s Birthday metered taxi companies as they are really cheap and system. Dollars but a commission applies (1% to 2%). Very few
more adept at speaking English, while the older gen- air-conditioned. shops, hotels or restaurants accept travelers checks.
eration still speaks some French. Because Vietnamese Normal print films are available in Vietnam as well asVISAS ture the “Visa pick-up upon arrival approval letter” (see be- - Gender WEATHER to November (with showers once or twice daily in gen-
low) to the airline check-in counter. Without this letter - Passport number eral) and a dry season from December to April. The
Most visitors to Vietnam require a visa to enter the In case there is a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in airlines may refuse you boarding. - Issue date and expiry date of your passport Hanoi and the north of Vietnam have distinct winter and Central Highlands can be chilly. Nha Trang has warm
country and all travelers must have a passport valid for your home town: - Place of issue (e.g. Paris, France) summer seasons. The mainly dry winter lasts from No- – sometimes hot - weather all year round, with a rainy
6 months after their planned exit from Vietnam. On arrival in Vietnam, proceed to the Visa on Arrival - Case 1: Location where you collect the visa, e.g. Viet- vember to April with average temperatures of 18-20°C. season from the end of September until December.
Apply directly at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate. counter at the airports. You will be asked to fill one nam embassy in Paris. Summer lasts from May to October and is hot and hu-
Exceptions: Nationals from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, The length of the process can vary. more form, give 2 photos and pay USD 25/person (Sin- - Case 2: Arrival date and flight number (e.g. 24th of mid with temperatures around 30°C. Hue and Danang, Unless you intend to visit friends, relatives or your fam-
Finland, and Russia traveling to Vietnam and staying gle entry) and USD 50/person (Multiple entry) in cash March 2009 by Vietnam Airlines flight VN532) and Port in the center of the country, see very hot, dry weather ily, we do not recommend visiting Vietnam during the
for 15 days or less do not need to apply for entry visas, In order to accelerate the process, bring the “Approval before the visa is stamped into your passport and be- of entry (e.g. Ho Chi Minh City, Tan Son Nhat airport) from February to August with temperatures reaching Lunar New Year or Tet holiday (Vietnamese New Year
provided that their passport is valid for at least three letter” done by us (see below) your passport 2 recent fore going through passport control. We will send you in time the official document issued the mid-30’s°C, but can experience some heavy rainfall falls between late January and February). Tet is the most
months and they can show their return ticket. Those passport-sized photos and fill out the paperwork re- by the Vietnamese Immigration department. In Case 1 between September and January. Ho Chi Minh City and important period of the year for many Vietnameses who
who wish to stay longer than 15 days will need to ap- quired. Your visa can then be delivered much faster. A Such a procedure is possible at the international air- it is an “Approval letter”, in Case 2 it is a “Visa pick-up the south have a hot, dry season from December till take time off to visit their families in the countryside.
ply for a visa. visa stamping fee is charged locally. Fees vary from one ports in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon and Danang) upon arrival approval letter”. The approval process usu- April with average temperatures hovering around 28°C All hotels, buses, trains and flights are full, and there
country to another. and at the land border of Moc Bai (coming from Cambo- ally takes 5-7 working days. A processing fee is charged and a warm rainy season from May to November. In the is almost no activity in the markets and shops. Some
Tourists holding ASEAN passports do not need a visa for dia near Ho Cho Minh City – here you need the ORIGINAL for this service. In urgent cases (less than 5 days) an rainy season, most rain comes in short, heavy bursts. hotels and restaurants are under-staffed and in some
a visit up to 30 days. Philippines passport holders do Note: A visa requested as a multi-entry at embassies paper and a copy will not be accepted – please allow for express surcharge will be charged. cases the quality of the service may suffer. This period
not need a visa for a visit up to 21 days. Japanese and abroad is often issued as a single entry; it is recom- extra time to have original sent to you by DHL). There is good weather somewhere in Vietnam all year of reduced activity may last from a week before and a
South Korean passport holders do not need a visa for a mended to double-check your visa stamp in passport In urgent cases (less than 5 days) an express surcharge round! Vietnam stretches over 2000 km from North to week after the Tet period. It is also impossible to get a
visit up to 15 days. when collecting your passport. Multiple entry visas can Before departure, prepare some bank notes in US Dol- of USD 20 will be charged. South. The climate differs all year round from one re- “visa authorization letter” processed during this period.
also be arranged on arrival (Case 2). lars to pay the visa stamping fee on arrival. gion to another. The North can be chilly during winter
A tourist visa is normally a single entry visa, which A supplement for DHL fees will be charged in case you months (December to March). North and Central Viet- WATER
means that if you exit Vietnam (for example for a side Case 2: Pre-arranged “Visa on arrival” at international For both cases mentioned above Exotissimo can fa- need the original document (land crossing Moc Bai from nam can encounter tropical storms and typhoons from
trip to Cambodia), you will require a new visa to re- entry points cilitate the visa application procedure and obtain the Cambodia to Vietnam). October to January. Overall, the north of Vietnam ex- It is not advisable to drink tap water but bottled min-
enter (or apply for a Multiple Entry Visa). The validity of necessary visa pre-approval from the Vietnamese Immi- periences more marked seasons than the rest of the eral water is safe and available everywhere. All hotels
a Tourist Visa is 30 days and is normally a single entry In case there is NO Vietnamese embassy or consulate gration Department in advance. We need the following NOTE: All the above information may change without country with two distinct seasons: wet and dry. provide a complimentary bottle of local mineral water
visa is given unless a multiple entry is requested. in your home town: details from all applicants: prior notice. It remains the traveler’s responsibility to per person in the room. Ice cubes in drinks is generally
verify whether or not you are subject to a tourist visa The South, including Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong okay in good standard hotels and restaurants but it is
There are 2 ways to obtain a visa: Send us all passport details as required below and we - Full name as it appears in your passport for Vietnam. Delta, benefits from sunshine and warm weather all best to avoid it on street stalls or in country areas.
Case 1: Visa application in your country before depar- will process a pre-approval here from Vietnam. Bring - Date of birth DD/MM/YY year round. However, the rainy season lasts from Maywww.exotissimo.com EXOTISSIMO TRAVEL VIETNAM Ho Chi Minh City - Main Office Hanoi - Branch Office 261-263 Phan Xich Long Street 26 Tran Nhat Duat Street Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, VIETNAM Hanoi, VIETNAM Tel: +84 (0) 8 3995 9898 Tel: +84 (0) 4 3828 2150 Fax: +84 (0) 8 3995 9184/5 Fax: +84 (0) 4 3828 2146 Email: go [dot] vietnam [at] exotissimo [dot] com Email: go [dot] vietnam [at] exotissimo [dot] com
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