Vietnam has become a very popular tourist destination in recent years as it`s progressively opened up to visitors. Its beautiful unspoilt nature, cultural attractions, excellent food and diverse history makes it a fantastic place to visit. With a little preparation you can be guaranteed an excellent trip to this beautiful country. Arrival When arriving, visitors are obliged [...]
City Hall - HCMC, Vietnam
Vietnam has become a very popular tourist destination in recent years as it`s progressively opened up to visitors. Its beautiful unspoilt nature, cultural attractions, excellent food and diverse history makes it a fantastic place to visit. With a little preparation you can be guaranteed an excellent trip to this beautiful country.
Arrival
When arriving, visitors are obliged to fill out an entry card which will be submitted along with your visa and passport to Immigration. Keep the exit slip for your return – best attached to your passport on the visa page so you don`t lose it during your trip!
Packing
Go for light, loose and comfortable clothes that are easy to clean. Bring a jumper or jacket if you`re heading to Hanoi in winter or the rainy reason and good walking shoes are recommended. Pick ones that can be taken off easily for when visiting homes or temples. Revealing clothes shouldn`t be worn in pagodas or temples
Rice Harvest in Central Vietnam
Weather
Vietnam covers more than one zone of climate and when one part`s warm and sunny, another may be rainy and cooler. Do your planning to avoid getting caught out!
Water
Avoid drinking the tap water, or having ice in your drinks. You are wise to stick to bottled water – but check that the seals are intact. Keep up your water intake when walking or in hot climates – it`s easy to get dehydrated. Pack rehydration salts. Vietnamese coffee is well worth a try though – it`s very strong and flavourful, served with extra hot water to top up with and with condensed milk to whiten it. Beer is also very readily available with Beer Tuoi and Hoi the local draught varieties.
Food
Enjoy the beautiful food on offer – it`s very healthy and nourishing, with noodles and rice being the staple of meals, accompanied with vegetables and small amounts of protein with aromatic lemon grass and coriander for beautiful flavour and scent. You will also find European and Asian dishes readily available.
Pagoda at Marble Mtn - Danang, Vietnam
Money
The official currency is the dong – non convertible, although US dollars and travelers cheques are widely accepted, along with major credit cards in larger establishments.
Phone calls
Try the international phone at the post office – dial 44 and the city code for England. You can also get calling cards which offer a great range of reduced calling rates to different countries, including France, India, America and cheap calls to China. These will save you a small fortune during a long stay and they can be bought from the post office.
Customs
Local people are very polite and generous and you will feel that you`re made very welcome. Avoid offending local people by failing to cover up and be careful with taking photos – snapping the military and police is illegal. Read up on the local customs before you go to avoid offence!
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