Vietnam is an oasis of harmony and peace offering captivating natural beauty and tranquil villages. Its highlands and rainforests continue to yield new species and offer an abundance of exotic wildlife. The tropical islands and beaches are among the finest on the Asia-Pacific region. Today, its stunning beautiful land is an outstanding travel destination that offers something for everyone- be it history, cultural heritage, or exploring the country’ abundant exotic fauna and flora.
Airports
Most international travelers will arrive at Hanoi’s Noi Bai airport or Ho Chi Minh city’s Tan Son Nhat airport although Vietnam has many more international airports at other cities/provinces like Cat Bi airport (Hai Phong), Cam Ranh airport (Khanh Hoa province), Can Tho airport (Can Tho city), Da Nang airport (Da Nang City), Phu Bai airport (Hue province), Phu Quoc airport (Kien Giang province) & Van Don airport.
Although there are local buses operated between airport and the city’s center but most of the bus drivers are not communicated well in English. Asia Charm DCM provides efficient airport transfers with escort guide so our arrival is totally stress free.
Visa
Most visitor to Vietnam requires a visa to enter the country and all travelers must have a passport valid for six months after their planed exit from Vietnam. In order to enter Vietnam, a foreigner needs a visa issued by the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate. A Vietnamese visa can be granted while in a third country or from within Vietnam. Citizens of the following countries can receive a free entry visa to Vietnam for the duration listed below:
ASEAN countries: from 14 to 30 days;
Chile: 90 days; and
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the UK (British citizens only): 45 days (the gap of at least 30 days in between two visa-free entries has been removed as per the new immigration law.)
In addition, Vietnam also updated the processes and procedures for the e-visa system, allowing a single-entry visit with a duration of up to 30 days, for 80 nationalities. As per the Immigration Law, the prescribed processing time for e-visa is three working days after completing registration and fee payment.
All International Airports (as listed above) allow e-visa entry. At the moment, tourists can only come on the e-visa system valid for 30 days. Therefore, to work in Vietnam and remain for an extended period, foreigners need to apply for a longer-term three-month single or multiple entry visas. Foreigners entering on business visas must pick up the business visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate; this type of visa has to be sponsored by the employer. Please contact Consultant at Asia Charm DMC for visa arrangement if needed.
Bank
Banks are open Monday to Friday, from 8-am to 5-pm, and some are open on Saturday mornings. In the major cities there are many exchange offices in areas frequented by tourists. ATMs are widespread in many cities and major towns in rural areas. Most traveler now use debit card or credit card and commission charge applied, varied between the banks
Custom Allowances
The following goods may be imported into Vietnam without incurring a customs duty: 200 cigarettes, or 20 cigars or 250gms of tobacco. 1.5 liters of alcohol over 20 percent in volume, 2 liters of alcohol under 20 percent in volume A reasonable quantity of perfume and personal belongings.
Electricity
The standard hotel electrical supply in Vietnam is 220volt, 50 Hertz. Both flat and round two-pin outlets are used throughout the country. It is recommended to bring a universal plug adaptor.
Food
Profoundly influenced by the national cuisine of France, China and Thailand, Vietnamese cooking is highly innovative and make extensive use of fresh herbs, including basil, coriander, lemon grass, parsley and lime. The national condiment is nuoc mam, a piquant fermented fish sauce that is served with every meal. Try a hearty and inexpensive bowl of steaming pho – a fragrant soup served with chicken of beef, noodle and crunchy bean sprouts. French colonial influence means superb crusty baguettes and sweet pastries as good as those served in France at a fraction of the price! Western food is widely available in all big cities and destinations.
Health & insurance
Generally, no vaccinations are required except for yellow fever if you are travelling from an area where the disease is present. Prior to travel we recommend seeking a qualified medical practitioner’s advice about vaccinations and up to date precautionary medicine. All traveler should take out comprehensive travel insurance prior to travel that will cover any oversea medical costs, including medical evacuation. If you require a particular medication, ensure that you take an adequate supply as it may not be available locally.
Hotel Options
The standards of accommodation are excellent with categories to fit all budgets. The larger hotels offer a wide variety of restaurants, bars, swimming pools and other recreational facilities. Most of hotel staffs speak excellent English but be patient and show patience if you do not get what you want right away. During check-in you will be asked to complete a registration card. The hotel will also ask for an imprint of your credit card as a guarantee for extra services such as meals, drinks, ect. Ask the cashier to return this slip upon check out. General check-in is from 2pm and check out time is 12.00 noon. If you require an early check in of a late check out (extra cost may apply) check with reception beforehand.
Public Holidays
Vietnam has several national holidays throughout the year, which reflect its rich cultural heritage and history. Here are the main national holidays:
- New Year’s Day (Tết Dương Lịch) – January 1
- Lunar New Year (Tết Nguyên Đán) – Dates vary (usually in January or February)
- Hung Kings’ Festival (Giỗ Tổ Hùng Vương) – March 10 of the lunar calendar
- Reunification Day (Ngày Thống Nhất) – April 30
- International Labor Day (Ngày Quốc tế Lao động) – May 1
- National Day (Ngày Quốc khánh) – September 2
- Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu) – Dates vary (usually in September or October; not a public holiday but widely celebrated)
These holidays often involve family gatherings, cultural celebrations, and various traditional practices.
Religion
Buddhism is the dominant religion in Vietnam usually combined with the elements of Confucianism and Taoism. About 10 percent of the country’s population is Catholic and there are also communities of Protestants and Muslims. Vietnam is also home to a unique religion called Cao Dai – a religious cocktail of all the world major faiths.
Time zone
Vietnam is GMT + 7 and does not operate a daylight – saving system
Water
It is not advisable to drink tap water but bottled mineral water is safe and available everywhere.
Weather
Because of its geographical shape (Vietnam stresses over 2000km from North to South) the climate caries greatly, with three distinct climatic zones. Tropical monsoons occur from October to April in the Central region and from May to September in the North and South. It is almost totally dry throughout the rest of the year. It can get exceptionally hot, all year round, but the north has a cooler time between October and April. Temperature around the country can reach u to 40C in the pinnacle of the hot and rainy season (May to September), but the northern highlands and the capital Hanoi can often seem cold in the winter months. The high season run from September to March. Unless you intend to visit friends or relatives, we do not recommend visiting Vietnam during Lunar New Year, Tet holidays (the Vietnamese New Year that falls between late January and February). The Tet holiday is the most important period of the year for Vietnamese people who take time off to visit their families in the countryside of take vacation. All hotels, buses, trains, flights tend to get booked-up.
Tipping
Tipping for good service is not expected but is always appreciated. Tipping the guide and driver on your transfers and tours should depend on how satisfied you are with the excursion. Hotel porters should be tipped for carrying bags to the room. In other cases, it is totally up to individual when and how much to tip.
Before designing your route, it’s important to decide if you want to focus on the essentials or if you prefer a more comprehensive journey.
