Present exchange rate from Vietnam Bank in 2022 is approximately about VND23,500 ~ US$1, but in almost of hotels, restaurants or shops will down to 20,000 when calculating prices
In case of any scams emergency report, you can ask a young local (can speak English) to show you the Ward/Commune Police Station where is closest to your place. For other emergency, you can dial 113 for police, 115 for ambulance, or 116 for phone number enquiries
You will need an International Driving License to rent a car or motorbike for getting around Vietnam. Since 09 Sep 2019, Vietnam Traffic Police will apply more strictly Traffic Law for all foreigners when joinning on traffic
Normally, the preferred clothing choice for all around Vietnam should include synthetic or light cotton trousers, shorts, or tops that will quickly dry and some warm clothes for high mountainous area. In addition, on visits to our temples, pagodas, church or historical monuments, which is required to cover up, it is helpful if you pack a shawl or scarf for the shoulders/knees and head area.
In general, it should be okay to travel in our country while solely relying on English. In the main cities, travellers can easy find locals that speak English in acceptable standard. But, It will be more difficult in the remote, rural regions that aren't on the tourist trail.
In that case, an inportant tips for you is writing your question on the paper and show it with young people (student), they are willing to help by their basic English
Before travelling to Vietnam it is worth the effort to learn the basics of the local culture to avoid any misunderstandings with the locals.
Here are a few things to consider:
Temples – Conservative dress and shoes removing should be a standard practice when visiting a religious structure, such as a Buddhist pagoda. It is considered as impolite to sit in a temple or elsewhere with your back towards a Buddha statue. Also, make sure to get permission before taking photos at the place of worship or local people in attendance.
Dress code – Local dress codes should be respected. This can include tops that cover the shoulder area and shorts to the knees, which is especially important on a visit to religious sites. Additionally, if planning to enter the house of a local make sure to remove your shoes.
Meet and greet – The most typical method to meet and greet is with shaking hands much like the Western custom. Also, the traditional Vietnamese method is still presented and based on pressing the hands together and positioning in front of the body while also giving a slight bow.
The process of reporting a crime in Vietnam is often a difficult and long process. It helps to have a local with you to translate the conversation. Additionally, you will be asked to sign a document that is solely in Vietnamese. So, it is important to only sign the paperwork when it has been translated accurately.
Here is some hospital contacts in the event of a medical emergency:
- Hanoi:
Vietnam - French Hospital - L’Hôpital Français de Hanoi (84) 024 3577 1100 - No 1 Phuong Mai Str., Dong Da, Hanoi
- Ho Chi Minh City:
FV Hospital - (84)284113333 - No 6 Nguyen Luong Bang St., Saigon South (Phu Hung), Dist. 7, Ho Chi Minh City
Beside, there are plenty more hospitals throughout the country in the major cities. Simply check your intended destination before travelling to see what you will have available.
Vietnam has a useful transport network from public buses, tourist buses, minibuses, taxis, boat, train and domestic flights for long-distance travel for easy connection throughout the country. The actual cost of travelling in Vietnam is very affordable which makes it possible to explore a vast area of the country on a single tour
Nowadays, the most convenient transfer option to get into Vietnam by International flights that will land on one of the major international airports: Hanoi, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang or Phu Quoc. The biggest airports are based in main cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. But, also more options for travellers who are in our neighbouring country like Laos, China or Cambodia, to get a ship, train, bus or even speed boat to come to Vietnam.
With more than 2,600km coastal long, Vietnam is an ideal place for many beautiful beaches from long stretches of coastline to hidden coves.
One of the most famous beach is Nha Trang which is appreciated for its offshore islands and diving sites, while a quieter destination can be found on the Con Dao islands
Other worthwhile coastal resorts include Mui Ne Beach, Phu Quoc Island, Quy Nhon Town and Danang City
Vietnam is a delightful destination for your enjoyful holiday. Both sides of culture and nature are very interesting that can keep the entire family entertained.
As a rich cultural and historical land, you can consider to discover these places: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoian, Hue or Ninh Binh.
Vietnam landscape is absolutely amazing with its stunning islands to rice terraces and mountains such as Ha Long Bay, Sapa, Ban Gioc Waterfall or Phong Nha National Park.
Or sweeping beaches or islands like: Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Con Dao, Mui Ne, Quy Nhon...
For the adventurous lovers, the fantastic coastline is perfect for not only relaxing, but also engaging in a variety of water sports, such as scuba diving and kite surfing.
While tipping isn't compulsory in Vietnam, it is nowadays expected in certain sectors, such as the service industry. Tipping for a well provided service is much appreciated by all of the staffs,
Vietnam is well worth visiting at any time of the year with no good or bad season. If one region of the country is cold or wet, there are other parts that are pleasantly warm and sunny.
The climate in Vietnam is so diverse because of its landscape and variation in the altitudes and latitudes. In the far north the conditions can be very cold and frosty in the winter, while the south in a region like the Mekong Delta can have sub-equatorial warmth. At sea level, the average temperature in the extreme north is about 21°C and in the south is about 27°C.
In the north of the country, the months of May to October are the summer months and November to April are the winter months. Additionally, for the south of the country, it is splitted between a dry and wet season. The dry season runs from December to April and the wet season runs from May to November.
Vietnam is seen as a safe country to visit for foreigners. However, there is still a risk of pick pocketing in major tourist hotspots, such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. For this reason it is wise to take practical precautions when visiting crowded places. Generally, it is advised to leave valuables locked in your luggage or left in the hotel safety box. Additionally, money, passport or similar items can be kept in a waist belt or pouch that hangs around the neck.