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Vietnam, a country made famous
by war, has a unique and rich civilization, spectacular
scenery and friendly people. From the Red River Delta in the
north to the Mekong River in the south, the scenes
throughout Vietnam are timeless, with green rice paddies
tended by laborers in conical hats.
Exotic Ho Chi Minh City, still
referred to as 'Saigon' by many, has preserved its
distinctly Asian feel and ancient culture, where monks pray
in the numerous pagodas, temples and mosques. The capital
Hanoi, is a pleasant and charming city of lakes, shaded
boulevards and public parks. The old quarter, built around
the Hoan Kiem Lake, is an architectural museum-piece
characterized by its narrow streets. Halong Bay, with its
3000-plus islands rising from the clear, emerald waters,
dotted with beaches and grottoes created by waves, is one of
Vietnam's natural marvels.
A visit to Hue will reveal
Vietnam's cultural heritage. Here you'll discover the
history of the 3rd century Viet tribes who descended from
China and formed the King Dynasties. Worth a visit are the
Lang Co Beach, Hai Van Pass and Tam Giang Dyke. Vietnam's
coastline boasts unspoilt beaches and several stunning
lagoons including the picturesque riverside town of Hoi An.
Once a prestigious port for trading vessels, it is an
enchanting place to explore, with narrow lanes, ancient
bridges and temples. Displaying coconut palms, wonderful
coastline and tropical sunshine, Vietnam offers traditional
charm and beauty.
Other Information:
Country Full Name
Socialist Republic of
Vietnam
Time Zones
GMT/UTC +7
Population
85,262,356 (July 2007)
Country Dialing Code
+84
Currency
Name: Vietnamese dong
Code: VND
Symbol: ₫
Electricity
Mainly 220V but in some areas 110V is also used.
Shop Hours
Shops run from 7 or 8am to
11 or 11:30pm. Some are open from 1 or 2pm to 4 or 5pm.
Bank Hours
Most banks are opened from
7am or 8am to 11am or 11:30am Some are open from 1pm or 2pm
to 4pm or 5pm.
Hours of Business
Offices are usually open from Monday to Friday from 07:30 or
08:00 until 17:00 or 18:00 and often close for lunch between 11:30
and 13:00. Some offices also open Saturday morning. Shops open
early and close any time between 18:00 and 22:00. Most shops are
open 7 days a week.
Visa & Passports:
Passports and visas are
required for entry into Vietnam. We can help you to obtain
your visa on arrival or you can contact Vietnamese Embassy
in your country to apply for the visa.
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Holidays |
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January 1 |
Solar
New Year's Day |
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January/February |
Tet (Tet
Nguyen Dan). The most important Vietnamese annual
festival. This marks the new lunar year and the
advent of spring. This is a three-day holiday,
usually at the end of January or the beginning of
February (according to the solar calendar) |
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February 3 |
Anniversary of the Foundation of the Communist Party
of Vietnam |
| April
30 |
Liberation Day, the day on which Saigon (Ho Chi Minh
City) fell to Hanoi in 1975. This holiday is
commemorated nationwide. |
| May 1 |
Labor
Day |
| May 19 |
Birthday of President Ho Chi Minh |
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September 2 |
National Day of Vietnam |
Telecommunication
Most hotels now have IDD phones in rooms and it is possible to
send faxes from hotels and post offices although be warned these
services are expensive in all four countries. Away from the major
cities it may not always be possible to make international calls.
Cyber cafes are becoming popular in the major cities in Vietnam,
Cambodia and Laos (but not Myanmar) and many travelers now prefer
to keep in touch by e-mail. Post cards can be bought at all the
main tourist sites and stamps are available from post offices and
some hotel reception desks. It is not permitted to bring mobile
phones into Myanmar. Even if they are not connectable in Myanmar
to international network such as GSM, they’ll be confiscated
upon arrival at Yangon International Airport and released only
upon departure.
Tipping
Tipping for good service is not expected but is always
appreciated in these developing nations. It is customary, though
not compulsory, to tip tour guides and drivers at the end of a
tour. Hotel and station porters should also be tipped. It’s
mainly an issue in the South, and particularly in Ho Chi Minh
City, than in the South. A few general guidelines might be
helpful. In the North, tipping in restaurants and hotels is not
necessary unless you feel moved to reward particularly good
service, and even then, keep it low – no more than about 5%. In
Ho Chi Minh City and other large centers, tipping is more often
expected – 10% or so would be adequate. Throughout Vietnam,
it’s customary to give your guide some remuneration –
somewhere between $5.00 and $10.00 per day, with half days
pro-rata, should be OK. Don’t feel obliged, though.
Water
It is not advisable to drink tap water in Vietnam, Cambodia,
Laos or Myanmar but bottled mineral water is safe and available
everywhere. Ice in drinks is generally OK in good standard hotels
and restaurants but it is best to avoid it on street stalls or in
country areas.
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