Expatriate Forums in Vietnam

Vietnam tourism · Guest Home Country: countryx

VIETNAM TRAVEL INFORMATION & TIPS

Despite Vietnam's ongoing economic liberalisation and the pressures of rapid development, this dignified country has managed to preserve its rich civilisation and highly cultured society. Most visitors to Vietnam are overwhelmed by the sublime beauty of the country's natural setting: the Red River Delta in the north, the Mekong Delta in the south and almost the entire coastal strip are a patchwork of brilliant green rice paddies tended by women in conical hats. There are some divine beaches along the coast too, while inland there are soaring mountains, some of which are cloaked by dense, misty forests.

The country has discarded its post-war fatigues and the boom in budget travelling, coupled with the softening of government control, have enabled more contemporary and relevant portraits of the country to gain currency in the West. Vietnam offers an opportunity to see a country of traditional charm and rare beauty rapidly opening up to the outside world.

Airport Taxes
The international airport tax is US$14 or VND210,000. Taxes can only be paid in US$ or VND.

Electrical Appliances
220 volts AC, 50Hz, two pin plugs.

Airport Transfers
Noi Bai International Airport at Noi Bai is 45km (28 miles) from Hanoi. Buses and metered taxis are available. Tan Son Nhat International Airport is 7km (4.5 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City. Buses and metered taxis are available.

To and from airport, travellers should use minibuses or airport taxis. The telephone number for Airport Taxi in Hanoi is (84 Cool

8865615. The numbers for Airport taxis in Ho Chi Minh City are (84 Cool

844 6666 and (84 Cool

842 1531.

Currency Matters
New Dông (D). Notes are in denominations of D100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500, 200 and 100. Coins are not used.

The US Dollar is the most favoured foreign currency. British, Australian, Japanese, French, German, Belgian, Dutch, Singaporean and Thai currency can usually be changed in the larger cities; great difficulty may be encountered in trying to exchange any other currencies. There is a charge for changing money in banks.

Import and export of local currency is prohibited. Import and export of foreign currency over US$3000 is subject to declaration. Proof of all expenses should be kept.

Mon-Fri 0800-1630 and Sat 0800-1200.

Special Prohibited Items
The importation of non-prescribed drugs, firearms and p*rn is prohibited.

Special Health Regulations
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving from infected areas.

Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not an official condition of entry to Vietnam. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness. For more information see the Health appendix.

Malaria risk exists throughout the year everywhere except urban areas, the Red River delta and the coastal plains north of Nha Trang. The risk is highest in the southern provinces of Ca Mau and Bac Lieu and highland areas. The malignant falciparum form is reported to be highly resistant to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine.

Other risks: Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present in the delta of the Mekong River. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Swimming pools which are chlorinated and well maintained are safe.

Japanese encephalitis is a risk in Hanoi and in rural areas. A vaccine is available and travellers are advised to consult their doctor prior to departure. Hepatitis A, B and E occur; precautions should be taken. Dengue fever can be epidemic and filariasis is endemic in some rural areas. Typhoid fever, amoebic and bacillary dysentry can occur.

Drinking Water
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised.

Dress Code
Light, cool and casual clothing is recommended in South Vietnam as it has a tropical climate. North Vietnam has a temperate climate, hence warm clothing is required during winter.

Travel Wisdom
Crime does occur, particularly in the cities, and sensible precautions should be taken. There has been a noticeable increase in robberies in Ho Chi Minh City, no longer confined to backpacker districts, but spreading to the main shopping and tourist areas of the city. Bag-snatching by robbers on motorbikes is a growing problem, and has led to serious injuries. Visitors should not carry handbags or wear jewellery, especially necklaces. There has been an increase of petty theft on trains and buses in Vietnam. When possible leave passports and valuables in a hotel safe. Visitors are advised to avoid using cyclos after dark in Ho Chi Minh City, due to the incidents of robbery by cyclo drivers.

Security personnel may place foreign visitors under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones, and fax machines may be monitored. Police may raid hotels without notice. Many hotels will keep your passport until departure. Visitors are not allowed to invite Vietnamese nationals of the opposite sex into their hotel rooms. Visitors are not allowed to stay with a Vietnamese family unless they have obtained advance permission from local authorities.

Weblinks To Visit

www.vietnamtourism.com
The official site of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, vietnamtourism.com encompasses most of the information needed for pre-visit preparations. There are also tour itineraries suggested and a list of tour operators in the different regions of Vietnam. Prices are listed for tour operators’ products which is helpful. There is also a list of restaurants and galleries.

www.vietnamtourism-info.com
This site provides details of products and services within Vietnam including hotels in 61 provinces and cities in the country. The listing includes all the contact details of the establishment and also the rates. Some of the hotels are also featured in 3D. You should also check out the site’s FAQ section.

Source : Abacus Intl