Hotels in: Vietnam | Hanoi | Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) | Dalat | Nha Trang | Hue | Halong | Hoi An | Danang

Overview
Covering an area of 329,600 square kilometres, Vietnam is some 7.5 % smaller than reunited Germany. But, like only a few other countries of similar size, it extends across two climatic zones - with a moderate climate in the North, comparable to that of Southern Europe, and a tropical climate in the South. Hanoi is, like Hong Kong, located at geographical latitude slightly to the South of Cairo or the Canary Islands, while Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is at geographical latitude only slightly to the North of the Nigerian capital Lagos.

Altogether the country stretches for more than 1,650 kilometres from North to South – which is roughly the distance from Hamburg to Athens. The coastline of Vietnam is about 3,000 kilometres long.

To the West the country is bordered by Laos and Cambodia, to the North by China and to the East and South by the South China Sea.

Geographically there are five different regions:

1. The northern mountain terrain with heights reaching above 3,000 metres
2. The delta of the Red River (at which Hanoi is situated)
3. The Annamite Mountain Range, which connects North Vietnam and South Vietnam
4. The narrow coastal strip between the Annamite Mountain Range and the South China Sea
5. The Mekong delta in the South of the country

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, while inland there are soaring mountains, some of which are cloaked by dense, misty forests. Vietnam also offers an opportunity to see a country of traditional charm and rare beauty rapidly opening up to the outside world.

Climate
Vietnam spans several climatic zones, resulting in substantial weather condition variations between the north and the south. Average temperatures year round range from 20 to 35 degrees Celsius so there is no particularly good or bad time to visit Vietnam.

In southern Vietnam tropical conditions prevail, and there are two seasons – the wet season lasts from May to November and the dry season from December to April. The wet is characterised by high humidity levels and a refreshing afternoon downpour. Humidity in the south during the months of June and July ranges between 75% and 85%. The hottest months are from March to May.
Central Vietnam is usually dry from May to October and wet from December to February. October and November may experience unstable weather conditions and flooding.

Northern Vietnam also experiences two seasons though conditions can change dramatically throughout the day. The winter months from November to April are usually cold and humid. The months of December and January can be particularly cool with temperatures as low as 8 degrees Celsius. Temperatures can drop to 0 degrees Celsius in Sapa (in the highlands near the Chinese border) in winter. Summer, from May to October, can be quite hot and wet with regular downpours and occasional typhoons. The hottest months are July and August in Hanoi.

With a multitude of altitudes and latitudes there’s always somewhere that is pleasantly sunny and warm if you’re prepared to find it. Temperatures are usually hot and humid, around the low 30s°C (high 80°Fs), but if you head north and along the coast they cool down to comfortable temperatures towards January. The weather is determined by two monsoons; the winter monsoon comes from the northeast between October and March bringing wet chilly winters to all areas north of Nha Trang, but dry and warm temperatures to the south. From April or May to October, the south western monsoon brings warm, humid weather and buckets of rain to the whole country except for those areas sheltered by mountains.

Electricity
The electric current in Vietnam operates mostly on 220 volts (50HzHz) but occasionally you will find 110 volt sockets. Electric plug types vary throughout the country, however the two-rounded pin standard Asian plug is usable in most parts of the country

Local Time
• 7hrs ahead of GMT
• 3hrs behind Australian Eastern Standard Time
• 5hrs behind New Zealand
• 12hrs ahead of Canada Eastern Time
• 15hrs ahead of Canada Pacific Time
• 12hrs ahead of US Eastern Time
• 15 hrs ahead of US Pacific Time

Business hours
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 open from 7 or 8am to 11 or 11:30pm. Some are open from 1 or 2pm to 4 or 5pm.

Postal Services
International mail generally takes 7 to 10 days to reach its destination and prices are generally equivalent to western postal charges. Reverse charge (collect) calls are not possible from Vietnam. International phone and fax charges are expensive and vary between $US1.50 (at some post offices) and $US6 per minute (at some hotels). Email services are inexpensive and available in major tourist areas.

Telephone Services
It is very easy to phone inside Vietnam. Most hotels will let you make local phone calls, many don’t even charge you (don’t exploit that, as a polite person always offer them to pay the few Dongs!).

International phone calls are possible from many post offices. Typically, you give the number to the operator who will type the number for you and direct you to a phone booth. It’s in fact direct dialling with somebody else doing the dialling for you. Normally you have to give them a deposit.

The international dialing code for Vietnam is 84.
When making international calls to Vietnam, add 84 and omit the leading 0.
When making international calls from Vietnam, first dial 00+country code+area code+telephone number

Languages
Vietnamese, Russian, French, Chinese and English

When To Go
There are no good or bad seasons to visit Vietnam. When one region is wet, cold or steamy hot, there is always somewhere else that is sunny and pleasant. Basically, the south has two seasons: the wet (May to November, wettest from June to August) and the dry (December to April). The hottest and most humid time is from the end of February to May. The central coast is dry from May to October and wet from December to February. The highland areas are significantly cooler than the lowlands, and temperatures can get down to freezing in winter. The north has two seasons: cool, damp winters (November to April) and hot summers (May to October). During the Southeast Asian rainy season from June to the beginning of November Vietnam is, like the Philippines and the South China coast around Hong Kong, regularly struck by typhoons.
Travellers should take the Tet Festival (late January or early February) into account when planning a trip. Travel (including international travel) becomes very difficult, hotels are full and many services close down for at least a week and possibly a lot longer.

Where To Go
Hanoi
The Capital City of Vietnam is beautifully laid out with lakes, boulevards and parks and has a peaceful ambience. There is a mix of the old world French charm with the colonial houses, mingled with modern high-rise buildings. The city has much to offer being a fusion of traditional and modern culture. History is reflected in its temples and architecture and the center of the city has some historic monuments. The Hoam Kien Lake is also feast to the eye.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
It is the economic capital of Vietnam, with the distinction of being the center of industry as well as setting the tones for culture. Some of the tourist attractions the city has to offer:

• Giac Lam Pagoda, Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral with its neo-Roman architecture and for those interested in War History, the Museum.
• For the young at heart - the Centre of the city is the place to be on holidays and especially weekends. It is alive with hip music, discos and not to miss the famous Hard Rock Cafe !

Dalat
Pleasant climate all the year round and lush greenery makes Dalat one of the favorite places for tourists. It also serves as a base camp for those who want to
explore the nearby mountains. The influence of French rule is still evident in the Old French quarter, and makes for a pleasant stroll. One can go hiking or for rides in the countryside and visit villages inhabited by hill tribes. However remember to stay away from areas, which have signs with C on them, as they are not accessible to foreigners. For those who love their golf, the Dalat Palace Golf Club offers them an unforgettable experience. Dalat offers a range of attractions like:

• The Hang Nga Guesthouse & Art Gallery, dubbed by locals as The Crazy House, is a must see. It was designed by Mrs. Dang Viet Nga, and defies popular cultural concepts. The main building resembles Dungeons & Dragons. The rooms are all oddly shaped and the stairways twist and turn. The ceilings are low and the beds oddly shaped and interestingly each room has an animal theme.
• Emperor Bao Dai’s Summer Palace is filled with interesting artifacts and works of art, which makes it worth a visit.
• The Valley of Love a short distance away from the city, always has a festive air about it. Horses can be rented from the Dalat Cowboys who surprisingly enough, are dressed to fit the role! Paddleboats are also available on hire for a trip around the lake.

Nha Trang
Situated on the coast, it is the ideal place to visit to just relax on the beaches. The clean blue waters lure many into trying water activities, like snorkeling and diving. Fishing is always an option to while away the time. The best time to visit is during the dry season, which is between June and September. For those interested in exploring, there is the Long Son Pagoda. A little further north are the Cham Towers of Po Nagar. They were built between the 7th and 12th centuries on ground that was used by Hindu worshippers in the 2nd century.

Hue
Hue has long been the focal point of the country’s cultural, religious and educational activities. It’s relaxed pace of life with its seaside-resort sort of air, makes for a pleasant stay. The city is big enough to be interesting, yet small enough to bicycle around. The city has much to offer - historical sights, rides on the unique dragon boats and sampans up the Perfume or Huong River for example or you could head out for a swim to the nearby beaches and lagoons. The Citadel (Kinh Thanh) is the ruin of a huge moated Castle constructed in 1804 by Emperor Gia Long.

The main attractions of this city are:

• The Ngo Mon Gate - it has five gates each of which was marked for various levels of the royal entourage. The central gate was exclusively for kings, the two gates on either side of it were for court officials while the two outer gates were for the servants and other members of the court. The gate is arched and on the top is the Five Phoenix Tower from where the king used to hold court and also make announcements. During the Nguyen rein the gates were opened only when kings were passing by or receiving foreign ambassadors.
• Thai Hoa - Palace of Supreme Harmony was built in 1805 and covers 1300 sq meters. The architectural style can be seen in the shrines and mausoleums built later in the 19th century. There are two halls - the ante-chamber and the main hall. The main hall is the most outstanding feature of the Palace - it is 43.3 meters long and 30.3 meters wide and has the king’s throne. All official functions were held here.
• Nine Dynastic Urns - They were cast between 1835-1837 and their weight ranged from 1600 to 2600 Kilograms with the heaviest being 2755 Kilograms. It stands at a height of more than two meters. Each Urn has a different name and was cast in bronze copper.
• The Royal tombs - The Eight royal tombs where the Nguyen kings were buried, were built while they were still alive and supervised by them. Each of them reflects their distinctive personality and taste. They are landscaped to blend in with the surroundings and are walled in. The tombs have two areas - one for funeral services and the other where the king was buried.
• Hoang Thanh - Within it there are five temples dedicated to various kings, mostly of the Nguyen dynasty. Of these, The Mieu, was built to initially worship King Gia Long but later included nine other kings. It is said to be one of the biggest shrines in Vietnam and has ornate decoration - golden glaze and red lacquer, an altar and even rare weapons used in worship.
• Hien Lam Cac - a memorial to the Nguyen Dynasty built within the The Mieu site, is made of wood and is also the tallest structure within the complex.
• Cung That - The private domain of the Royal family it was an area that included several royal residences - including the King’s, the Queen’s, the King’s mother’s and even the King’s paternal grand father! Sadly much of the site is in ruins.
• Thien Mu Pagoda - A splendid work of architecture built for religious worship, it is situated on the left bank of the Perfume River. Built in the 14th century, it gets its name Thien Miu or Fairy Lady from Heaven, from the legend of the fairy lady in red. The most striking feature is the octagonal Phuoc Duyen Tower and it is the unofficial symbol of Hu . It is 21 meters high and has seven stories each of which is dedicated to a Buddha who appeared in human form. A statue of Buddha is placed in small arches on each story. On either side of the Tower there are two pavilions, one of which houses an enormous bell.

Hue’s accommodation services will suit most budgets and excellent dining options. Vegetarian food is easily available making the city a god-send for those who do not eat non-vegetarian food.

Halong
The name Halong means, ‘where the dragon descended into the sea’. It is one of Nature’s marvels with 3000 islands dotting the Gulf of Tonkin. The islands are unique because of the many beaches and grottos created by the forces of Nature. The Hang Dau Go grotto is worth a visit - it is a massive cave with three chambers. The main activity is taking a tour of the bay either by fast boat or the more romantic old fashion junk boats. Halong City is split in two by the bay - Bai Chay (West) is more scenic and offers more hotels, Hon Gai lies to the East.

Where to stay:
Our Vietnam hotels service has on offer an abundance of hotels for every visitor and every budget. See our Vietnam for the detailed list and find yourself a bargain from the available specials.

Travel Tips

Visa Requirements & Departure Taxes:
To enter Vietnam you will require a passport (with at least 6 months remaining validity) and a tourist visa. This visa must be obtained prior to arrival. A combined entry/exit and baggage declaration form will be issued to you prior to arrival and the yellow copy of this must be retained until your departure from Vietnam. Please ensure this paper is kept in a safe place while you are in Vietnam.
It is your responsibility to ensure all visa and entry requirements are met prior to your arrival in Vietnam. International departure tax is currently $US12 for flights leaving Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), and $US14 for flights leaving Hanoi.

Please Note: All Vietnam visas are SINGLE ENTRY - unless you have specifically requested MULTIPLE ENTRY and this is stamped into your passport. Please ensure you have a multiple entry visa if you are entering Vietnam twice. The status of a tourist visa cannot be changed from SINGLE ENTRY to MULTIPLE ENTRY once a client has arrived in Vietnam.

Entry Regulations
Every Western visitor to Vietnam needs to have a visa. Visa for Vietnam are not as easily available as for instance visa for Thailand.
It is in general only possible to procure the visa by yourself, when you are travelling on business matters or on an official mission. In both cases you need an invitation letter, either from your Vietnamese business partner (at best a government organization) or from the Vietnamese government office which you will deal with on an official mission.
The Vietnamese business partner or government agency should send the invitation directly to the embassy where the foreigner intends to apply for his visa. When the foreigner appears at the embassy, he or she will have to refer to that invitation letter.

Apart from that, in order to give some weight to the individual visa application, it is recommended to bring along all correspondence ever exchanged with the Vietnamese business partner or government agency.

Tourist visa for Vietnam are easily obtained, if you book a package arrangement with a travel agent. In general, the Vietnamese government is not particularly interested in visitors, travelling on their own.
Bangkok is considered the place where one has the best chance to get a tourist visa for Vietnam without being booked on a package tour. But even in Bangkok, individual travellers cannot just enter the embassy and apply for a visa by themselves. Even those, who have not booked an arrangement with a travel agent, will have to turn to a travel office to have a Vietnam visa issued. Travel offices in Bangkok taking care of Vietnam visas for individual travellers usually charge comparatively high fees of about US $70.

There are no problems in obtaining a visa for those, who book a Vietnam arrangement with a travel agent. To provide a Vietnam visa usually is part of the services of the travel agent handling an arranged tour.

Visa formalities are not limited to the issuing of a visa for the period of the journey. Vietnam is one of the most bureaucratic countries of Southeast Asia. For a journey to Vietnam it is not sufficient to just be in possession of a visa for the duration of the stay. The visa must also detail the place of entry to and exit from the country, as well as the mode of transport one uses.

International Transportation services
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Tan Son Nhat Airport is Vietnam’s busiest international air hub, Vietnam Airlinefollowed by Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airpot. A few international flights also serve Danang. Bangkok has emerged as the principle embarkation point for Vietnam but it’s still possible to get direct flights from a number of major Asian cities and a few Australian cities. Buying tickets in Vietnam is expensive. Departure tax is 14.00, which can be paid in dong or US dollars.

There are currently six border crossings for travellers coming to Vietnam, but more may open soon. All crossing points suffer from heavy policing and often requests for ‘immigration fees’.

For getting to/from China, it’s become very popular to cross the border at Friendship Pass, or Dong Dang, 20km (12mi) north of Lang Son in northeast Vietnam, to get to/from Nanning. There is a twice-weekly international train between Beijing and Hanoi that stops at Friendship Pass. The other popular border crossing with China is at Lao Cai in northwest Vietnam, which lies on the railway line between Hanoi and Kunming in China’s Yunnan Province. There’s also a seldom used crossing at Moi Cai.

It’s possible to enter Laos from Lao Bao in north-central Vietnam; there’s an international bus from Danang to Savannakhet (Laos). The other crossing is at Keo Nua Pass/Cau Treo, west of Vinh. The only crossing to Cambodia is via Moc Dai; an international bus links Phnom Penh with Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

Domestic Travel
Vietnam Airlines has a near-monopoly on domestic flights, which are relatively expensive. The departure tax on domestic flights is about 1.50, payable in Vietnamese dong only.

Ultracheap buses and minibuses criss-cross the country in an impressive network of routes but you should think long and hard before taking one. Apart from being ramshackle, extremely slow and hugely overcrowded, the notion of safety on Vietnam’s roads is a loose and hazy concept that doesn’t bear too much investigating. There are ‘express’ buses, but even these rarely average more than 50kmh (31mph). The alternative, used by many foreigners, is to charter a minibus. They cost more but are much more comfortable; ask at budget hotels and cafes for details.

While sometimes train travel can be slower than bus travel, it is safer and more relaxed, and you’re likely to have decent legroom. There are several types of train, including the famous Reuinification Express; but think twice before you take a crowded, snail-paced local train. Petty theft can be a problem on trains, especially in budget class. Children throwing things at carriages, everything from rocks to cow dung, is another problem, and you’re advised to keep the metal shield on the window in place.

Hire cars and drivers are available at reasonable prices. You’ll still be stopped by the police to pay all sorts of ‘fines’, but at least you’ll have a local with you to do the negotiating. You can hire a motorcycle to drive yourself if you have an International Driver’s Permit endorsed for motorcycles, but you’ll need nerves of steel. (Link to Car hire)

Travelling through Vietnam, and around the towns and cities, by bicycle is worth considering, though the traffic is still a hazard on highways without wide shoulders. Trains and buses will carry your bike when you want a break.

City transport in Vietnam: The ubiquitous 3-wheeled bicycle-rickshaw. Passengers sit in front and driver peddles behind. Hanoi
versions are wider than in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and can take two persons. Good sightseeing vehicle, though, inevitably, many scary near-collisions. Agree fare in advance - if any doubts, write it down. Hanoi cyclo drivers speak very little English. A map is often essential for giving directions. Other than a few ancient and infrequent buses, local transport is by taxi (some metered, some not) or cyclo (pedal-powered vehicles that are cheap and plentiful). If you’re in a hurry, and fearless, try flagging down any passing motorbike. Many people will be happy to give you a lift for a fee a little higher than the equivalent cyclo fare.

Money Matters

Currency:
The currency in Vietnam is “Dong”. Notes are in denominations of VND 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000 and 50000. There are four ways to exchange currency: at a bank; through authorized exchange bureaus; at hotel reception desk; and on the black market.

Tourist may encounter difficulties in exchanging other currencies than the USD. Travels’ cheques and VISA, JCB credit cards and MASTER cards can be used in travel agencies, hotels and major restaurants in the major cities and towns popular with tourists. When leaving the country, remaining Vietnamese currency can be exchanged for US dollars at the exchange bureau at the airport.
You are able to bring your home currency in cash or travellers cheques (AUD, GBP, CAD or USD). All international currency, with the exception of US dollars, must be changed into the local currency, the Vietnamese dong.
You can pay for goods and services in US dollars or dong, however you will get better value for your money if you use local currency. Most hotels change travellers cheques (with a 1% to 2% commission) and cash at reasonable rates. Credit cards (Visa or MasterCard are the most commonly accepted) can be used in a limited number shops and restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Hue, Hoi An and Hanoi, however they are not widely accepted outside these cities. Cash advances can be obtained using these cards at the major banks and ATM’s in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Hanoi, Danang, Hoi An and Hue. Please note if travelling to remote areas of Vietnam it is advisable to carry dong or USD cash.

Preferred Form
Until recently, many upmarket hotels insisted that you pay in US dollars, but now all businesses (except Vietnam Airlines) must accept payment in dong. In practice, many still display their prices in US dollars. It’s advisable to bring travellers cheques in US dollars as well as a little US currency.

Changing Your Money
US dollars and travellers cheques are your best bet. There are four ways to exchange currency: at a bank, through authorised exchange bureaus, at hotel reception desks, and on the black market. The best rates are offered by the banks, but the exchange bureaus are generally more conveniently located and have longer opening hours. The black market rate is worse than the legal exchange rate, so if you’re offered better rates than a bank it’s bound to be some sort of scam. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and JCB credit cards are accepted in the major cities and towns popular with tourists.

It’s virtually impossible to exchange travellers cheques outside the major cities and tourist areas. Visitors heading off the beaten track will either need to stock up on dong, or conduct a private cash transaction on the black market. It’s a good idea to bring a small calculator with you for currency conversions, unless you’re the kind of person who can divide or multiply by large numbers in your head.

Tipping
Government-run hotels and tourist restaurants usually add a 5% service charge to bills so there’s no need to tip (although staff may not get any of it). Leaving a small tip in other restaurants will be greatly appreciated by the staff. You should consider tipping hired drivers and guides, and it’s polite to leave a small donation at the end of a visit to a pagoda.

Money Tips
Travellers staying in budget accommodation and eating in small cafes should be able to get by on around US$20.00 to US$25.00 per day, plus long-distance transport costs. Those wanting to stay in mid-range hotels, eat out at moderate restaurants, charter occasional taxis and enjoy the nightlife should budget on around US$65.00 a day.

Currency Notes
The banknotes come in denominations of 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 dong. In small towns, it can be difficult to get change for the larger notes, so keep a stack of smaller bills handy. Now that Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) has been canonised (against his wishes), you’ll find his picture on every banknote.

Currency Coins
Coins are being reintroduced for use in Vietnam, partially to help stave off the number of counterfeit banknotes.

Arrival Instructions
There are usually a number of taxi touts outside the customs hall more than willing to take you to your hotel - at an inflated price.
If you have no airport arrival transfer pre-arranged, metered taxis are available at the airport. Look for the “Airport Taxi” company with uniformed drivers, or wait and they will find you (make sure the meter is turned on when you begin). You should not pay more than about $US5-7 to reach your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) or $US15-20 in Hanoi.

Safety & Security
Vietnam is generally a safe country, however petty street crime is on the rise as tourist numbers increase. In Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) we recommend that as little jewellery as possible is worn and that when on the street your spending money is kept close to your body in a secure place. We further recommended that you take taxis rather than cyclos at night. Taxis are metered and inexpensive. Carry a hotel card so that you can show your taxi driver where you want to go. You should leave valuables in hotel safety deposit boxes at all times and carry photocopies of your passport, credit card numbers, and airline tickets, and keep a record of your encashed travellers cheques. These papers should be kept in a safe place separate from the originals.

Shopping
Vietnam is fast becoming known as a “shopper’s paradise”. Ceramics, lacquerware, bamboo, silk and embroidery are just some of the many good buys. Many travellers also have clothes tailored due to the low prices - standards vary.
A few guidelines to follow when shopping:
• Except in department stores, bargaining is the norm. To get the best price you will have to haggle hard
• Export of certain antiques is not permitted. Make sure you are aware of relevant regulations before purchasing
• Fake reproductions are common. Make sure you know what you are buying, especially in the case of antiques

Important phone numbers
Police 113
Fire Brigade 114
Ambulance 115
Long Distance Domestic telephone service 101
Directory assistance for long distant domestic telephone service 102
Operator-assistedlong distance domestic telephone service 103
International telephone service 110
International telephone service rate 112
Phone number inquires 116
Time inquires 117
Ring back test 118
Advice on telephone repairs 119
General inquires 108

Hotels in: Vietnam | Hanoi | Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) | Dalat | Nha Trang | Hue | Halong | Hoi An | Danang

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