Vietnam Travel Infomation

Vietnam is known for its green valleys, limestone cliffs, the Mekong Delta and the warm and friendly Vietnamese people. It shares borders with China, Laos and Cambodia and has mountains, rice paddy terraces on rolling hills, white sandy beaches and beautiful waterways. 

More than 86 million people live in Vietnam. Most live in the larger cities but there are still quite a few mountain tribes, especially in the far north – among them the Cat Cat, the Black H’mong and the Red Dzao. You can meet some of these friendly people if you take the train north from Hanoi for some Sapa trekking. For a taste of Vietnamese culture, you can visit the town of Hué and if you're looking for some laid back enjoyment, visit Hoi An where you can cycle through rice paddies, stretch out on the nearby beach or take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes.

Time difference: Vietnam is 6hrs ahead of the UK. An additional hour is added during our winter time.

Best time to travel: December to May, although you can travel at any time really. It's also a great place to stop on a Round the World trip.

Language: Vietnamese is the official language, however many people speak English. Menus are usually available in English. In some areas you may hear people speaking French, as Vietnam was once a French colony. 

Currency: The Vietnamese Dong, although many places accept and quote prices in US$. The exchange rate fluctuates, but in general £1 is about 25,450 VND (Vietnamese Dong).

Telephone calls: You shouldn't have any problem using your mobile, but this could be quite expensive. It's possible to buy an international phone card that you can use from a telephone box. 

 Internet: You can find internet access almost anywhere in Vietnam. At times you'll have internet access from your hotel room, but you’ll find plenty of internet cafes in every destination. 

Photography: It’s best to be sensitive about taking photos. Always ask permission and show restraint when taking photos.

Voltage: Electricity in Vietnam is 220 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. The electrical sockets are different, so it's best that you bring along a universal plug adaptor.

National holidays 2010:
January 3, 2010 - Enlightenment of Buddha
February 3, 2010 - Communist Party of Viet Nam Foundation Anniversary
February 11 - 19, 2010 - TET Festival (rings in the year of the Tiger)
April 30, 2010 - Liberation Day
May 1, 2010 - Labour Day
May 2, 2010 - Buddha's Birthday

If you're planning a trip to Vietnam, there are several options for a Vietnam itinerary route. In general, travellers go from north to south or vice versa, as Vietnam is a long and narrow country. You can also choose to base your holiday around Hanoi, and arrange a purely North Vietnam tour.

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