Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin, and South China Sea, alongside China, Laos, and Cambodia
Region: Southeast Asia Capital: Hanoi
Coordinates: 21° 2" North, 105° 50" East
See more Vietnam City Guide Maps here
Vietnam currently has three international airports: Noi Bai serving Hanoi in the north, Danang International Airport serving the central provinces and Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City serving the south.
Available flights to Bangkok, Singapore, Paris, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, Sydney, Berlin, Jakarta, Manila, Taipei, Guangzhou, Kunming, Vientiane, Amsterdam, Moscow, Frankfurt, Kuala Lumpur, Los Angeles, Melbourne, Dubai, Osaka, Kaohsiung, and Phnom Penh.
Traveling by air - 3 international airport Hanoi ( Noibai airport) - Danang airport in the central - Hochiminh city ( Tan San Nhat airport )
There is 1 heliport in Viet Nam.
ROAD
From Cambodia: There is a road crossing at Moc Bai (Tay Ninh province 80km from Saigon) connecting Phnom Penh in Cambodia with Saigon. The new crossing into Cambodia via Chau Doc (245 km from Saigon) is passable either by boat or road.
From Laos: There is a road crossing at Lao Bao in Quang Tri Province, about 160km north of Hue, connecting Savannakhet with Central Vietnam. Another road into Vietnam is via Cau Treo, Ha Tinh Province.
From China: There are 03 roads crossing at Ha Khau (Lao Cai Province), Dong Dang (Lang Son Province) and Mong Cai (Quang Ninh Province
Traveling by water
There are 17,702 Km of waterways in Viet Nam. The most important ports and harbours are in Da Nang, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City.
Travel by boat from Phompenh Cambodia to ChauDoc town in Vietnam on the Mekong river.
Getting There by Rail
It is possible to cross into China by rail from Lao Cai to Kunming in the Yunnan province of China or through Lang Son to Nanning. There are trains from Beijing-Dong Dang-Hanoi and back. Contact Vietnam Railways (tel: (04) 942 2770; website: www.vr.com.vn) for details.
1. From Vietnam to LAOS
Hanoi - Vientiane: Vietnam Airlines, Lao Airlines (code share)
Hanoi - Luang Prabang: Vietnam Airlines, Lao Airlines
Sai Gon - Vientiane: Vietnam Airlines
2. From Vietnam to THAILAND
Hanoi - Bangkok: Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways, Thai Air Asia, Nok Air, Air France, Lao Airlines (via Vientiane)
Sai Gon - Bangkok: Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways, Thai Air Asia, Air France, Lufthansa, Bangkok Airways
Da Nang - Bangkok: PB Air
3. From Vietnam to CAMBODIA
Hanoi - Phnom Penh (via Vientiane): Vietnam Airlines, Lao Airlines
Hanoi - Siem Reap: Vietnam Airlines
Sai Gon - Siem Reap: Vietnam Airlines
Da Nang - Siem Reap: Silk Air (no opposite flight Siem Reap - Da Nang)
4. From Vietnam to MYANMAR
Hanoi - Yangon: Vietnam Airlines , four flight a week, on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
5. From Vietnam to MALAYSIA
Hanoi - LCCT in KL: Air Asia
Hanoi - KL int'l airport: Vietnam Airlines, Malaysia Airlines
6. From Vietnam to SINGAPORE
Hanoi - Singapore: Vietnam Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Tiger Airways
Sai Gon - Singapore: Vietnam Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Tiger Airways, Jet Star
Da Nang - Singapore: Tiger Airways
Singapore - Da Nang: Silk Air (on the way to Siem Reap)
7. From Vietnam to the PHILIPPINES
Hanoi - LCCT in KL - Clark: Air Asia
Sai Gon - Manila: Philippine Airlines
8. From Vietnam to INDONESIA
Hanoi - LCCT in KL - Denpasar: Air Asia
Sai Gon - Singapore - Denpasar/Yogyakarta: Garuda Indonesia
9. From Vietnam to BRUNEI
Hanoi - LCCT in KL - BSB (capital): Air Asia
Sai Gon - BSB (capital): Royal Brunei Airlines
10. From Vietnam to China
Hanoi - Shanghai, three direct flights per week
Hanoi : Beijing , direct flight, five flights per week
Hanoi: Kunming, direct flight, three flights per week
Hochiminh - Shanghai, four direct flight per week
Here is a list of sightseeing places in Vietnam , please choose what you want to see: 1. HANOI (many museums, lakes, parks, old French buildings. On 10 Oct 2010, Hanoi have celebrated the 1,000 year anniversary) 2. SAPA (mountain scenery, trekking to ethnic minority villages), BAC HA (Sunday morning market) CANCAU (Saturday morning market) 3. MAI CHAU - HOABINH (Thai ethnic minority villages) 4. SON LA - DIEN BIEN PHU (battle field where the French troops were defeated in 1954) 5. NINH BINH (rural life, caves, beautiful stone churches, Cuc Phuong national park) 6. HA LONG BAY (the world heritage, thousands of islands) 7. BA BE LAKE (240km from Hanoi, the largest lake in north VN) 8. PHONG NHA CAVE (the world heritage, near Dong Hoi, central VN) 9. HUE (the old capital of VN in the 19th century, visit the Imperial Citadel, tombs, cruise along the Perfume river) 10. DMZ (Vinh Moc tunnels, Ben Hai river - the place where Vietnam used to be divided into the North and the South for 21 years during American war, Khe Sanh combat base) 11. HOI AN (ancient streets, the world heritage) 12. MY SON (brick temples, the world heritage) 13. NHA TRANG (beaches, islands, scuba diving) 14. MUI NE near PHAN THIET (beaches, sand dunes) 15. DA LAT (highlands, cool weather, waterfalls and lakes) 16. CENTRAL HIGHLANDS (Gia Lai - Kon Tum - Dak Lak, special culture, best coffee) 17. SAI GON (the most developed city, night life) 18. MEKONG DELTA (floating villages & markets, nice beach in Ha Tien) 19. CU CHI TUNNELS (American War) 20. PHU QUOC ISLAND (beaches, fishing villages)
Most visitors to Vietnam need a visa to enter the country. Visas are exempted for the citizens of the countries, which have signed a bilateral or unilateral visa exemption agreement with Vietnam, tourist visa may be valid for 15 to 30 days.
Some people have mistaken a "Visa-on-arrival" with a "Pre-arranged visa" for Vietnam. There is no "Visa-on-arrival" for Vietnam, unless you are exempted from it as I said above and get a stamp upon arrival at the international airport in Vietnam. In case you don't want to or cannot apply for a visa at the Vietnamese Embassies or Consulates for some reasons (for example, no Vietnamese Embassy in your country), you can apply for a visa through our agent in Vietnam. We will get an approval letter for you, so that the airlines will allow you to get on board. Upon arrival at the international airport in Vietnam, the immigration officers will stamp the visa into your passport. This service is called a "Pre-arranged visa" Certainly, We will charge you some dollars for the service.
World heritage sites in Vietnam
As of 2007, there are 5 UNESCO world heritage sites located in northern and central Vietnam, and 2 intangible world heritages. Following is some basic information:
UNESCO WORLD NATURAL HERITAGE SITES
1. Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh province - (recognized in December 1994)
Situated in the north-east region of Viet Nam, Halong Bay is a part of Bac Bo Gulf and comprises the sea area of Halong City, Cam Pha Town and a part of Van Don island district, Quang Ninh Province. It borders Cat Ba Island to the south-west, the mainland to the west with a 120km-long coastline.
On December 17, 1994, Halong Bay was recognised as world natural heritage for its natural beauty at the 18th meeting of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO in Thailand. On December 12, 2000, Halong Bay was recognised as world natural heritage for the second time based on its geological value at the 24th meeting of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO in Cairns, Australia. The recognised site covers an area of 434km², comprises 775 islands and forms a triangle: with Dau Go Island (Driftwood Grotto) to the west; Ba Ham Lake (Three Shelter Lake) to the south and Cong Tay Island to the east.
2. Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh province - (recognized in July 2003)
Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park lies in Quang Binh Province - the central Vietnam. Covering an area of about 200,000 hectares, Phong Nha - Ke Bang situated in Quang Ninh, Bo Trach, Tuyen Hoa and Minh Hoa districts, is 50km northwest of Dong Hoi City.
With its vivid evidences of the Earth's formation, geological, topographic and geomorphologic history, mysterious landscapes and the bio-diversity of the national park as well as its unique historical and cultural values, Phong Nha - Ke Bang has been declared a world natural heritage by UNESCO at the 27th meeting in Paris in July 2003.
UNESCO WORLD CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES
3. Hue Imprerial City in central Vietnam (recognized in December 1993)
Complex of Hue Monuments lies along the Perfume River in Hue City and some adjacent areas of Thua Thien Hue Province. Hue City constitutes the cultural, political and economic centre of the province, and was the old imperial city of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945.
At the meeting of the 17th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) in Columbia, from the 6th to the 11th of December 1993, UNESCO has come to the decision of recognising the architectural ensemble of Hue as a world cultural heritage. This was a noteworthy event in the cultural history. For the reason that Hue is the first site in Vietnam ever listed in the World Heritage list.
4. Hoi An Ancient Town - 30km south of Da Nang city (recognized in December 1999)
Hoi An is an old town down the Thu Bon River, on the coastal plain of Quang Nam Province, about 30 km south of Danang City. Hoi An used to be known on the international market with many different names such as Lam Ap, Faifo, Hoai Pho and Hoi An.
The architectural significance of Hoi An has been recognized by UNESCO, during the 23rd Congress which took place in Marrakech (Morocco) from the 29th of November to the 4th of December 2009, since the town was officially listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site.
5. My Son Sanctuary - 69km southwest of Da Nang city (recognized in December 1999)
My Son Sanctuary is set in a small valley belonging to Duy Phu Commune, Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam Province, about 70km southwest of Danang City and 40km from Hoi An City. Of the 225 Cham vestiges that are founded in Vietnam, My Son possesses 71 monuments and 32 epitaphs, the content of which is still being studied.
In December, 1999, at the 23th meeting of World Heritage Committee of UNESCO in Marrakesh, Marocco, My Son was recognised as world cultural heritage based on two prominent criterions: typical example about cultural exchange and unique evidence of disappeared Asia civilization
6. Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Hanoi - (recognized in July, 2010)
The central sector of Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Ha Noi covers area of 20ha, includes archaeological area at 18 Hoang Dieu Street and relics in Ha Noi Citadel such as: Bac Mon, Doan Mon, Hau Lau, stone dragons in Kinh Thien Palace, dragon house, house D67 and Ha Noi flag tower. These relics are surrounded by 4 streets: Phan Dinh Phung Street in the north, Dien Bien Phu Street in the south, Nguyen Tri Phuong Street in the east and Hoang Dieu Street in the west.
At 20h30 on July 30, 2010 in Brasilia Capital of Brazil, World Heritage Committee of UNESCO recognized the central sector of Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Ha Noi as world cultural heritage based on three prominent criterions: historical and cultural length; its continuousness as a power centre; diversification and plenty of vestiges and artifacts. In opening ceremony of the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long - Ha Noi on October 1, 2010, Ms Irina Bokova - General Director of UNESCO gave certification of the central sector of Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Ha Noi to leaders of Ha Noi City.
INTANGIBLE HERITAGES (Unesco Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritages of Humanity)
7. The royal music in Hue - (recognized in November 2003).
The Hue Court Music has large scale and highly professional: As the official music of the state, it consists of many large scale orchestras, many music and dance items were performed by a big staff of instrumentalists, singers and dancers. Moreover, this is the music genre that has high degree of improvisation and variation of the melodious scheme.
At the official meeting of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) in Paris, Nha nhac, Vietnamese Court Music, that Hue has preserved so long, was officially listed by UNESCO among masterpieces of the Oral and intangible heritage of humanity on 7th November 2003. This is the first intangible heritage of Vietnam ever listed in this list, recognized the achievements of 10-year process of striving, tireless preparation of the central, local governments and the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre.
8. The gong (Cong Chieng) in the Central Highlands - (recognized in November 2005).
The space of gong culture in Central Highlands of Viet Nam covers 5 provinces of Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong and Lam Dong. The masters of gong culture are the ethnic groups of Ba Na, Xo Dang, M'Nong, Co Ho, Ro Mam, E De, Gia Rai... The gong performances are always closely tied to community cultural rituals and ceremonies of the ethnic groups in Central Highlands. Many researchers have classified gongs as ceremonial musical instrument and the gong sounds as a means to communicate with deities and gods.
On November 25, 2005 in Paris, France, the space of gong culture in Central Highlands was recognized by UNESCO as an oral-transmitted masterpiece and intangible cultural heritage of the humanity.
9. Quan ho Bac Ninh - (recognized in September 2009)
Quan ho singing is a folk art of a highly collective nature. Those who sing are not entertainers, but all are part of the performance, and anyone is welcome to join. Quan ho Bac Ninh folk songs is inscribed on the list of Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on 30th Septemb
10. Ca Tru music - (recognized in October 2009)
Ca tru music is most enjoyable when there is complete harmony between the words being sung, the rhythm marked by a pair of small bamboo sticks held by the singer who strikes a small block of wood or bamboo called phach, and, last but not least, the appreciation shown by a man among the audience beating a small drum at the appropriate moments. In short, ca tru is a refined form of art which is paradoxically appreciated and loved by audiences of all compositions. There are those who sit in small numbers in an urban auditorium to enjoy a recital. A Ca Tru Club has been founded in Hanoi where amateurs of this musical genre, young and old, local and foreign, regularly meet to enjoy its charming melodies. Ca tru singing is inscribed on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in need of Urgent Safeguarding on 1st October 2009.
This post was updated in July 2008 thanks to the help of some TTers.
1. HANOI: From Noi Bai airport to the Old Quarter (30km):
by Noi Bai taxi (tel 8868888): VND 400,000 (US$20)
by 15-seat mini bus of Vietnam Airlines: US$3 from the airport to Vietnam Airlines Head Office at No. 1 Quang Trung St. From there you can walk to the Old Quarter.
by public bus: first you get bus No. 7 (yellow & red color) VND 5,000 from Noi Bai airport to Cau Giay, then change into bus No. 9 (VND 3,000) from Cau Giay to Bo Ho (Hoan Kiem lake in Hanoi center). From there you can walk to the Old Quarter. The total costs for both bus trips would be VND 8,000 (or 50 US cents).
2. HUE: From Phu Bai airport to Hue city (13km)
Taxi: US$15
3. HOI AN: From Da Nang airport to Hoi An town (30km)
Taxi: about US$15.
4. NHA TRANG: From Cam Ranh airport to Nha Trang (about 30-40km)
(Note: Nha Trang airport was closed some years ago. You will fly to/from Cam Ranh airport which is located about 30-40km south of Nha Trang)
Taxi: VND 200,000 (US$13) for a 4-seat taxi, VND 230,000 (US$14) for a 7-seat taxi.
Transfer from the Cam Ranh airport to Nha Trang City (and return): A shuttle bus is operated in connection with every Vietnam Airlines flight. Expect VND 26.000 (US$1.8) per person to reach the old airport of Nha Trang. From there you will be able to go on foot (800 m) to the hotels by the sea. Taxis also wait on arrival of the shuttle bus. After having dropped passengers at the old air terminal, the bus carries on its way and goes to the major hotels in the town. The charge is VND 35.000 (about US$2) per person then. A service of taxi (at offficially fixed price) also exists between the Cam Ranh airport and Nha Trang city: cost is VND 170.000 (US$10) for a regular 4-seat taxi OR VND 230.000 (US$14) for a 7-seat taxi. It takes 45min for a taxi ride.
5. Hochiminh city : From Tan Son Nhat airport to the Backpacker area (Pham Ngu Lao St, Dist 1)
Taxi: VND 90,000 (about US$6), it takes about 25 minutes.
NOTE
Be careful with the fake taxis in the large cities as they will overcharge you.
Don't take the offer from taxi drivers or touts, who want to take you to their hotels.
You can easily find a taxi/bus ticket counter in the arrival hall.
You also can book in advance with your hotel for a pick up.
Most of tourists visit Vietnam for the period of 14 days or 10 days for general view, the period may longer if you wish to discover the north west , northeast or central highland of Vietnam.
Tour will starting from Hanoi or Hochiminh city. Tour ended in Hanoi or Chi Minh city.
Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba island (book 2-3 day tours, OR go by yourself, one way Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba with tourist company by bus and boat, stay on Cat Ba island, exploring beaches, cave, jungle, fishing villages, then take express boat Cat Ba - Hai Phong and by train/bus Hai Phong - Hanoi.
Hanoi - Lao Cai overnight train (or by bus but it takes a long time), then 30km by bus to Sapa. You should spend 2 nights on train, 2 days for trekking. From Sapa to Bac Ha by bus, about 60km.
Hanoi - Ninh Binh: by train, by tourist bus, or you can rent a car from Hanoi
Hanoi - Mai Chau: 2 day tour, or by bus
Hanoi - Hue: overnight train, by tourist bus or flight
Hanoi - Da Nang: overnight train, by tourist bus or flight
Hue - Hai Van Pass - Da Nang - Hoi An: by train, or by tourist bus, or by taxi (through pass or through tunnel)
Da Nang - Nha Trang: by train, by tourist bus or flight
Nha Trang - Da Lat: by tourist bus
Nha Trang - Sai Gon: by train, by tourist bus or flight
Da Lat - Sai Gon: by tourist bus, or flight
Sai Gon - Mekong Delta: 1-2-3 day tours, or by local bus
Here is my suggestions for your trip (in case you want to see all 3 regions):
10 days or 2 weeks
1-2 days in Hanoi
2 days in Ha Long Bay
Overnight train Hanoi to Hue
1 day in Hue
Bus Hue to Hoi An (4 hours)
Hoi An 1-2 days
Fly Da Nang - Sai Gon (evening flight) US$ 75
Cu Chi tunnels (half day or 1 day)
Mekong Delta (1-2 day tour)
3 weeks
3 weeks in Vietnam:
1. Ha Noi
2. Ha Long Bay
3. Ninh Binh
(May replace or add Sapa if you like trekking)
Overnight train or flight Hanoi - Hue US$52 one way
4. Hue
5. DMZ
Bus Hue - Hoi An (4 hours)
6. Hoi An - My Son Cham towers (May add Nha Trang/Mui Ne for beach)
Flight Da Nang - Sai Gon US$75 one way
7. Sai Gon
8. Mekong Delta
9. Cu Chi tunnel
You can add or skip places if you like.
Our tour cost not included the flight in /out Vietnam. We just provide the land tour in Vietnam only, package tour cost normally included accommodations, transportation, local tour guide speaking English or French, food, entrances fees, domestic flights or train tickets, boat trip. Cost is varied from 700 USD up to 3000USD, it depend on the length of stay and hotels standard. Please contact us now for free advise and plan tour in Vietnam.
In the cities
The traffic can be a nightmare for visitors to Viet Nam for the first time. Believe it or not, there are transport rules but people don't seem really interested in following them. Three or four people on one motor bike is a common sight, particularly with the young and young families.
The traffic is worst during the rush hour when everyone is attempting to get to work or get home quickly. Some people ride their motorbikes on the pavement rather than waiting in the a traffic jam. The people walking are just as likely to get hit on the pavement as they are crossing the roads at such times. It's crazy. Road users become very impatient, constantly using their horns when there's obviously nowhere to go, even shouting at others to get out of the way. You have to be quite aggressive or you get nowhere.
Outside cities
But is safe for traveling by bike outside of big city like Hanoi, Danang and Hochiminh city. Our bike tour journey has choosed the good road with beautiful landscape that you will enjoy so much when cycling
For motorbike , just for adventurer only, you will need more experienced and good skill with professional tour guide.
Driving Licenses
It is illegal in Vietnam to drive without a license. An International Driving Permit is acceptable. Make sure it is endorsed for motorbikes. To legally drive in VN you are legally required to carry:
1. an IDP or VN license
2. the moto registration papers
3. moto insurance papers
4. identification (ID card for locals or passport for you)
Police most of the time will not bother you, but from time to time they have a blitz and will suddenly start stopping EVERY foreigner driving a bike and checking for the above documents.
Don't even THINK about driving a car in Vietnam. The police really don't want you to, for your own good.
During the trip, we provide the escorted minibus, just cycle as much or as little as you like since we have the van with us for most of the time except for some parts of the trip due to small ferry.
Everyday, you will ride around 30 - 40 - 60 km or more on the flat road or mountain road. it depend on your capability. We have support van and tour guide follows you in case you are tired or preparing bikes.
You can bring to Vietnam the following :
1. Bike Helmet
2. Small backpack
3. Shoes and shorts for cycling
4. Sunglasses
5. Gloves
6. Professional Pedal
See our support van or bikes
Currency
Dông (VND; symbol). Notes are in denominations of 500,000, 200,000, 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200 and 100.
Currency Exchange
The US Dollar is the most favored foreign currency. Australian, British, Japanese, Singaporean and Thai currency, as well as the Euro, can usually be changed in the larger cities; great difficulty may be encountered in trying to exchange any other currencies. There is a commission charge for changing money in banks.
Note : you may do an exchange US Dollar at the jeweler shops in Hanoi and Hochiminh city
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
An increasing number of outlets accept MasterCard and Visa. However, outside main towns and cities, it is wise to carry cash. There are ATMs in many major towns , but not everywhere.
ATMs are available in Hanoi , Halong bay, Dien Bien Phu, SonLa, CaoBang, LangSon , HaiPhong, Thai Binh, Thanh Hoa , Vinh, Hue, HoiAn old town, Danang , Nhatrang, CamRanh, Dalat, Kontum, Buon Ma Thuot, Hochiminh city, CanTho, ChauDoc, HaTien, CaMau..
Traveller's Cheques
These are widely accepted in hotels and banks. To avoid additional exchange ratecharges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.
Currency Restrictions
Restrictions apply.
Banking Hours
Mon-Fri 0730/0800-1130 and 1300-1600.
Exchange Rate Indicators (January 2010 )
1 USD = 19.500 VND, 1 £ = 33.455VND, 1 € = 26.500VND
The exchange bureau is available at the airport in Hanoi, Hochiminh city
You will eat, sleep and learn about living activities at residents' homes where you come during your homestay tours. This kind of tour is for those who like discovering, experiencing and learn about customs and practice of various cultures.
You will feel like returning to nature and experience interesting things of simple life. Homestay tourism has developed in Mai Chau of Hoa Binh northern province, In the centre of Vietnam, we do offer overnight at homestay in HoiAn town or in Hue. Buon Me Thuot in the Central Highlands, Sapa, PhongTho and some provinces in the Mekong River Delta like Vinh Long, CanTho
Mai Chau, about 135 kilometres from Hanoi and about 60 kilometres from Hoa Binh town, the capital of Hoa Binh province. From Cun Mount Peak, you can have an overview of Mai Chau set in green valleys and stilted houses of ethnic minority people. The stilted houses are quite large. They are roofed with palm trees and their floors are made with bamboo. Tourists will stay at one of these houses.
In Mai Chau, you can join trekking tours around villages and exchange with ethnic minority people through festivals with traditional dances and gong music.
In the Mekong River delta, homestay tour is also one of tourists' favourites. Now, we often choose the Mekong River delta ( Vinh Long , CanTho )to introduce to tourists.
The reason is that tourists have more information about this region and they particularly like learning about life of residents in the river region. They like travelling by boat, calling at handcraft villages, doing the garden work and making cakes with the locals."
The Mekong River delta promises to be an attractive place for a large number of tourists in the future. Homestay tours in the river delta are suitable for tourists who do not have much time to travel.
Homestay tours are not new but you should discover yourselves. You can design these tours by contact us now
Travel to Halong Bay with your family, friend group or even 2 of you who want to spend a quiet time together? Private boat cruise maybe the good option. Our private boat with comfortable facilities, friendly and professional trained staffs, affordable price will definitely brings you unforgettable time in World heritage of Halong bay.
Most of boats in Halong bay are wooden boat, built on the traditional style, the overnight boat in Halong bay are equipped from 2 to 10 rooms with toilet inside, there is a twin or double room, all the boat have restaurant, you can order foods, drinks during your stay in Halong bay. We do provide overnight tour in Halong from 2 to 5 days.
In general, you can travel by car or land cruiser to all parts of Vietnam, except the raining season to avoid the landslide.
Traveling through Vietnam, you will notice a big difference in climate between the north and the south. In the north the raining season starts in july august, end in September. The south of Vietnam ( Ho Chi Minh City) is near the equator, so It has two season: raining and dry season. The raining season stars around: March to October and The dry season from November to April. During the raining season it rain nearly every day but just for haft an hour to one hour and then shining again.
The best time to visit Vietnam ( Also the tourist season for westerner) is between August to April when the weather tend to be good in both North and South.
Sure! you can use your cell phone in Vietnam , and use pre-paid card to call, you buy an other pre-paid card for your callings, sim card cost 50.000, calling card 100.000VND, oversea call rate 7000VNd/minute. You can buy a Vinaphone , Mobile phone , Viettel sim card any where in Vietnam.
In Vietnam, there is a difference of climate in the north and the south, especially in the winter. You should bring warm clothes when traveling in the north of Vietnam from November to March. In the centre ( Hoian ) and south Vietnam ( Saigon, Nhatrang, Mekong ) , the climate around 25 °C to 33°C , just need to bring summer clothes.
Annual temperature for Sa Pa town is 15.4°C, with a maximum of 29.4°C and a minimum of 1°C. The warmest months are July and August, and the coldest months are December and January. Snow falls in some years on the highest peaks.
Traveling to Vietnam, you may find it necessary to learn the language in order to understand the people here and to use all the services well. Our tour guide may help you to learn Vietnamese during your trip in Vietnam.
Here is info about Vietnamese Language Centers in the Timeout Guide to Hanoi and HCMC:
HANOI:
Vietnamese Language Center
1. No. 1, Pham Ngu Lao St., Tel: 8262468
2. No. 20 Lang Ha St., Tel: 7761123
HCMC:
1. Lassho Vietnamese Language School for Foreigne
No. 8, Mac Dinh Chi St., Dist 1, Tel: 8233816
2. Sai Gon Vietnamese Language School
No. 41 Dinh Tien Hoang St., Ben Nghe ward, District 1, HCMC
Tel: 84-8-8251027
The new crossing into Chau Doc (245 km from Saigon) to Phnompenh Cambodia is passable either by boat - Ticket cost around 30USD for hydrofoil, taking 4 -5 hours from 8h00Am in ChauDoc - Arrival time 13h00. You may applly visa on arrival at the border to Cambodia - cost 20USD
From Hanoi the daily bus to Vientiane , passing Cau Treo border.
Takes about 20 hours and departs everyday at 7 PM..
There is a border crossing into Laos in Hatinh (Cautreo Border). You can catch the bus from HN to Ha tinh easily (340km) and then go to Cau treo border by bus (120km). From border to Vientiane distance about 200km.
From Hue or Danang, you can take the bus to Xavanakhet crossing LaoBao border gate. You should have visa in advance , can not get visa at the border. Visa on arrival just available at the airport. Good trip to you.
If you are in Vietnam , you may come to Chinesse embassy in Hanoi or contact our office for Visa services - Visa cost from 45USD for normal case .
Bus from Hanoi to Nanning
In the message above, Aoga posted some information about the direct bus from Nanning to Hanoi. I have seen a post about the direct bus from Hanoi to Nanning and kept the telephone number. Today I called the agent and below is some information.
Kim Lien Hotel
7 Dao Duy Anh Street, Hanoi
Tel: 0084-4-5770434 (if you are in Hanoi, call 5770434)
Or: 0084-25-716077 (this tel is in Lang Son or Dong Dang town)
The bus leaves Kim Lien Hotel in Hanoi at 8:30am or 9:20am daily, and arrives in Nanning at 4:00pm or 5:00pm. You will change the bus at the border.
Ticket costs (US$20 ) one way.
Now it's easy to travel between Hanoi and Nanning without hassles. Previously we had to go from Hanoi - Lang Son - Dong Dang - Friendship Gate - Pingxiang - Nanning by bus, train.
If you are in Vietnam , you should contact Cambodia Embassy in Hanoi or get visa on arrival are available at border or airport. - bring with you 2 photos passport size. Visa cost 20USD .
o International airport tax departure Phnompenh and Siemreap: US$25
Below is the list of the international border crossings between Vietnam and Cambodia that were open. Any advice or up-to-date info would be welcome. Please also use the "search" function to find the latest trip reports posted by TTers.
1. MOC BAI (Tay Ninh province, 70km from HCMC) - BAVET crossing (Cambodia VoA: Yes)
2. XA MAT (Tay Ninh province) - TRAPAING PHLONG crossing (opened in Jan 06)
3. TINH BIEN (An Giang province, 25km from Chau Doc) - PHNOM DEN crossing (Cambodia VoA: Yes, US$25, confirmed on Dec 23, 2007)
4. VINH XUONG (An Giang province, 30km from Chau Doc) - KAAM SAMNOR crossing (river crossing / Cambodia VoA: No)
5. XA XIA (near Ha Tien town) - PREK CHAK crossing (Cambodia VoA: Yes, US$25)
6. LE THANH (near Pleiku, Gia Lai province) - O'YADAO (Ban Lung, Ratanakiri province) crossing (Cambodia VoA: Yes) open in Dec 07
