Here is a list of details about Vietnam, along with a Q&A about the Country

Vietnam Q&A

Q: When is the best time to travel to Vietnam?
A: All year is fine. Travellers should note that Vietnam is especially hot and humid (highs of 35 – 38 degrees) between June and September and Hanoi and the north tends to be cool (15 – 20 degrees) and often misty in December, January and February. The wet season (May to October) does not usually obstruct travel as rain is normally confined to an hour or two each day. The wet season is the hottest and most humid period of the year. Central Vietnam may experience unstable weather in October and November.

Q: Do the Vietnamese harbour grudges against Westerners because of the Vietnam War?
A: Remarkably, the Vietnamese are some of the most friendly and hospitable people in Asia. Travellers to Vietnam are overwhelmed by the warmth and hospitality of the people.

Q: Will I encounter lots of poverty and squalor travelling through Vietnam?
A: Vietnam is one of the poorest countries in Asia. This is not so apparent to travellers as food is plentifully available and business is now thriving. Travellers will encounter beggars in the cities and will also likely be confronted by some poverty. These are all part of the experience of Vietnam. The more powerful image of the Vietnamese is of a positive people committed to improving their lives and advancing their country.

Q: What kinds of transport are used on tour?
A: For road journeys, air conditioned Toyota Coaster buses are used. These are modern, spacious, comfortable, well maintained, safe vehicles - perfect for small group travel. In cities, towns and villages we use a combination of cyclos (Vietnamese tri-shaw), boats, bicycles (optional) and our own two feet. Some tours include domestic flights on Vietnam Airlines. Most flights are on modern Airbus 320 or Fokker 70. Some tours also involve a 15 hour rail trip on The Reunification Express between Hanoi and Hue.

Q: What type of restaurants and food will be available on tour?
A: Vietnamese cuisine is diverse and tasty and one of the many highlights of a visit to the country. We therefore usually eat at quality Vietnamese restaurants – serving a selection of seafood, chicken, beef, pork and vegetable dishes. Some travellers prefer a mixture of International (Western) and Vietnamese food while touring. In Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi there is a generous array of international cuisine, while in most provincial areas the choice is more limited. Breakfast is included each day on our tours and is usually a mix of western buffet and continental style. Vegetarians will find a good selection of fresh foods available.

Q: How much money will I spend per day touring?
A: Approximately US$12 per person for day to day living. Vietnam is a country that offers great value for your money. For around US$12 you will be able to buy lunch and dinner at good local restaurants, as well as refreshments (non-alcoholic) during the day. Western restaurants will cost more.

Q: How much English is spoken in Vietnam?
A: The Vietnamese are learning English at a furious speed so the language is well understood and widely spoken by our guides and hotel staff. English is also spoken in most restaurants, shops and to a lesser extent by taxi drivers and cyclo drivers

Vietnam Travel Tips

Weather: It is cool in Hanoi and North Vietnam in December, January and February (av.17 - 20 degrees). It is always warm to hot in southern Vietnam and hot throughout the country (35 degrees) in June, July and August. Wet season for most of the country is May – Oct but does not normally impact on travel and the country is arguably at its most beautiful (and hot and humid) at this time. Rainfall during the west season usually consists of one heavy downpour for an hour or two each day. Central Vietnam may experience unstable weather in October and November. North Vietnam experiences some misty conditions over the winter months.

Safety: Vietnam is a relatively safe country. Travellers to Ho Chi Minh City and to a lesser extent Hanoi should be conscious of pick pocketing and bag snatching. There is no risk posed to travellers by landmines or other residue of war.

Health: Limited Western medical facilities are available in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Outside the cities, medical facilities are very basic. We strongly you consult your preferred doctor for the most up to date advice on the best health precautions at least one month prior to travel. Travel Insurance must be purchased as a condition of travel.

Visa: All travellers to Vietnam require a valid visa – tourist visas are of 1 month validity. Visas MUST be obtained in advance and cannot be issued on arrival. Please note if you leave and re-enter Vietnam you will need to obtain a double or multiple entry visa for Vietnam.

Money: The Vietnam Dong is local currency, although US Dollars are also accepted throughout – a mix of USD cash and travellers cheques is advised. GBP, AUD, NZD and CAD can be changed at some banks, hotels and exchange bureaus in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Travellers’ cheques can only be changed at banks and larger hotels, and may attract a commission charge. Credit cards are accepted in cities, much less so in provinces, and will often attract a 2-5% service fee. Some banks in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have 24-hour ATM’s for credit card withdrawals.

Departure Tax: International is 12 USD per person. Domestic varies between 1 and 3 USD per flight.

Public Holidays: TET (Vietnamese New Year) is in late Jan- early Feb, according to the lunar calendar. Most businesses close for three days over this time. Vietnam National Day – September 2.

Government: Communist Peoples Republic

Language: Vietnamese

Electricity: 220 W