Vietnam essential info
Vietnam has emerged as one of the hot travel tickets of South-East Asia. And why not?
Travel in Vietnam: vital stats
Capital of Vietnam: Hanoi
Population of Vietnam: 89 million
Languages in Vietnam: Vietnamese; other dialects and languages – notably Khmer and Lao – are also spoken. Knowledge of English and French is widespread.
Time in Vietnam: GMT+7
International dialling code for Vietnam: +84
Voltage in Vietnam: 220V 50Hz AC
Visas for Vietnam: Visas for Vietnam
Money in Vietnam: Dong (d). The US dollar is almost a second currency; prices at hotels, for example, are often quoted in dollars. ATMs are relatively common; credit cards are also accepted by larger businesses. Tipping is appreciated in hotels, restaurants and for guides and drivers.
Vietnam travel guide: Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Vietnam tourist board: Vietnam Tourism
When to go to Vietnam
Climate is complicated by regional differences and two monsoons – the northern three-quarters of Vietnam get wet and cool October-March, while the south is warm and dry; a summer monsoon affects most of the country from April to October, bringing hot and humid conditions. The northern spring (April and May) and early autumn are probably the most comfortable (and not too crowded) times to visit.
International airports
Noi Bai Airport (HAN) is 35km north of Hanoi. Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) is 7km north-west of Ho Chi Minh City.
Getting around in Vietnam
Domestic flights link the main centres, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Danang and Can Tho in the Mekong Delta. A range of buses – from small (and often packed) minibuses to large, comfortable air-con coaches – comprise an extensive network around the country at very reasonably prices.
There’s one main railway line that runs along the coast between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, branching out to a few more destinations around the north. Hiring a car (often with driver) or a motorcycle allows more flexibility – but be aware of poor road safety.
Vietnam accommodation
Hostels, guesthouses and hotels are all part of the accommodation scene (though not, largely, camping). Homestays are increasingly popular, and can offer great opportunities for living among the minority peoples of the central and northern highlands.
Vietnam food & drink
Vietnam’s cuisine is diverse and delicious. Best known flavours include pho bo (beef noodle soup), spring rolls – either translucent or fried – and the ubiquitous nuoc mam, a powerful fermented fish sauce. The French colonial influence means tasty breakfasts with strong coffee and baguettes. Bia hoi – glasses of beer served on tap from barrels – is the most common hooch, tea the rival to coffee for most-common daytime drink.
Health & safety in Vietnam
Consult your GP or travel health clinic to check the appropriate vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis. As well as malaria, which is a problem in some rural areas, dengue fever afflicts parts of Vietnam; as much as possibly, cover up and use insect repellent, particularly in the evenings.
Avoid drinking tap water, and ensure eggs and other potentially risky foods are well cooked. Be wary of venomous snakes in remote regions.
There is a risk of crime in big cities, but in general Vietnam is not a dangerous place; one thing to be aware of, though, is the continuing risk from unexploded ordnance remaining from the war.
Take local advice on walking trails, and never touch any war relics you find.