Travel Guide to Vietnam

Location

Vietnam is located in South East Asia, and borders Cambodia, Laos and China.

Shopping

Vietnam is not yet a shopping paradise like Hong Kong or Bangkok, but there still a huge variety of souvenirs and traditional handicrafts. The most popular items are the remains from the Vietnam War - Army watches, clothing, compasses and all kinds of military equipment left behind by the US Army over 20 years ago. The best place for shopping for antiques or replicas is in Hanoi. Saigon has the best buys for modern goods like CDs and clothing.

Geography

Vietnam stretches over 1600km (1000mi) along the eastern coast of the Indochinese Peninsula. The country’s two main cultivated areas are the Red River Delta (15,000 sq km/5400 sq mi) in the north and the Mekong Delta (60,000 sq km/23,400 sq mi) in the south. Three-quarters of the country is mountainous and hilly; the highest peak, at 3143m (10,310ft), is Fansipan in the northwest.

History

Vietnamese history roughly dates to 2700 years ago. For most of the period from 111 BC to early 10th century, it was under the direct rule of successive dynasties from China. Vietnam regained autonomy in the early 10th century, and complete independence in 939 AD.

While for much of its history, Vietnam remained a tributary state to its larger neighbour China, it repelled repeated attempts by China to make it once again part of the Middle Kingdom empire, including the three invasions by the Mongols during the Yuan Dynasty, when China was under Mongolian rule. The independent period temporarily ended in middle to late 19th century, when the country was colonized by France.

During World War II, Imperial Japan expelled the French to occupy Vietnam, though they retained French administrators during their occupation. After the war, France attempted to re-establish its colonial rule but ultimately failed. The Geneva Accords partitioned the country in two with a promise of democratic election to reunite the country. However, rather than peaceful reunification, partition led to the Vietnam War. During this time, the North was supported by the People’s Republic of China and the Soviet Union, while the South was supported by the United States.

After millions of Vietnamese deaths and the American withdrawal from Vietnam in March 1973, the war ended with the fall of Saigon to the North in April 1975. The reunified Vietnam suffered further internal repression and was isolated internationally due to the continuing Cold War and the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia.

In 1986, the Communist Party of Vietnam changed its economic policy and began reforms of the private sector similar to those in China. Since the mid-1980s, Vietnam has enjoyed substantial economic growth and reduced political repression.

Climate

The weather varies considerably throughout Vietnam, however temperatures are usually around the low 30°Cs (high 80°Fs), and it can be hot and humid.

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). There is the possibility of typhoons between July and November, affecting the north and central areas.

Basic Information

Language

Vietnamese is the official language of the country, although there are dialectic differences across Vietnam. There are dozens of different languages spoken by various ethnic minorities and Khmer and Lao are spoken in some parts. The most widely spoken foreign languages in Vietnam are Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), English, French and Russian.

Currency

Dong (D).

Many hotels, shops and restaurants still display their prices in US dollars. It’s advisable to take travellers cheques in US dollars as well as a little US currency.

Electricity

220/110 volts AC, 50Hz; two-pin flat plugs are in use

Banks

There is now a reasonably extensive network of ATMs in major cities.

Banks are open Mon-Fri 0730/0800-1130 and 1300-1600.

Driving

The road network throughout Vietnam is reasonable but the standard of the roads varies dramatically from good to appalling. In theory, traffic drives on the right but in practice drivers take the most direct path avoiding the many thousands of bicycles, motorbikes and animals wandering along the road.

Time Difference GMT +7 hours

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 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.

Water

Tap water is not recommended for drinking. We recommend you buy bottled water.

Visas

UK passport holders are eligible to purchase a visa valid for one month from proposed date of entry, for a cost of £38 (single entry). A valid passport with six month’s remaining validity is required.

Tourist Info

What makes it so special?

The stunning scenery; a patchwork of brilliant green rice paddies tended by women in conical hats, soaring mountains and some spectacular beaches. A nation rich in culture, tradition and history. Friendly and welcoming people. Put all these together and you get a true sense of what Vietnam has to offer - a country of traditional charm and rare beauty rapidly opening up to the outside world.

Where to Visit

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) - a vibrant, bustling city, with superb shopping, restaurants and nightlife, and fascinating reminders of the ’American War’ such as the incredible Cu Chi tunnels.

Hanoi - the ancient, conservative and traditional capital, where the Chinese influence is tangible in the old artisan quarters, temples, puppet theatres and lakeside pagodas.

Hue, the legendary imperial capital, once an awe-inspiring complex of gilded pavilions, lily ponds and terraced gardens, partly destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive.

The natural beauty of Halong Bay and idyllic beach at Nha Trang.