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TRAVEL

Useful Information:

Currency:

The currency of Vietnam is dong which should be used for all shopping and business transactions. Dong notes (there are no coins) come in denominations of 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000, 10 000, 20 000, 50 000 and 100 000.  Among foreign currencies, the US dollar is widely accepted.

National Holidays: 

1 Jan: New Year’s Day

30 Jan-3 Feb (Lunar Calendar): Tet Holidays

10 March (Lunar Calendar): Gio to Hung Vuong

30 April : Saigon Liberation Day

1 May: International Day

2 Sept: National Day

Language:  

The Vietnamese language belongs to a language group which was established a long time ago in East Asia. Changes in material conditions over many centuries and the increasing demands of cultural life have influenced the Vietnamese language. While adopting many elements of the Chinese language, the Vietnamese people changed many Chinese words, gradually creating Han-Viet (Chinese-Vietnamese) which incorporated purely Vietnamese words. "Vietnamization" not only applied to the Chinese language, but also to French and other language groups, creating a diverse vocabulary for the Vietnamese language.

Customs Regulations:  

On arrival in Vietnam, you must complete white and blue duplicate arrival-departure forms. The blue copy is to be kept with your passport at all times. Hotels, guest houses and private hosts must register overnight guests with the local police and these blue forms are essential for this purpose.
Incoming visitors must also fill out duplicate yellow and white customs declaration forms. The yellow copy is to remain with your passport until departure. Do not lose it!
On the yellow and white Customs Forms you are expected to declare:
- Cameras, camcorders and other electric equipments not for personal use
- Currency:  over US$3,000
- Jewellery:  not for personal use
- Video tapes:  (they may be kept for a few days and screened)
Duty free allowances are 200 cigarettes, two litres of alcohol,  perfume and jewellery for personal use.

BANNED MATERIAL

Vietnam has strict laws on bringing  anti-government literature, pornography, firearms and weapons into the country. CDs and tapes are often retained for screening, but will be returned after a few days. It is illegal to remove antiques from Vietnam. When buying handicrafts, especially those that look old, ask the retailer for a receipt and declaration that the item may be exported.

Hotels:

All hotels in Hanoi

All Hotels in Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)

International Air routes: 

More than 25 international Airlines fly into and out of Vietnam including: Vietnam Airline, Pacific Airline (Vietnam), British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Air France, Lufthansa German Airlines, Thai Airway...  

 

Domestic flights:

Additionally, Northern Airport Flight Service Company has flights to Halong Bay by helicopter. There are two flights per week, Saturday, at 8 and 15:30, departing from Gia Lam Airport. Tickets can be purchased at the Metropole Hotel.

Airports

International Airports: Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Danang (Danang city).
Domestic Airports: Gia Lam (Hanoi), Cat Bi (Haiphong), Dien Bien (Lai Chau), Na San (Son La), Vinh (Nghe An), Phu Bai (Hue), Pleiku (Gia Lai), Phu Cat (Qui Nhon), Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa), Buon Ma Thuot (Darklak), Lien Khuong (Da Lat), Vung Tau (Ba Ria -Vung Tau), Phu Quoc, Rach Gia (Kien Giang).

Getting to town

• In Hanoi:Airport Taxis charge a flat rate of 10 USD (one-way) for cars from Noi Bai Airport to central Hanoi. The drive takes about 45 minutes. A minibus makes the trip for 4 USD per person.

• In Ho Chi Minh City, a metered cab from Tan Son Nhat Aiport to downtown costs around 50,000 VND. The trip takes about 20 minutes

For more information, please visit:

Vietnam Airline: http://www.vietnamairline.com

Vietnam Railway: http://www.vr.com.vn

Health: 

No vaccinations are presently required for visitors to enter Vietnam. However, it is advisable that preautionary measures be taken for cholera, malaria, hepatitis A&B, typhoid and tuberculosis.

Attractions:

Beaches: 

Do Son, Vung Tau, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Tra Co, Ha Tien, My Khe

Mountains/ Forests: 

Ba Vi, Hai Van, Ngu Hanh Son, Tam Dao, U Minh, Sa Pa, Fancipang, Ba Na

River/Lakes: 

Ba Be, Ban Gioc, Dong Mo, Huong river, Nui Coc, Kim Boi, Premn Fall

Grottoes: 

Phong Nha, Ngu Dong Son, Tham Thanh, Tien Son.

Pogodas: 

Chua Huong, Yen Tu, Thien Mu.

World Heritage: 

Ha Long bay, Hoi An, Hue, My son.

Well-known Tour spots: 

Mecong Delta, Mai Chau, Da Lat, Dien Bien Phu, DMZ

Museum: 

Theatres:

Hanoi Opera House, Ca Tru, Water Pupet, Cheo, Cai luong, Quan Ho, music and song of Hue..

Cathedarals: 

Hanoi, Phat Diem, Duc Ba

Entertaiment: 

Lotus Lake Park, a day trip along the Red River, Golf in Dong Mo, Da Lat, Phan Thiet  

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