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Visa Information.
In order to enter Vietnam, you will need a
valid visa. You cannot get a visa on arrival -
we strongly recommend you get your visa in advance in good
time. In exceptional circumstances, we can pre-arrange your
visa for collection on arrival, but this is normally only
appropriate for late bookings.
When you book your holiday with Dragon
Travel, we will send you an information pack including
visa application forms and full instructions for application.
Airport Departure Taxes.
Airport departure tax (service charge) is now included in
your air ticket. It is no longer necessary to pay it in cash at the airport.
Money Matters.
The currency in Vietnam is the 'Dong'.
£1 = 33,800 Dong approx.
US$1 = 16,800 Dong approx.
(as at July 2008).
There is no point in trying to obtain
Dong in the UK, it is best to buy what you need on arrival.
As it is awkward to change Dong back into Sterling (see
note below), change only small amounts to cover your
immediate needs.
The US
dollar is also universally accepted. Sterling can readily be
changed to Dong in the larger cities, but we have
experienced some difficulties changing sterling in smaller
places. We recommend you carry a US$ notes & a credit
card.
Major credit cards are accepted in hotels
or 'tourist' shops in major cities, but may not be accepted
elsewhere.
Mobile Telephones.
If your mobile phone is enabled for
roaming, you will find it works in the most parts of Vietnam
except remote country areas.
Health.
We strongly recommend you take medical
advice from your doctor before visiting any part of
Indochina. He or she will be be able to advise you on the
latest health-related recommendations and preventive
measures. Water is drinkable in major hotels, but we
recommend you stick to bottled water which is available
everywhere. In particular, when ordering beer or other
drinks, the Vietnamese habit is to fill the glass with ice
first. It is probably better to ask for drinks 'No Ice'.
Sensible Precautions.
Visitors to Vietnam rarely experience
crime or other difficulties but please remember that there
are bad people everywhere and,
particularly in the main cities (especially HCMC), petty
crime e.g. theft can
be a problem. Please take sensible precautions as for any
'third-world' country.
Please do not carry passports, important papers or a
lot of money when walking in the street: make use of hotel
safes where available. Handbags & cameras have been
snatched by motor-cycle pillion riders. Ostentatious jewellery or
watches are a temptation.
Cyclos (bicycle rickshaws) are more of a
tourist attraction than practical city transport. Always
negotiate fares with Cyclo drivers before embarking, and
avoid cyclos after nightfall. Taxis are inexpensive and a
much better bet for city travel beyond walking distance. Most
taxis are clearly marked with the taxi company's name and drivers are licensed and
usually reputable.
Weather.
Northern Vietnam
(Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hai Phong) has
two distinct seasons - hot and rainy summers and cool and
dry winters.
Summer: May - October. Average temperature
24 - 33º C It is hot and humid, especially inland, which is
not touched by cool coastal breezes. Tropical rain showers
and the occasional typhoon are also possibilities - light
clothes and an umbrella are recommended.
Winter: November - April. Average
temperature 16 - 23º C It remains fairly dry up until late
February/March.
Best time to visit: During winter when
rainfall is minimal and temperatures are comfortable.
Central Vietnam
(Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang)
coastal areas are more temperate than the sticky south
(although they do experience high rainfall), while the
Central Highlands (Da Lat) are pleasantly cooler.
Summer: May - October. Average temperature
23 - 24ºC Lowlands (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang) The
weather is warm and reasonably dry from May to September.
The monsoon winds then change bringing above average rain
during late September. This time is not very pleasant as it
can rain constantly - there is a high probability of
flooding, visibility is poor and typhoons are also a
possibility. Winter: November - April. Average temperature
17 - 23º C Best time to visit: During the winter between
February and April, when rainfall is low and temperatures
are warm.
Highlands (Dalat) Temperatures can fall
slightly below the average and rainfall is higher than at
lower elevations. However, most rain tends to fall during
the summer months when it can be very wet - although these
summer months do provide a respite from the often intense
heat of other areas.
Light cotton clothes are required,
although a few warm layers are necessary throughout the year
as temperatures can drop away, especially at night.
Waterproofs are also a good idea as rain can fall at anytime
of the year.
Best time to visit: winter days are
pleasantly warm and rainfall is lower from November to March
- nights can be chilly.
Southern Vietnam
(Ho Chi Minh, Bin Thuen, Mekong Delta) is
fairly consistently hot and humid all year round. Worth
Carrying lightweight jumper as it can be chillingly cold
inside air-conditioned buildings during summer.
Summer: May - November. Average
temperature 24 - 31º C It is hot, humid and rainy but heavy
downpours are usually short lived.
Winter: December - April. Average
temperature 22 - 33º C Remains hot and humid, although
humidity levels are more bearable between December and
February. During April and May the southwest monsoon winds
bring rain showers to the Mekong Delta and southern Vietnam.
Best time to visit: Temperatures are not
as extreme from September to February as they can be during
March and April when the heat is fierce.
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Detailed Map of Vietnam:
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