Travel tip

	Usesful information to travel in Vietnam
	Visas Australians, Americans, Canadians, British and New Zealanders currently require a visa for entering Vietnam. Visas must be obtained prior to the commencement of your tour. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with our travel agent. It is easier to get your visa from a Vietnamese travel agency. The necessary information to the travel agency includes: - Full name - Birthday and place of birth - Nationality - Job - number of your passport - Entry and exit dates - Country you plan to receive your entry visa from the Vietnamese embassies or consulates Vietnamese overseas are required to provide more information: - Year and reason to leave Vietnam - Leave Vietnam by means - Full names and addresses of relations in Vietnam Visa exemption: - Not more than 30 days: for citizens of Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Laos. - Not more than 15 days: for citizens of Japan and South Korea, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland. (Vietnamese diplomatic and official passport holders are exempted from visa requirements to enter Japan). - French citizens holding valid diplomatic passports are exempt from visa requirements when visiting Vietnam and are allowed to stay for up 3 months at one time or on several visits within six months since their first immigration dates. Vietnamese citizens holding valid diplomatic passports also enjoy similar privileges. - Citizens of Chile and Vietnam holding valid diplomatic or official passports from one of the two countries are exempt from needing entry, exit and transit visas in the other territory and are allowed to stay for up 60 days on each visit. Currency The unit of currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Bank notes come in denominations of 200; 500; 1,000; 2,000; 5,000, 10,000; 20,000, 50,000; 100,000 and 500,000 VND. Coins are available in 200; 500; 1,000; 2,000. Exchange rate Approximate: US $1 = VND 15,904 (1Jan2006). Shopping Has some great bargains for shoppers. Lacquer ware is probably the most notable purchase, but do not miss other ‘goodies’ like silver, jade, porcelain, local handicrafts and Vietnamese silk. Most shops generally accept U.S. dollars too. There is also ivory available but please do not purchase these items. Not only does it promote further killing of elephants, but also you will not be allowed to bring them into many countries. Local prices You can eat and drink very well in for a limited amount of money. A bowl of chicken or beef noodle soup costs around US$0.50 from a street stall. In a restaurant a meal will cost around US$3-7, a beer costs around US$1. A litre of water is about US$0.70 depending on where you buy it from. Food With over 500 local dishes, you will find a gourmet's delight. The food is much less spicy than Thai’s and less oily than Chinese’s. It is also incredibly good value. The local cuisine is much developed in Vegetarian food as well. Most visitors to will not ignore the local seafood in here. It is extremely good in the central and the south and is very good value. It is not safe to drink tap water. Bottled water is available every where in Vietnam. Airports Saigon’s (Ho Chi Minh City) Tan Son Nhat International Airport is just 7kilometres out of town. A metered taxi into town will cost around 60,000 VND. Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport is located 35 kilometres from town. Metered taxis generally cost around 200,000 VND for the 50 minute journey. Transport The roads in cities are quite crowded. There are a lot of motorbikes. There are also bikes, cyclos and cars. When trying to cross the roads, don’t wait for the traffic to stop, just walk over the road slowly and the drivers will drive around you, this is very scary, but it works well. In our tours we use various types of transportation means: local buses, motorbikes, boat, train and cyclos. Climate Overall, there is no bad time to visit as good weather can always be found in at least one region. However travelers to should take appropriate wet-weather clothings regardless the time visited as heavy showers are unpredictable. Vietnam is a thin strip of land along the coast and covers a wide range of latitude. Consequently, 's climate varies from the North to the South. In addition, extends from sea level to over 3,000 metres, therefore temperatures also varies significantly according to altitude. Southern Vietnam experiences a sub-equatorial climate with two main seasons; a wet season (from May to October) and a dry season (from November to April). February, March and April are typically hot and humid. Central Vietnam is characterised by coastal lowlands and the central highlands. The coastal lowlands does not experience significant amounts of rainfall between April and October. Most rain falls on the central coastal lowlands between December and February. The central highlands (Dalat) experiences cooler temperatures than the coastal strip due to it altitude. From November to March, day temperature tends to range from the mid to low 20s, while evening temperatures can drop significantly lower down to 8 degrees Celsius. Warm clothing is required. Northern Vietnam experiences a cool to cold winter (November - March) with overnight temperatures sometimes dropping to as low as 8 degrees Celsius. February and March are characterised by constant drizzle. The rains fall from May to September and it is typically warm at this time of the year. Telephone The international dialing code for is +84. Telephone calls, especially international calls, made from hotels, often being charged high. Where possible, make your way to a local telephone office, which are usually situated in or near a post office. It is good to confirm the rates you will be paying before you make your call. If you have a mobile phone it should be a relatively simple procedure to arrange ‘global roaming’ with your service provider; however, charges are generally very high so be sure to check this option thoroughly. You should also check with your service provider to see if your mobile phone is compatible with the network in . Email Internet cafés are common in tourist places in Vietnam. If you have an internet email account, you should be able to access your e-mail in most major cities. Electricity The electricity supply in is rated at 110/220 volts, and appliances requiring 240 volts will work normally. If you bring electrical appliances you should also bring an international adaptor. The common wall plug is two flat pins. A flashlight is useful when traveling in more remote areas. Note that whilst trekking, and in remote areas, electricity is not be available. The best option here is small battery-operated appliances.
	FAQS
Embassy of Japan in Vietnam Embassy of USA in Vietnam Embassy of Royal Netherlands in Vietnam Embassy of Korea in Vietnam Embassy of France in Vietnam Embassy of Australia in Vietnam Embassy of German in Vietnam Embassy of Italy in Vietnam Embassy of UK in Vietnam Embassy of Sweden in Vietnam Embassy of Spain in Vietnam Embassy of Belgium in Vietnam Embassy of Russia in Vietnam Embassy of China in Vietnam Embassy of Singapore in Vietnam Embassy of Thailand in Vietnam	Getting Around *Question: Do we get travel insurance during traveling in Vietnam?* Yes, Our quotation to you included travel insurance during your time in Vietnam, if you buy international insurance from your country, please inform us and we quote you without travel insurance. For international travel insurance information please check Insurance. *Question:* *How I can get Vietnam visa on arrival ?* Answer: For those who travel with Halong holiday, we can arrange the visa approval letter allowing them to obtain visa on arrival at Noibai Airport in Hanoi, Danang Airport in Danang, Tan San Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh. To apply for visa , you are required to provide us such information as full name, gender, date of birth, home address, passport number, expiry date of passport, nationality, date in & out of Vietnam, arrival flight number, place of getting visAnswer: After 3 or 4 working days, we will send you the visa approval letter. At this time, we charge US$ 50 for visa on arrival at the airport. This fee is subject to change without prior notice. *Question: Can I travel freely in Vietnam?* Answer: Yes, you can travel freely in Vietnam. There’s some sensible places ( near the border ) you need to apply for permission before visiting. You had better contact our office for any instruction, or you can book part of the services through our company like car rental or hotel. The other you can pay by your self. *Question: Can I ride a motorbike in Vietnam?* Answer: Yes, you can ride a motorbike if you have motor bike driving license. You'd better learn about the area before. Or you can rent our tour guide to go with you. *Question: Is it safe to ride a motorcycle in Vietnam?* Answer: No,it isn’t . Many Vietnamese people don’t have proper knowledge and awareness of the traffic law. Road condition is bad and dusty. You had better take a ride on a short segment below 50 km. The rest you can use the car to continue the trip. *Question: Can I drive a car in Vietnam?* Answer: Yes, you can. It is reccommended for you to rent a car in Tourist company . It’s safe. And you can have thoughtful care from the driver. Tourists who are not used to the traffic in Vietnam find it difficult to drive. *Question: Is car rental valued per hour or per kilomettre?* Answer: Car rental is valued per km and time. We can provide you exact the costs on the scheduled itineraries. *Question: What includes in the car rental?* Answer: Car rental includes tax, gas, toll fees, driver’s personal expenses. *Question: Is it possible to stay overnight on boat in Halong bay? Could you please describe it?* Answer: Yes, definitely. The junk have 5- 7 rooms, bathroom ensuite. Each rooms have twin beds or double bed, fan, toilet, hot water. Air conditioning in the room is available at your request. Each junk have dining room and sitting room ( 20 – 30 m2). You can go the the upper bunk for sightseeing or sunbathing. We guaratee the hygene and good services on the boat. *Question: Can I go kaying on Halong Bay?* Answer: Definitely, Halong Bay is a wonderful place for kayaking activity. And at Halong holiday, you will find various options for Kayaking tours in Halong Bay. *Question: Can you arrange a biking tour in Vietnam?* Answer: Yes, we can. It depends on your demands, we can arrange short biking tour in and arround Hanoi, Hue, Saigon or biking tour throughout Vietnam. We can arrange biking tour guide to go with you. We also arrange a minibus, if you don’t want to cycle, you can use the minibus instead. *Question: What is your bike type?* Answer: The bikes are new and nice . They have 21 gears. Any way, you can bring your own bike with you. *Question: What is the ability of the tour guide like?* Answer: We have a strong and multilingual guide team coming from all regions of the country. They are chosen for their professionalism, rich knowledge, commitment, personal ties with the country and region and ability to inspire and communicate with you. Our tour guides are experienced, with National Certificate from National Tourism Board. They will be your dedicated friends during and after your trip. Tour guides are always received good feedback from our customers. Many of our customers still exchange email with them long after their trip. *Question: Is there any free time in the tour ?* Answer: yes, but not many. Usually after dinner. You can request more free time for shopping. Flights and Tours Question: How to buy air tickets to Vietnam? Answer: There are many airlines which have direct flights to Vietnam like: Vietnam airlines, Air France, American Airlines, Thai Airway, Japanese airlines, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines. Please contact with the airlines agency to book the air tickets. *Question: How to book a cheap air tickets to Vietnam?* Answer: There are many websites and airline agencies which provides air ticketing. You had better study several airlines to find the suitable one. *Question: Can we book air tickets through Halong holiday?* Answer: Yes, you can book air tickets to Vietnam through our company and receive airtickets at your country. The airfare will be higher cause we have to pay for the fees when issuing the tickets in foreign country. The best way is to book the air tickets for yourself. Food and Drink Question: What do you serve if I am a vegetarian? Answer: In this case, please advise us before so that we can order a vegetarian menu during your trip in Vietnam. Vietnam is famous for Vegetarian foods, tropical fruits. We are willing to serve at your taste. General Question: Are there any restrictions on photography in Vietnam? Answer: Yes. Photography in or near military installations, airports or similar locations is prohibited. Anyone caught doing so will have the film, and possibly the camera or camcorder, confiscated and may be arrested. *Question: Can I buy antiques in Vietnam?* Answer: A qualified yes. However, exporting an artifact with cultural significance requires an official license. Without a license, anything old is liable to be confiscated at the airport. *Question: How can I take large items home with me – furniture or paintings, for example?* Answer: We are also registered for export and import activities. We will give you an ‘at cost’ quotation, and arrange for the items to be properly crated and licensed for export. *Question: Are there Internet facilities in Vietnam?* Answer: Yes, plenty in cities and large towns, but not in rural areas. Most large hotels have internet access, and Internet cafes are commonplace and cheap. *Question: The artist you took me to was wonderful. I want to give him a gift. Any ideas?* Answer: This is a common query. Rather than make general suggestions, we will try to suggest something that will be really appreciated, and purchase it on your behalf, if necessary. *Question: I am from the United States. Will I face any hostility because of the war?* Answer: You will be surprised by the warmth of your reception. We Vietnamese live in the present and the future – the war is history. We warmly welcome people from all countries and races. *Question: What is the attitude towards drugs in Vietnam?* Answer: The law is strict in Vietnam. The use of illegal narcotics is strictly forbidden, and dealers and persons caught trafficking, whether Vietnamese or foreigner, face execution. Don't risk it under any circumstances! Money Question: Can I use a credit card to get cash in Vietnam? Answer: Yes, you can withdraw cash at any ATM in big cities such as: Hanoi, Hochiminh city, Hue, Hoian, Halong, Haiphong, Danang, Nhatrang, Buon Ma Thuot , Vung tau, Cantho with commission *Question: Can I pay by credit card in Vietnam?* Answer: Yes, you can pay by credit card with 3% commission for Visa and Master, 4% commission for Amex. You can pay at shops and hotels in big cities, commercial centre and tourist sites. *Question: What about travellers’ cheques?* Answer: You can change into USD or Vietnamese dong with commission from 1%-3% at the banks in big cities. Travellers’ cheques can be used to pay for the room charge and other tourism services. *Question: Where can I change my currency for local currency?* Answer: You can change your currency for local currency at the airport, banks, Jewerllery shops. You should prepare some cash in USD and Euros ( 50- 100 domination) for better exchange rates. *Question: What if I have a lot of local currency left over when I leave?* Answer: You can change local currency to the currency you brought in only by showing the yellow customs slip that you were given on arrival. The amount must be less than the original. *Question: What is the payment method for deposit?* Answer: You can pay by credit card or bank transfer or you can use the service of Western Union . Please read our terms and conditions for more details. *Question: What is the payment method for the balance ?* Answer: After paying for deposit, you can settle the balance at our office in Hanoi or in Hochiminh city by cash or credit card. Cash ( Euros or US dollar ) is preferred. Or you can bank transfer the balance directly to our bank account before travelling to Vietnam. Health Question: What is the main difference in the climate of Vietnam and that of my country? Answer: Vietnam is both hot and humid. Combined, they make visitors from temperate countries sweat profusely. Drinking plenty of water and good sun protection are essential. *Question: What can I do about jet lag?* Answer: Not much, really. A stop-over en-route, or a rest day on arrival helps. It’s important to try to sleep and wake according to local time, even on the aeroplane. *Question: What will happen if there is an emergency?* Answer: At Halong holiday, your guide will always have a mobile phone and a means of summoning immediate assistance. You will also have direct telephone access Head office. *Question: How will medical emergencies be dealt with?* Answer: You will be immediately taken to the nearest international clinic or hospital for an immediate examination and appropriate treatment according to the terms of your insurance. *Question: What if I am hospitalised or become incapacitated?* Answer: If you have supplied us with the details of your insurance, we will contact the company on your behalf and assist in any ways we can. *Question: What should we do with malaria ?* Answer: Malaria threat should be considerred once you are travelling in the mountainous area only. Yet, all the hotels in the area have mosquitoes net and we never experienced any malaria cases happenned to our clients sofar. *Question: Why deposit for booking is required ?* Answer: The deposit is essential, so that we know you are serious in taking the tour. As an important process of tour arrangement, we have to secure your space with related contractors such as hotels, airlines, boat,... This ensures that your tour will run smoothly. *Question: When is the best time to travel Vietnam ?* Answer:The climate and temperature of Vietnam are varied and different between regions so you could travel Vietnam all year round. At any time of the year, climate is good in some regions while not so good in some other regions. You can always select a suitable tour. *Question: How safe is Vietnam?* Answer:Vietnam is a relatively safe country to visit but there are increasing instances of theft, especially in Ho Chi Minh city where pickpockets and snatch thieves on motorbikes are the worst menace. The best tip is to be vigilant at all times. Often cute kids or old grannies have deft fingers. Leave all valuables (expensive watches, jewellery, glasses, etc.) at home, and don't even wear flash costume jewellery. Make sure you have a firm grip on cameras and shoulder bags at all times and never leave anything you value lying around unattended. I would also not advise taking cyclos late at night, especially in Ho Chi Minh city. our guides will advise you what is ''do and don't'' case by case.