Vietnam A nation in renewal

Vietnam A nation in renewal

Vietnam A nation in renewal

Vietnam A nation in renewal

Vietnam A nation in renewal

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This fascinating Southeast Asian nation has undergone a total renewal after decades of war and destruction. A tropical paradise of hospitable people, Vietnam has plenty to offer. Its bustling cities, pristine beaches, emerald rice paddies and exuberant jungles make the perfect backdrop for a memorable holiday. Trek scenic routes in the north, dine and wine in cosmopolitan Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, relax on golden sand beaches or sail the quiet waters of Halong Bay on a charming junk ship.

Explore Vietnam

Explore Vietnam

Useful Information

Visa & Entry Procedures

Vietnam grants visa free entry to citizens of 24 countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom and Spain. Moreover, citizens from 80 countries are eligible to easily apply for an e-visa online. These countries include the United States of America, Australia, and Canada. Upon arrival to Vietnam visitors must show a valid passport, proof of onward travel and e-visa (if required).

As part of our personalized services, Terraverde provides detailed and updated information on entry requirements and procedures to our travelers, as well as assistance upon arrival, airport fast-track and more. For details please inquire.

Monks look over Bagan Temple Valley

Transportation

By Air

There are three major international airports in Vietnam: Noi Bai in Hanoi located 45 minutes from the town centre, Danang in the Centre, 4 km from the heart of the town, and Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City located 20 minutes from the town centre.

By Road

The road network has improved but still needs to be upgraded in some areas. To cover a distance, it is reasonable to count an average speed of 50 km/hour.

By Train

It takes a minimum of 32 hours from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Although we can now find carriages with soft sleepers and air-conditioning, it is slow and not really comfortable but for a short-term journey. Nevertheless, trains remain an interesting way to see Vietnam.

Currency

The official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND) although US dollars are still accepted. At the time of publishing the exchange rate is US$ 1 = 23,100 VND.

Traveler’s cheques can be cashed only at major banks and usually incur a 2 to 5% transaction fee.

Debit and credit cards are accepted now in most of hotels, restaurants and shops in main cities of Vietnam, but can also be subject to 2 to 3% transaction fees.

You can also get cash with your debit card either from automated teller machines (ATM) in the main tourists cities and hotels or from foreign exchange offices (subject to transaction fees).

Language

Vietnamese is the official language although English is increasingly spoken by younger Vietnamese in main cities. Some people and especially elderly still speak French, while middle-aged speak Russian.

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory although it is appreciated. Note that prices in hotels and restaurants usually include 10% for VAT and 5% for service charges.

Water

It is advisable not to drink water from the tap unless it is boiled properly.

Telecommunications

International phone call charges from Vietnam have decreased tremendously over the past few years. WIFI is readily available everywhere from hotels to cafes and convenience stores. Prepaid SIM cards with internet data can be easily purchased at the airports and telecom dealers in the cities.

Health & Medical Facilities

No vaccination is required, but visitors are advised to receive inoculations against hepatitis A and B, typhoid and tetanus. Inoculation for yellow fever and tablets for malaria are not necessary although doctors still usually recommend them.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have good hospitals staffed with foreign medical personnel, however for life threatening injury it can be necessary to be evacuated to Bangkok or Singapore and we therefore strongly recommend taking out medical travel insurance.

Public Holidays 2021

Jan 1New Year's Day
Feb 10-16Tet or Vietnamese Lunar New Year
Apr 21Hung King's Birthday
Apr 30Reunification Day
May 1Labor Day
Sep 2National Day

Safety

Vietnam has been ranked one of the safest countries in the world for travellers, however it always pays to be prepared. Refrain from holding cameras and cellphones on busy streets since most robberies are drive-by snatchings. When taking pictures stand away from traffic.

Population

Vietnam has 95,5 million inhabitants with an average density of 308 inhabitants/km2, reaching 1,000 in the Red River Delta in the north.
88% of the population is Viet, 2% Chinese and 1.5% Khmer. Numerous ethnic minorities make up the rest of the population of Vietnam: Muong, Nung, Dao, Thai, Cham, Hmong and various mountain-dwellers.

The dominant religions are Buddhism (55% of the population) and Catholicism (8% to 10% of the population). Confucianism, Taoism, Hoa Hao, Muslim and Caodaism represent around 35% of the population.

Shopping

Prices displayed are usually fixed, but in other cases, bargaining is a fact of life in Vietnam!

Local Time

Vietnam is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. It is the same time zone as Bangkok.

Electricity

In Vietnam electric current is mostly 220V in main cities, although you can still find 110V in rural areas. Sockets are both round and flat types.

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About Vietnam

Today, Vietnam has overcome the hardships of colonization and war, emerging as one of the fastest growing tourism destinations in the world. Both the local and outside narrative has shifted from the ravages of war to the nation's scenic rice terraces, age-old temples and outgoing people. Despite a hasty modernization, the country still retains its age-old traditions and character. A nation of contrasts, where modern glass buildings tower over French colonial palaces and ornate pagodas, and lovely grandmas sell Bourdain-esque street eats outside glitzy shopping malls.

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When to Visit

HanoiJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min °C13141721242626
2524221814
Max °C212123273233323129252522
Rain ☀️☀️☀️☀️🌦️⛈️⛈️🌧️☁️☁️☁️
DanangJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min °C192021232525252524332219
Max °C252628303534343432292725
Rain ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️🌦️🌧️🌧️☁️
HCMC*JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min °C212224252424242424232322
Max °C313334343332313131313130
Rain ☀️☀️☀️☀️🌦️🌦️🌧️⛈️⛈️🌧️🌦️☀️