Unique in Southeast Asia, differ from Laos and Cambodia, Vietnam is a fascinating meld of Confucian values, western capitalism and the somnolent pace of life that is so characteristic of the far east.

For the independent traveler and tourist, Vietnam offers enough experiences and attractions to fill a lifetime. From sitting on a barge in the Mekong Delta eating freshly caught crispy fish, to the breathtaking vistas of Haling Bay or the charming yet cheeky novice that takes you around his village pagoda, traveling in Vietnam is an experience you'll never forget.

When to Go and Climate info :

The best season to travel to North Vietnam is during the hot summers, from May to October. Winters in the North are cold and cloudy. In the mountainous regions in North Vietnam (Sapa), it may be freezing during winter. Central Vietnam wet season is from December to February. The south has two main seasons: the wet, from May to November; and the dry, the best season to travel, from December to April. The hottest season is from February to May.

Visa :

All visitors to Vietnam (except Thai and Philippine nationals) require a visa. Tourist visas are usually issued with a validity of one month.

Visa directly from the Vietnamese Embassy in your country :
Processing Time : Approximately 10 working days, excluding postal delivery time.
Requirements : Two Visa application forms, two passport size photographs, valid passport, bank cheque for visa fee (cashiers check or similar), self-addressed, stamped envelope (registered mail).
Procedure : Once the Vietnamese authorities approve the visa, the passport is ready back for you (the visa covers one full page in the passport).
Visa fee : Please contact the respective embassy in your country as fees may vary.
Validity of Visa : The visa is valid for four weeks of travel, within three months from date of issue and is single entry only.

Get in: there are three international airports: Hanoi (HAN), Saigon (SGN) and Da Nang (DAD).

Get around: Moving around Vietnam can be done on bus, train and/or plane. For long distances I recommend plane, train is also an option. Bus should only be considered in short journeys.

Money and Costs: the non-convertible Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency. USD may be accepted in some tourist areas. Prices in Vietnam are low. Accommodation and food are particularly cheap.

Length of stay: The minimum stay I would recommend to visit Vietnam is six weeks. In case you do not have that many days, you will have to split your visit in two (or you will have to skip some of its destinations).

Languages/People: 82 million people live in Vietnam. In the south, people are friendly, and in the north they are trustworthy. Vietnamese life revolves around the family. Vietnamese is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Food: Vietnam cuisine is, in my opinion, one of the richest in the world. From traditional Vietnamese food to seafood, you will always find something worth trying.


Vietnam Travel Tips ::

Before travelling (particularly travelling overseas), register your travel and contact details online or at the local Vietnamese Embassy, high commission or consulate once you arrive, so we can contact you when in need.

Obey the law. Consular assistance cannot override local laws, even where local laws appear harsh or unjust by Australian standards.

Check to see if you require visas for the country or countries you are visiting or transiting. Be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry.

Make copies of your passport details, insurance policy, travellers cheques, visas and credit card numbers. Carry one copy in a separate place to the originals and leave a copy with someone at home.

Check with health professionals for information on recommended vaccinations or other precautions and find out about overseas laws on travelling with medicines.

Make sure your passport has at least six months validity and carry additional copies of your passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.

Leave a copy of your travel itinerary with someone at home and keep in regular contact with friends and relatives while overseas.

Before departing your home check whether you are regarded as a national of the country you intend to visit. Research whether holding dual nationality has any implications for your travel.