TRAVEL TIPS

 

Things to remember

Things do not to miss

·         It's in your best interests not to drink the tap water, especially after flooding! ·         Avoid cyclo ride after dark. ·         Dress modestly and appropriately when visiting local dwellings and religious sites, etc. ·         Leave your valuables behind before a night out on the town, or going to the beach. ·         When crossing the road, especially in Ho Chi Minh city, always keep looking to the left and right and walk slowly! ·         Do not offer money directly to minority people - instead donate to a local charity or offer a small gift, such as pens. ·         Try at least once the delicious, local street food. ·         Always ask permission first before taking photographs, especially in minority areas.   * * * * *

·         Sleeping out on deck on a boat in Halong Bay ·         Ordering custom-made clothes from the local tailor shop ·         Taking a slow cyclo ride through the French Quarter of old Saigon ·         Eating pho ga (chicken noodle soup) at a street side noodle stalls. ·         Watching the traditional water - puppet performance in Hanoi. ·         Experience the full moon festivities in the ancient town of Hoi An. ·         Drinking rice-wine in the minority villages of the north ·         Taking a boat along Hue's Huong (Perfume) River, visiting the Royal Mausoleums. ·         Overnight in a home stay in the Mekong Delta's riverside orchards. ·         Bartering for a bargain at Saigon's largest market, Ben Thanh Market ·         Taking a stroll through Hanoi's Old Quarters. * * * * *

  

WORKING HOURS

- Governmental agencies work 8 hours/day from 7.30am to 4.30pm (excluding one-hour lunch). Saturday and Sunday are close

- Banks are open from 7.30am or 8am to 11.30am and from 1pm to 4pm. Saturday and Sunday are close.

- Private shops are open from 8am or 8.30am to 9pm or 10pm.

Public Holidays

 

CURRENCY

Vietnamese dong (VND) is the official currency in Vietnam.

- Bank notes include: VND 500,000; 200,000; 100,000; 50,000; 20,000; 10,000; 5,000; 2,000; 1,000; 500; 200 and 100. Coins include VND 5,000; 2,000; 1,000; 500 and 200.

Cheques with value as Vietnamese dong include: VND 1,000,000 and 500,000.

- Foreign currencies and tourist cheques can be exchanged into Vietnamese Dong at banks or foreign exchange agencies.

- Credit cards are popularly used, especially in cities and big tourist centers.

Before leave Vietnam, Vietnamese dong can be changed into foreign currencies at the airport.

 

 

LANGUAGE

- Vietnamese is the official language.

- Almost tourist guides speak languages: English, Chinese, French, Russian and Japanese.

 

 

Advice on specific Vietnam travel topics, including shopping, traveling alone or with children, gifts, manners, volunteering and much more.

 

Top Ten Travel Items to Bring to Vietnam

The top ten travel items you will want to bring along on your trip to Vietnam, for both safety and comfort. (Lea Xu)

Should You Bring a Camcorder on Your Adoption?
The pros and cons of using a camcorder to record your international adoption. (Allison Martin)

Gifts to Bring Home from Vietnam
Shopping suggestions for your trip. (Margaret Weeks)
For more shopping advice, see Shopping in Vietnam.

Traveling with Children
Suggestions on bringing your children with you to Vietnam. (Laurie Kroll).

Advice on Visiting Orphanages in Vietnam
Appropriate gifts and etiquette when you visit an orphanage in Vietnam during your homeland tour. (Joyce Yiu)

Traveling Alone: Words of Wisdom
Advantages and advice for traveling alone to adopt. (Barbara Ohland)

Vietnam Travel Advice from Dana Sachs
In this interview, author and scholar Dana Sachs talks about the way adoption is viewed in Vietnam, with advice for Vietnam travelers and insights into her Vietnam adoption novel. (Allison Martin)

Women Traveling to Vietnam
Good news, and a bit of advice, for women traveling to Vietnam in this interview with Jan Dodd, author of the Rough Guide to Vietnam. (Allison Martin)

Vietnamese Gestures and Politeness
A guide to gestures and polite behavior when talking to Vietnamese people. (Mark Ashwill)

See also:

Vietnam Humanitarian Aid Travel Adventures
Enjoy these poignant and informative Vietnam travel stories by people who spent time in Vietnam as volunteers. These articles have lots of great advice on traveling, plus ideas on ways you can help.