Practical information
Here are a few travel-tips that will make you feel more at ease. If you have any further questions, which are not answered here, do not hesitate to contact us.
Climate
Vietnam is located between 9 and 23 degrees north. Eastern Vietnam has a long coastline on the Gulf of Tonkin and the South China Sea. It has a tropical monsoon type of climate; from May-Sep the south monsoon sets in, and the country is dominated by south to southeasterly winds. From Oct-April, the north monsoon is dominant with northerly to northeasterly winds affecting the country. There is a transition period between each monsoon season when winds are light and variable.
The country is mountainous in the northwest and in the central highlands facing the South China Sea, with peaks reaching up to 8000ft (2450m) In the north around Hanoi and in the south around Ho Chi Minh City, there are extensive low-lying regions in the Red River delta and the Mekong delta respectively.
Vietnam has a single rainy season during the south monsoon (May-Sep). Rainfall is infrequent and light during the remainder of the year. Rainfall is abundant, with annual rainfall exceeding 1000mm almost everywhere. Annual rainfall is even higher in the hills, especially those facing the sea, in the range of 2000-2500mm.
For coastal areas and the parts of the central highlands facing northeast, the season of maximum rainfall is during the south monsoon, from Sep-Jan. These regions receive torrential rain from typhoons which move in from the South China Sea at this time of the year. The weather at this time is cloudy with frequent drizzle.
During the north monsoon, northern Vietnam has cloudy days with occasional light rain, while southern Vietnam tends to be dry and sunny.
Temperatures are high all year round for southern and central Vietnam; but northern Vietnam has a definite cooler season as the north monsoon occasionally advects cold air in from China. Frost and some snow may occur on the highest mountains in the north for a few days a year. In the southern Vietnam, the lowlands are sheltered from outbreaks of colder northerly air and the dry season is warm to hot with much sunshine.
Temperature guide:
J F M A M J J A S O N D
C° max 20 21 23 28 32 33 33 32 31 29 26 22
C° min 13 14 17 21 23 26 26 26 24 22 18 15
Health
No special vaccinations are required to visit Vietnam. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date : polio, meningitis, TB, typhus and tetanus. Consider vaccinations against Hepatitis A and B. Bring mosquito deterrent and whatever you normally take in case of an upset stomach.
Common complaints with travellers tend to be an upset stomach and diarrhoea. If you suffer from either, avoid spicy food and drink lots of water.
Here are contact details of the main hospitals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City :
In Hanoi:
1. French Hospital in HanoiAddress : 1, Phuong Mai, Dong Da, Hanoi
Tel : (84-5) 77 1100
Fax : (84-5) 764 443
Emergency : 84 5 741 111
Web : www.hfh.com.vn
2. Hanoi Family Medical Practice
Address : Van Phuc (Diplomatic Enclave), 2981 Kim Ma.
Tel : 84 4 846 1748/49
Hotline: 84 4 843 0748
Emergency : 24/24
In Ho Chi Minh City:
1, SOS International
Addess : 65, Nguyen Du, Q1 Ho Chi Minh ville
Tel : 84 8 829 84 24
2. Franco-Vietnamse Hospital
Address : 6, Nguyen Luang Bang St, Than Phu, District 7
Tel : 84 8 411 33 33
3. Internationl Medical Centre
Address : 1, Han Thuyen St, District 1.
Tel : (84-8) 865.40.25
Emergency, 24/24, 827.23.66
Web site : www.cmi-vietnam.com
4. Institute of Traditional Medicine/ pharmacy
Address : 273-275, Nguyen VanTroi St, Phu Nhuan district
Tel : 84 8 997 1146
Consultation et formations en phytothérapie et massages.
Provides physiotherapy training, massage and consultations.
Language
Vietnamese is the officially recognised language. The grammar is straightforward and the words are mono-syllabic. Vietnamese, however, is a tonal language and visitors find the different tones difficult to master.
Among the 54 Vietnamese ethnic groups some have had their own scripts for a long time and some have not preserved their ancient scripts. As a matter of fact, some ethnic groups consisting of some hundreds of individuals living in remote areas have their own languages. Throughout the years, these languages have been enriched in terms of vocabulary, precision, and expression. However, the Viet language is most commonly used.
Nowadays you shouldn’t be surprised to hear English, French, Italian and even Chinese spoken in many parts of the country.
Money
The Vietnamese currency is the dong.
1 usd = 16,000 vnd
1 eur = 22,000 vnd
You can easily change money into vnd at the airport, in banks, bureau de change outlets and jewellers. Dollars can be used almost everywhere in Vietnam, but paying in Euros is only acceptable in certain hotels.
Credit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard, Amex... are widely accepted in hotels, cities and tourist destinations. Travelers cheques can only be changed in accredited banks.
Dong are printed in the following denominations: 500d; 1,000d; 5,000d; 10,000d; 20,000d; 50,000d; 100,000d; 200,000d; 500,000d. It is a good idea to have plenty of cash if you have planned a trip out of town.
Things to remember
- Tipping can show your appreciation of your guide, or chauffeur, and is always well-received. However, tipping remains at your discretion. Knowing how much to tip can be tricky; it is better to give nothing than too little, as you risk causing offence or embarrassment.
- 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 ...
- 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.
Gallery
What our customers say
" We arrived last night after an additional three nights in HCMC. Our trip to Vietnam was extremely rewarding. We will remember the excellent organisation, the friendly welcome and the stunning landscapes.... "
--- Alain Hamel, Narbonne, France
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