• The Socialist Republic of Vietnam
• Mainland Territory: 331,211 sq. km
• Population: 90,549,390 inhabitants
• National Capital: Hanoi

Lying on the eastern part of the Indochinese peninsula, Vietnam is a strip of land shaped like the letter “S”. China borders it to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, the East Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the east and south.

The country’s total length from north to south is 1,650km. Its width, stretching from east to west, is 600km at the widest point in the north, 400km in the south, and 50km at the narrowest part, in the centre, in Quang Binh Province. The coastline is 3,260km long and the inland border is 4,510km.

• Latitude: 102º 08′ – 109º 28′ east
• Longitude: 8º 02′ – 23º 23′ north

Vietnam is also a transport junction from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.

• Climate: Vietnam lies in the tropics and monsoon
• Topography: Three quarters of Vietnam’s territory consist of mountains and hills
• Administrative Units: Vietnam is divided into 63 provinces and cities

• Currency

Vietnamese dong (VND) is the official currency. Paper 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.

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

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

• Language

Vietnamese is the official language.

The most widely spoke languages: English, Chinese, French and Russian (more or less on that order).

• Weather

Sub-Tropical climate with four season (spring, summer, autumn, and winter) in the North and two season (dry and rainy) in the South.

• Clothing

In daytime and evening, dress informal. When visiting some places, smart clothes are required.

• Food, fruit and drink

Eating while in Vietnam is a delight for visitors, because many of the local specialties come straight from the imperial kitchens that served the emperors of Vietnam. The diversity of dining options is tremendous, ranging from cheap street side noodle stalls to banquets of freshly caught seafood. And our tours not only offer the chance to eat these culinary creations, but to learn to make them as well.

Seasonal fruits such as dragon fruit, rambutans and longans, can be enjoyed, though all fruits and vegetables should be cooked or peeled before eaten. Drinking water or ice is generally not recommended, even in the cities. Bottled water is cheap and readily available, so we recommend clients not to take the risk. Vietnam is a beer culture, and there are plenty of local as well as imported brands. 333, Carlsberg, Hanoi, Tiger, Saigon, La Rue, San Miguel and Heineken are some common brands.

• Health

No vaccinations are officially required to visit Vietnam, but local medical authorities recommend protection against polio, diphtheria, typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and B, and Japanese encephalitis. For travellers spending much time in the countryside, anti-malaria pills are recommended and you should take precautions not to get bitten. Repellents and mosquito nets are necessary.

All travellers are advised to bring any prescription medications (in the original containers) currently required. Travellers should pack a small medical kit, which includes sunscreen, insect repellent, diarrhea medication, ibuprofen or aspirin and antibacterial ointments. For those who wear eyeglasses, it is recommended that an extra pair be taken, as the quality of local replacement services varies.

Medical care facilities are available in the largest cities, but are limited outside of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. It’s wise for each traveller to consult with each insurance company to see whether coverage is included for Vietnam, because care is expensive, and often requires evacuation to nearby countries.

• Shopping

Bargaining is customary at roadside stalls and at open markets.

The following items are preferred by foreign travellers:

- Carved wooden furniture, fine lacquerware (these can be shipped home upon request).

- Traditional Vietnamese hand-made silk dresses, kimonos, embroideries, etc.

- Simulated antiques, fine ceramics, old watches or Zippo lighters, etc.

- Copies of famous artist paintings

• Security and advice

Vietnam is by and large a very safe country; violent crime is extremely rare. Unfortunately you cannot expect hospitality at every turn and you may experience problems with petty theft and pick pockets.

√ As with any big city, do not bring items of value as you go shopping or sightseeing on city streets.

√ It is customary to give alms to beggars and to buy souvenirs from street vendors.

√ Foreign currencies should be exchanged at banks, or authorized exchange facilities. Do not exchange money in the street.

√ Store your cash, credit cards, airline tickets and other valuables in a safe place. Most 4-star hotels have in-room safes, otherwise ask the reception to keep your valuable things in their deposit facility.

√ Don’t wear singlets, shorts, dresses or skirts, or tops with low-neck lines and bare shoulders to Temples and Pagodas. To do this is considered extremely rude and offensive.

√ Do not try to take photographs of military installations or anything to do with the military. This can be seen as a breach of national security. Never take video cameras into the ethnic minority villages. They are considered to be too intrusive by the local people.

√ It is advisable NOT to take pedicabs or “honda-om” on your own.

• Time zone: Hours in Vietnam: GMT + 7

• Electricity and water supply

Electric power: 220V, frequency: 50 Hz

Cities, towns and townships are supplied with fresh sterilized water.

• Hotel and restaurant

Accommodation is various from one star to five star hotels that can meet the diverse demands of visitors at different levels.

Restaurants in the major towns and cities can satisfy tourists? gastronomic demands. Some specialize in European, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean foods, so clients can always find some food that suits their fancy. In popular tourist centers, special restaurants are available for travellers who are vegetarian, on diet or religious.

• Telephone, Fax, Internet, Email

Dialling code: 84

Phone calls or fax to foreign countries can be directly made at post offices or hotels.

Internet and emails are popular in almost provinces and cities.

Mobile network is used in different forms: subscribe, monthly- or daily-payment in advance.

For more tourism information, please visit the website: http://allurahanoi.com/Tourtips.aspx?CateID=8

• 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 7.30 or 8.00 to 11.30am and from 1.00pm to 4.00pm. Saturday and Sunday are close.

Shops are open from 8.00am or 8.30 to 8pm or 9pm

• Credit Cards and Travellers Cheques

Visa, Amex, JCB and Mastercard are accepted at some banks and most large hotels. You will seldom be able to shop or pay in restaurants with credit cards. Travellers cheques, preferably in US dollars, can be easily cashed at banks, hotels and some travel agents.

• ATM

If your bank at home is part of the Plus or Star systems, you can withdraw from your ATM account at home in either dong or Dollars. You can also get a cash advance on your Visa card at the Hong Kong Bank office in Hanoi or through the ANZ Bank’s offices in HCMC and Hanoi.

• Tipping

With the advent of tourism, the practice of tipping is just beginning in Vietnam. Tip sparingly and only where it is deserved. Ten percent will suffice. It is increasingly common to tip guides, drivers, waiters and masseurs.

• Television and Radio

Vietnam TV broadcasts three channels throughout the country; satellite channels such as CNN are available in most hotels catering to foreigners. Voice of Vietnam Radio broadcasts throughout the country; all provinces and cities have their own radio stations as well.

(Continue: Part 2)