Vietnam

The Hidden Charm

Location

• Vietnam is a long slender country with which it shares borders in the North with China, in the West with Cambodia and Laos.

• It is 1650 Km. and about 50 Km at the narrowest. It occupies an area of 331,518 Sq.Km. 

• The Eastern side is facing the South China Sea and the Gulf of Tonkin.

History

• Vietnam had a fascinating and violent history. In recent times since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. Peace has returned and the Country is opening up.

• The French Colonized Vietnam (Annam) from 1887 to 1954.There were forced out after the decisive battle at Dien Bien Phu in 1954. But that also divided the country between North and South. The Capital of South Vietnam at that time was Saigon. Saigon City has been renamed as Ho Chi Minh after the reunification in 1975.

Climate

The climate is primarily Tropical in the South and in the North it has a sub-tropical due to the latitude. The best time to visit the North is from November to March where it is cooler and drier. Many festivals are celebrated around this time of the year. In the South the best time to visit is from October to May. The South is warmer and more humid.

Getting There

Air:
The National Airline is Vietnam Airlines. Many International flights operates out of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh (Saigon).

There are  also regional Airports in-country served by Vietnam Airlines.
 

Land:

There are interconnecting coach services from Cambodia and Laos. There is a daily bus service from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh in Cambodia. In the North to China

Rail:

There is a rail service connecting Lao Cai to Kunming in the Yunnan Province in China. The Rail service also connects Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh.

Sea:

There is a Ferry service that operates from Chao Doc to Phnom Penh in Cambodia.
 

What's in for the Visitor
Vietnam has a long and colorful History and the length of the Country means that there is a huge range of diversity in races. Hanoi is the capital city and is located at the North of the Country. This city was also the capital during the French Colonial occupation which lasted from 1887 to 1954. Many buildings designs bear the influence of French architecture for example the Notre Dame Cathedral still in use today was built in 1883.

The is a lots of Chinese cultural influence due to the close proximity to China. The Temple of Literature is a an example of incorporation of both Chinese and Vietnamese architecture. It was first founded in AD 1070 to honor Confucius and then was the first university in Vietnam around AD 1076. Then there is the one-pillar pagoda in honor of the Goddess of Mercy built in AD 1049. The National park Cuc Phong is short Distance form Hanoi City. Buddhism too play an important part in influencing Vietnamese practices and Culture. In the City of Haiphong there is the 11th. Century Du Hang Pagoda. There are some beautiful beaches in this area, Do Son Beach and the famous magical looking Halong Bay. Halong Bay (Bay of Descending Dragons ) is a United Nations Heritage site. There are numerous Limestone Grottos and many can be explored by visitors. The Cat Ba National Park is composed of more than 360 small islands located between Bai Tu Long Bay and Halong Bay. Visitors usually spend two days here. The is a resort on the largest Island Cat Ba.

In the south Ho Chi Minh formerly known as Saigon is a bustling metropolis and the fastest growing city in Vietnam.

There are some wonderful beaches with White sands and beach resort along the whole coast of Vietnam. The Danang Beach, Nha Trang Beach Phu Quoc Beach amongst others including sea sports. For History buffs the city of Hue offers a glimpse of the Royal places and Citadels.

Quick Facts

Temperature: 20 deg C to 37 deg C throughout the year. It does drop to 4 deg C in Hanoi in December.

Cell phone: GSM System Coverage with roaming in major towns and cities only.

Payphone: Generally available in public places.
Internet: Resorts, Hotel and Internet Cafes - still tightly controlled by the State.

Electricity: 230V AC 50Hz. Some places it can be 115V 50Hz.! So bring along a universal power adapter and plug to use with your devices.

Currency: Vietnamese Dong

Credit cards:      

Credit cards are accepted at main resorts only. Most other places you need to use the Dong. US dollars is widely accepted.
 

Visas: 

Please check with the Vietnamese Embassy Website for latest info on Visas requirements.

Except for Citizens of Asean, many countries do require a Visa.

Important Phone numbers:
Embassies:
USA: 

Hanoi: +84 (0)4 3850 5000

Ho Chi Minh: +84(0) 8 3520 4200
Australia :

Hanoi: +84 (0)4 3831 7755

Ho Chi Minh: +84(0) 8 3829 6035
Canada:

Hanoi: +84 (0)4 3734 5000

Ho Chi Minh: +84(0) 8 3827 9899
UK:

Hanoi: +84 (0)4 3936 0500

Ho Chi Minh: +84(0) 8 3829 8433
France:

Hanoi: +84 (0)4 3944 5700

Ho Chi Minh: +84(0)8 3520 6800
Germany:

Hanoi: +84 (0)4 845 3836

Ho Chi Minh: +84(0) 8 829 1967
 

For other countries please check their respective websites.

Emergency:

               Police:13, Ambulance:15, Fire: Dial 114

Immunizations:  Hepatitis, Malaria- check with your Physician for current specific requirements and warnings.

A1travelntours.com recommended places.

Hanoi

Hue

Halong Bay

Danang

Cam Ranh

Ho Chi Min

Accommodation:
We found the following of good value.

Hanoi
Hotel Sofitel Legend Metropole- French Colonial style built in 1901.

Zephyr Hotel - located at Hoan Kiem District.
 

Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)

Rex Hotel Saigon - located nearby to the famous Ben Thanh Market.

Lan Lan 1 Hotel - a very modern hotel with great service.
It is impossible to get the feel of Vietnam in a few days. Plan at least a two week stay to see the entire country from the North to South.
Vietnam welcomes You-Be charmed by its beauty.

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