WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE OVER THERE ?
NORTHERN VIETNAM (HANOI, HALONG BAY, SAPA)
CENTRAL VIETNAM (HUE, DANANG, HOI AN)
SOUTHERN VIETNAM (HO CHI MINH CITY, MEKONG DELTA, DALAT)
As lying in a tropical region, Vietnam features a tropical climate. Yet, the climate changes from region to region. The North has 4 seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, whereas the South features 2 seasons: Dry and Rainy Season
Vietnam has a tropical climate with average annual temperatures ranging from 22˚C (72˚F) to 30˚C (86˚F). There are two distinct seasons: Dry Season and Rainy Season. From April to October, most of the country is affected by south-western monsoons. The rains, which tend to be concentrated in the late afternoons, provide welcome relief to the heat. Travel to very remote areas may be affected by the rains, but overall they should not interfere with your trip.
Packing for a trip to Vietnam can be challenging, as the climate can vary depending on when and where you go. When the weather isn’t ideal in one area, it’s great in another. While Hanoi is cold enough to warrant a coat from December to February, this is an excellent time to visit Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta. Although the temperatures are consistent year round, various parts of the country, at certain times of the year, can be affected by unpredictable storms which may cause flooding.
Vietnam has a tropical climate with average annual temperatures ranging from 22˚C (72˚F) to 30˚C (86˚F). There are two distinct seasons: Dry Season and Rainy Season. From April to October, most of the country is affected by south-western monsoons. The rains, which tend to be concentrated in the late afternoons, provide welcome relief to the heat. Travel to very remote areas may be affected by the rains, but overall they should not interfere with your trip.
Packing for a trip to Vietnam can be challenging, as the climate can vary depending on when and where you go. When the weather isn’t ideal in one area, it’s great in another. While Hanoi is cold enough to warrant a coat from December to February, this is an excellent time to visit Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta. Although the temperatures are consistent year round, various parts of the country, at certain times of the year, can be affected by unpredictable storms which may cause flooding.
The north is defined by four seasons with a cold winter and hot summer. The temperature can range from 5˚C (41˚F) in winter up to 35˚C (95˚F) in the summer. From April to October, it is generally warm and humid with average temperature around 31˚C (90 ˚F) and heaviest rainfall between July and August. The average temperature during the cold season (December to February) is 20˚C (68˚F). However, in the mountainous regions in the far north such as Sapa, the temperature can at times drop below zero (32˚F). The loveliest time of the year to visit is from September to December when there’s a good chance of clear skies and low humidity.
The average high temperature in the central region is 30˚C (86˚F). Heavy storms and highest amount of rainfall occurs from October to December and is prone to flooding. The best time to enjoy the beach weather and cultural sightseeing is between February to August.
The south has a dry and rainy season. The highest amount of rainfall is from June to October with 80% average humidity. The average high temperature year round is 32˚C (90˚F). The central highland town of Dalat has a year-round temperate of 18˚C to 21˚C (64˚F to 70˚F) earning it the epithet “City of Eternal Spring”. Beach destinations such as Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, and Phu Quoc Island are warm and sunny most of the year. However, the rainy season varies for each destination: Nha Trang (October to December); Phan Thiet (July to November); and Phu Quoc (June to September).
GETTING THERE AND AWAY
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS
TRANSPORTATION
There are three international airports, located in South, Central and North Vietnam.
Tan Son Nhat Airport serves Ho Chi Minh City and is Vietnam’s busiest international air hub. Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport is the destination of choice for those concentrating on northern Vietnam, while a handful of international flights also serve Danang Airport, a useful gateway to the charms of central Vietnam.
Vietnam Airlines is the state-owned flag carrier, and the majority of flights into and out of Vietnam are joint operations between Vietnam Airlines and foreign airlines. Vietnam Airlines has a modern fleet of Airbuses and Boeings and the level of service on its international flights is starting to catch up with its bigger rivals.
Vietnam Airlines now offers links from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh to many major cities in South East Asia, Asia, Europe, Australia and America regions.
AIRLINES FLYING TO & FROM VIETNAM
| Aeroflot, hub Moscow Air Asia, hub Kuala Lumpur Air France, hub Paris Asiana Airlines, hub Seoul Cathay Pacific, hub Hong Kong China Airlines, hub Taipei China Southern Airlines, hub Guangzhou Japan Airlines, hub Tokyo Jetstar Asia, hub Singapore Korean Air, hub Seoul Lao Airlines, hub Vientiane | Lufthansa, hub Frankfurt Malaysia Airlines, hub Kuala Lumpur Philippine Airlines, hub Manila Qantas, hubs Sydney & Melbourne Singapore Airlines, hub Singapore Thai Airways, hub Bangkok Tiger Airways, hub Singapore United Airlines, hub Seattle American Airlines, hub Dallas Turkish Airlines, hub Istanbul Emirates Airlines, hub Dubai |
There are several means of transport in Vietnam for your choice, but the most convenient one for foreign tourists would be taxi if you are in big cities or provinces. This is much more comfortable and quicker than public means of transport for getting around inside a city or province. However, if you are going to small towns or mountainous regions where taxi and public means of transport are rare, “xe om” or motorcycle taxi is your best choice.
OTHER NECESSARY INFORMATION
a) Time zone
Vietnam is GMT + 7 hours.
b) Useful Numbers in Vietnam
Police: 113
Fire: 114
Emergency: 115
Time: 117
Information: 1080
Directory Assistance: 116
International Operator: 110
WHAT CURRENCY SHOULD I USE?
WILL MY BANK MACHINE CARD OR CREDIT CARD WORK IN VIETNAM?
ARE ATMS AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE IN VIETNAM?
SHOULD I CHANGE MONEY BEFORE I GO OR WHEN I GET THERE?
WHAT DOES "VAT" MEAN?
CAN I GET A VAT REFUND?
SHOPPING IN VIETNAM
ART AND ANTIQUES
CLOTHING
GEMS AND JEWELRY
WAR SOUVENIRS
OTHER NECESSARY INFORMATION
a) Time zone
Vietnam is GMT + 7 hours.
b) Useful Numbers in Vietnam
Police: 113
Fire: 114
Emergency: 115
Time: 117
Information: 1080
Directory Assistance: 116
International Operator: 110
WHAT CURRENCY SHOULD I USE?
Mostly Vietnamese Dong (VND) as this is Vietnam’s currency. Besides, US Dollars are also accepted in big cities and provinces in Hanoi, Hochiminh City, Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Da Lat, etc.
All kinds of credit and debit cards work in Vietnam, particularly Visa, MasterCard and JCB cards are now widely accepted in all major cities and many tourist centers. However, a 3% commission charge on every transaction is pretty common; check first, as some charge higher commissions than others. Some merchants also accept Amex, but the surcharge is typically 4%. Better hotels and restaurants do not usually slap on an additional charge.
If you wish to obtain a cash advance from Visa, MasterCard and JCB, this is possible at Vietcombank branches in most cities, as well as at some foreign banks in HCMC and Hanoi. Banks generally charge a 3% commission for this service. This is handy if you want to take out large sums, as the ATMs have low daily limits.
If you wish to obtain a cash advance from Visa, MasterCard and JCB, this is possible at Vietcombank branches in most cities, as well as at some foreign banks in HCMC and Hanoi. Banks generally charge a 3% commission for this service. This is handy if you want to take out large sums, as the ATMs have low daily limits.
It used to be just a couple of foreign banks as HSBC, ANZ, Standard Chartered bank Vietnam in Hanoi and HCMC that offered ATMs, but Vietnamese banks have now got into this game in a big way. Vietcombank has the best network in the country, including most of the major tourist destinations and all the big cities. Agribank, Vietin Bank and Sacombank are also well represented. Every branch stocks a useful leaflet with a list of their nationwide ATMs. Withdrawals are issued in dong, and there is a single withdrawal limit of 2,000,000d (about US$125). However, you can do multiple withdrawals until you hit your own account limit. ANZ offers 4,000,000d withdrawals per transaction. Most banks charge 20,000d per transaction. Cash advances for larger amounts of dong, as well as US dollars, can be arranged over the counter during office hours.
You should change money into USD as all big cities in Vietnam accept USD (if you don’t have USD yet). And you don’t have to change your USD or other currencies into Vietnam Dong (VND) before you go because you can easily do it in Vietnam at airports, big hotels, and big cities with banks. In this case, all you should do is to bring sufficient US dollars. However, if you are going to small towns with few banks, it’s best to change some into VND at home before you go to spend during your time there. Remember NOT to change to much as VND is not quite widely used outside of Vietnam.
VAT means Value Added Tax, which is the tax levied upon the goods or services you buy for its added value. Normally, it is 10% of the goods, service value. So, customers have to pay 110% of the goods, service value.
No, because this VAT is to be submitted to the Central State Treasury of Vietnam (the Government) later by those who sold you the goods, service.
Shopping in Vietnam is a fun and interesting experience, and guarantees good bargains to those who know what to look for. It is true to say that you can find nearly anything in Vietnam. Markets vary from high class shopping malls, supermarkets to bustling open market, galleries, boutiques and street stalls.
It is not recommended that you buy imported, famous branded products such as clothing, perfume or electronics in Vietnam as tax makes these items more costly than neighboring countries.
In terms of shopping for tourists, Vietnam is most famous for its handicrafts, war souvenirs, authentic clothing, art, antiques and gems. Hotspots include Hanoi, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, each of which has a temping selection of everything from avant-garde art to sumptuous silk suits.
It is not recommended that you buy imported, famous branded products such as clothing, perfume or electronics in Vietnam as tax makes these items more costly than neighboring countries.
In terms of shopping for tourists, Vietnam is most famous for its handicrafts, war souvenirs, authentic clothing, art, antiques and gems. Hotspots include Hanoi, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, each of which has a temping selection of everything from avant-garde art to sumptuous silk suits.
Vietnam has very strict regulations about exporting real antiques. There are several shops to hunt for art and antiques. Both traditional and modern paintings are a popular item. More sophisticated works are displayed in art galleries, while cheaper mass-produced stuff is touted in souvenir shops and by street vendors. Be careful and check your sources for certificates if they claim to sell you an original or antique piece.
Vietnam is emerging as a regional design center and there are some extravagant creations in the boutiques of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Clothing varies greatly from tourist T-shirts to beaded handbags and traditional Ao Dai (the traditional costume) made to fit your size. Items made from silk are a popular buy, with prices varying depending on the material and tailor. Pre-made traditional dresses are sold in many places. However, it is more recommended to have the dress made to fit your body, which takes more time and slightly more money.
Shoes, slippers and handbags made from traditional materials (silk and bamboo) can also become unique gifts and accessories. The Vietnamese traditional conical hat, can be found everywhere throughout the country, but hats made in Hue are most famous as they have a poem embroiled on the inside. None (conical hats) are favorite items for women in both rainy and sunny times. The best quality ones can be found in the Hue’s area.
Vietnam is rich in gemstones. The jewelry business is also increasing during current years, and sophisticated works are produced by both big businesses and traditional craftsmen. The quality of the gemstones sold is sometimes doubtable, so it is recommended that you buy gems at prestigious locations and be ware with cheap prices.
Most war souvenirs sold today in Vietnam (for example, Zippo lighters engraved with platoon philosophy) are fake reproductions. Be careful while transporting these items as many airlines do not allow weapons, even fakes to be carried on their planes.
HANDICRAFTS
Other popular handicrafts in Vietnam include lacquer ware, wood-block prints, and oil and watercolor paintings, blinds made from bamboo, reed mats, carpets, and leatherwork.
TIP: BARGAINING
Bargaining should be good-natured, smile and don’t get angry or argue. Once the money is accepted, the deal is done. Remember that in Asia, “saving face” is very important. In some cases you will be able to get a 50% discount or more, at other times this may only be 10%.
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