CAMBODIA VISA ADVISOR FOR TRAVELER

WHO NEED CAMBODIA VISA?

All visitors entering Cambodia must have a valid passport with a Cambodia Entry Visa. Only citizens of certain countries can visit Cambodia without Cambodia entry visa. Those countries include most citizens of ASEAN countries as Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore are no need Cambodia visa for visit Cambodia within 30 days. 

HOW CAN I GET CAMBODIA VISA?

All visitors can get a Cambodia visa via 3 ways below:

• Applying by yourself at any Myanmar Embassy or Consulate offices worldwide
• Getting visa on arrival at both international airports, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh as well as all international land borders
• Applying Cambodia visa online (E-visa) by yourself, please go to http://www.visa-cambodia.com.

CAMBODIA VISA EXEMPTION IS GRANTED TO

The citizens of ASEAN countries as Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore are no need Cambodia visa for visit Cambodia within 30 days. 

HOW MANY KINDS OF CAMBODIA VISA ARE THERE?

There are two kinds of visa in terms of travelling purpose:

• Tourist visas are valid for 1 month.
• Business visas are issued to anyone who plans to stay longer than a month.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GET CAMBODIA VISA ON ARRIVAL?

- Tourist visa costs $ 20 in cash per person for each time of entry
- Business visa costs $ 25 in cash per person for each time of entry

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO PREPARE TO GET CAMBODIA VISA ARRIVAL?

To get your visa stamped upon arrival, you need to prepare the following documents:

• Your passport is valid for at least four (4) months from the expiry date.
• The entry form complement.
• One passport-sized photos (4 x 6).
• US$ 20 in Cash pay directly to the Immigration officer.

WHERE CAN I GET CAMBODIA VISA ON ARRIVAL?

You also get visa on arrival at international airports of Pochentong Airport in Phnompenh, Siemreap Airport in Siemreap as well as all international land borders at Aranyapathet – Poipet Border, Trat – Koh Kong Border of Thailand and Moc Bai - Bavet Border of Vietnam 

CAN I EXTEND MY VISA AND HOW TO DO IT?

The Tourist (T) and Business (E) visas can be extended at the Immigration Department, National Police. The Diplomatic (A), Official (B) and Courtesy (C) visas can be extended at the Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Tourist Visa can be extended once for up to one (1) month (single entry) and the extension fee is $45 per extension.
Business Visa can be extended for:

• One (1) month (single entry)
• Three (3) months (single entry)
• Six (6) months (multiple entries) and extension fee is $150
• One (1) year (multiple entries) and the extension fee is $275

WHAT HAPPENS IF I FORGET TO BRING A PHOTO?

You'll pay anywhere from one to three dollars or if entering by land from Thailand, 100 baht. Considering Cambodia law states that a passport application must be accompanied by a photo, the small fee is a request which you have little chance of getting around as they could I suppose, send you back from where you came. Do not worry if you forget a photo. 

HOW LONG IS THE TOURIST VISA VALID FOR?

Cambodia Visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue, *NOT* from the date of entry. You can stay 30 days for single entry 

WHAT IF I OVERSTAY MY VISA?

You will be fined USD 5.00 per day for overstay. 

WHAT IS E-VISA OR ELECTRONIC VISA?

To promote tourism and investment in Cambodia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has launched e-visa or electronic visa. Travelers who wish to visit Cambodia can apply visa online with credit card payment direct to the Ministry's website. Normal processing time takes three business days and valid for 3 months from the date of issue. Length of stay is 30 days. Cost is US$ 20 for visa plus US$ 5 for processing fee and US$20 for service fee.

WHO CAN NOT APPLY CAMBODIA VISA ONLINE (E-VISA)?

The following nationals should apply visa at the Cambodia Embassy or Consulate before traveling to Cambodia: Afghanistan, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nigeria (Requirements are letter of sponsor from his/her company, Return air ticket to/from Cambodia, One photocopy of Aien ID card).

WHAT TYPE OF VISA CAN I APPLY ONLINE?

Tourist Visa only. 

CAN I EXTEND THE VISA ON ONLINE WEBSITE?

No. In order to extend your Visa, please contact local travel agents or immigration. 

CAN I CHANGE MY TRAVELING DATE AFTER SUBMITTING APPLICATION VIA ONLINE WEBSITE?

Yes, you can do it at Check & Change section. The traveling date must be before the e-Visa expiry date. 

HOW SOON WILL I RECEIVE MY VISA IF I APPLY ONLINE?

No more than 3 business days, if it's approved. 

I AM A TRAVEL AGENT. CAN I APPLY FOR MY CUSTOMERS?

Yes, travel agents can apply for their customers. 

I PLAN TO TRAVEL FROM CAMBODIA TO ANOTHER COUNTRY FOR A SHORT TRIP AND RETURN BACK TO CAMBODIA AGAIN. DO I NEED TO APPLY TWO VISAS WITHIN SUCH A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME?

Yes, you need to apply for two e-Visas. Each e-Visa is only valid for a single entry. 

I PLAN TO TRAVEL TO CAMBODIA THREE MONTHS LATER, CAN I APPLY NOW? IF NOT, WHEN CAN I START APPLYING?

We would advise you to apply at least 2 weeks before your date of travelling to Cambodia.

IF MY CHILDREN ARE UNDER 12 YEARS OLD, DO THEY NEED A VISA?

No, as long as they don't have they own passport and are traveling with parent's passport. 

IS E-VISA ENDORSED OFFICIALLY BY THE CAMBODIAN GOVERNMENT?

Yes, it is officially launched since April 2006 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Kingdom of Cambodia. 

IS THE VISA VALID FOR SINGLE ENTRY OR FOR MULTIPLE ENTRIES WITHIN THE PERIOD OF VALIDITY?

It is valid for single entry only. 

MY CHILDREN ARE ABOVE 12 YEARS OLD BUT STILL TRAVEL WITH PARENT'S PASSPORT, DO THEY NEED A VISA?

Yes. All children above 12 years old require a Visa, no matter with parent's passport or with their own passport. 

MY TRAVEL INFO (FLIGHT INFO, ENTRY PORTS, ENTRY DATE, ACCOMMODATION) IS NOT CONFIRMED, CAN I STILL APPLY?

Please enter estimated information if you are not sure now. Change your travel information at Check & Change once you have confirmed. 

MY TRIP IS DELAYED AND MY E-VISA IS EXPIRED. CAN YOU CHANGE MY E-VISA VALIDITY DATE?

Sorry. Please re-apply. 

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF APPLYING VISA ONLINE?

You don't need to visit the embassy, queue up and wait for your passport to be done. All you need is a computer with Internet. The process is fast, secure and well planned, have your visa with you before reaching Cambodia. If you are traveling around the world now, you can also apply for your Visa at anywhere you are. 

WHAT IS THE CONTACT E-MAIL ADDRESS?

help@mfaic.gov.kh 

WHAT IS THE COST OF APPLYING VISA ONLINE?

The cost includes US$20 (Government fee) + US$5 processing fee + US$20 (Service fee).  

WHAT SHALL I DO UPON ARRIVAL AT IMMIGRATION IN CAMBODIA?

Please proceed to the dedicated e-Visa lane directly and hand over your passport, e-Visa and other related travelling documents (eg. arrival/departure card, passenger's declaration card) to the immigration officer. 

WHERE CAN I KNOW MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PEOPLE WHO USED E-VISA BEFORE?

Please visit Cambodia e-Visa Blog to learn more. 

I AM TRAVELING TO CAMBODIA VIA THAILAND, VIETNAM OR LAOS BUT I AM NOT SURE WHICH PORT I WILL BE USING. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Not all border checkpoints support e-Visa. Please check before you apply. You can apply on-arrival Visa for those checkpoints not supporting e-Visa.

THE ENTRY PORT WHICH I WISH TO ENTER CAMBODIA DOES NOT SUPPORT E-VISA, WHAT CAN I DO?

Please use other entry port that support e-Visa, or contact your nearest embassy for more information. 

CAN I CHANGE MY PHOTO AFTER SUBMITTING MY APPLICATION?

Yes, you can. Please send the photo to photo@mfaic.gov.kh together with your reference number. 

IS PHOTO TAKEN USING DIGITAL CAMERA OR SCANNED FROM MY PASSPORT ACCEPTABLE?

Yes, both are acceptable. 

MY PHOTO IS ROTATED, IS THIS STILL ACCEPTABLE?

Please use a photo editing software to rotate your photo to the correct alignment. If you have no idea on how to do it, please read our Photo Guidelines. 

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF THE UPLOAD OF A PHOTO TAKES VERY LONG TIME?

Please reduce the file size by resize the photo to smaller resolutions. Please read our Photo Guidelines. 

IF I HAVE MORE THAN ONE PASSPORT, CAN I APPLY FOR THE VISA USING THE PARTICULARS FROM THE FIRST PASSPORT AND THEN TRAVEL WITH THE SECOND PASSPORT?

Travelers are required to travel with the passport for which the e-Visa is issued for. 

MY PASSPORT NUMBER DOES NOT MATCH WITH THE ONE ON THE VISA, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

This happens when you have lost your passport after receiving your Visa. You can contact us for help. 

CAN I CONTACT ANY CAMBODIAN EMBASSY TO CHECK ON THE STATUS OF MY E-VISA?

No. Please check your e-Visa status online.

CAN I MAKE PAYMENT OFFLINE?

No. Only online payment via credit card is accepted.

CAN I PRINT MY VISA IN BLACK AND WHITE?

Yes you can, as long as it is clear. 

CAN I RESUBMIT PAYMENT WITHOUT FILLING UP MY APPLICATION AGAIN?

Yes. You can do it in Check & Change. 

DO I GET A REFUND IF MY APPLICATION IS REJECTED?

Payment of the application fee does not guarantee approval of a visa. In the event of an application not being approved, the processing fee will not be refunded. We are not able to refund expired and unused visas. 

HOW MANY COPIES OF VISA DO I NEED TO PRINT OUT?

Two copies. One copy will be submitted on arrival, while another copy upon leaving the country. 

I APPLY MORE THAN ONE E-VISA IN SINGLE APPLICATION. WHY DO I ONLY RECEIVE ONE EMAIL WITH ONE OF THE TWO E-VISAS WE APPLIED?

We process each e-Visa individually even if they are submitted single application. You will receive each approved e-Visa separately. 

I CLICK THE E-VISA CERTIFICATE DOWNLOAD LINK FROM MY EMAIL AND RECEIVE AN ERROR. IT SAYS THAT I AM NOT AUTHORIZED TO VIEW THE PAGE. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Your download link may have been truncated. Please copy and paste the full link to a new web browser and try again. Or, you can also login to Check & Change to print your e-Visa certificate. 

IS IT SECURE TO MAKE PAYMENT THROUGH THIS SITE?

We use a 128-bit secure socket layer (SSL) encryption technique.

WHAT IS THE MERCHANT'S NAME TO BE DISPLAYED ON MY CREDIT CARD STATEMENT?

CAMBODIA e-VISA.

WHAT TYPE OF CREDIT CARD CAN I USE TO MAKE PAYMENT?

Visa, MasterCard, American Express (USA only), Discover (USA only) 

WHY I NEVER RECEIVE ANY EMAIL EVENTHOUGH I HAVE COMPLETED MY APPLICATION?

Please check your SPAM folder. Or, you can login to Check & Change to download your e-Visa certificate.

WILL I RECEIVE MY E-VISA IN POSTAL OR DO I COLLECT IT AT THE CAMBODIA CHECKPOINT?

Upon approval you will receive an email with a link to download your e-Visa certificate. 

WILL THERE BE ANY E-VISA STICKER ON MY PASSPORT?

No. All you need is to print out the Visa yourself and bring it along with your passport. 

VIETNAM VISA ADVISOR FOR TRAVLER

WHO NEED VIETNAM VISA?

As known, most visitors entering Vietnam must have a Vietnam Entry Visas. Only citizens of certain countries can visit Vietnam without Vietnam entry visa. Those countries include most citizens of ASEAN countries are no need Vietnam visa for visit Vietnam within 30 days; citizens of Korea, Japan & Scandinavians (Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland passport holders) do not need Vietnam visa for visiting Vietnam within 15 days.

HOW CAN I GET VIETNAM VISA?

All visitors can get the Vietnam visa via 2 ways below:
- Applying by yourself at any Vietnam Embassy or Consulate offices worldwide
- Applying for a visa approval letter online to get the visa stamp at Vietnam International Airports (also known as visa on arrival) through Tour Operators or Travel Agency Service

HOW MANY KINDS OF VIETNAM VISA ARE THERE?

There are two ways of classification:
First, in terms of traveling purpose, there are three kinds of Vietnam entry visa:
- Tourist visa is applied for 1 month visa
- Business visa: applied for 3 months visa
- Visa for other purposes are applied for 3 months visa
Second, in terms of length of stay and number of entry, there are 4 types of visa:
- 1 month single entry visa
- 1 month multiple entry visa
- 3 months single entry visa
- 3 months multiple entry visa

VIETNAM VISA EXEMPTION IS GRANTED TO

1) Citizens of Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Laos for visits of 30 days at the maximum.
2) Citizens of Philippines for visits of 21 days at the maximum.
3) Citizens of Japan, South Korea, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Russia and Finland for visits of 15 days at the maximum.
4) Citizens of Brunei for visits of 14 days at the maximum.
5) Citizens of France holding valid diplomatic or official passports for visits of 90 days at the maximum or several visits of 6 months at the maximum.
6) Citizens of Chile holding valid diplomatic or official passports for visits of 90 days at the maximum.
7) APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) Holders from Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies for visits of 60 days at the maximum.
8) For those who travel to Phu Quoc Island - Vietnam : Foreigners and Vietnamese nationals bearing foreign passports who enter Vietnam through an international border gate and then travel to Phu Quoc Island and stay in Phu Quoc less than 15 days will also be granted Vietnam visa exemption. Passports must be valid for at least 45 days. After arriving in Phu Quoc Island, if visitors want to travel to other localities or stay in the island for more than 15 days, the immigration department will be responsible for issuing visas right on the spot.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET VIETNAM VISA AT EMBASSY OR CONSULATE?

You can go to the nearest Vietnam Embassy in your country or whichever country you might be staying at the time to apply for a Visa to Vietnam. The procedure may take 2-5 working days to get Vietnam visa. You are required to send in your passport along with some other documents when applying for Vietnam visa at an embassy.

WHERE CAN I GET VIETNAM VISA ON ARRIVAL?

For a few years now, foreigners who wish to visit Vietnam have another option aside from going to local embassies. It is to get Vietnam visa on arrival. This is probably the easiest way to obtain Vietnam visa as all services from Tour Operators in Vietnam. The Entry Visa will be stamped on your passport as you pass through our Immigration Checkpoint.
Please do not forget that visa on arrival is only applicable for those traveling by air to Vietnam and your visa will be stamped at the Vietnam airport.
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City
- Noi Bai International Airport in Ha Noi
- Da Nang International Airport in Da Nang

WHAT IS VIETNAM VISA ON ARRIVAL?

Vietnam Visa on arrival is the type of visa picked up at Vietnam airports. For this type of visa, you need to submit Vietnam approval letter together with your passport (at least 6 months validity), two passport-sized photos, entry and exit form and stamping fee to Immigration Officers at the airport, the visa will be stamped onto your passport.

WHAT IS VIETNAM VISA APPROVAL LETTER?

Vietnam Visa approval letter is a document issued by Vietnam Immigration Department (Vietnam Ministry of Public Security), which supports foreigners to get Vietnam visa upon arrival at Vietnam international airports.

WHAT INFORMATION DO I NEED TO PROVIDE TO APPLY FOR MY VIETNAM VISA APPROVAL LETTER?

1. Your full name (exactly as in your passport)
2. Date of birth (DOB)
3. Nationality
4. Passport Number
5. Proposed arrival date
6. Purpose of visit
For further information, please see full visa application form below

CAN I USE THIS APPROVAL LETTER FOR ENTERING VIETNAM BY LAND?

 No, this document is only applicable for those travelers by air to Vietnam.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE ME TO GET VIETNAM VISA APPROVAL LETTER?

Normally, after you finished your visa application and made your payment, you will get your visa approval letter via email within 1 working day for urgent service, 2 working days for normal service

HOW TO GET VIETNAM VISA ON ARRIVAL?

It's very simple. Please follow 3 simple steps:
- Step 1: Get Vietnam visa approval letter from Vietnam Tour Operators or Travel Agencies
- Step 2: Print visa approval letter in hand to be presented at the check-in counter of the airline and also upon arrival at International Airport of Vietnam
- Step 3: Upon arrival at International airports of Vietnam you must show the visa approval letter, passport, 2 passport-sized photos, entry and exit form is given onboard before landing, and stamping fee then your visa will be stamped.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GET VIETNAM VISA ON ARRIVAL TOTALLY?

The visa fee includes the stamping fee, which you pay directly to the immigrant officer at the airport, and the service fee to process the visa approval letters you pay directly to the Tour Operator or Travel Agencies. The prices may vary depending on which service you choose.
Remember that the stamping fees are compulsory and there are two levels: US $45 for one-month visas and US $65 for three-month visas. You can pay either in US dollar (USD) or Vietnamese Dong (VND), however, the former is recommended.  please contact us to get the best possible price via our mail: info@indochinadiscoverytravel.com

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SINGLE ENTRY AND MULTIPLE ENTRY VISA IN VIETNAM?

- Single entry visa: You are permitted to enter Vietnam ONCE during your visa validity. If you would like to re-enter you need to apply for multiple entry visa.
- Multiple entry visa: You can enter and exit Vietnam many times as you want during your visa validity.

CAN I ENTER VIETNAM EARLIER THAN MY GRANTED ARRIVAL DATE IN VISA APPROVAL LETTER?

No, you cannot. You need to enter on exact date of arrival granted in your visa approval letter.

CAN I ENTER VIETNAM LATER THAN MY GRANTED ARRIVAL DATE IN VISA APPROVAL LETTER?

Yes, you can enter later than the granted arrival date in visa approval letter providing that you exit by granted exit date.

HOW CAN I PAY SERVICE FEE AND STAMPING FEE?

For service fee, you pay to us by following options:
- Using Credit/Debit card by Onepay/Paypal
- Sending money via Western Union
- Sending money via Bank Transfer (recommended for those are in Vietnam)
For stamping fee, you need to pay in cash (USD) to Immigration officer at Immigration Control Desk.

WHAT IF MY PASSPORT EXPIRED? CAN I APPLY FOR VISA TO VIETNAM?

You cannot apply for your Vietnam visa when your passport is expired. In your case, please renew your passport before applying your Vietnam visa. So before applying visa, you need to check your passport to make sure it is valid for at least 6 months.

I AM A VIETNAMESE, CURRENTLY LIVING OVERSEAS WITH A FOREIGN NATIONALITY, HOW CAN I GET A VIETNAM VISA?

For Vietnamese overseas, we kindly advise you to take visa exemption by visiting Vietnam Embassy/Consulate. Further information about Vietnam visa exemption for Vietnamese overseas, please read this link http://mienthithucvk.mofa.gov.vn/.

WHAT IS THE PHOTO REQUIREMENT FOR VIETNAM VISA ON ARRIVAL?

Following is the list of regulations regarding photographs for Vietnam visa on arrival:
- Two photos are required (one glued on the entry and exit form, one is presented if needed)
- Photographs must be passport-sized, identical, taken within the past 6 months.
- The image size from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head should be between 1 inch and 13/8 inches.
- The photographs may be in color or black and white.
- They must be full face, front view with a plain white or off-white background.
- Photographs should be taken in normal street attire, without a hat or headgear that obscures the hair or hairline.
- Uniforms should not be worn in photographs with the exception of religious attire which is worn daily.
- If prescription glasses, a hearing device, wig or similar articles are normally and consistently worn, they should be worn when the picture is taken.
- Dark glasses or nonprescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless required for medical reasons. A medical certificate may be required to support the wearing of such glasses in the photographs.

RELATED LINKS

Who is eligible to apply resident card in vietnam Vietnamese Business Visa Requirements for foreigners Vietnam visa on arrival http://www.indochinadiscoverytravel.com/english/11/4/vietnam/

VIETNAM HIGHLIGHTS DESTINATION

Vietnam is an utter assault on the senses; at once dizzying, frenetic and fascinating. Conical-hatted street vendors sell their wares on the pavements outside gleaming high-rises and exquisite temples are surrounded by streets buzzing with thousands of motorbikes.

Wherever you travel you can't fail to be intrigued by this frenetic, fascinating country. The capital Hanoi is the focus for arts in Vietnam and has been since its foundation in the year 1010 while in Ho Chi Minh City business is king. Hue is steeped in imperial history, Hoi An the place to soak up the atmosphere and the largely undeveloped coastline is the place to kick back.

Life in urban Vietnam is conducted on the streets. In bia hois (pavement pubs) men sup ice-cold beer and odours from makeshift food stalls fill the nostrils: see steaming pho, a noodle soup with various unidentifiable chunks of meat, or grilled chicken feet. Along nearly all the moped-clogged streets produce is sold. Tubs wriggle with live sturgeon, crabs and frogs (still a delicacy from French colonial days), baskets are top heavy with colourful and bizarre fruit, and every possible piece of a pig is on sale.

Rural Vietnam is entirely different. Just a short distance from the cities, water buffalo wallow in green rice paddies and elegant women wearing traditional conical headwear cycle along dusty paths.

HANOI

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and is the second most populous city in the country with approximately 4 million people. Compared to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi is more traditional and refined.

Teeming with culture, history, great restaurants and nightlife, Hanoi offers a fantastic introduction to Vietnam. High-rise buildings are rare in this city which is striving to retain its character. Instead, grand colonial buildings, tranquil lakes and a maze of narrow streets provide the intriguing contrasts.

Hanoi is an elegant city located on the banks of the Red River with tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake at its heart. North of the lake are the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, each street named after the trade that used to take place there.

Following years of rampant inflation, poverty and repression, the government introduced economic reform or doi moi in 1986, allowing people to own their own businesses. Now Hanoi has been totally transformed and visitors are entranced by the city and its residents.

The wide boulevards and large colonial buildings reflect Hanoi’s period as a French Protectorate, whilst other areas are truly Vietnamese with a muddle of narrow streets which bustle from dawn to dusk.

HALONG BAY

Sure it is touristy, and if you take a boat trip you'll be among a flotilla of dozens of old converted junks, but Halong Bay still remains one of the most impressive sights in the world, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994. Take the opportunity to borrow a kayak (all boats should do this) and paddle through the limestone karsts dramatically rising up out of the sea. Or spend the night on one of those junks and explore the caves hidden deep in the islands, pass floating villages and at night enjoy a sundowner on the top deck and look out for shooting stars.

Getting here: 4 hour drive from Hanoi through urbanized areas. You’ll transfer to the docking station, since this is a popular destination; expect bustling scenes of boats and large crowds. All this will be left behind once you sail away to a more serene environment.

MAI CHAU

Mai Chau is the heart of a beautiful valley that is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. The modern village is an unappealing sprawl, but as you emerge on the rice fields and rural living it is transformed into a real paradise. It’s a stunning area, and most people here are ethnic White Thai, distantly related to tribes in Thailand, Laos and China.

Although most locals no longer wear trad¬itional dress, the Thai women are masterful weavers who ensure that there is plenty of traditional-style clothing to buy in the village centre. You will see women weaving on looms under or inside their houses in the village. Much of the silk looks similar to that seen in Laos. The Thai of Mai Chau are less likely to employ strong-arm sales tactics than their H’mong counterparts in Sapa: polite bargaining is the norm rather than endless haggling

Nestled in a valley amongst verdant hills in the northwestern highlands, Mai Chau’s stunning scenery offers excellent opportunities for trekking and mountain biking while providing a glimpse into the village life of the H’mong and White Thai ethnic hill tribes.

Getting here: Mai Chau is a 4 hour drive from Hanoi. Although the drive can be strenuous due to the mountainous roads, it does offer a good view of the countryside.

SAPA

Sapa's stunning alpine scenery is home to several hill tribe villages where life continues pretty much unchanged. Many can be reached by jeep but to get to the more remote villages be prepared to hike. The reward is an overnight in a stilthouse with a family resplendent in riotously colourful traditional costume.

Set high in Vietnam’s northeast mountains, the hamlet of Sapa offers spectacular views of jagged mountain ridges, terraced rice paddies and green valleys inhabited by people of various ethnic minority groups, most of whom congregate in Sapa’s colorful market. Each group has its own distinctive style of dress. From early childhood, girls learn to grow and weave hemp, to dye cloth with indigo, to sew the family’s clothes, and to decorate items with traditional embroidery motifs. More recently, Sapa has become a tourist mecca.

Getting here: The best way to get to Sapa is to take a 10-hour overnight train from Hanoi. Departing at night you wake up refreshed the next morning in Sapa ready to begin your adventure. Visiting a more remote hill tribe market requires a 3 to 4.5 hour drive on bumpy dirt roads through mountains. The trip is for the adventurous; otherwise enjoy your time in nearby hill tribe villages.

HOI AN

Set near the coast in central Vietnam, from the 16th to 19th centuries the riverside town of Hoi An once drew merchants from as far as Japan, India, Indonesia and Europe who bought the area’s silk, spices and porcelain. Hoi An still retains remnants of its trading days as evident in the bustling market and abundance of souvenir and tailor shops. What makes Hoi An remarkable today is that its Old Quarter has been beautifully preserved, the streets still lined with old tile-roofed shop houses, shady pagodas and colorful communal halls earning it the status as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Hoi An is surrounded by attractive countryside where you can observe the traditional way of life of farmers and fishermen.

Getting here: Hoi An is a 30 minute drive from Danang International Airport. 

HUE

While imperial rule ended more than six decades ago, the central city of Hue still bears the marks of its royal past. From 1802 to 1945 Hue was home to 13 Nguyen emperors, whose palaces and tombs provide fascinating glimpses into the luxurious and secretive world of the court. During this period, the Imperial City was built according to the practices of Feng Shui that dictates the location and shape of spaces in harmony with both the physical and spiritual.

The former imperial city of Hue is crammed with wonderful sights. The Imperial Citadel, suffering from the ravages and war and the tropical weather, is slowly being painstakingly renovated; riverside is the Thien Mu pagoda where novice monks peek shyly at the visitors; wander through ancient garden houses, and the mausoleums of the Emperors, each unique in style.

Getting here: Hue has a small domestic airport. It is a 1 hour flight from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. 

NHA TRANG

Nha Trang has a split personality. One takes the form of a smaller Danang – a bustling Viet­namese city humming with commerce but blessed with access to a beautiful beach. The other is a Western resort town encompassing several blocks of hotels, tourist shops, bars and international restaurants.

The city is indisputably beautiful, bordered by mountains, with the beach tracing an impressive long swoop along a bay dotted with islands. Topiary and modern sculpture dot the immaculately manicured foreshore. The only blight on the horizon is the Hollywood-style sign for the Vinpearl complex – an ugly scar dominating nearby Hon Tre Island.

Nha Trang offers plenty to keep tourists occupied – from island-hopping boat trips and scuba diving, to mudbaths and historic sites. But the main attraction for most visitors is lounging around on deckchairs at a beachfront bar and drinking cocktails in comfort.

Getting here: A 45 minute drive from the small domestic airport located in Cam Ranh City. It is a 1 hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City and 1hr 40min from Hanoi. 

PHAN THIET

Phan Thiet is a large fishing village best known locally for its fish sauce production. Located 200 km from Ho Chi Minh City, Phan Thiet is a gateway to nearby beaches which are popular for both local and tourists alike. Mui Ne, a nearby resort town, has 21 km stretch of sandy beaches lined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, and nightclubs. Mui Ne is subject to onshore winds from the South China Sea and is especially breezy from November to May, which may not be ideal for swimming but is popular for wind and kite surfing. Other attractions in the area include the white and red sand dunes, Po Klong Garai Cham tower, and Ocean Dune’s Golf Club, a 6746-yard par 72 course designed by Nick Faldo.

Getting here: Phan Thiet is a 4½ hr drive or a 5 hour train ride from Ho Chi Minh City. 

DA LAT

Dalat is quite different from anywhere else you’ll visit in Vietnam. It was established as a resort center in the highlands at the beginning of the 1900’s by homesick French who were attracted by its cool, spring-like weather, pine forests, waterfalls and lakes, especially Da Lat’s year-round temperate weather, stands in contrast to Vietnam’s otherwise tropical climate, has led it to be nicknamed the “City of eternal spring. The architecture of Đà Lạt is dominated by the style of the French colonial period and lasted still today.

Year-round, the temperature hovers around 20˚C (68˚F), making this a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Mountain bikers and hikers will delight in the area’s trails, as well as in views of pine-covered hills, organic farms and lush tea and coffee plantations. Dalat hosts a flower festival every other year which normally takes place in mid-December for one week and features a flower exhibition and a flower parade around Xuan Huong Lake.

Getting here: Dalat has a small domestic airport. It is a 45-minute flight or a six hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City. From Hanoi it takes 1hr, 40 minutes. 

PHU QUOC ISLAND

One of Vietnam’s star attractions, mountainous and forested Phu Quoc is a splendid tropical getaway set with beautiful white-sand beaches and quaint fishing villages. Adventure comes in many forms here – from motorbiking the empty dirt roads circling the island to sea kayaking its quiet inlets, scuba diving the coral reefs or simply having a bang-up seafood meal followed by a cocktail on the beach. Once a sleepy retreat, Phu Quoc has ramped up tourism significantly, and visitors can now choose between five-star resorts and rustic family-run bungalows. Plans are underway for developing the island even more heavily – a la Phuket style. If you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway without any distractions or a noisy nightlife then Phu Quoc is the ideal place to visit.

Getting here: A 20 minute flight from Rach Gia (Mekong Delta) or 50 minute flight from HCM City. 

CON DAO ISLANDS

One of the stellar attractions in this region, the Con Dao Archipelago is slowly gaining attention for its startling natural beauty. Con Son, the largest of this chain of 15 islands and islets, is ringed with lovely beaches, coral reefs and scenic bays, and remains partially covered in thick forests. In addition to hiking, diving and exploring empty coastal roads and deserted beaches, there are some excellent wildlife-watching opportunities.

The Con Dao is an ideal place for nature lovers and an opportunity to visit unspoiled tropical islands before they become developed.

Getting here: Con Dao has a small modern domestic airport. It is a 50-minute flight from HCM City. 

MEKONG DELTA

Explore the watery world of the Mekong Delta where channels of the might Mekong Delta crisscross the land and provide a fertile place to grow vast swathes of rice and fruit. Discover riverine towns, floating markets and small riverside industries and spend the night in a homestay with a farming family.

The river markets on the Mekong Delta are an unmissable sight. Life here is dominated by the mighty Mekong and much of Vietnam's rice crop is grow, and the floating markets are still an essential part of life in the south. Get up early to experience Can Tho floating market at its best. Dozens of wooden boats, many that have seen better days, carry the freshest fruit and vegetables. Smaller boats weave through them perusing the wares and the morning air is filled with the sound of good-natured haggling over price. 

SAIGON

High-rise buildings loom over shabby French colonial villas and saffron-robed monks collecting alms walk past karaoke bars; this is 21st century Ho Chi Minh City.

It may be officially known as Ho Chi Minh City but it is often still referred to as Saigon, the name evocative of a city with a past. One of the most poignant symbols of this is the Reunification Palace, where the last days of the Vietnam War were played out.

Today, Ho Chi Minh City is a mesmerising gateway for visitors to Vietnam where traditional and modern influences live side by side. Imagine incense-filled pagodas filled with a constant stream of worshippers; streets buzzing with the engines of countless motorbikes and pavements teeming with street vendors, barbers, dentists and cafés selling steaming bowls of noodle soup by the roadside.

Amid this vibrant Asian backdrop are gleaming shopping malls, skyscrapers, coffee shops and bars that would not look out of place in the west. Ho Chi Minh City is the face of the new Vietnam.

http://www.indochinadiscoverytravel.com/english/11/13/popular-destination/

VIETNAM AMONG WORLD’S 20 MOST BEAUTIFUL COUNTRIES

VIETNAM AMONG WORLD’S 20 MOST BEAUTIFUL COUNTRIES

A UK leading travel magazine has named Vietnam as one of the 20 most beautiful countries in the world.

According to Rough Guides, Vietnam ‘s inclusion in the list is thanks to its gorgeous tourist destinations, from impressive rock formations and stunning terrace fields to charming beaches.

The magazine also features a number of outstanding landscapes of Vietnam , including Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh province, Sapa in Lao Cai, Cua Dai beach in Quang Nam , Non Nuoc beach in Da Nang , and Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho.

Also in the list are Scotland , Canada , New Zealand , Italy , and South Africa.

http://indochinadiscoverytravel.com/english/25/55/vietnam-among-worlds-20-most-beautiful-countries/

FASTEST WAY TO MAKE VIETNAMESE PASSPORT

FASTEST WAY TO MAKE VIETNAMESE PASSPORT

You are Vietnamese citizens? You are working and living in provincial capital such as Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Ha Noi City but you are registering for permanent residence in small provinces, and you don’t want to go your home town to make a new passpport by yourself, have you decided it’s time for your first passport?

The passport is a necessary document to own whether traveling abroad or simply maintaining one for identification purposes. Indochina Discovery Travel can help you get a passport within 2 – 3 working days

In order to make Vietnamese passport, please contact us at (84) 907 160 933 or send us some necessary information via our email info@indochinadiscoverytravel.com
Required information:
• Valid identity card
• Fill in a passport form
• 4 passport-sized photos
• Application form

After receiving these information above we will inform you about the passport service fee and steps of procedures

For pricing, please contact us to get the best possible price via our mail

Mail: info@indochinadiscoverytravel.com
Cellphone: (+84) 907 160 933

http://indochinadiscoverytravel.com/english/25/58/fastest-way-to-make-vietnamese-passport/

THE CULTURAL SPACE OF THE GONGS IN THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS OF VIETNAM

Specific values of the cultural space of the Central Highlands gong which is a part of Vietnam's cultural heritage and quintessence has been recognised by the international community.

On 25th November 2005, the UNESCO decided to recognize “The cultural space of gong in the Central Highlands” of Vietnam as “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”.

Throughout the Central Highlands of Viet Nam, Gong ensembles are parts of various ceremonies and closely linked to the communities’ daily life and the cycle of the seasons. The instruments, measuring 25 to 80 centimetres, are played by men as well as women.

The culture space of the Gongs of central Vietnam is about original musical forms, which are performed against the background of the linguistic and ethnic diversity of the region. Diversity is also found in the compositions and customs of the Gong ensembles, in their performance techniques, in the musical genres and in the ritual functions of the gongs.

In the realm of Vietnam’s musical instruments, the gongs are very well-known for their outstanding value and regarded as the privileged language bridging humanity and the supernatural world. The gongs are made from a mixture of bronze and silver, with some distinctive features. The peoples living in the Central Highlands of Viet Nam possess many sets of gongs, which would be performed differently. A set of gongs consists of two to twenty units.

The most outstanding value of gong culture showcases masterpieces of human creativity. The masters of gong culture are the ethnic people of the Central Highlands. Although they can not cast gongs themselves, they raise the value of a product into an excellent musical instrument with their sensitive ears and musical soul. In the hands of talented folk artistants, each gong plays the role of a musical note in an orchestra to perform different pieces of gong music.

As for ethnic minorities in the Central Highlands, gongs and gong culture present a means to affirm the community and its cultural identities. As time went by, gongs have become an attractive and appealing symbol of the culture of the Central Highlands. It is an activity associated with cultural and spiritual life, and beliefs of ethnic people when they are born, grown up and return to the soil.

The Central Highlands gong comes from long-standing historical and cultural traditions. In the past, community of people in the Central Highlands knew how to play the gong. Its sound is either deep or strong, moving and combining with the sounds of streams, wind and the hearts of people so that it can live with the heaven, the earth and people in the Central Highlands.
However, different ethnic minority groups arrange different orchestras. Listening to the sound of the gong, people in the Central Highland can know which ethnic group is playing.
Gong players in the majority of ethnic groups in the Central Highlands are male. Only in a minority of ethnic groups in the region, gong players are female.

It is a bright sunny day and a group of seven men are outside playing brown tambourines. Only five of the seven men are clearly visible. Their bodies describe a semi-circle facing the left of the picture. They all wear calm expressions. Each man holds the tambourine in his right hand, hitting it with a short thick piece of wood held in the left. The tambourines all have white characters written on them. All the men are wearing the same costume: a dark-blue long-sleeved shirt with multicoloured cuffs and a red square piece of material with golden buttons down the front. Some of the men wear caps; the first man from left to right wears a yellow cap, the second from right wears a blue cap. In the background we can see a forest with blue sky just visible through the dense foiliage of the trees. Smoke is spiralling upwards from the dirt floor. On the far left of the frame we can see the entrance to a hut.

http://www.indochinadiscoverytravel.com/english/25/49/the-cultural-space-of-the-gongs-in-the-central-highlands-of-vietnam/

VIETNAMESE BUSINESS VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR FOREIGNERS

Before you move to your new temporary home for business or travel, you need to obtain a visa that allows you to stay in Vietnam for a certain amount of time. Depending on the purpose and the duration of your stay, there are different types of visa:
• A tourist visa is available for one month as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. The maximum duration of the visa is 30 days.
• Business visas are a little trickier. Applicants need to get an official entry clearance from their sponsor, usually their employer. This visa allows for multiple entries and a stay of up to one year. If you do not have a business partner, employer, or other sponsor who can provide you with an entry clearance, you can also apply for a business visa for a stay of up to 90 days.
• Diplomatic and official visas can be applied for without having to pay any visa fees. Applicants are, however, required to submit an official letter by their government office or foreign mission.
If you plan to apply for a Business visa, you will have to obtain approval from the Vietnamese Immigration Department through your sponsor.

Required information
• Valid passport
• Scan of passport
• Name of arrival airport in Vietnam
• Arrival date
• 2 passport-sized photos

The Immigration Department will issue visa approval letter then you have 2 ways to obtain the Vietnam Visa
• Obtain the visa at Vietnam airport
• Obtain the visa at Vietnam Embassy
The visa approval letter will be sent via email then please print it out and bring it to the Vietnam Embassy or Vietnam airport to obtain your visa.
The business visa is valid for 3 months with multiple entry, the fee of it includes the visa approval letter service fee and visa stamping fee
For pricing, please contact us to get the best possible price via our mail: info@indochinadiscoverytravel.com
Cellphone: (+84) 907 160 933

http://www.indochinadiscoverytravel.com/english/25/56/vietnamese-business-visa-requirements-for-foreigners/