It is a little known fact that Vietnam can cater to a large variety of clients -
not just those looking to 'rough it on the last frontier'. From it's natural
assets; pristine sandy beaches, the wonder of limestone islands in Halong
Bay, the mountainous north, to its historical marvels; Cham ruins from the
14th Century in My Son, the ancient tombs of Hue; bustling cities with an
energy driven by a new economy, quiet country villages reliant on rice
agriculture as they have been for centuries, ornate Confucian temples,
high-rises side by side with splendid French colonial architecture; Vietnam
is a country of contrasts. And contrast means a greater variety of travel
experiences that satisfy a great number of client markets.
It is also largely assumed that infrastructure within Vietnam is poor. Whilst
we won't deny that Vietnam is a third world country, one should not be
led to believe that this means third world service! An enormous amount
of investment in Vietnam has led to the development of top class hotels,
of training schools, of new restaurants, of upgrading and renovating.
And on the subject of service, remember most importantly that Vietnam
is Asia- where service is delivered with pride. The Vietnamese people have
strong beliefs and values.
They are a pragmatic people, with a philosophy to move forward, not to
dwell on the past, and a determination to improve the lives of their
children. Most of all they are warm and welcoming, and proud to show
you their homeland.
When to travel
The Climate
Weather is very often one of the determining factors when we choose to
travel. Vietnam is a diverse country, spanning several climatic zones.
With a mountainous border along much of its western and northern
frontiers, and along, unprotected coastline, the weather can vary
enormously from region to region. As a result, at any time there is
always somewhere in Vietnam where the weather is perfect.
The main seasons to consider are the southern wet/dry, and the
northern winter/summer.
From May to October, the south (Ho Chi Minh City) weathers a wet
seasoncomprising daily, heavy - but short-lived and predictable - afternoon
rain showers, which break up the otherwise hot and humid days.
Temperatures are on average in the low 30s. From November to April,
the dry season is sunny and humid, and sunscreen and hats are highly
recommended.
Weather patterns in central Vietnam (Nha Trang, Dalat, Danang, and Hue)
canvary tremendously due to the nearby Truong Son mountain range.
Nha Trang's short rainy season lasts from November to December, while
Danang may see some typhoon activity from mid October to mid December.
Dalat is cooler than the coastal regions from November through March, and
Hue often has drizzling rain from December through February. The north of
Vietnam (Hanoi) has a very distinct summer, running from May to October,
and is subject to occasional monsoons at this time. A cool winter with
temperatures in the low-teens occurs from December through March.
February and March can be damp and subject to drizzling rain ( known as
'rain dust').
Average Daily Min/Max Temperatures in degrees Celsius
|
|
|
What to know before leaving home
Clothing:
Light, comfortable clothing, with warmer clothes for the winter months
are recommended. Good walking shoes are also beneficial. Shorts are
acceptable on women however the Vietnamese are still modest and
very revealing clothing is frowned upon. Some temples and tourist sites
do not permit shorts above the knee. Dinner restaurants require only
smart/casual clothing.
Health:
An anti-gastric or upset stomach remedy is recommended as you may
be eating food your system is unused to. We recommend you seek a
medical practitioner's advice on up to date precautionary medicine. It
is not recommended that medicines be purchased inside Vietnam.
Food/Cuisine:
Bottled water is readily available and recommended at all times. Fresh
salad vegetables are best avoided unless washed yourself. Hotel dining
and the restaurants recommended by Destination Asia are considered
suitable for foreign visitors. We do not recommend purchasing food
from street stalls. That said, Vietnamese cuisine is a delight to the
senses. Rice and noodles form the basis of most dishes, which also
heavily rely on fish and chicken. Fresh vegetable are in abundant
supply (in fact, vegetarians are very well catered for) and are most
often served in a light stir-fry or in a broth, with the addition of chilli,
lemongrass, coriander or a special fish sauce (served with almost all
dishes and with a pungent aroma). Exotic fruit is both a common
dessert and excellent breakfast accompaniment. Most dishes are
designed to be shared in the middle of a table, and if you can't manage
the chopsticks, do not be afraid to ask for a more 'user-friendly' dining
utensil.
Currency:
The Vietnamese Dong is a non-convertible currency and at time of
writing trades at 15,450 to $US 1. Most shops and restaurants also
use USD freely. Credit cards are not widely accepted and travellers'
cheques can only be cashed at authorised foreign exchange outlets
and banks, and do require presentation of a passport. Small
denominations of USD cash is the most practical currency to carry.
Torn, dirty or old notes are often not accepted.
People:
The Vietnamese people are very receptive to foreigners and will
welcome you warmly. There is little evidence of animosity, however
a healthy curiosity does exist and you may find yourself frequently
engaged in conversation unexpectedly or at the centre of attention!
Safety:
Vietnam is a third world country and lavish displays of wealth only
encourage petty theft. Do not interact with 'street children' or
beggars who are often organised thieves. Do not wear large amounts
of jewellery, handbags or cameras carried carelessly over a shoulder
as passing motorbikes may easily snatch them. Being aware of your
surroundings and carrying little obvious wealth is the best defence
against theft. Do not take cyclos or walk deserted streets after dark -
use the very efficient and inexpensive taxi services. Having said that,
your personal safety is at low risk in Vietnam as violent incidents
against foreigners are extremely rare.
Film:
Camera film is widely available however always check the use-by date.
Some older x-ray machines are in use at domestic airports, and if you
are worried it is best to hand carry film.
Mobile Phones:
The Vietnamese network is compatible with most overseas networks.
Tipping:
Tipping for service is not expected in Vietnam but is most certainly
appreciated. A tip of one or two dollars for a meal or $1 to a cyclo
driver can be a substantial bonus in a country where the annual
average income is only $US300! You should tip at your own discretion
however we recommend you allow $5 per day for your driver and guide.
back to top
|
|
|
