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VIETNAM TRAVEL GUIDE

Best time to visit: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec

VIETNAM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
  • Ha Noi - Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
  • Da Nang - Da Nang International Airport
  • Nha Trang - Nha Trang International Airport (NHA)
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Tan San Nhat International Airport (SGN)
  • Phu Quoc - Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC)

Vietnam Rice Terrace

WHAT TO SEE IN VIETNAM

Northen part
  • Ha Noi Old Quaters
  • Ha Long Bay
  • Ninh Binh
  • Sapa Mountain

Central part
  • Hoi An Ancient Town
  • Hue Imperial City
  • Da Nang Beach

Southern part
  • Ho Chi Minh City
  • Mekong Delta
  • Mui Ne Beach
  • Da Lat
  • Nha Trang Beach
  • Phu Quoc Island

GUIDE TO CREATE YOURSELF ITINERARY

Travel duration up to 5 days tour

If your duration in Vietnam up to 5 days, I can suggest you to visit one part of Vietnam without local flight in Vietnam.

From 6-7 days tour

I can suggest you to visit some days in Southern part and Northern part of Vietnam with the flexible flight at two main international airport hub of Vietnam (SGN and HAN). This tour can be done with 1 local flight.

From 8-15 days tour

With that tour duration, we can have chance to visit all of the major tourism destination of Vietnam from north to south or reverse. This tour can be done with 2 local flights.

From 16-30 days tour

We have chance to visit whole Vietnam with the extreme northern point of Ha Giang (border with China) and the extreme southern point of Ca Mau. This tour can be done with many local flights or by overland by car instead.

Contact me for more detail at anbui@vietventures.net Whatsapp/Viber +84908618571


FACTS ABOUT VIETNAM

English Name: Socialist Republic of Vietnam, simplified as Vietnam
Vietnamese Name: Cộng hòa Xã hội Chủ nghĩa Việt Nam
Location: the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia
Our neighbors: Cambodia, China, Laos
Area: 331.230,8 km2 (2016)
Population: 94,569,072 (2016)
Language: Vietnamese
Currency: Dong (VND)
Time Zone: GMT+7
Capital: Hanoi
Administrative subdivisions: 58 provinces and 5 municipalities
Major Nationality: Kinh
Religions: Folk or Irreligious, Buddhism, Christianity, Caodaism, Hoahaoism…

BEST TIME TO GO

Quite differently from European countries, because of the tropical basically climate, Vietnam has 2 main seasons: dry season & rainy season. From November to April (next year) is the ideal season for the traveler. The average year-round temperature is about 75oF (24oC). In addition, the dry season can also be divided into cool season from November to the next February and hot season from March to April. Tourists should protect themselves from sunburn during hot season. Try to avoid the rainy season from May to October when it rains a lot and sometimes the typhoons happen (often in the Central).

TRANSPORTATION

Vietnam transportation system is quite good in the whole. In terms of international transportation, there are a huge amount of flights from every country all over the world, especially from the Southeast Asia, and buses from neighboring countries, as well as the train from China and the ship from Cambodia. You can take the plane or the train to and from between cities of the country easily. Besides, open tour bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi has become popular among tourists. Motorbikes are common tools inside the city. Furthermore, the regular taxi and city bus will also be a good choice.

HISTORY

Vietnam has over 4000 years of history, leaving a grand resource of mystery to discover like Thien Mu Pagoda, Cu Chi Tunnels and Tomb of Tu Duc. Vietnam has gone through many period of history with the wars, especially over a thousand years been dominated by China. That’s why it is influenced profoundly by Chinese culture. There are many Chinese-style buildings like the Temple of Literature, Hue Royal Palace. Besides, the country was colonized by French, leaving a lot of French-style buildings such as Saigon Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral.

BASIC ABOUT THE VISA IN VIETNAM

As we know, Vietnam currently offers visa exemptions from 15 to 30 days for citizens of 22 countries holding valid ordinary passports and e-Visas to visitors from 46 countries. See the list below to find out if your nationality is eligible for a visa exemption. If not, you can easily apply for a visa to Vietnam either online through Vietnam's new E-Visa or in person at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.

“All nationalities traveling directly to Phu Quoc Island are allowed to stay on the island for no more than 30 days without a visa. If you're taking advantage of Phu Quoc's visa exemption you will need to show an outbound ticket on arrival in Vietnam.”

VIETNAM VISA ON ARRIVAL

If you would like to have landing visa for single / multiple entry visit or a stay of more than 30 days, you will want to apply for a visa on arrival. Our company can do Landing visa for tourist from 46 countries as E-Visa only. (Check below for the list of 46 countries available for E-Visa)

To do landing visa, you'll need:

Before travelling to Vietnam
A Letter of Approval from our Vietnam travel agency with tour booking and itinerary or Vietnamese embassy or consulate (if you are picking up your visa at the airport)

At arrival airport, present your documents to customs
A 4x6 passport photo with a white background and no glasses
A filled-out visa application form
A passport or substitute ID valid for six months from the date you plan to enter Vietnam
Payment (25 USD to 50 USD) for visa fees, and

If you are near a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, you can submit your photo, application form, passport, and visa fee in person. This website will guide you through the process.

If you are unable to reach a Vietnamese embassy, or are short on time, there are trusted services online who can provide you a valid Letter of Approval for a fee. Bring this letter and your other documents to the Visa on Arrival counter at the Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Danang airport when you land.

You will need to pay your visa stamp fee in USD or Vietnamese Dong if you are picking up your visa on arrival at the airport.

VIETNAM ELECTRONIC VISA (E-VISA)

Vietnam's new E-visa is now available to nationals of 46 countries:

Azerbaijan, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Cuba,

Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg, Myanmar,

Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Peru, Poland, Philippines, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Spain,

South Korea, Sweden, Timor Leste, Uruguay, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Venezuela.

It takes about three working days to process, costs 25 USD, and is a single-entry visa, valid for 30 days. The E-visa is accepted at eight international airports in Vietnam including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang; as well as 14 land crossings and seven seaports.

HOW TO APPLY FOR VIETNAM'S E-VISA?

Step 1: Prepare the required materials:
One 4x6 passport photo in .jpg format with a white background, without glasses
One photo in .jpg format of your passport data page
Passport valid for at least six months
Your temporary address in Vietnam and points of entry and exit
Debit or credit card for payment

Step 2: Click this link or access www.immigration.gov.vn and go to 'E-visa Issuance' then click on the link for 'Outside Vietnam foreigners'.

Step 3: Upload your .jpg images (passport data page and passport photo) and fill out the required fields on the form completely. Submit your form.

Step 4: Pay the E-visa fee of 25 USD. Copy down the document code provided.

Step 5: Within three working days you should receive news of your E-visa application via email. If not, you can also run a search for your E-visa

Step 6: Use your document code to locate your E-visa online. Download and print the E-visa in two copies for extra safety.

Travelers with an E-visa can go directly to immigration counters at their point of entry and do not need to queue at Visa on Arrival counters.

QUESTION & ANSWER ABOUT VISA TO VIETNAM

Who do not need visa when visiting Vietnam?
Tourists in following 22 countries no need visa to Vietnam if their travel is below the period of time

Countries no need visa to Vietnam for a period of time

Singapore 30 days
Malaysia 30 days
Cambodia 30 days
Laos 30 days
Thailand 30 days
Indonesia 30 days
The Philippine 21 days
Brunei 15 days
Myanmar 14 days
Korea 15 days
Japan 15 days
Russia 15 days
Norway 15 days
Denmark 15 days
Sweden 15 days
Finland 15 days
France 15 days
Germany 15 days
Spain 15 days
United Kingdom 15 days
Italy 15 days
Belarus 15 days

All tourists except from 22 countries above need to apply visa to Vietnam


How many ways to get visa to Vietnam?

There are 3 options to get visa to Vietnam
Get visa at the Vietnam Embassy in your country
Online visa from official website of Vietnam Immigration Department - available for 46 countries above
Get approval letter from travel agency for the purpose of travel with us, and then do the landing visa at customs on arrival - available for 46 countries above

How to apply online visa to Vietnam?

To apply online Visa to Vietnam, please follow this link to the official website of Vietnam Immigration Department

https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn

Online visa apply: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/en_US/web/guest/khai-thi-thuc-dien-tu/cap-thi-thuc-dien-tu

Online visa: Q&A https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/en_US/faq

Vietnam now provides applying visa online for 46 countries

click here
I heard that Vietnam has visa exemptions. Do I qualify?

Vietnam currently offers visa exemptions from 15 to 30 days for citizens of 22 countries. Find out if you qualify for a Vietnam visa exemption here.
I am an overseas Vietnamese visitor. Do I need a visa?

You will be exempt from visa requirements to enter Vietnam if you are in one of these cases below: Overseas Vietnamese and foreigners who are spouses or children of overseas Vietnamese or Vietnamese citizens. Visitors in this group are allowed to stay visa-free for up to 6 months.

Find out more informations about the visa in the link below:
Do I need a visa to visit Phu Quoc Island?

It’s depends on the numbers of day you will spend in Phu Quoc Island. In each case:

Foreigners and Vietnamese people holding foreign passports are allowed to stay in Phu Quoc Island for no more than 30 days without a visa.

Foreigners who transit via an international entry point into Vietnam (by air or sea) and then directly onwards to Phu Quoc Island can also take advantage of this 30-day visa-free policy.
Does Vietnam offer visas on arrival?

Yes, but it is given in the case of travelers holding a pre-approval visa letter. This letter can be arranged within a few days via your local embassy or a third-party travel agent before your trip.

Vietnam also offers e-visas for stays of up to 30 days to citizens of 46 countries. You can find out more about e-visas and how to apply online in this article.
How do I apply for an electronic visa?

You can read all about the e-Visa application process on this page. For a short version of how to apply for Vietnam's e-Visa online, here’s the steps below.

Documents for e-Visa application:

4x6cm digital front facing, white background photo without glasses

Scan of passport details page (passport for at least 6 months more)

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Access https://www.immigration.gov.vn and fill in required information, upload your passport data page image and photo.

Step 2: Receive your document code and pay the e-Visa fee.

Step 3: Receive your e-Visa or related information within 3 working days from the submission of application and payment.

Step 4: Use your document code to check the result and print your e-Visa.



E-VISA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I. GENERAL QUESTIONS
1. Who is eligible for an e-Visa?
Vietnam is currently launching a pilot e-Visa system for citizens from 46 countries. Click here for the list of 46 countries.

2. How long does it take to obtain an e-Visa?
An e-Visa is processed within 03 working days after the Vietnam Immigration Department receives the completed application and full e-Visa fee.

3. How long is an e-Visa valid for?
An e-Visa is single entry and valid for amaximum of 30 days.

4. What is the minimum passport expiry date required to apply for an e-Visa?
According to Vietnam Law, the visa expiry date must be at least 30 days before the passport expiry date. Therefore, an e-Visa expiry date must also be at least 30 days before the passport expiry date.

5. How can I check my e-Visa result?
To check an e-Visa result, follow these steps:
Step 1: Vist the page: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/tra-cuu-ho-so
Step 2: Provide the required information, including registration code, email and date of birth, to check and print your e-Visa result.

Note: Registration code must be saved in order to check and print e-Visa. No email will be sent regarding e-Visa results.

6. What if I have queries about my e-Visa?
Two options are available to answer queries:
Option 1: Check for more information on the FAQs page.
Option 2: Send your queries via the e-Visa Support page.

II. E-VISA APPLICATION PROCEDURES

1. How can I apply to stay in Vietnam for longer than my e-Visa permits?
After entering Vietnam by e-Visa, you can request an agency/organization/individual in Vietnam to guarantee your stay and apply on your behalf for a new visa at the Vietnam Immigration Department in accordance with Section 1, Article 16 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam.

2. Can a Vietnamese citizen invite or guarantee my stay in Vietnam and apply for an e-Visa on my behalf?
Vietnamese citizens are not allowed to guarantee a foreigner’s stay in Vietnam with e-Visa. Foreigners must apply for an e-Visa either by themselves or through a guaranteeing agency or organization in Vietnam.

3. How does an inviting or guaranteeing agency or organization apply for an e-Visa on my behalf?
Inviting or guaranteeing agencies or organizations must follow these steps:
Step 1: Apply for an account and electronic signature via Form 03 to sign in.
Step 2: Provide the required information of the foreign applicant, sign the application with the registered electronic signature and pay the e-Visa fee to complete the procedure.

III. COMPLETING THE E-VISA APPLICATION

1. What photos are required for the application?
Two photos of the applicant must be uploaded:
Portrait photo (4x6cm): Looking straight and without glasses.
Passport data page: Full page including photo, personal information and ICAO lines.
2. What if my name is too long or includes special characters?

Write your full name as it appears in the ICAO line of your passport data page.

3. Is it necessary to complete all required information in the application?
Yes. You must completeall required information to be eligible to receive an e-Visa.

IV. E-VISA FEEAND PAYMENT

1. How much is the e-Visa fee?
The current e-Visa fee is 25USD.

2. How can I make a payment for my e-Visa
Payment is made via bank account. To make a payment, follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose 1 of the 4 payment methods listed on the web page.
Step 2: Provide the required information and click “Pay” to complete the procedure.

3. If my e-Visa is refused or unused, will my payment be refunded?
No. Payments for e-Visa applicationsare non-refundable.
V. ENTRY & EXIT WITH AN E-VISA

1. Which entry & exit checkpoints allow e-Visa holders to enter and exit Vietnam?
E-Visa holders can enter and exit Vietnam through any checkpoint in 28 international checkpoints.
To check more information, visit Vietnam e-Visa website.

2. If I use my e-Visa to enter/exit Vietnam, what do I have to do at the checkpoint?
E-Visa holders must present the printed e-Visa and valid passport at the checkpoint.

3. Do I need to enter Vietnam on the exact date specified in my e-Visa application?
The validity period of your e-Visa begins from the date specified in your approved e-Visa document. You can enter Vietnam on any date within thisvalidity period.

4. Can I enter Vietnam before or after the validity period specified in my e-Visa?
No. You cannot enter Vietnam before or after the validity period specified in your e-Visa.

5. What if I want to enter Vietnam before my e-Visa validity period?
You must completea new e-Visa application. The previous e-Visa application will be cancelled once the new e-Visa is issued./.


FLIGHT

VIETNAM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
  • Ha Noi - Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
  • Da Nang - Da Nang International Airport (DAD)
  • Nha Trang - Nha Trang International Airport (NHA)
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Tan San Nhat Internaitonal Airport (SGN)
  • Phu Quoc - Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC)

Local Carrier
  • Vietnam Airlines 4* Airlines https://www.vietnamairlines.com/
  • Viet Jet Air Low cost carrier https://www.vietjetair.com
  • Jet Star Low cost carrier https://www.jetstar.com

FLIGHTS BETWEEN HO CHI MINH CITY AND HA NOI
45+ flights per day, 2h 5m duration
Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to Hanoi (HAN)

FLIGHTS BETWEEN HO CHI MINH CITY AND DA NANG
23+ flights per day, 1h 20m duration
Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to Da Nang (DAD)

FLIGHTS BETWEEN DA NANG AND HA NOI
21+ flights per day, 1h 20m duration
Da Nang (DAD) to Hanoi (HAN)

FLIGHT TICKET QUESTION AND ANSWER

Steps to book flight / train ticket with Viet Ventures?
Fill out the form of Request booking of Vietnam domestic Flight and Train
Get a quote
Free change and Send us a copy of your valid passport for payment online
Booking and payment
Ticket issued

How can I cancel or change my order?
To change or cancel your confirmed booking, you should send us an email to anbui@vietventures.net. We calculate your refund and back to you as soon as possible.

Do I need a paper ticket or receipt to get the boarding pass?
No. Your booking records will be in the airways' system when we issue your ticket. You only need to show your valid passports to to have boarding pass at the departure airport. We will email you a confirmation receipt with booking details, and you can print it out if needed.

When should I reach the airport?
Normally for domestic flight, you should be at the airport before departure around 2 hours, for international flight is 3 hours

VIETNAM PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

VIETNAM PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2020

  • New Year's Day Wed, Jan 1, 2020
  • Lunar New Year Jan 23 – 29, 2020
  • Vietnamese New Year's Eve Fri, Jan 24, 2020
  • Hùng Kings' Festival Thu, Apr 2, 2020
  • Reunification Day Thu, Apr 30, 2020
  • Labour Day Fri, May 1, 2020
  • Independence Day of Vietnam Wed, Sep 2, 2020

VIETNAM PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2021

  • New Year's Day Fri, Jan 1, 2021
  • Vietnamese New Year's Eve Thu, Feb 11, 2021
  • Lunar New Year Fri, Feb 12, 2021
  • Hùng Kings' Festival Wed, Apr 21, 2021
  • Reunification Day Fri, Apr 30, 2021
  • Labour Day Mon, May 3, 2021
  • Independence Day of Vietnam
  • Thu, Sep 2, 2021

VIETNAM PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2022

  • New Year's Day Mon, Jan 3, 2022
  • Vietnamese New Year's Eve Mon, Jan 31, 2022
  • Lunar New Year Tue, Feb 1, 2022
  • Hùng Kings' Festival Mon, Apr 11, 2022
  • Labour Day Mon, May 2, 2022
  • Reunification Day Mon, May 2, 2022
  • Independence Day of Vietnam Fri, Sep 2, 2022

TRAVEL TO VIETNAM QUESTION & ANSWER

Vietnam visa Singapore?
Tourists with Singaporean passport holder is no need visa to travel in Vietnam with 30 days

Who do not need visa when visiting Vietnam?
Tourists in following 22 countries no need visa to Vietnam if their travell is below the period of time: Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Indonesia, The Philippine, Brunei, Myanmar, Korea, Japan, Russia, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland,France, Germany, Spain, United, Kingdom, Italy, Belarus. All tourists except from 22 countries above need to apply visa to Vietnam

How many ways to get visa to Vietnam?
There are 3 options to get visa to Vietnam:
Get visa at the Vietnam Embassy in your country
Online visa from official website of Vietnam Immigration Department
Get approval letter from travel agency for the purpose of travel with us, and then do the landing visa at customs on arrival

How to apply online visa to Vietnam?
To apply online Visa to Vietnam, please follow this link to the official website of Vietnam Immigration Department

https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
Online visa apply https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/en_US/web/guest/khai-thi-thuc-dien-tu/cap-thi-thuc-dien-tu
Online visa: Q&A https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/en_US/faq
Vietnam now provides applying visa online for 46 countries click here

Is it easy to convert the USD or Euro to local money in Vietnam? Where? Should we take some local currency with us?
To be honest, USD is the best currency to bring to Vietnam. You can easily exchange the money in almost city in Vietnam. If I were you, I would prefer the bank to have a save deal!

Should/Can I have a SIM CARD in Vietnam?
If possible you should/ can buy a phone card with data in Vietnam with some local companies such as Viettel, Mobifone or Vinaphone at the info desk in the airport for the temporary period of use in Vietnam.

How to call in Vietnam and use the internet?
You can buy a tourist prepaid SIM card, it’s cheap (you can buy almost everywhere). If you take the flight to Vietnam, I would recommend you buy the SIM at the airport. Or you can use Skype, Viber, Whatsapp and Facebook for international phone calls. Internet is almost everywhere, hostel, restaurant, coffee house… (except small street restaurants)

Are there dress codes when visiting the temples or mosques in Vietnam?
Actually, the dress code is really important when visiting religious sites in Vietnam. But as you know, to visit the special site such as temple, pagoda or mosque wearing the suitable costume is a good idea for every people. In some temples or mosques, visitors need to take off shoes or put on turbans.

Is language barrier a serious problem when traveling in Vietnam?
In some case, language barrier is not much difficult to travel in Vietnam especially in the big city such as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Otherwise, taking guided tours will make your trip less trouble and well organized especially for the first-time visitors is not a bad idea.

Where to book and buy tickets for the train and bus?
You can easily buy tickets directly on train (https://dsvn.vn/) and bus stations (https://www.baolau.com). It also provides the service to buy online ticket and keep it in your mobile phone or tablet.
REMEMBER: DO NOT buy tickets in the front of train/bus station from the dealers.

What important I should take to Vietnam?
Off course it should be your passport, visa approval letter with some photos or passport with stamp visa
Some cash to exchange to Vietnamese Dong at arrival airport or hotel or local bank
Valid credit card off course
And not forget your personal medication just in case of emergency (in some remote areas it is complicated to buy something)

It is necessary to vaccinate for Vietnam?
To be honest, for your vaccination you should ask your doctor for advises. Actually, to travel to Vietnam for classic tour with the main destination of travel, it is usually not necessary for vaccination before.
Recommended preparation: mosquito repellent, sunscreen cream

How long to travel in Vietnam?
I think it’s important to know: Vietnam is a long country, the North, Center and South are different. I recommend at least 4 or 5 days for each part of this country. So, for 2 weeks, you can visit all of the best highlight of Vietnam of course it is including of 2 or 3 day relax on the beach. Otherwise, to explore more Vietnam with the beauty nature, you can have 3 or 4 weeks to travel in Vietnam

I have two weeks, what to see and where to go in Vietnam?
Everyone travels differently and wants to see something else. I would recommend you travel 2 or 3 parts with that period of time. There are 2 airport hubs of Vietnam (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City), so you can schedule your itinerary to arrival at one hubs and departure at another hubs. And about the central part of Vietnam, you can take a night train or local flight to visit it.

Where to go when I want to swim or kayaking?
Well, you can go kayaking in Ha Long Bay or other beautiful island of Vietnam like Phu Quoc Island. The Central of Vietnam is one of the top destinations for swimming in the sea such as Danang beach, Hoian beach and Nha Trang beach

What are the world heritage sites in Vietnam?
The most popular world heritage site in Vietnam is Halong Bay. The others are Hội An, Huế, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Mỹ Sơn, Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng, Citadel of Hồ Dynasty and Tràng An…

What are the perfect months with good weather everywhere?
March, April or May

What are ATM withdrawal limit in Vietnam?
It depends on the bank. The maximum normally is 5 million dong (about $200)

What do you think about keeping valuables in hotel’s room in Vietnam?
We think it’s fine. Of course it’s always a good idea to keep everything in a safe deposit boxes or at the receptionist’s desk at the hotel.

NORD OF VIETNAM QUESTION AND ANSWER

Where should I visit in the North?
Actually, in my experience, I would prefer the significant high lands in northern Vietnam. I was impressed by the beauty of nature here such as Mu Cang Chai – which has maleficent terraces. If you visit when new rice is coming up, the terraces make a beautiful mosaic of varying hues of green. I’m sure you going to love the “colorful party” of flower such as peach flower, hoa ban (in mountain areas), plum blossom,… in Ha Giang, Moc Chau, Mau Son or Sapa... Enjoy the beauty by your eyes and “taste” the perfume of flower by your nose and you will see.

What should I prepare when going to the North of Vietnam in the winter?
Although Vietnam is famous for its hot climate, if you want to try the cold here, it’s definitely in some parts of the Vietnamese northern area. It’s quite cold in the winter. If I were you, I would prepare some warm clothes. You also need to prepare the thermal paste, heating bag, backup charger…they going to remain your temperature. To all the beauty-lovers, bring a moisturizer, moisturizing lipstick with you to avoid dryness – they’re really useful.

What is the best time to go to the northern Vietnam?
Well, because of the topography here, the tourist season here is around the end of August, early September to December and after the Lunar New Year. This is the time when the Northwest, Northeast most beautiful, most pleasant, less rain, not too much sun. This is also the time of many festivals and the season of flowers such as blooming flowers, apricots, and peach flowers ... Beautiful weather also makes a greater trip. This is a great attraction for those who want to go up the mountain. Walking on the road looking at the sea, up to the sea watching clouds, floating in the scene. I’m sure there’s nothing more attractive than that.

Where can I try a real homestay in Sapa?
Yes, of course. Homestay has become more famous in Sapa now. You can stay in villages that are further away from the city. Homestays are also in the areas of Cao Bang, Mai Chau, Ha Giang, Bac Ha – mostly covered cottages for tourists. You will have chance to communicate with the local Hmong residents, live with them, experiencing the daily life in the northern.

What are the most visited places in northern Vietnam?
Well, the northern Vietnam is also famous for its hottest destinations such as ancient Hanoi, a great gift of nature Ha Long Bay, a significant Sapa, a beautiful landscape of Ninh Binh…

Where are the biggest and most beautiful rice terraces and fields?
Well, a lot of people agree that it is in Mu Cang Chai in the northern Vietnam. Then also in Sapa or Ha Giang province (eg. Hoang Su Phi). Huge rice fields you can find also in Mai Chau.

Where to buy branded and quality products in Hanoi?
In my opinion, you should try Vincom Megamall Royal City (almost all) or Trang Tien Plaza in the southern part of Hoan Kiem Lake. It is not a 100% guarantee that there is a genuine brand.

Is northern Vietnam suitable for traveling with small children?
To see the most interesting places, you would have to travel on a private car. If your child is still a baby, I think it is not suitable when you want to visit remote areas in northern Vietnam due to we often take a long walk to the local village.

What are the best beaches in northern Vietnam?
The best beaches you will find mainly in Halong Bay Area. During your cruising in Ha Long, normally we will stop at Ti Top Island in Halong Bay, there also a small nice beach in Ti Top Island. Otherwise, there is a nice beach at Lan Ha Area of Cat Ba Island, it is also closed to Ha Long Bay.

CENTRAL OF VIETNAM QUESTION AND ANSWER

What should I go in the Central of Vietnam: Đà Nẵng or Huế?

Wow! To be honest, both of them are two of the hottest destination in the Central of Vietnam. Central Vietnam is famous for its central heritage road. If you are interested in history, you’d rather visit Huế as there are quite many ancient sites. But if it is not the case, I would recommend Đà Nẵng. It has a lot of things to do. You can also visit the beautiful beaches and participate in the famous festival of firework.
How can I go to the central of Vietnam?

There are many ways to go to the Central of Vietnam. It also has the international airport in Danang city. You can also book the flight by yourself via internet. Or you can buy a package tour in which the ticket of transportation included. Otherwise, you can visit central of Vietnam via train from HCMC or Hanoi for a night train. And off course, you can get central of Vietnam via bus from nearby province.
Where to have Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in central of Vietnam?

With a big plus – a country filled with islands – Vietnam has excellent places where you can take part in Snorkeling and also scuba diving. I would recommend for you would be the Whale Island in Nha Trang – an eco-resort that is not only very beautiful but also friendly with the environment. Other place would be Cham Island, excellent places for snorkeling and scuba diving. There is some snorkeling fun to be had but coral growth is on the lower side. As long as you are okay with less coral viewing, I’m sure these places will not disappoint you.
What to do in Hoi An?

More like what isn’t there to do! Hoi An is the quintessential Vietnamese town, with colorful buildings draped with bougainvillea, cafes and stunning restaurants lining a bustling river. You can enjoy the unique feeling that you can’t find anywhere except Hội An, specially by night. You can walk or cycle through rice paddies, explore ancient temples, visit local villages, learn more about the Vietnam War, and even take a day trip to Hue, in short Hoi An is one of the main highlights of visiting Vietnam that you cannot miss!

SOUTH OF VIETNAM QUESTION AND ANSWER

How many days should be spent in Ho Chi Minh city?

If you are in the fisrt-time in HCM city, I would recommend you 1 day city tour SaiGon and 2 or 3 days tours to Mekong Delta.

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Taxi/bus from airports to cities/towns in HCM?

To share you a tip, you should ask in the information desk in the airport. It now provide car services with suitable price and also safety. That’s one of those you can trust. Or you can take the “real” taxi like Vinasun, Mailinh…which is one of the big brand here. Otherwise, you can check and book our service of private transfer from HCMC airport to the hotel in city center from here
How is the traffic here? It is safe when travelling by bike or motorbike?

Honestly, if you are the first-time visitor in HCM city, the traffic can be an unforgettable experience. Believe it or not, there are transport rules but people is always in a hurry and don't seem really interested in following them. You might be surprised with the scene that some people ride their motorbikes on the pavement rather than waiting in the traffic jam. It's a little bit crazy right. But to me – I’m living in Saigon now – this has become one part of our life, a special to normal thing in Saigon.
Where to do trekking?

Trekking seems to be more famous in the northern Vietnam. However, in the South, you can also have great feelings with trekking in Nam Cat Tien National Park (4 hours of drive from Ho chi minh city).
Where to get Vegetarians Food in HCM city?

I would recommend these restaurants:

1. Com Chay Nang Tam: 384/40, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, ward 8, Ditrict 3 (tel: 8483874)

2. Hoa Mai restaurant: Rex Hotel, 141 Nguyen Hue st., District 1 (tel: 8292185)

3. Tib restaurant: 187 Hai Ba Trung st., District 3 (tel: 8297242)
What’s the best time to visit Mekong Delta?

The Mekong Delta reveals its best during dry months from December to May when the sky is crystal clear, the land is lush and the water is calm. From June to September, it may be hot and humid but the greatest variety of tropical fruit is available only in these months.
What’s about malaria risk in Mekong delta?

Let me assure you, malaria is now under control in Vietnam and you do not need to use antimalarial medicine before heading to Mekong Delta. The mosquitos usually appear at night. You do not need to worry too much about this.
Could you suggest us a homestay in Mekong Delta?

Well, doing some homestay tourism is absolutely enjoyable and memorable. It’s a great way to share joys and also hardship of local life. Currently, we are partnering with an authentic homestay in Mekong Delta. Should you want to do it yourself, you may search around Ben Tre and Vinh Long. There are many so-called homestays in touristy Can Tho, yet most of them are actually guesthouses detached from host families, so check it out carefully before you make any settlement.
Beach break while in South Vietnam?

There is no shortage of beaches in Vietnam and definitely not in South Vietnam. If you are looking something specific, we would recommend the Mui Ne. It is about 200 km from Ho Chi Minh City. It has really picked up in terms of popularity in recent years. There are also others beach which closer to Ho Chi Minh City such as Vũng Tàu, Hồ Tràm, Hồ Cốc, Long Hải and Phuoc Hai.
Why are tours to Mekong Delta packaged tours? Can we travel on our own?

Well, actually, because traveling around islands in Mekong Delta requires using the boat. If you travel on your own, booking privately might result in higher cost not only the boat but also the homestay, meal... Moreover, the package tour offer a complimentary service with an English speaking guide (any language you want) and many stop-overs in between so that you can easily get chances to see how they manufacture coconut candy, pop rice and other handicraft products. Traveling alone might be troublesome because the local people are not really good at communicating in English. It’s absolutely better if you have a native companion with you. If you are native to Vietnamese language, you can try, though!

Vietnam Travel Agency

Hanh Trinh Viet - Viet Ventures
We are travel agency in Ho Chi Minh City since 1999, major on organizing tailor made tour for private group travel throughout Vietnam, the art photography tour and the hospitality management
Lang Truong Tho Farm Camping
Reservation minhbui@dulichhanhtrinhviet.com +84909.088.715
Photo Tour Vietnam
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