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VIETNAM OVERVIEW
All year round,
Viet Nam
is a
wonderful tourist destination. Ha Long Bay is recognized by UNESCO as one
of the natural wonders of the world, with over 3,000 dramatic and magical
islands set in pristine water. Phong Nha Cave is one of the largest and
most beautiful caves in the world. Viet Nam has many cool mountain
villages including Sapa and Dalat; clean and unspoiled beaches can be
found the length of the country. There are hundred of historical and
cultural sites including the Hung Temple, Co Loa, the Temple of Literature
in Ha Noi, My Son Sanctuary, the ancient city of Hoi An and the Citadel at
Hue. Thousands of pagodas, temples, and churches can be found throughout
the country. Vietnamese cities and villages take pride in their
architectural jewels of traditional and colonial design. Finally, it is
very interesting to observe the distinctive traditions of the various
ethnic groups that comprise our wonderful country.
LOCATION, GEOGRAPHY & CLIMATE
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Shaped
like an elongated
s, Vietnam stretches the length of
the Indochinese Peninsula and covers a surface area of 128,000 square
miles--making it roughly the size of Italy or, in the U.S., New Mexico.
China lies to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, and the South
China Sea to the east.
Topographically, Vietnam is a verdant tapestry of soaring mountains,
fertile deltas, primeval forests inhabited by exotic fauna, sinuous
rivers, mysterious caves, otherworldly rock formations, and heavenly
waterfalls and beaches. Beyond nature, the curious and open-minded visitor
will find in Vietnam a feast of culture and history.
For
convenience, the country can be thought of as comprising three unique
areas: north, central, and south.
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The
north is known for its alpine peaks, the Red River Delta, the plains of Cao Bang and Vinh Yen, enchanting
Halong Bay, and historic Hanoi, as well as for the diversity of its ethno
linguistic minorities.
Central Vietnam, also home to many ethnic
minorities, is characterized by high temperate plateaus rich in volcanic
soil and by spectacular beaches, dunes, and lagoons. It is also the
location of the ancient imperial city of Hue. In the South, visitors
encounter modern life in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) and the
fertile alluvial delta of the Mekong River. Vietnam's territory also
encompasses a large continental shelf and thousands of archipelagic
islands.
Vietnam's
climate is as complex as its topography. Although the country lies
entirely within the tropics, its diverse range of latitude, altitude, and
weather patterns produces enormous climatic variation. North Vietnam, like
China, has two basic seasons: a cold, humid winter from November to April,
and a warm, wet summer for the remainder of the year. Summer temperatures
average around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (about 22 C), with occasional
typhoons to keep things exciting. The northern provinces of Central
Vietnam share the climate of the North, while the southern provinces share
the tropical weather of the South. South Vietnam is generally warm, the
hottest months being March through May, when temperatures rise into the
mid-90's (low-30's C). This is also the dry season in the south, followed
by the April-October monsoon season.
VISA
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Any foreigner or overseas Vietnamese who wishing to visit Vietnam must
fill out one 1 entry
visa application form.
Overseas Vietnamese born in Vietnam must enclose two 4cm by 6cm (2"x2")
photographs; all other foreigners must enclose one photograph. Enclose all
forms and photographs with the passport and the visa fee.
The pictures should be of the head and shoulders only, taken without a
hat. These pictures have to be no older than a year before the date of
filing application.
The paper works must be sent to a Vietnamese diplomatic representative
office (the embassies), or consulate general of the Socialist Republic of
Vietnam, in the most convenient country.
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* This rule may not be applied for citizens of countries with which
Vietnam has bilateral agreements for visa exemption. (Please contact the
Embassy of Vietnam for more information)
Customs
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All visitors entry Vietnam should fill in declaration forms and show
their luggage to Customs officials on request.
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Luggage, personal possessions and goods brought to Vietnam in amounts
sufficient for personal use only, and not listed among noncommercial
goods not to be imported, are exempt from tax.
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Travelers' luggage as declared at Customs offices on arrival must be
shown again at Customs when leaving Vietnam, except for articles which
have been consumed or given as gifts.
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Visitors to Vietnam can bring with them unlimited amounts of foreign
currency, objects made of gold, silver, precious metals and gemstones or
plated with silver or gold, but these must be declared in detail on
their customs forms. Travelers can change their money for Vietnamese
dong (VND) at the banks, hotels and jewelry shops throughout the
country. Foreign currency must be changed into Vietnamese dong for
shopping.
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Travelers can take with them unlimited amounts of souvenirs bought with
receipts.
TRAVEL TIP
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Money:
The currency issued by the Vietnam State Bank is the Dong (abbreviated "d"
or VND) which is used throughout the country. Bank notes in denominations
of 200d to 100,000d are presently in circulation.
The exchange rate is approximately
16,000d
= US$1 ( updated on 15 / Apr / 2006 ). At present certain travelers'
cheques such as American Express and credit cards such as Visa and
MasterCard are accepted in all most cities and major tourism regions.
Language:
Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam. Foreign language learning,
particularly English, is currently in vogue among young people in Hanoi,
Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Da Nang and other cities. Tourist guides can speak
English, French, Russian, Chinese and Japanese. |
Electric power:
Electric current in Vietnam is 220 Volts.
Water supply:
Tap water in urban areas in Vietnam is chlorinated, but it is recommended
that it should be boiled before drinking.
Postal service:
A regular international post service is available. In addition, there are
some new, special services: Express Mail Service (EMS). The domestic EMS
ensures that letters and small parcels are delivered within 24-48 hours.
International EMS has relations with almost countries world-wide, with a
delivery time ranging from 2 to 10 days. Air mail and small parcels must
however be subject to additional charges. Express money transfer is also
available.
Telecommunications:
Long-distance and international direct-dial calling is available
throughout the country. Fax machines are quickly proliferating in Vietnam;
public and registered fax machines are available in hotels, business and
public offices. Internet access is available at all hotels and Internet
cafes in larger cities.
Television and Radio:
Vietnam TV
broadcasts three channels throughout the country; satellite channels such
as CNN are available in most hotels catering to foreigners.
Voice of Vietnam
Radio broadcasts throughout the country; all provinces and cities have
their own radio stations as well.
Useful times and dates
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