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VIETNAM

Vietnam is gradually being discovered as one of Southeast Asia’s best kept secrets and is considered as an exciting new option for travelers as compared to its neighbors in the area. 
A land of shimmering terraced rice fields, powder-fine sandy beaches, breathtaking landscapes and modern bustling cities, Vietnam delivers one of the world’s most delicious and diverse gastronomies. Despite its history of an extended French occupation, and devastating wars, the Vietnamese are a proud people with a deep and rich cultural heritage. The country has one of the fastest growing economies in the area and is undergoing rapid change: air access has become easier than ever, roads are continuously being upgraded, hotels and resorts are springing up in destinations across the country as foreign investment increases. Not to be discounted is the Vietnamese entrepreneurial spirit which is a driving force behind this success. 
There’s an unimaginable array of things to see and experience countrywide. Starting with Hanoi in the north, renowned worldwide for being a peaceful, welcoming and inexpensive capital. On the other hand, in the south, modern day Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is on the fast track with towering skyscrapers with the hustle and bustle you’d expect to find in Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur. In between lies a tapestry of soaring mountains, fertile deltas, misty forests inhabited by exotic flora and fauna, pristine beaches, waterfalls, rock formations and caves. Vietnam has a centuries-old history and culture of ancient architectures, religions and cults, traditional festivals and an authentic way of life. Finally, Vietnam has been recognized as one of the most secure and welcoming countries on the globe.
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PLACE TO VISIT

Hanoi Lũng Cú Mèo Vạc Bản Giốc Cao Bằng Hà Giang Bắc Hà Sa Pa Lào Cai Ba Bể Lai Châu Lạng Sơn Điện Biên Phủ Móng Cái Sơn La Ha Long Bay Hải Phòng Hòa Bình Mai Châu Pù Luông Ninh Binh Nghệ An Vinh Hà Tĩnh Phong Nha - Kẻ Bàng Đồng Hới Quảng Trị Huế Đà Nẵng Hội An Mỹ Sơn Quảng Ngãi Kon Tum Pleiku Quy Nhơn Nha Trang Buôn Mê Thuột Đà Lạt Tây Ninh Củ Chi Phan Thiết Vũng Tàu Hồ Tràm Châu Đốc TP Hồ Chí Minh Vĩnh Long Mỹ Tho Trà Vinh Cần Thơ Sóc Trăng Cà Mau

Hanoi

Hanoi, formerly Thang Long, the “City of the Rising Dragon,” is one of the most picturesque, culturally rich, and has well-laid streets that it one of the world’s most attractive and interesting cities. It’s the country’s cultural heart where its thousand-year history is ever-present and takes center stage by its centuries-old but well-preserved colonial architecture. Hanoi is best known for its two main neighborhoods - the French Quarter and the Colonial Quarter which are rich in attractions. It is a capital of irresistible charm, at the meeting point of traditions and legends, dotted with lakes, tree-lined avenues, and lush parks.

💥 Best time to visit Hanoi
From Jan to May and Sept to December. These periods of time are not too hot and dry seasons. It is little bit high humidity in Feb and March but cool weather.
💥 Things to do in Hanoi
  • Don’t miss the iconic sites such as Temperature of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Imperial Catadel of Thang Long, Joseph’s Cathedral, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda “Hanoi Hilton Opera”, Museum of History and Dong Xuan wholesale market.
  • Street food tour around Hanoi to taste highlight dishes: Spring rolls, banh mi (Vietnamese baguet), pho ga, pho bo (chicken/beef noodle), bun cha (grilled pork noodle), bia hoi (Hanoi draught beer), egg-coffee and a lot more.
  • Take rickshaw (cyclo) ride around Old Streets
  • Enjoy water puppet show
  • Take nice photo with newly graduated students at Van Mieu- Quoc Tu Giam.
  • Motorbike experience in smalls streets to see the backstreets of Hanoi and Long Bien Bridge
  • Sip a drink at café to see local life along the old fashion train-track of Hanoi
  • Follow local chef to a local wet market and be her guest for a meal or cooking demonstration
  • Looking and shopping around old streets
  • Take a day excursion to explore a traditional handicraft such as Bat Trang Pottery, Conical hat making or Rice papers making villages.
💥 How to get to Hanoi
By air:
Noi Bai International Airport – one of the largest airports serves both international and internal flights. Airlines that operate flights from/to Noi Bai include Vietnam Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Tiger Airways, Thai Airways and many others.
By road: Trains: The Thong Nhat Express runs from Hanoi south to central Vietnam (Hue and Danang) then Ho Chi Minh City (over 30 hours). Moreover, there are northwest and northeast trains to China including overnight route from Hanoi to Lao Cai.
Buses: With many bus stations, Hanoi is the starting point for open tour buses running from North to South Vietnam.

Lũng Cú

Lung Cu

Mèo Vạc

Bản Giốc

Cao Bằng

Hà Giang

Bắc Hà

Sa Pa

Lào Cai

Ba Bể

Lai Châu

Lạng Sơn

Điện Biên Phủ

Móng Cái

Sơn La

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay located in the Gulf of Tonkin, just 165 km from the capital of Ha Noi is known not only as a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also one of the world's most famous natural wonders. Ha Long Bay has been featured in countless movies, travelogues, and magazines because of its rich biodiversity and exceptional scenic beauty that looks straight out of a postcard. Seen from above, the bay resembles a light blue handkerchief dotted with emerald limestone islands and islets and covers an area of over 1,500 square kilometers making for a most breathtaking and spectacular view to humble even the most jaded traveler.

💥 Best time to visit Halong Bay
From January to end of May and September to end of December.
Ha Long Bay is splendid in sunny days during summer months of June, July and August, but is period of time contains a risk of tropical typhoons. The bay will be closed and all cruise trip will be cancelled without prior notice.
💥 Things to do in Halong Bay
  • Two-days-one night cruise package brings you full experience of Ha Long Bay’s beauty.
  • A five-hour cruise trip offers you a glance of the Splendid Ha Long Bay.
  • Swimming in Halong Bay is absolutely a must-do when you are there. Halong Bay is a perfect place to swim, so pack your suitcase with a swimsuit, and just enjoy swimming in the picturesque Halong Bay.
  • Visiting floating fishing villages by rowing sampans
  • Halong Bay' breathtaking views offer its visitors a perfect opportunity to add some great shots to to their photography portfolio.
  • Don't miss the opportunity to closely explore this marvel, kayaking is one of the unique points of interest that make the bay a legend.
  • Trekking in Cat Ba National Park: see the panorama of Halong Bay from a mountain top, hear birds singing and see native medicine plants, caves where villagers sheltered in the war and beautiful butterflies.
  • Abundant fresh local seafood is another delight.
  • Be early risers to practice morning Tai Chi amid the bay
  • Night squid fishing on board
💥 How to get to Ha Long Bay
By road:
The most common way is by bus, shuttle bus or private car from Hanoi through the highway Hanoi- Hai Phong and Hai Phong- Ha Long. It takes just 150 minutes in comparing with 4 hours before!
If is convenient to get to Ha Long Bay from Hanoi international airport by road, the driving time takes only 2.5 hours via the same highways. It takes short time from Hai Phong city, just about one-hour drive. If you start from Tam Coc Ninh Binh, it takes you little bit more time, around 180 minutes only.
By air:
There are more direct flights to Van Don International Airport, which is just 50-60km from HaLong Bay harbors. Taxis and buses are available to take you from the airport to the piers.
Hai Au Seaplane (max 12 seats) is an expensive choice but it offers you stunning bird-eyed view of the majestic Ha Long Bay from above. The flight between Noi Bai airport in Hanoi and Halong bay takes 45 minutes, plus a scenic tour lasts after 15 minutes more.
Helicopter flight from Ha Noi is another option, but it is for charter service only.

Hải Phòng

Hòa Bình

Mai Châu

Pù Luông

Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, approximately 100km south of Hanoi, is a wondeful spot for many tourists who love natural beauty of mountains, rivers, caves, and hundreds of limestone cliffs scattered across swaths of lush paddy fields, that is why we call it "Halong Bay on land." Recharge yourself in its beautiful karst scenery and its lush green environment and experience a quiet, peaceful and pure rural way of living. It is absolutely an ideal trip for anyone who wants to get away from the noise of the city and live a carefree life.

💥 Best time to visit Ninh Binh
You can travel to Ninh Binh at any time in the year. However, we recommend that you should visit Ninh Binh in the summer (from the end of April to June when rice is turned from green to yellow)

💥 Things to do in Ninh Binh

  • Going on a boat trip to explore Tam Coc, Trang An, Nang valley (Thung Nang), Bich Dong Pagoda, Hoa Lu ancient capital and But Cave…

  • Treks to the top of Mua Cave nearby in the late afternoon or early morning to have a panoramic view of the river and ripe rice fields.

  • Gentle walks or bicycle rides through villages and talking to the local folks, taking photos.

  • Hiking in the Cuc Phuong National Park which features a diverse ecosystem.

  • Visit Phat Diem Cathedral with its rare and unique design and the Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia. 

  • Top dishes to try in Ninh Binh are Scorched Rice, Eel Noodle and Steamed Sticky Rice.

💥 How to get to Ninh Binh

By road: Travelling to Ninh Binh by bus is comfortable and cheap. Another transportation option is to arrange a private car from Hanoi.  

Nghệ An

Vinh

Hà Tĩnh

Phong Nha - Kẻ Bàng

Đồng Hới

Quảng Trị

Huế

Đà Nẵng

Hội An

Mỹ Sơn

Quảng Ngãi

Kon Tum

Pleiku

Quy Nhơn

Nha Trang

Buôn Mê Thuột

Đà Lạt

Tây Ninh

Củ Chi

Phan Thiết

Vũng Tàu

Hồ Tràm

Châu Đốc

TP Hồ Chí Minh

Vĩnh Long

Mỹ Tho

Trà Vinh

Cần Thơ

Sóc Trăng

Cà Mau

EXPERIENCES

HOTELS

anantara-hoi-an

ANANTARA HOI AN

VIETNAM

ANANTARA HOI AN

mgallery-hotel-de-l’oera-hanoi

MGALLERY HOTEL DE L’OERA HANOI

VIETNAM

MGALLERY HOTEL DE L’OERA HANOI

peridot-grand-hotel

PERIDOT GRAND HOTEL

VIETNAM

PERIDOT GRAND HOTEL

Useful Information

Lying on the eastern part of the Indochinese peninsula, Vietnam is a strip of land shaped like the letter “S”. China borders it to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, the East Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the east and south.
The country’s length from north to south is 1,650km (1025 mi). Its width, stretching from east to west, is 600km (373 mi) at the widest point in the north, 400km (248.5 mi) in the south, and 50km (31 mi) at the narrowest point, in the center, in Quang Binh Province. The coastline is 3,260km (2025.6 mi) long and the inland border is 4,510km (2082.3 mi).
Total area: 330,363 sq. km (205,278 sq mi)
Population: about 98 million (2021)
People: 85% Vietnamese (Kinh), 3% Ethnic Chinese, also Khmer, Cham (a remnant of the once great Indianized Champa Kingdom) and 55 ethno-linguistic groups.
Languages: Vietnamese, French, Chinese, English, Russian and a variety of Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian local dialects
Religion: Buddhism is the principal religion, but there are also sizeable Taoist, Confucian, Hoa Hao, Cao Dai, Muslim and Christian minorities.
Full country name: Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Capital city: Hanoi
Major cities: Hanoi; Ho Chi Minh City; Hai Phong; DaNang; Can Tho

visa and entry procedures

Vietnam Visa Exemptions
Visitors from the following countries may enter visa-free, and stay for the indicated number of days. The full list of countries with visa exemptions is below. To view visa exemptions for diplomatic and other passports, please visit this link. To stay beyond this number of days, you may apply for a visa extension upon your arrival in Vietnam.
Area Country Term of residence
ASIA Thailand Less than 30 days
  Malaysia Less than 30 days
  Singapore Less than 30 days
  Indonesia Less than 30 days
  Cambodia Less than 30 days
  Laos Less than 30 days
  Philipines Less than 15 days
  Myanmar Less than 15 days
  Brunei Less than 15 days
  South Korea Less than 15 days
  Japan  
     
EUROPE Russia Less than 15 days
  Sweden Less than 15 days
  Norway Less than 15 days
  Finland Less than 15 days
  Denmark Less than 15 days
  United Kingdom  
  France  
  Italy  
  Spain  
  Germany  
  Belarus  
Vietnam Electronic Visa (E-visa)

Vietnam's e-Visa is now available to nationals of 80 countries: Please follow this link for the nationals of 80 eligible countries that be able to apply for a 30-day single-entry E-visa to enter Vietnam.

How to Apply for a 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. from the date you plan to enter Vietnam.
Your temporary address in Vietnam and points of entry and exit.
Debit or credit card for payment.
Step 2: Click this link or access https://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 at this link.
Step 6: Use your document code to locate your e-Visa online. Download and print the e-Visa in two copies for extra safety.

TIP: 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.
Visa On Arrival

Those who are not eligible or failed to get an E-visa to Vietnam, or plan a multiple-entry visit or a stay over 30 days, you will want to apply for a visa on arrival. To do this you'll need:

  • A filled-out visa application form (insert link form of ACT)
  • A 4x6 passport photo with a white background and no glasses.
  • A passport valid for six months from the date you plan to enter Vietnam.
  • A Letter of Approval issued by Vietnam Immigration Department
  • Payment (25 USD to 50 USD) for visa fees for 1 single entry or multiple entry
How to apply for a visa on arrival
Asia Color Travel provides detailed and updated information on immigration procedures to travelers as well as assisting them to apply for a visa-on arrival, or an airport fast track service upon request.
We can assist you to get visa approval letter within some working days at reasonable price. Below are simple steps for you to get visa on arrival done.
Step 1. Complete the Vietnam visa online application form and pay for service fee
Fill in the secured application form with required information such as full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, date of expiration, arrival date, port of arrival. Double-check correct information. Make payment for service fee via Credit/ Debit Card via OnePay. This full online process to apply for Vietnam visa may take you less than 5 minutes.
Step 2. Get the approval letter via email
After your submission and payment, we will start processing your visa with the Vietnam Immigration Department. Within 03-04 working days, you will get your visa approval letter (also known pre-approved letter) and the entry-and-exit application form delivered to your email. You then print them out and complete the entry and exit form, prepare 2 passport-sized photos, original passport, and cash (USD) for stamping fee.
Step 3. Get visa stamped upon arrival at Vietnam airport
Upon arrival at any of Vietnam international airports, (in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Hai Phong), show your visa approval letter, completed entry, and exit form, original passport, photos and pay for stamping fee to get visa stamped on your passport by Immigration Officer.
 

transportation

By air  In recent years, air travel in Vietnam and Indochina has been much improved and convenient connections at reasonable cost are now available.
International airports: Noi Bai (in Hanoi); Tan Son Nhat (in Ho Chi Minh City); Cat Bi (in Hai Phong); Da Nang; Phu Bai (in Hue) and Cam Ranh (in Nha Trang), Phu Quoc, Van Don (Quang Ninh), Can Tho.
Long haul international inbound or outbound flights are mostly operated through Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, and a few go through Da Nang. Charter flights also direct to Nha Trang and/ or Phu Quoc island.
Other domestic airports: Dien Bien (in Dien Bien Phu); Vinh; Dong Hoi, Quy Nhon; Kon Tum; Pleiku; Buon Me Thuot; Lien Khuong (in Da Lat); Phu Yen; Tuy Hoa; Rach Gia; Sao Vang, and Con Dao Islands.
These are the main domestic airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Air, Jetstar Pacific and the newborn Vietravel Airlines.

By road In Vietnam, we drive on the right side. An International driving license is NOT valid, only Vietnamese driving license holders are allowed to drive a car.
The road network has improved but still needs to be upgraded in some areas. To cover a distance, it is reasonable to expect an average speed of 50km/hour (31 mph). On highways, the speed is up to 110km/hour (68 mph) max.
Metered taxis are widely available at reasonable prices. Local public buses are widely available but not recommended due to the language barrier while shuttle buses are recommended on travel forums or at travel desks as a safe, fast and reliable door-to-door service. We recommend that you consult with your travel agent or travel forum before booking.

By train: There is regular train service between Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City and most cities in between. Some people prefer to travel the length of the country by train. Tickets allow passengers to break up their journey at major regional cities like Hue; Da Nang; Nha Trang; Phan Thiet… The trip from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City takes 32 hours. Passengers can book a sleeping compartment, soft seat or economy class.
 

telecommunications

Vietnam’s country code is + 84.
Vietnam uses a GSM mobile phone network (GSM 900/1800) and also has a new CDMA network. You can make international phone calls and send faxes at post offices or at most hotels, although hotels often charge extra fees.

Wireless (WiFi) Internet access is available in hotels, restaurants, bars, shopping malls and airports throughout Vietnam. WiFi is free in some hotels and others will add a nominal charge. 3G and 4G internet SIM cards are easy to get on arrival at any international airport, and 5G internet SIM cards are expected to be in wide use shortly in 2021 and 2022. The most popular telecom networks in Vietnam are Viettel and Vinaphone and the third option is Mobiphone.
 

currency money exchange

Vietnam’s currency is the Vietnam Dong (VND). You will find money exchange booths in Vietnam’s airports, banks, and hotels. Many banks (open Monday to Friday) issue cash advances for Visa and MasterCard. Credit cards are widely accepted in big cities but can also be subject to 2-3% transaction fees.
You will find ATMs that accept foreign ATM cards in the major cities. ATMs only issue Vietnam Dong and the maximum withdrawal limit is 5 million VND (US$216.3).
US dollars are welcomed in most hotels and high-end restaurants, although you will need Dong for smaller shops. The exchange rate is around 23,500 VND to $1USD or 29,600 VND to €1 Euro. However, the exchange rate changes on a daily basis.
 

shopping

Vietnam is famous for its handicrafts, war souvenirs, art, antiques and gems. Markets vary from high class shopping malls and supermarkets to bustling open markets, galleries, boutiques, and street stalls.
Before going to Vietnam, you should do some research to get a general sense for local prices.
Display prices are fixed at shopping malls and outlets, but in some other cases, bargaining is a fact of life in Vietnam.
 

electricity

The electrical voltage/current in Vietnam is 220V, 50Hz. Round two-plug pins are more common although some places use flat pins or three-pronged pins. Adaptors are easily found in supermarkets if you do not have your own.
 

food & drink

Vietnamese food is considered very healthy. It is neither spicy nor oily. It has a very distinctive style, although it is also clearly influenced by Chinese and to a lesser extent, French cuisine. Draft beer and coffee are widely available at a very reasonable price.
Drinking tap water is not advisable. Bottled drinking water is widely available and inexpensive. Hotels and restaurants will use hygienic ice, however, if eating at a market or on the street, it may be best to avoid ice.
 

safety tips

Vietnam has been ranked as one of the safest countries in the world for travelers, however it always pays to be prepared.
Ostentatious displays of money, jewelry, luggage, and dress can encourage the wrong type of attention. When travelling, be aware of where your luggage is at all times- in particular your handbag, phone, camera, etc. Do not leave them unattended or hanging on the back of chairs in restaurants. Petty theft is common on crowded trains, buses, local markets, and supermarkets.
 

health and medical facilities

Covid-19 vaccine in required for all foreigners, and the vaccination proof must be showed upon arrival at all checking points. Visitors are also advised to receive inoculations against the hepatitis A and B, typhoid and tetanus.
Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City have good hospitals staffed with foreign medical personnel, however life threatening itself, but will instead enquire treatment abroad. Always, we strongly recommend taking out medical travel insurance.
 

tipping

Gratuity is a prime motivator for tour guides, as well as a major source of their income, and therefore, is commonly expected in the travel industry of Southeast Asia in general.
If you are pleased with the services provided by your tour guides and drivers, then a tip for their hard work and being away from their home will be very much appreciated. Tips are expected by hotel, boat and restaurant staff as well.
All suggested tips below are quoted in US dollars; tips can be converted and paid in local currency or in US dollars (do not use coins, personal or traveler's checks for tips). Of course, whether you tip, how much you tip, and how you tip is always at your own discretion.

WHEN TO GO & WEATHER

Vietnam's weather ranges from a familiar four-season system in the north to eternal summer in the south. Because of regional variation, there are pleasant places to visit in Vietnam throughout the year.

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