Visit Vietnam - The Land of Timeless Charm

General Information

- Capital: Hanoi
- Area: 331,212 km²
- Population: Approx. 99 million
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND) (~0.000038 EUR)
- Languages: Vietnamese (English widely spoken in tourist areas)

Visa Requirements

All visitors to Vietnam must:
- Hold a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
- Have an onward or return ticket.
- Show proof of sufficient funds for the stay.
- Apply for an E-Visa, Visa on Arrival, or obtain a visa from an embassy (depending on nationality).

Visa-Free Entry for Citizens of:

ASEAN Countries (Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, etc.) and some European & Asian countries (Check latest updates before travel).

About Vietnam

Vietnam is a country rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
From the bustling cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the tranquil rice paddies and stunning coastline, Vietnam offers diverse experiences for all travelers.

Climate

Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate, with three distinct regions:
- North (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay): Cooler winters, hot summers.
- Central (Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue): Hot and dry seasons with occasional typhoons.
- South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta): Hot and humid year-round.

Main Attractions

- Ha Long Bay – UNESCO-listed bay with limestone karsts and emerald waters.
- Hanoi Old Quarter – Bustling streets filled with history and street food.
- Hoi An Ancient Town – Well-preserved trading port with lantern-lit streets.
- Da Nang & My Khe Beach – Beautiful coastline with modern resorts.
- Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park – Stunning caves and jungle treks.
- Hue Imperial City – Historical site of Vietnam’s ancient capital.
- Nha Trang – Popular coastal city with pristine beaches.
- Ho Chi Minh City – Vibrant metropolis with French colonial landmarks.
- Mekong Delta – Floating markets and traditional villages.
- Sapa & Fansipan Mountain – Trekking and ethnic minority villages.

Transportation

Vietnam has a variety of transportation options:
- Domestic Flights – Best for long-distance travel (Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, Bamboo Airways).
- Trains – Scenic but slow, best for overnight journeys.
- Buses – Affordable but can be time-consuming.
- Scooter Rental – Most common for short distances, but requires experience.
- Ride-Hailing Apps – Grab and Gojek are widely available.

Must-Try Food & Drinks

Food:
- Pho – Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup.
- Banh Mi – French-inspired Vietnamese sandwich.
- Bun Cha – Grilled pork served with noodles and fresh herbs.
- Cao Lau – Hoi An’s signature noodle dish.
- Goi Cuon – Fresh spring rolls with shrimp and herbs.
- Com Tam – Broken rice with grilled pork.

Desserts:
- Che – Sweet dessert soups with beans, jellies, and coconut milk.
- Banh Flan – Vietnamese caramel flan.
- Sinh To – Fresh fruit smoothies.

Drinks:
- Ca Phe Trung – Famous Vietnamese egg coffee.
- Ca Phe Sua Da – Strong iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk.
- Nuoc Mia – Fresh sugarcane juice.
- Bia Hoi – Fresh draft beer, popular in Hanoi.
- Ruou Nep – Traditional rice wine.

Travel Tips for Vietnam

1. Entry & Visa: Check visa requirements and apply for an E-Visa in advance.
2. Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-April) and Autumn (September-November) for mild weather.
3. Transportation: Use domestic flights for long distances, Grab for local rides.
4. Local Etiquette: Remove shoes when entering homes, dress modestly in temples.
5. Money: ATMs are widely available; cash is preferred in rural areas.
6. Food: Try Pho, Banh Mi, and Egg Coffee.
7. Shopping: Visit Ben Thanh Market, Hanoi Night Market, and Hoi An Tailor Shops.
8. Safety: Be cautious of traffic and motorbikes when crossing streets.
9. What to Avoid: Be wary of tourist scams; negotiate prices in markets.
10. Cultural Experiences: Watch a Water Puppet Show, take a Mekong Delta boat tour, and explore ethnic minority villages.

Summary

Vietnam offers a mix of breathtaking natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and mouth-watering cuisine.
Whether you are exploring ancient towns, enjoying the beaches, or trekking in the mountains, Vietnam promises unforgettable experiences.