Vietnam

When to Go

Climate Description
Unlike most other countries of a similar size, Vietnam extends across two climatic zones, with a moderate climate in the North, and a tropical climate in the South.
Covering two different climatic zones, Vietnam has a moderate northern zone, with winter from November to April, and summer from May to October, and a tropical southern zone, with the climate much like the rest of Southeast Asia.
The south's cool, dry season is from November to January, the hot dry season from February to April or May, and the rainy season from May or June to October. Vietnam is occasionally affected by typhoons during the rainy season.

Temperature & Rainfall Chart

Average Temperature in Saigon - SOUTH (°C)
january	february	march	april	may	june	july	august	september	october	november	december
+27	+28	+29	+30	+29	+29	+28	+28	+27	+27	+27	+27

Average Precipation in Saigon - SOUTH(mm)
january	february	march	april	may	june	july	august	september	october	november	december
15	4	13	42	221	331	314	268	334	268	114	56

Top Attractions
Top Attractions & Touring Routes
Many tourists who fly into Vietnam for the first time are simply amazed as they don't quite know what to expect. Vietnam is a country has something for everyone. If you are a nature buff then, with either the country's beaches, mountains, tropical forests and even a Sahara-like desert - Mui Ne - this is the place to be.
If you are a history and culture enthusiast, you will be fascinated by all the ruins and pagodas located around the country. Or if you hunger for the charms of a simple life, you will fall in love with the Vietnamese lifestyle including the hill-tribes and farmers of the north and the fishermen in the middle and southern regions of the country.

One Pillar Pagoda
First constructed in 1049 and built on a single stone pilar just over a metre in diameter.
Hoan Kiem Lake
This large lake is located in the centre of the Hanoi city, with a small pagoda in the middle. It is enjoyed by residents and tourists alike as a place for relaxation and recreation.
Cholon (Chinatown)
The district of Cholon comprises Ho Chi Minh's Chinatown.
Ben Thanh Market
The original Ben Thanh Market was built in 1859 but was destroyed and was rebuilt at its current location at Cong Truong Dien Hong in 1899. For anyone on a tour of Ho Chi Minh City this is an essential stop for souvenirs.
Za Loi Pagoda
This pagoda, the largest in Saigon, was built in 1956 to contain fragments of bone from The Buddha - Xa Loi means "sacred bones".
Cu Chi Tunnels
About one hour's drive from Ho Chi Minh City, this extraordinary underground maze has several levels of tunnels totaling almost 250 kilometres in length. The soil above is between 3 and 4 metres thick, allowing a 50-ton tank to pass overhead without causing the tunnels to collapse. The network had accommodation, meeting rooms, mess halls, hospitals, an operating theatre.
The Sand Dunes of Mui Ne
The Sand Dunes of Mui Ne are the most important tourist attraction apart from the beaches of Mui Ne and Phan Thiet. The massive dunes range in colour from gold to white.
Marble Mountains
25 km north of Hoi An, the Marble Mountains comprese five majestic granite peaks.
Waterfalls
Suoi Tranh waterfall is around 7 km east of Duong Dong. There are many rock pools in which to take a dip.
Activities
General Activities
Splash out with Mua Roi Nuoc or Water Puppets in Hanoi
Some visitors claim that you haven't seen north Vietnam unless you have been to see a water puppets show and Hanoi is the best place to see one.
Water parks in Ho Chi Minh
There are several water parks in and around Ho Chi Minh City including Dam Sen Water Park.
Cooking courses
Vietnamese food was one of the forst true 'fusion' cuisines in the world, thanks to the history of the area, with its Indian, Chinese, French, Russian and American influences.
Massage & Spa
Increasing numbers of high-end luxury spas are opening up in Vietnam. The therapists have good knowledge of massage and other treatments, mixing eastern philosophy, knowledge and techniques with some western practices.
Kiteboarding & Windsurfing
Mui Ne beach is great for kiteboarding and windsurfing.
Snorkelling
Phu Quoc's crystal clear waters offers some of Vietnam's best snorkelling.
Scuba diving
There are over 135 species of coral and 202 species of fish here.
Golf
Mui Ne and Phan Thiet are becoming a hot spot for golfers.

Major Events Calendar
In March
Hai Ba Trung Day
On the 6th day of the 2nd lunar month the revolt of the Trung Sisters against the Chinese in 40 AD is celebrated.
Holiday of the Dead (Thanh Minh)
Homage is paid to deceased ancestors and relatives by making solemn visits to graves, with offerings of food, flowers, and incense. The graves are normally cleaned and tidied a few days prior.
In April
Liberation Day of South Vietnam
The 30th of April marks the fall of Saigon in 1975, and the final victory of the North Vietnamese Army.
In May
Summer Solstice Day (Doan Ngu)
Celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth moon when offerings are made to the spirit world and to ward off pestilence and disease.
In August
Mid-Autumn or Children's Moon Festival (Tet-Trung-Thu)
The essence of Tet-Trung-Thu - celebrated on the 15th day of the eight lunar month - is to promote education, culture, music, sports, arts and crafts, and poetry. Beginning at noon and ending at midnight, the festival includes folklore displays, children's games, lantern processions, performing shows, dances, martial arts demonstrations, arts and crafts exhibitions, food and drink booths, multicultural performances, essays, drawing and coloring contests. Delicacies include moon cakes, sticky rice, fruits and various sweets.
Day of All Wandering Souls (Trung Nguyen)
The spirits of the dead are believed to frequent the residence of their offspring on this day. Food is offered on house altars for the souls of the deceased, and fake paper money is burnt in their honour. There are also celebrations in Buddhist temples.
General
Official Name & Formation date
Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Formation date: 1054.
French annexation: 1853 to 1883.
Independence from France: September 2, 1945.

Flag

Capital and major cities
Capital city - Hanoi
Major cities - Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City

Geographical location
Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin and South China Sea, alongside China, Laos and Cambodia

Languages
Vietnamese (official)
English, French, Chinese, Khmer; mountain area languages: Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian

Currency
Vietnamese Dong (VND) in denominations of 500 000, 200 000, 100 000, 50 000, 20 000, 10 000 banknotes.
Coins include VND 5 000, 2 000, 1 000, 500 and 200.

Communication
Calling code: +84

Time zone
+4 hours

Public holidays
January 01: Western New Year's Day
February 03: Founding Day of the Communist Party of Vietnam
April 30: Liberation Day of South Vietnam and Saigon
May 01: Labour Day
May 19: Ho Chi Minh's birthday
May 28: Holiday in commemoration of the birth, the enlightenment and the death of the Buddha
September 02: National Holiday
September 03: Day to commemorate the death of Ho Chi Minh in 1969
November: Birthday of Confucius; moveable holiday, as it depends on the moon calendar
Useful Information
Food & Drink
Vietnamese food is becoming more and more appreciated all over the globe. There are Vietnamese restaurants throughout Europe and the US or wherever Vietnamese immigrants have settled. Their cuisine is considered one of the world's healthier diets, mainly because of the minimal use of oil, less meat and lots of fresh vegetables. Vietnamese food contains influence from several different cultures including Indian, Chinese, French and American. As a result many see Vietnamese cuisine as original and unpretentious fusion food.
Banh Mi Thit
The Vietnamese equivalent of a "submarine" - a Vietnamese baguette stuffed with any of a wide variety of fillings including ham, cheese, canned sardines, Vietnamese bologna and pickled carrot.
Pho
Beef noodle soup with spring onion and herbs.
Com ga rau thom
Rice with chicken and mint.
Goi Cuon
The famous Vietnamese "summer rolls": shrimp or pork with herbs, rolled up in rice paper and served cold with a peanut dipping sauce.
Bo kho
Beef-and-vegetable stew, usually accompanied by baguettes.
Ga nuong sa
Grilled chicken or beef with lemon grass.
Che
For desserts, try Che, a pudding made from sticky rice and beans.

Health Issues
Tap water should be avoided, even if it is marked as 'filtered and sterilised'. Drink bottled water with the seal intact.
Avoid having ice put in your drinks, except in large international hotels where it is usually safe.
No vaccinations required.

Emergency phones
Police - 113
Fire Brigade - 114
Ambulance - 115

Driver's License
Drives on the right

Electricity & Mains
220 V, 50Hz / 110 V, 50 Hz

Banking & Shopping Hours
Most shops, banks and businesses open from 8:00 to 16:00 or 17:00 with a 1-2 hour lunch break.

Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Vietnam, but is appreciated. A 5-10% tip for a meal in good restaurant may equal a day's wages.

Country Info

Vietnam

When to Go

Top Attractions

Activities

General

Useful Information

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