Vietnamese (official), Chinese, English, and French.
Religion
Buddhism, Taoism, and Catholic.
Climate
North Vietnam has Southern Mediterranean type climate. South Vietnam
has a tropical monsoon climate.
Local Time
GMT +7
Currency
Vietnamese Dong in denominations of 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000,
10,000, 20,000 and 50,000 banknotes. There are no coins in use.
Exchange
Travellers cheques are accepted at most banks. Hotels sometimes
charge a commission. Cash dollars in good condition are accepted
in many places, so small denominations are useful to carry. The
exchange rate can fluctuate considerably. Remaining Vietnamese currency
can be exchanged for US dollars at the exchange bureau at the airport.
Credit Cards
Most major hotels and big restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi
accept Visa and MasterCard.
Business Hours
Most shops, banks and businesses open from 8am to 4 or 5pm 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 a good restaurant may equal a day's wages.
Nightlife
There are numerous discos and karaoke bars. As in most places,
it is preferable to explore in the company of a long-term resident,
to avoid the traditional rip-offs.
Electricity supply
220V, 50Hz / 110V, 50Hz
Photography
Print film is widely sold, but risks having been badly stored,
so best buy from reputable photo dealers rather than street vendors.
Slide film is available only in large cities. Photo-processing shops
are everywhere with one hour processing facilities.
Tourist Information
Vietnam Airlines-Hanoi: (84-4) 8253824; Ho Chi Minh City: (84-8)
8292118; Bangkok: (66-2) 6569056-8; Phnom Penh: (855-23) 424426;
Vientiane: (856-21) 216761
Vietnam National Administration of Tourism-Tel: (84-4) 8261061;
Fax: (84-4) 8261115
Great Hotel Deals in Vietnam
Park Hyatt Hotel: From US$ 264 - Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam Park Hyatt Saigon is centrally located at Lam Son Square, near the elegant Opera House in downtown Saigon and within walking distance to businesses, shopping, entertainment and...
Chau Long Hotel: From US$ 61 - Sapa, Vietnam Sapa is located in one of the most beautiful and unspoiled locations of the Northern Vietnam, 380 km Northwest of Hanoi, among the Hoang Lien mountain range, just near the...
Asia Paradise Hotel: From US$ 38 - Nha Trang, Vietnam A few steps away from a white sandy beach. Within walking distant of beaches, bar and favorite hang -out places. In the heart of this vibrant, beautiful and charming city is...
