General information

Located on the eastern coast of the South-East Asian Indochinese Peninsula, Vietnam shares borders with Cambodia and Laos to the West and China to the North while bordering the China Sea to the East. The total coastline and borders stretch 2,500 Km. An estimated 66% of the total area is dominated by the rugged, heavily forested terrain of the Truong Son Range stretching North-South between the intensively cultivated and densely populated Red River (North) and Mekong River (South) deltas.

The capital of Vietnam is Hanoi but the largest city is Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), which is the cultural and economic hub of the country and the biggest port in Vietnam. The inland area comprises 330,991 km and the country has an estimated 82.2 million inhabitants, whose dominant religion is Buddhism.

Currency

The official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND), although US dollars are generally accepted. The exchange rate is US$ 1 = 16000 VND.
Traveler’s cheques can be cashed only at major banks.
Visa and Master Cards are now accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops in Vietnam’s main cities. Cash advances are available with your credit card from ATM’s in the main cities or from foreign exchange offices.

Climate

Owing to its long shape bordering the South China Sea, Vietnam has diversified weather and climate conditions so visitors can enjoy the country year round without climatic disadvantages.

Cooking

Traditional Vietnamese cuisine boasts over 500 specialties varying from the world famous spring rolls and much adored pho to tamarind crab. Meals are generally not spicy while making use of a wide array of interesting sauces. For vegetarians, Vietnam offers a unique Buddhist-style fare created from combinations of an unending selection of vegetables and tofu. Beyond the delights of the street stalls and culinary wonders of Vietnam, main cities now offer an increasing large selection of international style restaurants.

Shopping

Although still a developing country, Vietnam boasts a variety of desirable goods and merchandise. From high-tech electronics to local handicraft products (lacquer ware, painting, silk, wood and stone art works…), main cities have an abundance of small shops, and shopping centers are even beginning to appear on the social and cultural radar. Therefore if you plan on enjoying the many shopping pleasures in Vietnam be advised to travel light.
In larger stores and commercial areas prices displayed are usually fixed, but in other cases bargaining is a pleasant fact of life in Vietnam!

Transportation

There are three international airports in Vietnam: Noi Bai in Hanoi located 45 minutes from the town centre, Danang in Central Vietnam, 4 km from the heart of town, and Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City located 20 minutes from the town centre.
By train, the trip from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is approximately 32 hours. Train travel in Vietnam ranges from the economical to the quite comfortable with carriages featuring soft sleepers and air-conditioning. Train travel provides an exciting yet comfortable way to see Vietnam. Sightseeing by helicopter is becoming increasingly popular with safe flights conducted by fully trained and certified pilots.

Visa

Prior to arrival in Vietnam you must ensure that your passport will be valid for at least 6 months after your return date.
Visas can be acquired directly from Vietnamese Embassies and Consulates abroad or through Mystical Indochina Travel.

In order for us to procure your visa, simply provide us with the following details: Full name, date and place of birth, citizenship, occupation, passport number, date and place of issue, expiration date, and date and port of entry into Vietnam.
We will forward these particulars to Vietnam immigration, which will in turn issue and send by telex an approval letter to the relevant embassy.

We will send you a copy of the approval letter which you will bring or send to the embassy in your area together with your passport, 2 passport photos and two fully completed application forms for visa issuance.

Before going

If you are traveling in the north or center of the country from October to April warm clothing is recommended and is appropriate year round in the northern and highlands areas (Sapa, Buon Me Thuot and Dalat).

In the south with its hot climate light clothing is a recommended year round. While the south has a rainy season, it is simply hot AND wet. Although you can find assorted products in Vietnam, we recommend that you bring mosquito repellent and sun screen, a cap or hat, sunglasses, a raincoat and a small bag to carry light things in case you have to leave your large suitcases at the hotel for a few days.

Finally, Vietnam is considered a safe country but we recommend you leave your gold jewelry at home.