In the shape of a dragon, Vietnam stretches over 1600km between the Golf of Tonkin and the Golf of Thailand, offering to visitors a vision of a country and population united regardless.
From the North (Tonkin) to South (Cochinchine), passing through the center (Annam), come and discover the natural richness and culture of Vietnam.
Dive into a total change of scenery by visiting Hanoi, the reunified capital ; Halong Bay, classed by Unesco as a world heritage ; Hue, the ancient imperial city ; the pristine beaches of Nha Trang and the Island of Phu Quoc; Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the hustle and bustle of Vietnam’s economic central hub; and the Mekong Delta, the root of the country’s agriculture.
You will be succumbed to charm and mysteries of this beautiful country. Come and discover the hospitality and simplicity of the Vietnamese people and culture.
Once discovered, you will only want to come back for more.
Do you feel like a tour from HCMC to Hanoi, passing through Hue ? An unforgettable beach get-away at Phan Thiet? Or a discovery of Mekong Delta ? Then reserve your journey online or contact us.
Together, let’s realise your dreams !
Before departure, please find these information about the country.
Identity card of Vietnam :
Official name: Socialist republic of Vietnam
Population: approximately 83 million inhabitants
Surface: 330.000 km2
Capital: Hanoi
Principal cities: Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Can Tho
Edge Tho Languages: Vietnamese, Chinese, mountain ethnic groups dialects (cham, Khmer, thai)
Currency: the dong. 1 EUR = approximately 22.000 dongs
1 USD = approximately 16.000 dongs
Formalities :
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of departure. You can apply for a visa at the French Embassy which can be found at the following address :
62 rue Boileau
75016 Paris
tel : (0033) 1 44 14 64 00
fax : (0033)1 45 24 39 48
Time Difference :
5 hours ahead during Spring/Summer. Given it’s mid-day in France, it’s 5pm in Vietnam
6 hours ahead during Autumn/Winter. Given it’s mid-day in France, it’s 6pm in Vietnam
Health :
It is not compulsory to be vaccinated before your departure. However, it is recommended to take precautionary measures against the following : typhoide, hepatites A, B, and DT-Polio.A malaria treatment is necessary only if you will be travelling around more rural and mountainous areas.
Do not drink water from the tap.
Wash thouroughly and peel all fruits and vegetables before eating
Money :
The following are the available note denominators available in Vitnamese currency called Dong : 500,000 dongs, 100,000 dongs etc….
Coins of 5000, 2000 etc….are also available
Credit cards are accepted in the larger cities and in the main tourist sites. It recommended to check the exchange rate at your bank before your departure. You will find ATM machines in the larger cities such as HCMC and Hanoi.
Transport :
For longer distance travel from the North, Centre and South, the national airline company Vietnam Airlines have domestic flights available.
It is also possible to rent airconditioned cars or mini-vans. The ferry is another mode transport more or less comfortable but may be somewhat slower. One has to count more or less 36 hours to travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.
Renting a motorbike or bicycle is the best way to discover the city. If you are less keen with the idea of renting these, then why not hop on the back of a Xe Om (motorbike taxi). Always negotiate the price before hand.
Taxi is another good way of getting around. The price is shown on the meter in dongs. Most taxis are airconditioned. In the big cities, you have the choice between various private companies.
When to go :
Situated between the Cancer and Equator tropics, Vietnam’s climate is one whic is hot and humid. There is no Summer or Winter. The principal distinction is that of the raing season which starts in April and ends in October. In any case, there are regional differences (North, Central, and South).
In the North region, the best time is during April and October. The temperature can go down to 15 °C during the day during the winter months (Dec-Feb). For the Central region, the best time starts in Feb and ends in May. For the South region, the best time starts from Nov-April which is the dry season.
The raining season generally starts end of May. The climate becomes more pleasant and cooling after the rain falls.
Internet :
There are an extensive amount of cybercafes which can be found in HCMC and Hanoi. You will have no problems in finding one. The prices are relatively cheap, with an average costing of 1000 dongs per minute which equals to 0.05Euros more or less.
Clothes :
Travel light as it’s useless to travel with an extensive wardrobe. During Spring/Summer, you only really need light cotton clothing. If you are visiting the North during winter and the mountainous regions, it is necessary to bring warmer type clothing (jumpers, trousers and jackets).
Note that in the bigger cities, you can buy clothing according to your needs at rather reasonable prices.
Electricity :
The electric current is generally 220 volts. In general, the plugs are equivalant to that of Europe. However, it is recommended to bring along an adapter just in case.
