GENERAL INFORMATION TO TRAVELLER TO VIETNAM

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VIETNAM OVERVIEW

Lying on the eastern part of the Indochinese peninsula, Vietnam is a strip of land shaped like the letter “S”. Vietnam has border with China to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, the EastSea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the east and south.
The country’s total length from north to south is 1,650km. Its width, stretching from east to west, is 600km at the widest point in the north, 400km in the south, and 50km at the narrowest part, in the centre, in QuangBinhProvince. The coastline is 3,260km long and the inland border is 4,510km.
Latitude: 102º 08' - 109º 28'  east
Longitude:  8º 02' - 23º 23'  north

Vietnam is also a transport junction from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.

Climate

Vietnam is located in both a tropical and a temperate zone. It is characterized by strong monsoon influences, but has a considerable amount of sun, a high rate of rainfall, and high humidity. Regions located near the tropics and in the mountainous regions are endowed with a temperate climate.

People

At present there are 54 different ethnic groups inhabiting Vietnam, in which Kinh (Viet) people make up nearly 90% of the whole population, and 53 other ethnic groups represent over 10%. 

The Vietnamese nation was formed through a process of two major ancient cultures, the Chinese and the Indian. Thus a peculiar trait of Vietnam's culture was formed. As far as anthropology is concerned the Vietnamese people have their origin in the Mongolid race, believed to be one of the major or races of the world and often found in northern and eastern Asia.

Customs of 54 ethnic groups are being displayed at EthnologyMuseum so far.

Religion and Belief:

The major religious traditions in Vietnam are Buddhism (which fuses forms of Taoism and Confusianism), Christianity (Catholicism and Protestantism), Islam, Caodaism and the Hoa Hao sect.

Buddhism:

Buddhism was first introduced to Vietnam in the 2nd century, and reached its peak in the Ly dynasty (11th century). It was then regarded as the official religion dominating court affairs. Buddhism was preached broadly among the population and it enjoyed a profound influence on people's daily life. Its influence also left marks in various areas of traditional literature and architecture. As such, many pagodas and temples were built during this time.

At the end of the 14th century, Buddhism began to show signs of decline. The ideological influence of Buddhism, however, remained very strong in social and cultural life. Presenty, over 70 percent of the population of Vietnam are either Buddhist or strongly influenced by Buddhist practices.

Catholicism:

Catholicism was introduced to Vietnam in the 17th century. At present the most densely-populated Catholic areas are Bui Chu-Phat Diem in the northern province of Ninh Binh and Ho Nai-Bien Hoa in DongNaiProvince to the South. About 10 percent of the population are considered Catholic.

Protestantism:

Protestantism was introduced to Vietnam at about the same time as Catholicism. Protestantism, however, remains an obscure religion. At present most Protestants live in the Central Highlands. There still remains a Protestant church on Hang Da Street in Hanoi. The number of Protestants living in Vietnam is estimated at 400,000.

Islam:

Islamic followers in Vietnam are primarily from the Cham ethnic minority group living in the central part of the central coast. The number of Islamic followers in Vietnam totals about 50,000.

Caodaism:

Caodaism was first introduced to the country in 1926. Settlements of the Cao Dai followers in South Vietnam are located near the Church in Tay Ninh. The number of followers of this sect is estimated at 2 million.

Hoa Hao Sect:

The Hoa Hao Sect was first introduced to Vietnam in 1939. More than 1 million Vietnamese are followers of this sect. Most of them live in the south-west of Vietnam.

Mother Worship (Tho Mau)

Researchers describe the Vietnamese mother-worship cult as a primitive religion. Mother, Me in the Vietnamese language, is pronounced Mau in Sino-­script. The mother worship cult might be originated from the cult of the Goddess in ancient ages. In the Middle Ages, the Mother was worshipped in temples and palaces. Due to the fact that it is a worshipping custom and not a religion, the Mother worshipping cult has not been organised as Buddhism and Catholicism have. As a result, the different affiliations of the cult have yet to be consistent and different places still have different customs.

The custom of Mother worship originated from the north. In the south, the religion has integrated the local goddesses such as Thien Y A Na (Hue) and Linh Son (Tay Ninh).

In fact, the Mother worship cult was influenced by other religions, mainly Taoism.

USEFUL INFORMATIONS

Customs
Entry into Vietnam can be extremely bureaucratic; lots of forms to fill in and pieces of paper to keep. Make copies and take great care of all customs forms issued on arrival, as these must be presented upon departure. If the paperwork cannot be produced, you may be fined and it all becomes very time consuming. Keep all Foreign Exchange Certificates and receipts for goods purchased in Vietnam. In order to bring items such as electronic goods, laptops and cameras into the country you must write down the details for customs - so note these before arrival to save time and paperwork. Be aware that customs officers may wish to view videotapes. Foreign currency in excess of US$3,000 must be declared on arrival and no more than VND5,000,000 can be imported/exported.

Visitors are allowed to take the following into Vietnam duty free:

• Alcohol - 1 litre of alcohol
• Tobacco- 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco

Restrictions are placed on antiques being exported from the country and current information should be confirmed with a local Vietnamese Embassy

Penalties for carrying or trafficking illegal drugs are severe, ranging from long prison sentences to the death penalty.

Time
Vietnamese time: GMT + 7

Currency
Dong (VND or d) - Check current exchange rates

Notes issued -VND50,000, VND20,000, VND10,000, VND5,000, VND2,000, VND1,000, VND500. No coins have been issued anymore. The government is trying to enforce a policy where all business transactions in Vietnam are carried out in VND. Certain establishments are officially licensed to trade in USD (some hotels, travel agents and a small number of businesses) but despite the fact that it is officially illegal for other businesses, the reality is that the dollar is widely accepted. In actual fact, paying for items in VND generally gets you a better deal than the rate given for USD.

Language
The official language is Vietnamese; however French, English, Russian and Chinese are spoken to varying degrees in different parts of the country. Some English tends to be spoken in most tourist areas and is actually now taught as the second language in Vietnamese schools - local people are often keen to practice their English.

Tipping
Tipping is not expected but definitely appreciated. Some of the more expensive restaurants add 10-15%. About USD 0.50 - USD1 is considered acceptable for a chambermaid or porter.

Banking Hours
Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 11.30 am and 1.00 pm to 4.30 pm

Telephone
The international dialling code for Vietnam is + 84
When making international telephone calls from Vietnam first dial 00 + country code + area code + telephone number

Local Telephone Codes

Electricity
Mostly 220 V AC, 50 cycles, however some places still use 110V. Be aware that the current can be uneven so appliances may not perform very reliably, even with adapters. In the south, sockets tend to be for American style flat 2 pin plugs, while the north mainly uses Russian style round 2 pin plugs.

Water
Avoid using ice cubes and stick to (sealed) bottled water, as even in the cities the chlorinated tap water still needs boiling for up to 20 minutes to kill any bacteria.

Health
There are reasonably good medical services in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh but away from these major cities, medical services can be poor and comprehensive health insurance covering evacuation is recommended. Think seriously about being inoculated against hepatitis A, polio and typhoid; consider Japanese encephalitis, pre-exposure rabies vaccination and anti-malarials. The major cities and coastal areas are considered low risk for malaria but elsewhere it is best to be vigilant. Be sure that you have decided your itinerary when discussing health requirements with your doctor prior to the trip. It is essential that you check the current situation with regard to all potential health hazards and any vaccination requirements.

International Airports

** Hanoi - Noi Bai airport

• Ho Chi Minh - Tan Son Nhat airport
• Danang airport

Domestic airport tax are included in the airfare so you don’t have to pay it at the airport

Etiquette/Dress Code
In recent years young Vietnamese have enthusiastically embraced Western fashions and culture but away from the beach revealing clothes are still considered quite shocking and disrespectful. Modest dress is recommended in Vietnam - avoid short skirts, shorts and sleeveless clothing. Dress even more respectably when visiting temples and churches ensuring that shoulders and legs are covered.

Diplomatic Missions
A number of countries have representative offices and consulates in both Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi.

Useful Sources of Information
Further information on Vietnamese culture and tourist attractions, please visit www.vietnamtourism.com

TRAVEL TIPS

Things to remember

  It's in your best interests not to drink the tap water, especially after flooding!

  Avoid cyclo ride after dark.

  Dress modestly and appropriately when visiting local dwellings and religious sites, etc.

  Leave your valuables behind before a night out on the town, or going to the beach.

  When crossing the road, especially in Ho Chi Minh city, always keep looking to the left and right and walk slowly!

  Do not offer money directly to minority people - instead donate to a local charity or offer a small gift, such as pens.

  Try at least once the delicious, local street food.

  Always ask permission first before taking photographs, especially in minority areas.

Things not to miss

  Sleeping out on deck on a boat in HalongBay

  Ordering custom-made clothes from the local tailor shop

  Taking a slow cyclo ride through the French Quarter of old Saigon

  Eating pho ga (chicken noodle soup) at a street side noodle stalls.

  Watching the traditional water - puppet performance in Hanoi.

  Experience the full moon festivities in the ancient town of Hoi An.

  Drinking rice-wine in the minority villages of the north

  Taking a boat along Hue's Huong (Perfume) River, visiting the Royal Mausoleums.

  Overnight in a homestay in the Mekong Delta's riverside orchards.

  Bartering for a bargain at Saigon's largest market, Ben Thanh Market

  Taking a stroll through Hanoi's Old Quarters.