1/ How to travel to Vietnam?

2/ How to get visa to Vietnam? Vison up on arrival?

3/ What place to see in Vietnam?

4/ Taxis from airports to cities/towns

5/What is currency and how to exchange money Vietnam ? How to use Credit/Debit Cards and Where are ATMs ?

6/ How about homestay tours in Vietnam?

7/ How about boat cruise and overnigh in Halong bay ?

8/ How about the climate  and when is the best time to travel in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia?

ANSWERS

1/ How to travel to Vietnam?

*   You can enter Vietnam by air through 3 international airpors:   Noi bai airport in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho chi minh city and Danang airport in Danang city.

The following cities have direct flights to Noi Bai and Tan Son  Nhat airport:
Bangkok, Hongkong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur,  Manila, Melbourne, Moscow, Osaka, Paris,  Pusan, Seoul, Sydney, Taipei, Tokyo,  Beijing, Franfurt, Fukuoka, Guangzhou, Kaohsiung, Kunming, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Siem reap, Phnompenh
If entering through Danang airport, you can ony fly from Bangkok

In case of no direct flight from your city to Vietnam, the best way is taking a flight to Bangkok or Hong Kong and get a connecting flight on arrival. As they are two greatest hubs of Southeast Asia (many flights daily), you can depart at flexible time and have significant savings on ticket prices.

*    Enter Vietnam by sea

Travelling by scheduled Cruises , you  can enter Vietnam via some main Vietnamese seaports such as Saigon, Danang, Hue,  Nha Trang, Vung Tau and Hai Phong.
Belows are some cruises and website for your reference:

Star Cruises, Diamond Princess,Royal Viking Lines, Crystal Cruises, Leo Star Cruises

*   Enter Vietnam by Land

Vietnam has common border  with  China in the North, border with Cambodia and Laos in the West.

You can enter Vietnam from Cambodia via following border:
• Bavet (or Moc Bai- Tay Ninh)
Moc Bai Border Gate is located about 70km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City.
• Kaam Samnor (or Vinh Xuong- Chau doc)
Vinh Xuong Waterway Border Gate is 30km north of Chau Doc Town, An Giang Province. You can take the speed boat from Chau Doc to Phnompenh or vice versa daily. It departs Chau Doc around 7:30 AM and arrive in Phnompenh pier around 12:00PM. The speed boat leaves Phnompenh around 12:30 PM and arrive in Chau doc around 4:30 PM. For the route from Chau doc to Phnompenh, the visa in Cambodia is available at the border. The immigration procedure is very simple with original passport, 2 passport-sized photos and 20 USD/person. For the route from Phnompenh to Chau doc, visitors are required to get visa in Vietnam in advance in Cambodia or have visa in hand before the trip.
• Xaxia (HaTien)
Loacted 70km from Ha Tien Town, Xa Xia Border Gate connects Kampot, Cambodia.
• Phnom Den (or Tinh Bien).
 Tinh Bien Border Gate is 25km southwest of Chau Doc Town, An Giang Province. From Long Xuyen City in An Giang Province, along the highway 91, across Tinh Bien Border Gate to Cambodia.

From Laos

• Donsavanh (or Lao Bao);
From Hue transfer to Dong Ha (Quang Tri Province), along highway 9, across Lao Bao Border Gate, direct to Savannakhet (Laos).
• Keo Nua  ( Cau Treo ) Border Gate in Ha Tinh Province:
Keo Nua (Cau Treo) Border Gate is at the foot of Keo Nua Pass. Buses from Hanoi to Hong Linh Town (Ha Tinh Province), then along highway 8, direct to Vientian (Laos) by across Keo Nua Border Gate.
• Na Meo border gate in Thanh hoa province
From Vinh Loc in Thanh Hoa Province, along highway 217, across Na Meo Border Gate (Na Meo Commune, Quan Son highland district, Thanh Hoa Province) to Laos.
• Nam Can border gate in Nghe An province
From Dien Chau in Nghe An Province, along highway 7, across Nam Can Border Gate in Nam Can Commune, Ky Son District, Nghe An Province) to Laos.
• Tay Trang border gate in Dien Bien province
From Dien Bien Phu City along highway 279 about 31km, across Tay Trang Border Gate to Phong Xa Ly District, Laos.

From China

• Youyi Guan (or Huu Nghi Quan – English name is Friendship Pass);
Huu Nghi Border Gate is 17km from Lang Son City to the north, 171km from Hanoi to the northeast.
• Hekou (or Lao Cai);
Lao Cai Border Gate is in the north of Lao Cai City. From Lao Cai City, across Ho Kieu Bridge - link Lao Cai Province (Vietnam) with Yunnan Province (China) - to China.
• Dongxing (or Mong Cai).
Mong Cai Border Gate is in the northeast of Quang Ninh Province, 176km from Halong City, 327km from Hanoi. From Halong City, along the highway 18 to Mong Cai Town, and then across the Mong Cai Border Gate to China.

2/ How to get visa to Vietnam? Vison up on arrival?

Visitors  must obtain Vietnam visa  prior to entry. Only citizens of certain countries are  exempting for Vietnam Visa. A tourist visa for Vietnam  can be obtained from any Vietnam Embassy or consulate office worldwide. Visas are valid for 30 days and can be extended through our  office in Vietnam.
Getting visa to Vietnam is quite simple and easy now.

Click here to see the visa procedure to Vietnam

3/ What place to see in Vietnam?

Here is a list of sightseeing places in Vietnam , please choose what you want to see:

1. Hanoi : many museums, lakes, parks, old French buildings. On 10 Oct 2010, Hanoi will celebrate the 1,000 year anniversary
2. Sapa : mountain scenery, trekking to ethnic minority villages, BAC HA (Sunday morning market) CANCAU (Saturday morning market)
3. Mai chau – Hoa binh :Thai ethnic minority villages
4. Son la – Dien bien phu : battle field where the French troops were defeated in 1954
5. Ninh binh : rural life, caves, beautiful stone churches, Cuc Phuong national park
6. Halong Bay : the world heritage, thousands of islands
7. Babe lake :240km from Hanoi, the largest lake in north VN
8. Phong nha cave :the world heritage, near Dong Hoi, central VN
9. Hue :the old capital of VN in the 19th century, visit the Imperial Citadel, tombs, cruise along the Perfume river
10. DMZ :Vinh Moc tunnels, Ben Hai river - the place where Vietnam used to be divided into the North and the South for 21 years during American war, Khe Sanh combat base
11. Hoian  :ancient streets, the world heritage
12. My son santuary  :brick temples, the world heritage
13. Nha trang :beaches, islands, scuba diving
14. Mui ne near Phan thiet :beaches, sand dunes
15. Da lat (highlands, cool weather, waterfalls and lakes
16. Central highlands :Gia Lai - Kon Tum - Dak Lak, special culture, best coffee
17. Saigon :the most developed city, night life
18. Mekong delta :floating villages & markets, nice beach in Ha Tien
19. Cu chi tunnel :American War
20. Phu quoc island :beaches, fishing villages

4/ Taxis from airports to cities/towns

Hanoi: From Noi Bai airport to the Old Quarter (30km):
by Noi Bai taxi (tel  04 38868888): VND 300,000 (US$17)
by 16-seat mini bus of Vietnam Airlines: US$2 from the airport to Vietnam Airlines Head Office at No. 1 Quang Trung St. From there you can walk to the Old Quarter.

Hue: From Phu Bai airport to Hue city (13km)
Taxi: US$10

Hoian:  From Da Nang airport to Hoi An town (30km)
Taxi: about US$15.

Nha trang: From Cam Ranh airport to Nha Trang (about 30-40km)
Taxi: VND 200,000 (US$13) for a 4-seat taxi, VND 230,000 (US$14) for a 7-seat taxi.
Transfer from the Cam Ranh airport to Nha Trang City (and return): A service of taxi (at offficially fixed price) also exists between the Cam Ranh airport and Nha Trang city: cost is VND 170.000 (US$10) for a regular 4-seat taxi OR VND 230.000 (US$14) for a 7-seat taxi. It takes 45min for a taxi ride.

Hochiminh city : From Tan Son Nhat airport to the Backpacker area (Pham Ngu Lao St, Dist 1)
Taxi: VND 90,000 (about US$6), it takes about 25 minutes.

NOTE
Be careful with the fake taxis in the large cities as they will overcharge you. Don't take the offer from taxi drivers or touts, who want to take you to their hotels. You can easily find a taxi/bus ticket counter in the arrival hall.
You also can book in advance with your hotel for a pick up. 

5/What is currency and how to exchange money Vietnam ? How to use Credit/Debit Cards and Where are ATMs ?

Currency
Dông (VND; symbol ). Notes are in denominations of 500,000, 200,000, 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200 and 100. Coins are in denominations of 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500.
Currency Exchange
The US Dollar is the most favoured foreign currency. Australian, British, Japanese, Singaporean and Thai currency, as well as the Euro, can usually be changed in the larger cities; great difficulty may be encountered in trying to exchange any other currencies. There is a commission charge for changing money in banks.

Note : you may do an exchange US Dollar at the jewllery shops in Hanoi and Hochiminh city

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
An increasing number of outlets accept MasterCard and Visa. However, outside main towns and cities, it is wise to carry cash. There are ATMs in many major towns , but not everywhere.

ATMs are available in Hanoi , Halong bay, Dien Bien Phu, SonLa, CaoBang, LangSon , HaiPhong, Thai Binh, Thanh Hoa , Vinh, Hue, HoiAn old town, Danang , Nhatrang, CamRanh, Dalat, Kontum, Buon Ma Thuot, Hochiminh city, CanTho, ChauDoc, HaTien, CaMau.

Traveller's Cheques
These are widely accepted in hotels and banks. To avoid additional exchange ratecharges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.
Currency Restrictions
Restrictions apply.

Banking Hours
Mon-Fri 0730/0800-1130 and 1300-1600.

Exchange Rate Indicators ( July 2008 )
1 USD = 17.800 VND , 1 £ = 33.500VND , 1 € = 26.000VND
The exchange bureau are availale at the airport in Hanoi, Hochiminh city

6/ How about homestay tours in Vietnam?

You will eat, sleep and learn about living activities at residents’ homes where you come during your homestay tours. This kind of tour is for those who like discovering, experiencing and learn about customs and practice of various cultures.
You will feel like returning to nature and experience interesting things of simple life. Homestay tourism has developed in Mai Chau of Hoa Binh northern province, In the centre of Vietnam, we do offer overnight at homestay in HoiAn town or in Hue. Buon Me Thuot in the Central Highlands, Sapa, PhongTho and some provinces in the Mekong River Delta like Vinh Long, CanTho
Mai Chau, about 135 kilometres from Hanoi and about 60 kilometres from Hoa Binh town, the capital of Hoa Binh province. From Cun Mount Peak, you can have an overview of Mai Chau set in green valleys and stilted houses of ethnic minority people. The stilted houses are quite large. They are roofed with palm trees and their floors are made with bamboo. Tourists will stay at one of these houses.
In Mai Chau, you can join trekking tours around villages and exchange with ethnic minority people through festivals with traditional dances and gong music.
In the Mekong River delta, homestay tour is also one of tourists’ favourites. Now, we often choose the Mekong River delta ( Vinh Long , CanTho )to introduce to tourists.
The reason is that tourists have more information about this region and they particularly like learning about life of residents in the river region. They like travelling by boat, calling at handcraft villages, doing the garden work and making cakes with the locals.”
The Mekong River delta promises to be an attractive place for a large number of tourists in the future. Homestay tours in the river delta are suitable for tourists who do not have much time to travel.

7/ How about boat cruise and overnigh in Halong bay ?

Halong Bay cruise is always the most interesting experience that you definitely should not miss. Our boats with comfortable facilities, friendly and professional trained staffs, affordable price will  bring you unforgetable time in World heritage of Halong bay. You can take 2 days or 3 days cruises. There are many boats for your choice. Most of boats in Halong bay are wooden boat, buitl on the tradtional style, the overnight boat in Halong bay are equiped from 2 to 28 rooms with toilet inside, there is a twin or double room, all the boat have restaurant, you can order foods, drinks during your stay in Halong bay. Click here to see more details about the Halong Bay cruise

8/ How about the climate and when is the best time to travel in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia?

Laos: The rainy season is from May to October. During this time, the tropical lowlands average 30 degrees celsius, while the mountains remain cooler. The first half of the ‘dry’ season isfrom November to February; temperatures during this time range from 10 to 25 degrees celsiu s. Mornings and evenings in the north of Laos around Luang Prabang can be quite cool at this time of the year. During the second half of the ‘dry’ season - from March to June - the temperature can rise to up to 35 degrees celsius. The dry season (from November to February) is the favourite time of many travellers.

Cambodia: The most pleasant being the dry season from November to March when temperatures are slightly cooler with little rain. The hot season lasts from March to May with average temperatures from 29 to 38 degrees Celcius. The rainy season, which is both hot and humid, is from June to October (the wettest months are August to September). During this period it rains for a short time in the afternoon, temple moats are full, the scenery is greener, and there are fewer people at the temples. Many people prefer to travel at this time of the year.

Viet nam: Travelling through Vietnam, you will notice a big difference in climate between the north and the south. In the north the raining season starts in july  august, end in september.The south of Vietnam ( Ho Chi Minh City) is near the equator, so It has two season: raining and dry season. The raining season stars around: March to October and The dry season from November to April. During the raining season it rain nearly every day but just for haft an hour to one hour and then shining again.
The best time to visit Vietnam ( Also the tourist season for westerner) is between August to April when the weather tend to be good in both North and South. For more details click here

9/ My Cell phone can use in Vietnam ?

Sure! you can use your cell phone in Vietnam , and use pre-paid card to call, you buy an other pre-paid card for your callings, simcard cost 50.000, calling card 100.000VND, oversea call rate 7000VNd/minute. You can buy a Vinaphone , Mobile phone , Viettel simcard any where in Vietnam.

10/ How should I bring clothes and shoes when travelling or trekking in Vietnam ?

In Vietnam, there is a difference of climate in the norht and the south, especially in the winter. You should bring warm clothes when travelling in the north of Vietnam from November to March. In the centre ( Hoian ) and south Vietnam ( Saigon, Nhatrang, Mekong ) , the climate around 25 °C to 33°C , just need to bring summer clothes.
Annual temperature for Sa Pa town is 15.4°C, with a maximum of 29.4°C and a minimum of 1°C. The warmest months are July and August, and the coldest months are December and January. Snow falls in some years on the highest peaks.

11 / How to travel to Cambodia via mekong delta ?

The new crossing into ChauDoc (245 km from Saigon) to Phnompenh Cambodia is passable either by boat - Ticket cost around 30USD for hydrofoil, taking 4 -5 hours from 8h00Am in ChauDoc - Arrival time 13h00. You may applly visa on arrival at the border to Cambodia - cost 20USD

12/ How to crossing border to Laos ?

From Hanoi the daily bus to Vientiane , passing Cau Treo border. Takes about 20 hours and departs everyday at 7 PM..
There is a border crossing into Laos in Hatinh (Cautreo Border). You can catch the bus from HN to Ha tinh easily (340km) and then go to Cau treo border by bus (120km). From border to vientiane distance about 200km.
From Hue or Danang, you can take the bus to Xavanakhet crossing LaoBao border gate. You should have visa in advance , can not get visa at the border. Visa on arrival just available at the airport. Good trip to you.

13 / Vietnamese Food and restaurant ?

Vietnam  is the country of many unique culinary delights. The delicacies, whether popular or luxurious, made from raw materials, present their own distinctive flavours and meticulous preparations. According to the tradition, daily drinking water of the Vietnamese people is originally made from herbal plants. To make it, people boil fresh and dry leaves , buds, flowers and seeds of tea and eugenia plants, or roast rice as seen in some places.
Each region and area in Vietnam boasts its own cuisines and drinks featuring the characteristics of its culinary culture in particular and the diversity of cuisines of the country in general .

Click here to see more about Vietnamese food and restaurant

14 / Where to get Vegetarians Food ?

Vegetarian Restaurants in Hanoi

 An Lac Restaurant
Address: 15 Hang Cot St., Dist. Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi
Tel: ( 84 -4 ) 38245541
Web:

Nang Tam Restaurant
Address: 79A Tran Hung Dao St., Dist. Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi
Tel: ( 84 -4 ) 38266140
Web:

Tamarind Restaurant
Address: 80 Ma May St., Dist. Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi
Tel ( 84 -4 ) 3 9260580
Web:

Dakshin Restaurant
Address:  94 Hang Trong st., Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Tel ( 84 -4 ) 39286872

Adida Restaurant
Address: : 37 Nguyen Khac Nhu st.Hanoi
Tel: ( 84-4 ) 39272430

Vegetarian Restaurants in Ho chi minh

Com Chay Nang Tam
384/40, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, ward 8, Ditrict 3
Tel: ( 84-8 )38483874

Hoa Mai restaurant
Address: Rex Hotel, 141 Nguyen Hue st., District 1
Tel: ( 84 -4 )8292185

Tib restaurant
Address: 187 Hai Ba Trung st., District 3
Tel ( 84-8 ) 38297242

Bohi Tree Restaurant
175/4 Pham Ngu Lao St., Dist.1, HCM City
Tel: 08.3. 837 1910

Giac Duc Restaurant
 492 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St., Dist.3, HCM City
Tel: 08.3. 835 6161

Minh Tri Restaurant
40 Cach Mang Thang Tam St., Dist. 10, HCM City
Tel: 08.3. 930 2594

Thai Nhan Restaurant
491/10 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Dist. 3, HCM City
Tel: 08.3.835 8621

15/ Hoi An Tailors for Women's or Man Clothing ?

Hoi An is surely the tailoring capital of the world with about 300 little shops crammed into its narrow streets - all selling more or less the same designs made from the same material.
The clothes shops in Hoi An make tailored clothes, you get measured for whatever garment you want, or have a copy made. You can collect the item within 1 day, have a fiting and go from there.
1) They are cheap - a suit for $30 anyone
2) They are fast - from pointing out the material to an outfit in 8hrs.
3) They are good - you vaguely say what you want, they provide it that night, better than you could imagine it yourself, and perfectly fitting.

16 / What is the phone number in urgent case ?

From over see, you can call our office number at ++ 84 4 37153818 or hotline number ++84 9 04 284 484
When you are in Vietnam, you dial directly  04 3 7153818  or hotline  0904 284 484

17 / What is the everage tour cost for a package tour in Vietnam ? Are there any hidden cost or extra charges?

Our tour cost not included the flight in /out Vietnam. We just provide the landtour in Vietnam only, package tour cost normally included accomodations, tranportation, local tour guide speaking englisht or french, food, entrances fees, domestic flights or train tickets, boat trip.  Read though the inclusion, exclusion portion and you will find more specific about it.Cost is varied from 700 USD up to 3000USD, it depend on the length of stay and hotels standard. Please contact us now for free advise and plan tour in Vietnam.

18 / How can I make a booking?

Booking can be actually made on line. Once you are interested in the trip, you then can go ahead and sign up the tour by sending us by fax the completed reservation form so that we could process your booking. In case you won't find any option that matches your expectation or you want to follow your own itinerary, then do not hesitate to fill the customized trip form and forward it to us. We will work it out and tailor your trip to just what you long for

19/ What level of comfort do the trains in Vietnam provide and how safe are they?

There are five classes on Vietnamese trains: hard seat, soft seat, hard sleeper, soft sleeper and "super berths" (soft sleeper with air-con), though only the long-distance expresses offer the full range. For short journeys hard or soft seat carriages are fine, though most Vietnamese people can only afford hard seat so these carriages tend to be packed out.
For longer journeys, particularly overnight, try and get a sleeping berth. Hard sleeper consists of six bunk beds in one compartment (two tiers of three). In most cases the seats have padding and it's reasonably comfortable; the exception is the night train to Lao Cai, when you just get a hard wooden bunk and a mat to sleep on. Prices for the bottom bunk are highest and the top bunk is the cheapest, partly because you have to climb up and also because there's very little space between the bunk and the ceiling. Soft sleeper compartments have four bunks (two tiers of two) which are all priced the same. Note that sleeping berths get booked up well in advance, so it's best to make your reservation as early as possible.
Meals are provided on longer journeys, though you may prefer to take your own supply of snacks, fruit and bottled water. You can supplement these when vendors come on the trains at stations to hawk their wares.
As far as safety goes, in my experience (as a female travelling alone) the trains in Vietnam are fine. However, theft is becoming more of a problem on some routes, particularly the night trains from Hanoi north to Lao Cai. It's wise to ensure your luggage is locked and safely stowed away, don't leave anything lying near an open window and always carry your valuables with you. In the sleeping carriages the bottom seats lift up and you can put your bags underneath, so these berths are quite a good idea. The only downside is that everyone will be sitting on them during the day - which means you can't stretch out if you want a nap. The top berths have access to a useful storage space above the door.

20/ What about travel insurance?

Travel insurance is compulsory for any participant. It is advised that all travelers should have travel insurance covered before your departure. This will be really helpful in case of medical emergency evacuation. It is with go safe. The travel insurance will cover against  Hospital and Medical expenses, the cover  relates to expenses as a  consequence of accidents occurring to the bearer during the period of  Insurance and/or unforeseen illnesses which arise during that period as well.

21/ What can I do if I’ve lost the passport?

- The foreigner losing his/her passport will send a claim for loss of passport to the local police in the area where he/she has lost the passport or to the place where he/she has registered for temporary residence. The application must state the name, nationality, passport number, date and place of issue, and the issuing agency. The local police will certify the claim.
- The passport loser will contact the consulate-general to obtain a pass, a travel permit or a new passport.
- The consulate-general will send a note announcing the cancellation of the lost passport and requesting Vietnamese authorities to issue an exit visa for the loser.
- The HCM City Department of Foreign Affairs will forward the note to the Ministry of Public Security’s Immigration Control Department announcing the cancellation of the lost passport, and request the issue of an exit visa for the loser.
- The loser will submit an application (including the note of the consulate-general, the request of the Department of Foreign Affairs, the claim of loss of passport certified by the local police and the travel permit) to the Immigration Control Department, attached with a declaration as per form stipulated by the Ministry of Public Security.
- The Immigration Control Department will consider the application.
- In case there is no representative consular agency in HCM City, the loser must apply for a pass or a passport at the embassy in Hanoi. If there is no diplomatic agency of his/her country in Vietnam, the loser must contact the diplomatic agency of his/her country in a third country to apply for the above papers.