|
|
 |
 |
 |
Asia Voyage - Information |
|
|
General information
Passport:
Vietnam Immigration Authorities require that your passport must be valid for at least six months during the duration of your stay.
Visa:
Visa is required for all nationalities except for citizens visiting from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines.
Entry visa are issued by Vietnamese Embassies or Consulates abroad within 5 working days, or on arrival, upon prior arrangement with agent and can be issued at the airport.
Details required for Visa Application: Name in full, Date of birth, Gender, Nationality, Occupation, Passport number, Passport expiry date, The Vietnam Embassy from which your approval can be collected.
As the sponsoring agency, we will inform you of your visa approval by return fax / Email. You may then collect it from the nominated Embassy. / Urgent Visa cases can be catered for if requested
Arrival:
After disembarking from your plane in Vietnam, you must clear Immigration by completing an Entry/Exit Form; submit it together with your passport and visa to the immigration officials. The exit section (Yellow section) will be given to you and this must be kept for presentation upon departure. Do not loose this form.
Currency, Credit Cards and Tipping:
The local currency is Dong. The exchange rate is approximately US$ 1=VND 16.000 (-subject to fluctuations). The following foreign currencies can be exchanged at most banks or exchange bureaus: GBP, USD, FRF, JPY, EUR.
Major international credit cards are widely accepted in hotel, restaurant but the service charged may be applied at 2.75% for Visa & Master., 4% for AMEX.
Tipping is greatly appreciated. As a guideline:
History and Location:
Viet Nam has a history of 4.000 years with many ups and downs. In the 2 BC, China invaded Viet Nam beginning 1.000 years of domination. In 938, the first independence feudal dynasty of Viet Nam was established. In 1858, French colonial attacked Viet Nam, opening a colonial period 100 years. On 2 Sep 1945, Prescience Ho Chi Minh declares Viet nam’s Independence. But in 1956, Viet Nam was attacked by American. On 30 Apr 1975, Viet Nam has independence and develops until now.
Culture:
The Culture of Vietnam which is the agricultural civilization based on wet rice cultivating is one of the oldest of such in the Asia Pacific region. In terms of prehistory, most Vietnamese historians consider the ancient Dong Son culture to be one of the defining aspects of early Vietnamese civilization. During its development, Viet nam accepted more Western Culture. Until now,
There are a lot of historical sides.
Language:
Viet Nam has spoken and written language Vietnamese. Now most of people can speak English.
Ethnicity and religion:
Viet Nam has 54 ethnic groups. The Viet ( Kinh ) occupied 80% of the population. The main region is Buddhism, Catholics... .Apart from , it includes Cao Dai, Hoa Hao…
National Holiday:
The most important is the Tet holiday or called Tet Nguyen Dan, the traditional day of Lunar New Year: from 1, 2 and 3 Lunar New Year.
10 – 3(Lunar calendar): Hung Vuong Temple Festival.
30 – 4: Liberation day of the South of Viet Nam and National reunification.
1 – 5: International Work’s day
2 – 9: National Day.
Means of transport:
- In the city:
Buses: always available in the big city as Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh.
Taxi: This is the best way to travel.
Pedi cab: This is a cheaper and interesting means of travel.
Motorbike: it is flexible and cheaper means for getting any where in the city. It is another call name:
“Xe Omâ€
- Intercity:
Air Lines: Pacific and Viet Nam airline provide domestic rout that link the major cities.
Train: The main rout is Ha Noi – Sai Gon. Ha Noi – Lao Cai and Ha Noi – Lang Son.
Bus: The bus networks of public transportation extend through out Viet Nam. It is cheap and convenient but it is very crowded.
Geography:
Viet Nam is located in Indochina Peninsula. In the North shares border with China, in the west share border with Lao and Cambodia and in the East share border with Eastern Sea. ¾ area is mountain, high land, only ¼ is delta. Fansipan is the highest peak with 3134m above sea level. There are many National Parks with much kind of Faunas and Floras.
Climate:
The climate in the north is characterized by the four seasons. The average temperature for the winter months, December to March, is approx 15Ëš C with medium humidity and misty conditions.
Summer months are from April to August and are usually around 30Ëš C with hot, sunny, humid conditions.
The seasons of Spring and Autumn are the best times to travel to the north during the mild conditions. Expect stunningly clear weather during these times.
Seasons in the south are governed by a monsoonal influence with basically a wet and dry season only. The temperature varies little in this latitude but it is very tropical for the majority part of the year. December to May is the low humidity period with June to November being the wet season. Average temp 30ËšC. The best times to visit the south are in the dry season to avoid the possibility of rain interruptions.
Warmer clothes are needed if you are visiting the central highland and northern Vietnam during the winter months, where average temperature is only 16ËšC with humidity rages from 80% to 100%. Be aware that Hanoi in winter can be quite cold and a warm jacket is required. Cool cotton clothes are generally suggested in the south to minimize the humid conditions. Most of the other requirements such as raincoats etc can be purchased very cheaply in Vietnam. One thing to consider bringing is a good pair of sunglasses as the glare at times is extreme.
Business hours:
All stores and tourist-orientated facilities are open from early in the morning until late in the evening. In general, business hours are 8:00 am to 11:30 am and 1.30 p.m. to 6.00 pm. from Monday through Friday. Banking offices open 8.00 am till 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday and post offices are also open on Saturday and Sunday.
Communication and internet:
International telephone are quiet expensive in Vietnam. Making a phone call at the post office is the cheapest way or you can buy the International telephone card at the post office and utilize it at the public telephone booths. The Internet service can be checked at most of hotel or Internet Cafes and are very cheap.
Local Time
Vietnam time is GMT + 7 hour. Both the Solar and lunar calendar are used. The Solar Calendar is used for office purposes. The Lunar Calendar is used for agricultures activities and popular festivals. |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
