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Vietnam General Information

Location: Southeast Asia Capital City: Hanoi Population: over 96.5 million (2017) Language: Vietnamese Currency: Vietnam Dong (VND) Time Zone: GMT +7 International Dialing Code: +84

Vietnam People, Cities, & Culture People

Nowadays, although the rapid change of various factors in the modern life, the Vietnamese people still keep themselves the precious personalities that are considered to the charming attraction to the foreign tourists when they enjoy a Vietnam vacation. Coming to the S-shaped country, you will have a chance to be immersed in the friendly and hospitable community where the people treat each other and exotic friends with the warm affection. In general, the Vietnamese people traditionally have a collective lifestyle, especially in the countryside. They are fond of gathering together and chitchatting in the late afternoon after a hard-working day as an effective way to relax and strengthen the neighbor relationships. For the foreign friends, the Vietnamese people are beautifully easy-going and smile-loving. Besides, they are curious about the outbound cultures and willing to forgive the common mistakes if you, unfortunately, make due to the cultural conflicts.

Cities in Vietnam

Vietnam has 63 provincial administrative units in which there are 5 cities under central authority, divided into three main religions: North, Central, and South. Each city also possesses its own outstanding charms. For example, the capital Hanoi is amazingly famous for the historical monuments such as the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One-pillar Pagoda, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, etc. In addition, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Sai Gon) is supposed to be the most developed city of the country that the center of entertainments, sports, communication, etc., attracting 70% foreign tourists into Vietnam. Besides the two special urban cities, the other Vietnamese cities and provinces are also the ideal destinations for your Vietnam tour, including Halong Bay (Quang Ninh), Hue, Danang, Hoi An, Can Tho and so on. If you are setting up a plan to visit Vietnam but still make a decision yet, please refer to some available itineraries of Indochina Tour here.

Vietnam Culture

Despite the strong globalization, the Vietnamese people are proud of preserving the traditional values of the culture. One of the common traditions is the ancestor worshiping which is shown at the fact that most of the family has the altar and the worshipping room at the most solemn and important place in their home. Besides, although a majority of the Vietnamese do not follow any religions, they tend to practice Buddhism by going to the pagodas monthly or the special occasions such as Tet holiday to pray for health, wealth and luck. In addition, one of the most outstanding Vietnamese cultures is the community lifestyle. They like gathering, talking and sharing about the works, families or simply hobbies with friends, neighbors, and relatives. Moreover, it is very common to invite a friend to come and enjoy a meal with a Vietnamese host to express the hospitability and affection and enhance the relationship. The collective lifestyle is also presented at the bustling traditional festivities and holidays. One of the most important holidays of the Vietnamese is Tet holiday or New Year which takes place during the first days of the year (in lunar calendar). At that time, every person rewards themselves with off-work days and comes back home to enjoy the meaningful event with their beloved family. Besides, Hùng Kings’ Festival, Vietnam Independence’s Day are also the big festive days for the Vietnamese people. In each region, the residents organize the distinctive festivals to celebrate the important traditions which present the unique indigenous cultures.

Vietnam Weather

Although Vietnam's territory is located in the tropics, Vietnam's climate is divided into three distinct climatic zones according to the Köppen climate classification; the North and North Central have the subtropical humid climate with 4 seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. The Central and South Central is influenced by the tropical monsoon while the central south region and the south present the characteristics of tropical savanna. As a result, there are two main seasons in Central and South Vietnam: the rainy season and dry season. Due to the diverse weather based on the geographic regions, it is not easy to affirm when the best time to visit Vietnam is. Therefore, you can explore this majestic land whenever you want as long as you carefully do a research about the weather and specific destinations.

Best Time to Visit Vietnam

Northern Mountainous Areas | Sapa, Mu Cang Chai, Ha Giang, Moc Chau

The climate in Sapa, Mu Cang Chai, Ha Giang, Moc Chau is obviously separated into the dry season (from October to March) and wet seasons (from April to September). The best time to visit the northern mountainous regions of Vietnam is from September to December. Although that time range is the dry season when the weather is extremely cold and frosty in the winter, especially in December, you can admire the most blooming situation of these areas. In October, it may be the most suitable time to explore Ha Giang to be indulged in the vast fields of triangle oat or discover Moc Chau which is smothered by the yellowy ripe rice fields and the white color of Cauliflower. Besides, from September to December is the most ideal time to do a Sapa trip. At this time, the sky is clear blue and the alluring natural beauty invites for some photo hunting. Umbrellas are essential for surprising rains. In particular, it’s also the moment Silver Waterfall presents its best radiance and lovely hill people in mountainous villages stand in front of their house waving to you. In addition, if you want to uncover Mu Cang Chai, September is the best time when the harvest comes. At that time, you will have a chance to be deep in the yellowy terraces and the extraordinarily bustling lifestyle of the local people in the crop. Besides sightseeing, the tourists may be interested in adventurous activities such as trekking or cycling to enjoy the fresh air in the mountainous regions – which you hardly encounter in the big cities of Vietnam.

Best Time to Visit: North Vietnam | Hanoi, Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island

North Vietnam has 4 seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. The summer in this region is really hot; the temperature may rise up to 40 centigrade (104℉) or even higher. Meanwhile, the winter is very cold and chill. The spring and the fall are the most comfortable time in North Vietnam. In the spring and the fall, you can set your step onto Hanoi. The average temperature in this period of time drops around 19℃ (66.2℉); that means you can enjoy a comfortable and cool stay in your Hanoi tour, coming over several famous sites such as Hanoi Old Quarters, Hoa Lo Prison, Temple of Literature, etc. You also should think of the tension on the elbow-to-elbow public holiday on April 30th and May 1st. Another ideal destination is Halong Bay – one of the most famous landscapes in Vietnam. You are suggested to visit this tourist site in the summer to able to take a boat around the islands, exploring a diversity of majestic caves and swimming in the cool and clean water. Besides, summer is also the reasonable time to visit Cat Ba Island in North Vietnam where you can bath and sun base on the sandy beaches, and do dozens of interesting activities that you can refer to Cat Ba Island – the Heaven for You Vacation.

Best Time to Visit: Central Vietnam | Hoi An, Hue, Danang, Dalat, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang

Central Vietnam is located in the zone of tropical humid climate that has the average monthly temperature of 18℃ (64.4℉). There are two seasons in a year: (1) dry season is from November to April with the cold and dry wind in the winter and (2) wet season lasts from May to October that has the cool wind but usually having storms in summer. From May and July Hoi An is wrapped by a pleasant marine climate, which makes it an enjoyable stay in your Hoi An vacation under a temperature of around 30℃. You could either embark on a Vietnamese cooking class or discover UNESCO World Heritage Site – My Son Sanctuary. One notice is not to forget to bring a bottle of water with you. A tour to Hue in March or April is advised when the weather warms up a bit and cloudbursts haven’t started yet. The tour almost focuses on ancient relics sightseeing in the feudal era of Vietnam as Hue Imperial Citadel, Royal Tombs, so you do not need to worry about the temperature at all. Danang is a midpoint between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. From February to May, the sky is sunny but it also happens the dry season. Summer months from June to August are the awesome time to visit Danang. For Dat Lat, November and December are the ideal time for tourists to drop in the peaceful and tranquil land, being immersed in the chilly of the winter and the romantic beauty of this city. In terms of the beaches such as Quy Nhon and Nha Trang, you are recommended to visit them in the from March to September when the weather is relatively dry and not too hot, so it is suitable for visitors to sightseeing and participate in recreational activities on the sea.

Best Time to Visit: South Vietnam | Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc Island

Having the savanna tropical climate, South Vietnam enjoys the relatively constant temperature during the year which ranges between 25℃ and 35℃ (equivalent to 77-95℉). In comparison with Central Vietnam, South Vietnam is hotter and drier but possesses a variety of charming landscapes so that the region has attracted numerous tourists every year. Unlike provinces in Northern and Central Vietnam, this city is beyond natural disasters. It is recommended to draw a journey to Ho Chi Minh City in the dry season that drops from November till March. The weather at this period is freaking cool and windy with a temperature ranging from 23℃ to 33℃. Lunar New Year usually takes place in late January or mid-February, so do not miss this traditional big party. If the Mekong Delta is included in your Vietnam tour, try to set your step this hospitable land in the flooding season (from September to November) to discover the prosperous region by boat – the main transport of the local people, though there are sometimes sudden heavy showers. You may never forget the experience when traveling around intertwined rivers and take a deep breath of rustic atmosphere here. The tropical island – Phu Quoc is at the best status from November till March when the sunny sky handles an amazing average temperature of around 26℃ for you to do some sunbathing, swimming, diving or beach volleyball.

Things to Do & See in Vietnam

Top 6 Should-Not-Miss Ideal Destinations in Vietnam

Hanoi

Hanoi – the land of “A thousand years of Culture and Civilization” will be the first should-not-miss ideal destination in Vietnam for the foreign tourists. Being the convergence of quintessence in history, culture, the cuisine of the Vietnamese, Hanoi is famous for the dating-back-to-the-20th-century old streets, ancient Temple of Literature, solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, etc. There will be the ideal time to visit Hanoi in the autumn and the tranquil beauty inside the bustling city center. Sitting at the ice-tea stall on the pavement of the street to admire the back-and-forth traffic is the elegant pleasure of the Hanoians that you can try during your time in the capital city.

Halong Bay

There must be something special that helps Halong Bay be recognized as one of the World Heritage Sites in 1994 by UNESCO. It’s true! Halong Bay is the perfect combination of wonderful archipelago, caves, and beaches. Like the dragons lying on the waving bay, this landscape possesses the lively charm that harmonizes the natural beauty and the breath of human life. Discovering Halong Bay, there are dozens of things to do, including taking a cruise to explore the mysterious caves, bathing at the cool and clean beaches or enjoying the seafood specialties in this area. Your Vietnam vacation will be excitingly highlighted with this should-not-miss ideal destination!

Ho Chi Minh City

With over 300 years old, Ho Chi Minh City (Sai Gon) is supposed to be the most bustling land in Vietnam with the busy entertaining centers and shopping malls. Besides, the tourists cannot ignore the ancient villas and the traditional markets that associated with the local residents for hundreds of years. Coming to Ho Chi Minh City, the should-not-miss ideal destinations which are suggested to you are Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, Ben Thanh market, Sai Gon Opera House, etc. This beautiful city is the symbol of the hustling lifestyle, but sometimes, you can enjoy the extraordinary seconds of tranquil time, going along the streets and feeling the warm humanity in the foreign country.

Sapa

If you are seeking for the mountain trip in Vietnam, Sapa is certainly the first suggestion for traveling. Bringing the tourists with the fresh air and the peaceful atmosphere, Sapa is well-known for the villages hidden behind the early morning mist, the glorious terraces with limitless expanses of ripe rice crops, the majestic waterfalls, especially the roof of Indochina – Fansipan. Saying goodbye to the crowded cities, you will be overwhelmed by the leisurely lifestyle among the innocent locals in the mountainous area. As a result, there is no doubt affirming that Sapa is the alluring place which is one of the most ideal destinations for the tourists to discover the majestic panorama of Vietnam.

Hoi An

It takes just one day to explore the 60-km2 city Hoi An, but that short time is enough to sow in the visitors’ hearts with unforgettable memories. Hoi An appears in the tourists’ eyes with the various beauties. In the morning, Hoi An is peacefully picturesque like a water painting with some street vendors when the sun gradually rises up. However, at night, the ancient city seems to turn into a charming lady with a meticulous make-up: frivolous, noisy and gaudy, radiant lights among the dense influx of people. Visiting Hoi An, you are suggested to go, live and experience slowly to feel the “real personality” of this city according to the sense of the indigenous people. Possessing the unique appealingness that is distinctive among the other cities of Vietnam, Hoi An is truly worth being listed in the should-not-miss ideal destinations for not only the local people but also the foreign tourists.

Mekong Delta

Vietnam is really a blessed land with a diversity of fascinating landscapes; and, the Mekong Delta is one of the indispensable pieces in this charming picture. The Mekong Delta is an area rich in natural resources and cultural and historical values of the four ethnic groups (Kinh, Hoa, Khmer, Cham). One rustic and idyllic image of the local life is the traditional markets on the Cai Rang floating market – the unique symbol of the Southwest of Vietnam. Besides, the tourists also have a chance to visit the prominent landmarks such as House of Bac Lieu Dandy – the luxurious French-style house of the richest family in the early 20th century, Tram Chim National Park where you can learn about the diversified vegetation and the rare water birds, and so on. For a long time, the Mekong Delta is preferred to be the tourist attraction to explore the thousands-of-years agricultural land.

Top 5 Must-Try Super Yummy Foods in Vietnam Tours

Pho Noodle Soup

Ranked in the list of 50 best foods in the world by CNN, Pho is always the first choices for the tourists when they are immersed in the delightsome Vietnamese cuisine. Pho is widely mentioned in culinary magazines, affectionately called by the top chefs in the world, and praised in the highest class restaurants. A bowl of Pho seems to be the irresistible attraction with delicious broth which is made of simmered bone, and tender fresh rice noodles, excitingly addicting the foreign friends for the first time.

Nem Ran (Fried Spring Rolls)

Being the super-yummy traditional dish created during the production life of the Vietnamese, Nem Ran or Fried spring roll is the “family” food that is usually made to warmly treat the exotic friends. In terms of the appearance, Nem is not really outstanding, but you cannot refuse this tasty food after having been trying it. The rich and crispy rice paper is combined with the variously mixed stuffing to create the perfect flavor, especially when they are dipped into the diluted fish sauce and eaten with raw vegetables.

Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich)

In 2014, Vietnamese sandwich (Banh Mi) has created a new craze for street food around the world, so there is no doubt that it reached the top 20 best street foods in the world voted by Huffington Post. Banh Mi differs in each region, but in Hanoi, Danang or Saigon, the sandwiches with plentiful tens of kinds of meat, pate, vegetables, and salad also make customers delighted. In addition, the price of this dish is also super cheap; on average you have a super yummy dish with only from 15,000 VND (USD 0.64).

Bun Cha (Vietnamese Grilled Pork & Noodles)

According to Natural Geographic’s poll in 2014, Bun Cha is selected as top 10 best street foods in the world. And its fame has become more and more widespread when Barack Obama – the former president of US visited Vietnam, tasting and giving compliments for this delicious dish. The recipe is not really complicated, but the cook must know how to marinate and bake the pork reasonably. Well-cooked grilled pork dipped into the bowl of diluted fish sauce is perfectly aromatic, tender and flavored, which will memorize you about this beautiful and hospitable land.

Goi Cuon (Summer Roll)

Besides Pho, Goi Cuon (summer roll) is the Vietnamese food that selected into the list of the world's50 best dishes of CNN. The rolls are easy to make and to eat; shrimp, meat, vegetables, and some other ingredients based on the individual taste are wrapped in the rolls (rice paper rolls), then dipped into the sweet and sour sauce, making the super yummy flavor for Goi cuon. In addition to the delicious taste, summer rolls also satisfy the eaters thanks to its uncooked savor, low fat and very cheap price.

Vietnam Travel Guides

Transportation in Vietnam

Transportation in Vietnam is extremely complex in the big cities, especially Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The traffic flow is dense with motorbikes - the major vehicles in this country, making the congestions in the rush hours. However, admiring the hustling lifestyle of the Vietnamese seems to be an unforgettable memory during your Vietnam tour. In the other provinces, the traffic situation is better, including the countryside and the mountainous areas where you can enjoy the peaceful and slow atmosphere. Here is some recommended transportation in some big cities that may support you to explore this charming land. - Recommended Taxi Brands:

Hanoi	Hai Phong	Danang	Ho Chi Minh City	Can Tho
Mai Linh: (+84) 2438 333333 Taxi Group: (+84) 2438 262626 Taxi ABC: (+84) 2437 191919	Mai Linh: (+84) 313 833 833 Vu Gia: (+84) 313 778 778 Dat Cang: (+84) 313 82 82 82	Mai Linh: (+84) 5113 56 56 56 VinaSun Green: (+84)5113 68 68 68 Tien Sa Danang: (+84) 5113 79 79 79	Mai Linh: (+84)28 3838 3838 VinaSun: (+84) 28 3827 7178 Saigontourist: (+84) 2838 45 88 88	Mai Linh: (+84) 2923 82 82 82 Taxi Green: (+84) 2923 739 739 Vinasa: (+84) 2923 827 827

In Vietnam, the fastest and most convenient transport for traveling inside the cities is motor-taxi or “Xe om” in Vietnamese. Now, since Grab – the mobile app for motor-taxi (similar as Uber in the USA) was born, the tourists can easily download and book a motor-taxi, a taxi or a car with the offered price based on your departure place and destination. Besides Grab, there is a diversity of private motor-taxis for you to choose, but you are suggested to fix the price before getting on the vehicle. In terms of traveling around Vietnam, train and airplane are the two most popular means of transport for the tourists. The Vietnamese train system which is monopolized by Vietnam Railway Corporation connects from North to South, giving you an interesting opportunity to discover Vietnam in another view. The tourists can log in the online website of Vietnam Railways (at https://vietnam-railway.com/) or buy directly at the nearest ticket counter. On the other hand, if you want to save the transferring time, you are recommended to travel by airplane with the qualified domestic brand names such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, or Jetstar.

Mobile Phone & Internet Access

Nowadays, with the increasing demand for telecommunication, the mobile phone can be conveniently bought in every city and province in Vietnam. There are 5 SIM card providers: Viettel, Vinaphone, Mobifone, Vietnamobile, and Gmobile. If your Vietnam trip is short, you are recommended to use Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone (the three biggest SIM card providers in Vietnam); otherwise, the two rests may be considered thanks to their own competitive advantages. The SIM cards are available in the mobile phone stores or at the airport. Internet access or Wifi connections widely cover in the big cities: the hotels, airports, in the restaurants, coffee shops and in some public places.

Useful Information for a Superb Vietnam Tour

Avoid public displays of affection

The Vietnamese people are generally conservative in showing the affection to each other in the public sites. Therefore, you should not hug or kiss in the crowded places so as not to receive the unpleasant looks from the local people.

Respect for the elderly

In Vietnam, the old people are treated with high respect, which is shown at the culture of greeting and serving meals the elderly first or giving up the seat for them in the public transport or places. Moreover, you are suggested to give something to the senior people by both hands to show the respect.

Dress smartly when visiting pagodas or sacred places in Vietnam

You are suggested to dress neatly and politely when traveling on the public sites or visiting the religious monuments such as pagodas, temples; avoiding wearing miniskirts, shorts, invisible shirts, etc. Otherwise, you will be not allowed to enter those solemn places.

Greeting properly to Vietnamese people

Greeting in Vietnam is both traditional and modern. In general, you should greet the elder first, then the other junior people. A light nodding or shaking hand is the common way to greet the Vietnamese people at the first meeting. For the youth, you can give them a hug to show your affection; that is more acceptable for the young people than the older.

Bring small gifts when visiting the local Vietnamese family.

Normally, fruits, flowers or biscuits are the easy-to-prepare and polite presents to give to the host. Besides, some specialties from your country are also the special gifts that are highly appreciated.

Crossing the road carefully

The traffic situation in Vietnam is extremely massive, especially in the big cities. Therefore, you should follow the traffic rules, waiting for the green light and walking on the zebra crossing. In the case without the zebra crossing, you should watch out both sides before crossing the roads.

Watch the weather forecast before each trip to different regions in Vietnam

The weather in Vietnam is unpredictable. However, the weather forecast partially helps you well-prepared the necessary stuff for your traveling. In summer, an umbrella or a raincoat is never redundant for the sudden rains. Some common sentences you should know to have an interesting Vietnam trip: - Hello = Xin chào /’sin taʊ/ - Goodbye = Tạm biệt /’tam biet/ - Thank you = Cảm ơn /’kam on/ - Sorry = Xin lỗi /’sin loi/ - How much? = Bao nhiêu? /‘bao ŋieu/ - Too expensive! = Đắt quá! /dat kwa/ - Can you reduce the price? = Giảm giá không? /zam za khoŋ/ - The bill please = Tính tiền /’tinh tien/ - Help me = Giúp tôi /Jup toi/