Exotic Journey of Northern Vietnam

Travel documents: You must have a valid passport and a visa (or pre-approval for a visa on arrival) to enter Vietnam. You can apply for a visa to Vietnam in person, by mail, online or by e-mail . Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your planned stay, and you must have at least one blank visa page. If you arrive in Vietnam without an appropriate visa (which could be an e-visa) or pre-approval for a visa on arrival, you will be denied entry.

For Visa requirements please refer to CITB Visas.

Currency: The local currency is the Dong (VND). Currency can be exchanged at hotels, banks and authorized moneychangers, who typically provides the best rate.

Language: Vietnamese is the official language in Vietnam Learn a few common phrases which might be useful while travelling. For example, Xin Chao (Hello) and Cam On (Thank you).

Weather: Vietnam is typically warm and humid but the weather can vary significantly from one region – North and South.
Northern Vietnam: The northern regions can be quite cold in the winter and have four distinctive seasons.
May – October is hot and humid with high percentage of rainfall
November - April is cool and dry with temperature average 17 to 22°C.
December – Januarycan be particularly cold and frosty
Southern Vietnam: There are almost no significant differences in temperature in the southern parts of Vietnam but simply split into the wet and dry seasons. The average temperature in the south ranges from 25°C to 35°C throughout the year.
May – October are the wetter months with July and August receiving the most rainfall.
November - April are the drier months and is usually hotter and more humid between Feb to May

What to Pack: Lightweight cotton clothing is advised throughout the year. Carry an umbrella or raincoat for sudden rainfall especially during the wet season. Be prepared for high temperatures and humidity in the summer in all areas. A sweater and warmer clothing are needed in the winter in the northern parts of Vietnam, and in the mountainous areas.

Power Supply: Electricity supply in Vietnam is 220 Volts at 50Hz. Plugs type A (two flat vertical pins), type C and type F (two round pins) fit to most Vietnam electrical outlets

Tips & Gratuities: Generally, tipping is not customary in Vietnam, but highly much appreciated. At expensive restaurants, service charges or tipping may be added but servers at most "typical" pho shops or street vendors in Vietnam do not expect tips as part of their service. With a private tour guide, you should tip 7 – 10 USD per person per day. However, with a group of 5 – 8 people or more, you can 3-5 US Dper person per day.

Do’s & Don’ts :

• Do greet by pressing your pasm togethering and bowing slighty
• Do use both hands to pass things
• Do dress conservatively even in warm weather
• Do remove foorwear when entering homes or religious sites
• Don't point your feet towards the alter