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Travel Information on Vietnam
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Vietnam (VN)
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| Continent: |
Asia |
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| Area: |
329.560 km² |
| Population: |
84.250.350 |
| Capital city: |
Ha Noi |
ISO code: |
VN |
| National language: |
Vietnamese |
International dialling code: |
+84 |
| Currency: |
Dong |
License plate number: |
VN |
| Flight routes from Vietnam: |
728 |
Flight routes to Vietnam: |
886 |
| Popular airports: |
Ca Mau (CAH),
Na-San (SQH),
Hanoi (HAN),
Coong, Con Dao (VCS),
Vinh City (VII),
Ban Me Thuot Phung Duc (BMV),
Saigon (SGN),
Nha-Trang (NHA),
Hue - Phu Bai (HUI),
Dien Bien (DIN)
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| Large cities: |
Ho Chi Minh City,
Ha Noi,
Hai Phong,
Biên Hòa,
Hue,
Nha Trang,
Can Tho,
Rach Gia,
Qui Nhon,
Vung Tau,
Nam Ðịnh,
Phan Thiet,
Long Xuyên,
Hong Gai,
Buon Me Thuot
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| Airlines based in Vietnam: |
Vietnam Airlines,
Seabornes Airlines,
Pacific Airlines
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Travelguide Vietnam (Asia)
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Location: the socialist Republic of Vietnam is in South-East Asia and borders on China, Laos, Cambodia and the south Chinese sea.
Geography: the country extends from the plains of the river delta in the south over the whole of the east coast of the south Chinese sea to the highlands of the hinterland. In a south-north direction the country has a length of 1,700 km (1,056 miles) and measures about 600 km (372 miles) from east to west. The narrowest of points is in the centre of the country and has a width of only 50 km (31 miles). The countryside in Vietnam is very diverse and can be divided up into 5 main regions. On the border to China is the grand mountain landscape of the Yunnan highlands that is particularly popular with hill walkers not least due to the spectacular views. These lead over harmoniously to the fertile plains of the Red river, which is also where the capital city Hanoi is located. West of these plains the landscape rises again to form the Annamite highlands that take up the whole of the centre of the country and extend to South Vietnam. This is the least populated area in the whole of the country. East of this highland area is the Annamite coastal strip that is densely populated due to the favourable climatic conditions. In the far south is the Mekong delta, a fertile and densely populated plain where the metropolis of Ho-Chi-Minh city is also found.
Mountains and rivers: the highest mountain in Vietnam is the Phan-Xi-Pangs in the Yunnan highlands that has an altitude of 3,134 metres (10,282 ft); the longest river and the life source of the country is the Mekong that, with a length of 4,500 km, is also one of the longest rivers on earth.
Climate and best time to travel: The climate in Vietnam can be divided into two main zones: the north is under the influence of a temperate, tropical alternating climate, there is a cooler season from November to April, and a warmer to hot season from May to October; the south, on the other hand, is tropically warm and the typical rainy season is between May and October. During the rainy season, the notorious typhoons wreck havoc especially in the Mekong Delta, causing serious flooding. In general it can be said that the best time to travel in Vietnam is between October and April.
National Language and communication: the official and national language is Vietnamese and English is now established as foreign language in the whole country. Exploring the country beyond the usual tourist regions is less problematic with a reasonable knowledge of French or Mandarin.
Health and Immunisation: a thorough health check and up-to-date Immunisation against hepatitis A, tetanus, diphtheria and polio are recommended. There is a high malaria risk throughout the year in Vietnam, particularly during the rainy season. Travellers should wear long clothing and use a mosquito net at night besides taking malaria prevention tablets (see your GP for advice). In order to avoid infection, travellers should also take meticulous care with food and water. Medical care outside the larger cities is not on a European standard, travellers are therefore advised to take a first aid kit and to ensure they have comprehensive travel and medical insurance. Fruit and vegetables should be peeled or boiled before eating.
Entry requirements: passports should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of the entry stamp. Visitors must obtain a visa prior to travel, which are usually valid for a month. Check with the Vietnam Embassy for details. Those travelling with children should have a valid child’s passport with photograph. Children under 14 years of age are usually allowed entry if included in the passport of a parent.
For current health, immunisation and security advice please refer to the website of the Foreign Office.
Arrival and continuing journey: Vietnam Airlines has good deals for flights from many European airports to Ho-Chi-Minh city (SGN) with regular ongoing flights to Dalat (DLI), Hue (HUI) or Da Nang (DAD). Lufthansa offer weekly flights from Frankfurt, Air France fly from Paris to Ho-Chi-Minh or Hanoi (HAN). Those travelling to Halong Bay are recommended to take a fast helicopter flight with the Airport Flight Service Company from Hanoi.
Capital city: Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam and is located on the banks of the Red River. Hanoi is smaller and quieter than Ho-Chi-Minh-city in the south. Besides the famous literature temple dating from the 11th century, the city delights visitors with its narrow lanes and enchanting lakes and the Ho-Chi-Minh Mausoleum.
Places of interest and beaches: Ho-Chi-Minh-Stadt is particularly worth a visit. It is not only the biggest but also the economically and culturally mot important city in the whole country. Best-known places of interest include the Giac-Lam Pagoda, the Romanesque cathedral Notre Dame, the palace of reunification and the busy Asian Cho-Binh-Tay Market in the Chinese district Cholon.
Ðà Lat is also of interest, a city in the southern part of the hills, which has a pleasant climate throughout the year due to the high altitude (1,475 m; 4,839 ft). The surrounding area has a wealth of picturesque, spectacular waterfalls and lush green forests lakes and is popular with holidaymakers as well as local inhabitants. There are abundant possibilities for hiking and cycling. The Vietnamese like to call Ðà Lat „little Paris“.
The town of Nha Trang west of Ðà Lat on the coast is well known for its 6 km long sandy beach. The clean turquoise sea is ideal for snorkelling and diving. It is a very lively place and there are many fishermen who offer tourists the possibility of travelling to the nearby, much quieter islands.
North of Nha Trang is Hué, for many tourists the most beautiful city in the entire country. Hué is the cultural and religious centre and is located on the Perfume River. The 21 m high and octagonal Thien-Mu Pagoda is the best known building in Vietnam and the unofficial landmark of the city.
About 50 km north of the city Dong Hoi is the national park Phong Nha-Ke Bank. The national park includes the second largest limestone area in the world with several hundred caves and is a paradise for caving; the river caves are particularly popular.
Highlight: the best known and no doubt favourite attraction in Vietnam is the Ha-Long bay (Viet. "bay of the diving dragon"), about 150 km east of Hanoi. On a total area of about 1500 km² more than 2000 bizarrely shaped limestone islands loom out of the emerald-green water. There are countless beaches on the islands, caves eroded and thus formed by the weather and dense jungle. Cát Bà is not only the biggest but also the most beautiful limestone island of the entire Ha-Long bay. Since 1994, it has been included on the list of UNESCO Biosphere reserves and impresses with its various ecosystems. Amongst the natural highlights are the evergreen tropical forests, fresh water swamps, mangrove forests, waterfalls, sandy beaches and the coral reef in front of the coast.
Religion: the majority (88%) of the population in the country are Vietnamese with 53 acknowledged ethnic minorities.
Major cities and accommodation: Ho-chi-Minh-city, Hanoi, Haiphong, Ðà Nang, Bien Hoa, Hué, Nha Trang
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Favorite flights and cheap flights from and to Vietnam / VN
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