Social ConventionsHandshaking and a vocal greeting is normal. Clothing should be kept simple, informal and discreet. Avoid shorts if possible as they are usually only worn by children. Footwear should be removed when entering Buddhist pagodas. Vietnamese people should not be touched on the head.
Photography: There are restrictions at ports, airports and harbors, and in similar areas elsewhere. It is courteous to ask permission first before taking photographs of people.
International Travel:Getting There by AirThe national airline is
Vietnam Airlines (VN) (website:
www.vietnamairlines.com).
Departure TaxAt Hanoi and Ho
Chi Minh: US$14. At Da Nang: US$8.
Main AirportsNoi Bai International Airport (HAN) is 35km (21 miles) north of Hanoi.
To/from the airport: Buses and metered taxis are available to Hanoi with a journey time of approximately 45-60 minutes.
Facilities: Cafes, shops, duty-free and bureau de change.
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is 7km (4.5 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City.
To/from the airport: Metered taxis are available with a journey time of approximately 20-30 minutes into the city.
Facilities: Snack bar, shops, duty-free and bureau de change.
Getting There by WaterMain ports: Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau, Haiphong and
Da Nang.
International
cruise facilities are available. There is a
ferry service from Phnom Penh in Cambodia to Chau Doc in the Mekong Delta and tickets can be booked through local travel agents or at the dock. In additional there is a service from Can Tho to Phnom Penh offered by
Tourism & Passenger Ship Company Vinasin (tel: (071) 888 960).
Getting There by RailIt is possible to cross into China by rail from Lao Cai to Kunming in the Yunnan province of China or through Lang Son to Nanning. There are trains from Beijing-Dong Dang-Hanoi and back. Contact
Vietnam Railways (tel: (04) 942 2770; website:
www.vr.com.vn) for details.
Getting There by RoadThere are routes to China through Lang Son, Mong Cai and Lao Cai, Cambodia through Moc Bai and also to Laos at Lao Bao and Cau Trieu.
The Saigon Passenger Transport Company (tel: (08) 920 3623
or 829 7278; website:
www.sotranco.com.vn) operates daily services from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh.
There is a
bus service from An Cuu bus station in Hué to Savannakhet in Laos. Go in person to buy tickets in advance.
OverviewThe following items may be freely imported into Vietnam by foreign visitors without incurring customs duty:
2
00 cigarettes;
100 cigars or 500g of tobacco;
1.
5l of liquor at 22% and above,
and 2l of liquor below this amount, and 3l of all other alcoholic beverages;
a reasonable quantity of perfume and personal belongings.
Note: Foreign currency has to be declared on arrival.
Prohibited ImportsThe importation of non-prescribed drugs, firearms, anti-government literature and pornography is prohibited.
Internal Travel:Getting Around By AirVietnam Airlines (VN) (website:
www.vietnamairlines.com) operates daily flights between Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hué, Da Nang and Nha Trang. Regular services are also provided between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Buon Ma Thuot, Dalat, Phu Quoc, Pleiku and Qui Nhon.
The Northern Airport Flight Service Company operates flights by helicopter to Halong Bay from Hanoi.
Getting Around by WaterA local network operates between ports. There are hydrofoils from Haiphong to Cat Ba and Mong Cai and express boats from Rach Gia to Phu Quoc, which can be booked by local travel agents or in person at the dock.
Greenlines (tel: (08) 821 8185) operates a hydrofoil from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau.
Getting Around by RailVisitors may use the rail transport system independently or as part of a rail tour. Express long-distance trains are faster than local services, more reliable and more comfortable. Although a few carriages now have air conditioning, facilities are still short of international standards. The main rail route connects Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and the journey can take between 30 and 40 hours. There are also services from Hanoi to Haiphong, Dong Dang and Lao Cai. Contact
Vietnam Railways (tel: (04) 942 2770; website:
www.vr.com.vn) for more information.
In 2007, plans were approved for a new high-speed rail connection between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. If this goes ahead, the journey time could be reduced to less than 10 hours. The Vietnamese government wants the new link to be completed within six years.
Getting Around by RoadThe road network throughout Vietnam is reasonable but the standard of the roads varies dramatically from good to appalling. Roads throughout Vietnam are designated by numbers and the main north to south route is Highway 1 connecting Hanoi with Ho Chi Minh City. In theory, traffic drives on the right but in practice drivers take the most direct path avoiding the many thousands of bicycles, motorbikes and animals wandering along the road.
Coach/Bus: Services are often poor and overcrowded, although long-distance buses are sometimes more modern and air-conditioned.
Saigon Passenger Transport Company (tel: (08) 920 3623
or 829 7278) operates inter-province services from Ho Chi Minh City. Otherwise go in person to the bus station in advance to purchase tickets.
Car hire: It is possible to hire chauffeur-driven cars from travel companies. Self-drive car hire is non-existent.
Regulations: Seat belts are not compulsory in Vietnam.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit and a test (taken in Vietnam) are required for long-term residents.
Getting Around Towns and CitiesThere are local bus services in Ho Chi Minh City and in Hanoi. It is also possible to travel by taxi, motorbike or
cyclo (cycle rickshaw; motorized version also exists); the last of these options can leave the traveller vulnerable to theft from opportunistic passers-by and the government is trying to phase them out. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped, but it is welcomed.
Journey TimesThe following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from
Hanoi to other major cities/towns in Vietnam.
| Air | Road | Rail |
| Ho Chi Minh City | 2.00 | - | 30.00 |
| Halong Bay | - | 3.30 | - |
The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from
Ho Chi Minh City to other major cities/towns in Vietnam.
| Road |
| Phan Thiet | 4.00 |
| Dalat | 7.00 |
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