Travel tips

Main airports
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) at Noi Bai is 45km (28 miles) north of Hanoi. To/from the airport: Buses and metered taxis are available.
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is 7km (4.5 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City. To/from the airport: Metered taxis and buses are available.

Airport tax
US$14 per person for departing international flights.

Urban

There are local bus services in Ho Chi Minh City and in Hanoi, which also has a tramway. It is also possible to travel by taxi, motorbike or cyclo (cycle rickshaw; motorized version also exists). When traveling by taxi, it is advisable to note down the driver’s registration number (displayed on rear side of taxi) for security reasons.

Shopping

Shopping centers and big department centers are located in city centers. Department stores generally open 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday to Sunday. Small shops & markets usually open daily from early morning to late. Handicrafts, antiques, gems of varying quality, embroidery, woodcarvings, ceramics, marble, lacquer ware, silk are interested things. When go shopping at local markets or small shops with no visible price tags, goods should be bargained for, averagely 10 to 20% discount.

Security

Vietnam is one of the safest travel destinations. However, sometimes the snatchers still happen, it’s better to be cautious with your hand-bags & cameras. Should not carry too much cash or other values, especially jewelry. Also take good care of your passport, identity card & other identification documents,as well. All these important documents should be photocopied, and keep it with you. It’s better to leave the original important documents in safe box at the hotel when you go out!

Please, notice that whenever check in the hotel you need to show the hotel receptionist your passport (the original one).

Business Hours (GMT +7)

    Offices: 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 01:00 p.m. to 05:00 p.m. and closed on Saturdays & Sundays.

   Banks: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and closed on Saturdays & Sundays.

   Offices and banks are closed on public holidays:

•  The Tet holiday (Lunar New Year) usually in February (3 days)
•  The Liberation Day on April 30th
•  The International Labor Day on May 1st
•  The National Day on September 2nd
•  The New Year on January 1st

Illegal Drugs & Narcotics

   To deter from drug abuse and drug trafficking, Government  imposes severe penalties for possession or trafficking of even small amounts of illegal drugs. As in case of some countries, Vietnam also imposes the death penalty for convicted drug traffickers.

   Be careful if you are asked by a stranger to convey or transport any parcel, however small, especially across a border. Should such parcels contain illegal drugs, you risk being found guilty of possession, smuggling or trafficking in drugs. You should also never leave your belongings unattended or under the "care" of any stranger.

Cultural features

- Traditional costumes “ao dai” - a long gown with slits on either side. Vietnamese women wear “ao dai” in many cases from formal ceremonies as Tet, holidays, weddings to daily life. It is the uniform of schoolgirls, some banks’ staff, teachers and etc.

Social Conventions
- Handshaking and a vocal greeting is normal. Clothing should be kept simple, informal and discreet.

- 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.

Tipping

   A 5-10% service charge is added to bills in most hotels & restaurants. But tip is still expected by most of those providing services.

Other Useful Tips

   - Medicine is available in many pharmaceutical outlets.

   - It is advisable to bring an umbrella or raincoat on visits between May and November.

   - Electric current: 220 volts A.C.

   - Avoid cyclo ride after dark.

    - Dress modestly and appropriately when visiting local dwellings and religious sites, etc.

    - Leave your valuables behind before a night out on the town, or going to the beach.

    -  When crossing the road, especially in Ho Chi Minh city, always keep looking to the left and right and      walk slowly!

    - Do not offer money directly to minority people - instead donate to a local charity or offer a small gift,         such as pens.

    - Try at least once the delicious, local street food.