PASSPORTS AND VISAS
Most Travel Companies able to assist visitors in obtaining visa authorizations apply online. We will need the following information: Full name and address (same as passport), date and place of birth, passport number, date of issue and expiry date, occupation and nationality, arrival/departure dates and flight references. Once you’ve scheduled your trip and provided us with this information, we will apply for your visa authorization and provide it once the approval has been made. Please visit Visa Online below for details.
CLOTHING
Light clothes are the most appropriate, and don’t forget rain gear! Travelers planning on trekking may wish to bring a warm polar fleece layer. Long trousers are best in the evening to avoid mosquito bites, and bug repellent is recommended. Since the sun can be very strong in the tropics, good sunglasses, a hat and sun-block cream are essential items to bring with.
CURRENCY
The official currency is the Dong, although US dollars and EURO are welcome. The exchange rate is around US $1.00 = 23,000 Dong and EURO 1.00 = 30,000 Dong.
Travelers’ checks can be cashed at major banks for a service fee of 2%-5%. Visa and Master card are accepted at most of the large hotels, restaurants and shops. ATM’s are available in the center of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
We suggest you get Vietnam Dong (VND) for your spending in Vietnam. Any remaining Vietnamese currency can be exchanged with the exchange desk at the airport when leaving the country.
CLIMATE
North of Vietnam: Hanoi, Red River Delta, Laotian and Chinese borders. The winter period is from December to March. Medium humidity, rainy and average temperature of 20 Celsius Degree. The summer period is from April to August. High humidity, sunny and average temperature of 30 Celsius Degree. The autumn period is from September to November. Low humidity, sunny and average temperature of 25 Celsius Degree.
Central Vietnam: The dry season is from February to August. Low humidity, sunny and average temperature of 30 Celsius Degree. The rainy season is from September to January. High humidity, heavy rains and average temperature of 30 Celsius Degree.
South of Vietnam: The dry season is from December to May. Low humidity, sunny and average temperature of 30 Celsius Degree. The rainy season is from June to November. High humidity, sunny, heavy rains and average temperature 30 Celsius Degree. You can always check out Weather Underground for recent weather forecast. There are also many excellent apps for your smart phone that will give you the days weather while you are here.