Vietnam Travel Tips
Vietnam is known for its many valleys, the famous�Mekong Delta and the warm and friendly Vietnamese people.�It shares borders�with�China, Laos and Cambodia and�has tall mountains, rice paddy terraces on rolling hills, white sandy beaches and�beautiful waterways.�Most travellers start their trip in Hanoi and end with a few days at the beach.�It's also possible to fly into Saigon.�These days the city is known as�Ho Chi Minh City, after the people's hero��Uncle Ho�.�
More than�86 million people live in Vietnam.�Most live in the larger cities; however there are still quite a few mountain tribes, especially in the far north.�We strongly recommend spending some�time in the�mountainous area of Sapa trekking and meeting the locals.�For a taste of Vietnamese culture, you can visit the town of�Hu� and if you're looking for fun, visit Hoi An.� You can cycle through the surrounding rice paddies, visit a nearby beach or take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Time difference: It's 6 hours later in Vietnam than the UK. An additional hour is added during our winter time.
Best time to travel: December to May, although you can travel at anytime really.
Language: Vietnamese is the official language, however many people understand English. Menus and books are also available in English.�In some areas you may even hear people speaking�French, since Vietnam was once a French colony.�
Currency: The�Vietnamese Dong, although many places accept and quote prices in US$. The exchange rate fluctuates on a daily basis, but to give you some indication �1 is about 25,450 VND�(Vietnamese Dong).
Telephone calls: You shouldn't have any problem using your mobile, but this could be quite expensive.�It's possible�to�buy an international phone card that you can use from a telephone box.�
�Internet: You can find Internet access almost�anywhere in�Vietnam. At times you'll have Internet access from your hotel room, in other hotels you'll have access to an Internet lounge.�
Photography: Keep in mind that you may not be allowed to take pictures all over Vietnam; always ask permission and show restraint when taking photos.
Voltage: Electricity in Vietnam is 220 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. If you travel to Vietnam with a device that does not accept 220 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter.�The electrical sockets are different from what you're accustomed to, so it's best that you bring along a universal plug adaptor.
Vietnam travel tips - National holidays:
January 3, 2010 - Enlightenment of�Buddha
February 3, 2010 - Communist Party of Viet Nam Foundation Anniversary
February 11�- 19, 2010 - TET Festival (rings in�the year of the Tiger)
April 30, 2010 - Liberation Day
May 1, 2010 - Labour Day
May 2,�2010 - Buddha's Birthday
May 19, 2010 - Ho Chi Minh's Birthday
Viajes tailandia y birmania September 2,�2010 - Independence Day
September 3, 2010 -�Anniversary of Ho Chi Minh's Death
