VIETNAM FAQ`S

What is Vietnam known for?

Vietnam is a fascinating country with a deep ancient history, a diverse culture, and some of the most dramatic and breathtaking landscapes. Vietnam is famous for its simply stunning beaches, jaw-dropping natural scenery, and the perfect mixture of modern and traditional worlds. It is one of Asia`s most spectacular destinations boasting fantastic delicacies found in locations such as Hue which is famous for its imperial cuisine and Hoi An featuring regional specialties. The vibrant markets in Vietnam are a pleasure to explore with the famous Ben Thanh Market, the most famous market in the South field with friendly people and colorful images. The Mekong Delta Floating Market is a unique experience in Vietnam with locals selling anything and everything from traditional wooden boats.

The war history in Vietnam runs deep with sights and attractions such as the Son My Memorial Monument and museum which is dedicated to those who died during the epoch-changing massacre. Visit the Vinh Moc Tunnels and Khe Sanh Combat Base and explore the somber site of the Ba Chuc Tomb Skulls and bones from the gruesome Khmer Rouge. Check out the tombs and temples of Vietnam such as Tu Duc and Minh Mang both spectacular monuments and the impressive My Son, a famous Cham site with its breathtaking hilltop location.

See some of Vietnam`s impressive architecture in the Po Klong Garai Cham Towers impressive monuments on the north-south trail. Old Town Hoi An is simply a charming ancient port town decorated by the 16th century traditional Japanese Bridge and cobblestone streets with colorful shophouses. Beautiful beaches are bountiful in Vietnam and should not be missed, Phu Quoc Island boasts secluded bays and rocky coastlines with stunning scenery.

What are the best places to visit in Vietnam?

Ho Chi MInh or `Saigon` is Vietnam`s largest city once known as the `Diamond of teh East`. An exuberant metropolis with a deep war history and a fascinating culture that can be uncovered down ancient lanes and alleyways filled with street markets, cafes and food stalls. There is a vibrant nightlife scene along with world class cuisine to be discovered. Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam boasting a rich political history and deep ancient culture. There are beautiful temples, interesting museums, monuments and citadels spread throughout the various districts. Narrow winding streets in the Old Quarter are lined by traditional shophouses. The city is set along the Red River which is dotted with lakes and bridges such as Hoan Kiem lake and the wooden red Huc Bridge. Hue is one of the most interesting and charming cities in teh country, set in the heart of Vietnam along the banks of the Perfume River, it was the capital for 143 years. Hue has a long illustrious history and was once the main royal capital, exploring the history, culture and nature of this beautiful city.

When is the best time to visit Vietnam?

The country of Vietnam experiences three distinct geographical and climate zones, the north, south, and central regions which all experience different weather throughout the year. Due to the differentiating climatic regions, Vietnam is a year-round destination. The country offers temperatures ranging from hot and humid in the summer to cool in the mountains and highland areas, as well as a tropical sunny coastline. The tropical monsoon climate is different in the north, south and central areas, with the southwest monsoon season running from May through September and the northeast monsoon season from October to April. The southwest summer monsoon usually brings warm, humid, and wet weather to the two deltas and west-facing slopes, whereas the northeast cold winter monsoon season brings cold weather and moisture to the central coast and the eastern edge of the central highlands. Vietnam covers such a vast area of land and over 2,000 miles of coastline, typically the country`s weather is warm and Autumn (Sept-Dec) and Spring (March and April) are the most favorable seasons. November through April are often peak travel months with the least amount of rain occurring in the country, and the temperatures are moderate. The weather patterns can differ dramatically throughout the year, for example, it can be warm and sunny at the south beaches with temperatures in the 80`s, and at the same time, the far northern mountains can be covered in snow.

For more information, check out: Best Time to Visit Vietnam

How many days should I spend in Vietnam?

We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.

What is the best way to get around Vietnam?

Whatever your pleasure, transportation in Italy is modern, easy to navigate and fits a variety of budget ranges. The best way to travel in Italy ultimately depends on your goals: Do you want to travel by train in Italy, or, maybe you want to visit as many cities as possible or exploring the tiny villages dotted throughout the country; if so, driving may be the way to go.

By Boat: There are many boat trips available on Vietnam`s large number of rivers with the Mighty Mekong and its tributaries being the most important. There are many scenic boat day trips offered in areas such as Hoi An, Nha Trang, Danang, Hue, Tam Coc, and Hoi Chi Minh City. Island hopping through the magical waters of Halong Bay is also a favorite pass time for those visiting northern Vietnam. Cham Islands set in the heart of Vietnam are a fun excursion. The popular fast boat trip from Phnom Penh to Chau Doc is fun for tourists wishing to visit Vietnam and Cambodia.

By Train: Vietnam Railways is the country`s national train operator with dependable services and a relaxing way to travel the country. There is plenty of breathtaking scenery to take in on Vietnam`s train rides. There are many different classes of services and the highest level offers comfy overnight compartments with bunk beds and even come with air conditioning.

By Bus:There is an extensive bus network in Vietnam traveling to the farthest corners of the country connecting passengers with major cities and remote villages. Privately operated buses are usually the preferred choice of most tourists and are often known as `open tour` buses with an `open` ticket option to get on and off along the Hanoi-Saigon route. These buses operate on a fixed schedule with a limited number of passengers and offer air conditioning.

What is the currency of Vietnam?

The units of currency in Vietnam are the Vietnamese Dong (VND). US dollars are accepted but it is always better to pay in VND. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city. For more detailed information, consult our guide by clicking here Tipping in Vietnam.

Do people speak English in Vietnam?

The official language spoken in Vietnam is Vietnamese. Most Vietnamese speak enough English for tourists` needs, and it is common for hotels, restaurants, and shops that are aimed at tourists to use the English Language. We suggest you get a good English-Vietnamese guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, and numbers 1-10.