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Vietnam Travel Guide

Before travelling to a country, most clients will search for the reliable information source related to the visa procedures, Dos and Don'ts, weather and climate or other information like transportation, currency etc. Knowing that, we are pleased to provide you the essential travel guides to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. With our expert team’s knowledge and experience, the below Indochina Travel Guide & News are certainly vital for your pre-trip preparation

Vietnam Overview

At Incredible Asia Journeys, we not only arrange for you the unique itinerary to create the remarkable experiences but also provide you the useful tips for your holiday to Vietnam. The below Vietnam travel guide is an outstanding example. It can be said that Vietnam is a country of the diversity, in terms of landscape, culture, weather & climate so Vietnam travel guide which is written by our travel specialists is essential on your planning process. There are the citizens of some countries who got the visa exemption to enter Vietnam and also there are few different ways to apply for a Vietnam visa, read the instruction in our  Vietnam travel guide for further information. That will be useful for you to visit different trips to Vietnam such as Northern Vietnam with Halong Bay Tours, Sapa Tours and Southern Vietnam with Ho Chi Minh Tours and Mekong Delta Tours.

Vietnam is a tropical country but the weather and climate vary from the North to the South. In addition to that, Vietnamese respects and preserves their customs so consider Dos and Don’ts before traveling. All the above points, not to mention Vietnam overview, pre-trip preparation and transportation are well put in the following Vietnam travel guide. 

Vietnam Overview

Vietnam Overview

Ha Long Bay - A UNESCO World Heritage Site Why You Must visit Vietnam Vietnam is a peaceful and beautiful country located in South East Asia, across the South China Sea. Being favored by nature, Vietnam has a coastline of approximately 3,200 kilometers. According to 2022 national census, Vietnam has the total population of 99.46 million. Nearly half of Vietnam's population is from 10-24. Therefore, Vietnam is a young and dynamic country. Vietnam has tropical monsoon climate which varies from region to region. In the North, there are four seasons: Spring (from February to April), Summer (from May to August), Autumn (from September to October), Winter (from November to January). In the South, there are only two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. According to experienced travelers, the best time to travel Vietnam is from November to April. Hanoi Old Quarter Clients have a lot of options for joining a trip to Vietnam. Sapa Tours with beautiful landscape, terrace fields will be attractive destinations for most of the clients visiting Vietnam. Halong Bay Tours with Halong Bay day trip , Halong Bay 3 day 2 night will be different options for travelers depending on you r available duration in Vietnam. Hue Imperial city in Central Vietnam will be the time for relaxing in the middle of our trip. You will get back energy for continuing your trip to Southern Vietnam . With Southern Vietnam Tours & Excursions , you will learn about the culture of Mekong River Delta and Saigon people and life 4 Reasons You Must Visit Vietnam 1. Vietnam has various landscapes From the North to the South, Vietnam has a lot of amazing landscapes. There are spectacular mountainous scenery places in Sa Pa or Ninh Binh; lovely beaches in Da Nang, Hue, Nha Trang and Phan Thiet, and endless rice field and lush orchard in Mekong Delta. Vietnam satisfies all your demands of fascinating destination. You can enjoy trekking or hiking in mountainous areas, swimming or diving in the sea and cruises in Halong Bay or Mekong Delta. When you visit Vietnam you will may choose the best landscapes for your trip with advice from travel consultant. Terraced rice field in Sapa, Vietnam 2. Vietnam has a diversified and specialized culture Despite being a small country, Vietnam has up to 54 ethnic groups. Each ethnic has typical language and culture. You can explore many millennial customs of the Kinh, “Cuop Dau” (rob brides) of the H’mong, and many other interesting festivals of The Cham living in Mekong Delta. Throughout more than 4000 years of history, there still remain old structures and historical sites in Vietnam such as The One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Imperial Palace, Royal Tombs in Hue, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City. Visiting Vietnam , you will not only enjoy the landscape of Vietnam but that will be a good chance to learn more about Vietnam's culture and history. Ethnic Minority Children in Sapa 3. Vietnam is the Heaven of Food Philip Kotler once said: “If China should be the factory of the world, India should be the office of the world then Vietnam should be the kitchen of the world”. Thanks to fertile soil, rich natural resources, and skillful Vietnamese cooks, there are thousands of delicious dishes, which only exist in Vietnam. Vietnamese people have healthy eating habits. There are a lot of vegetables used in a meal which are cooked in different, interesting ways. Therefore, if you are a vegetarian, you don’t have to worry when you on Vietnam Holiday . Additionally, each region in Vietnam has a typical flavor. The North prefer a fresh taste, the Center prefer the spicy taste and the South prefer the sweet taste. In Vietnam, from the north to the south, you will not only be amazed by the landscape but also by the food. Food in Hoi An 4. Vietnam Is Safe and cheap Vietnam is much safer compared to Thailand. There has been no terrorist attacks recorded in Vietnam in more than 50 years. Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam is claimed as the City of Peace by UNESCO. Being a developing country, Vietnam is very cheap. The currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). 1 USD is equal to 22,000-23,000 VND. With around 2 USD, you can have a bowl of Pho (noodles with beef) and a cup of coffee for breakfast. It is just one example of how cheap Vietnam is. Come and experience the beauty of Vietnam! When you join in Vietnam Tours there are different options for you to choose from the private tour for the couple, family or company colleagues to the Vietnam Group Tours for different destinations. Tam Coc hand rowed boat In Northern Vietnam, they can be Halong Bay day trip group tour, Hoa Lu Tam Coc day trip group tour or other tours for Halong Bay 1 night cruise or Halong Bay 2 night cruise . In Southern Vietnam with some group tours also to Mekong Delta. All of that you may have a very cheap tour in Vietnam. 

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Vietnam Visa Guide

Vietnam Visa Guide

Vietnam Visa is important for travelers who visit Vietnam for holiday or business. Most travelers visiting Vietnam need a visa; however, there are some exemptions for the countries which have reciprocal agreements with Vietnam.There are different types of visa to Vietnam. They can be single – entry (1 month or 3 months) or multiple- entry (1 month, 3 months, 6 months or 12 months)Vietnam VisaI. Visa exemption is as follows:The citizens of following countries are NOT required VISA to visit Vietnam for a certain amount of time.Visa – Free for 30 days: Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore Visa – Free for 21 days: Philippines Visa – Free for 15 days: Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Russian, Sweden, Norway, Finland (a pause between two arrivals is 30 Days). Visa – Free for 15days: United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain (a pause between two arrivals is 30 Days). Visa – Free for 14 days: Brunei, Myanmar II. The Exception: The visitors to Phu Quoc Island are allowed stay on the island less than 15 days without a visa when they travel to the island via any international ports of entry (air and sea). However, if visitors visit other parts of Vietnam after Phu Quoc Island they will need a visa to Vietnam (if they do not have an exemption). Under Vietnam's visa waiver policy, passport holders from the following countries: Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, France, Germany, Italia, and Spain are allowed to stay up to 15 days per visit without a visa.If a secondary entry is required, they must wait for at least 30 days to apply for the next entry. Passport holders from these countries, who wish to stay in Vietnam for more than 15 days, or enter more than once within 30 days, need to apply for single entry visas for 30 days or multiple entry visas.III. How to Apply for a Visa to Vietnam?Options depending upon the nationality and passport of the applicant:Direct: Visitors can apply for the Vietnam visa in person or by post at nearby Vietnam Embassy/Consulate.E –Visa: Starting from February 2017 visitors of certain countries visiting Vietnam - This is a new system so we have no advice for this option. Tourists can visit the website: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/web/guest/khai-thi-thuc-dien-tu/cap-thi-thuc-dien-tuThrough Travel Company:  Tourists can apply for the Vietnam visa online through travel agents like Incredible Asia and the visa stamp will be issued on arrival at the airport (Visa on Arrival). If you choose this option, please see Incredible Asia Journeys Visa on Arrival (VOA) Service below.Incredible Asia Journeys Visa on Arrival (VOA) Service: Travelers with Incredible Asia Journeys receive a complimentary Visa Approval Letter to make your trip a little easier! Visa on arrival is the easy option for you to get Vietnam Visa, especially if you are pressed for time or have no Vietnamese Embassies in your area. If you do not travel with us and just require the Visa Approval Letter the fee is reasonable at the rate of USD $15 / person only for most of the nationalities (Please contact us for more detail for a visa to Vietnam).If you choose the VOA service, please follow the steps below: 1. Please send us the information as below:- Arrival and departure dates:- Your Name (As printed in your Passport):- Gender:- Date of Birth: MM/DD/YY- Passport Number:- Expiration Date:- Nationality:- Copy of your passport: (scan and send an email to us)Note: Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your travel date, and there must be at least 2 blank pages left on your passport.Passport information2. Prepare the documents:. Once we receive your information, we will apply for the visa letter for you and send you the letter by either email or fax. This usually takes about 3 – 4 working days. . Please prepare 2 photos (6 cm high x 4 cm wide – white background, no glasses, no facial expression).. To save you time at the airport we may send you the Visa Application Form (this form can also be assessed at the airport) via email which can be printed and filled in advance.. It is essential that you bring a copy of your visa approval letter (you may be required to show this when you board the airplane), 2 passport - sized photo, the application form and the valid passport with you on your holiday to Vietnam.Visa Aplication form3.  On Arrival at the airport: Upon arrival at Vietnam International Airport ( in Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City) please show your passport and these forms ( Visa Approval Letter, Visa Application Form and photos) at the Visa on Arrival counter and pay the immigration officers the stamp fee(cash only). The immigration officers will return your passport shortly with your visa stamp. The fee is as below:* USD$ 25 for 1-month single entry & 3-month single entry  * USD$ 50 for 1-month multiple entries & 3-month multiple entries* USD$ 95   for 6-month multiple entries  * USD$ 135   for 12-month multiple entries (Please note that the visa on arrival option is not applicable to Chinese citizens. Citizens of China need to get their visa stamp at the Vietnamese Embassy in China before being allowed to enter Vietnam)Visa Upon Arrival at Noi Bai International AirportNote: - The Vietnam Visa on Arrival to Vietnam only works when you arrive by plane to the International Airports of HCM City, Hanoi, Danang, Nha Trang.- If you travel to Vietnam from Laos or Cambodia via land (boat or drive), please have the Visa in advance. That is because of service at those borders is complicated and slow.

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Vietnam Weather and Climate

Vietnam Weather and Climate

Vietnam Weather is important for visitors to Vietnam. Understanding the weather in Vietnam will help you to choose the best tours suitable for you when you have the plan to Visit Vietnam. Located across the East Sea, Vietnam has typical tropical monsoon climate. However, due to various topographic, Vietnam has a variety of climate from the North to South. In Northern Vietnam, it is clear to see the difference in 4 seasons: The Spring is wet and a little bit cold, the Summer is hot and sunny (sometimes extremely hot), the Autumn is cool and rainy, the Winter is dry and cold.In the South, there are only two seasons: Dry season and rainy season. The rainy season lasts from May to November and the dry season lasts from December to April.The center of Vietnam has a harsh climate. It is hotter than the North in summer. Sometimes, the temperature can reach up to 45 degrees Celsius especially in Quang Binh and Quang Tri Province. Moreover, there are frequent storms and floods in the center of Vietnam from September to December. Therefore, you should check the weather forecast before traveling to the center during this period.The Vietnam weather changes from this place to other places at the same time so when you travel along Vietnam you may experience the different weather in Vietnam.Hoi An Ancient TownWhen Is The Best Time To Visit Vietnam?When is the best time to visit Vietnam is not an easy question and there are different answers to this questions because at the same time the weather is different from this place to other places. So in fact, there are more than one answers for this question. The best time to visit Vietnam depends on where you would like to visit. The best time for visit the North of Vietnam will be different from the answer for the best time to visit the South of Vietnam.The best time to travel from the North to the South of Vietnam can from November to April. At that time, it is cold and dry (for the local) in the North but it is just cool enough for travelers (especially travelers that come from the temperature climate just as Europe, North America, New Zealand, etc.)During these months, the temperature in the North can range from 17 degrees Celsius (63° Fahrenheit) to 25 degrees Celsius (77° Fahrenheit) while the temperature in the South may range from 25 degrees Celsius (77° Fahrenheit) to 28 degrees Celsius (82° Fahrenheit). In this season there is no typhoon so that is good to visit Vietnam especially visit Halong Bay because there will be less tour canceled.The not good time to travel Vietnam is from May to August. In the north, it is very sunny. Sometimes, the temperature may get up to more than 40 degrees Celsius (104° Fahrenheit). Even the locals get annoyed and tired of the weather. In the south, it is just a little bit cooler due to the sudden rain in the end of the day.However, in the summer, there are still some wonderful places to stay in Vietnam. The first is Sapa which is located at the height of more than 1.000 meters. The temperature in Sapa from May to August is just around 15 degrees Celsius (59° Fahrenheit) and 17 degrees Celsius (63° Fahrenheit). Ba Na Hills in Da Nang is quite the same as compared to Sapa.Vietnam also has plenty of beach cities to choose from like Danang, Nha Trang, Mui Ne or Phu Quoc Islands. It is extremely suitable to go swimming in summer in Vietnam. In summer, the water is warmer and clearer which makes it easier for you to go diving and explore the colorful coral reef. Hope you have a wonderful journey in Vietnam!Mui Ne Beach

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Vietnam Pre-Trip Preparation

Vietnam Pre-Trip Preparation

Traveling with Incredible Asia Journey, you don’t have to worry about transportation, accommodation or food as we prepared all of it for you. However, to have a smooth and happy journey, there are few things you have to prepare by yourselves.Preparation- Make sure that your Vietnam Visa is ready at least 2 weeks prior your Vietnam Holiday.- Read Vietnam Travel Guide. You will have a general understanding about Vietnam.- Read your travel itinerary and ask your travel agent any questions you have.- Inform your travel agent of any health conditions you have (in case you get sick or tired) to reschedule your itinerary.- Buy travel insurance beforehand for any unexpected travel delays, lost baggage, or medical issues-  Make sure to call your bank to let them know of your travel plans to Vietnam so your card will work, or go to the bank to exchange your money into VND (Vietnam Currency) before you arrive- Register for an international data plan with your cell phone provider, or buy a SIM card upon arrival in Vietnam- Check the calendar if there are any Vietnamese festivals during the time you traveling and ask your travel agent to arrange for you (in case you’re interested).- Check the weather to bring along suitable clothes.- Check your departure flight and set alarms!Vietnam Visa What to bring along for Vietnam trip?- Personal papers (visa, passport, travel insurance certificate, air ticket, etc). A copy of your passport is highly recommended.- Money (cash in US Dollar, visa card, debit card or VND cash)- Camera, batteries and extra memory cards- Cell phone, cell phone charger, and battery power bank- Laptop and laptop charger (if you want to work with laptop in your trip)- Medicine (if you are taking medicine under doctor’s prescription)- First aid kit (bandages, aspirin, etc)Vietnamese DongWhat clothes/items to bring along for Vietnam trip?- Glasses/contact lenses- Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat or umbrella if you go to Vietnam in the summer (from May to September)- Insect repellent- Comfortable walking shoes- Comfortable clothes (check the weather to bring along suitable clothes or ask your travel agent). There should be at least one long pant/skirt, long-sleeved top for visiting temples/pagoda) and a waterproof jacket.- Swimming suit (if you travel to seaside city of Vietnam)Packing for Vietnam trip

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Vietnam Transportation

Vietnam Transportation

Thanks to economic development in the last 20 years, transportation in Vietnam has been improved to encourage the development of tourism. Many new roads, bridges and airports have been built in recent years which make getting around Vietnam much easier. With the good transportation system, you can enjoy your holiday in Vietnam more. How to access Vietnam?As the Long Thanh International Airport has not been finished, there are only two official international airports in Vietnam. The first one is Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and the second one is Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Most foreign travelers access Vietnam through these two international airports.Between Vietnam to Europe, there are Vietnam Airlines and Air France (to Paris). Travelers from other countries in Europe and North America normally will have a flight to Bangkok (Thailand) and then Vietnam. In the near future, there will be direct flights between Vietnam and America and other countries in Europe.How to get around in Vietnam?There are many ways to get around. Each option has its own advantage and disadvantage which will be listed in the following:By planeTo save time and effort, travelers normally choose to travel by plane for long distance. They often choose to fly from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Hue or Danang or Nha Trang or Phan Thiet and vice versa.Advantage:- Safe- Save time and effort - Enjoy spectacular scenery from aboveDisadvantage:- Frequent delays (if you choose to fly with Vietjet Air)Vietnam Airlines By trainYou can travel from the north to the south of Vietnam by train. The Unification Express offers a wideRange Of Choices From Third-Class Hard Seat To Air-Conditioned Cushioned Seats To Sleeper Beds.Advantage:- Enjoy the scenery across the journeyDisadvantage:- Slow, dirty and noisy (except for High-Class Train)- Must book in advanceSapa night trainBy TaxiGoing by car is the most accessible way in Vietnam. In the past 3 years, the development of Grab and Uber in Vietnam makes getting around cities easier and cheaper. It is very easy for you to get in a taxi or a car in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City just by downloading Uber/Grab App from App Store or Google Store.Advantage:- Easy to access- CheapDisadvantage:- Frequently stuck in traffic jams in rush hour- Can be more dangerous with trafficTaxi in HanoiBy local busLocal buses in Vietnam are not recommended if you are not going with locals. To get on the bus, you must go to the bus station in the town center. Buses only leave when it is full of passengers. It means you will not have a comfortable seat. In addition, it is often old and dirty and sometimes unsafe (pickpocket, impolite drivers, high speed, etc.)There are still high-class buses (Limousine cars) to travel from Hanoi to Sapa or Hai Phong but you must book in advance.Advantage:- CheapDisadvantage:- Uncomfortable- UnsafeLocal Bus in VietnamBy car/vanA car/van is the most comfortable vehicle for your trip to Vietnam. Nowadays, most of the car and van in Vietnam are good and new and that is easy for you to book your tour operator to arrange the car with a guide or without a tour guide.Advantage- Comfortable- ConvenientDisadvantage- High pricePrivate VanBy cruiseIn the recent years, traveling by cruise has become more and more popular especially the Halong Bay Cruise and Mekong Cruise. You can choose which cruise based on your budget from a 3 star to a 5-star cruise.Advantage:- Comfortable- Unforgettable experience- Standard serviceDisadvantage:- Quite expensive- Not suitable for people with seasicknessHalong Bay overnight cruise

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Dos & Don'ts in Vietnam

Dos & Don'ts in Vietnam

Vietnam is well known as a friendly and non-religious country. Vietnam still preserves customs which have lasted for thousands of years. As a result, to have a happy in your Vietnam holiday, you should glance at this list of dos and don’ts in Vietnam. Dos in Vietnam:- Greet Vietnamese in their native language which is “Xin Chao” for “ Hello” and “ Cam On” for “ Thank you” with bent head. That is a great way to make friends with Vietnamese.- Wear polite dress code (long and body covering clothes) when going to religious places to show your respect to locals’ belief- Travel with reputed travel agents (Tripadvisor is a good source). If you don’t check the reputation of the travel agents you choose, you may get low-quality service. In the worse case, you will have a terrible journey: dirty hotel, uncomfortable car, bad food, etc.- Store passport, visa, cash, credit card, airplane tickets and other valuable things in a safe place. It is undeniable that robberies still take place in Vietnam especially in Ho Chi Minh City. In fact, there were many travelers robbed in the streets of Saigon.- Ask for permission before taking photos at a site or with someone. There are some places (especially temples or pagodas) in Vietnam that do not allow photography. - Remove your shoes before entering a house. Vietnamese do not wear shoes inside the house. Not removing your shoes is seen not very polite.- Bring a map or hotel business card when going out alone in case you get lost. The traffic in Vietnam is complicated. - Receive things from others (especially elders) with both hands to show the respect to them.- Check the weather forecast before going out because the weather in Vietnam changes very quickly.- Take an umbrella/raincoat/hat and water with you before going out - Watch carefully before crossing the road because traffic in Vietnam is chaotic.- Bargain before purchasing anything. Vendors in Vietnam, especially in the North of Vietnam, often claim the higher price at first then they will settle for lower- Take off your hat when you go inside religious places like pagodas or temples to show respect to these places.- Hold your bag in front of you especially when you hire a motorbike taxi to avoid bag snatching. - Do learn to use chopsticks. In many places, especially remote areas, it is not easy to find forks or knives - Try to finish everything on your plate. Leaving too much food on your plate seems impolite, especially with the local families.- Try to have plenty of change in your pocket so that you will have an easier time making purchases from local street vendors- Do get medical insurance before for your trip. Health care services may cost a lot abroad so medical insurance is good way in case you need any health care services.Remove your shoes before entering a houseDon’ts in Vietnamin the list of the Dos and Don'ts in Vietnam you may take care with the list of Don'ts in Vietnam more because knowing this you can avoid the trouble when you take the trip to Vietnam.- Don’t wear valuable jewelry or bring lots of money when walking around the street in case of robbery.-  Don’t uncontrollably eat at vendors (only eat food when you are sure of its elements and quality). Until now, Vietnam has failed in controlling the quality of food at vendors so use precautions when finding restaurants.- Don’t wear shorts or tank tops to the pagodas, temples or other religious places. You will be considered rude and sometimes you will not be allowed to be in.- Don’t take picture of military sites in Vietnam- Don’t stay out too late, especially in some remote areas - it can be unsafe. - Don’t rush the locals, they hate being rushed- Don’t have aggressive behavior in public. Vietnamese are quite closed and conservative. Therefore, you should not have extreme behavior, it will be considered rude.- Don’t cause Vietnamese to “lose face”. Keeping big face is very important for Asian people and Vietnamese.- Don’t show public personal affection to your boyfriend/girlfriend. Kissing, touching or holding hands may be perceived inappropriate especially in the countryside or mountainous area.  - Don’t touch someone’s head, especially when this someone is older than you are. It is considered insulting.- Don’t sleep or sit with the soles of your feet pointing towards the family altar in someone’s house especially when you visit the local family or stay in the homestay. - Don’t run too fast or stop suddenly when you cross the road in Vietnam. Keep eye contact with the coming drivers and try to keep your speed. Crossing the road with our guide for the first days will be great to learn. Lastly, don’t be too nervous. Most of Vietnamese will forgive if you don’t know or you forget the don’t - things above because you are foreigners. However, trying your best is appreciated!Read carefully the list of Dos and Don'ts in Vietnam. Wish you have a great holiday in Vietnam!Don't wear short in Pagoda

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