Passports / Visas

A full United Kingdom passport with a visa is required for entry to Vietnam.

Visas cannot normally be obtained on arrival in the country. There is no requirement for registration with the police unless you are not staying in a hotel or are working long term in the country.

Further visa information can be obtained from the Embassy in London, details are as follows:

Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

12-14 Victoria Road
London
W8 5RD
Tel:020 7937 1912
Fax:020 7937 6108

Health advice / risks

You are advised to contact your GP for medical and inoculations advice.

There are no regulations requiring Medical certificates for entry into Vietnam.

Vietnam is not a country for the unhealthy. Medical facilities are poor, and the climate in the north aggravates respiratory problems and rheumatism. Water should not be drunk unless it has been boiled and filtered. Drinking water in carafes supplied in major hotel bedrooms is generally safe but it is advisable to use bottled water, which is sometimes supplied free of charge.

A small first aid kit is advisable, together with a few syringes and needles. There is no malaria in larger cities, but AIDS is steadily becoming more of a problem and other blood transmitted diseases, such as hepatitis, are endemic.

Travel routes to Vietnam

International Airports are located at Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Noi Bai International Airport(HAN)is 45km (28 miles) from Hanoi. Buses and a small number of taxis are available.

Tan Son Nhut International Airport (SGN) is 7km (4.5 miles)from Ho Chi Minh City. Buses and a small number of taxis are available.

Departure tax on international flights is US$7 from Hanoi and US$8 from Hoi Chi Minh City. Departure tax for domestic flights is d15,000.

Property Frontiers is able to assist in making travel arrangements for Vietnam. Please visit our Travel Service page for further information.

How to get to & from the airport

Some of the larger International hotels provide free transport from the airport direct to the hotel. However before departure it is advisable to check with your travel agent about hotel courtesy buses and/or cars.

Tipping is not expected for taxi drivers. Some hotels will add 10% to the bill as a service charge.

Travelling in Vietnam

Noi Bai airport is 38km from Hanoi city centre and Tan Son Nhat is 3km from Ho Chi Minh City Centre. Internal flights by Vietnam Airlines (State-owned) link Hanoi and other major towns.

The main mode of transport for most towns, particularly in the south, is predominantly mopeds, bikes and cyclos. Taxis and private owned cars come a close second.

When travelling outside of the main city centres a four wheel drive mode of transport is advisable, as some road conditions can be difficult. Hire cars (with or without drivers) may be arranged via hotels. Hanoi is also serviced by a rail network.

Hotels

Vietnam now offers a wide range of comfortable - not to say luxurious - hotels in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Prices vary from US$100-200+ per night for deluxe 5 star accommodation to US$50-100+ 3/4 star, and below US$50 for budget style.

Restaurants

Vietnam has a wide range of cuisine available and the main restaurants are of an excellent standard. Choices range from English, French, Thai, Malay, Chinese, Indian/Asian as well as Vietnamese and many others.

The main restaurants accept major credit cards.

Electricity supply

Vietnam uses a 220 volts/50 cycles electric current.
Round two-pin plugs are used.
Computers and other sensitive electrical equipment will need to be protected from power shortages and surges.

Hours of business

Office Hours: Most Vietnamese offices work a six day week.
08.00-12noon and 13.30-16.30 Monday to Saturday.

Banks
07.30-11.00 and 13.00-15.30