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Lying on the crossroads of multiple civilizations, Vietnam with its Chinese and French influences is a remarkable experience for all senses. The 63 provinces are all distinct in culture and adventures; from the exquisite flavors, natural beauty, calm beaches, to thousands of years old temples, luxury resorts, Vietnam caters to all. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites and savor the tastes of the second largest coffee exporter worldwide.

USEFUL INFO ABOUT VIETNAM

OFFICIAL NAME: Socialist Republic of Vietnam

CAPITAL: Hanoi

FORM OF GOVERNMENT: One-party socialist republic

POPULATION: 97.34 million (2020 est.)

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE(S): Vietnamese

LANGUAGES SPOKEN: Apart from Vietnamese and English, other languages spoken are French, Chinese, and Khmer.

ETHNICITY: Key ethnic groups are Vietnamese, Hmong, Hoa, Chams, Muong, Rade, Tay, Khmer, Nung, Mnong, Jarai and Bahnai people

MAP REFERRED: Asia

AREA: 331,210 kmÂ²

ELEVATION: 398 m above sea level

NEIGHBOURING PLACES: China, Laos, and Cambodia

FAMOUS FOR: Hue's Huda | Saigon | Hanoi | Hoan Kiem Lake | Halong Bay | Sapa | Hoi An | Danang Beaches | Madagui Forest City | Da Lat | Cat Ba Island | Hue | Imperial Citadel of Thang Long | Ho Chi Minh City | Thua Thien Hue | Golden Bridge

THE NATIONAL SYMBOL: A circular red background and yellow star representing the Communist Party of Vietnam. There is also a cogwheel representing the border, and crops signifying Vietnam's agricultural and industrial strength.

TIME ZONE: UTC+07:00 (Vietnam Standard Time)

DRIVING SIDE: Right

AIRPORTS IN VIETNAM: There are three main international airports: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) and Da Nang International Airport (DAD) located in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.

NETWORK / CONNECTIVITY:

The internet in Vietnam is fast and reliable; connectivity is widespread with cafes, hotels, malls, restaurants and even street vendors offering Wi-Fi hotspots. The speeds can go up to 100 Mbps depending on your location. Though if you plan on exploring the more remote regions, this option may not be the most sustainable.

When venturing out of the bigger cities, invest in a SIM card for round-the-clock internet access. The prices are extremely affordable with tourist deals offering 20 GB of data being sold for about $20.

The local Vietnam currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). However, many shops still accept USD as a form of payment. Do keep a small amount of Vietnamese currency for payments at smaller stores and outlets to avoid hassle though. Currency exchange services are available at airports, banks, train stations, hotels and other main areas of business.

ATM withdrawal facilities are mostly available in the bigger cities, and it's never a good idea to withdraw large sums at a time. Visa, Master Card, JBC and American Express are the most accepted credit cards that are great to use as a backup in case you run short on cash. Avoid bringing travelers' cheques because cashing them can be difficult in Vietnam.

Symbol: â«
Code: VND

1 AED = 6,328.75 VND (As of 25th March 2020)

Vietnamese Dong notes can be found in denominations of 500 000, 200 000, 100 000, 50 000, 20 000, 10 000, 5000, 2000, 1000, and 500.

Vietnam's first civilization can be traced approximately 5000 years back when settlements around the Red River Valley began. It was around 207 B.C that the northern tribes established their communities and the region was conquered by a Chinese lord who then made it a part of the kingdom of Nam Viet.

In 111 B.C, the area was added to the Chinese Empire and it remained under their rule until A.D. 939 when the Vietnamese commander Ngo Quyen led a rebellion to drive the Chinese away. A new name 'Dai Viet' was given to it and there was a steady expansion that led to the rival kingdom of Trinh in the north and the Nguyen in the south being formed.

The country earned its title of Vietnam in 1802 when a Nguyen lord defeated the Trinh with help from the French. And by 1890, the French had gained complete control over Vietnam. The country saw a lot of changes in leadership; Japan had a short span of control during World War II, after which they lost. Ho Chi Minh, the leader of the Vietnamese Communist Party, then declared Vietnam as an independent nation.

Fighting with the French officially ended in 1954 leading to the formation of communist North and non-communist South Vietnam. Communist rebels in the south led the unrest in the country to a war in 1957. Eventually, the United States, Russia, and China became involved in this conflict as well. This ended in 1975 with the communists successfully gaining dominance over the south and its capital, Saigon.

Vietnam is a country shaped like a letter "S". It is long and narrow, and located in Southeast Asia on the east of the Indochina Peninsula. With China to its north and Laos and Cambodia to the west, the east and south are bordered by the South China Sea. Its coastline stretches for an extensive 3,260 km excluding the islands.

Leveled land covers only about 20% of Vietnam's area, the terrain otherwise is filled with tropical lowlands, hills, and forested highlands. The western side of Vietnam is where you'll find the mountains of the Annam Cordillera that stretches through Laos, Vietnam, and a small area in northeast Cambodia.

The narrowest tip of Vietnam is only 30 miles wide. The longest rivers are the Mekong in the south and the Red in the north. The Red River has two main tributaries Song Lo and Song Da which is known to gain 60 times more water than its usual amount during rainy seasons. This area can get flooded easily, and the Red River Delta has control systems in place to safeguard the culture and economy. The fertile ground helps grow rice and various other crops and is also home to many locals in Vietnam.

History
Vietnamese culture is one of the oldest in Southeast Asia and heavily influenced by Chinese traditions. Moreover, the French colonial rule played its part in bringing its influences to the region such as the spread of Catholicism and the use of Latin alphabets.

There are 54 ethnic groups that live together in solidarity yet practice different beliefs and customs. Some important symbols of the culture include the dragon symbolizing royalty and prosperity, and the buffalo representing Vietnamese agriculture and strength.

Family Values
Family is highly regarded as a prestigious social unit and given much more power than an individual's identity. It is common for three or four generations to live together under one roof in harmony. Wisdom is deeply respected which is why elders are given more authority to make decisions.

Vietnamese people are very conscious about their reputation in the society. Therefore it is important to never insult or embarrass anyone even in a friendly manner.

Clothing
The clothing in Vietnam has significantly evolved over time to match the tone of the ruling dynasty. The current Vietnamese national dress for women is a tight fitted yet modest silk tunic called 'Ao Dai' made of silk or cotton. The men have a similar outfit; however, it is a looser fit and shorter in length.

Music
Vietnamese traditional music is based on various instruments such as dan bau (Vietnamese monochord), dan co (Vietnamese erhu), and dan nguyet (moon lute), etc. Ca tru is a much-loved style of court music that was used to entertain aristocrats, and Chau Van is used as a form of worship to please the mother goddesses. There are also stage art music forms such as ChÃ¨o and Quan Ho Folk songs that you'll see being performed in local festivals to honor local traditions.

Martial Arts
Due to the history of foreign invasions, Vietnamese have invested a lot of effort into mastering the art of self-defense. Martial arts evolved from Chinese practices to modified versions such as the "Vovinam" founded in Hanoi. Traditional wrestling is still practiced during festivals such as Tet, and different martial art practitioners are known by their distinct uniforms that they wear.

Religion
Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism are common and referred to as the triple religion in Vietnam. There is a strong faith in superstitions and folk tales, and reliance on ancient gods/goddesses and guidance from ancestors. The spirit world has many rituals associated with it and the afterlife is a steady pillar of the belief system.

Food and Drink
The food in Vietnam has earned fanfare all around the world. North, Central, and South Vietnam have their own cuisines. Though the staple ingredient is rice. The noodle-based soups are consumed daily, and there is a keen preference for the use of fresh herbs and vegetables, and low oil usage.

Must-try Delicacies
Vietnam is known for "Pho"- you can't miss this signature dish made of rice noodles served in a bowl with hot broth. The soup can have meat and vegetables tailored to your preferences and is served with chili sauce so you can spice up the taste as you please. Other ingredients added include bean sprouts, lime wedges, basil, mint, and other herbs for a perfectly wholesome flavor.

If you're craving a sandwich, order yourself a "Banh mi"- a French-Vietnamese inspired sandwich. The freshly toasted baguette with vegetables, butter, cilantro, chilies, meat, and other fillings is a great snack, or meal on its own.

"Banh Xeo" or crispy pancakes are a local favorite. Made of rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric, these pancakes can be filled with meat and vegetables. Usually found at roadside food vendors, the snack is wrapped in lettuce leaves or rice papers to enjoy on-the-go with a side of peanut sauce.

Must-Try Drinks
There's no way you'll go thirsty in Vietnam with its refreshing range of drinks. Start your day off with a "Sinh to"- a healthy fruit smoothie filled with nutrition from the locally grown fresh tropical fruits. From custard apples, strawberries to bananas- this is a popular drink to enjoy at a cafe. Other specialties include fresh coconut juice and sugar cane juice (Nuoc Mia).

You can also enjoy local rice wine called "Ruou Can" that is brewed with herbs for a remarkable taste. Bia or beer is a preferred drink especially in Saigon and Hanoi to sip on outside as you enjoy the Vietnamese weather with your friends and family.

Vietnam holds the distinction of laying on the crossroads of multiple civilizations.

The Vietnamese take their food very seriously; the unique Chinese and French influences make this cuisine a culinary adventure.

From Hue's Huda to Saigon and Hanoi, every major city specializes in its own beer brews.

Vietnam has the Son Doong Cave- the largest cave in the world first explored in 2009 and opened to the public in 2012.

Sand dunes, limestone geology to fertile delta lands- the geography in Vietnam offers powerful diversity.

Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi is a popular spot for wedding photography due to its gorgeous landscapes.

Vietnam has 63 provinces with unique climates and features.

The 54 ethnic groups and 4000 years of civilizations have their unique festivals and celebration for you to partake in.

Thousands of years old temples are a joy for architecture lovers to explore.

Fresh tropical fruits such as watermelon, pineapple, mangos, and mandarins are sold everywhere.

The second-largest coffee exporter worldwide has an amazing coffee culture.

Vietnam is perfect for budget travelers; an average street food meal only costs between $1-2.

Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a short 4-hour drive away from Hanoi.

Visit Sapa for stunning peaks and rice terraces; this hill station can be reached by taking an overnight train from Hanoi.

Make new friends; the locals are extremely friends and hospitable towards tourists.

Due to high summertime temperatures, it is recommended to plan your Vietnam travel in winter. This is the time of the year when Vietnamese New Year is celebrated with great enthusiasm, an ideal time to enjoy the festivities. The best time to go to Vietnam is between October and March, the monsoon ends in Central Vietnam by December, and you can make the best use of the outdoor weather.

Spring (March to April)
Warm and dry climate prevails; Hanoi and Ha Long Bay have temperatures around 18 degrees Celsius with high humidity levels. There are some occasional showers and the temperatures rise as you move to the south of Vietnam with averages reaching as high as 32 Celsius.

Summer (May to September)
While the north remains chilly, the rest of Vietnam is hot throughout the summer season. There is dry weather from May until June, though the southern and northern parts do receive rain. The monsoon can be very heavy and there are days when the temperature can soar to about 40 degrees Celsius.

Autumn (October to November)
This is a great time to schedule your Vietnam getaway. Places like Hanoi have sightseeing exploration weather with temperatures averaging around 21 degrees Celsius. There are plenty of festivals with parades, lanterns, and lion dancers to enjoy the change of seasons.

Winter (December to February)
Undoubtedly the best time to visit Vietnam, bring warm clothes if you intend on visiting the mountainous northern region. Tourism destinations such as Sapa are known to receive snow in December and January. Temperatures range around 16 degrees Celsius- perfect for outdoor adventures such as trekking and hiking. This is also the recommended time to head over to visit Phu Quoc for a beach getaway.

Visit Vietnam with Family

Rent bikes to cycle through the rice fields in Hoi An.

Enjoy family bonding on the beaches of Danang.

Take a family-friendly cruise on Halong Bay.

Visit the Madagui Forest City to camp under the stars.

Visit Vietnam as a Couple

Explore Da Lat; a top honeymoon destination also called the "Love Paradise" in Vietnam.

Admire the calm beauty of Hoi An and its fresh blue water Cua Dai beach.

Take a trip to Hue for its palaces, temples, and the Imperial City.

Spend time in the mountainous town of Sapa filled with romantic wonder.

Visit Vietnam with Friends

Learn Vietnam's history at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi.

Visit the Temple of Confucius- the Temple of Literature and the first national university of Vietnam, the Imperial Academy.

Go for a food tour in the adventure-filled Ho Chi Minh City.

Seek blessings at some of the oldest Chinese temples in Ho Chi Minh city.

Visit Vietnam with Kids

Catch an entertaining cultural Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre Show.

Have an evening stroll alongside the Perfume River in Thua Thien Hue.

Head over to Cat Ba Island for top water sports and experiences including snorkeling and diving.

What to Buy?

Robusta coffee

Handcrafted home decor items

Silk

Ceramic product

Vietnamese paintings

Ao Dai (traditional garments)

Leaf hat (non la)

Sandpaintings

Pearls

Calligraphy

1) Visit the Rice Paddies of Sapa
Take the overnight train from Hanoi to Sapa; this quaint, mountainous and lush green town located in Lao Cai Province is quite close to the border with China. You'll also find Fan Si Pan, Vietnam's highest peak in Sapa that adds to its profound natural beauty.

2) Admire the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
A must-see Vietnamese tourism attraction, this World Heritage Site is an ancient fortress representing Vietnam's military strength. The beautiful structure takes you back in time in addition to providing amazing photo opportunities.

Location: Hanoi
Timings: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Entry fee: $1.3

3) Take a Relaxing Halong Bay Cruise
Considered one of the seven wonders of nature, the Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The name literally translates into 'descending dragon'; with over 775 formations of limestone karsts in different shapes and sizes. Other best tourist attractions in Vietnam include plenty of caves and floating villages to see.

Location: Quáº£ng Ninh Province, Vietnam

4) Explore the Ho Chi Minh City
See the modern-day development and a commerce-driven environment in Ho Chi Minh City. It is the financial center of Vietnam, and headquarters to many leading companies. The city is also home to Vietnam's busiest airport- Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon, Vietnam

5) Catch a Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre Performance
Water puppetry is an important part of the Vietnamese culture with its 1000-year-old history in the Red River Delta Region of Vietnam. The 50-minute-long shows have storylines focused on highlighting the cultural and social elements of the region and its lifestyle to share knowledge in an engaging manner.

Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon, Vietnam

6) Experience Central Vietnam in Historic Hoi An
The historic town of Hoi An not only has regal architecture but plenty of heritage to offer as well. The best weather to visit is between May and July to immerse in the old town vibes abundant with beautiful scenery. There are also beaches, and rare landmarks such as Japanese merchant houses, Chinese temples, and ancient tea warehouses.

Location: Hoi An, Quáº£ng Nam Province

7) See the Stone Hands of the Golden Bridge
A relatively newer Vietnamese attraction that has gone viral on social media, the Golden Bridge has a striking design consisting of a large pair of hands holding up a bridge. This pedestrian bridge connects the cable car station to the garden with scenic vistas to enjoy along the way.

Location: BÃ NÃ Hills, near Da Nang

8) See Vietnam's Second Largest City- Hanoi
The city of Hanoi is a great balance of modern and old with its new skyscrapers, fancy cafes, and entertainment options. But what the capital is truly famous for are the old quarters with street markets, bars, and historic buildings that are a joy to explore on foot.

Location: Hanoi, Red River Delta

9) Visit the Ancient My Son Sanctuary
My Son Sanctuary dedicated to Lord Shiva is a landmark that originates at a time estimated to be between the 4th and 13th centuries. Known for its spiritual significance, it is a highly respected site for the Indian Hinduism community. Located on the coast, it was once the powerful capital of Champa Kingdom.

Location: Duy Xuyen District

10) Embrace the Scent of the Perfume River
Feel the fragrance of Vietnam's nature uplift your senses; this 80 km long river flows from Truong Son Mountain through Hue City Centre and Bang Lang Fork. A popular place for locals to come and enjoy their evenings surrounded with lovely views, take a dragon boat ride or sip on coffee at a nearby cafe.

Location: Hue, Thá»«a ThiÃªn-Huáº¿ Province

1) Vietnamese New Year (Tet Nguyen Dan)
The Vietnamese New Year follows Vietnam's lunar-solar calendar and is a time that indicates the arrival of spring. A 3-day celebration starts with countdown parties, fireworks, outdoor decorations, and visiting temples to get into the spirit of the new beginnings.
Date: January 25th, 2020

2) Lim Festival
This traditional festival was used to originally honor Ba Mu- a Buddhist nun at Lim Pagoda. Celebrating her enlightenment and contributions, locals use 'Quan Ho' style of singing to compete in a friendly spirit, in addition to weaving, wrestling, and participating in worship-based ceremonies.

Location: Lim Village, 18 km from Hanoi
Date: February 6, 2020

3) Perfume Pagoda Festival
Thousands of pilgrims visit this revered pilgrimage site to pray for a happy year ahead. The journey includes passing a route with limestone karsts, rivers, and rice paddies- a truly spiritual experience. Devotees make their way to Huong Tich, an ancient sacred cave, and pray for prosperity for themselves and loved ones.

Location: 70 km from Hanoi
Date: February 8th, 2020

4) Tet Han Thuc
This 'Cold Food Festival' is unique to Vietnam and is held on the 3rd day of the third lunar month in the year. Family members come together to make traditional treats called "Banh Troi" and "Banh Chay''. These are then put in a tray and placed on the altar as an offering to ancestors.

Date: January/February

5) Hung King Temple Festival
The national public holiday is celebrated with great fervor across all Hung King Temples of Vietnam. It honors the first King of Vietnam - King Hung; locals show their gratitude and play folk games. Key highlights include bamboo swings, lion dances, wrestling, water puppet performances, crossbow shooting, and other activities.

Date: March-April

6) Hue Festival
An exceptional Vietnam music festival held in the UNESCO-listed Hue City, the Hue Festival is a biennial celebration that preserves traditional customs. There are drums and percussions, poetry, fashion shows, human chess, kite flying and other activities that can be traced back to the Nguyen Dynasty.

Location: Hue City
Date: Varies

7) Buddha's Birthday
Buddha's Birthday is an extremely important part of the Vietnamese event calendar. The temples come to life with elaborate decorations, and offerings of food, flowers, and fruits. Thousands of devotees go to Hoi An to participate in congregational prayers and street parades.
Location: Hoi An
Date: April

8) Reunification Day
This public holiday marks the liberation of South Vietnam from American troops and the reunification under one government with North Vietnam. There are group performances, fireworks, and a grand parade held in Hanoi to celebrate this milestone in the country's history.
Location: Hanoi
Date: April 30th

Before traveling, please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your date of arrival in Vietnam with at least one black visa page.

There is a visa exemption for citizens of the following countries:

90- Day Exemption: Chile
30- Day Exemption: Cambodia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand
21-Days Exemption: Philippines
14- Days Exemption: Brunei
15-Days Exemption (With Restrictions): Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

E-visas can be granted for single entry visits for up to 30 days to nationals of the following countries:

All European Union citizens, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, China, Colombia, Cuba, Fiji, Georgia, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein, Maca, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Myanmar, Nauru, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Switzerland, Timor Leste United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela.

Via Bus
City buses can be a confusing and less preferred mode of transportation due to the higher affordability of taxis, cyclos, and xe om. Bus maps can be found at stations that take some effort to navigate.

Via Train
Vietnam's national carrier is Vietnam Railways with dependable services to travel around the country. There are different train classes available catering to the comfort you desire; private carriages offer the premium experience with high levels of luxury. Bookings can be made online on the Vietnam Railways bookings website; however, only local credit cards are accepted.

Via Taxi
Taxis in Vietnam are a safe and quick way to travel around, especially at night. Fares average between $0.6 to $0.75 per km but do ensure that you flag down and hop onboard a taxi registered with a reputable company such as Mai Linh or Vinasun. You can also use your mobile apps to call an Uber or Grab Cab.

Alternatively, you may opt for a Xe Om- or motorbike taxi. An easy means of getting around if you don't have much luggage, the average fare for a short trip in Hanoi is about $2-3.

Via Rent A Car
Remember to bring along your International Driving Permit (IDP) if you intend to rent a car. The two-lane highways can be dangerous for new drivers and roads can be particularly difficult to manage near mountains. Hiring a driver is a better option for added comfort and faster traveling because they know the directions and local routes better.

Via Cyclo
The popular bicycle rickshaws can be found everywhere in the major Vietnamese cities. Easy to spot outside busy commercial areas such as hotels and restaurants, the average fares can vary between $1-2 for a short ride. Always negotiate prices beforehand to avoid the risk of being overcharged.

Via Plane
The three main international airports are Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) and Da Nang International Airport (DAD) located in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. The 7 registered airlines in Vietnam are Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar Pacific, Air Mekong, VASCO, Indochina Airlines, VietJetStar and Viet Star Airlines.

Via Air Route
The three main international airports: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) located in Hanoi in the north, and Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) and Da Nang International Airport (DAD) Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang in the south easily accommodate air travel. There is a visa on arrival facilities at all these airports for eligible visitors and Vietnam Airlines (country's official airline) along with various other carriers make their stops here.

Via Road Route
There is road connectivity available from both Cambodia and Laos. Though Cambodia has easier border access. However, it is important to note that no visas are issued at the border.

Via Rail Route
Nanning and Beijing in China are the rail route available to reach Vietnam. The Nanning Express makes a stop in Hanoi and is only recommended for visiting north Vietnam due to the slow speed and long routes.

Via Water Route
There are some cruise options available from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City, but it can take 9-10 days to reach Vietnam.

TRAVEL TIPS

Motorcycle taxis are a common means of transportation. Always agree on a fare beforehand to avoid being scammed.

Wear a helmet if you decide to ride a motorbike or bicycle.

Try to use a safer ride-sharing app like Uber and Grab in the larger cities.

Never give your credit card to anyone; request them to bring the card machine to you to avoid the risk of card cloning.

Only use taxis that are registered with the authorities.

Keep your valuables in the hotel safe and do not take along any expensive items.

Always bargain; haggling is a must in the local markets to avoid overpaying for items.

Buy a SIM card and save all emergency response numbers upon landing.

SAFETY TIPS

Walking across the streets during rush hour can be dangerous. Be careful.

Pickpocketing can happen; use a money belt to be worn under your clothing.

Keep your phone and wallet in your pockets and out of sight.

Do not go out late at night in rural areas.

HEALTH TIPS

Do not drink tap water, it is recommended that you also avoid ice and salads.

Exercise caution when eating street food; opt for places with more crowds.

Keep yourself hydrated with your own bottled water (check for the seal when buying).

Use of dog or cat meat is common in Vietnamese food; always ask for ingredients before placing your order.

Wear a mask in the city streets to avoid traffic fumes.

Time your sightseeing to avoid peak hot temperatures during the day.

WHAT TO PACK?

A wide-strapped backpack

Below-the-Knee skirts or long trousers

Cotton t-shirts or blouses

Shoes - running shoes, flat sandals

Light-weight, waterproof jacket

Travel adaptors for electronics (Local voltage is 230 volts)

Hygiene and toiletry items

First aid kit

Lightweight scarf

Swimsuit

Sunscreen and hat

Camera with cover

Flashlight in case of a power outage

Sunglasses

Travel documents and tickets

Travel insurance

Passport and Visa

Any snacks in case of allergies

DRESS CODE & ETIQUETTE

You do not have to dress conservatively but do cover up when visiting local dwellings temples to respect local traditions.

Avoid public displays of affection.

Do not cross your arms across your chest or point at people or places with your finger (use your hand instead).

Always seek permission before taking pictures, especially in minority areas.

Pass items to others using both hands.

Don't touch anything when shopping unless you truly intend to buy it. Overenthusiastic vendors can get pushy with their offerings.

Always be kind and patient when dealing with locals to gain the same respect in return.

China
China is the hub of ancient treasures with breathtaking landscapes, delectable cuisine, arts such as poetry and calligraphy, traditional medicine, colorful festivals, and cuddly pandas. See rich history and modern-day marvels come together in the land of giant Buddha, the great wall, and diverse ethnic cultures.

Thailand
A holiday in Thailand is the solution to break away from your mundane routine; the diverse cuisine, affordable shopping, beautiful beaches, favorable weather, and exciting nightlife are just a few reasons to plan your escape. Explore Phuket, Sunset Beach, and experience the lifestyle for yourself.

Laos
The perfect destination for nature enthusiasts, Laos is a stunning country with unique limestone and karst rock formations, lush jungles and picture-perfect rice fields. Enjoy outdoor activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, trekking, and more. There's no shortage of adventure in Laos.

From Vietnam to Cambodia: 392.1 km
From Vietnam to Thailand: 807.4 km
From Vietnam to Laos: 890.1 km
From Vietnam to the United Arab Emirates: 5,789 km

The original spelling of Vietnam was two words: Viet Nam.

Ho Chi Minh and Nguyen (pronounced "win") are the most common names.

The Vietnamese culture is a mix of Chinese, Japanese, French, and American colonial influences.

The five points in the star on the flag represent farmers, workers, intellectuals, youth, and soldiers.

Water Puppetry is a popular art form that can be traced back to the 11th century. Experiencing it is one of the top things to do in Vietnam.

Snake Wine made from steeping whole snakes in rice wine is consumed here for its health benefits.

It is the largest exporter of cashew nuts and black pepper.

Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Vietnam.

Vietnam is the world's second-largest coffee-producing nation (ranked after Brazil).

The national dish of Vietnam is "Pho"; a noodle soup served everywhere from upscale restaurants to street vendors.

It is one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia.

According to Vietnamese folklore, Vietnamese locals are descendants of dragons.

The biggest cities in Vietnam are Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hai Phong, Can Tho, Bien Hoa, Da Nang.

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