Vietnam

Vietnam is one of Asia’s most beguiling nations with a population that has weathered colonialism, war and communism. There’s an enduring spirit that lifts this country of contrasts. The frenetic capital of Ho Chi Minh is a heady mix of Vietnamese culture and French colonialism. Go west to the mighty Mekong Delta to see a compelling rural life. Discover palaces, temples and arts festivals in the old imperial capital of Hué. Take a trip to the Northern provinces home to the breathtaking Halong Bay with its 2000 limestone karsts or trek around the mountainous Sapa.

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  Six Senses Ninh Van Bay

  Vietnam

  A gracious Vietnamese hotel

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  The Nam Hai

  Vietnam

  Vietnamese resort where architecture and nature harmonise.

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• 

  Six Senses Ninh Van Bay

  Vietnam

  A gracious Vietnamese hotel

  more

  

  1 rating

  1 review

Vietnam’s climate varies greatly from north to south. The north is cool and dry from November to April but hot and rainy from May to October. The south is hot and humid year round, especially from February to May and the rainy season is from May to November. The Central Highlands are much cooler.

Transport

Getting around

Vietnam Airlines has a near-monopoly on domestic flights, which are relatively expensive. The departure tax on domestic flights is about 1.50, payable in Vietnamese dong only.

Ultracheap buses and minibuses criss-cross the country in an impressive network of routes. These are smarter, faster and safer than they used to be and are a good way to meet locals. The alternative, used by many foreigners, is to charter a minibus. They cost more can be faster as they don't stop as often; ask at budget hotels and cafes for details.

While sometimes train travel can be slower than bus travel, it is safer and more relaxed, and you're likely to have decent legroom. There are several types of train, including the famous Reuinification Express; but think twice before you take a crowded, snail-paced local train. Petty theft can be a problem on trains, especially in budget class. Children throwing things at carriages, everything from rocks to cow dung, is another problem, and you're advised to keep the metal shield on the window in place.

Hire cars and drivers are available at reasonable prices. You'll still be stopped by the police to pay all sorts of 'fines', but at least you'll have a local with you to do the negotiating. You can hire a motorcycle to drive yourself if you have an International Driver's Permit endorsed for motorcycles, but you'll need nerves of steel.

Travelling through Vietnam, and around the towns and cities, by bicycle is worth considering, though the traffic is still a hazard on highways without wide shoulders. Trains and buses will carry your bike when you want a break.

Other than the sophisticated local bus networks in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, local transport is by taxi (some metered, some not) or cyclo (pedal-powered vehicles that are cheap and plentiful). If you're in a hurry, and fearless, try flagging down any passing motorbike. Many people will be happy to give you a lift for a fee a little higher than the equivalent cyclo fare.

Getting there and away

Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat Airport is Vietnam's busiest international air hub, followed by Hanoi's Noi Bai Airpot. A few international flights also serve Danang. Bangkok has emerged as the principle embarkation point for Vietnam but it's still possible to get direct flights from a number of major Asian cities and a few Australian cities. Buying tickets in Vietnam is expensive. Departure tax is 14.00, which can be paid in dong or US dollars.

There are currently 10 overland border crossings for travellers coming to Vietnam, but more may open soon. All crossing points suffer from heavy policing and often requests for 'immigration fees'.

For getting to/from China, it's become very popular to cross the border at Friendship Pass, or Dong Dang, 20km (12mi) north of Lang Son in northeast Vietnam, to get to/from Nanning. There is a twice-weekly international train between Beijing and Hanoi that stops at Friendship Pass. The other popular border crossing with China is at Lao Cai in northwest Vietnam, which lies on the railway line between Hanoi and Kunming in China's Yunnan Province. There's also a seldom used crossing at Mong Cai.

It's possible to enter Laos from Lao Bao in north-central Vietnam; there's an international bus from Danang to Savannakhet (Laos). The other crossing is at Keo Nua Pass/Cau Treo, west of Vinh and Nam Phan/Na Meo near Mai Chau. There are four crossings to Cambodia. Bavet/Moc Bai links Phnom Penh with Ho Chi Minh City and the road is in reasonable shape now. There are also two crossings in the Mekong Delta, a river crossing at Kaam Samnor/Vinh Xuong and a land crossing at Phnom Den/Tinh Bien. Most recently, a new crossing between Pleiku and Banlung (Cambodia) has been opened. Some of the road is terribly rough, and you need to have your visa sorted before you cross from either side.

Health & Legal Requirements

Dangers and annoyances

As in any major city, there is a problem with street crime, particularly in HCMC and Nha Trang. Exercise common sense and caution. Do not have anything dangling off your body, including bags and jewellery. Watch out for drive-by thieves on motorbikes - they specialise in snatching handbags and cameras from tourists and even from the open window of a car. Also be aware of 'taxi girls' who approach Western men, hug them and ask if they'd like 'a good time'. Then they suddenly change their mind and depart, along with a wristwatch and wallet.

Do not accept drinks from friendly strangers as there is a risk of it being drugged, and beware of a motorbike-rental scam which involves you renting a motorbike and excellent lock - to which the owner also has a key. Somebody will follow you and 'steal' the bike then you have to pay for a new bike or forfeit your passport, visa, deposit or whatever security you left. Nice.

As bizarre as it sounds, never touch any rockets, artillery shells, mortars, mines or other relics of war you may come across, as such objects can remain lethal for decades. Don't climb inside bomb craters - you never know what undetonated explosive device is at the bottom.

Finally, keep in mind that Vietnam can be incredibly noisy, which can sap your energy if you're not used to it.