1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Vietnam borders with China in the north, Laos and Kampuchea in the West, and the Pacific Ocean in the east. Its lies in the centre of South-East Asia. Vietnam's territory stretches from Lung Cu village (Ha Tuyen province) in the north to Rach Tau hamlet (Minh Hai province) in the south. It is a S-shaped penisula, with thousands of off-shore islands and archipelagoes; the biggest of which are

the Hoang SA (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelagoes. Vietnam's mainland covers 331,689 square kilometres .
According to archaeological discoveries made at Do Mountain, it is believed that life in Vietnam began as far back as 300,000 years ago. Officially, the history of Vietnam stretches back 4,000 years when it was founded by the Hung Kings. It was then named Van Lang.
When speaking upon the history of Vietnam, it is important to note the large role played by the French in Vietnam. It began in 1858, when the French took over Danang in southern Vietnam. Over time, more and more territory was won over by the French. It wasn't until 1954, when the French surrendered to to the Viet Minh, ending the French Indochina War, that the French colonial control in Vietnam ended.
The immediate image in the minds of most people at the mention of Vietnam is that of the war fought against the United States some twenty years ago. Most people think of the country only in terms of the American conflict in Indochina. The war ended nearly twenty years ago, and today, despite lingering signs of past American involvement, the situation in Vietnam is markedly different. People have finally begun to look at the country from another perspective, now that travelers and tourists from the West are being welcomed into what was once a forbidden country. It may take a bit more effort and tenacity to plan an excursion into Vietnam than it would for another Southeast Asian country, but Vietnam has much to offer in terms of culture and sights.
Top
______________________________________________

2. WEATHER CONDITIONS
The weather in the southern part of Vietnam is tropical. It is monsoon in the north, bringing a hot, rainy season from mid-May to mid-September and a warm, dry season from mid-October to mid-March. Occasional typhoons from May to January bring extensive flooding to the middle regions of Vietnam.
Top
________________________________________
3. PEOPLE AND CULTURE
The vast majority of the population is Vietnamese with minute percentages of Chinese. The Viet culture originated on the delta of the Red River and the Ma River where the Viet people cultivated paddy fields. They led a simple farming life in small villages, usually living around a communal house. Today the people living in the countryside follow this lifestyle. The Viet people are influenced by Confucianism, in particular the principle of respect for their elders.
In spite of the immense suffering of the Vietnamese and the somewhat ruined state of the

country they are generally warm and friendly, and surprisingly, the Vietnamese bear little if any resentment or bitterness toward Americans. Children in the streets will commonly greet visitors with the name Lien Xo, which means Russian, but they will easily be corrected if you respond, "Hello!" or "Good morning" and explain you are an American, European or Australian, etc.
Ethnic Groups:
The country is predominantly 85-90% Vietnamese, 3% Chinese, ethnic minorities include Muong, Thai, Meo, Khmer, Man, Cham, and other mountain tribes.
Languages:
Vietnamese is the official language; French, Chinese, English, Khmer and tribal dialects (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian) are also spoken.
Religion:
Buddhist, Confucian, Taoist, Roman Catholic, indigenous beliefs, Islamic and Protestant.
Top
________________________________________
4. LOCAL CUSTOMS
Be firm, yet diplomatic when dealing with officials who will often be very rigid. In the case of misunderstanding, patience is the best policy.
Small gifts such as cigarette lighters, pens, foreign cigarettes, liquor, perfume and even shampoo are greatly appreciated by anyone you wish to make friends with in Vietnam.
Out of politeness, always ask permission before taking photos of people. The same rule of thumb also applies to photos taken in places of worship. Permission will almost always be granted.
A gentle handshake is the most appropriate manner of greeting.
Be very discrete about giving anything to beggars frequently encountered in Ho Chi Minh City. If anyone is seen giving handouts to a beggar, he or she may end up being pursued by a mob of other beggars. This does not help create a good image for foreigners; it gives them instead the reputation of being easy to hit up for money.
Beware of pickpockets. Keep your ID and passport in a safe place and carry only photocopies of those items.
Remove your shoes before entering Buddhist pagodas. Small donations placed in the boxes found in temples are appreciated. It is acceptable to keep your shoes on within Chinese pagodas.
Never let the soles of your feet face other people or any sacred monument, such as a statue of Buddha.
Top
________________________________________
5. CURRENCY
The Dong (D) is the official currency in Vietnam.
Exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = 15,600 Dong ( Nov 2005 )
Bank notes currently in circulation are in denominations of 100 / 200 / 500 / 1,000 / 2,000 / 5,000 / 10,000 / 20,000 , 50,000 Dong and Coins ( 500 / 1000 / 2000 / 5000 D).
Notes under 200 Dong have little value and are rarely used.
The U.S. dollar is more or less a second currency in Vietnam. Other foreign currencies are not readily accepted. A large supply of US$1, US$5 and US$10 are almost essential for tipping, for small expenses and for hotel bills. U.S. money is so common that change will frequently be given in dollars.
Visitors bring maximum amount of foreign cash equivalant to USD7,000 into the country no need to declare with custom officers. Foreign currency can be exchanged for Vietnam dong (VND) at your hotel or at any Banks in Vietnam.
Top
________________________________________
6. THINGS TO KNOW
Population: About 83 Million People
Capital: Hanoi
Flag: The flag of Vietman is red with a large yellow five-pointed star in the center.
Shop Hours: Shops run from 7 or 8am to 11 or 11:30pm. Some are open from 1 or 2pm to 4 or 5pm.
Bank Hours: Most banks are opened from 7am or 8am to 11am or 11:30am Some are open from 1pm or 2pm to 4pm or 5pm.
Holidays
January 1: Solar New Year's Day
January/February : Tet (Tet Nguyen Dan). The most important Vietnamese annual festival. This marks the new lunar year and the advent of spring. This is a three-day holiday, usually at the end of January or the beginning of February (according to the solar calendar)

February 3 : Anniversary of the Foundation of the Communist Party of Vietnam
April 30 :Liberation Day, the day on which Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) fell to Hanoi in 1975. This holiday is commemorated nationwide.
May 1: Labour Day
May 19 : Birthday of President Ho Chi Minh
September 2 : National Day of Vietnam
Time: +7:00, Vietnam is 11 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and 14 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time.
Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Vietnam, but it is enormously appreciated. A 5-10% tip for a meal is a very small amount of money, but to the average Vietnamese, it could easily equal a day's wages. Avoid tipping too much, as it will set a precedent for others.
Restaurants: Government-run restaurants catering to tourists add a 10% service charge to the bill.
Porters: Porters, if they are available, can be tipped with American coins.
Hotel maids: Government-run hotels catering to tourists charge an automatic 10% service fee.
Taxis: Generous tips are not necessary. A small gratuity, however, is expected by cab drivers.
Top
________________________________________
7. VISAS AND PASSPORT
Foreign visitors are required for entry visas into the country except for the citizens of the countries who have bilateral or unilateral consular agreements with Vietnam .

Visa can be obtained at the overseas Vietnamese Embassies or General Consulates. Visitor also can obtain visa on arrival at the border gates on particular cases.

To get visa, visitors need to fill visa application form with 02 passport size photos and apply with Vietnamese Embassies or General Consulates abroad. Collection visa fee of equivalent USD25 per 01 single entry is to be paid. Besides, visitor also separately needs to pay the arrangement visa fee for tour operator who arranges the visa for them.

Visa exemptions:

- Citizens of ASEAN ( except : Miamar & Kampuchea ) countries are exempted from entry visas for not more than 30 days.

- Citizens of Japan , South Korea , Sweden , Norway , Denmark and Finland are exempted for entry visas for not more than 15 days.

- French citizens holding valid diplomatic passports are exempt from visa requirements when visiting Vietnam and are allowed to stay for up 3 months at one time or on several visits within six months since their first immigration dates. Vietnamese citizens holding valid diplomatic passports also enjoy similar privileges.

- Citizens of Chile holding valid diplomatic or official passports from are exempted from entry transit visas and are allowed to stay for up 60 days on each visit.

*Personal Data for Visa arrangement:

• Your full name
• Day of birth
• Nationality
• Passport Number
• Occupation
• Date of entry and exit
• How many times of entry or exit ?

*LIST OF OVERSEAS VIETNAMESE EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES.

Top

• Duty-free luggage quotas for people on entry at the Vietnamese border gates

Top
________________________________________
9. TRAVEL TO AND WITHIN THE COUNTRY

International Airports:

Noi Bai in Hanoi:  Tel: (84 - 4) 8 866 527.

Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City: Tel: (84 - 8) 8 485 383 / 8 320 320.

Da Nang in Da Nang City: Tel: (84 - 511) 830 339.
                                   
Airport tax is only applied for International flights: US$14 per person at Noi Bai airport, US$12 per person at Tan Son Nhat airport and US$10 per person at Da Nang airport, children under 2 years old are exempted.

Getting  to the town:
In Hanoi:
Airport Taxis charge a flat rate of US$ 8 per one-way trip from Noi Bai Airport to central Hanoi (any address in the down town). The drive takes about 45 minutes. A minibus makes the trip for US$ 4 per person. The public bus is 30 cents per person with bus No 07.

In Da Nang:
 A metered cab is available from the Airport to the downtown which cost around VND 40,000/trip. The trip takes about 15 minutes.

In Ho Chi Minh City:
 A metered cab from the Tan Son Nhat Airport to downtown costs around VND 50,000. The trip takes about 20 minutes.

* International overland border gates: You can buy ticket at any travel agencies

With  Cambodia

▼ Moc Bai Border Gate in Tay Ninh Province:
Moc Bai Border Gate is located about 70km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. There are direct buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Go Dau Towelette in Tay Ninh Province, along the highway 22A, across Moc Bai Border Gate to Cambodia.

▼ Sa Mat Border Gate in Tay Ninh Province:
Sa Mat Border Gate is located in Tan Lap Commune, Tan Bien District, Tay Ninh Province. From Go Dau Townlet in Tay Ninh Province, along the highway 22B, across Sa Mat Border Gate to Cambodia.

▼ Tinh Bien Border Gate in An Giang Province:
Tinh Bien Border Gate is 25km southwest of Chau Doc Town, An Giang Province. From Long Xuyen City in An Giang Province, along the highway 91, across Tinh Bien Border Gate to Cambodia.

With Laos:

You can buy bus ticket at Laos Aviation at address 3A Nguyen Gia Thieu, Hanoi/ Tel 04-9420554. Departure everyday at 19.30 with price US$20 per person.

▼ Na Meo Border Gate in Thanh Hoa Province:
From Vinh Loc in Thanh Hoa Province, along highway 217, across Na Meo Border Gate (Na Meo Commune, Quan Son highland district, Thanh Hoa Province) to Laos.
▼ Nam Can Border Gate in Nghe An Province:
From Dien Chau in Nghe An Province, along highway 7, across Nam Can Border Gate in Nam Can Commune, Ky Son District, Nghe An Province) to Laos.
▼ Keo Nua Border Gate in Ha Tinh Province:
Keo Nua (Cau Treo) Border Gate is at the foot of Keo Nua Pass. Buses from Hanoi to Hong Linh Town (Ha Tinh Province), then along highway 8, direct to Vientian (Laos) by across Keo Nua Border Gate.
▼ Lao Bao Border Gate in Quang Tri Province:
Buses from Hue City (Thua Thien - Hue Province) to Dong Ha (Quang Tri Province), along highway 9, across Lao Bao Border Gate, direct to Savannakhet (Laos). 
▼ Cha Lo Border Gate in Quang Binh Province:
From Hanoi to Ba Don (Quang Binh Province) along highway 1A. From Ba Don, along highway 12A, across Cha Lo Border Gate in Dan Hoa Commune, Minh Hoa District, Quang Binh Province to Laos.

With China

▼ Lao Cai Border Gate in Lao Cai Province:
Lao Cai Border Gate is in the north of Lao Cai City. From Lao Cai City, across Ho Kieu Bridge linking Lao Cai Province (Vietnam) with Yunnan Province (China).
▼ Mong Cai Border Gate in Quang Ninh Province:
Mong Cai Border Gate is in the northeast of Quang Ninh Province, 176km from Halong City, 327km from Hanoi. From Halong City, along the highway 18 to Mong Cai Town, and then across the Mong Cai Border Gate to China.
▼ Huu Nghi Border Gate in Lang Son Province:
Huu Nghi Border Gate is 17km from Lang Son City to the north, 171km from Hanoi to the northeast.

* International Waterway border gate with Cambodia:

▼ Vinh Xuong Border Gate in An Giang Province:
Vinh Xuong Waterway Border Gate is 30km north of Chau Doc Town, An Giang Province. It takes 40 minutes on the Tien River from the wharf at Victoria Chau Doc Hotel to Vinh Xuong Border Gate by motorboat, then complete customs and immigration procedure to go to Phnom Penh.

* International travel by railway is only possible  across the  Dong Dang Border Gate with China in Lang Son Province :
: You can by ticket at any travel agencies or Vietnam Railway Corporation
Address: 118 Le Duan Street - Hanoi - Vietnam
Tel/ Fax: 84-4-9.422.866
Email: dsvn@hn.vnn.vn
Website: http://www.vr.com.vn

* Travel inside the country:
▼ City bus:
You can travel by bus in side the city which are now available in Hanoi and HoChiMinh city at price varied from 20 – 30 cents per person/trip. Each city they has many bus lines which can be found in the city  map that you visit.

▼ Taxi:
Metered taxi services now are available in most cities over the country. Fare is similar. Flag fall is about 70 cents, which takes you for the first 2 km; every kilometer costs about 30 cents. For long-distance you can negotiate with cab for the best price.

▼Inter-province shuttle bus:
There are several main long-distance bus stations and each one serves a particular area. They are fairly well organized with ticket offices and printed schedules and prices. You’d be well advised to check information and buy tickets the day before you plan to travel or you can ask more information of your destination with the guy in your hotel.

▼ Open tour bus:
Seat can be booked through most hotels and cafés. The price is fixed for certain distance.

▼Rented car, minibus and bus:
Visitor may rent car, minibus or bus ant negotiated rate at any travel agent along the country.

▼ Domestic flight:
Domestic flights are connected among big cites in the countries such as Hanoi, HoChiMinh, Danang, Hue, Hai Phong and Nha Trang… by daily flights. Please refer to our flights schedule for more information.

Top
________________________________________
10. SIGHTSEEING
Ho Chi Minh City
This is the largest city in Vietnam. It is the industrial, commercial and cultural center of the country. The central city area is still called Saigon.
WAR CRIME MUSEUM
This museum exhibit crimes committed by the Americans during the war. Photographs of the famous My Lai massacre, human embryos, genetically deformed babies and innocent civilians being tortured can be seen on display. An array of US armored vehicles, artillery pieces, bombs and infantry weapons are displayed in the courtyard. You can also see a guillotine used by the French to de itate troublemakers in the riots of the 1920s and a model of the famous tiger cages used by the South Vietnamese to house VC prisoners on Con Son island. The War Crime Museum basically reveals a different side of the stories about wars - the innocent victims of modern warfare.
HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Built in 1929 by the Societe des Etudes Indochinioses, it was formerly named Blanchard dels Brosse. A big statute of President HoChiMinh stands in the main lounge of the museum. The museum has an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the primitive age, bronze age, the Tran dynasty and the Le Dynasty. Take a look at the array of musical instrument especially the special monochord of the one string musical instruments. There are many valuable relics taken from Cambodia's Angkor Wat.
REUNIFICATION PALACE
In 1868, the Norodom Palace (original name) was built for the French Governor-General of

Indochina. A striking modern architecture was built when the original buildings were damaged by bombs. Rebuilt in 1962, it comprises of a ground floor, 3 main floors, two mezzanines and a terrace for helicopter landing. The palace includes many tastefully decorated rooms such as the reception room, the cabinet reference room, the study rooms, the credentials presentation room and the banquet room. It also has a basement with a network of tunnels connecting to the telecom centre and war room and one of the longest tunnels which stretch all the way to the Revolutionary Museum. The grounds outside contain one of the first tanks to burst through the gates of the palace to signify the end of the Vietnam War as well as the fighter plane which dropped further bombs towards the end of the war. Independence Palace was renamed the Unification Palace to denote the spirit and strong will for national independence and reunification
Ben Thanh Market
The Ben Thanh Market, formerly the main railway terminal, is the largest of the markets scattered throughout the city. A wide variety of goods are available, from imported electronics to imported perfumes.
Notre Dame Cathedral
This Catholic church was constructed in 1883 and is located near the Tu Do (Dong Khoi) Street, the former red-light district.
Presidential Palace
This building is now called the Reunification Hall. The center was built as a modern administration center and is where the war and the American involvement in Vietnam ended in April 1975, with tanks invading the compound. Guided tours will take visitors through the various rooms within the complex.
Cholon
Ho Chi Minh City's Chinatown. Sights include the Binh Tay Market, the An Quang Pagoda (District 5) and the scenic Thien Hau Temple.
Vinh Nghiem Pagoda
A modern Japanese-style Buddhist temple, easily one of the largest and most impressive in Ho Chi Minh City.
Tay Ninh
Cu Chi Tunnels
An extensive network of nearly 200 miles (322mi) of Viet Cong tunnels used in the French Indochina war and American war. The tunnels have complete facilities, from kitchens to printing presses and even street signs, all of which were used to aid the NLF (National Liberation Front) military. Tours involve a description of the tunnels, after which tourists are allowed to crawl about the maze. Located in Tay Ninh (suburb of Ho Chi Minh City), 24 miles (39km) northwest of central Ho Chi Minh City.
CAO DAI TEMPLE
Cao Daism seeks to create the ultimate religion by fusing Buddhist, Taoist, Confucianist and Catholic beliefs into a synthesis of its own. Witness the solemn ceremony of the unique religion - Caodaism at Caodai Holly See at its noon tide prayer service with followers dressed in red, blue, yellow and white robes. There is the divine eye above the altar, the religion's official symbol. The temple has nine levels which signify the nine steps to heaven, each level marked by a pair of multi coloured dragons.
MEKONG DELTA
One of the world's largest delta, the Delta Region is formed by the various tributaries of the mighty Mekong River which begins its journey to the sea in Tibet and winds its way for 4500 km through China, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Southern Vietnam. The Vietnamese name for the Mekong is Cuu Long which means "nine dragons" and this is represented by the nine exit points of the Mekong River as it flows into the sea. The land of the Mekong Delta is renowned for its richness. Known as Vietnam's breadbasket, it produces enough rice to feed the entire country with a sizeable surplus leftover. Take a sampan ride that meanders through small villages and experience the simple lives of the Mekong people
Vung Tau Beach
Located at the mouth of the Saigon River is the popular Vung Tau beach resort. Pineapple Beach is probably the most pleasant, with its villas and generally tranquil atmosphere. The temples are a definite must-see. The Niet Ban Tinh Xa is the largest temple in Vietnam. Tourist accommodations are available at the Hoa Binh Hotel, as well as the Thang Loi, Thang Thai and Tho Nguyet.
Nha Trang
The central region near Nha Trang features some of the most beautiful beaches in Asia. The ocean waters are transparent, and the sands immaculate, attracting more and more visitors in recent times. Tours cover the Cham Ponagar complex, the north tower of which was built in 817 A.D. Ruins of the long-deceased Champa still stand as a testament to this once prominent kingdom.
Dalat
The mountain resort among the Central Highlands has scenic surroundings as well as remnants of the French colonial era. The Ethnic Minority Museum is certainly worth visiting for those interested in the costumes, gongs, ornaments and other artifacts collected by locals from the Lam Dong province. As another point of interest, there is even an old abandoned nuclear power plant.
Danang City
Known as Tourane under the French, Danang is a seaport of endless stretches of unspoiled sandy beach midway between Ha Noi to the north and Ho Chi Minh City to the South. The city was also the center of civilization of the Champa Kingdom, a kingdom which flourished In the area as early as the 2nd century A.D. Appealing stone sculptures (from the 4th-14th centuries) of Vishnu , Shiva and other Gods of this Kingdom can still be found in the Cham museum located in the center of the city Towards the coast south of Danang are five large hills known as the Marble Mountain. Mysterious caves within the mountains shelter altars delicated to Buddha, Bodhisattvas and The different genies arising from the popular beliefs of the area's inhabitants. With its own international and domestic airport, Danang provides an ideal stopover based for excursions to the ancient town of Hoi An, the imperial city of Hue and My Son-site of the Ruins from the Cham civilization.
Cham Ruins
For those interested in seeing all that these fifteen towers have to offer, plan on spending a minimum of one day. These towers are located at My Son in the Duy Xuyen district.
Cham Museum
The Cham Museum built in 1915, expanded in 1935 , completed in 1936, is in a lovely setting And has large, open well lighted rooms with around 296 statues and artifacts of the Cham People dated back to the 7th century.
Marble Mountains
Consisting of five limestone peaks, about five (8km) miles south of town. They can be explored by following the paths leading to the peaks.
Non Nuoc Beach
China Beach, one the most wonderful beaches of Vietnam , was once an in country rest and Recreation centre for the US military during the Vietnam War.
Hoi An Ancient Town
Forty-five minutes by land south-east of Da Nang is the ancient town of Hoi An, which was one of the most important trading ports in Southeast Asia for merchants from China, Japan and afar for a couple of centuries ago. Originally a seaport in the Champa Kingdom, by the 15th century It had become a coastal town under the Tran dynasty. Also served as the hub of East-West cultural exchange, Hoi An's ancient past is superbly preserved in its fascinating temples, pagoda, shop houses and home which make up the town's old quarter. Walking in the streets of this ancient town, one can observe the influence of the architecture, Sculpture and decorative styles of China and Japan and the skill of former Vietnamese architects Who have absorbed their influences and created something similar yet somehow uniquely different.
HUE
Hue, the imperial city, the citadel-city of Phu Xuan was originally built up during the end of 17th Century and became a political capital as well as the Imperial City of Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 till 2nd September 1945 when the Communist Party, leaded by President Ho Chi Minh had declared the Independent of the Nation and took over the power from the defeated Japanese Governor. Nowadays, this small & poetical city of 280.000 habitants becomes one of the main tourism site of Vietnam destination by its splendid tombs of the Nguyen emperors, several notable pagodas especially the Thien Mu Pagoda, the remains of Citadel as well as the romantic Perfume River where a cruise tour with Hue music performance in the moonlight was always provided since long time ago. Normally, visiting Hue within a day is a bit rush but still enough time to cover the main attractive sites such as The Citadel, The museum of antique, the tombs of Khai Dinh and Tu Duc emperors and a 02 hours cruise with stop over at Thien Mu pagoda.
Citadel & Forbidden City
This forbidden city of 10km. perimeter has 4 main entrance gates and well defended by kilometers of rampart was built in 1804 by the first emperor Nguyen Anh on a site chosen by geomancers and look likes a Chinese forbidden city in Beijing. Some parts of this forbidden city were totally destroyed during the war where now are under reconstruction providing UNESCO & Japanese non-government associations' fund. Lucky thing is most of the main area such as the citadel (the Imperial Enclosure), Flag Tower were remain intact where received hundred of visitors daily.
The Museum of Antique (Imperial museum)
This beautiful hall which house the Imperial Museum was built in 1845. The most precious artifacts were lost during the war (1954-1973) and the liberation day (1975) but ceramics, furniture and royal relics are remain until the present time.
Khai Dinh Emperor's Tomb

This is the final monument of the Nguyen Dynasty. The complex features ceiling murals, frescoes and a dragon staircase. Located on the slopes of the Chau E Mountain, six miles (10km) south of town. It takes almost 10 years (1920-1931) to finish this grandiose concrete tomb which is completely unlike the others tombs where there was a mixture of typical Vietnamese & French colonial architecture. After climbing 36 steps passing by rows of elephants, horses, civil & military mandarin you will be reached the main building where a full original artifacts are displayed to the public.
Tu Duc Emperor's Tomb
The most impressive of the tombs and pagodas at Hue. Located at the tributaries of the Perfume River, seven miles (11km) south of Hue, this complex has beautiful architecture, intricate decor and military statues. This majestic and serene tomb with lake view, grove of pines, temples, living house area is the most expensive tomb which was completely terminated after 5 years by thousands of labor-worker (1863-1868) for this intellectual-poet emperor.
Minh Mang Emperor's Tomb
The most impressive of the tombs and pagodas at Hue. Located at the tributaries of the Perfume River, seven miles (11km) south of Hue, this complex has beautiful architecture, intricate decor and military statues.
Thien Mu Pagoda & Perfume River Cruise
Unlike the typical boat used to provide in the past the present Hue cruise is providing a motorized boat which carry a 2 hours cruise along Perfume River including a 30 min stop over Thien Mu pagoda. This pagoda located on the hillock overlooking the Perfume River, built in 1844 by Thieu Tri emperor, 21m-high octagonal tower with seven-store is one of the most famous structures in all over the country and become an unofficial symbol of Hue until now.
Hanoi
One Pillar Pagoda
Built in the 11th century, this pagoda sits on a stone pillar in the middle of a pond. This is one of the more unusual structures in Vietnam.
Lenin Park (Thong Nhat Park)
Built over a former marsh, this park surrounds a large lake containing a statue of Lenin, often the object of jokes among the locals. The park itself is quite beautiful.
Tran Nhan Tong Street.
National Preserve of Cuc Phuong
This national park is one of the last tropical primeval forest reserves on Earth. There are 64 species of fauna and thousands of species of flora, many of which are extinct everywhere else in the world. Bizarre and fascinating species of animals from flying lizards to monkeys dwell within the park's 61,000 acres. Caves and grottoes, where various artifacts have been discovered, are located in the mountains within.
Ha Nam Ninh Province. It is located approximately 62 miles (100 Km.) southwest of Hanoi.
Thu Le Park
Located northwest of Hanoi in the Thu Le village.
Haiphong
Cat Ba
This island is the largest in the Cat Ba archipelago. It is potentially one of the major beach destinations in Southeast Asia. This region has beautiful beaches and pristine waters. Within the mountains are caves and grottos. Located 36 miles (58km) east of Haiphong.
Halong Bay
One of Vietnam's most beautiful areas, Halong Bay has fascinating limestone formations, coves for nighttime excursions, sheer cliffs, grottoes, arches and scores of small islets.

Top
________________________________________
11. DINING AND DRINKING
Vietnamese food varies from region to region. Almost 500 traditional dishes have been recorded!

Rice and noodles are staple foods, served with nearly all meals. The most popular dishes are nema rán (spring rolls), bún thang (noodles with sliced pork, eggs, shredded chicken and shrimp), shellfish steamed with ginger and sea crabs fried with salt. Among common ingredients used are: shark fin, duck, pork paste, fish, spices, fruits, vegetables, crab meat, lobster and oysters.
Imported beer is available in Vietnam, although a number of domestic beers are brewed. Rice wine is very popular, and there are many brands available. There is a variety of fruit wines such as apricot, orange or lemon. Soft drinks are processed from the many varieties of tropical fruits available. Water from the tap should be avoided, even though it has already been filtered and sterilized at 10ºC. If you must drink it, boil the water first.
Top
________________________________________
12. ENTERTAINMENT
Vietnam is not the place to go for the latest in nightspots, but a number of large hotels have nightclubs and dance halls. Bars are fairly easy to find, even in smaller hotels. Try asking the locals for the current popular spots.
Top
________________________________________
13. EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Top
________________________________________
14. USEFUL PHRASES
• Greetings - Chao ong (ba)
• How are you? - Ong (ba) co khoe khong?
• Fine, thanks - Cam on rat tot
• My name is ... - Tên tôi là ...
• I don't understand - Tôi không hiêú
• Restaruant - nhà hàng
• Telephone - diên thoai
• Hotel - khách san

Top