FAQs

- Greetings are no different to western countries, there are no cultural formalities that as a foreigner you would be expected to know or practice.

- Vietnamese dress conservatively. Not only for the prevailing weather, but also not to cause offence to the local people. Despite the heat, it’s best not to show off too much skin. If you do, especially girls, you’ll only draw stares from the locals. Vietnamese have conservative dress codes, and it is only in larger cities that these codes are a little more relaxed. Do not wear revealing clothing.

- Dress well when visiting pagodas. No shorts or tatty beer t-shirts. Shoes are fine, and rarely will you have to remove them. If unsure, just follow what the locals do.

- Drink plenty of bottled water, especially when walking around sightseeing. No need to carry huge bottles around with you, a vendor is never far away and no doubt they will find you before you find them. During the summer months you should be drinking a minimum of two liters per day. If you drink tea, coffee & alcohol you should increase you water intake accordingly as these will help to dehydrate you.

- Store your cash, credit cards, airline tickets and other valuables in a safe place. Most 4-star hotels have in-room safes; otherwise ask the reception to keep your valuable things in their deposit facility.

- Take a hotel business card from the reception desk before venturing out from your hotel. This will make your return to the hotel in a taxi or cyclo much easier.

- If invited into a home, always remove your shoes at the front door when entering.

- Ask for permission when taking a photograph of someone. If they indicate that they do not want you to, then abide by their wishes.

- Check on your first day whether you need to reconfirm your next flight, if so do it then. Some airlines do not require this anymore but it is still worthwhile calling them so that they at least have your contact details, in case the flight is delayed or whatever.

- Never carry more money than you need when walking around the streets. Do not wear large amounts of jewelry. It is more likely that you may become a victim of a pickpocket or drive-by bag snatcher.

- Don't be paranoid about your security; just be aware of your surroundings.

- Don't wear singlets, shorts, dresses or skirts, or tops with low-neck lines and bare shoulders to Temples and Pagodas. To do this is considered extremely rude and offensive.

- Avoid giving empty water bottles, sweets and candies or pens to the local people when trekking through ethnic minority villages. You cannot guarantee that the empty bottles will be disposed of in a correct manner, and the people have no access to dental health. If you want to give pens, ask your guide to introduce you to the local teacher and donate them to the whole community.

- Never sleep or sit with the soles of your feet pointing towards the family altar when in someone’s house.

- Never lose your temper in public or when bargaining for a purchase. This is considered a serious loss of face for both parties. Always maintain a cool and happy demeanor and you will be reciprocated with the same.

- Do not try to take photographs of military installations or anything to do with the military. This can be seen as a breach of national security.

- When taking a ride by motorbike taxi (xe om) make sure your bag, if any, is not on display or easy to grab. Bag snatches, although still rare, are probably the most likely crime a tourist would encounter, and it raises the probability immensely if you are tailing a camera or a laptop in the wind.

- Physical displays of affection between lovers in public are frowned upon. That’s why you may come across couples holding hands but not hugging or kissing.

- Remember, this is Vietnam, a developing country, and things don’t quite work as you are maybe used to. Don’t be paranoid about your safety; just be aware of your surroundings.

- Do not carry your passport a leave it in the safe in your hotel. A photocopy will suffice if local law states that you need to.

There are five international airports throughout from North to South including Noi Bai in Ha Noi, Da Nang, Cam Ranh, Tan Son Nhat and Phu Quoc.

Tan Son Nhat Airport serves Ho Chi Minh City and is Vietnam’s busiest international air hub.  Noi Bai Airport is the destination of choice for those concentrating on Northern Vietnam, while a handful of international flights also serve Da Nang Airport, a useful gateway to the charms of central Vietnam.

Vietnam Airlines is the state-owned flag carrier, and the majority of flights into and out of Vietnam are joint operations between Vietnam Airlines and foreign airlines. Vietnam Airlines has a modern fleet of Airbuses and Boeings and the level of service on its international flights is starting to catch up with its bigger rivals.

Vietnam Airlines now offers links from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to many major cities in South East Asia, Asia, Europe, Australia and America regions.

- Aeroflot, hub Moscow
​- Air Asia, hub Kuala Lumpur
- Air France, hub Paris
- Asiana Airlines, hub Seoul
- Cathay Pacific, hub Hong Kong
- China Airlines, hub Taipei
- China Southern Airlines, hub Guangzhou
- Japan Airlines, hub Tokyo
- Jetstar Asia, hub Singapore
- Korean Air, hub Seoul
- Lao Airlines, hub Vientiane
- Lufthansa, hub Frankfurt
- Malaysia Airlines, hub Kuala Lumpur
- Philippine Airlines, hub Manila
- Qantas, hubs Sydney & Melbourne
- Singapore Airlines, hub Singapore
- Thai Airways, hub Bangkok
- Tiger Airways, hub Singapore
- United Airlines, hub Seattle
- American Airlines, hub Dallas
- Turkish Airlines, hub Istanbul
- Emirates Airlines, hub Dubai

As lying in a tropical region, Vietnam features a tropical climate. Yet, the climate changes from region to region. The North has 4 seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, whereas the South features 2 seasons: Dry and Rainy Season.

Vietnam has a tropical climate with average annual temperatures ranging from 22˚C (72˚F) to 30˚C (86˚F). There are two distinct seasons: Dry Season and Rainy Season. From April to October, most of the country is affected by south-western monsoons. The rains, which tend to be concentrated in the late afternoons, provide welcome relief to the heat. Travel to very remote areas may be affected by the rains, but overall they should not interfere with your trip.

Packing for a trip to Vietnam can be challenging, as the climate can vary depending on when and where you go. When the weather isn’t ideal in one area, it’s great in another. While Hanoi is cold enough to warrant a coat from December to February, this is an excellent time to visit Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta. Although the temperatures are consistent year round, various parts of the country, at certain times of the year, can be affected by unpredictable storms which may cause flooding.

NORTHERN VIETNAM (HANOI, HALONG BAY, SAPA)
The north is defined by four seasons with a cold winter and hot summer. The temperature can range from 5˚C (41˚F) in winter up to 35˚C (95˚F) in the summer. From April to October, it is generally warm and humid with average temperature around 31˚C (90 ˚F) and heaviest rainfall between July and August. The average temperature during the cold season (December to February) is 20˚C (68˚F). However, in the mountainous regions in the far north such as Sapa, the temperature can at times drop below zero (32˚F). The loveliest time of the year to visit is from September to December when there’s a good chance of clear skies and low humidity.

CENTRAL VIETNAM (HUE, DANANG, HOI AN)
The average high temperature in the central region is 30˚C (86˚F). Heavy storms and highest amount of rainfall occurs from October to December and is prone to flooding. The best time to enjoy the beach weather and cultural sightseeing is between February to August.

SOUTHERN VIETNAM (HO CHI MINH CITY, MEKONG DELTA, DALAT)
The south has a dry and rainy season. The highest amount of rainfall is from June to October with 80% average humidity. The average high temperature year round is 32˚C (90˚F). The central highland town of Dalat has a year-round temperate of 18˚C to 21˚C (64˚F to 70˚F) earning it the epithet “City of Eternal Spring”. Beach destinations such as Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, and Phu Quoc Island are warm and sunny most of the year. However, the rainy season varies for each destination: Nha Trang (October to December); Phan Thiet (July to November); and Phu Quoc (June to September).