Basics

topWhen to Go

Vietnam has tropical weather in the south to subtropical in the north, marked by a monsoon season. It is typically humid and warm, although the weather can vary significantly from one area to another due to the long length of the country (over 1,200 miles), which covers several weather zones and has a wide range in elevation.

Typhoons and tropical storms commonly occur in Vietnam between June and December. North Vietnam is marked by a hot and humid wet season from mid-May to mid-September, as well as a cooler but still humid dry season from around mid-October to mid-March. In the south, the weather is generally hot and steamy, with the rains coming between May and October. In Central Vietnam, rainfall is heaviest between September and January, when the coast is subject to tropical storms. Flooding during monsoon is common in the central coast region around Hue and Hoi An. During December in particular, the weather north of Danang (and the Hai Van Pass) can be cool and rainy.

In the north and south, the driest period of the year is December through April, although mid-October and November are less touristy and the rains have begun to taper. January is an optimal month to travel in most of the country. However, Sapa does not thaw until around the first week of March. For Sapa, September-November and March-May are the best times for trekking and cycling.

Têt (the Lunar New Year) is the most important festival of the year, when the whole country celebrates with special foods, parades, fireworks and traditional dances. It's a fun and fascinating time to be in Vietnam, but be warned that it is an extremely popular travel period – many Vietnamese living abroad come back home to visit their families at Têt. Prices increase substantially, and flights and accommodations book up early. Têt falls in late January-early February – the exact date varies year to year.

topWeather & Temperature

Hanoi
		JAN	FEB	MAR	APR	MAY	JUN	JUL	AUG	SEP	OCT	NOV	DEC

Average High Temperature	°F	88	90	92	93	92	89	89	88	88	87	87	87
	°C	31	32	33	33	33	31	31	31	31	30	30	30

Average Low Temperature	°F	72	73	76	79	79	77	77	77	76	76	74	72
	°C	22	22	24	26	26	25	25	25	24	24	23	22

Average Precipitation	in	0.6	0.1	0.4	2	8.4	12.2	11.6	10.7	13.5	10.3	4.7	1.8
	cm	1	0	1	5	21	30	29	27	34	26	11	4

Halong Bay
		JAN	FEB	MAR	APR	MAY	JUN	JUL	AUG	SEP	OCT	NOV	DEC

Average High Temperature	°F	68	68	71	79	86	89	89	89	87	86	78	72
	°C	20	20	21	26	30	31	31	31	30	30	25	22

Average Low Temperature	°F	57	58	62	69	75	78	78	77	75	71	65	60
	°C	13	14	16	20	23	25	25	25	23	21	18	15

Average Precipitation	in	1.1	1.7	1.9	3.2	7.9	9.4	11.6	13	12.1	4.8	2.2	1.1
	cm	2	4	4	8	20	23	29	33	30	12	5	2

Hue
		JAN	FEB	MAR	APR	MAY	JUN	JUL	AUG	SEP	OCT	NOV	DEC

Average High Temperature	°F	74	76	81	87	92	94	94	94	88	83	79	75
	°C	23	24	27	30	33	34	34	34	31	28	26	23

Average Low Temperature	°F	63	65	68	72	75	77	77	76	74	72	69	65
	°C	17	18	20	22	23	25	25	24	23	22	20	18

Average Precipitation	in	7.1	3.7	2.6	2.4	3.3	3.8	2	5.4	19.8	27.1	26.5	14.8
	cm	18	9	6	6	8	9	5	13	50	68	64	37

topTime Difference

Vietnam occupies only one time zone. Local time is seven hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+7GMT) and 12 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

topPassport & Visa Requirements

A visa and a passport valid for at least one month after expiration of visa is required to enter Vietnam. Visas must be obtained before departure to Vietnam.

A visa is also required to visit Cambodia; however, this visa can be obtained upon arrival at the airport in Siem Reap.

topMoney Matters

Local Currency

Vietnam's currency is the Vietnamese Dông (VND; symbol ₫). Notes are in denominations of ₫500,000, 200,000, 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of ₫5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500.

Changing Money

Hours vary from bank to bank but generally Mon-Fri 8:30am-4pm; some may close for lunch. Many banks are also open on Saturday morning; all banks are closed on Sunday. ATMs, which issue Dông, are a much more convenient option (especially in major cities).

ATMs

There are plenty of ATMs in major towns, but they can be scarce in rural areas. The single withdrawal limit varies depending on the bank, ranging from ₫2,000,000 to much larger amounts.

Credit Cards & Travelers Checks

An increasing number of outlets accept MasterCard and Visa. However, outside main towns and cities, it is wise to carry cash. There are ATMs in major towns, but not always in rural areas. Travelers' checks are accepted in banks, moneychangers and some hotels, although most travelers now use debit cards because of the increased number of ATMs. It is best to take US Dollar travelers' checks to avoid additional exchange rate charges. Expect to pay a high commission.

Tipping

Tipping is now quite customary, especially in tourist areas, and is much appreciated in a country where salaries are still low. Upscale restaurants and hotels may add a 5-10% service charge to the bill.

topPhone & Internet

Vietnam Country Code: 84
City Codes:
Hanoi 4
Hue 54
Hoi An 510

Cambodia Country Code: 855
Siem Reap: 63

Mobile Phones

Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies. Coverage is available throughout large parts of the country. It is possible to buy competitively priced SIM cards for use in the country.

Emergency Numbers

Ambulance: 115
Fire: 114
Police: 113

Internet

Internet cafés are widely available throughout the country and they are a good value. High-speed connections are only available in major towns and cities.

topElectricity & Adaptors

Electric current is 220v, 50Hz. Most devices from North America cannot be used without a converter. As there is no set plug-in standard, the best option is to purchase a universal travel adapter prior to departure. A power surge cable will protect laptops against voltage fluctuations, which are common.

In Cambodia, electric current is 230v, 50Hz. Outlets accept either North America-style plugs with two flat prongs, or Europlugs with two round pins. Some outlets are a combination and accept either type plug. A voltage converter may be required.

topPersonal Security & Health

Drinking Water

It is not recommended to drink the tap water in Vietnam or Cambodia. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilized. However, bottled water is widely available; make sure the seal is unbroken before drinking.

Personal Security

Though Vietnam is considered quite safe for travelers, petty street crime is increasing in the larger cities (such as Saigon and Hanoi) and tourist resorts. Nha Trang beach also sees an increase in bag snatching during the summer months. You should always take sensible precautions, such as not carrying large amounts of cash, not wearing expensive jewelry, staying aware of your surroundings, and avoiding unfamiliar or isolated places at night.

US Embassy in Vietnam
Rose Garden Building
Second Floor, 170 Ngoc Khanh Street, Hanoi
Tel: (04) 3850 1500
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 8:30-11am and 1-3pm

Medical Care

There are excellent hospitals in Hanoi and Saigon, and health care centers in all provinces, but facilities are limited and there is a lack of medicines. Health insurance is essential and should include coverage for emergency repatriation by air. Immediate cash payment is expected for services. Call 115 in the case of a medical emergency.

Vaccinations

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers over one year of age coming from areas with risk of yellow fever transmission. Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. To avoid the risk of dengue fever, guarding against mosquito bites is advised. For complete vaccination requirements, visit the CDC website.

Malaria is present in most parts of Cambodia. The areas around Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are considered lower risk for malaira; however, dengue fever is also a possibility. Ask your doctor or local immunization clinic for their recommendations concerning antimalarial drugs, and guard against mosquito bites in any case.

topEtiquette and Customs

Clothing

Clothing should be kept simple, informal and discreet. Shorts should only be worn at the beach. Wear modest dress in places of worship, and remove footwear when entering Buddhist pagodas.

Social Conventions

Do not raise your voice, point using your finger, cross your arms over your chest, or touch anyone (even children) on the head. It is polite to use two hands when passing items or giving/receiving gifts and business cards. Do not stab food with chopsticks or set them upright in a bowl of food, as this is a funerary practice. Avoid public displays of affection with members of the opposite sex.

Photography

There are restrictions at ports, airports and harbors, and other areas with high security. It is courteous to ask permission first before taking photographs of people.

topPublic Holidays

New Year's Day: Jan 1
Têt (Lunar New Year): Late Jan-Feb - exact date varies by lunar calendar
Gio to Hung Vuong Day (Hung Kings Temple Festival): Apr - exact date varies by lunar calendar
Liberation of Saigon: Apr 30
May Day: May 1
National Day: Sep 2

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