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Mention
the name Vietnam, and most people assume you mean the war, thirty
years since the end of the war, it is a country at peace, with
spectacular geography, a vibrant culture, and genuinely
friendly people. it is in reality a country filled with captivating
natural beauty and tranquil village life. Its highlands and
rainforest regions, far from being devastated, continue to yield new
species and team with exotic wildlife. Its islands and beaches are
among the finest in all of Southeast Asia, and its cuisine is very
possibly the most delicious you will ever find. Verdant patchworks
of rice paddies, pointed lampshade-style hats, a country ravaged by
war, and economic repression - these are the international images of
Vietnam, seen on worldwide television and read about in the
newspapers. But there are other scenes to be found, ones of natural
beauty, ethnic culture, and imperial history, of timeless
traditional villages, idyllic sea resorts and dynamic cities.
When
to go
There
are no good or bad seasons to visit Vietnam. When one region is wet,
cold or steamy hot, there is always somewhere else that is sunny and
pleasant. Basically, the south has two seasons: the wet (May to
November, wettest from June to August) and the dry (December to
April). The hottest and most humid time is from the end of February
to May. The central coast is dry from May to October and wet from
December to February. The highland areas are significantly cooler
than the lowlands, and temperatures can get down to freezing in
winter. The north has two seasons: cool, damp winters (November to
April) and hot summers (May to October). There is the possibility of
typhoons between July and November, affecting the north and central
areas. Travelers should take the Tet Festival (late January or early
February) into account when planning a trip. Travel (including
international travel) becomes very difficult, hotels are full and
many services close down for at least a week and possibly a lot
longer.
Weather
With
a multitude of altitudes and latitudes there's always somewhere that
is pleasantly sunny and warm if you're prepared to find it.
Temperatures are usually hot and humid, around the low 30°Cs (high
80°Fs), but if you head north and along the coast they cool down to
comfortable temperatures towards January. The weather is determined
by two monsoons; the winter monsoon comes from the northeast between
October and March bringing wet chilly winters to all areas north of
Nha Trang, but dry and warm temperatures to the south. From April or
May to October, the southwestern monsoon brings warm, humid weather
and buckets of rain to the whole country except for those areas
sheltered by mountains.
Electric
power: Electric current in Vietnam is 220 Volts.
Water
supply: Tap water in urban areas in Vietnam is chlorinated,
but it is recommended that it should be boiled before drinking.
Money:
The currency issued by the Vietnam State Bank is the dong
(abbreviated "d" or VND) which is used throughout the
country. Bank notes in denominations of 200d to 500,000d are
presently in circulation. The exchange rate is approximately 16,000d
= US$1. At present certain travelers' cheques such as American
Express and credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are accepted in
cities.
Language:
Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam. Foreign
language learning, particularly English, is currently in vogue among
young people in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Danang and other
cities. Tourist guides can speak English, French, Russian, Chinese
and Japanese.
Postal
service: A regular international post service is available.
In addition there are some new, special services: Express Mail
Service (EMS). The domestic EMS ensures that letters and small
parcels are delivered within 24-48 hours. International EMS has
relations with nearly 30 countries world-wide, with a delivery time
ranging from 2 to 10 days. Air mail and small parcels must however
be subject to additional charges. Express money transfer is also
available; money is delivered to the receiver within 24 hours.
Telecommunications:
Long-distance and international direct-dial calling is available
throughout the country. Fax machines are quickly proliferating in
Vietnam; public and registered fax machines are available in hotels,
business and public offices. Internet access is available at most
hotels and Internet cafes.
Television
and Radio: Vietnam Television (VTV) broadcasts three
channels (VTV1, VTV2 and VTV3) throughout the country and VTV4
for overseas Vietnamese. VTV will have eight channels by
2010. International channels such as CNN are available in most
hotels equipped with satellite dishes or TV cables. Voice of Vietnam
Radio broadcasts throughout the country; all provinces and cities
have their own radio stations as well. |
