Climate
Vietnam is a year-round destination with a multitude of altitudes and latitudes,
visitors are likely to encounter both sunshine and rain. Temperatures are usually
hot and humid, in 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 Oct & Mar bringing wet chilly winters to all areas north of Nha Trang,
but dry and warm temperatures to the south. From May-Oct, the southwestern
monsoon brings warm, humid weather and rain to the entire country except for
those areas sheltered by mountains.
Cambodia is hot all year round, with minimal rainfalls between Nov & Apr. The
monsoon season is similar to Vietnam, from May-Oct. Travel is still possible
during this period, and you will experience only short, but heavy, downpours.
November is the optimum time to visit, with the rivers being full and the countryside
lush and green.
Laos is best visited between Nov & Apr with warm and dry conditions and cool
evenings. Temperatures and humidity begin to rise in Mar, with the rains usually
commencing around Jun. Oct & early Nov can see short tropical rainfalls and
Sep is often very rainy.
Highlights
· Quaint traditional fishing village of Hoi An, Vietnam
· Charming Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon)
· Towering limestone islands of Halong Bay, Vietnam
· Welcoming market town of Siem Reap to visit the Temples of Angkor, Cambodia
· Spiritual town of Luang Prabang, UNESCO protected site, northern Laos
· River journey in the unassuming capital of Vientiane, Laos
· Traditional hilltribes and mountains of Sapa, Vietnam
Map & Regional Information
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Personal & Exclusive
The Vietnamese character is often remarked upon for its subtlety and grace,
in a nation that has learned to both embrace its own unique cultural heritage
while blending with the benefits of the modern era. Everywhere you go you will
experience warm hospitality and will come away with memories of a special
and unique experience.
Passionate about the Ingredients
Enjoy a variety of traditional dishes which includes fantastic meat, seafood and
vegetarian creations. The staple is white rice with an assortment of vegetables,
fish, meat, spices and sauces. Spring rolls, noodles and steamed rich dumplings
are favourite snacks. Try ‘Pho’ a delicious soup containing beef or chicken with
noodles. Fruit is abundant, including exotic fruits such a longan, mangosteen,
pomelo and green dragon fruit. Vietnamese coffee is often strong, sweet and
very good.
Culture & Religion
With a population of 85,000,000 Vietnam has 54 different ethnic groups. All have
distinctive cultures rich in costumes, festivals and customs; each has their own
language. Four great philosophies and religions have shaped the spiritual life
of the Vietnamese. Buddhism, Confuciansim, Taoism and later Christianity.
The country has more than 1000 historical, cultural, and architectural sites that
have been officially classified as "Heritage Sites". Seven have been recognized
as World Cultural Heritage by Unesco, these are Ha Long Bay, the ancient capital
of Hue, Hoi An Ancient Town and My Son Holy Land.
For those interested in local crafts, specialties include silks, lacquerware, wood
and bamboo carving, ink and oil painting, ceramics, and embroidery.
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Events
In Vietnam on days when the moon is either full or the merest sliver, special
prayers are held at Vietnamese and Chinese pagodas. The Tet Nguyen Dan
(Festival of the First Day) announces the Lunar New Year and is the most
significant on the festival calendar. It is a time when families reunite in the
hope of good fortune for the coming year, and ancient spirits are welcomed
back into the family home. And Tet is everyone’s birthday and on this day
everyone becomes a year older.
Geography & Regional Information
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Visas
British passport holders must obtain a visa for Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos.
A full and valid passport is essential and must be valid for at least 3 months
after expiration of visa.
Vietnam : Tourist visa for single entry is £38.00 or £55.00 for express service,
and £70.00 for multiple entry. Please refer to the consulate :
www.vietnamembassyorg.uk/consular.
Cambodia : Tourist visas can be obtained by British nationals for a fee of
US $20.00 cash (& one passport sized photo)for stays of up to 30 days from
date of entry,on arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap Airports. Other nationals
should refer to the consulate - http://www.cambodianembassy.org.uk/.
Laos : Tourist visas can be obtained by British nationals for a fee of US £35.00
cash (& two passport sized photos) for stays of up to 15 days from date of entry,
on arrival at Luang Prabang or VientianeAirports.To obtain a 30 day visa, or for
other nationals, please refer to the consulate - http://www.tourismlaos.gov.la/.
Health
Precautions must be taken to avoid the risk of contracting Typhoid and Cholera.
There is also a risk of Malaria and Hepatitis A in certain regions.
Time Difference
GMT +7 hours - Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos.
Currency
Traveller's cheque exchange (US Dollar travellers cheques are easier to
exchange) in Vietnam. Travellers cheques can be difficult to exchange outside
the cities in Cambodia, and outside Vientiane in Laos. Visa credit card is the
most widely accepted.
The US dollar is widely accepted in Indo China's major cities, particularly
in Cambodia and Laos and it is recommended to also carry small denominations.
Local Currencies are the Dong in Vietnam, the Riel in Cambodia & the Kip in Laos.
Flights
Fly via Bangkok (daily flights) with airlines including British Airways, Thai Airways
and Eva Air, or via Doha direct to Ho Chi Minh City with Qatar Airways.
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