- Our exclusive tours and services
- Your art of traveling in style
- Competitive and best values
- Creative boutique & luxury travel specialists
- Personalized service and convenience
- Our clients enjoy a variety of privileges
- Community project and charity with One World
- All in one place: One World Tourism Co., Ltd
- You have more benefits to travel with us.
- What is different about One World Tourism?
- We guarantee money back
Our tours are private and highly personalized, created for discerning travelers who expect the economy & highest level of luxury, service, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you safety return home.
Your tour is flexible, with one's own expert guide and driver, and each day is tailored to your personal interests, schedule, level of energy, and travel preferences.
We book only the best of the best, and we know the regions and the ways to make your travel experience truly special, truly hassle-free, and truly enriching.
We Are a Full Service Travel Agency. In addition to your sightseeing tours, we also arrange your boutique & luxury accommodations, airport transfers, regional flights, train tickets, visas, superior guides and other logistics in advance.
Whether for business or leisure, we understand your needs and know about your desired destinations.
We love Vietnam and its destinations, and do our best to make sure that our customers feel the same way.
We believe that a vacation can only be successful only if it is custom-tailored to fit exactly the requirements and preferences of each individual.
We offer tours in the destinations that we consider perfect choices for your leisure time: Each place is home to rich cultural traditions, luxury hotels and resorts, sophisticated dining and shopping, and a solid tourism infrastructure.
These are also destinations where private touring really does make a difference.
You enjoy peace of mind with our travel experts.
We provide ongoing, first-hand travel advice and expertise because we are natives of Vietnam.
We provide personal assistance with your travel planning. You will be introduced to travel consultants who will not only plan your trip, but offer suggestions based on their experiences and also make all the necessary reservations.
Our travel professionals are available around the clock to ensure your comfort, safety, and enjoyment. We care all about you.
We can offer you superior guides who speak Vietnamese, Chinese, English, French. Many of them are multi-lingual.
They are open-minded, well-educated, motivated and enthusiastic young people who can impart first-hand knowledge of Vietnamese culture and history. Let our trained guides become your companion and new friends.
Come and arrange your trip with people you can trust. Travel with people who understand your travel needs. We believe our staff can make a difference.
Competitive and more value-added services.
Our tours offer you the very best that the region has to offer in term of accommodations, sightseeing and enriched cultural experiences. At the same time, you will be guaranteed highest quality services and value for your money.
With our contracts with airlines, ground operators, cruises companies, hotels, and resorts we are able to offer comprehensive travel services during your stay in Vietnam.
As a Vietnam-based tour operator, we guarantee best rates. We'll match any legitimate quote that you've received.
Get local experts, local support and, of course, local price.
Book with us and save hundreds of dollars. Peace of mind and customer satisfaction guaranteed.
Creative Professionals
With our team of experienced and professional operators and guides, our travel agent has the expertise that will ensure your peace of mind during the entire trip.
We are proud of our expertise in creating exciting and innovative holiday packages.
You will make arrangements with the same specialist from start to finish. Our consultants are experts on Indochina (Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia) and the other countries and will offer ideas in a personal, friendly and efficient manner.
You can expect the highest level of professionalism in luxury tourism industry.
We are here to turn your vacation dreams into reality, and ensure that you always travel in style, enjoy the best the country has to offer, hassle-and-worry free.
Personalized Service and Convenience
We absolutely guarantee to offer you more than what you have searched and found on the internet. You require friendly and accurate advice, as well as FREE 24/7 support during your trip. You can contact us anytime for assistance via: Mobile phone, website request, email, phone, fax, live chats.
You will not be charged for any of the many services we offer. No deposits are required until you proceed with a booking.
We do not charge itinerary preparation or booking fees.
There are no hidden fees or charges, just convenience and great service to make your trip an enjoyable experience of life time.
You enjoy a variety of privileges
You enjoy a variety of privileges while traveling, which often includes room upgrades, special meals, late check-out, complimentary spa treatments or day tours, tickets to cultural events and performances, reservations at renowned restaurants, and access to private homes, gardens, art collections, temples, museums, cooking instructors, and much more.
Community project and charity with One World
We start to sponsor the future 74-ha project in Da Lat city, Vietnam. This is the highest land in Da Lat belonging to a lady named Minh Phuong (Minh Phuong Corp. Company) who would like to donate 1 ha of the land for charity and make a school for poor and orphan children. We are committed to supporting the children's better education by improving their school facilities, providing computers and internet access, used clothing, pens, pencils and other items. Traveling with us, you join us to support these students and teachers here. Since it’s 26 km far away from the Da Lat Downtown, this is also a good place for your adventure tour such as trekking and cycling, and also for retirement. If you would like to donate or even make a trip to the place, we would be delighted to arrange this.
One-stop for all you need in traveling: One World Co., Ltd.
With one e-mail you can book all your travel needs from accommodation to tours, flights, vehicle rentals, guides, cruises and insurance. It is all in one “boutique style” of economy or luxury: One World Co., Ltd.
You have more valued-added benefits when you plan with us.
- High-touch access to luxury-oriented travel experts.
- First-class experiences and lifetime memories
- No hidden fees or charges. Just great service.
- Exclusive ratings, finest dining and accommodations.
- Luxury parks that enhance your trip.
- Personal service with great flexibility and fun.
- Excellent customer service; satisfaction guaranteed
- Free economy & luxury travel that's custom-tailored for your needs.
- We guarantee your money back.
- Your satisfaction is the foundation of our reputation.
- You can have a good discount for your shopping via www.ilovevoucher.com website. What you need to do just visit the website and print out the voucher of the products and services you need.
Our understanding of serving is directly related to the demands of the travelers, from the point of view of guides, not business people. We know how to distinguish travelers from tourists, and our manner towards all of our “friends” is as they are all travelers, one by one. Our understanding of tourism is TRAVELING rather than touring, and we try to treat our friends as travelers rather than tourists.
Tours: We give priority to meeting each participant’s needs and take pride in the personal attention we provide. Our tours are a wonderful learning experience as our guests meet many of the locals and gain an understanding of the Vietnamese people and culture. Additionally, we follow strict guidelines to preserve the environment and ecology. Simply, our goal is to provide the most comfortable way, benefit, and joy of travel possible within the limits of given budgets while our friends explore the country and enjoys the natural beauty of the land.
Qualified Staff: Our professional operating team and experienced guides carefully designs each minute of the itinerary so that you get the most out of your trip. Details such as the most crowded times of the sites, the heat when visiting a site on a hill, your dietary restrictions are considered when putting together an itinerary. The majority of our staff members have an academic background, mainly in archaeology and history of architecture. All of our guides are experienced and have an in-depth knowledge of the areas we visit. They are fluent in English, well-mannered, flexible, and responsible, and all of them are officially certified professional guides. Most of them are multilingual guides.
Small Groups: The minimum of each group is 6 and the maximum limit for each group is 14. Traveling in small groups allows the participants to get to know one another and also allows for more flexibility and spontaneity.
For All Ages: Our tours are designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages and interests. Vietnam is a fascinating destination that offers a memorable travel experience. Whether in the city or countryside, there is always something to stimulate young and old alike and arouse the spirit of adventure.
Accommodation: Boutique hotels are chosen with great care among the special class or select hotels with distinguished features. We try to avoid international chain hotels, where possible. The hotels we choose always have modern amenities in every room. The cleanliness and safety of the facilities is one of our primary concerns.
Transportation: Vehicles used in our tours are supplied from the most experienced tourism transportation companies, accredited specially to work for tourism. Depending on the group sizes, the vehicles can be full-sized deluxe buses, minibuses, vans or private cars, all with air-conditioning new models with professional tourism drivers.
Itineraries: Our itineraries are designed to create a balance between traveling, sightseeing, and leisure time. Each trip has its own highlights. Detailed descriptions of tours can be found on the tour pages.
Meals: Meals are arranged emphasizing the Vietnamese cuisine, paying the utmost importance to freshness and hygiene. We usually choose restaurants outside of the hotel where you can enjoy your meal in the local atmosphere. We will do our best to accommodate special dietary preferences as long as we are advised prior to your departure.
Shopping: We do not arrange any kind of scheduled group shopping. Tour participants will have plenty of free time to do their own shopping. Our experienced tour leader will provide you with information and suggestions on shopping if you desire. However, we will not take any responsibility for shopping or purchases made in Vietnam.
Safety: Safety is high on our list of priorities. All of our drivers are experienced and have excellent driving records.
We guarantee your money back
If you are not fully satisfied with our provided services, we will guarantee money returned. Our One World Tourism Co., Ltd. (Vietnam) team strongly believes we can offer you the greatest value for your money. We are committed to long term tourism services in Vietnam.
Call us anytime at +84.90.3321.422 or email us at info@oneworldvn.com to plan your next vacation.
History of Vietnam:
The conquest of Vietnam by France began in 1858 and was completed by 1884. It became part of French Indochina in 1887. Vietnam declared independence after World War II, but France continued to rule until its 1954 defeat by Communist forces under Ho Chi Minh. Under the Geneva Accords of 1954, Vietnam was divided into the Communist North and anti-Communist South. US economic and military aid to South Vietnam grew through the 1960s in an attempt to bolster the government, but US armed forces were withdrawn following a cease-fire agreement in 1973. Two years later, North Vietnamese forces overran the South reuniting the country under Communist rule. Despite the return of peace, for over a decade the country experienced little economic growth because of conservative leadership policies, the persecution and mass exodus of individuals - many of them successful South Vietnamese merchants - and growing international isolation. However, since the enactment of Vietnam's "doi moi" (renovation) policy in 1986, Vietnamese authorities have committed to increased economic liberalization and enacted structural reforms needed to modernize the economy and to produce more competitive, export-driven industries. The country continues to experience small-scale protests from various groups, the vast majority connected to land-use issues and the lack of equitable mechanisms for resolving disputes. Various ethnic minorities, such as the Montagnards of the Central Highlands and the Khmer Krom in the southern delta region, have also held protests. In January 2008, Vietnam assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2008-09 term.
Vietnam today:
Vietnam is a thriving country and today a country at peace. Vietnam extends 1600 kilometers from China to the Gulf of Thailand. It is the 13th most populous country in the world. Vietnam is a beautiful jewel of Southeast Asia with it's rugged mountains and crags, tangled riverways, rural rice paddies, blossoming economy and an ever-present charm and beauty.
The Vietnamese people are descendants of the Kinh people who migrated into the Red River Delta around 2000 years ago. Most ethnic Vietnamese are Buddhist, with a large mix of Taoism and Confucianism. There are about 1 million Chinese mostly living in the southern part of the country. The Montagnard's are hill tribes of around 8 million people that live in the mountains of north and central Vietnam.
For years the 17th parallel was the border between the Democratic Republic of Vietnam to the north, and the Republic of Vietnam to the south. Saigon fell on April 30, 1975 to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, and the country of Vietnam became one once again.
Vietnam today is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). With diplomatic relations with the US, Vietnam moves to become an industrialized nation with a somewhat liberalized market economy.
According to the global management consulting firm A.T. Kearney, Viet Nam ranks as one of the 10 most attractive destinations in the off - shoring industry. See more at: http://www.amchamvietnam.com/?id=2930
10 reasons why you choose Vietnam as your destination:
Charming, the old and the new. Vietnam is truly a Land of Beauty and a Land of Intrigue.
The information below will help you have a great trip to Vietnam:
It’s unlikely that any two people traveling to Vietnam would want to use exactly the same packing list. Some would be perfectly comfortable with little more than a swimsuit, some sandals, and a couple of T-shirts, while others might have a forty-pound case of photographic equipment or dive gear. We’ve put together some suggestions to help you make a start.
General
Bear in mind to take your passport, flight tickets, credit cards/cash/travellers cheques (take several modes of payment in case the ATM swallows your card etc.), travel insurance, and a minimal amount of clothes and toiletries. And you'll probably want to take non-essential luxury items like Ipod and Camera, to while away long bus or train journeys (the 36 hour train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City) , and make the experience more memorable.
What to Bring with you to Vietnam
Items that we suggest you bring depending on the season.
Vietnam has 3 regions, the North, Centre and South. Each of the regions has distinct climates.
The north is hot and extremely humid and receives heavy rain from June – August. Winter is from November until March and is cool and damp. The mountain areas of the north including Sapa and Mai Chau, can be extremely cold during winter although they do not receive snow.
The center is warm throughout the year and the rainy season occurs from August or September until December. The centre often receives storms or typhoons during October and November.
The south has 2 seasons, one dry and the other wet. The wet season last from June until October, but the summer storms rarely last more than a few hours.
Given the above weather information, please consider the items you will bring with you to Vietnam. This list should be used as a guide only and is not an exhaustive list.
Clothing
Please note most Vietnamese still dress modestly and out of respect for the culture you should dress conservatively (no sleeveless/ halter neck tops, shorts other than for the beach, should not reach below the knee)
Packing List
Personal clothing items, toiletries, medication
Sunhat
Sarong (to cover your shoulders should you enter temples or pagodas)
Sunscreen
Insect repellant
Light weight clothing for the summer months
Warm clothing for winter in Hanoi and in mountainous areas
Camera with film
Small daypack for day trips and overnight trip to Halong Bay
Appropriate shoes for trekking, cycling or walking in caves (Halong Bay)
Sleeping sheet for train travel (can also be bought in Vietnam)
Ear plugs and sleep mask (for train journeys)
Water bottle and helmet (for cycling trips only)
Please note: Domestic airlines do impose restrictions on baggage at approx 20kg maximum, so travel lightly where possible. Also the trains cabins and boat cabins on Halong Bay have limited space so consider this when packing. Soft luggage is recommended.
2. Plan checklist:
This Vietnam tour planning checklist is made up of “touchstones” rather than “mileposts.” As you start planning your trip, as you explore the various aspects of the trip you will back and forth among items 1 through 5. When item 6 is complete the rest of the checklist should smoothly fall into place.
Getting to and from Vietnam
Most travelers land in Vietnam in either Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Danang and then make their way up or down the coast, with the choice of travel method depending both on budgets and the amount of time.
By plane
Vietnam has three international airports at Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Most of flights to Vietnam are non-direct and transit via Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok and Taipei.
Airlines flying to Vietnam includes:
Aeroflot (Hanoi)
Air Asia (Hanoi)
Air China (Ho Chi Minh City)
Air France (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
ANA (Ho Chi Minh City)
Asiana (Ho Chi Minh City)
Bangkok Airways (Ho Chi Minh City)
Cathay Pacific (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
China Airlines (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
China Eastern (Ho Chi Minh City)
China Southern (Hanoi)
Delta Airlines from late 2007 (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
EVA Air (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
Hong Kong Airlines (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
JAL (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
Jetstar (Ho Chi Minh City)
Korean Air (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
Lao Airlines (Hanoi)
Lufthansa (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
Malaysia Airlines (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
PB Air (Da Nang)
Philippine Airlines (Ho Chi Minh City)
Qantas (Ho Chi Minh City)
Qatar Airlines (Ho Chi Minh City)
Royal Brunei Airlines (Ho Chi Minh City)
Silk Air (Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
Singapore Airlines (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
THAI (Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
Tiger Airways (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
Transaero (Ho Chi Minh City)
United (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
Vladivostok Air (Hanoi)
By train
From Beijing and Kunming, visitors can catch a train to Hanoi crossing the border at Dong Dang. Due to landslides, the train between Kunming - Hanoi has been termintated for safety.
Border crossings from
Cambodia via the following borders
* Bavet - Moc Bai
* Kaam Samnor - Vinh Xuong (in some guidebooks as Tonle Mekong. Near Chau Doc in Vietnam)
* Phnom Den - Tinh Bien
* Xa Xia, Vietnam/Prek Chak, Cambodia (Ha Tien crossing, Cambodian Visas not available)
China via the following borders
* Dongxing - Mong Cai (by road; onward travel Mong Cai to Ha Long by sea or by road)
* Hekou - Lao Cai (by road and/or rail, but no international passenger train services)
* Youyi Guan - Huu Nghi Quan (Friendship Pass - by road and/or rail)
Laos via the following borders
* Donsavanh - Lao Bao
* Kaew Neua - Cau Treo (Keo Nua Pass)
* Nam Can
* Tay Trang
4. Getting around Vietnam:
Cyclos
Known elsewhere as rickshaws or pedicabs, the cyclo's design slightly varies according to what part of the country on is in. These are a fixture in all major and minor cities in Vietnam. Cyclos should be booked through your tour company or through the doorman or concierge of your hotel. Any trip to Vietnam without riding a cyclo is a trip deprived.
"Xe Om"
This term literally means to "hug the motorbike." Xe Om drivers (motorbike taxis) peruse the streets in the cities and in the countryside looking for fares. An excellent and ready means of transportation only for the very brave hearted. How to hail a Xe Om: extend arm and hand directly outward; flutter your wrist as if waving goodbye to someone . . . this will hail the first available Xe Om . . . or perhaps even a mob of them.
Taxis
Perhaps the best taxi service in the world exists in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; the taxis are new, reliable and economical. Always take a metered taxi. Some taxi companies:
Saigon
• Deluxe Taxi – 3 8 26 26 26
• M.Taxi - 3 8 222 666
• Saigon Taxi – 3 8 23 23 23
Hanoi
• Mai Linh Taxi – 04 3 8222 666
City Buses
None.
Cars and Vans
Late model Toyota, Honda, GM, Ford, Mercedes Benz cars and vans are available for hire (with driver) through your travel tour company or your hotel. Self-driven rental cars are not recommended for the rules of the road are entirely different from North America.
Bicycles
Not recommended for Saigon but for the more calm and quaint streets of Mekong Delta, Vung Tau, Mui Ne, Da Lat, Komtum, Pleiku, Buon Me Thuot, Nha Trang, Hue, Hoi An, Ha Noi they are strongly recommended. Bicycle rentals can be made through your travel tour company or through the concierge or front desk of your hotel.
Motorbikes
Motorbikes are available for rent but are strongly not recommended. They are well worthy of watching for their amazing feats. A terrific book "Bikes of Burden" by Hans Kemp displays Vietnamese motorbike ingenuity at its very best. www.bikes-of-burden.com
5. Vietnam weather- Best time to travel:
North, Central and South of Vietnam has it own weather patterns and different rainy seasons. Therefore, there will be no bad nor best time to visit Vietnam, it mostly depends on what you'd like to see and when you have time to go.
November through January and April through June are among the most popular months for visitors travel to Vietnam. Since this is the high season for visit Vietnam, hotels, trains, and flights tend to get booked up, and the prices for hotels often increase.
Vietnam weather by month
Vietnam weather in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December.
Vietnam weather by city:
Visit http://www.weatherforecastmap.com/vietnam/ to learn more about the weather of the key cities:
Hanoi weather
Ho Chi Minh City weather
Sapa weather
Halong bay weather
Hoi an weather
Hue weather
Nha Trang weather
Dalat weather
6. Money and costs
The currency of Vietnam is the "Dong" issued in the following denominations:
• 200d
• 500d
• 1000d
• 2000d
• 5000d
• 10,000d
• 20,000d
• 50,000d
• 100,000d
• 500,000d.
Recommended Currency for Spending:
Vietnamese Dong. Spending in other currencies, including the USD, often results in "rounding off" to your disadvantage.
Exchange Rates
Please go to http://www.oanda.com for current Dong exchange rates. At the moment of this printing 1USD = 17,810d, and 1 EUR = 25,607d (on 20-July-2009)
Convertible Currencies
All major currencies including the sterling, the Yen, the Canadian dollar, the Euro and the U.S. dollar are convertible. It is recommended you exchange your currency at hotel for better exchange rate, especially at big hotels.
Credit Cards
Major credit cards (Visa, Master Charge and to a lesser extent American Express) are finally beginning to find wider usage in Vietnam as more and more establishments accept them; in major cities nearly all major and mid-level hotels, restaurants and major travelers shops now accept credit cards. Except for the higher end hotels most establishments charge a three-percent transaction fee; some establishments charge a five-percent surcharge.
ATM Machines
ATM machines have arrived in Vietnam. ATMs are located in many places in Hanoi and HCMC, for ANZ visa ATMs: 14 Le Thai To Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi and 11 Me Linh Square, district 1, HCMC.
Traveler's Cheques
Traveler's Cheques denominated in most major currencies are accepted in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City but USD is the preferred currency. Traveler's cheques issued by Visa, Master Charge and American Express are the most widely accepted. Outside of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City it is often difficult to redeem traveler's cheques. The purchase receipt and the traveler's cheques numbers should be kept separately from the traveler's cheques in the event of loss. A redemption fee of up to four-percent is charged. Passport ID is required for redemption.
Price Guide
Bottled water: 0.3 US$ (Recommendation: Aquafina and La Vie brand for mineral water)
A bowl of Pho: 3.00 US$
Local beer or Bia Hoi : 0.3 US$
Short taxi ride 5.00 US$
Restaurant meal: US$ 3.00-10.00
Internet access per hour: US$ 0.20-0.50
Short cyclo ride: US$ 0.50
7. Vietnam visa information:
Most visitors to Vietnam will need a valid visa in order to enter Vietnam except citizens of Japan, South Korea, Scandinavian countries, and certain ASEAN countries. It is now easy to get your visa either by visiting Vietnamese embassy in your country or applying for a convenient visa on arrival.
Check www.vn.embassyinformation.com for a list of Vietnam embassies. A few locations follow.
Australia (Tel: 02-6290-1549; www.au.vnembassy.org; 6 Timbarra Crescent, O’Maley, ACT 2606)
Canada (Tel: 613-236-0772; www.vietnamembassy-canada.ca; 470 Wilbrod St, Ottawa)
UK (Tel: 171-937-1912; vp@dsqvnlondon.demon.co.uk; Victoria Rd 12-14, London W8 5RD)
USA (Tel: 202-861-0737; www.vietnamembassy-usa.org; 1233 20 St NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036)
Allow us to help you with your visa to Vietnam if necessary. Email us: info@oneworldvn.com
The conquest of Vietnam by France began in 1858 and was completed by 1884. It became part of French Indochina in 1887. Vietnam declared independence after World War II, but France continued to rule until its 1954 defeat by Communist forces under Ho Chi Minh. Under the Geneva Accords of 1954, Vietnam was divided into the Communist North and anti-Communist South. US economic and military aid to South Vietnam grew through the 1960s in an attempt to bolster the government, but US armed forces were withdrawn following a cease-fire agreement in 1973. Two years later, North Vietnamese forces overran the South reuniting the country under Communist rule. Despite the return of peace, for over a decade the country experienced little economic growth because of conservative leadership policies, the persecution and mass exodus of individuals - many of them successful South Vietnamese merchants - and growing international isolation. However, since the enactment of Vietnam's "doi moi" (renovation) policy in 1986, Vietnamese authorities have committed to increased economic liberalization and enacted structural reforms needed to modernize the economy and to produce more competitive, export-driven industries. The country continues to experience small-scale protests from various groups, the vast majority connected to land-use issues and the lack of equitable mechanisms for resolving disputes. Various ethnic minorities, such as the Montagnards of the Central Highlands and the Khmer Krom in the southern delta region, have also held protests. In January 2008, Vietnam assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2008-09 term.
Vietnam today:
Vietnam is a thriving country and today a country at peace. Vietnam extends 1600 kilometers from China to the Gulf of Thailand. It is the 13th most populous country in the world. Vietnam is a beautiful jewel of Southeast Asia with it's rugged mountains and crags, tangled riverways, rural rice paddies, blossoming economy and an ever-present charm and beauty.
The Vietnamese people are descendants of the Kinh people who migrated into the Red River Delta around 2000 years ago. Most ethnic Vietnamese are Buddhist, with a large mix of Taoism and Confucianism. There are about 1 million Chinese mostly living in the southern part of the country. The Montagnard's are hill tribes of around 8 million people that live in the mountains of north and central Vietnam.
For years the 17th parallel was the border between the Democratic Republic of Vietnam to the north, and the Republic of Vietnam to the south. Saigon fell on April 30, 1975 to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, and the country of Vietnam became one once again.
Vietnam today is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). With diplomatic relations with the US, Vietnam moves to become an industrialized nation with a somewhat liberalized market economy.
According to the global management consulting firm A.T. Kearney, Viet Nam ranks as one of the 10 most attractive destinations in the off - shoring industry. See more at: http://www.amchamvietnam.com/?id=2930
10 reasons why you choose Vietnam as your destination:
- Vietnam is a safe and secure country: Vietnam is one of the safest countries in Asia, and probably in the world. It has a stable government, the level of civil unrest is insignificant, crime levels are very low in comparison with most countries, and natural disasters affecting visitors are rare. (Global Peace Index: 39 /144 countries in the world).
- Vietnam gets ready to receive international luxury tourists: A series of high-grade resorts are being built in Phu Quoc, Hue, HCM City, Hanoi, Con Dao and Quang Ninh. It is expected that three resorts will open in five years, including one in Hanoi.
- Its French-built structures and traditional customs that still linger despite years of change.
- Vietnam Airlines conquers European market: Vietnam gained some achievements in the European market.
- International travelers arrivals forecast to reach 5.2mil by 2012:
- Despite tough times ahead, RNCOS still forecast growth in this emerging market for international visitors. “Vietnam’s tourism industry will benefit from the growing attractiveness of the country as a new destination, which has been boosted by its image as a haven of stability in a turbulent region,” the report says.
Investors continue to choose Vietnam as the destination to do business. It helps Vietnam stay green: Almost 30 foreign companies have invested in forestry in Vietnam - and InnovGreen Group is the largest. (http://www.vnbusinessnews.com/2008/07/investor-helps-vietnam-stay-green.html) - Vietnam-A peaceful and friendly destination: Vietnamese live in the present and look forward to the future – the war is history. We warmly welcome people from all countries and races.
- Vietnam- A unique country: S shape, stretched along a 2000km coastline, the country is divided in 3 parts: the north, the center and the south, each doted with its own culture and mentality. Add to this a great variety of ethnic minorities with their own cultures, and a multitude of landscapes.
- There are many other beautiful cities and towns with lots of attractions in Vietnam.
- Unknown and still to be revealed, Vietnam is one the world best gastronomic destination.
Charming, the old and the new. Vietnam is truly a Land of Beauty and a Land of Intrigue.
The information below will help you have a great trip to Vietnam:
1. Packing List and Guide:
It’s unlikely that any two people traveling to Vietnam would want to use exactly the same packing list. Some would be perfectly comfortable with little more than a swimsuit, some sandals, and a couple of T-shirts, while others might have a forty-pound case of photographic equipment or dive gear. We’ve put together some suggestions to help you make a start.
General
Bear in mind to take your passport, flight tickets, credit cards/cash/travellers cheques (take several modes of payment in case the ATM swallows your card etc.), travel insurance, and a minimal amount of clothes and toiletries. And you'll probably want to take non-essential luxury items like Ipod and Camera, to while away long bus or train journeys (the 36 hour train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City) , and make the experience more memorable.
What to Bring with you to Vietnam
Items that we suggest you bring depending on the season.
Vietnam has 3 regions, the North, Centre and South. Each of the regions has distinct climates.
The north is hot and extremely humid and receives heavy rain from June – August. Winter is from November until March and is cool and damp. The mountain areas of the north including Sapa and Mai Chau, can be extremely cold during winter although they do not receive snow.
The center is warm throughout the year and the rainy season occurs from August or September until December. The centre often receives storms or typhoons during October and November.
The south has 2 seasons, one dry and the other wet. The wet season last from June until October, but the summer storms rarely last more than a few hours.
Given the above weather information, please consider the items you will bring with you to Vietnam. This list should be used as a guide only and is not an exhaustive list.
Clothing
Please note most Vietnamese still dress modestly and out of respect for the culture you should dress conservatively (no sleeveless/ halter neck tops, shorts other than for the beach, should not reach below the knee)
Packing List
Personal clothing items, toiletries, medication
Sunhat
Sarong (to cover your shoulders should you enter temples or pagodas)
Sunscreen
Insect repellant
Light weight clothing for the summer months
Warm clothing for winter in Hanoi and in mountainous areas
Camera with film
Small daypack for day trips and overnight trip to Halong Bay
Appropriate shoes for trekking, cycling or walking in caves (Halong Bay)
Sleeping sheet for train travel (can also be bought in Vietnam)
Ear plugs and sleep mask (for train journeys)
Water bottle and helmet (for cycling trips only)
Please note: Domestic airlines do impose restrictions on baggage at approx 20kg maximum, so travel lightly where possible. Also the trains cabins and boat cabins on Halong Bay have limited space so consider this when packing. Soft luggage is recommended.
2. Plan checklist:
This Vietnam tour planning checklist is made up of “touchstones” rather than “mileposts.” As you start planning your trip, as you explore the various aspects of the trip you will back and forth among items 1 through 5. When item 6 is complete the rest of the checklist should smoothly fall into place.
- Explore possible dates
- Decide on your time table and destinations (Itinerary) as well as activities (Tour Plan).
- Check weather for destinations on these dates.
- Investigate air fare alternatives. Tripology.
- If necessary adjust Tour Plan to meet air fare results.
- Book airline tickets.
- Get passport (allow 6 weeks) or check passport of validity for travel dates.
- Get visa(s) (allow 2 weeks).
- List hotel alternatives with prices. Request recommendations from experienced Travel Agents.
- Create personal packing list with Carry-On size bag and Day Pack in mind. (See Packing List and Guide)
- Purchase luggage (if necessary). Do a test “pack” as early as possible to allow time for any item or weight adjustments.
- Confirm any reservations you have made before you depart.
- Get on the plane.
Getting to and from Vietnam
Most travelers land in Vietnam in either Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Danang and then make their way up or down the coast, with the choice of travel method depending both on budgets and the amount of time.
By plane
Vietnam has three international airports at Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Most of flights to Vietnam are non-direct and transit via Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok and Taipei.
Airlines flying to Vietnam includes:
Aeroflot (Hanoi)
Air Asia (Hanoi)
Air China (Ho Chi Minh City)
Air France (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
ANA (Ho Chi Minh City)
Asiana (Ho Chi Minh City)
Bangkok Airways (Ho Chi Minh City)
Cathay Pacific (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
China Airlines (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
China Eastern (Ho Chi Minh City)
China Southern (Hanoi)
Delta Airlines from late 2007 (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
EVA Air (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
Hong Kong Airlines (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
JAL (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
Jetstar (Ho Chi Minh City)
Korean Air (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
Lao Airlines (Hanoi)
Lufthansa (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
Malaysia Airlines (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
PB Air (Da Nang)
Philippine Airlines (Ho Chi Minh City)
Qantas (Ho Chi Minh City)
Qatar Airlines (Ho Chi Minh City)
Royal Brunei Airlines (Ho Chi Minh City)
Silk Air (Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
Singapore Airlines (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
THAI (Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
Tiger Airways (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
Transaero (Ho Chi Minh City)
United (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
Vladivostok Air (Hanoi)
By train
From Beijing and Kunming, visitors can catch a train to Hanoi crossing the border at Dong Dang. Due to landslides, the train between Kunming - Hanoi has been termintated for safety.
Border crossings from
Cambodia via the following borders
* Bavet - Moc Bai
* Kaam Samnor - Vinh Xuong (in some guidebooks as Tonle Mekong. Near Chau Doc in Vietnam)
* Phnom Den - Tinh Bien
* Xa Xia, Vietnam/Prek Chak, Cambodia (Ha Tien crossing, Cambodian Visas not available)
China via the following borders
* Dongxing - Mong Cai (by road; onward travel Mong Cai to Ha Long by sea or by road)
* Hekou - Lao Cai (by road and/or rail, but no international passenger train services)
* Youyi Guan - Huu Nghi Quan (Friendship Pass - by road and/or rail)
Laos via the following borders
* Donsavanh - Lao Bao
* Kaew Neua - Cau Treo (Keo Nua Pass)
* Nam Can
* Tay Trang
4. Getting around Vietnam:
Cyclos
Known elsewhere as rickshaws or pedicabs, the cyclo's design slightly varies according to what part of the country on is in. These are a fixture in all major and minor cities in Vietnam. Cyclos should be booked through your tour company or through the doorman or concierge of your hotel. Any trip to Vietnam without riding a cyclo is a trip deprived.
"Xe Om"
This term literally means to "hug the motorbike." Xe Om drivers (motorbike taxis) peruse the streets in the cities and in the countryside looking for fares. An excellent and ready means of transportation only for the very brave hearted. How to hail a Xe Om: extend arm and hand directly outward; flutter your wrist as if waving goodbye to someone . . . this will hail the first available Xe Om . . . or perhaps even a mob of them.
Taxis
Perhaps the best taxi service in the world exists in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; the taxis are new, reliable and economical. Always take a metered taxi. Some taxi companies:
Saigon
• Deluxe Taxi – 3 8 26 26 26
• M.Taxi - 3 8 222 666
• Saigon Taxi – 3 8 23 23 23
Hanoi
• Mai Linh Taxi – 04 3 8222 666
City Buses
None.
Cars and Vans
Late model Toyota, Honda, GM, Ford, Mercedes Benz cars and vans are available for hire (with driver) through your travel tour company or your hotel. Self-driven rental cars are not recommended for the rules of the road are entirely different from North America.
Bicycles
Not recommended for Saigon but for the more calm and quaint streets of Mekong Delta, Vung Tau, Mui Ne, Da Lat, Komtum, Pleiku, Buon Me Thuot, Nha Trang, Hue, Hoi An, Ha Noi they are strongly recommended. Bicycle rentals can be made through your travel tour company or through the concierge or front desk of your hotel.
Motorbikes
Motorbikes are available for rent but are strongly not recommended. They are well worthy of watching for their amazing feats. A terrific book "Bikes of Burden" by Hans Kemp displays Vietnamese motorbike ingenuity at its very best. www.bikes-of-burden.com
5. Vietnam weather- Best time to travel:
North, Central and South of Vietnam has it own weather patterns and different rainy seasons. Therefore, there will be no bad nor best time to visit Vietnam, it mostly depends on what you'd like to see and when you have time to go.
November through January and April through June are among the most popular months for visitors travel to Vietnam. Since this is the high season for visit Vietnam, hotels, trains, and flights tend to get booked up, and the prices for hotels often increase.
Vietnam weather by month
Vietnam weather in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December.
Vietnam weather by city:
Visit http://www.weatherforecastmap.com/vietnam/ to learn more about the weather of the key cities:
Hanoi weather
Ho Chi Minh City weather
Sapa weather
Halong bay weather
Hoi an weather
Hue weather
Nha Trang weather
Dalat weather
6. Money and costs
The currency of Vietnam is the "Dong" issued in the following denominations:
• 200d
• 500d
• 1000d
• 2000d
• 5000d
• 10,000d
• 20,000d
• 50,000d
• 100,000d
• 500,000d.
Recommended Currency for Spending:
Vietnamese Dong. Spending in other currencies, including the USD, often results in "rounding off" to your disadvantage.
Exchange Rates
Please go to http://www.oanda.com for current Dong exchange rates. At the moment of this printing 1USD = 17,810d, and 1 EUR = 25,607d (on 20-July-2009)
Convertible Currencies
All major currencies including the sterling, the Yen, the Canadian dollar, the Euro and the U.S. dollar are convertible. It is recommended you exchange your currency at hotel for better exchange rate, especially at big hotels.
Credit Cards
Major credit cards (Visa, Master Charge and to a lesser extent American Express) are finally beginning to find wider usage in Vietnam as more and more establishments accept them; in major cities nearly all major and mid-level hotels, restaurants and major travelers shops now accept credit cards. Except for the higher end hotels most establishments charge a three-percent transaction fee; some establishments charge a five-percent surcharge.
ATM Machines
ATM machines have arrived in Vietnam. ATMs are located in many places in Hanoi and HCMC, for ANZ visa ATMs: 14 Le Thai To Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi and 11 Me Linh Square, district 1, HCMC.
Traveler's Cheques
Traveler's Cheques denominated in most major currencies are accepted in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City but USD is the preferred currency. Traveler's cheques issued by Visa, Master Charge and American Express are the most widely accepted. Outside of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City it is often difficult to redeem traveler's cheques. The purchase receipt and the traveler's cheques numbers should be kept separately from the traveler's cheques in the event of loss. A redemption fee of up to four-percent is charged. Passport ID is required for redemption.
Price Guide
Bottled water: 0.3 US$ (Recommendation: Aquafina and La Vie brand for mineral water)
A bowl of Pho: 3.00 US$
Local beer or Bia Hoi : 0.3 US$
Short taxi ride 5.00 US$
Restaurant meal: US$ 3.00-10.00
Internet access per hour: US$ 0.20-0.50
Short cyclo ride: US$ 0.50
7. Vietnam visa information:
Most visitors to Vietnam will need a valid visa in order to enter Vietnam except citizens of Japan, South Korea, Scandinavian countries, and certain ASEAN countries. It is now easy to get your visa either by visiting Vietnamese embassy in your country or applying for a convenient visa on arrival.
Check www.vn.embassyinformation.com for a list of Vietnam embassies. A few locations follow.
Australia (Tel: 02-6290-1549; www.au.vnembassy.org; 6 Timbarra Crescent, O’Maley, ACT 2606)
Canada (Tel: 613-236-0772; www.vietnamembassy-canada.ca; 470 Wilbrod St, Ottawa)
UK (Tel: 171-937-1912; vp@dsqvnlondon.demon.co.uk; Victoria Rd 12-14, London W8 5RD)
USA (Tel: 202-861-0737; www.vietnamembassy-usa.org; 1233 20 St NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036)
Allow us to help you with your visa to Vietnam if necessary. Email us: info@oneworldvn.com