Vietnam
Getting there
FLIGHTS IN AND OUT OF HO CHI MINH CITY
From Europe
Vietnam Airlines flies
from London Gatwick, Paris, Frankfurt and Moscow.
From Asia
Vietnam Airlines flies
from many places, including Melbourne, Sydney, Bangkok, Phnom Penh,
Vientiane, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Tokyo, Osaka, Beijing,
Guangzhou, Kuala Lumpur.
Qantas (using Vietnam Airlines)
files from Melbourne and Sydney.
Thai Airways flies from
Bangkok.
Cathay Pacific flies from
Hong Kong.
Singapore Airlines,
Tiger Airways and
Jetstar fly from Singapore.
Japan Airlines flies from Tokyo
and Osaka.
Philippine Airlines
flies from Manila.
Malaysia Airlines and
Air Asia fly from Kuala
Lumpur.
Asiana Airlines flies from
Seoul.
Eva Airways and
China Airlines fly from
Taiwan.
China Southern Airlines flies
from Guangzhou.
Shanghai Airlines flies from
Shanghai.
Lao Airlines flies from
Vientiane.
FLIGHTS IN AND OUT OF HANOI
From Europe
Vietnam Airlines flies
from London Gatwick, Paris, Frankfurt and Moscow.
Aeroflot flies from
Moscow.
From Asia
Vietnam Airlines flies
from Bangkok, Singapore, Seoul, Beijing, Guangzou, Tokyo, Osaka,
Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Vientiane, Luang Prabang.
Thai Airways and
Air Asia fly from Bangkok.
Singapore Airlines flies
from Singapore.
Malaysia Airlines flies
from Kuala Lumpur.
Korean Airlines flies from
Seoul and Busan.
Japan Airlines flies from Tokyo,
Osaka, Nagoya.
Cathay Pacific flies from
Hong Kong.
Air China flies from
Beijing.
China Southern Airlines flies
from Guangzou.
Lao Airlines flies from
Vientiane.
back to topGetting Around
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
There are 16 domestic airports in Vietnam, all operated by
Vietnam Airlines. Most
connect with both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi; Phu Quoc connects
only with Ho Chi Minh City.
When To Go
Vietnam has a complicated climate. In the north, autumn
(Sept to Dec) is the nicest season. At this time of year it's warm,
dry and sunny, though you'll need warm clothes up in the mountains
and Ha Long Bay. Winter (Dec to Feb) can be surprisingly cold with
temperatures as low as 10°C. Things warm up in March then get
hot in May, though the rainy season starts in June and brings heavy
downpours and flooding. By mid Sept, it's perfect weather.
The central region has a wet climate, particularly around
Hué. The dry season lasts from Feb - May although there are
occasional shock typhoons in April and May. After this it gets
wetter and hotter (averaging 30°C) until the rainy season in
Sept, which eases off from Nov - Jan.
The lower east coast and the south have a dry season
from Dec to late April/May, and rain from May - Nov. Most rain
falls in brief downpours. Daytime temperatures rarely fall below
20°C.
Visas/Entry Requirements
The standard tourist visa is valid for 30 days. Processing takes
7-10 days (some embassies offer an express service) and delays
often happen so allow longer. You have to fill in 2 application
forms and provide 2 passport photos. One form, with the photo
attached, will be returned with your visa. Keep it safe because
you'll be asked to hand it in at immigration. Be sure to check that
your visa is stamped with the correct dates and the correct entry
and exit points.
If you need to extend your stay, it is easy to apply for a visa
renewal. This will be handled by tour agents/traveller cafés
ini Vietnam. The first renewal takes approximately 3 working days
to process. The maximum period you can ask for is 30 days and it
costs the same whether you ask for 1 day or 30 days. A second
10-day extension can be purchased. For this you will be asked to
show an air ticket dated after the expiry of your visa.
back to topOther Essentials
It is recommended that you have a diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Yellow Fever injection before going to Vietnam. Malaria protection will also be required. Click here for details.