Womens Own Adventure - Location Information

Women’s Own Vietnam Adventure

Most visitors to Vietnam are overwhelmed by the sublime beauty of the country's natural setting: the entire coastal strip is a patchwork of brilliant green rice paddies tended by women in conical hats. There are some divine beaches along the coast, while inland there are soaring mountains, some of which are cloaked by dense, misty forests. Vietnam also offers an opportunity to see a country of traditional charm and rare beauty rapidly opening up to the outside world. Vietnam is one of the most interesting countries in the world to discover.

quick facts

Population: 83 million
Capital City: Hanoi (Pop.: 3.5 million)
People: 80% Ethnic Vietnamese, 53 minority groups including Hmong, Tay, Cham, Montaguard, Khmer, Chinese
Language: Vietnamese
Religion: Predominantly Buddhist, with Confucianism, Taoism & other minorities
Currency: Dong
Time: GMT plus 7 hours
Electricity: 220V, 50 Hz AC (some 110V, 50 Hz AC)
International Dialling Code: 84

visas

Australians, Americans, Canadians, British and New Zealanders currently require a visa for Vietnam. Visas must be obtained prior to the commencement of your tour.

religion, customs and conduct

Buddhism is the principal religion but there are also sizeable Taoist, Confucian, Hoa Hao, Cao Daists, Muslim and Christian minorities.
The Vietnamese have a great sense of humour, with an ability to joke about almost anything. Be prepared for all types of personal questions - this type of questioning is not considered rude - just gathering of the facts! And don't be surprised if the Vietnamese are intrigued by your size, particularly if you are tall or well rounded.
The Vietnamese people in general adopt modest dress. They ensure that shoulders are covered and not too much leg is exposed. Clothing is a status symbol and name brands rule supreme. For the traveler, modest clothing goes a long way towards making a good impression with the Vietnamese people, who are more willing to approach you if you dress as they do.

Language

Vietnamese is the main local language. Chinese, French, Russian and particularly English are also sometimes spoken. French, a legacy of colonial times, is used less and less these days. Like Thai, Lao and most other Asian languages, the Vietnamese language is tonal.

best time to go / climate

Vietnam occupies a thin strip of land along the coast and covers a wide latitudinal range. Consequently, Vietnam's climate can vary from the North to the South. In addition, Vietnam extends from sea level to over 3,000 metres and temperatures can also vary significantly according to altitude. Southern Vietnam experiences a sub-equatorial climate with two main seasons; a wet season and a dry season. The wet season lasts from May through to November, while the dry extends from December to April. February, March and April are typically hot and humid.

Coastal central Vietnam is characterised by coastal lowlands and, unlike the southern and northern areas of Vietnam, they do not experience significant amounts of rainfall between April and October. Most rain falls on the central coastal lowlands between December and February.

Dalat in the Central Highlands experiences cooler temperatures than the coastal strip and, from November to March, daily highs tend to range from the mid to low 20s, while evening temperatures can drop significantly lower and warmer clothing is required.

Northern Vietnam experiences a cool to cold winter (November - March) with overnight temperatures sometimes dropping to as low as 10 degrees Celsius. February and March are characterised by constant drizzle. The rains fall from May to October and it is typically warm at this time of the year.

Travellers to Vietnam should take appropriate wet-weather gear regardless of the time visited as heavy showers are unpredictable Overall, there is no bad time to visit Vietnam as good weather can always be found in at least one region.

accommodation

The hotels in Vietnam are of a good, comfortable standard and we will have twin share accommodation. We also spend a night on board a Junk boat in Halong Bay where conditions may be somewhat more communal compared to staying in a hotel, however it is a wonderful experience to be spending a night on the bay – weather permitting, the views at sunset are incredible. Bedding and towels are provided. In hill tribe areas we stay in approved home stays, which are usually traditional long houses or stilt houses.

transport

Vietnam has an enormous amount of local bus transport but in many areas we find this to be unsafe. We will be using private air-conditioned vehicles. Boats: As Vietnam is full of waterways and has one of the longest coastlines in South East Asia, boats are in abundance, and we experience many varieties on our trips. Cyclos: These three-wheeled pedi-cabs are an absolute must to try and are the perfect way to experience the sights and sounds of any town in Vietnam. You could also try a bicycle as a great mode of transport.

Electricity

The electricity supply in Vietnam is rated at 110/220 volts, and appliances requiring 240 volts will work normally.If you bring electrical appliances you should also bring an international adaptor. Plug design varies, depending where you are; however, two flat pins (USA style) or three-pronged angled pins (Australian style) are fairly common. A torch (or flashlight) is useful when travelling in more remote areas. Note that whilst trekking, and in more remote areas, electricity will not be available. Here, the best option is small, battery-operated appliances.

food & drinks

With over 500 local dishes and a very heavy French colonial influence, you will find Vietnam a gourmet's delight. Not only is the food less spicy than Thailand, making it a little easier on a Western palate, it is also incredibly good value. Vegetarians are not forgotten here. Because the local version of Buddhism dictates that monks should be vegetarians, the local cuisine has developed accordingly. Seafood is available throughout the country and is very good value. Bottled water is available throughout Vietnam and it is important that you drink this and not tap water.

public holidays

Listed below are important dates when things may be closed.
Usually late January/February - varies with the lunar calender. Vietnamese New Year - “Tet”
(Celebrations last for about a week. Banks close for 5 days.)
· January 1st New Years Day
· February 3rd Founding of the Communist Party
· March 8th International Women’s Day
· March 26th Youth Day
· April 30th (National Holiday) Liberation of Saigon
· May 1st International Labour Day
· May 19th Ho Chi Minh’s Birthday
· June 1st Children’s Day
· July 27th Memorial Day for War Martyrs
· August 19th August Revolution of 1945
· September 2nd National Day
· November 20th Teachers’ Day
· December 22nd Army Day

Currency

The unit of currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Bank notes come in denominations of 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000 and 500,000 VND. Polymer notes of 50,000 VND (pink), 100,000 VND (light green) and 500,000 VND (dark green) are now used together with the old paper notes.

best buys

Vietnam has some great bargains for the discerning shopper. Lacquer ware is probably the most notable purchase, but do not miss other ‘goodies’ like silver, jade, porcelain, local handicrafts,Vietnamese silk, beaded bags and shoes, a new season’s wardrobe tailored in Hoi An and much, much more. Most shops work on the barter system, so be ready to bargain!