Hello,
we want to book a 3 day cruise, starting on April 23th. We are traveling from Ninh Binh and do not need a transfer.
Thanks...
Introduction to Vietnam
With 3,000 km of tropical coastline, exquisite cuisine and fascinating culture, Vietnam is a wonderful country waiting for everyone in the world to come and explore. Vietnam is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after destinations in Southeast Asia. With breath-taking scenery, delicious street food, charming history and friendly people, Vietnam allows you to experience a very unique and distinct culture, far different from the rest of Southeast Asia. So, if you are planning where to rest, explore and experience next, look no further, Vietnam is the ideal destination more than ever.
You can find information about tours, planned itineraries as well as airlines, hotel and motel services at preferential prices right on our website. Below is some information that you cannot miss if you are planning to visit Vietnam.
Airport and Airlines Information to Vietnam
Airport Information in Vietnam
Currently, Vietnam has the following international airports:
- Noi Bai International Airport
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport
- Da Nang International Airport
- Phu Bai – Hue International Airport
- Cam Ranh International Airport
- Phu Quoc Airport
- Vinh International Airport
>> Read more: Guide about Vietnam International Airports
Although Vietnam may not be as popular a destination as some other Asian destinations such as Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore, many countries offer daily direct flights to two major international airports located in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Noi Bai International Airport is located about 45km North of Hanoi city centre. If you fly in with Vietnam Airlines, you can take the free shuttle bus to the centre of Hanoi. Alternatively, you can take the public bus (buses 7 and 17), which departs from the bus stop just outside the terminal between 05:00 and 22:00. The trip costs around 5,000 VND and takes around an hour, depending on traffic, but if you have oversized luggage you may not be allowed on the bus.
Another good option is the airport minibus, which costs 30,000 VND. You can also take an airport taxi, which usually costs at least 250,000 VND, including tolls. Make sure you get in an official taxi with your photo, name and cabby licence number clearly displayed.
Tan Son Nhat is located 7km from the centre of Ho Chi Minh City. You can get to the city centre by air-conditioned airport bus (number 152). This bus runs along De Tham and Dong Khoi streets. A good (but expensive) option is to take a metered taxi at the airport.
Getting around
In fact, travelling by car to Vietnam is generally a safe option if you hire a driver. Traffic in Vietnam is notorious for being very busy, especially with motorbikes. Don’t be surprised if you see drivers using pedestrian lanes to get around.
Travelling by motorbike, motorbike taxi or renting a private car is also a great way to travel around Vietnam with many interesting things to see. However, you should only choose this option if you have experience driving motorbikes in Southeast Asia.
Trains are still one of the most popular ways to get around Vietnam. Stretching nearly 3,000 meters, the train connects from North to South, passing through lush mountains, valleys, coastal towns and forests. The cost to pay for this means of transport is also quite reasonable.
In addition, you can choose to travel by bus when travelling in Vietnam. You can buy tickets with a pre-assigned seat on small minivans with air conditioning. You can ask for more information about the bus company, and book tickets at any hotel reception desk.
You can also travel between provinces in Vietnam by plane. You can easily find cheap air tickets for domestic flights in Vietnam on lots of websites.
Vietnam tourism and things to know
Things to note when travelling to Vietnam that you should absolutely not ignore
- Check your vaccinations before travelling. If possible, make an appointment with your GP 6-8 weeks before you travel to find out which travel vaccinations you are due for.
- You will need both USD and VND to travel around Vietnam. USD is most commonly used for everything tourists do, such as booking tours, booking domestic transport or paying for hotels. VND is most commonly used for many local businesses, such as restaurants, bars, shops and market stalls.
- Places like Hanoi, Sapa, Hoi An, etc. have tour companies on every corner. Using these travel offices is an extremely convenient way to plan your trip, whether it is local and public buses, day tours or 3-night packages.
- Taxis are very cheap and use a fair meter system. However, you will notice that many taxi drivers park around tourist spots and will try to push you around. You should take the official bus companies, with clear logos, etc.
- Wi-Fi is available in all cafes, restaurants, hostels and hotels for free.
Best time to visit Vietnam
Southern Vietnam including the Mekong Delta and Ho Chi Minh City: The dry season is from December to April. The rainy season is from May to November. Most of the rains are very short and because the weather is very humid, this is not the best time to visit here. Temperatures rarely drop below 20°C during the day and reach 40°C in the hottest months from March to May.
Central Vietnam including Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang, My Son and Da Nang: The rainy season is from November to December. Typhoons can hit the central coast anytime from August to November. The best time to visit this area is in the spring from February to May. Note that June to August is very humid, with temperatures reaching 30°C.
Northern Vietnam including Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Sapa: Summer temperatures can reach 40°C from May to August, however, summer is also the rainy season, making it very hot, sticky and humid. The northernmost mountains have cool temperatures from mid-December to February.
Best Places to Visit in Vietnam
Ha Long Bay
Known for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands, Ha Long Bay is probably the first image that comes to mind when you think of Vietnam. Cruise tours are popular here, as are kayaking and exploring Cat Ba National Park. Ha Long Bay is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
>> Read more: Travel to Halong Bay: Complete Guide
Hoi An
Hoi An is a coastal town where you can enjoy a slower pace of life. You can stroll across the Covered Bridge or visit Cam Nam Village on a small boat. You can also walk through the old quarters, and feel the special culture here through the shops selling souvenirs, brocade, pottery, coffee, etc. In particular, you will definitely find it interesting when you can choose fabric and have a traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai made right away or when you are immersed in the sparkling lights from the rows of lanterns hanging along the streets in the old quarter. Then, practice your cooking skills and learn about Vietnamese cuisine with a cooking class.
Hanoi
The capital of Vietnam is an ideal place to explore the country's history, from ancient temples and pagodas to colonial buildings and fascinating museums. You can explore the pagodas and traces of the French-Chinese occupation in historical relics. If time permits, this is the perfect city to enjoy a cyclo ride.
Ho Chi Minh City
This is the bustling, skyscraper-filled area of Vietnam, where everything you could wish for is there. You can find a lot of French influence here, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and local museums.
Foods to try in Vietnam
Pho
Pho is a typical Vietnamese dish, consisting of rice noodles served with meat broth, various greens, and chilli sauce. A basic Pho bowl contains beef, beef balls, and beef ribs, topped with bean sprouts, lemon, and fresh herbs such as basil, mint, cilantro, and onions. You can also opt for more exotic ingredients such as liver, pork stomach, and pork ribs with cartilage. Pho costs between 30,000 VND and 60,000 VND at a restaurant or local market in Vietnam.
Banh mi
Banh mi costs between 10,000 and 35,000 VND, including a grilled baguette, pickled vegetables, pate, butter, soy sauce, cilantro, and hot peppers. Most banh mi vendors also offer a variety of meats, including roasted pork, fried eggs, grilled pork, fish cakes, sausages, pork floss, and more.
Banh xeo
Similar to a crepe or pancake, banh xeo is made from rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric powder. It is topped with ingredients such as pork or beef, shrimp, sliced onions, green beans, and mushrooms. Most street stalls, local markets, and restaurants sell a plate of banh xeo for around 15,000 to 30,000 VND. Eat like a local by wrapping your banh xeo in mustard leaves, lettuce leaves, or rice paper along with nem lui, mint leaves, and basil, before dipping it in a fermented peanut sauce.
Goi cuon
This dish consists of thin vermicelli noodles, slices of pork, shrimp, basil, and lettuce, all wrapped tightly in rice paper. Due to their delicate flavour, spring rolls are served with a dipping sauce of fish sauce, garlic, chilli and peanuts. Locals often choose this dish as a snack or appetizer.
How to book a flight to Vietnam quickly
To have a great trip to Vietnam, you can book a flight to Vietnam with extremely fast and cheap utilities for you.
Check the departure and return dates in advance, and book tickets quickly with just a few clicks, all you have to do is plan your "fun" for the trip without worrying about the round trip fee. Moreover, each time you check the flight, there will be many flights for you to choose from.
Conclusion
Vietnam is increasingly attracting international tourists, not only because of its majestic scenery, rich and attractive cuisine but also because of its hospitable and friendly people, good services as well as competitive travel prices. Above is all you need to know to be able to choose the best time to travel to Vietnam. Hope you will have a fun and comfortable trip, if there is anything you like, please share with us!
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