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+84 (0) 28 3930 2626

145b Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St., Dist. 3., Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Mon – Fri 8.00 – 17.00 (VNT)

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VIETNAM - LAND OF THE BLUE DRAGON

With her origins shrouded in the mists of time, Vietnam has evolved a rich oral tradition of myth and legend. Vietnamese mythology contends the people are descended from a dragon and a fairy. The union of the dragon, King Lac Long Quan, and the enchanting mountain fairy Au Co produced one hundred offspring. The eldest son became the first King of the thousand year Hung Dynasty. This dynasty is commemorated to this day as the bud from which the Vietnamese nation ultimately flowered. Throughout time, Vietnam has forged her identity through the highs and lows of history. Today she has become a robust and vibrant commercial hub and thriving travel destination in the heart of Southeast Asia. With her 3,000 km coastline bejewelled with sun-drenched sandy beaches imbued with a vast array of resorts and hotels, Vietnam has established a growing reputation as a first-class beach destination. Possessing a unique cultural and historical heritage, Vietnam is an idyllic choice for travellers in search of exotic travel experiences not to be found anywhere else. A grand exploration delves deep into the heart-warming natural hospitality and charm of the peoples and soul-stirring landscapes of Vietnam.

GEOGRAPHY

Vietnam shares its land borders with Cambodia and Laos to the west and China to the north. Vietnam's eastern border is the over 3,000 kilometers of coastline facing the East Sea. The country covers an area of 331,211 square kilometers and its two main cultivated areas are the Red River Delta in the north and the Mekong Delta in the south.

The country's topography varies from coastal plains to mountain ranges.

CLIMATE AND SEASONS

Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate with wet and dry seasons. These seasons vary from north to south and with elevation changes. In general, the dry season lasts from November to April in the north, south and central highland regions. The coolest, driest times to visit are from October to January (north), from February to April (Central Highlands) and from late December to March (south).

 

 

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Ho Chi Minh City

 

Max (C)

36.4

38.7

39.4

40

39

37.5

34.6

34.9

35.3

34.6

35

36.3

 

Min (C)

13.8

16

17.4

20

21.9

20.4

19.4

20

20.8

19.8

14.3

13.3

 

Humidity (%)

74

71

71

74

80

84

84

85

86

83

82

78

 

Rain (mm)

14

5

12

50

221

315

296

274

332

264

115

51

 

Typhoon

v

v

Nha Trang

 

Max (C)

31.1

33.9

34.2

35.9

38.5

39.5

39

39.5

38.3

34.8

34.3

32

 

Min (C)

14.6

14.6

16.4

19.4

19.7

19

20.6

21.5

21.3

18.8

16.9

15.3

 

Humidity (%)

78

78

80

81

80

79

78

79

82

84

83

79

 

Rain (mm)

50

18

31

40

61

47

42

53

162

322

359

174

 

Typhoon

Danang

 

Max (C)

31.1

33.9

34.2

35.9

38.5

39.5

39

39.5

38.3

34.8

34.3

32

 

Min (C)

14.6

14.6

16.4

19.4

19.7

19

20.6

21.5

21.3

18.8

16.9

15.3

 

Humidity (%)

78

78

80

81

80

79

78

79

82

84

83

79

 

Rain (mm)

50

18

31

40

61

47

42

53

162

322

359

174

 

Typhoon

Hue

 

Max (C)

34.6

36.2

30.3

40

40

39.9

39

39.2

38.2

35.5

35.4

32.2

 

Min (C)

8.8

11

12

14.1

17.7

20.9

19

21

19.1

15.9

12.9

11.1

 

Humidity (%)

90

90

88

84

80

76

73

77

84

88

88

90

 

Rain (mm)

188

89

57

64

78

104

76

124

498

744

693

346

 

Typhoon

Hanoi

 

Max (C)

33.1

35.1

36.8

38.5

42.8

40.4

40

39

37.1

35.7

36

31.9

 

Min (C)

2.7

5

8.5

9.8

15.4

20

21.6

20.9

16.1

12.4

6.8

5.1

 

Humidity (%)

80

84

88

87

83

83

83

85

85

81

81

81

 

Rain (mm)

18

26

48

81

194

236

302

325

262

47

47

20

PEOPLE

Vietnam has a population of over 85 million, 85% of which are ethnic Vietnamese or ‘Kinh’ and is the most densely populated country in Southeast Asia. The remaining 15% is comprised of ethnic-Chinese, Khmers, Chams or members of more than 60 ethnic minority peoples living in the mountainous regions of central and northern Vietnam. The largest ethnic minority groups are the Tay, the White Thai, the Black Thai and the H'mong. These groups display similar rural and agricultural lifestyles, but have different languages, dress, cultures and physical features.

LANGUAGE

Vietnamese is a tonal language that uses the Roman alphabet together with tone and diacritical marks. Much of the language is Sino/Vietnamese, though influences from French and English are also apparent. English has replaced French and Russian as the most widely spoken and studied foreign language and is widely used in major cities.

RELIGION

Buddhism is the most common religion in Vietnam with about 60% of the population practicing some form of Buddhism. About 8% of the population is Catholic. Other religions include Protestantism, Confucianism, Taoism, Islam, Hinduism and Caodaism.

FESTIVALS AND HOLIDAYS

Tet, the Lunar New Year (last day of the last lunar month - 3rd day of the first lunar month), is undoubtedly the most important holiday for the Vietnamese. Largest holiday of the year, occurs around late January-early February. Visitors should be aware that virtually all businesses are closed during this period and international and domestic flights are fully booked as overseas Vietnamese return to visit their families and friends. Other significant public holidays include:

  • January 1st: New Year's Day (one day holiday)
  • April 30th: Saigon Liberation Day (one day holiday)
  • May 1st: International Labor Day (one day holiday)
  • 10th day of the 3rd lunar month: Hung Kings Commemorations Day (one day holiday)
  • September 2nd: National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (one day holiday)

HANDICRAFTS AND SOUVENIRS

Vietnam is renowned for its various forms of lacquer ware (mother of pearl inlay, duck shell etc.) and for its silk industry. An array of other handicrafts is also available, including quality hand embroidery, woodcarvings, brass or marble figurines and ivory or tortoiseshell accessories. Paintings, silk screens, and hand-painted ceramics can be found in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. War paraphernalia, such as army helmets, are popular souvenirs, as are the old cameras, watches, stamps and coins sold on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City.

VIETNAM TIME

GMT plus 7 hours Government offices are generally open from 8.00 to 17.00 (with a one-hour lunch break) from Monday to Friday. Saturday and Sunday are holidays. In local regions, offices are open from 7:00 to 11:00 and 13:00 to 17:00 Banks are open from 7:30 or 8:00 to 16:30 Banks are closed on Saturday afternoons and Sundays. Private shops are open from 8:00 or 8:30 to 21:00 or 22:00 Vidotour working hours: Monday to Friday: from 8:00 to 17:00 (with a one-hour lunch break from 12:00 to 13:00 .) Every other Saturday: from 8:00 to 12:00 On Sundays and Public Holidays, we have staff and management on duty to monitor our services and operations. In addition, senior members of staff are on call 24-hours a day, seven days a week to solve any problem or emergency that may arise.