Travel Infomation

• Visa

  VIETNAM VISA EXEMPTION 

  As of August 2023, regular passport holders from 25 countries below do not need a tourist visa for the Vietnam Exemption list: 

  90 days visa exemption: Chile, Panama

  45 days visa exemption: Belarus, Korean, Japanese, German, Denmark, Norway, Russian, French, Finland, Spanish, Sweden, Italian, British (not include British overseas citizens)

  30 days visa exemption: Campuchia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand

  21 days visa exemption: Philippines

  14 days visa exemption: Brunei, Myanmar
   

  VIETNAM E-VISA 

  Vietnam E visa can be granted to ALL the countries in the world starting from the 15th of August 2023. 

  Vietnam e-visa requirement: 

  - Passport with no less than six months validity and at least 2 blank passport pages. 
  - One recent color passport-size photo in digital format with a white background portrait without glasses. 
  - E-visa fee of USD 25$ for a single entry and USD 50$ for multiple entry (non-refundable). 

  Processing time:

  - It normally takes 03 working days to receive the e-visa letter; however, the processing time may be affected by a large number of applicants or public holidays. As such, you should consider applying in advance. 

  Note: 

  - Vietnam e-visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days depending on the request 
  - Vietnamese e-visa application or after your visa is issued. In case you change your port of entry, a new visa should be applied 
  - No group application is accepted. Each application is for 1 applicant only
  - Vietnam e-visa can be applied at: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/web/guest/khai-thi-thuc-dien-tu/cap-thi-thuc-dien-tu

  
  VIETNAM VISA ON ARRIVAL 

  The visa on arrival (VOA) is only available for certain nationalities, and it may be subject to change. It is always a good idea to check with the Vietnam embassy or consulate in your country before traveling to Vietnam to confirm the latest visa requirements. 

  Please follow the below steps: 

  Step 1: Send us the passport information of travelers (fill data in an Excel file or by email or passport copy) 

  Step 2: Aurora will submit the visa application to the Vietnamese Immigration Department Step 3: Once approved, we will send you the Visa On Arrival Approval Letter 

  Step 4: Before the flight, travelers need to print the Visa On Arrival Approval Letter and bring it with them, so that they can abroad to fly to Vietnam. Upon arrival at the Airport in Vietnam, present the Approval Letter, Passport, Photos, and Application Form, and pay the fee to get your visa done at the Visa On Arrival counter. 

  Important note:

  - Make sure that the passport has at least 6 months of validity from the entry date ahead You must indicate your arrival date. If you are not sure what date - you will fly to Vietnam, you can give us your proposed date of arrival. You can come to Vietnam some days later than the approved date, but not earlier. 
  - You need to prepare some cash (US dollars) for the stamping fee since no credit cards are accepted. 
  - Once processed, Visa service cannot be canceled, so we require you to make full payment in advance and non-refundable. 
• Best time to travel
  BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
  
  The Social Republic of Vietnam comprises of three different areas. Then, the best time to visit Vietnam somehow will depend on the areas you like to go.The North, from Chinese border to the city of Hue, includes the capital of Hanoi, the mountainous area by the Chinese border and the famous city of Sapa, as well as Halong Bay on the eastern coast. The center, stretching from Hue to the city of Nha Trang comprises the imperial, cultural city of Hue, and the beach cities of Danang and Hoian. The South counts numerous beach cities such as Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, Mui Ne, but also the islands of Phu Quoc and Con Dao, as well as the mangroves of Mekong Delta and the busy city of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City).
   
  Those three areas have very distinctive climates and while sometimes the weather can be freezing in the mountainous areas near the Chinese border, the beaches of Phu Quoc, in the South can be very sunny.
  
  BEST TIME TO GET A VIETNAM BEACH HOLIDAY
  
  Hence, if you come to Vietnam for a beach holiday, anytime of the year is absolutely fine. Indeed, we can divide the beach areas of Vietnam into four areas. The Center, and the cities of Hue, Danang and Hoian (those two last cities being on the coast) is sunny from March to June, and the month of July and August are usually warmer and more humid as well. The area further South to those cities and the beach cities of Nha Trang and the less frequented Quy Nhon have a perfect weather for a tan from January to September, with a higher humidity rate from may to September. Further South, the coastline with the cities of Phan Thiet and Mui Ne, Vung tau and Ho Tram, know a pleasant weather, perfect for a beach vacation in Vietnam from November to April. Finally, the two most beautiful islands of Vietnam, Con Dao and Phu Quoc, have a very specific climate, and most probably the most beautiful coastline scenery in the area, and the weather is perfect from November to April.
  
  2 SEASONS OF TRAVELING TO VIETNAM
  
          •    In general, the best time to visit Vietnam is from October to April and is the high-season in Vietnam. The reason why the months of October, November, December, January, February, March and April are the best months to visit Vietnam is because those months correspond to the dry season in South Vietnam and the end of the wet and extremely warm summer of North Vietnam. This period is then considered the best time to travel to Vietnam because travelers have high chances of crossing the whole country and have a nice weather everywhere.
   
          •    The “low season”, also called the “green season” is now becoming more and more popular for tourism to Vietnam since the prices to visit the country are generally lower than during the high season, the touristic attractions are less crowded and as the country is divided into three regions with distinctive climates, if you choose the right destination at the right time, you will definitely have a beautiful experience in Vietnam (please refer to the weather section of our website for more information on the weather).
  
  THE BEST TIME TO VISIT OR THE BEST TRAVEL INTEREST & DESTINATION IN VIETNAM ?
  
  But visiting Vietnam is not only about having a sunny weather and beach holidays. If you are interested in admiring the stunning green terrace rice fields in North Vietnam, the best time to visit the country is from June to September. Also, some major cultural events happen in Vietnam, such as the Tet or Lunar New Year, Vietnamese celebration of the new year in late January or February, depending on the year, or also the Festival of Hue, usually in April, hosting numerous art and traditional performances.
   
  To conclude, there is no best time to visit Vietnam, but there is a best travel interest and destination to visit Vietnam for every month.
• Travel tips
  HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
  No actual vaccinations are officially required. Noted in our Vietnam travel tips, travelers are advised to check with their doctor or travel immunization clinic regarding the advisability of inoculation against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A & B and malaria. It is recommended that all travelers take out comprehensive Personal Travel Insurance to cover personal belongings, or in case of accident or illness, etc.
   
  ELECTRICITY
  The usual voltage is 220V, 50Hz. The two-pin (ungrounded) plug is more popular than the three-pin one. If you have any devices needing a special outlet, please bring its adapter kit. The best investment is a universal AC adapter, which enables you to plug it into any outlet without damaging your appliances.
   
  CURRENCY, MONEY EXCHANGE & ATM
  The local currency is the Dong (abbreviated "d" or VND). Money, particularly US dollars can be exchanged at banks, hotels, and authorized money exchangers. Most retailers do not accept checks. But Visa, Master & JCB cards are widely accepted. Some merchants also accept AMEX. A 3% bank charge on transactions (4% for AMEX) is pretty common, due to bank policies. ATMs are very popular in most tourist destinations.                      
   
  PACKING LIST
  Be a smart traveler. Before heading overseas, make a list of things to bring. You are recommended to “travel light” as much as possible. Please refer to the weather section of the website to identify what you should pack (sunblock, appropriate clothes, hat, mosquito repellant etc.)
   
  SAFETY
  Ostentatious displays of money, jewelry, luggage, and dress can encourage the wrong type of attention. When travelling, be aware of where your luggage is at all times- particularly your hand bag, camera, etc. Do not leave them unattended or hanging on the back of chairs in restaurants. Petty theft is also common on crowded trains, buses, and at supermarkets.
   
  ETIQUETTE - one of the important part of Vietnam travel tips
          •    Vietnamese society is an interesting blend of modern and traditional. Rural areas are known to be more traditional than big cities, hence it is appropriate to dress modestly in rural areas as well as in temples, museums and historical heritage sites.
          •    It is worth noting that in Vietnam, pointing at something or somebody with your finger is considered impolite, as well as touching people, especially on the head
          •    Vietnamese society is very respectful of its elders and while nobody would say a thing in any circumstance, it is again appropriate to respect elderly people, help them cross the street and keep your voice low when talking to them.
          •    Ask to the person you want to take a picture of if it’s okay to do so.
   
  TIME ZONE & WORKING HOUR
  Local time is GMT + 7 hours. Most government offices are open from 8:00 / 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 / 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, but are closed from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for lunch. Banks are closed after 4:00 p.m. Some foreign companies or private enterprises are open Saturday mornings. Most shops and department stores are open every day until 8.00 or 9.00 p.m.                                    
   
  MUSEUMS OPENING TIME
  The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is open every morning (except for Mondays & Fridays) and is closed in the afternoon and during the months of October and November for maintenance. Most museums and mausoleums are closed on Mondays except for the War Museum in Ho Chi Minh City (now called the Museum of Vietnamese Revolutionary History) and the Ho Chi Minh Trails Museum which is closed on Mondays and Fridays. The Fine Arts Museum is open to the public every day from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
   
  LANGUAGE
  Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam. English is widely used in business. Other popular languages include French, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Russian.       
   
  INTERNET
  You can access the internet at hotels, cyber cafés & Internet/Computer Service Centers. ADSL technology is widely used in major cities. Also, WIFI internet is available at some cyber cafés, restaurants, and most hotels in major tourist destinations.
  Free WIFI is also available in some international airports.                                
   
  POST SERVICES
  A regular international postal service is available. Express Mail Service (EMS) is available to more than 50 countries worldwide with a delivery time of 2 to 10 days.
   
  TELECOMMUNICATIONS
  Vietnam has high international telephone charges. It is important to check the exact amount with the hotel before making a call, as hotel surcharges are often imposed. VOIP calls help reduce call charges. Pre-paid internet & mobile cards can be bought in the major cities so if your phone is unlocked, this solution is cheap (around USD5) and will allow you to call in case of emergency, call your driver, your hotel and even home if you need! Service providers for mobile phone networks are GSM of Vinaphone, Mobile Phone and Viettel, while CDMA are EVN Telecom and S-Phone, HT Mobile etc.
  Also, buying a phone in Vietnam is really cheap and you can get a basic phone for USD15, with a prepaid card.
   
  DOMESTIC FLIGHTS & AIRPORT TAXES
  Flight times may vary from day to day. Schedules are subject to change without prior notice. You should allow an hour at the airport for the check-in process prior to your flight departure. Baggage allowance is 20kg per person in economy class. Hand luggage should not weigh more than 7kg. You are recommended to reconfirm your intention to travel at least 24 hours prior to departure from all your points on your itinerary, even if you have a confirmed reservation.
  
  Airport departure tax for domestic and international flights is included in the airfare issued.
   
  FOOD AND DRINKS - Vietnam travel tips
  Foreign visitors consider Vietnamese food quite healthy. It is neither spicy nor oily. It has a very distinctive style, although it is also clearly influenced by Chinese and to a lesser extent, French cuisine. Vietnamese eat mainly rice and noodles. Bread is not a daily family food. Here are just a few examples of the fantastic dishes you can expect to find in Vietnam: Pho (noodle soup), cha cuon (spring rolls), goi cuon (fresh spring rolls), earthen pot-cooked rice and fish, etc.… Tropical fruit varieties are diverse and available all year round. Mangosteens, rambutans, or dragon fruit should not be missed.   
  
  Coffee and draft beers are good but often strong. Drinking tap water is not advisable. Bottled drinking water is widely available for a reasonable price. Hotels and restaurants will use hygienic ice. However, if eating at a market or on the street, it may be best to avoid ice.
   
  SHOPPING & BARGAINING
  Shopping in Vietnam is a fun and interesting experience, and guarantees good bargains to those who know what to look for. It is true to say that you can find nearly anything in Vietnam. Markets vary from high class shopping malls and supermarkets to bustling open markets, galleries, boutiques, and street stalls. Vietnam is most famous for its handicrafts, war souvenirs, art, antiques and gems. To make your trip even more enjoyable, you should know something about the art of bargaining in this country. People will probably overcharge you, but rather than becoming irritated, join the game and bargain with a smile! Before going to Vietnam you should do some research for a general idea about prices in Vietnam.                     
  If you are being followed by street vendors and do not wish to make a purchase, often the best course of action is to say “no” politely and firmly and continue on your way. Do not hesitate or linger, as this will encourage the seller to try and engage you further