General information

Vietnam, a name too long associated with the horrors of war, has finally won its last battle – to capture the imagination of the traveling public. Elegant Hanoi now vies with its dynamic sister, Ho Chi Minh City (still fondly called Saigon by the locals), for the attention of visitors drawn by the eclectic mix of old and new.

More modern than other Vietnamese cities, Ho Chi Minh City has also retained its French colonial influences. Its vibrancy is maintained by the ever-entrepreneurial Saigonese who have taken the government reforms to heart and re-embraced the capitalist ethic with unrestrained enthusiasm. The streets are jam-packed with mopeds and scooters, often carrying whole families. The markets are chaotically busy.

Elsewhere, the scenes are timeless. Early morning on the Mekong Delta brings the daily floating markets where fruit and vegetables are peddled. Everywhere the green patchwork of rice paddies stretches into the distance, broken only by the silhouette of water buffalo and conical-hatted farm workers bending down to tend the young plants.

The soaring mountains in the north of the country tower over tiny villages where life continues much as it has done for centuries, with traditional costumes still proudly worn. Old French hill stations survive throughout the country offering welcome respite from the heat of the plains below. And, in the South China Sea, the 3000 chalk islands in Ha Long Bay are not to be missed.

The ancient former imperial capital, Hue, takes you back to a time of concubines and eunuchs. In every town, young women wearing the simple but feminine national dress, the Ao Dai, weave their way through the traffic at the controls of a motorbike.

Only in Vietnam could the past and the present be encapsulated so perfectly.

Travel Advice
Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Vietnam have resulted in a small number of human fatalities. Travelers should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where they may come into close contact with wild or caged birds; and ensure poultry dishes are thoroughly cooked.

Cases of Dengue Fever have doubled in the south of Vietnam in 2006.

Most visits to Vietnam are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

Serious or violent crimes against foreigners in Vietnam are rare, but travelers should remain vigilant for petty or opportunistic theft.

Typhoons commonly occur in Vietnam between June and December.

From 15 October – 30 November 2006, holders of category D visas for Vietnam will not be granted entry to the country. Holders of other categories of visa will not be affected. Travelers should check your visa carefully before traveling to Vietnam.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: (0845) 850 2829
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel