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Vietnam Vietnamese Tourism

Tourism is increasingly important in Vietnam. For backpackers, culture and nature lovers, beach-lovers and veterans touring the country for a long time, Vietnam has emerged itself as a new tourist destination in South-East Asia and on is now on lists in magazines worldwide. Hotel investors especially the potential of the 3000-kilometer-long coast line and the big cities. The tourism offer has been increasingly diversified. Local and international tour operators offer tours to ethnic minority groups, walking and bicycle tours, kayak trips and multi-country trips in particular in connection with neighboring Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. In addition, thanks to the lift of several movement regulations, foreign tourists have been able to travel freely in the country since 1997.

The economy of Vietnam has transformed from an agrarian to a service economy. More than a third of gross domestic product is generated by services, which include the hotel and catering industry and transportation. The manufacturing and construction (28 percent), agriculture and fisheries (20 percent) and mining (10 percent) have much smaller shares.

Meanwhile, tourism contributes 4.5 percent to gross domestic product (as of 2007). More and more foreign direct investment has been focused on tourism. After the heavy industry and urban development, most foreign investment has been concentrated in tourism, especially in hotel projects .

Tourism in Vietnam is a significant component of the modern Vietnamese economy. In 2004, Vietnam received 2.9 million international arrivals, up from 2.4 million the previous year. The annual increase represented a strong rebound from a slight decline in 2003 attributable to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic in Asia. From 1999 to 2004, tourism rose by 63 percent. Most of the visitors in 2004, 27 percent, came from China, with 8 to 9 percent each coming from the United States, Japan, and South Korea. The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism is following a long-term plan to diversify the tourism industry, which brings needed foreign exchange into the country.

In 2008, Vietnam received 4.218 million international passengers, in 2009 the number was 3.8 million, down 11%. Vietnam Administration of Tourism forecasts that there will be 4.5-4.6 million international foreign tourists to Vietanm in 2010. It's also forecast by this agency that Vietnam will serve 28 domestic tourists in 2010, up 12% from that of 2009.

Place of Interest
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Ha Long Bay

Recognized by UNESCO (United Nation  Education Science Culture Organization) as the world heritage, the bay has been considered as the most magnificent place of interest in Vietnam.  Located in Quang Ninh province abundant in open coal mines. It looks like a paradise; the bay comprises of 3000 islands and islets an area 1500 km2. Water color is emerald. Ha Long appeared in the first epoch as the huge limestone scattered in the delta of the delta of the Red River full of alluvium. It is a mysterious, magnificent and unique bay in the world.  There are many remarkable grottoes like the Pelican cave, Dau Go, Tam Cung, Thien Cung, and tunnels like Hanh built up by wind and tide.

The islets of strange shapes own different special names: Cockfight Islet, Islet of Toad, Dome Islet. They all have been covered by green and dense vegetation. Legends said that a huge dragon and its children descended there to help the Vietnamese fight against Northern invaders.  After the victory, these dragons decided to stay with the local people.  Since then this area has been called the "descending dragon" region.  Sightseeing tours and tourist activities continuously go in the bay.  The local junks move gently along the islets in the sunset  brings a strange experience.  Ha Long is a city of fishing people and coal miners.   Nearly half the city is on the other side of the ferry. 

The Huong Pagoda

Take a boat ride on the Yen stream through rice fields up to the mountain and the end is a complex of worshipping areas.   Most temples were built amidst a chain of blue mountains, forests, lakes and grottoes.  Pilgrims from different parts of the country pour into the Huong Pagoda in Spring time.  The highest cave situated on the top of the mountain.  Thousands of stone steps easily challenge tourists adventurous desires.  Even the elderly women devoutly are wearing long kerchiefs while murmuring their prayers between their lips in the belief that it would lessen the arduousness of the climb.

Ancient Royal City of Hue

"Hue" means harmony.  Mirrored in the water of the Perfume river that flows quietly and shaded by the ancient palaces and other royal properties.  From 1802 to 1945 it was the ancient capital of the last dynasty of the Nguyen.  The town of Hue actually is inhabited by about 340,000 people on an area of approximately 6.777 hectares.  Recognized by UNESCO as the World Heritage, Hue attracts tourists thanks to its charm, rich architecture famous for the citadel, the palaces, the temples, the royal tombs that used to have a rich and exciting past.  It played not only the role of a political capital seated by the emperors for more than a century but also of the cultural development of the country.  It is "a masterpiece of urban construction". 

The Citadel was constructed in 1805 to 1835 the big outer wall is 6 meters high, 11 kilometers long, with 11 gates and 24 watch towers.  The citadel suffered from big damages due to fire in 1945 and war bombardments.  The places of interest inside the citadel and the imperial city are the flagpole, the Noon Gate, the courtyard for royal ceremonies, the palace of supreme peace, the memorial temple for Nguyen kings, nine dynastic urns and the forbidden city for the royal families.

The Thien Mu Pagoda (Buddhist monastery) was erected in 1601 by Lord Nguyen Hoang, the ancestor of the Nguyen dynasty.  It was renovated in 1844 under King Thieu Tri sovereignty.  Legends said that one night people found an old lady seating on this small hill, wearing a red long dress and green trousers and she claimed that this place belongs to the supernatural power so a pagoda should be constructed here.   After saying, the lady disappeared in the cloud, since then it was called the pagoda of the old celestial goddess.

King Khai Dinh's Tomb was built on the Chau E mount.  Construction started from 1920 to 1931.  The combination of Asian and European architecture and decoration mark the king's special interest in European civilization.  The multicolored ceramics inlaid style make his mausoleum gracious and magnificent.  Khai Dinh, the twelfth king of the Nguyen Dynasty is the father of King Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam.

Nha Trang

The capital town of Khanh Hoa province of about 250,000 inhabitants in 1,300 km far from Hanoi and 450 km from Ho Chi Minh city.   It is located in the ancient religious area of Cham.  Nha Trang is the Cham word that means "The river of mangroves".  These plants used to be popular at the Cai River.  Next to the river, on the hill is Ponagar, the Cham famous vestige from the 9th century.  Nha Trang is the seaside and important tourist spot thanks to the superb sandy beach considered as paradise with palms and coconut trees, washed by the emerald sea of the Pacific ocean.  There are many interesting places like the Cham vestiges of the fish port.  A boat trip can bring back a chance enjoying the coral reef and fish.

Saigon

The "Pearl of the Far East", famous worldwide before 1975, used to be the name for Saigon.  Glorious Saigon, or Ho Chi Minh City nowadays, has opened a new area towards a bright future.  Booming, lively, dynamic, and attractive, Saigon has become an important economic, industrial center of Vietnam for ever, ready to receive visitors for different purposes: business, tourism.  Saigon is delighted to welcome you, to show you the harmony of the Gothic architecture and modern houses and charming smiles of its people.  In 1998, Saigon is celebrating its 300th anniversary with many interesting and joyful festivals throughout the year.

Notre Dame Cathedral was built by all imported materials from France it tried to symbolize the power of the colonial government.  This is one of the big Catholic center of Vietnam.  Saigon Archbishop is working in here.  Two services in the morning and in the afternoon are convenient for all believers.

Former Presidential Palace now is a museum in memory of Reunification of Vietnam.

China Town - ChoLon is not really the same as some China Towns in other countries, China town was set up by the end of 18th century when the Ming dynasty in China was overthrown.  Many Chinese faithful to the Ming ran to Vietnam for help and peace and business and were permitted by the Vietnamese Lords.  Now there are almost half a million Chinese with many shops and family factories.  Binh Tay market is always crowded as a wholesale market.

Vung Tau

Have you ever visited Brazil?   What is the difference between the sunset on Jesus' Statue in Rio de Janeiro and the one on Jesus' Statue on the mountain side facing the Pacific Ocean in Vung Tau?   A big resort city right on the Pacific Ocean will help to release all your worries.

A walk around the fishing village to visit the fish sauce family factory to know the unique country taste or the final afternoon ballad on the beach so that you can forget all worries and restlessness of the soul.  Vung Tau is located not very far away from Saigon with white sand for children, sun for the young, waves for ...all people.  A golf course is also available for tourists and those who like deluxe entertainment.

More Photographs

Travel Tips
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Climate

The North of Vietnam has 4 clear cut seasons.   The sunny season lasts from October till June, however, the South has dry and wet seasons.  It usually showers in the evening or early morning.  The highlands have temperate climate.  The humidity degree varies from 80% to 100%.  Every year, Vietnam receives approximately 600 billion tons of rainfall.  The average temperature changes from 22 to 27 degrees centigrade.  Some places like Dalat and Sapa have a maximum temperature of 20 degrees in the summer.  Visitors can come to Vietnam all year round with no climatic disadvantages.

Language

In spite of 1000 years being dominated by Chinese, the Vietnamese have their own language.  They modified Chinese characters once.  Since 1900 they absorbed the Latin system through the Western missionaries.   Vietnamese is a monosyllabic language.  Each sound has meaning.  English, French, and Japanese can be communicated in many shops, restaurants, hotels, and resorts.

Accommodation

Vietnam offers a wide variety of accommodation, from $8.00 per room a night for backpackers to the lavish deluxe Saigon Prince just right at the heart of the city, New World, Omni, Equatorial, Century, Saigon Star, Asian, Mondial, Metropole, Mercury, Van Lang, Dong Khanh hotels in Saigon city; Faifo, Orient, Furama resort in Da Nang, Century, Huong Giang, Hoa Hong in Hue and Daewoo, Sofitel, Lakeside, Hanoi, Bao Son, Hang Nga, Chain First Eden hotels in Hanoi.

Transportation

Airlines: There are two.  Vietnam Airlines an Pacific Airlines serve all domestic routes with daily flights to all big cities and islands.

Taxis: In big cities like Saigon, Ha Noi, Hue, Vung Tau, Da Nang.  There are meter taxis.  Taxis are available at all airport.

Trains: Daily departure from Ha Noi to Saigon and vice versa.  Sleeping berths are arranged in a compartment for 4 people.

Popular Public Transportation: Local people prefer motorcycles and bicycles due to narrow streets.  For the more adventurous tourists bicycles and motorcycles can be hired.

River Boats:  Available at all river ports with reasonable prices.

Water

Drink only boiled water and be cautious when having ice in your drinks.  Bottled water is common and dirt cheap at the market or small restaurants.

National parks of Vietnam

Vietnam Protected Sites

World Heritage Sites

Huế, Hội An, Mỹ Sơn, Ha Long Bay and Phong Nha - Ke Bang.

Man and the Biosphere Programme

Vietnam has eight zones world biosphere reserve: Red River Delta (Ninh Binh, Nam Dinh, Thai Binh), Cat Ba National Park (Hai Phong), western Nghe An, Cu Lao Cham Marine Park, Mui Ca Mau National Park (Ca Mau), Cat Tien National Park (Dong Nai, Lam Dong) and Can Gio (Ho Chi Minh City).

National tourist area

Vietnam now has 21 national tourist area up to 2008, is the major tourist sites are state recognized:

Sa Pa (Lao Cai), Ba Be (Bac Kan), Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Island (Quang Ninh, Hai Phong), Ba Vi National Park (Hanoi), Perfume Pagoda (Hanoi), Co Loa (Hanoi), Tam Coc-Bich Dong (Ninh Binh), Kim Lien (Nghe An), Phong Nha-Ke Bang (Quang Binh), Ho Chi Minh Trail (Quảng Trị), Lang Co - Hai Van Pass - Non Nuoc (Thua Thien Huế and Da Nang), Hoi An (Quang Nam), Van Phong Bay (Khanh Hoa), Phan Thiết - Mui Ne (Binh Thuan), Dankia - Yellow Springs, Lake Tuyen Lam (Lam Dong), For Hours (Ho Chi Minh City), Con Dao (Ba Ria-Vung Tau), Long Hai beach (Ba Ria-Vung Tau), Phu Quoc (Kien Giang), Biosphere Reserve Cape Ca Mau (Ca Mau).

Cities

Top ten cities for tour: Hanoi - the capital, Ho Chi Minh City - the largest city in Vietnam, Hai Phong - third largest city, Da Nang - the largest city in central Vietnam, Cần Thơ, Huế - Capital of Vietnam during the Nguyễn Dynasty, Nha Trang - One of largest cities in the South Central Coast, Phan Thiết - with Mui Ne, "Resort capital of Vietnam", Da Lat, Vũng Tàu.

International tourist arrivals

International airports

Notes: Since Cam Ranh Airport was used for commercial flights, Nha Trang Airport has been solely used for military operations and training. All commercial flights that previously headed to Nha Trang Airport are transferred to Cam Ranh Airport. The main reason behind is that Nha Trang Airport located within the city of Nha Trang, so its runway cannot be extended anymore.

Currently one of the most popular landing choices for visitors to Vietnam is that of Tan Son Nhat International Airport. This airport is classified as being the biggest in the country in terms of volume and runway length. This airport serves the largest city of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, and because it is the newest and most modern of Vietnam's airports. It currently has two paved runways which measures 3 800 meters and 3200 meters. If you do not land at Tan Son Nhat, then you will most likely touch down at Da Nang International Airport or Noi Bai International Airport. Noi Bai is the country's second biggest and is located in Hanoi while Da Nang is the country's third largest international airport. Da Nang is considered to be an important access point to central Vietnam and it receives a lot of traffic.

Visa regulations

Tourist Visa

Tourists from most ASEAN countries, Korea, Japan, Russian Federation and Scandinavian countries can enter Vietnam without a visa. Citizens of these countries will be issued on arrival a permit for a 30 day stay upon presentation of a valid passport with at least six months to run. This stay permit cannot be extended or converted to another type of visa.

Visitors from the following countries do not require a visa and can stay for the following number of days.

• 15 days: Denmark, Finland, Japan, Norway, South Korea, Sweden, Russia
• 21 days: Philippines
• 30 days: Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand

All other nationalities will require a visa in advance to visit Vietnam.

A single-entry tourist visa valid for 30 days costs US$35 (although exact fees vary depending on issuing country) and takes around 4-7 days to process; express visas take 2-3 days at twice the price. If purchasing your visa from the Vietnamese embassy in London, a 30-day single entry visa will cost you £44 (£59 for fast-track), while a 30 days multiple entry visa costs £70 (plus £8 postage if you need it posted back to you). A 30-day visa can also be obtained from the Vietnamese consulate in Battambang, Cambodia, at a cost of US$35, with visas taking 2-3 days to process, although exact entry and exit points have to be specified. In general, visas are now valid for all entry and exit points.

May 2010 - Vietnam Embassy in Bangkok charges 1,800 baht (nearly $50 US!) for a 30 day single entry visa. They do not take US Dollars. Approx 3 days to process. Canadian Passport Holders.

As of July 2010, the Vietnamese Mission to the UN in New York City charges $80 for a 30-day single-enter visa. Cash or money order is accepted. Processing takes 6 business days. Expedited service is not available.

Some Vietnamese Embassies offer a "While you wait service" (May 2008), where a single entry visa can be gained in 15 minutes. This service costs US$92, but is approved instantly. You are required to bring a valid passport, passport photo and cash payment (cards not accepted).

An increasingly popular alternative is to arrange a visa on arrival, which is not only considerably cheaper but also alleviates the need for passports to be posted to the Vietnamese Embassy in the country of origin.

The term 'visa on arrival' is a bit of a misnomer in the case of Vietnam as a letter of approval has to be obtained before arrival. This is handled by a growing number of on-line agencies for a charge of $14-20 (in 2010), depending on the agency. Most agencies accept payment by credit card.

The agent - located in Vietnam - obtains from the Department of Immigration a letter of approval bearing the traveller's name, date of birth, nationality and passport number, and then forwards that letter to the traveller by email or fax, usually within three working days. After landing at one of the three international airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang) the traveller goes to the visa on arrival counter, presents the letter, fills in an additional form and receives an official stamp in his or her passport. A stamping fee of $25 is payable at the time - only US dollars are accepted (no other currency or credit card) and the notes must be in as-new condition or they will be refused. Two passport photos are also required.

Note that visas on arrival are not valid for border crossings and the official stamp can only be obtained at the three international airports. Therefore travellers arriving by land from Cambodia, Laos or China must be in possession of a full visa when they arrive at the border.

Air Asia passengers travelling to Vietnam from Bangkok must present the letter of approval letter at check-in, otherwise no check-in!

Vietnam has moved away from the old A4 carbon copy arrival forms. Recently, they have started to use arrival/departure cards which are very similar to those found in Cambodia, Indonesia and Singapore. Keep the departure portion of this just as safe as your passport, as you will have to produce it when leaving the country to avoid a fine.

Depending on the present level of SARS, avian flu you may be subjected to a so-called health-check. There is no examination, though, but yet another form to fill in and, of course, another fee. If you can get hold of a handful of dong it is only 2000 dong per person, but they charge US$2 for the same "service" if you only have greenbacks!

Vietnam immigration policy for Processing Vietnam visa

Foreigners, who stay in Vietnam more than 1 year and want to ask for a temporary residence card, are suggested to send the temporary residence card to the Vietnam Immigration Office or Police Immigration Management of Cities/Provinces under Central authority.

• Procedures provided for asking to issue visa, extending, supplementing, visa modifying and asking for temporary residence   certificate:

Foreigners would like to ask to issue, extend, supplement, modify visa and temporary residence certificate do need submit records to the Vietnam Immigration Office or Police Immigration Management of Cities/Provinces under Central authority.

• If asking to issue visa, extending, supplementing, modifying visa, asking for temporary residence certificate are for tourism, the Vietnam international tourism companies -behalf of customers – will be responsible for dealing with Vietnam Immigration Office or Police Immigration Management of Cities/Provinces under Central authority.
• If extending, supplementing, modifying visa, asking for temporary residence certificate are for the individuals such as: family visit, marriage, child adoption, treatment ... the application must be confirmed by the ward, commune or shelter agencies which has jurisdiction.

• Procedure provided for asking to issue visa in case of losing passport:

In case your passport is lost in Vietnam, you do need immediately report to the ward, commune where your passport was lost or contact the diplomatic representatives, your Embassy or Consulate in Vietnam to ask for a new passport or other documents that can be used as a valid passport. And then, you should apply for the new Vietnam visa.

• Procedures provided for staying purpose conversion:

Foreigners who want to convert their purpose of staying in Vietnam must be approved by agencies, organizations or individuals as a guarantee to complete all the procedures in Vietnam Immigration Office or Police Immigration Management of Cities/Provinces under Central authority (where the agencies, organizations or individuals guarantee).

• Procedures for temporary residence card:

Foreigners staying in Vietnam more than 1 year who would like to ask for a temporary residence card are suggested to send the temporary residence card to the Vietnam Immigration Office or Management immigration police Cities/ provinces of Central authority

• The address of Vietnam Immigration Office in Vietnam:

- In Hanoi: 40A Hang Bai, Hoan Kiem.

                    Telephone: (04) 8245055, 8260922.

- In Hochiminh City: 254 Nguyen Trai, Dist 1.

                    Telephone: (08) 9201701.

- In Danang City: No 7 Tran Quy Cap, Danang City.

                    Telephone: (90511) 823383.

Photos of Vietnam

Hue	Da Lat	Ninh Binh Province	Sa Pa
Nha Trang	Hoi An	Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park	Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Phan Thiet	Ha Long Bay	Ho Chi Minh City	Hanoi

Vietnam Tourism

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