Vietnam at a Glance
Vietnam is a claypot of intensity. Setting aside the unprecedented expansionism in economics, infrastructure, technology and tourism, the Vietnamese are a people that are constantly in motion. For the nu nomad who is seeking tranquility, he/she may be disappointed if major cities or tourist spots are desired. (Otherwise, check out the towns of Bavi, Sa Pa, Hue or Hoi An if you're into something a little more Zen.) But if stimulating the senses (not to mention dodging traffic) and seeking interesting architecture, urban culture and night life is the goal, then Hanoi or Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) is where you ought to be.
But for the majority of nu nomads—the tranquil as well as they hyper—they'll find a country that is affordable and offers mobile technology throughout most of the country and certainly within the usual travel haunts. Accommodation providers have seen to the needs of those who desire, or are required, to stay connected to the outside world. [For more on Vietnam, especially Hanoi, visit the NuNomad Forum topic on this subject.]
The Pluses: Vietnam is very affordable, interesting, offers delicious food and drink, and has easy access to the internet. The minuses: hectic, mass tourism, noisy and locals often seem indifferent if not aggressive.
How This Destination Rated
The Ratings
Basic Facts about Vietnam
- Language: Vietnamese (French is widely understood, with some English in the larger tourist haunts.)
- Government: Socialist Republic (with a penchant for unbridled capitalism).
- Population: 87.3 million.
- Climate: Tropical Monsoon (Cooler in the North.)
- Geography: 331,688 square kilometres.
- Neighboring Countries: China Laos and Cambodia (See map.)
- Money: The Dong, but the US Dollar is also very popular. (Click here to convert your currency).
- Mobile Phone Frequencies: GSM 900/1800.
- Electricity: 127/220v* (50 cycles). They use three plug shapes "A", "C" and "G". (*Being standardized. Most Hotels use "G" plug.)
- Daylight Savings: None.
- Time Zone: GMT/UTC+7. (Current time.)
- Country Code: 84
Main City Codes: Da Nang 51, Da Lat 63, Hanoi 4, Hoi An 51, Hue 54, Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) 8, Sa Pa/Lao Cai 20.
To Dial Out of the Country: 00.
General Travel Information on Vietnam
Vietnam Visas and Visitation Limits:
Tourist Visa: All foreign nationals need a visa (obtained from a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate prior to arrival) to enter Vietnam, with certain exceptions: Scandinavians, Japanese, South Koreans do not need a visa if traveling less than 15 days. ASEAN-member countries (Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore) are exempt for stays of up to 30 days. Tourist visas are valid for 30 days unless authorized differently from the embassy or consulate. Cost is about $30 USD. Six-month visas are also available in advance and can be extended almost indefinitely within the country.
For complete information on Vietnam visas, visit Vietnam Tourism or the Vietnam Embassy in the USA-Visa Services.
Getting Around:
Train: Vietnam Railway operates an antiquated system that stretches the length of the country. Though a slow mode of transportation, many find it an enjoyable experience. (It is advised to choose the higher class ticket options, at least until the promised new train cars arrive.) Book your tickets in advance at train stations and through local travel agents. Bus:
Vietnam has a large, government operated, bus network. There are also private mini-bus companies that generally offer quicker and more comfortable service. Again, local travel
agents can handle your arrangements or go to the bus station for the cheaper (posted) rate. Planes:
Air travel in and out and within Vietnam is often a pretty good deal especially between Hanoi and Saigon (where the alternative is 30+ hours of buses and trains). The
main domestic airlines are Vietnam Airlines and Pacific Airlines. Several Thailand based airlines will get you in and out of the country at a great price, including: Air
Asia, Thai Airways, and Nok
Air. Additionally, STA
Travel has
some good bargains for flights in and out of Vietnam.
Where to Stay:
Vietnam makes it very easy for travelers with a wide range of accommodations and pricing. (In Hanoi, there's a glut of nice boutique hotels between $10 and $30 US Dollars/night.) Accommodations generally include free wi-fi, refrigerator, satellite TV and hot shower.
In Hanoi, visit: www.NewHanoian.com for postings on short-term apartments. This expat resource also has a FAQ section for those who wish to remain in the country, as well as postings for all the happening events in the capital.
For NuNomad Guidelines on how to choose your nest, visit the NuNomad Blog.
Travel Insurance:
Don’t let your Asia adventure be spoiled. Get Travel Insurance. See our article Coverage Comparison of Travel Insurance.
Mailing in Vietnam:
Stamps be purchased from your hotel or at the post office. Postal rates can be found at Vietnam Post (VNPT).
NuNo Essential Information
- WiFi Hotspots: Vietnam, Hanoi and Saigon especially, are well covered with wi-fi in hotels and the cafes—usually for free. For a comprehensive list of free and paid for hotspot locations visit cnet.jwire.net.
- Mobile Phone Providers/SIM Cards: Vietnam has several to choose from but Vinaphone and Mobiphone offer GPRS services. (Vinaphone has technical centers with English speaking techs who will configure your account while you wait. Mobiphone will assist you over the phone, but you'll need a Vietnamese translator.)
- Internet Access via Mobile Phone: See NuNo Geek for GPRS info, or the Geekzone.com's GPRS article, or Ross Barkman’s GPRS info page.
Internet and Telephone Communication
International Cell Phones: While in Vietnam the most economical way to place a call is to do so with your unlocked international cell phone, using a Vietnamese SIM card. While SIM cards can be purchased at mobile phone shops and its refill cards at convenience stores, grocery stores or pharmacies, we recommend buying one before you go—when available. Telestial is a great source to get your prepaid SIM card delivered to your door before your departure.
Internet cafés can be found in every major city as well as some of the smaller towns. (Also, hi-speed wi-fi or cable Internet service is usually available within your hotel/guest house room at no charge.) Be aware that should you venture into the more rural areas of Vietnam, your ability to be connected by hi-speed Internet may be severely diminished.
Internet Accounts are available for visitors who are renting apartments. FPT Telecom and Viatel are considered the best. (The government operated VNPT service is not recommended.)
- For more information on International Cell Phone basics, read our article on Cell Phone Basics.
- For more information on the various methods of connecting to the Internet, visit our Connecting to WWW page.
- For more information on Connectivity issues, visit our Forum.
International Calling If you don’t have a Skype account yet, get one. You can use “telephony” service with any hi-speed Internet connection, which most Internet Cafés will have. Otherwise, you’ll have to use land-line systems. If you’re staying at a location where you want to use a land line, it may be most economical to purchase an international calling card. These can be purchased at many common locations throughout the country.
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