Vietnam

File:Ha Long bay (Vietnam) banner Islands in the bay - caption=Panorama of Halong Bay in Vietnam Vietnam (Việt Nam), officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (Cộng hòa xã hội chủ nghĩa Việt Nam) is a country in Southeast Asia. Its neighbouring countries are China to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west.

Regions

Northern Vietnam Harbours some of the most magnificent views of Vietnam as well as the capital city and the chance to visit indigenous hill peoples.

Central Coast (Vietnam) The ancient city of Hue is the home of the still recent Vietnamese kings and Hoi An is one of the nicest old seacoast towns in Vietnam.

Central Highlands (Vietnam) Lush forest-covered hills featuring indigenous peoples and the occasional elephant.

Southern Vietnam The economic engine of Vietnam, built around Ho Chi Minh City but also covering the lush and little-visited Mekong Delta and the Rice basket of Vietnam.

Muslim Friendly Cities in Vietnam

• Hanoi — Vietnam's capital and major tourist destination
• Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) — Vietnam's largest city, formerly known as Saigon when it was the former capital of South Vietnam
• Da Nang — largest city in central Vietnam
• Dalat — hub of the highlands
• Haiphong — the "port city", a major port in north Vietnam
• Hoi An — excellently maintained ancient port, near the ruins of My Son
• Hue — former home of Vietnam's emperors
• Nha Trang — burgeoning beach resort
• Vinh — the major city in northern Vietnam with very nice Cua Lo Beach

Other destinations

• Con Dao — island off the Mekong Delta
• Cu Chi — site of the Cu Chi Tunnels
• Cuc Phuong National Park — home to some of Asia's rarest wildlife and the Muong hill people
• DMZ (Vietnam)|The DMZ — ruins of old American military bases, spectacular mountain scenery and rugged jungles
• Ha Long Bay — famous for its unearthly scenery
• Kontum — relaxed little town providing access to a number of ethnic minority villages
• Sa Pa — meet native indigenous people in the hills by the Chinese border
• Tam Coc — Ha Long Bay-like karst scenery along the river
• Tay Ninh — main temple of the Cao Đài faith
• Phong Nha-Ke Bang|Phong Nha Caves World Heritage cave system in Quang Binh province.

Get in

Visa policy of Vietnam - 600px|Visa policy of Vietnam

Entry requirements

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

• 14 days: Brunei, Myanmar
• 15 days: Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Russia and the United Kingdom.
• 21 days: Philippines
• 30 days: Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia
• 90 days: Chile

All other nationalities will require a visa in advance to visit Vietnam. You can apply for a visa online].

In order to boost tourism and the Vietnamese government has made the island of Phu Quoc a visa-free zone. Those flying there through Ho Chi Minh City or arriving by boat will not need to apply for a visa beforehand. This is regardless of your nationality. Visitors are given 15 days to spend on the island. Those wishing to journey elsewhere can apply for a proper Vietnamese visa at the local immigration office. All passports should be valid for at least 45 days when arriving in Phu Quoc.

Visas can be applied for at most Vietnamese embassies and consulates or online. If your country does not have a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, a popular alternative would to apply at the Vietnamese embassy in Bangkok.

Foreign citizens of Vietnamese origin can apply for visa exemption that allows multiple entry for 3 months at a time which is valid for the duration of the passport.

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 nation of origin.

Visa fees

The cost of applying for a visa depends on your nationality, as well as the embassy or consulate you are applying at. Check with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country of residence for details. Embassies are (oddly) reluctant to announce fees on their websites, as the relatively high visa costs are a tourism deterrent, but nevertheless a source of revenue. Email or even better, call them to get up-to-date information on prices.

As of 2022, one of the reportedly cheapest places to get a visa are the Vietnamese embassy and consulates in Cambodia, starting at US$40 for a one month, single entry visa.

Some Vietnamese embassies offer a "While you wait service" (May 2008 - it's unclear whether this is still the case), where a single entry visa can be gained in 15 minutes. This service costs US$92, but approval is instant. You are required to bring a valid passport, passport photo and payment in US$ (credit cards not accepted).

E-Visa

Vietnam's e-Visa service provides an online application at the website of the Vietnamese immigration office]. This procedure is available for 40 countries, including most European ones. The regular e-Visa is valid for 30 days, for single entry and has a duration of 4 weeks after entering and costs US$25. It is supposed to take up to 3 working days to issue. The automatic email confirmation is not reliable and you have to check for yourself online whether you have received the visa. Entry and exit from the nation must be from the same airport as stipulated on the e-Visa form. Other types of e-Visa, like multiple entry and extended duration, are available with additional documents and information required.

The "Visa on arrival" (VOA) is generally only for urgent and special cases, or in cases where a country does not have Vietnamese representatives/consulate services locally. Hence and the reliability of VOA is not clear, even though, some nationalities might just opt for the visa-free 15 days at the airport, and extend later or leave with 15 days again.

Visa on arrival

Cua Tung Beach - Cua Tung Beach

The term visa on arrival (VOA) 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 online agencies for a charge of US$8-21 (2023), depending on the agency and number of people applying together. Most agencies accept payment by credit card, and some by Western Union.

The agent in Vietnam obtains from the Department of Immigration a letter of approval bearing the visitor's name, date of birth, date of arrival, nationality and passport number, and then forwards that letter to the visitor (in PDF or JPEG format) by email or fax, usually within three working days. It is common to get the letter with several other applicants passport details (passport number, date of birth, name, etc.) You might share your personal information with up to 10-30 other applicants on the same letters. For people who are concerned about their privacy or security, it is recommended to check first if the agencies have an option for a separate or private approval letter (private visa on arrival) on their website. Very few online agencies have this option. Another solution is to apply for a standard visa through the embassies to keep your personal details private.

After landing at any of the international airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang,Nha Trang, Vinh or Phu Quoc) and the visitor goes to the "visa on arrival" counter, shows the letter, fills in an additional arrival form (can be pre-filled before departure), pays the stamping fee and receives an official stamp (sticker) in his or her passport. A stamping fee is US$25 (US$50 for a multiple entry visa) (2022). Only US dollars are accepted, and the notes must be in as-new condition else they will be refused. One passport photo is required as well. Some agencies say that two are required, however only one is usually needed.

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

Passengers of most, if not all, airlines travelling to Vietnam must present the approval letter at check-in, otherwise check-in will be refused.

Vietnam does not use arrival or departure cards.

Depending on the present level of SARS or 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 2,000 dong per person, but they charge US$2 for the same "service" if you only have greenbacks!

Visa free zone

Phú Quốc island, off of the southwestern coast, is accessible to tourists from all countries without a visa for stays up to 30 days. Phu Quoc International Airport (IATA Code: PQC) receives some direct connecting Flights from European airports such as Stockholm-Arlanda operated by Thomson, and Flights from destinations in Asia.

My Son Ruinen - Temple ruins at My Son.

Dual citizens

If you are a citizen of two foreign countries, you may be entering Vietnam on a different passport (Country A) than the one you have used to leave the previous country on your itinerary (Country B's passport) (e.g. because Country A's passport has a Vietnamese visa or offers a visa-free entry to Vietnam, while Country B's passport has a visa for the previous visited country). In this case and the Vietnamese immigration inspector will likely want to see the exit stamp and/or visa in your Country B passport as well. He may suggest putting the Vietnamese entry stamp into Country B passport as well, so that all your stamps would be in one place. Don't take him up on his offer; make sure that the Vietnamese entry stamp goes into the passport that either has the Vietnamese visa, or offers visa-free entry to Vietnam. Otherwise, you risk having problems when leaving Vietnam; the border control officers at your attempted exit point may declare your entry stamp "invalid" and send you back to your original point of entry to have the error corrected!

By plane

Vietnam's main international airports are located at Hanoi (IATA Code: HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City (IATA Code: SGN). Both airports are served by numerous Flights from major cities in East Asia and Southeast Asia, with some intercontinental services to Australia and Europe.

Other international airports are located at Da Nang, Vinh, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc, though flights are limited to those from neighbouring Asian countries. As Da Nang is closer to the historical sites of Central Vietnam than the two main airports, it can make a convenient entry point for those who specifically wish to visit those sites.

The national carrier is Vietnam Airlines, which operates flights into Vietnam's two largest cities from various cities in Australia, Asia, North America and Europe. Vietnam Airlines serves all capital cities of Southeast Asian countries except Dili, Bandar Seri Begawan and Naypyidaw. The largest low cost carrier is "' Vietjet Air"' which flies to an increasing number of regional destinations including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hong Kong, Delhi, Seoul, Singapore and Yangon.

By train

There is a nightly sleeper train between Nanning in China and Hanoi,taking 12 hours, including a tedious 2+2 hours at the border - see Hanoi#Get in for details. Twice a week a through-coach from Beijing is attached to this train.

The old metre-gauge Kunming-Hanoi line has closed, and the simplest work-around is to take the high speed train from Kunming to Nanning to join the overnight train to Hanoi. Another option is to travel to Hekou North Station in China, walk across the border from Hekou to Lao Cai and then take a Vietnamese train from Lao Cai to Hanoi. Both sides have several trains a day, so a daytime train from Kunming to Hekou can be matched with an overnight train from Lao Cai to Hanoi.

There are no railway links between Vietnam and Laos or Cambodia.

By road

Cambodia

The main crossing is the Moc Bai/Bavet crossing on the Ho Chi Minh City - Phnom Penh road. Buses between the two cities cost US$8-12 and take around 6 hr. Passengers vacate the vehicle at both countries' checkpoints. Only one passport photo is required for a Cambodian visa on arrival. Tours of the Mekong Delta (US$25-35, 2-3 days) can provide a more insightful journey between the two cities.

Through tickets to Siem Reap are also available (US$18), though it is cheaper to by a ticket to Phnom Penh and then arrange onward transport on one of the many connecting buses.

Close to the coast is the Xa Xia/Prek Chak border. Cambodian visas are available on arrival. Buses run between Ha Tien in Vietnam to Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh in Cambodia. The Vietnamese consulate in Sihanoukville#Embassies|Sihanoukville issues 30-day tourist visas on a same-day basis.

Coastal areas are also served by the Tinh Bien/Phnom Den border near Chau Doc in Vietnam

The Xa Mat/Trapeang Phlong crossing on the Ho Chi Minh City - Kampong Cham road is not well served by public transport but may be useful for accessing Kampong Cham and Eastern Cambodia.

Banlung in North Eastern Cambodia is connect to Pleiku in Vietnam by a crossing at Le Tanh/O Yadaw. Visas are available on arrival, one photo required. Change buses at Le Tanh.

China

There are three border crossings between China and Vietnam that can be used by foreigners:

• Dongxing - Mong Cai (by road; onward travel Mong Cai to Ha Long Bay|Ha Long by sea or by road)
• Hekou - Lao Cai (by road and/or rail, but no international passenger train services)
• Youyi Guan - Huu Nghi Quan (Friendship Pass - by road and/or rail)

Laos

There are six border crossings between Laos and Vietnam that can be used by foreigners (from north to south):

• Tay Trang (Dien Bien province, Vietnam) - Sobboun (Phongsali province, Laos)
• Na Mao (Thanh Hoa province, Vietnam) - Namsoi (Houaphanh province, Laos)
• Nam Can (Vietnam) - Namkan (Xiangkhouang province, Laos)
• Kaew Neua - Cau Treo (Keo Nua Pass)
• Lao Bao (Vietnam) - Dansavan (Laos)
• Ngoc Hoi (Kon Tum province, Vietnam) - Bo Y (Attapeu province, Laos)

Be wary of catching local buses from Laos to Vietnam. Not only are they often crammed with cargo (coal and live chickens, often underfoot) but many buses run in the middle of the night, stopping for several hours in order to wait for the border to open at 07:00. Whilst waiting, you will be herded off the bus (for several hours) where you will be approached by pushy local residents offering assistance in getting a Laos exit stamp in exchange for money (usually US$5+). If you bargain hard (tiring, at 04:00) you can get the figure down to about US$2. The men will take your passports, which can be disconcerting, but they do provide the service they promise. It is unclear whether you can just wait for the border officials to do this. There is also a VIP bus from Savannakhet.

Get around

Hue Vietnam A-lady-with-her-bike-transporting-goods-01 - The Vietnamese are experts at transporting huge piles of goods on (motor)bikes.

By plane

Flights are the quickest way to traverse this long country. The flight from Hanoi to HCMC is only about 2 hours.

There are many flights connecting the two largest cities, Hanoi and HCMC, to major towns such as Da Nang,Hai Phong, Can Tho, Hue, Nha Trang, Da Lat, Phu Quoc. In the past most of these flights were affordable compared to European or North American flights. However, prices are higher than previously with, for example, a return connecting Hanoi to Da Nang costing around US$120-150 including taxes.

Domestic carriers are Vietnam Airlines with their subsidiary Vasco operating some shorter flights, Jetstar Pacific and VietJet].

By train

Although more expensive than buses, trains are undoubtedly the most comfortable way to travel overland in Vietnam. There is one major train line in Vietnam and the kilometers 1723 trunk between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, on which the Reunification Express runs. HCMC to Hanoi is more than 30 hours, and overnight hops between major tourist destinations are usually feasible, if not entirely convenient. It's a good way to see the nationside and meet upper-middle class local residents, but unless you are travelling in a sleeper vehicle it is no more comfortable than buses.

Air conditioned soft or hard sleeper is recommended, and purchasing as early as feasible is a good idea as popular berths and routes are often bought out by tour companies and travel agents well before the departure time (hence being told the train is sold out at a station ticket window or popular tour company office does not mean there are no tickets available--they've simply been bought by another reseller). Booking at the train station itself is generally the safest way, just prepare on a piece of paper the destination, date, time, no. of passengers and class. However, unsold tickets can often be bought last minutes from people hanging around at the station--a train is commonly sold out for real, as the railway company will add cars when demand is high. Commissions on these tickets will drop away as the departure time draws nearer. Tickets can be returned before departure for a 10% fee.

Be cautious when using a travel agent to purchase your train tickets, since there is nothing printed on the ticket saying the class you are booked in. As of July 2018 tickets (now termed 'boarding passes') do indicate the class of ticket. This results in a common scam with private travel agents where you will pay them to book a soft-sleeper ticket and they then book you a cheaper hard-sleeper ticket, and you don't know you've been scammed until you board the train and your berths are in the lower class. By then with the train on the verge of departing it is too late to go back to the scamming agent to demand compensation. With the new boarding passes this scam is less of an issue although buying your ticket directly from the train station remains the best option.

In addition and there are shorter routes from Hanoi leading northwest and northeast, with international crossings into China. One of the most popular of the shorter routes is the overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (with a bus service from Lao Cai to the tourist destination of Sapa).

Always try to buy your tickets at least 3 days in advance, to avoid disappointment, especially during peak holiday season, during which you should try to book at least 2 weeks in advance.

If you are sensitive to cigarette smoke try to book a seat in the middle of the carriage as people smoke in the areas at the end of each carriage and the doors are often left open.

By bus

Long-distance bus services connect most cities in Vietnam. Most depart early in the morning to accommodate traffic and late afternoon rains, or run overnight. Average road speeds are typically quite slow, even when travelling between cities. For example a 276 kilometers (172 mi) journey from the Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City by bus will likely take about 8 hours.

Public buses travel between the cities' bus stations. In bigger places, you often have to use local transport to get into the downtown from there. Buses are generally in reasonable shape, and you have the chance to interact with local residents. Bus stations are generally well organised, safe and easy enough to navigate even if you don't speak Vietnamese.

Every major city will have a centralised bus station, and most of the major companies will have ticket offices at the stations. Some reputable companies include Mai Linh Express and Sinh Tourist.

Open tour buses are run by a multitude of tour companies. They cater especially to tourists, offering ridiculous low rates (Hanoi to HCMC: US$20-25) and door-to-door service to your desired hostel. You can break the journey at any point and continue on a bus of the same company any time later, or simply buy tickets just for the stage you're willing to cover next. If you're not planning to make more than 3-4 stops, it might be cheaper to buy separate tickets as you go (i.e. Hanoi to Hue can be as low as US$5). Most hotels and guesthouses can book seats for any connection, although you're better to shop around at travel agents, as prices will vary on any given ticket or bus company. Going to the bus company office may net you a commission-free fare, but most major bus operators have fixed pricing policies, which can only be circumvented through a travel agent.

Since tour companies charge very little and they do make commission on their stop-offs which are often at souvenir shops, where you do not have to buy; they always have toilets and drinks and water available for purchase. The estimated time for a bus trip will not be accurate and may be an additional couple of hours sometimes, due to the number of stop offs. Collecting the passengers at the start of the journey can also take quite a while too. Always be at least half an hour early to catch the bus. Try not to drink too much water, as rest stops, especially for overnight buses, may be just somewhere where there are a lot of bushes.

Bus on a road in Luong Son District - Bus on a road in Luong Son District

Vietnamese buses are made for Vietnamese people - bigger Westerners will be very uncomfortable, especially on overnight buses. Also, many Vietnamese are not used to travelling on long-haul buses, and will sometimes get sick - not very pleasant if you are stuck on an overnight bus with several Vietnamese throwing up behind you.

Even if you are sometimes bus-sick, it is advisable to book a sit at the middle rather than at the front of the bus. First, you will avoid viewing directly the short-sighted risks the driver is taking on the way. Second, you will somewhat escape the loud noise of non-stop honking (each time the bus passes another vehicle, that is about every 10 seconds).

Although the bus company will usually be happy to collect you at your hotel or guest house, boarding at the company office will guarantee a choice of seats and you'll avoid getting stuck at the back or unable to sit next to your travelling companions. The offices are generally located in or near the tourist area of town, and a short walk might make your trip that much more pleasant.

The long haul bus companies operate from north to south and back on the only primary street (QL1). If you take a bus going further than your destination and the bus will drop you off at the most convenient crossroad for it and not as you could have expected at the bus terminal of your destination. For Hué, this crossroad is 13 kilometers from downtown, Nha Trang 10 km. At these crossroads, you'll find taxis or mototaxis to get you to your hotel.

If you travel with bicycle, negotiate the extra fee with the driver rather than the ticket counter before buying your ticket. The bicycle fee should be no more than 10% of the ticket price.

Rent a Car or Limousine in Vietnam

As of October 2022, International Driving Permits are recognised in Vietnam. However, hiring a vehicle without a driver is almost unheard of, and unless you have a valid motorcycle license in your home country, your permit is not valid for riding a motorcycle. Always bring your home driving license with you.

Van Yen District - Hwy DT163 - P1380777 - A provincial road (Yen Bai Provincial Route 163) in good condition, with a milestone (80 kilometers from Yen Bai City)

International Driving Permits are recognised in Vietnam. However and the concept of renting a vehicle to drive yourself is almost non-existent, and when Vietnamese speak of renting a vehicle they always mean hiring a vehicle with a driver. (After a short time on local roads with their crazy traffic, you will be glad you left the driving to somebody used to it.) Since few Vietnamese own cars and they have frequent occasion to hire vehicles for family outings, special occasions, etc., and a thriving industry exists to serve that need. Vietnamese can easily hire anything from a small vehicle to a 32-seat bus, for one day or several. Tourists can tap into that market indirectly by way of hotels and tour agents found in every tourist area. International vehicle brands have started to surface. Budget Car Rental, one of the largest automobile rental services in the world, now offers chauffeur driven services in Vietnam. Hiring a small vehicle for a day trip returning to the point of origin costs around US$90 for 8 hours (though the price changes with the cost of fuel.) (If you shop around and bargain hard for the lowest feasible price, you will probably get an older, more beat-up car. If you are paying more than bare minimum, it's worth asking what sort of vehicle it will be, and holding out for something comfortable.) Few drivers speak any English, so make sure you tell the hotel or agent exactly where you want to go, and have that communicated to the driver.

It's also feasible to hire a vehicle and driver for inter-city travel, at somewhat higher cost. A small vehicle from Saigon to the beach resort of Mui Ne, a 4- or 5-hour trip depending on traffic, costs about US$90, and Dalat to Mui Ne about US$120.

By motorcycle taxi

The xe ôm (literally "hugging vehicle"), a taxi-motorbike, is a common mode of transport for Vietnamese as well as tourists. They are widely available and reasonably affordable -- about 10,000 dong for a 10-minutes trip, which should get you anywhere within the downtown. Walk the city streets, and every couple of minutes a guy will flag your attention and say "You! Motobike?" Longer trips to outlying areas can be negotiated for 20,000-25,000 dong. Always agree on the fare before starting your trip.

Moto drivers rarely speak English. As with most things, a tourist will often be quoted an above-market price initially, and you need to be firm. If quoted anything over 10,000 dong for a short trip, remind the driver that you could take an air-con taxi for 15,000 dong so forget it. Occasionally drivers will demand more than the negotiated price at the end, so it's best to have exact change handy. Then you can pay the agreed amount and walk away, end of discussion.

In some cases they will take you wherever they want (tourist attractions or shops you didn't request to go) and sometimes they will wait for you to come back (even if you don't want them to wait) and will ask you for more money for having been waiting. Even if you speak some Vietnamese, this is not useful, since they will cheat you anyway or they will act as if they don't understand even if they do. Again, be firm and walk away.

By motorcycle

Van Yen District - Hwy DT163 - P1380790 - A roadside sign with a Zen message

The 110 cc motorbike is the preferred mode of transport for the Vietnamese masses, and the large cities swarm with them. It's common to see whole families of four cruising along on a single motorbike. In most places where visitors go, you can easily rent your own, with prices ranging from 100,000 to 160,000 dong per day. It is illegal for foreigners to ride a motorbike in Vietnam unless they are in possession of a temporary Vietnamese motorcycle licence, or an International Driving Permit with a valid home country motorcycle licence.

To convert your licence or the international Driving Permit into a temporary Vietnamese licence you must hold a Vietnamese residence permit of at least three months' validity or a three-month tourist visa. In Hanoi you should apply to the Centre for Automotive Training and Mechanism, 83a Ly Thuong Kiet St; in HCMC to the Office of Transportation, 63 Ly Tuesday Trong St, District 1.

If you ride unlicensed and have an accident in which a third party is injured or killed you could be subject to a term of imprisonment of 10-20 years, and pay a large sum in compensation to the victim or the victim's family. Moreover, even if your travel insurance policy covers you for motorcycling (check the small print as many don't), if you are injured when riding illegally the insurance company will not recompense you for medical attention, hospitalisation, evacuation to another country for hospitalisation or repatriation and the cost of which can run into tens of thousands of dollars.

Desk clerks at small hotels often run a side business renting motorbikes to guests, or have a friend or relative who does. Tour booths can usually do the same. In small towns and beach resorts where traffic is light, e.g. Pho Quoc, it's a delightful way to get around and see the sights, and much cheaper than taxis if you make several stops or travel any distance. Roads are usually decent, though it's advisable not to ride too fast and always keep an eye on the road for the occasional pothole.

Riding in the big cities, especially Ho Chi Minh City, is a very different matter, and not advisable unless you are an experienced rider with a very cool head. Traffic is intense and chaotic, with a long list of unwritten rules that don't resemble traffic laws anywhere else. "Right of way" is a nearly unknown concept. Riding in HCMC is like finding yourself in the middle of a 3-D video game where anything can come at you from any direction, and you only have one life. Expats who brave the traffic at all typically have an apprenticeship of a few weeks or months riding on the back of others' motorbikes to learn the ways of the traffic, before attempting to ride themselves. Extreme caution is advised for short-term visitors.

Riding long distance in the nationside can also be harrowing depending on the route you take. Major roads between cities tend to be narrow despite being major, and full of tour buses hell-bent on speed, passing slow trucks where maybe they shouldn't have tried, and leaving not much room at the edge for motorbikes. That being said and there are many good roads and beautiful sights to be seen with the freedom of your own motorbike. As an alternative to the coastal highway (AH 1) and the Ho Chi Minh Road (AH 17) is a quiet and scenic option for the adventurous. The road is in excellent condition, with upgrades from Buon Ma Thuat to Kon Tum. Shortly after Kon Tum the road enters the mountains close to the Lao border, with majestic scenery quiet and ethnic villages for 700 kilometers, finally emerging back to the lowlands at the world legacy listed Phong Nha caves. This quiet alternative to the coastal chaos can be taken all the way to Ha Noi.

Two main categories of motorbike are available to rent: scooters (automatic transmission); and four-speed motorbikes and the gears of which you shift with your left foot. The ubiquitous Honda Super Cub is a common 4-speed bike that has a semi-automatic gearbox, i.e. no clutch so is relatively easy to ride. Other models may be fully manual and therefore you must also operate the clutch using your left hand - this takes a lot of skill and it's all too easy to over-rev and pull a wheelie or stall the engine - if you end up with such a bike then practise releasing the clutch gently before hitting the roads! Dirt bikes are becoming popular for rent in Hanoi,other cities are not yet ready for these beasts. Rental agents tend to steer foreigners toward scooters if available, on the (plausible) assumption that they don't know how to ride motorbikes that require shifting gears. Motorcycles of 175 cc and above are only legal to ride if you make a connection with a Vietnamese motorcycle club.

Most places you would want to stop at have parking attendants who will issue you a numbered tag and watch over your bike. Sometimes these parking operations are overseen by the establishment you are visiting, and sometimes they are free-lance operations set up in places where a lot of people go. You will usually see rows of bikes lined up parked. Depending on circumstance, you might park the bike yourself, or just take out the key, put it in neutral, and let the staff position it. In all but rare cases you keep the key. Parking is sometimes free at restaurants and cafes (look for "giu xe mien phi"). Elsewhere, fees range from 2,000 to 5,000 to 10,000 dong.

Traffic police in the cities pull over lots of local residents (often for reasons that are hard to discern), but conventional wisdom has it that they rarely bother foreigners due to the language barrier. Obeying the traffic laws is nevertheless advisable, especially if you have failed to obtain a Vietnamese license. Cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi have several one way streets, and it is too easy to just steer into them unknowingly as there are limited signs warning you. Be sure that if you break law and the police who are sneaking just at the right spot, will ask you to pull over and will fine you. They will also threaten to confiscate your bike. The quoted price for the fine is negotiable, and being apologetic and friendly can get you back on road quickly, with a few dollars less in your pockets. It is less likely that they will bully or harasses you.

Helmets are required by law, so if you don't have one already ask your rental agent to provide you with one. Riding without a helmet greatly increases attention from the police.

By cyclo

Cyclo Purple - Cyclo in Hue

While slowly being supplanted by motorbikes, cyclo pedicabs still roam the streets of Vietnam's cities and towns. They are especially common in scenic smaller, less busy cities like Hue, where it's pleasant to cruise slowly along taking in the sights. Though the ride will be slow, hot and sometimes dangerous, you'll generally need to pay more than for a motorbike for the equivalent distance. On the plus side, some drivers (particularly in the South) are very friendly and happy to give you a running commentary on the sights. Cyclo drivers are notoriously mercenary and will always ask for a high price to start with. Sometimes they will also demand more than the agreed price at the end. (Japanese tourists, especially women, are most often targeted with this scam since they are more responsive to the threat that the driver will call the police and make trouble for them if they don't pay as demanded.) A reasonable price is about 20,000 dong for up to 2 kilometers (1.2 mi), and if the driver disagrees, simply walk away. (You won't get far before that driver or another takes your offer.) Prices for a sight-seeing circuit with intermediate stops are more complex to negotiate and more subject to conflict at the end. If you plan to stop somewhere for any length of time, it's best to settle up with the driver, make no promises, and start fresh later. Some drivers start with a very low rate to get you into their cycle and then if required to wait for you or otherwise vary the agreed price, bring out a typed up price list of their "standard rates" which are inflated beyond belief. If even slightly unsure ask the driver show you his list of charges. Then negotiate from that point or walk away. To avoid trouble, it's also best to have exact change for the amount you agreed to pay, so if the driver tries to revise the deal, you can just lay your cash on the seat and leave.

By boat

Hue Vietnam Ferry-over-the-Perfume-River-01 - A ferry on the Perfume River. KhaiDinh Mist - Tomb of Khai Dinh, Hue

You will be missing a big part of Vietnamese life if you do not spend some time on a boat. Do be careful though because many boats, although seaworthy, are not designed to first world standards. An example is the ferry from Phu Quoc to the mainland. This ferry has one tiny entrance for all passengers to board. When full, which it usually is and there are roughly 200 people on board. In the event of an accident and the chance of everyone getting out of the boat fast enough would be very small. The idea of an emergency exit does not exist there.

Tour boats can be chartered for around US$20 for a day's tour; but beware of safety issues if you charter a boat, make sure the boat is registered for carrying tourists and has enough life jackets and other safety equipment on board. Or you can book a tour through a tour company; but in Vietnam most Tour Agents charge whatever markup they want and therefore the tourist is often paying margins of 30-40% and the boat owner and operator (of anything from a van to a boat etc.) are paid very little of the total amount.

Ha Long Bay is a famous destination for one- to three-day boat trips among its scenic limestone islands. The problem is that all the boats seem to visit the same places - and with high prices, poor quality boats and service real value is hard to come by. Many boats have a US$10 corkage fee, and forbid BYO alcohol, while on-board and seafood is about the same price as in Europe in some places. If there is rain, mist or low cloud, you may not see much. Try to pick a clear day.

Dozens of small family-operated boats ply the river in Hue taking visitors to the imperial tombs southwest of the city. This journey is long because the boats are slow, which takes around 4 hours or so to make the journey in one direction.

Snorkel - fishing - lunch trips are available from Nha Trang, Hoi An, and Phu Quoc to nearby islands. In Central Vietnam northeast monsoon season limits many sea boat lal-tours/ tours during the months September - Feb; other parts of Vietnam seem less affected.

A 90-minutes hydrofoil boat operates from Saigon to the seaside resort of Vung Tau for about 200,000 dong each way and the quickest way to reach the beach from the city.

River lal-tours/ tours are perhaps the most interesting. A day-long boat trip forms the core of almost any tour of the Mekong region.

What to see in Vietnam

Vietnam will show you sides of Asia that you've dreamed of. Lush Rice fields at the bottom of stunningly gorgeous highlands, colourful water markets on the streams of the Mekong Delta and the endless bustling city life of Hanoi,where anything from school kids to fridges and huge piles of vegetables are transported on the back of countless motorcycles. Although Vietnam's huge cities are rapidly transforming into modern Asian metropolises, traditional culture is never far away.

City life

Hoi an street - Hoi An street life

Head to Hoi An with its Venice-like canals and beautiful old town for some top sightseeing. Enjoy the old port, wander through its endless winding alleys and take a pick from its countless fine restaurants and retail outlets, or relax on the beach. Once a fishermen's village, this town's now well-protected by preservation laws and has turned into a major hot spot for visitors. Hanoi is of course the summit of Asian city life. It's an incredible myriad of ancient traditions, old and modern architecture, sounds, smells, bustling commerce and famously crazy traffic. It's chaotic and enchanting at once - a great place to discover both ancient and contemporary Vietnam. Most sights are in the Old Quarter, including the famous Hoan Kiem Lake and the beautiful Bach Ma Temple. Spend a day or two in Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon and the nation's largest city. Nowhere are contrasts between old and new more ubiquitous and alive than here, where you'll find ancient pagodas and traditional street life at the feet of giant skyscrapers. Top sights include the Reunification Palace and Giac Lam Pagoda. Also well worth visiting is the former imperial town of Hue, with its beautiful Citadel and the Tombs of the Emperors along the Perfume River.

Landscapes and nature

RiceTerracesVietnam - Typical Rice terraces

Few countries are blessed with landscapes as captivating as those of Vietnam. For many travellers and the nation's awe-inspiring limestone scenery, perfect beaches, islands, mountain ranges, Rice fields and lakes are its greatest treasures. One of Vietnam's top attractions, Ha Long Bay, boasts thousands of limestone pillars and islands topped with dense jungle vegetation. Among the bustling port life, you'll find floating fishermen's villages, caves, and island lakes. Neighbouring Lan Ha Bay is as spectacular, but less busy. Head to Sa Pa and the Muong Hoa valley to get take in the views of local Rice fields against a background of bamboo forests. Also in the north is Tam Coc near Ninh Binh. This area is famous for its karst scenery, Rice fields, and caves and is best explored by hired boat.

Phu Quoc, off the Cambodian coast, is the largest island in the nation. Its delightful palm-lined beaches and tropical forests can compete with any in the world. Most famous in the south is of course the Mekong Delta. Here and the Mekong River empties into the South China Sea via a maze of smaller streams. It's a lush, green region and the source of half of Vietnam's agricultural produce. It offers scenic views of the rivers and rices fields as far as the eye can see. Here, natural landscapes and culture go hand in hand as life revolves around the water. The Mekong streams are a major means of transportation and host floating markets.

Some best picks in terms of natural wonders can be found in the nation's national parks. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its natural caves and grottos, with underground rivers and cave beaches as well as stunning stalagmites and stalactites. For wildlife, try Cuc Phuong National Park.

Museums

For better insight in Vietnam's ancient traditions, culture and history, visit one of the many museums, some with truly excellent collections. The War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City will leave a lasting impression, particularly the chilling collection of war photography. The HCMC Museum is in a building worth seeing on its own, and gives a nice overview of the city's history. For a broader history collection, try the fine History Museum, which has artefacts from several Vietnamese cultures on display. In Hanoi and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is an excellent place to dive into the life of the nation's tribal people. In the centre of town is the Fine Arts Museum has all kinds of arts on display, from high-quality wood and stone carvings to fabulous ceramics and textiles. Descriptions in English.

What to do in Vietnam

Motorbiking is popular with local residents and tourists alike. Given that motorbikes are the main mode of transport in Vietnam and they can give a particularly authentic view of travelling through the nation.

Renting or buying a bike is feasible in many cities. Also consider Motorbike adventure tours, which involve being guided on multi-day drives to remote regions of the nation. Most lal-tours/ tours include accommodation, petrol, helmets, drivers and entry tickets to local places of interest. Guides usually speak good English or French and offer customised lal-tours/ tours if desired. Motorbike Sightseeing Tours are similar but have a more local range specific to one city or area and can focus on food, shopping or sightseeing.

Trekking is an ideal way to enjoy and experience exquisite nature of Vietnam, from the yellow farmers' terraces in harvesting season of the north, to the off-the-beaten-path Central Highlands, or the frenetic activity of the Mekong Delta in the south.

Chinese chess (cờ tướng) is a popular game in Vietnam, and you will often notice the elderly having games in the public parks. If you know how to play, this can be an opportunity to befriend the local residents. A uniquely Vietnamese tradition pertaining to Chinese chess is human chess (cờ người), typically played at temple and village festivals during Tết. As the name suggests and the pieces are played by humans dressed in traditional Vietnamese costumes, usually with 16 teenage boys on one side and 16 teenage girls on the other, and a choreographed traditional martial arts fight between the two pieces always ensues whenever a piece is captured.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Vietnam

Money Matters & ATM's in Vietnam

The national currency is the dong (đồng), denoted by the symbol "₫" (ISO code: VND). eHalal.io Travel Guides will use dong to denote the currency.

It is difficult to find or exchange outside Vietnam, with some notable exceptions such as Singapore or Bangkok; if you don't come from either of those places, you should change money on arrival and try to get rid of any leftovers before leaving the nation. Continuing inflation and a series of devaluations continues to steadily push down the value of the dong.

Notes are available in denominations of 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000 and 500,000 dong. In 2003, coins were also introduced in denominations of 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000 dong, although these are rarely seen.Exchanging dong|According to Vietnamese laws, foreign currency can be easily changed into dong but not vice versa. Exchanging dong is quite a complicated procedure requiring some time and patience. In order to change dong into another currency, show your ID and your ticket as a confirmation of leaving Vietnam. These documents will be photocopied by the bank employees. Then, fill out a form stating the sum, purpose of the exchange and destination country. Not all Vietnamese banks perform exchange of dong, but Vietcombank is one that does.

Prices are widely advertised in U.S. dollars, namely because of the unstable currency valuation of the dong, but unlike neighbouring Cambodia or Myanmar, payment is often expected in dong only, especially outside major tourist destinations. It is also easier to bargain with dong, especially since dollar prices are already rounded. If paying with dollars, bills in less than perfect condition may be rejected. US$2 bills (especially those printed in the 1970s) are considered lucky in Vietnam and are worth more than US$2. They make a good tip/gift, and many Vietnamese will keep them in their wallet for luck. US$50 and US$100 notes get a higher exchange rate than notes of lower denominations.

When exchanging dollars (and other hard currencies), "unofficial exchange agents" like hotels and travel agencies often have a considerable spread between dong buy/sell rates, and sometimes they have different rates for different services. Official exchange counters however, e.g at the airport or in the downtown, have quite competitive buy and sell rates with spreads as low as 2%, depending on the currency. In addition to banks and official exchange counters, you can exchange most hard currencies (Sterling, Yen, Swiss Francs, Euro etc.) at Gold shops. This is illegal, but enforcement is minimal.

Banking

For credit card payments and there is usually a 1.5-3% surcharge. So, cash may be advantageous for large transactions. If you choose to carry cash and the best rates and least bureaucracy are to be found in jewellery shops. Most don't advertise this service, just ask.

Traveller cheques of well known companies are widely accepted, but usually a small fee is charged. Fees might also be the only thing that would keep you from getting cash advances on Visa- or MasterCard at most banks. Through both ways you can also get hold of U.S. dollars, though there will be even higher fees. There are mentions in some popular travel books about Vietcombank not charging any commission fees to cash American Express travellers cheques. However, this is no longer true.

ATMs are common and can be found in most cities and every tourist destination. They will accept a selection of credit and bank-cards, including Visa, MasterCard, Maestro or Cirrus and several other systems. In the following a list of the major banks providing ATMs and their withdrawal limits and fees.

ATM Sacombank, 34 Tran Phu street, Da Lat - A Sacombank ATM in Da Lat

• Agribank - GPS: ☎ 1900558818 (domestic Hotline) - 22,000 dong withdrawal fee - 2022-00Allows up to 3,000,000 dong per transaction (25,000,000 dong per day).
• ABBank - ☎ 18001159 (domestic Hotline) - 20,000 dong withdrawal fee

• ANZ Bank - ☎ +84 24 39386901 (Hanoi), +84 28 38272926 (Ho Chi Minh City) - 40,000 dong withdrawal fee Allows up to 4,000,000-10,000,000 dong per transaction (15,000,000 dong per day).
• BIDV Bank - ☎ +84 4 22205544 - 50,000 dong withdrawal fee plus 5,000 dong VAT - 2022-00Allows up to 5,000,000 dong per transaction.
• Citibank - ☎ +84 28 35211111 - 60,000 dong withdrawal fee
• DongA Bank - ☎ +84 8 39951483 - 20,000 dong withdrawal fee Allows up to (at least) 5,000,000 dong per transaction. The screen does not state a maximum, and 5,000,000 worked for some people.
• EXIMBANK - GPS: ☎ 18001199 (domestic Hotline) - No withdrawal fee Allows up to 2,000,000 dong per transaction.
• HSBC - ☎ +84 28 37247247 (south), +84 24 62707707 (north) Withdrawal fee unclear: 0 dong in 2017, 100,000 dong in 2016 - 2022-00Allows up to 5,000,000 per transaction.
• Techcombank - ☎ +84 24 39446368 - 66,000 dong withdrawal fee Allows up to 15,000,000 per transaction
• VIB - GPS: ☎ 18008180 (domestic Hotline) - 50,000 dong withdrawal fee - Allows up to 2,000,000 dong per transaction.
• Vietcombank - ☎ 1900545413 (domestic Hotline) - 20,000 dong withdrawal fee - Allows up to 2,000,000 dong per transaction.
• VPBank - ☎ 1900545415 (domestic Hotline) - No withdrawal fee - 2022-00Allows up to (at least) 5,000,000 dong per transaction, sometimes as high as 10 million dong in newer ATMs with touch screen (as of Jan 18, in Nha Trang). The screen does not state a maximum.
• Vietinbank - GPS: ☎ 1900558868 (domestic Hotline) - 55,000 dong withdrawal fee - 2022-00Allows up to 2,000,000 dong per transaction.
• Sacombank - GPS: ☎ 1900555588 (domestic Hotline) - 30,000 dong withdrawal fee - 2022-00Allows up to 2,000,000 dong per transaction.

There are branches of money transfer companies like Western Union, but this is always one of the more expensive ways to get money. However, it's better for larger amounts. A US$800 transfer costs US$5 from America and the exchange rate is quite good. You may also transfer US$ to Vietnam.

On most land borders connecting to Cambodia, China and Laos there are freelance money changers to take care of your financial leftovers, but be assured they'll get the better of you if you don't know the going rate. In Hanoi airport and there are no money exchange establishments once you finish your immigration, so exchange your dong before you enter the departure hall unless you plan to shop.

Tax Refund

Foreign visitors may claim a VAT refund provided they make the purchase at a participating shop, and leave the nation through specific ports of exit.

Tipping

Tipping is not expected in Vietnam with the exception of bellhops in high-end hotels, and the Vietnamese themselves don't do it, though tips will not be refused if offered. Some establishments which are used to serving Western tourists have come to expect tips, though it is still perfectly acceptable not to tip. In any case and the price quoted to you is often many times what local residents will pay, so tipping can be considered unnecessary in most circumstances. To avoid paying an involuntary tip when a taxi driver claims he doesn't have small change always try to carry small denominations.

Bargaining

As you travel about, you will find there are clusters of shops all selling similar goods, such as 20 sewing machine shops together and then 30 hardware shops all together, 200 motorcycle repair shops in the same block. Prices are competitive. Be wary of watch shops selling original authentic fakes. Other fake watches are available but not as affordable as other surrounding countries. Pirated software is oddly, very hard to find and not sold openly. However Movie DVDs of indifferent quality are widely available from US$1, although not all may have an English language option. The local post office will strictly not allow them to be posted abroad.

Overcharging has long been an issue in Vietnam tourism, and it is an issue both for foreigners and for Vietnamese people whose accents identify them as being from another region. It can happen anywhere on anything from a hotel room, a ride in a taxi, Coffee, a meal, clothing, or basic grocery stuff. Your Coffee suddenly becomes 100% more expensive and a restaurant may present you an English menu with inflated prices. A friendly local who spent 30 minutes talking with you may also feel like overcharging you on anything.

Vietnamese hold a diverse view on this issue, and the training also varies somewhat from region to region, but in general it is more common in Vietnam than other neighbouring countries to see it socially acceptable to overcharge foreigners. They may argue inflated prices are still affordable and they may blame the affordable cost of living which attracts a lot of backpackers with bare-bone budgets. According to this school of thought, if tourists complain about it, it's because they're stingy. Rich tourists should not have a problem being overcharged. In general, in the south, while vendors have no qualms overcharging an ignorant foreigner and they will generally allow you to bargain prices down to the local price if you know what it is and insist on it. On the other hand, vendors in the north tend to hold more strongly onto the belief that foreigners should be overcharged, and they will usually refuse to sell items to you unless you agree to pay the grossly inflated foreigner price.

The good news is that standard prices are much more common than in the early 1990s. You will absolutely spoil your trip if you assume that everyone is cheating you. Just try to be smart. In a restaurant, learn some names of common dishes in Vietnamese, insist that you need to read the Vietnamese menu, and compare it. If owners argue that the portion of dishes in the English menu is different, it's definitely a scam so move to another place. Learn some Vietnamese numbers and try to see how much a local pays a vendor. Also try basic bargaining tactics: Think how much it is back home, ask for big discount and walk away, pretending that the price isn't right. Many products tend to be standardized and compare more.

Try to be as clear as feasible on the agreed price. You may agree 20,000 dong with a "xe om" driver for a specific trip, but at the end he may claim you are due 40,000 dong. Then you pay 20,000 dong, smile and say goodbye, because you have a good memory.

How to find a Supermarket with Halal food in Vietnam

Shopping in supermarkets (self-service grocery stores, with prices of goods posted on shelves, and check-out lanes with cash registers) is much less common in Vietnam than in most European and North American countries, or even in China or Thailand. As of 2023, most grocery shopping still happens in traditional street markets. A few supermarkets exist in Hanoi and other major cities, but they are primarily places to shop for imported groceries (European, American, Japanese, or Korean products), as well as local "luxury" brands. Consumer staples, such as fresh produce, even when they are sold in a supermarket, may be considerably more expensive than in a traditional street market. As of July 2018 this is changing. The Thai supermarket chain Big C and the Korean Lotte Mart have opened branches in a number of major cities and sell a similar range of groceries, clothing items and household goods as you would find in Thailand or Malaysia. Traditional street and covered markets still thrive alongside these supermarket chains - much as they do in Thailand for example.

What is the living cost in Vietnam

Vietnam is affordable by most standards. A month's stay can be as affordable as US$500 using basic rooms, local food, and public transportation.

Muslim Friendly hotels in Vietnam

Night in Hanoi,over Hoan Kiem Lake (2022) - Night in Hanoi,over Hoan Kiem Lake Lodging is not an issue in Vietnam, even if you're travelling on a tight budget. Accommodation in Vietnam ranges from scruffy US$6-a-night dorm accommodation in backpacking hostels to world-class resorts, both in large cities and in popular coastal and rural destinations. Even backpacking Muslim friendly hotels and resorts are far cleaner and nicer than in neighbouring countries (Cambodia, Thailand, Laos), and affordable hotels that charge US$8-10 for a double room are often very clean and equipped with towels, clean white sheets, soap, disposable toothbrushes and so on. Service in many of the very affordable hotels is quite good (since the rate that a person pays per day could equal a Vietnamese national's weekly pay), although daily cleaning and modern amenities like television may not be provided. In hotels costing a few dollars more (US$12 per room upwards, more in Hanoi) you can expect an en suite bath, telephone, air conditioning and television. As with hotels elsewhere in the world, mini-refrigerators in Vietnamese hotels are often stocked with drinks and Snacks, but these can be horribly overpriced and you would be much better off buying such items on the street. Adequate plumbing can be a problem in some hotels, but the standard is constantly improving.

It is a legal requirement that all hotels register the details of foreign guests with the local police. For this reason they will always ask for your passport when you check in. The process usually only takes a few minutes, after which they will return your passport. However, because non-payment by guests is by no means unknown, some hotels retain passports until check-out. If a place looks dodgy and then ask that they register you while you wait and take your passport with you afterwards. Few people have had a problem with this as it is routine across the nation. You might find it helpful to carry some photocopies of your passport (personal data page and visa) which you can hand over to the hotel.

Hotels can be noisy particularly when local families are staying. Vietnamese is one of the worlds more vocal languages and local Muslims are happy to give full vent to it from 6am onwards with scant regard for fellow guests. If you are a light sleeper, bring some earplugs.

Learn

If you want to meet local people, stop by a school. In Ho Chi Minh City, visit the American Language School, where you'll be welcomed enthusiastically and invited to go into a class and say hi. You'll feel like a rock star. The Vietnamese love to meet new people, and teachers welcome the opportunity for their students to meet foreigners.

An excellent novel set in modern-day Vietnam is Dragon House by John Shors. It's the story of two Americans who travel to Vietnam to open a centre to house and educate Vietnamese street children.

Former Al Jazeera reporter in Hanoi,Bill Hayton, has written a good introduction to most aspects of life in Vietnam and the economy, politics, social life, etc. It's called Vietnam, Rising Dragon, published in 2010.

Work

You can volunteer as an English teacher through many volunteer organisations. However, if you have a TEFL/TESOL qualification and a degree then it's extremely simple to find paid teaching work. Without qualifications it's also feasible to find work, but it takes more patience to find a job, and often there are concessions to make with payment, school location and working hours (weekends). Most teaching jobs will pay US$15-20 an hour. There are also many you-pay-to-volunteer organisations which allow you to help local communities, such as Love Volunteers, I to I and Global Volunteers]. (But you must avoid some organized fraud. Ex: V4D, VTYD, RAKI, VVN...) Vietnam also has a booming tech startup scene, so opportunities may be available for people with expertise in computer science or other closely-related fields.

Legally, a work permit is required to work in Vietnam, although many foreigners do not bother, especially if the intention is to work for only a short period of time. Visa extensions are generally easy to obtain (your school will have to do this for you) although the immigration department will eventually insist on you obtaining a work permit before any more visas are issued. If your aim is to remain for a longer term and then it is feasible to obtain a work permit although your school will need to do this for you. To apply, your employer will be required to submit the following: A contract and application letter from your school; a full, medical health check (done locally); a criminal record check (the criteria for this varies from province to province, some requiring a check from your home country, others, a check done solely in Vietnam); a copy of your TESOL/CELTA/TEFL and degree certificates; your 'registration of stay' form; a copy of your passport/visa. Sometimes, you may be asked to pay a small fee although the better schools will generally offer to do this for you. Work permits are valid for 3 years and are renewable for a period of up to 12 years.

Once you have a work permit, it is then a relatively simple process to apply for a temporary residence permit, which will alleviate your visa worries. The validity and procedure for renewal is the same as a work permit.

Stay safe as a Muslim in Vietnam

Crime

Vietnam is a relatively safe place for tourists, especially when travelling in groups.

While many safety warnings in travel guidebooks are no more than scaremongering, tourist areas are prime petty crime locales. Violent crime towards foreigners is uncommon, but pickpockets and motorbike snatching are not uncommon in larger cities. Thieves on motorbikes snatch bags, mobile phones, cameras, and jewellery off pedestrians and other motorbike drivers. Don't wear your bag on your shoulder when riding a motorbike. Don't place it in the motorbike basket. When walking along a road, keep your bag on your inboard shoulder. If your bag is snatched, don't resist to the point of being dragged onto the roadway.

Reports of thefts from hotel rooms, including upmarket hotels, have been heard occasionally. Do not assume that your hotel room strongbox is inviolable.

Avoid fights and arguments with local residents. Arabs may be bigger than Vietnamese, but if you're dealing with 5 or more Vietnamese guys then you're in serious trouble. Keep in mind that yelling is highly insulting to Vietnamese and may prompt a violent response. Vietnamese in general are placid and kind. As a visitor, you should respect local laws and customs. Altercations can be avoided easily by showing courtesy and tolerating cultural differences.

Traffic

Tráfico en Ciudad Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, 2013-08-14, DD 02 - Traffic in Vietnam cities is notoriously daunting. Sơn La Province - Sơn La province landscapes.

The first discovery for many visitors who just arrive in Vietnam is that they need to learn how to cross a road all over again. You may see a tourist standing on the road for 5 minutes without knowing how to cross it. Traffic in Vietnam can be a nightmare. Back home, you may never witness the moment of crash, seeing injured victims lying on the road, or hearing a BANG sound. Staying in Vietnam for more than a month, you will have fair chance of experiencing all these.

Roads are packed. Some intersections in main cities such as Hanoi,Ho Chi Minh City have traffic lights patrolled by police; most are either non-functional or ignored.

Crossing roads is an art in most of Vietnam, and there are no stop signals that will actually be followed by drivers. The art of crossing the road is fortunately very simple, though scary:

1. There are no traffic lights or pedestrian crossings,
2. If it is night time, and you are wearing dark clothes you should cross in a bright area or shine a torch towards the traffic
3. If there is a bus / vehicle / taxi wait until it and its motorcycle entourage passes, as vehicles will not stop for pedestrians
4. Ensure you, your fellow travellers and every piece of your luggage form an almost perfect line parallel with the traffic
5. There is no 'ideal' time to start although you could pick a time with a little less traffic
6. Step a little forward, a little more, and you will see motorcycle drivers to slow down a bit, or go to another way. Make your pace and path predictable to other drivers, don't change your speed or direction suddenly, and move forward until you arrive at your destination. Be aware that motorcycle drivers will swerve to avoid you but might swerve into your path.
7. The simplest and best way to cross streets is to make yourself known and be steady. This means spread your arms out and walk at a steady pace. The local residents will route around you. They are extremely good drivers and will avoid hitting you; just be sure to walk at a steady pace.

The simplest way, if available, is to follow a local, stand next to them on the opposite side of the traffic (if you get hit, he will get it first) and he will give you the best chance of crossing a road.

If you are injured, don't expect the local people to help, even by calling an ambulance, because it is not free. Make sure you tell the local clearly that you will pay the ambulance fee. Hospitals will also not admit you until you prove that you can pay the bill.

Highways are risky, with an average of 30 deaths a day, and some local residents will not even venture on them if not in a big vehicle (car or bus). Taking a bicycle or motorbike on highways is an adventure for risk takers, but definitely not for a family with children.

Telecommunications in Vietnam

Mobile phones

Mobile numbers in Vietnam must always be dialed with all 9 or 10 digits (including a "0" prefixing the "1nn" or "9nn" within Vietnam), no matter where they are being called from. The 1nn or 9nn is a mobile prefix, not an "area code", as such and the second and sometimes third digits (the nn part) denotes the original mobile network assigned. As is the case with most mobile numbers and they can also be called within or outside Vietnam using the international format.

There are many mobile networks with different codes:

• G Mobile: 59, 99 (GSM 900)
• Mobifone: 90, 93, 70, 76, 77, 78, 79 (GSM 900/1800)
• SFone: 95 (CDMA)(not available)
• Vietnamobile: 92, 56, 58 (GSM 900)
• Viet☎ 98, 97, 96, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 (GSM 900)
• Vinaphone: 91, 94, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85 (GSM 900)
• You can buy a SIM card in any shop selling mobile phones. The standard price is no higher than 75,000 dong, but foreigners are often charged 100,000 dong. SIM cards are also easily available at both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City Airports from official carrier booths which makes it quick, easy, and scam-free to get a SIM on arrival. One month of 4G data or 4G data, with a limited amount of credit for text and voice calls, can cost as little as 140,000 dong.
• Prepaid account charges vary from 890-1,600 dong per minute. Recharge cards are available in denominations of 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000 and 500,000 dong.
• Roaming on Vietnam's GSM networks is feasible with foreign mobile phones, subject to agreements between operators.

Useful numbers

• Police 113
• Fire Brigade 114
• Hospital 115
• Time 117
• General Information 1080

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