Experience The Real Vietnam
Taking active families vacations duration of 12 days in Vietnam would be a great time for any families who wish to experience the highlight of Vietnam from Hanoi CApital city to the South of Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta plus Con Dao Island Beach.
Briefing activities:
Day 1: Hanoi City Arrival.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour
Day 3: Ninh Binh Activities
Day 4: Halong Bay
Day 5: Hoi An
Day 6: Hoi An Activities
Day 7: Hoi An – Hue
Day 8: Hue Discovery
Day 9: Hue – Ho Chi Minh CIty
Day 10: Cu Chi Tunnels
Day 11, 12: Mekong Delta Trip
Day 13,14: Con Dao Beach Relaxation
Experience Vietnam’s rich culture.
Watching traditional Water Puppet Performance.
Discover the daily life of the locals from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh city.
See UNESCO Heritage Sites such as Halong Bay, Hoi An’s Ancient Town, and Hue Imperial City.
Catching a glimpse of Vietnam’s modern cities from the Old Hanoi capital to Ho Chi Minh western Influenced city.
Kayaking in Halong Bay and Mekong Delta.
Cycling through villages in Hanoi and Mekong Delta. Staying overnight with a local homestay.
Experience Vietnam’s rich culture.
Watching traditional Water Puppet Performance.
Discover the daily life of the locals from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh city.
See UNESCO Heritage Sites such as Halong Bay, Hoi An’s Ancient Town, and Hue Imperial City.
Catching a glimpse of Vietnam’s modern cities from the Old Hanoi capital to Ho Chi Minh western Influenced city.
Kayaking in Halong Bay and Mekong Delta.
Cycling through villages in Hanoi and Mekong Delta. Staying overnight with a local homestay.
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Welcomed by Countryside Adventures Team at Noi Bai international airport, then transfer to your hotel downtown. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi Full-Day Guided Trip
Today, we will take a guided tour to experience both the history and daily of the locals in Hanoi Capital.
The first visit is the Temple of Literature to explore its role in the country’s past, as both a university and a temple.
Our next visit to the Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum plus his living & working quarter.
Lunch is at a local restaurant. Towards the end of the tour, embark on a walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Witness the ancient commercial street names, mirroring the crafts and businesses dating back over a thousand years. Finish the day with a Water Puppet show. This is a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hanoi
Activities: Boat trip, Farm activities, Short cycling (05 -15KM)
Depart the hotel this morning at 07:30 for a 2.5-hour drive through rural northern Vietnam to Ninh Binh Province — one of the most beautiful parts of Vietnam with its dramatic scenery and historical temples. The rice fields here are beautiful and the area has earned the nickname of ‘Dry Halong Bay’, a moniker borne out by the limestone karsts which dominate the landscape.
Upon arrival, begin a leisure 5 to 15 km (according to preference) biking trip around Tho Ha village passing by peaceful villages and enjoying the rustic countryside landscapes.
Lunch is served at a local restaurant.
Afternoon activities:
Continue to Dong Tam Hamlet to join in some engaging agricultural activities such as catching crabs, fishing and transplanting, watering vegetables, and more. Enjoy lunch before boarding the sampan for a 1.5-hour boat trip cruising over a small canal among the paddy fields for 1km, then stroll along the winding rocky path of the foot for 200m and go up 20 steps to reach the Galaxy Cave gate. Get inside the cave and admire the spectacular stalactites above the cave ceiling. Continue to discover But Hien cave and be attracted by many natural sparkling stalactites with shapes and figures before returning on the same route. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 4: Hanoi – Halong Bay
Morning, Check out and drive toward Haiphong city to Halong Bay. It would take around 3hr30mins including a 30 – minutes stop on the way.
The scenery of Halong Bay where thousands of limestone islands jut out of the emerald sea, sculpted into bizarre shapes is truly an iconic image for Vietnam.
An overnight boat trip is the best way to enjoy this Vietnamese must-see.
Arrive at the jetty in Halong City towards noon and proceed with check-in formalities. After a welcome onboard, lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay itself.
In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on board.
Towards the end of the day, the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board.
Overnight on Halong Junk Boat.
Activities: Kayaking and Swimming.
Day 5: Halong Bay – Noi Bai Airport – Danang – Hoian
Enjoy the sunrise and Taichi practicing and breakfast is served (also brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruises are slowly back towards port. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi or Haiphong airport
Take a short flight to Danang, on arrival in Danang transfer 40-minutes to Hoi An, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 6: Hoi An Discovery
This morning, go on a walking tour in Hoi An, a charming destination with two faces – the old-world trading port of narrow streets and traditional houses, and the beach with its new resorts and long stretches of clean white sand. In keeping with Hoi An’s heritage as a trading port, the town’s tiny shop houses now host a range of craft shops and artisans including some of Asia’s best tailors. Despite the passing of 200 years and the ravages of weather and war, the center of Hoi An remains much the same as it was in its heyday. Take a walking tour of the ancient town center to visit former merchants’ houses, the 400-year-old Japanese Bridge, a Chinese communal hall, and the colorful market.
This afternoon, Get on a kayak for upstream the ‘Mother River’ from Thu Bon to Duy Vinh Village. Pass by a shrimp and duck farm to get a glimpse of agricultural river life.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Activities: Walking, Boating, and Kayaking
Day 7: Hoi An – Hue Imperial City.
Enjoy this morning at leisure before leaving Hoi An for Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Its mesmerizing tombs and mausoleums of the last emperors of Vietnam reveal fascinating insights into the lives of the imperial families and their subjects. The ancient Citadel reflects the pomp and ceremony of the dynastic rulers as well as the scars of many years of turmoil, both ancient and modern. The Royal Citadel was badly damaged in the latter stages of the war but retains a sense of grace and majesty even today. Overnight in Hue.
Activities: Historical sightseeing
Day 8: Hue Discovery
At 08:30 this morning, depart from the hotel in Hue for a city tour of the ancient town. Start at the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. From here take a cyclo through dai noi ‘Old City. Stop for a visit to Tran Dinh Son private museum with a collection of everyday items that past Kings have used. Learn how royal descendants are keeping the family’s traditions alive today.
Continue to visit Thien Mu (Celestial Lady) Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River; constructed in 1601, the 21-meter tall tower is the centerpiece of the pagoda and represents seven reincarnations of Buddha. In the grounds of the pagoda is the Austin car made famous when in 1963, a resident monk drove the vehicle to what was then Saigon to protest against the southern regime, the photo of his self immortalization was captured and was one of the most well-known images of the war.
Lunch at a local restaurant for an authentic Hue style cuisine.
Continue to former emperor Minh Mang’s tomb located in a tranquil setting of gardens and ponds, inspired by the Chinese Confucianism, a harmonious design of balance and symmetry for the emperor’s resting place.
Journey on to Khai Dinh’s Tomb designed in traditional Vietnamese style with a European touch making it unique from the other tombs in Hue. Overnight in Hue.
Day 9: Hue – Ho Chi Minh City.
Transfer to Hue Airport after breakfast for the short flight to dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by the locals.
Meet with a local guide and set off on a half-day tour in Ho Chi Minh City. Start with a visit to the city’s most iconic building: Reunification Hall. Formerly called the Presidential Palace, images of the building were seen around the world on 30 April 1975 when tanks stormed the gates as Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese. Hear the echoes of time while walking through this historic downtown site.
Step inside the War Remnants Museum for an insightful, yet sombre, look into Vietnam’s military history. See exhibitions displaying imagery from the French and American wars, learning more about the country’s struggle for independence, and hearing tales of the resilience of the Vietnamese people.
Then step off the tourist trail for one last visit on this Ho Chi Minh City tour at a Vietnamese coffee shop, sit down and taste the coffee like locals. After this insightful visit, return to the hotel. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 10: Cu Chi Tunnels Half day trip.
Morning, take a guided trip to the Historical site of Cu Chi Tunnels to understand about Vietnam War. It would be a great change to enter a small part of the tunnels network to experience how the local fighters living almost 20 years. The rest of the day is free on your own. Overnight in HCM City.
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta Trip
This tour begins at 07:30. Leave the busy streets and modern buildings of Ho Chi Minh City behind on the Mekong Delta day trip.
On arrival in Cai Be Township,, take a cycling trip through villages to experience the daily life of the locals. Stopping at one of the local market to see their life. Tasting local fruits here would be great to interact with the locals.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon, Kayaking through the island to experience Mekong river life.
Ending of the day by transferring to Cantho City for the night. Overnight in Cantho City.
Activities: Boat trip, Cycling and kayaking
Day 12: Mekong Delta – Con Dao by Speed Boat
Early morning, take a local boat to visit the biggest Floating market where you can see the real water activities of the local’s merchants in this region. Having breakfast and coffee at the market would be a great experience too. Embark the boat trip and transfer to Soc Trang for approximately one hour for catching an afternoon speed boat to Con Dao Island where your family will relax and enjoy the beach for a few days. Ends of 02 weeks holidays in Vietnam. Goodbye and see you the next time.
Did you know: We can help to book a resort in Con Dao and a Flight from the Island back to Ho Chi Minh city.
Day 13,14,15: Con Dao island free and easy. Services are on your own arrangements.
Countryside Adventures
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Welcomed by Countryside Adventures Team at Noi Bai international airport, then transfer to your hotel downtown. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi Full-Day Guided Trip
Today, we will take a guided tour to experience both the history and daily of the locals in Hanoi Capital.
The first visit is the Temple of Literature to explore its role in the country’s past, as both a university and a temple.
Our next visit to the Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum plus his living & working quarter.
Lunch is at a local restaurant. Towards the end of the tour, embark on a walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Witness the ancient commercial street names, mirroring the crafts and businesses dating back over a thousand years. Finish the day with a Water Puppet show. This is a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hanoi
Activities: Boat trip, Farm activities, Short cycling (05 -15KM)
Depart the hotel this morning at 07:30 for a 2.5-hour drive through rural northern Vietnam to Ninh Binh Province — one of the most beautiful parts of Vietnam with its dramatic scenery and historical temples. The rice fields here are beautiful and the area has earned the nickname of ‘Dry Halong Bay’, a moniker borne out by the limestone karsts which dominate the landscape.
Upon arrival, begin a leisure 5 to 15 km (according to preference) biking trip around Tho Ha village passing by peaceful villages and enjoying the rustic countryside landscapes.
Lunch is served at a local restaurant.
Afternoon activities:
Continue to Dong Tam Hamlet to join in some engaging agricultural activities such as catching crabs, fishing and transplanting, watering vegetables, and more. Enjoy lunch before boarding the sampan for a 1.5-hour boat trip cruising over a small canal among the paddy fields for 1km, then stroll along the winding rocky path of the foot for 200m and go up 20 steps to reach the Galaxy Cave gate. Get inside the cave and admire the spectacular stalactites above the cave ceiling. Continue to discover But Hien cave and be attracted by many natural sparkling stalactites with shapes and figures before returning on the same route. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 4: Hanoi – Halong Bay
Morning, Check out and drive toward Haiphong city to Halong Bay. It would take around 3hr30mins including a 30 – minutes stop on the way.
The scenery of Halong Bay where thousands of limestone islands jut out of the emerald sea, sculpted into bizarre shapes is truly an iconic image for Vietnam.
An overnight boat trip is the best way to enjoy this Vietnamese must-see.
Arrive at the jetty in Halong City towards noon and proceed with check-in formalities. After a welcome onboard, lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay itself.
In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on board.
Towards the end of the day, the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board.
Overnight on Halong Junk Boat.
Activities: Kayaking and Swimming.
Day 5: Halong Bay – Noi Bai Airport – Danang – Hoian
Enjoy the sunrise and Taichi practicing and breakfast is served (also brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruises are slowly back towards port. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi or Haiphong airport
Take a short flight to Danang, on arrival in Danang transfer 40-minutes to Hoi An, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 6: Hoi An Discovery
This morning, go on a walking tour in Hoi An, a charming destination with two faces – the old-world trading port of narrow streets and traditional houses, and the beach with its new resorts and long stretches of clean white sand. In keeping with Hoi An’s heritage as a trading port, the town’s tiny shop houses now host a range of craft shops and artisans including some of Asia’s best tailors. Despite the passing of 200 years and the ravages of weather and war, the center of Hoi An remains much the same as it was in its heyday. Take a walking tour of the ancient town center to visit former merchants’ houses, the 400-year-old Japanese Bridge, a Chinese communal hall, and the colorful market.
This afternoon, Get on a kayak for upstream the ‘Mother River’ from Thu Bon to Duy Vinh Village. Pass by a shrimp and duck farm to get a glimpse of agricultural river life.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Activities: Walking, Boating, and Kayaking
Day 7: Hoi An – Hue Imperial City.
Enjoy this morning at leisure before leaving Hoi An for Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Its mesmerizing tombs and mausoleums of the last emperors of Vietnam reveal fascinating insights into the lives of the imperial families and their subjects. The ancient Citadel reflects the pomp and ceremony of the dynastic rulers as well as the scars of many years of turmoil, both ancient and modern. The Royal Citadel was badly damaged in the latter stages of the war but retains a sense of grace and majesty even today. Overnight in Hue.
Activities: Historical sightseeing
Day 8: Hue Discovery
At 08:30 this morning, depart from the hotel in Hue for a city tour of the ancient town. Start at the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. From here take a cyclo through dai noi ‘Old City. Stop for a visit to Tran Dinh Son private museum with a collection of everyday items that past Kings have used. Learn how royal descendants are keeping the family’s traditions alive today.
Continue to visit Thien Mu (Celestial Lady) Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River; constructed in 1601, the 21-meter tall tower is the centerpiece of the pagoda and represents seven reincarnations of Buddha. In the grounds of the pagoda is the Austin car made famous when in 1963, a resident monk drove the vehicle to what was then Saigon to protest against the southern regime, the photo of his self immortalization was captured and was one of the most well-known images of the war.
Lunch at a local restaurant for an authentic Hue style cuisine.
Continue to former emperor Minh Mang’s tomb located in a tranquil setting of gardens and ponds, inspired by the Chinese Confucianism, a harmonious design of balance and symmetry for the emperor’s resting place.
Journey on to Khai Dinh’s Tomb designed in traditional Vietnamese style with a European touch making it unique from the other tombs in Hue. Overnight in Hue.
Day 9: Hue – Ho Chi Minh City.
Transfer to Hue Airport after breakfast for the short flight to dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by the locals.
Meet with a local guide and set off on a half-day tour in Ho Chi Minh City. Start with a visit to the city’s most iconic building: Reunification Hall. Formerly called the Presidential Palace, images of the building were seen around the world on 30 April 1975 when tanks stormed the gates as Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese. Hear the echoes of time while walking through this historic downtown site.
Step inside the War Remnants Museum for an insightful, yet sombre, look into Vietnam’s military history. See exhibitions displaying imagery from the French and American wars, learning more about the country’s struggle for independence, and hearing tales of the resilience of the Vietnamese people.
Then step off the tourist trail for one last visit on this Ho Chi Minh City tour at a Vietnamese coffee shop, sit down and taste the coffee like locals. After this insightful visit, return to the hotel. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 10: Cu Chi Tunnels Half day trip.
Morning, take a guided trip to the Historical site of Cu Chi Tunnels to understand about Vietnam War. It would be a great change to enter a small part of the tunnels network to experience how the local fighters living almost 20 years. The rest of the day is free on your own. Overnight in HCM City.
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta Trip
This tour begins at 07:30. Leave the busy streets and modern buildings of Ho Chi Minh City behind on the Mekong Delta day trip.
On arrival in Cai Be Township,, take a cycling trip through villages to experience the daily life of the locals. Stopping at one of the local market to see their life. Tasting local fruits here would be great to interact with the locals.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon, Kayaking through the island to experience Mekong river life.
Ending of the day by transferring to Cantho City for the night. Overnight in Cantho City.
Activities: Boat trip, Cycling and kayaking
Day 12: Mekong Delta – Con Dao by Speed Boat
Early morning, take a local boat to visit the biggest Floating market where you can see the real water activities of the local’s merchants in this region. Having breakfast and coffee at the market would be a great experience too. Embark the boat trip and transfer to Soc Trang for approximately one hour for catching an afternoon speed boat to Con Dao Island where your family will relax and enjoy the beach for a few days. Ends of 02 weeks holidays in Vietnam. Goodbye and see you the next time.
Did you know: We can help to book a resort in Con Dao and a Flight from the Island back to Ho Chi Minh city.
Day 13,14,15: Con Dao island free and easy. Services are on your own arrangements.
Countryside Adventures
Children policy:
Under 2 years old: Free of Charge tour price; 10% domestic airfare
From 2 – under 7 years old: charge 50% tour price; 75% domestic airfare
From 7 – under 12 years old: charge 75% tour price & domestic airfare
Above 12 years old: Charged as an adult
What is Included?
All transfer and transportation vehicle with air-conditioning
Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast
English speaking tour guides (other languages upon request)
Private package home-stay in Mekong Delta
All entrance fees and permits
Package Eco Tour in Hoi An with bikes, helmets, basket boats, boats, Kayak.
01-hour water puppet show in Hanoi
01-hour cyclo ride in Hanoi
Biking in Hanoi and Mekong Delta.
Private cabin on the deluxe boat in Halong Bay
Kayak in Halong Bay, Hoian, and Mekong Delta.
Water during the trip
Vietnam domestic flight tickets
Speed boat ticket to Con Dao Island.
Airport tax
What is Excluded?
International flight tickets
Airport tax
Visa to Vietnam and Cambodia (upon request)
Own expenses
Tips and gratuities
Accommodation in Con Dao Island.
Special Discount will be valided until May,30th,2025. Please contact our team for further information for this Offer.
Package cost per person in U.S Dollar:
Package cost per adult: 1480USD
Children’s policy:
Child from 02 years old – under 05 years old: Free of charge and share the room with adult.
Child from 06 -10 years old: 75% package cost from the adult.
Child from 10 -12 years old quoted the same cost as the adult.
Please contact us for the best-updated prices.
WhatsApp/Viaber 24/7:wa.link/gpj7zh
Please contact us for the best-updated prices.
Countryside Adventures Team.
Vietnam is long and slender, with different regions subject to different weather conditions at any one time, which makes figuring out the best time to visit Vietnam somewhat tricky.
The country has a tropical monsoon climate. If you’re visiting the south of the country the driest months tend to be between December and April, while the north of the country is typically driest in spring and autumn.
Within this broad weather, the picture is regional variations, with differences in altitude also key to varying temperatures. Whereas the south tends to have a year-round tropical climate, the north is considerably cooler in winter.
The weather in Vietnam is defined by the monsoon season. The southern summer monsoon brings rain to the two deltas and west-facing slopes. At the same time, the cold winter monsoon picks up moisture over the Gulf of Tonkin and dumps it along the central coastal the eastern edge of the central highlands.
There are marked differences according to altitude and latitude; temperatures in the south of Vietnam remain calm all year round, while the north experiences distinct seasonal variations.
If you intend to see a bit of everything, you need to work around the regional weather differences. Overall, autumn/winter (September – December) and spring (March and April) are probably the most favorable seasons if you’re planning to cover the whole country.
Most of Vietnam enjoys dry conditions and basks in the sunshine by December. Central Vietnam is the exception, which is gradually emerging from its rainy season. So it’s a good time to head to the southern coast if you want to soak up some rays and rack up some time on Vietnam’s gorgeous beaches. Beaches such as Mui Ne, or on the island of Phu Quoc and Con Dao are great this month.
It’s also a good time to visit Ho Chi Minh City, with temperatures averaging a comfortable 26ºC.
If you’re planning a Christmas getaway be aware that things get booked up way in advance, so plan ahead.
Outdoor activities in the north are good in December. It is somewhat chilly, however, especially in the mountains – so pack extra layers.
The staple of Vietnamese meals is rice, with noodles a popular alternative at breakfast or as a snack. Typically, rice will be accompanied by a fish or meat dish, a vegetable dish, and soup, followed by a green tea digestive. Seafood and fish – from rivers, lakes, canals, and paddy fields as well as the sea – are favored throughout the country, either fresh or dried. The most commonly used flavorings are shallots, coriander, and lemon grass. Ginger, saffron, mint, anise and a basil-type herb also feature strongly, and coconut milk gives some southern dishes a distinctive richness.
Even in the south, Vietnamese food tends not to be over-spicy; instead chilli sauces or fresh chillies are served separately. Vietnam’s most famous seasoning is the ubiquitous nuoc mam, a nutrient-packed sauce which either is added during cooking or forms the base for various dipping sauces. Nuoc mam is made by fermenting huge quantities of fish in vats of salt for between six months and a year, after which the dark brown liquid is strained and graded according to its age and flavour. Foreigners usually find the smell of the sauce pretty rank, but most soon acquire a taste for its distinctive salty-sweetness.
The use of monosodium glutamate (MSG) can be excessive, especially in northern cooking, and some people are known to react badly to the seasoning. A few restaurants in the main cities have cottoned on to the foibles of foreigners and advertise MSG-free food; elsewhere, try saying khong co my chinh (without MSG), and keep your fingers crossed. Note that what looks like salt on the table is sometimes MSG, so taste it first.
The most famous Vietnamese dish has to be spring rolls, variously known as cha gio, cha nem, nem ran or just plain nem. Various combinations of minced pork, shrimp or crab, rice vermicelli, onions, bean sprouts and an edible fungus are rolled in rice-paper wrappers, and then eaten fresh or deep-fried. In some places they’re served with a bowl of lettuce and/or mint. In addition, a southern variation has barbecued strips of pork wrapped in semi-transparent rice wrappers, along with raw ingredients such as green banana and star fruit, and then dunked in a rich peanut sauce – every bit as tasty as it sounds.
Giai khat means “quench your thirst” and you’ll see the signs everywhere, on stands selling fresh juices, bottled cold drinks or outside cafés and bia hoi (draught beer) outlets. Many drinks are served with ice: tempting though it may be, the only really safe policy is to avoid ice altogether – dung bo da, cam on (“no ice, thanks”) should do the trick. That said, ice in the top hotels, bars and restaurants is generally reliable, and some people take the risk in less salubrious establishments with apparent impunity.
Tea drinking is part of the social ritual in Vietnam. Small cups of refreshing, strong, green tea are presented to all guests or visitors: water is well boiled and safe to drink, as long as the cup itself is clean, and it’s considered rude not to take at least a sip. Although your cup will be continually replenished to show hospitality, you don’t have to carry on drinking; the polite way to decline a refill is to place your hand over the cup when your host is about to replenish it. Green tea is also served at the end of every restaurant meal, particularly in the south, and usually provided free.
Coffee production has boomed in recent years, largely for export, with serious environmental and social consequences. The Vietnamese drink coffee very strong and in small quantities, with a large dollop of condensed milk at the bottom of the cup. Traditionally, coffee is filtered at the table by means of a small dripper balanced over the cup or glass, which sometimes sits in a bowl of hot water to keep it warm. However, places accustomed to tourists increasingly run to fresh (pasteurized) milk, while in the main cities you’ll now find fancy Western-style cafés turning out decent lattes and cappuccinos. Highland Coffee has become Vietnam’s very own Starbucks-style chain, while out in the sticks you’re best off going for cafés with a Trung Nguyen sign.
Vietnam’s unit of currency is the dong, which you’ll see abbreviated as “đ”, “d” or “VND” after an amount. Notes come in denominations of 500đ, 1000đ, 2000đ, 5000đ, 10,000đ, 20,000đ, 50,000đ, 100,000đ, 200,000đ and 500,000đ, coins in 200đ, 500đ, 1000đ, 2000đ and 5000đ (though coins are rarely seen). In addition to the dong, the American dollar operates as a parallel, unofficial currency and it’s a good idea to carry some dollars as a back-up to pay large bills. On the whole, though, it’s more convenient to operate in dong, and you’ll often find dong prices are slightly lower than the equivalent in dollars. For the latest exchange rates go to xe.com.
Dong is not available outside Vietnam at present, so take in some small-denomination American dollars to use until you reach a bank or ATM. Most banks and exchange bureaux don’t charge for changing foreign currency into dong; banks in major cities will accept euros and other major currencies, but elsewhere may only accept dollars. Some tour agents and hotels will also change money, and most jewellery shops in Vietnam will exchange dollars at a slightly better rate than the banks, but watch out for scams. Wherever you change money, ask for a mix of denominations (in remote places, bigger bills can be hard to split), and refuse really tatty banknotes, as you’ll have difficulty getting anyone else to accept them.
There’s also a comprehensive network of ATMs, many open 24 hours: most accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express cards issued abroad. The maximum withdrawal is two million dong at a time, with a charge per transaction (in addition to whatever surcharges your own bank levies). In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City you’ll also find ATMs operated by ANZ and HSBC. These accept a wider range of cards, including those in the Cirrus and Plus networks.
We recommend that you visit a travel medical doctor and ask about the following vaccinations: typhoid, polio, tetanus, and hepatitis A. A certificate for Yellow Fever is required when arriving from an infected area within six days.
Countryside Adventures