• Introduction
• Reports (4)
• Useful information

  Identity card

  Know before you go

  Practical A to Z

  Sport and leisure activities

• History and culture

  A tropical Eden

  History

  The Vietnam today

  Art and architecture

  People

  Hybrid religions

  Vietnamese cooking

  Language and writing

• Useful addresses
• When to go
• Time difference
• Documents
• Health
• Websites

---

Useful addresses

United Kingdom

Vietnamese Tourist Board – Vietnam does not operate a tourist office in the UK, but travellers can consult its website – http://www.vietnamtourism.com

Embassy of Vietnam – 12 Victoria Road, London W8 5RD – tel 0207 937 1912 – http://www.vietnamembassy.org.uk/

Republic of Ireland

Vietnamese Tourist Board – Vietnam does not operate a tourist office in Ireland, but travellers can consult its website – http://www.vietnamtourism.com

Embassy of Vietnam – Irish nationals should contact the Vietnamese embassy in London. 12 Victoria Road, London W8 5RD – Tel 0207 937 1912 – http://www.vietnamembassy.org.uk/

---

When to go

Vietnam enjoys a tropical climate with a dry season (November to April) and a hot, rainy season (May to October). Trips can be organised all year long, but it is advisable to avoid the heart of winter in the north and the monsoon season in the south (September-October).

---

Time difference

The time difference between the United Kingdom/Ireland and Vietnam is GMT +7 hours in winter (GMT +6 hours in summer). So, when it is midday in London, it is 6 or 7pm in Hanoi.

---

Documents

Tourists require a valid passport and visa.

Information – Contact the Vietnamese embassy in London.

---

Health

Recommended vaccinations: DT Polio, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, meningitis A and C and Japanese encephalitis for long stays.

Anti-malarial treatment is essential.

Travel insurance is highly recommended.

First aid kit: take mosquito repellent, anti-diarrhoea medication and an intestinal antiseptic.

---

Websites

www.guidevietnam.com - Guide Vietnam provides a wide range of links to other sites and a host of practical information.

www.thingsasian.com - This well-documented site provides information on culture, art, history and travel in Asia.

www.vietnamtravelguide.com - This website provides extensive practical and regional information about Vietnam.

www.vietnam-culture.com - An excellent website devoted to every aspect of Vietnamese culture from food and art to history and festivals.