From the remarkable beauty of Sam Mountain and Halong Bay to the numerous sacred temples and pagodas, Vietnam has a lot to offer. It is a country that features everything from exotic culinary delights to breathtaking scenery. Seemingly endless, tranquil rice paddies stand in stark contrast to bustling cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi which embrace all the technology and conveniences that the modern world has to offer. The well-preserved colonial buildings of Hoi An play host to a slew of charming boutiques and tempting cafes while, further north, the local hill-tribe people of Sapa sell a wide variety of exquisite crafts and handmade trinkets. Beyond the urban areas, this diverse country is characterised by vast, verdant jungles and lush mountainous regions as well as an enticing coastline peppered with golden sand, palm-lined beaches.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: Vietnamese Dong
Symbol: ₫
ISO code: VND
Subunit: Hào
Banknotes: ₫1000, ₫2000, ₫5000, ₫10000, ₫20000, ₫50000, ₫100000, ₫200000, ₫500000
Coins: None
Banking
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: No
Diner’s club: No
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Weekends: Closed
Public Holidays: No
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air
International Airports: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City), Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
Domestic Airports: Da Nang International Airport, Cam Ranh International Airport
Road:
Driving on the: Right
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: No
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: Yes
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Yes
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: Yes
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes
Local cuisine:
Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and diverse dishes. Pho (noodle soup), banh mi (sandwich), and spring rolls are popular street foods. Vietnamese cuisine is characterized by the use of herbs like mint and cilantro, fish sauce, and a variety of meats and seafood. Notable local drinks include Vietnamese coffee, iced tea, and sugarcane juice.
Tipping: 5-10%
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: 1500 - 2500 mm
Average temperature: 25°C
Summer:
Average highs: 35°C
Average lows: 25°C
Winter:
Average highs: 20°C
Average lows: 15°C
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Vietnam is from November to April when the weather is cooler and drier, making it ideal for exploring the country.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: No
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: Type A, Type C
Voltage (V): 220V
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
Since Cambodia reopened its borders to tourists in the early 1990s, visitors from around the world have flocked to this intriguing Southeast Asian country to experience its fascinating cultural heritage, to engage with the wonderfully welcoming locals, and to marvel at the numerous spectacular natural wonders Cambodia has to offer. Phnom Penh, the nation’s bustling capital, is home to a slew of excellent restaurants, lively outdoor markets and a boisterous nightlife. However, most of Cambodia’s most popular attractions are located beyond the capital. Tourist favourites include: the sleepy French-influenced town of Kampot with its lovely promenade dotted with gorgeous French villas and charming riverside cafes; the breathtaking waterfalls of the lush jungle-clad Cardamon Mountains; and, of course, the awe-inspiring ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat - the world’s largest and arguably most impressive religious structure. Cambodia serves travellers of all sensitivities, whether they're seeking adventurous jungle excursions, exquisite golden-sand beaches, luxury resorts or sumptuous exotic cuisine, Cambodia truly does have it all.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: Cambodian Riel
Symbol: ៛
ISO code: KHR
Subunit: Sen
Banknotes: ៛50, ៛100, ៛500, ៛1,000, ៛2,000, ៛5,000, ៛10,000, ៛20,000, ៛50,000
Coins: ៛50, ៛100, ៛200, ៛500, ៛1,000
Banking
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Limited acceptance
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Weekends: Limited hours
Public Holidays: Limited hours
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Cambodia Angkor Air, Cambodia Airways, Bassaka Air
International Airports: Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), Siem Reap International Airport (REP)
Domestic Airports: Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS), Battambang Airport (BBM)
Road:
Driving on the: Right
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: No
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: Limited
Water taxis: Limited
Leisure cruises: No
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: No
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes
Local cuisine: Cambodian cuisine is a blend of flavors influenced by Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese cooking. Highlights include dishes like Fish Amok, a coconut milk-based curry, and Beef Lok Lak, a stir-fried beef dish. Rice is a staple, and tropical fruits like mangoes and bananas are abundant.
Drinks: Notable local drinks include coconut water, sugar cane juice, and palm wine.
Tipping: Tipping is not customary, but appreciated, especially in tourist areas. 5-10% is acceptable.
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: 1,400-3,000 mm
Average temperature: 25-35°C
Summer:
Average highs: 30-35°C
Average lows: 25-28°C
Winter:
Average highs: 25-30°C
Average lows: 20-25°C
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Cambodia is during the dry season from November to April when temperatures are cooler and rainfall is minimal. This is ideal for exploring the temples of Angkor and enjoying outdoor activities.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Limited
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: Type A, Type C
Voltage (V): 230
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50