LOCATION
Vietnam in the heart of Southeast Asia offers a captivating blend of the traditional and the modern. Vibrant cities compliment verdant green landscapes in a land where warmth and friendliness are second nature. Hanoi, the enticing capital in the north with its beautiful lakes and tree lined boulevards. Frenetic, Ho Chi Minh City, bursting with dynamism - one of the fastest growing visitor destinations in the region.

From the mist-shrouded mountains of Sapa in the north to the vast expanse of Vietnam's "rice bowl" in the Mekong Delta in the south, Vietnam has something to offer everyone.

HISTORY, CULTURE, PEOPLE & LIFESTYLE
With a diverse 4,000-year history, the Vietnamese have managed to maintain their traditions and culture in a fascinating fusion of the contemporary and the time honoured. From the culture of mobile phones and motorbikes of the major cities to the farmers who tend the paddy fields and the 54 different ethnic minority groups who pepper the countryside in their distinctive, hand dyed clothes, Vietnam is taking care to preserve ancient ways while it seeks to foster the modern. It is the people that make Vietnam what it is today, a bustling, forward thinking nation with a respectful eye on the past.

SIGHTSEEING
History both ancient and modern is all around. Whether it be the enigmatic and ancient ruins of the Cham Towers near the ancient capital of Hoi An, the countless rocky outcrops strewn like confetti across Halong Bay, the ingenious Cu Chi wartime tunnel complex just outside Ho Chi Minh City or the romance of Dalat's mountains, Vietnam will entice you from all directions.

FOOD & SHOPPING
The Vietnamese table brims with a patchwork of dishes. From the ubiquitous bowl of steaming beef noodle soup, known as Pho (pronounced fir), to the delicacy and art of the exquisite dining experience that exemplifies the region of Hue, Vietnamese cuisine offers the palate a rich and varied experience. Shopaholics will find their appetites handsomely served with an array of ornate lacquer ware, paintings, ceramics and exquisite Vietnamese silk fashions.

NIGHTLIFE
From a dinner in opulent and secluded splendour to dancing the night away at one of the many clubs and discotheques in Vietnam, the nightlife attractions are as spirited as the people.

CLIMATE
Northern Vietnam has winter and summer seasons. The winter, lasting from November to April, is cool and wet with average temperatures of about 15C. In summer (May to October) the temperature rarely exceeds 30C.

Central Vietnam comprises a coastal strip and an upland interior, both with distinct climates. Most precipitation arrives in the coastal area between December and February. The dry season lasts from June to October. In the upland region the dry season lasts from December to March with temperatures hovering around a daily average of 23C.

Southern Vietnam is rarely cold. Temperatures dip to a low of around 20C. The dry season (November to April) is the best time to visit. March/April are the hottest months of the year in Ho Chi Minh City and temperatures can reach 35C. During the rainy season (May to October) there are often daily bursts of intense rain lasting for an hour or more. The rain usually arrives mid-afternoon or during the night.

MONEY
The local currency is the Vietnam Dong (VND)

Approx: 15,800 = US$1. Hotel prices are listed in US Dollars. Credit cards are widely accepted in up-market shops, restaurants, hotels and airline offices. ATM's can be found in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

INTERNET RESOURCES
Internet and email access can be organised by your hotel. Internet cafes are widely available throughout the country and rates are very reasonable.

TIME
Vietnam is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Meantime (GMT).

HEALTH
If you are unfortunate enough to get ill during your stay, there are a number of international clinics and hospitals available - also medical evacuation services.

VISA
Vietnam already has a visa exemption scheme in place for Japanese visitors and those from five ASEAN countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

Visitors from all other countries must be in possession of a valid visa. Tourist visas are valid for one month and can be obtained from the Vietnamese Embassy in your country.

Saigontourist Holding Company (SHC) has summited to the Goverment and HCMC authorities a proposal to offer visa exemption to French tourists and a number of ASEAN countries in 2004.

BY AIR
Some twenty international airlines including Vietnam Airlines, Air France, and Cathay Pacific provide scheduled flights to both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

The national carrier, Vietnam Airlines offers scheduled flights from key travel hubs in the region. Together with Pacific Airlines they are the sole operators of domestic flights in Vietnam. Flights can be booked through any travel agent or Vietnam Airlines Representative Offices overseas. Vietnam recently upgraded its entire domestic fleet to include only Airbus A320/321, Boeing B767 - 300s, Boeing 777 - 200ER, ATR 72s and Fokker 70 aircraft.

BUS/CAR/TRAIN
Buses with air conditioning and comfortable seats are easy to book. Chauffeur driven cars are widely available and can also be booked through your hotel or travel agent. Your hotel should also be able to arrange train travel. Although this mode of transport is rather slow, it is a serene way to see the Vietnamese countryside.

Metered taxis are widely available throughout the cities. Flag fares start from between 5,000 VND and 12,000 VND. Major hotels can organise the rental of cars and drivers for the duration of your stay. Cyclos are commonly used for short hops of between one and two kilometres. Fares should be negotiated beforehand, but should be in the region of 5,000 VND - 20,000 VND.