HO CHI MINH TRAVEL GUIDE
General view Some places for going out at night Restaurants and traditional food Emergency call and necessary addresses Travel agent and place to visit in HCM Transportation Viet Nam travel tips Necessary documents
AIESEC in Foreign Trade University HCMC www.facebook.com/aiesecftu Email : aiesecftu.hcmc@aiesec.net
This guideline will provide basic information about life, food, entertainment and travel in Ho Chi Minh City. It will help you not only to prepare for your internship but also to adapt better to one of the most energetic environments in Vietnam. Please do use it as a resource so that you can understand more about the life here. 1
Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as
Saigon or by the abbreviation HCMC, is the city in Vietnam. It's a bustling, dynamic and industrious centre, the economic capital and the cultural trendsetter. Yet within the teeming metropolis are the timeless traditions and beauty of an ancient culture. Saigon was officially renamed Ho Chi Minh City on May 1st 1975. However, the old Saigon moniker is still very widely used by both Vietnamese and foreigners -- especially when referring to the most central part of the city, to which most tourists flock.
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AIESEC in FOREIGN TRADE UNIVERSITY HO CHI MINH CITY In September 2008, AIESEC FTU was established and became the first stable university-based branch of AIESEC in Vietnam. AIESEC in FTU HCMC is very new and exciting. Our members are motivated and eager to learn. We always try our best to help you here and we hope that you will have an amazing experience and wonderful internship.
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Allez Boo
187 Pham Ngu Lao, D1
3.837-2505
Apocalypse Now
2C Thi Sach, Dist.1
3.825-6124
Bellevue Bar
– Majestic Hotel
1 Dong Khoi St, D1
3.829-5517
Club 27
27 Ngo Duc Ke, D1
3.823-1963
Lodge Bui Bar
39/2 Pham Ngoc Thach, D1
3.824-1963
Dragon
46-50 Dong Khoi St., Dist.1
3.823-8309
Catwalk
76 Le Lai, New World Hotel, D1
3.824-3760
Elysee Bar
- Sofitel Hotel
17 Le Duan, D1
3.824-1555
Go 2
187 De Tham St, D1
3.836-9575
International
Tourist Club
76 Le Lai, D1
3.824-3760
La Casa Latina
11 Thai Van Lung, D1
3.822-3240
La Habana
6 Cao Ba Quat, D1
3.829-5180
Paradise Coffee
141 Nguyen Hue, D1
3.829-2185
Saigon Bar 19 Lam Son Square. D1
3.82- 4999
131 Dong Khoi St, D1
3.823-2630
-Caravelle
Samsara
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Saxn‟art Club
Underground
-Lucky Plaza
28 Le Loi St, D1
3.822-8472
69 Dong Khoi St, D1
3.829-9079
Vasco‟s Bar
14-16 Cao Ba Quat, D1
3.824-3148
Wild Horse
8A1/D1 Thai Van Lung, D1
3.825-1901
Bingo Club 141 Nguyen Hue St, D1
3.824-6643
8-15 Ton Duc Thang, D1
3.822-1888
76 Le Lai, D1
3.824-3760
– Rex Hotel
Club Royale
International
Tourist Club
Mozo Bar
Vegas Club
80 Dong Du St, D1
– Caravelle Hotel
19 Son Square, D1
3.824-7140
88 Dong Khoi St., Dist.1
3.827-2828
Wine Bar/Nightspot
- Sheraton Level 23,
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And one more awesome place that many foreigners usually gather at night, talking and having fun: Le Pub ď‚—
Address: 175/22 Pham Ngu Lao St, Dist.1
ď‚—
With bars in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Le Pub is often the first choice for expatriates and tourists visiting Vietnam. Serving a wide selection of ice cold
beers, both local
and
international Le PUB also has a great reputation for its food and service.
Notes : The price of these pub, bar is quite expensive. It is often used for high class or middle class in Viet Nam.
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ASIAN RESTAURANTS
Golden Elephant
Small, quaint, Thai décor with friendly service, authentic food at reasonable rates.
34 Hai Ba Trung Tel: 3.822 8554 Temple Club
Elegant Colonial/ Asian style, serving Vietnamese fare at reasonable rates. The comfy living style lounge is a great place to start the evening. Reservations recommended.
29-31 Ton That Thuyet, Dist.1 Tel: 3.829 9244 3T
Located above Temple Club, an outdoor BBQ in Vietnamese style. Each table has own grill. Fun, relaxed and somewhat loud atmosphere. Reservations recommended on weekends.
29-31 Ton That Thuyet, Dist.1 Tel: 3.821 1631 Spice
Terrace on different levels, in/outdoor seating. Authentic Thai cuisine. Good rates. 27C Le Quy Don, Dist.3
Tel: 3.930 7873 Mandarine
High end Vietnamese restaurant. Classywooden 2 story restaurant. Live VN music. Good for dinners to impress. 11A Ngo Van Nam, Dist.1 Tel: 3.822 9783
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DIVERSE WESTERN FOOD RESTAURANTS
Texas Bar.B.Q
Family friendly, „western town‟, outdoor atmosphere. Unlike many menus with a wide selection, their ribs through to the burritos are a delight. Don‟t miss. Thanks giving Dinner. Catering.
206 Pasteur St, Dist.3 Tel:3.823 1459 Au Parc Cafe
2 story, French Café style, popular for breakfast and lunches. Good coffee. Home delivery/ Catering.
23 Han Thuyen, Dist.1 Tel: 3.823 0686 Juice Bar
Great Sandwiches, Salads and juices. Seagrass shots. Theme nights. 49 Mac Thi Buoi, Dist.1
Tel: 823 0686 Al Fresco’s
Fun, family friendly. Kids can draw on tables. Good Tex Mex fare. Catering 27 Dong Du, Dist.1 Tel: 3.822 7317
FRENCH RESTAURANT
Lolyvie 17 Le Duan St, Dist.1 Tel: 3.824 1555 L’En tete 1/F, 139 Nguyen Thai Binh, Dist.1 Tel: 3.821 4049
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INDIAN RESTAURANTS
Alibaba
Excellent north Indian cuisine. Home delivery. 60 Le Than Ton, Dist.1 Tel: 3.823 3594
ITALIAN RESTAURANTS
Pomodoro
Enjoyable food and atmosphere, quality and vegetarian courses available. Mid range. 79 Hai Ba Trung, Dist.1 Tel: 3.823 8957
MEDITERRANEAN
Mekong Merchant
Café ‟inner court‟ med. style, outside. Rustic, cozy atmosphere. Mid range. 23 Thao Dien, Dist.2 Tel: 3.744 4713
SPANISH/CUBAN
La Habana
Fun theme nights, salsa dancing. 6 Cao Ba Quat, Dist.1 Tel: 3.829 5180
VEGETARIAN
Com Chay Nang Tam
Comfy and small, specializes in artificial meat dishes. Low-mid range. 384/40 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Dist.3
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Pho If you can imagine beef noodle soup for breakfast, then you decidedly want to try Pho, a Vietnamese dish that has been around for nearly 100 years. Diverse locations around town. Casual, great soups, inexpensive. “The
soup that built a nation”
Pho 24 : 42.000 VND/bowl. It has 14 stores around the city . Pho Hòa : 35.000 VND/bowl. 260C Pasteur, District 3.
Check out this link for more information. We are sure that you will love it.
http://www.lovingpho.com/category/pho-vietnam/pho-sai-gon/ Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide
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BANH XEO Bánh Xèo are Vietnamese crepe-type pancakes made out of rice flour and coconut milk(optional), and are pan-fried and stuffed with slivers of fatty pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts. Served wrapped with lettuce leaves and stuffed with mint (optional) and other herbs, and dipped in fish sauce.
1. 2. 3.
Banh Xeo an la ghien 100A Cao Thang street, District 3. 778-780 Dien Bien Phu street, District 10. 74 Suong Nguyet Anh street, District 1. www.banhxeoanlaghien.com.vn Banh Xeo Dinh Cong Trang 46 A Dinh Cong Trang, District 1 Price : 40.000 VND – 60.000 VND/one
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BANH BEO Bánh bèo (literally "water fern cake") is a variety of small steamed rice cake or rice pancake in Vietnamese cuisine. It is white in color and typically features a dimple in the center, which is filled with savory ingredients including chopped dried or fresh shrimp, bean paste, crispy fried shallots, fish sauce, rice vinegar, and oil. Bánh bèo Thanh Nga: 45b Ky Dong street, District 3 opposite Ky Dong pool) Bánh bèo Vỹ Dạ: 62 Ly Tu Trong street, district 1. Price: 10.000 VND/cup
BANH TRANG Trảng Bàng dew-wetted rice paper (Vietnamese language: Bánh tráng phơi sương Trảng Bàng) is a flexible two layer- rice paper. People wrap rice paper around a range of ingredients: pork simmered in coconut water, and a variety of vegetables, such as cucumber, coriander, Thai basil, spearmint, houttuynia cordata, peppermint or perilla. People serve it with sweet and sour fish sauce. Banh Trang Hoang Ty 106 Cao Thang street, Ward 4, District 3. 459-461 CMT8 street, Ward 13, District 10. 691B Xo Viet Nghe Tinh street, Binh Thanh District. Banh Trang Trang Bang 142 Ly Thai To street, District 3 Price: depend on which dish you order, around 150.000-200.000/2 persons
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BUN BO HUE Bun bo Hue (literally: Hue style beef rice vermicelli) or more specifically, bún bò giò heo (literally: beef and pig's knuckle rice vermicelli) is a popular Vietnamese soup rice vermicelli dish
The broth is prepared by cooking beef bones for a long period of time, as well as a large variety of different spices including lemon grass and chili. Shrimp paste is also a very important ingredient. I LOVE BÚN 73 Ly Tu Trong , District 1. It has a lot of kind of “bun” here. The price is around 35.000 – 60.000/bowl BÚN BÒ THÀNH NộI HUế 47A Tran Cao Van, District 3.
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CHA GIO ( FRIED SPRING ROLL) A popular dish in Vietnamese cuisine and usually served as an appetizer in America and European countries, where there are large Vietnamese communities. The main structure of a roll of “chả giò” is commonly seasoned ground meat, mushrooms, and diced vegetables such as carrots and jicama, rolled up in a sheet of moist rice paper. The roll is then deep fried until the rice paper coat turns crispy and golden brown.
GOI CUON ( FRESH SPRING ROLL) Ingredients include slivers of boiled or fried pork, shrimp, chicken, beef, fresh herbs, lettuce, sometimes fresh garlic chives, rice vermicelli, all wrapped in moistened rice paper, served cold with dipping sauce (nước chấm) or hoi sin sauce. The salad roll is easily distinguished from a "minced pork roll" by the fact that it is not fried, the ingredients used are different.
“Cha gio” and “ Goi cuon” can be easily found around Ho Chi Minh City. The price is quite cheap. Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide
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BANH MI It is a Vietnamese baguette made with both wheat and rice flour, but more popularly known as a type of sandwich traditionally made with this type of baguette. The sandwich is made up of thinly sliced pickled carrots and daikon (do chua), cucumbers, cilantro, chili peppers, pâté, mayonnaise and various meat fillings or tofu. Popular “banh mi “ fillings include roasted or grilled pork, steamed or roasted pork belly, Vietnamese sausage, chicken, head cheese and ham.
“Banh mi” can be found everywhere, usually around the crossroad, near schools, hospitals or crowded areas. Average price : 6000 – 12000 VND
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FRUITS OF VIETNAM Viet Nam is a tropical country. It is famous for variety kind of fruits. They are all so delicious.
Mango
Rambutan ( Chôm chôm) Durian
Litchi ( Vải)
Longan ( Nhãn)
Papaya ( Du Du)
Mangos teen (Mang cut)
Banana
Star fruit You can be easy to find these fruits in market, supermarket … Beside that, we also have Sapodilla, Guava, Waterapple, Star fruit, Corossolier , Jackfruit, Green Dragon
LET’s COME TO VIETNAM AND TRY THESE TROPICAL FRUITS !!! Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide
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EMERGENCY CALL
Police: 113 Fire: 114 Medical: 115 International telephone service: 110 International telephone service enquiries: 142/143 Phone number enquiries: 116 Time ask: 117 Ring back test: 118 Advice on telephone repairs: 119 General information service: 1080 Consultancy service: 1088 VNN/ Internet access number: 1260 VNN access number (International): 1269 Internet service enquiries: 800126
Tips : Remember some important numbers just in case you will need it.
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NECESSARY ADDRESSES Consulates general and Consulates of foreign countries in HCM City: Check out this link:
http://www.eng.hochiminhcity.gov.vn/eng/news/default_opennew.aspx? cat_id=521&news_id=234
Public Health: Cho Ray Hospital: 201B Nguyen Chi Thanh St., District 5. Tel: 38 55 41 37 FV Hospital: 6 Nguyen Luong Bang St., District 7. Tel: 54 11 33 33 115 Hospital: 527 Su Van Hanh St., District 10. Tel: 38 652 368 Bank: HSBC: The Metropolitan, 235 Dong Khoi St., Dist.1. Tel: 38 247 247 Vietcombank: 132 Ham Nghi St., Dist.1. Tel: 3914 1777 Sacombank: 266-268 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St., Dist. 3. Tel: 39 320 420 ACB: 442 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St., Dist.3. Tel: 3929 0999
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Shopping Center: Parkson: 35 Bis-45 Le Thanh Ton St., Dist.1 126 Hung Vuong St., Dist.5 Vincom Center: 66-68-70 Le Thanh Ton St., Dist.1 Diamond Plaza: 34 Le Duan St., Dist.1 Tax Plaza: 35 Nguyen Hue Boulevard, Dist.1 Market/ Supermarket: Ben Thanh Market: intersection of Le Loi, Ham Nghi, Tran Hung Dao Avenues and Le Lai street
COOP-MART Supermarket : 497 Hoa Hao St., Dist.10 18 An Duong Vuong St., Dist.5 127 Dinh Tien Hoang St., Binh Thanh Dist. 168 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St., Dist.3 189C Cong Quynh St., Dist.1
BIG C Supermarket : 202B Hoang Van Thu St., Phu Nhuan Dist. 138A To Hien Thanh St., Dist.10 Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide
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D. TRAVEL AGENTS AND PLACE TO VISIT: TRAVEL AGENT Saigon tourist Travel 49 Le Thanh Ton St., Dist. 1 Phone: 3829-8914 Travel Indochina Suite 1308, Me Linh Point Tower 2 Ngo Duc Ke St., Dist.1 Phone: 3822-7390 Vietravel 190 Pasteur St., Dist.3 Phone: 3822-8898
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Reunification Palace 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St., Dist. 1 Reunification Palace formerly known as Independence Palace, built on the site of the former Norodom Palace, is a landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It was designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu and was the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. It was the site of the end of the Vietnam War during the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates.
The Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theatre 7 Lam Son Square, Dist.1
This is an opera house in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam which is an example of French Colonial architecture in Vietnam. Built in 1897 by a French architect Ferret Eugene, the 800 seat building was used as the home of the Lower House assembly of South Vietnam after 1956. It was not until 1975 that it was again used as a theatre, and restored in 1995.
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City post office 2 Cong Xa Paris St., Dist.1
Located in the heart of the city, the Central Post Office has been a prominent feature of the Ho Chi Minh City. This grand old edifice was constructed between 1886 and 1891 by Gustave Eiffel. The architectural design of this Central Post Office represents the French colonial style. It is no doubt the biggest post office in Vietnam and is an important commercial center of the Ho Chi Minh City. This classic colonial structure stands right next to the Notre Dame Cathedral, at the famous Paris Commune Square in the Ho Chi Minh City
Notre-Dame Cathedral at the corner of Le Duan Boulevard and Hai Ba Trung Street Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica is a cathedral located in the downtown of Saigon, Vietnam. Established by French colonists, the cathedral was constructed between 1863 and 1880. It has two bell towers, reaching a height of 58 meters (190 feet).
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Vietnam History Museum: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem St., Dist.1 The museum has an impressive collection of Vietnamese antiquities. Sadly though, they come with by signs in poor English and are reek of Marxist biases.
The War Remnants Museum 28 Vo Van Tan St., Dist.3 This museum was formerly known as the Exhibition House of American War Crimes. The museums exhibitions include some disturbing photographs of the Vietnam War, a real guillotine, a simulated "tiger cage" prison and jars of deformed fetuses blamed on Agent Orange.
The Cu Chi tunnels are northwest of the city in Cu Chi district The tunnels of Cu Chi are an immense network of connecting underground tunnels located in the Cu Chi district of Ho Chi Minh City and are part of a much larger network of tunnels that underlie much of the country. The Cu Chi tunnels were the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War. The 75-mile (121 km)-long complex of tunnels at Cu Chi has been preserved by the government of Vietnam, and turned into a war memorial park. The tunnels are a popular tourist attraction, and visitors are invited to crawl around in the safer parts of the tunnel system.
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The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens: 2B Nguyen Binh Khiem St., Dist.1 As one of the oldest zoos in the world, the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden is famous not only with Vietnamese but also with foreign visitors. It is the home for many rare orchids, ornamental plants, and over a hundred species of mammals, reptiles and birds. Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden is a cultural place of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). It was ranked eighth among the oldest zoos in the world. Up to now, it is 133 years old
The Can Gio Eco beach resort www.cangioresort.com.vn Three-star Can Gio Resort is situated on romantic 30/4 beach, in the midst of a windy casuarinas forest and waves crashing onto the beach. With 80 bungalows, eco-lodges and relax, gracefully built in traditional Vietnamese style, are well appointed with air conditioners, private bathrooms, IDD telephones, mini-bars, and cable televisions, Carrot Restaurant and Rung Sac Restaurant, swimming pool and Jacuzzi, private karaoke, Massage-Sauna-Steam bath, tennis courts and international meeting room. To avoid crowd noise and environmental pollution from city center, in Can Gio Resort people shall enjoy to the full of fresh air, privacy and peacefulness as well as the wonders of nature.
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The Dam Sen Tourist and Cultural Park http://www.damsenpark.com.vn/
Dam Sen is an excellent relaxing place for all ages. Especially, teenagers are the most popular patrons attracted by a variety of amusement and shows such as: Roller Coaster, Winding Fall, Magic Flying Carpet, the Virtual World, Swinging Height... Dam Sen park always makes every effort to ensure that its patrons would be offered the most up-to-date entertainments.
Suoi Tien Amusement and Culture Park
www.suoitien.com
Suoi Tien is no longer a wild place. Suoi Tien Cultural Theme Park has become one of the most attractive park of the country and is on the way to joint the rank of international standard cultural parks in the world. And it is now in the first stage construction of a great scale project with total area about 106 ha, rather big as compared to Southeast Asia size. There is a tradition that Suoi Tien area has been a place which gathers sacred legends.
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When making arrangements to travel by public bus it is advisable to have a Vietnamese speaking per accompanying in order to maximize clear communication and needs of services. Vietnam has an extensive network of buses. Intercity buses depart from and arrive at a variety around HCMC. It takes about 3000 – 5000 VND/time
Saigon Train Station: 1 Nguyen Thong, District 3
Tel:3931 2795
Saigon-Nha Trang “5 Star Express” 297 Pham Ngu Lao, District 1 Tel: 3.920 6868 Tickets purchase : Saigon Railway Tourist Services
275C D Pham Ngu Lao
Tel: 3.836 7640
The basic fee for taxis in Saigon starts 10.000 VND for the first 0,8 kms. Taxis are by far the most efficient way to travel in Saigon. It recommends clarifying knowledge of destination before you take off. Taxi bookings can be made through the following numbers: Vinasun Taxi (Standard & Deluxe) TEL: 08 38 27 27 27 Mai Linh Deluxe TEL: 08 38 26 26 26 Mai Linh Taxi TEL: 08 38 38 38 38
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•
Travel agencies, hotels and cafes are all in the car rental business. Renting a motorbike is the fastest and easiest way to get around the city. A 100cc motorbike can be rented for USD5 to USD8 per day and your passport may be kept as collateral. Helmets are also available to rent around USD1 per day.
Car Rentals Ben Thanh Tourist Co. 86 Ly Tu Trong, Dist.1
Tel: 3.829 0279
• Motorbike Rentals Saigon Scooter Centre: 25/7 Cuu Long, W2, Tan Binh District Tel: 3.844 7816 Motorbike Rental 165 Pham Ngu Lao, Dist.1 Tel: 3.837 4916 Green lines – Perto Express Ben Bach Dang, District 1 Tel: 3.821 5609 Note : It will cost about 50$ - 70$ / per month to rent a motorbike for a long term. NOTE ABOUT DRIVING IN VIETNAM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Vietnamese drive on the right hand side. There is no national seat-belt law. When traveling by motorbike, you must wear helmet. It is compulsory by law. If you feel want to drive you need to have a current foreign license. It is recommended that you try to get an „International License‟ in your own country before you move.
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“When in Rome do as the Romans do”
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WEATHER ( The tropical south Viet Nam) The difference in precipitation between the two seasons (dry from November to May and rainy from June to October) is more obvious than elsewhere in Vietnam. However, the rain in the wet season is often limited to heavy showers at the end of the afternoon, and the weather is warm throughout the year. Annual rainfall in the south is approximately 65 inches and temperatures remain relatively constant –between 30°C and 35°C during the day and from 20°C to 25°C at night – throughout the year.
ELECTRICITY The usual voltage is between 220V and 240V, 50 cycle Two-pin (ungrounded) plug is more popular than three-pin one. If you have any devices needing a special outlet, please bring its adapter kit. The best investment is a universal AC adapter, which will enable you to plug it in anywhere without frying the innards.
SHOPPING
In the market or small shop, you have to bargain. TIPS: Bargaining should be good-natured, smile and don‟t get angry or argue. Once the money is accepted, the deal is done. In some cases you will be able to get a 50% discount or more especially in Ben Thanh market, Sai Gon Square …, at other times this may only be 10%. NOTES : If you buy DVD‟s or CD‟s, ask if it is good quality or not. If you don‟t ask they are quite happy to sell you the bad quality one. DVD‟s cost approximately 15.000 VND (around $1 USD).
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PHONE CALL Make direct calls International code: Domestic code: Vietnamese code:
00 0 84
To Vietnam: 00 + 84 + [city / network code] + [phone number] From Vietnam: 00 + [destination-country code] + [phone number] Within city: [phone number] To other city: 0 + [city code] + [phone number] To city phone: 0 + [Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City‟s code] + [phone number] (dial phone number directly when you are in the same city) To mobile phones: 0 + [network code] + [phone number] From mobile phones: 0 + [city / network code] + [phone number] Discount options 171 service: dial 171 at the beginning of any calls (or at the end when call to mobile phones), save up 50%; Buy a SIM card with local number for your mobile phone.
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DO
Store your cash, credit cards, airline tickets and other valuables in a safe place. Most 4-star hotels have in-room safes, otherwise ask the reception to keep your valuable things in their deposit facility. Passport : You should leave your passport locked in the safe at the hotel/ your room. You need to carry a copy of your passport with you at all times, but it is best to leave the original in a locked safe. There will be times that you need it to do your paperwork, but it is safer if you don't carry it around with you all of the time. Take a hotel business card from the reception desk or write your address in a piece of paper. This will make your return to the hotel/ house in a taxi or cyclo much easier. Dress appropriately. Not only for the prevailing weather, but also not to cause offence to the local people. Vietnamese have conservative dress codes, and it is only in larger cities that these codes are a little more relaxed. Do not wear revealing clothing. Drink plenty of bottled water. During the summer months you should be drinking a minimum of two liters per day. If you drink tea, coffee & alcohol you should increase you water intake accordingly as these will help to dehydrate you. Tipping is not necessary in Vietnam. However, small VND is appreciated in food and beverage venue and other services.
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DON’T
Never carry more money than you need when walking around the streets. Do not wear large amounts of jewelry. There are two reasons for not doing this: (1) It is considered impolite to flaunt wealth in public; (2) It is more likely that you may become a victim of a pickpocket or drive-by bag snatcher. Don't wear singlet, shorts, dresses or skirts, or tops with low-neck lines and bare shoulders to Temples and Pagodas. Never lose your temper in public or when bargaining for a purchase. This is considered a serious loss of face for both parties. Always maintain a cool and happy demeanor and you will be reciprocated with the same. Do not try to take photographs of military installations or anything to do with the military. This can be seen as a breach of national security. When taking a ride by motorbike taxi (xe om) make sure your bag, if any, is not on display or easy to grab. Bag snatches, although still rare, are probably the most likely crime a tourist would encounter, and it raises the probability immensely if you are tailing a camera or a laptop in the wind. Physical displays of affection between lovers in public are frowned upon. That‟s why you may come across couples holding hands but not hugging or kissing. Remember, this is Vietnam, a developing country, and things don‟t quite work as you are maybe used to. Don‟t be paranoid about your safety, just be aware of your surroundings. Please do not give money to beggars or street children. Most times it is a band working together and no one knows what the money is used for. If you are having difficulties, you can kindly say “Khong” (No).
The above advice is meant to help you have a perfect trip to Vietnam. Do not be overly paranoid though. Generally, Vietnamese people are very appreciative if they see you trying to abide by the customs, and very forgiving if you get it wrong or forget. If you make the effort, you will be rewarded.
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LUGGAGE PACKAGE TIPS
General Duffel bag - waterproof and with a lock, or easily wheeled suitcase 5-6 zip lock bags (They come in handy for all kinds of uses.) Sun glasses or reading glasses Good walking shoes and sandal Good trekking shoes (for trekking tour) or slippers (for beach relaxing tour) Mobile phone
Optional
• • • •
Camera and film Head phone and your favorite music compact disc (CDs). Favorite Books/ Vietnam Guide book/Diary Biro pens, pencils, note book
Basic Clothes Notes: Dress in Ho Chi Minh City tends to be quite casual because of the warm, humid, tropical climate. It is hot in summer, around 28 – 320C For women, casual cotton pants and skirts are most acceptable for daytime wear, but bare sundresses and short shorts are frowned upon, especially in pagodas & temples. Health equipment and Medical Items Throat lozenges and cough medicine Aspirin or Tylenol Band-Aids and beta dine ointment Cold medicine and antihistamines Suntan lotion 100% UV effective (25 SPF or higher) Hand/body lotion Eye drops Antiseptic toilettes Insect/ mosquito repellent Note: You will need to pack sharp objects in checked baggage due to tightened airline security Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide
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International Airline ticket Passport and photocopies of your passport Visa or Visa approval letter and some color passport photos (size 4x6cm) (at least 2) Insurance document (if any) Cash. The salary will be paid after one month working. So you have to pay your own expense in the first month. Maybe you should bring around $1500 - $2000 with you To make work permit, you need:
Criminal Record (origin country) in English Degree Certificate (copy) in English. The photocopies of
degree certificate must be notarized.
Health check : will be made in Viet Nam
Tips : You need to translate necessary documents into English before going to Viet Nam because it costs a lot of money to translate here.
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