Category: Travel essentials

Vietnam operates on Indochina Time (ICT, UTC+7), which means it follows a fixed time zone year-round with no daylight saving adjustments. Here’s how Vietnam’s time compares to major cities worldwide: London: +7 hours ahead (adjust for daylight savings) New York: +12 hours ahead (EST), +11 hours during daylight savings (EDT) Los Angeles: +15 hours ahead […]

Mobile phones are as widespread in Vietnam as they are globally. However, landline booths can still be found at airports and bus stations, though they only accept prepaid phone cards, not coins. Public phone services are also available in post offices, where call charges are displayed in real-time, and you pay afterward. Making Calls in […]

Sending and receiving mail in Vietnam can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on your location and the type of service used. Standard Mail Services In major cities, international mail delivery typically takes 8–10 days. However, in remote areas, it may take up to four weeks. Postal rates are affordable: sending […]

When traveling or doing business in Vietnam, understanding standard operating hours can help you plan your schedule efficiently. While hours can vary depending on the type of establishment, here’s what you can generally expect: General Business Hours Most offices operate from 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM, but after lunch, […]

Vietnam observes several public holidays throughout the year, including national celebrations, historical commemorations, and cultural festivals. Some holidays follow the lunar calendar, meaning dates may vary annually. Official Public Holidays in Vietnam January 1 – New Year’s Day (Tết Dương Lịch) Late January to mid-February (dates vary) – Tet Holiday (Tết Nguyên Đán), the Vietnamese […]

Vietnamese Currency Vietnam’s official currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND), represented as “đ” or “d” after an amount. Banknotes are available in various denominations, with the most commonly used being: Polymer notes: 20,000đ, 50,000đ, 100,000đ, 200,000đ, and 500,000đ. Paper notes: 1,000đ, 2,000đ, and 5,000đ, though they are less common. Coins: Available in denominations from 200–500đ […]

When traveling in Vietnam, digital maps and navigation apps are the most convenient and up-to-date way to find your way around. Top Digital Maps & Navigation Apps Google Maps – Offers detailed routes, real-time traffic updates, and public transport options. Maps.me – A reliable offline map app with comprehensive walking and cycling routes. Diadiem.com – […]

Keeping your clothes fresh while traveling in Vietnam is easy and affordable, with various laundry options available in most cities and tourist areas. Hotel Laundry Services Most mid-range and high-end hotels offer in-house laundry services, but prices can vary significantly. Some budget hotels and hostels also provide laundry facilities—always check the rates beforehand. Local Laundry […]

Staying connected in Vietnam is easier than ever, with widespread Wi-Fi access and mobile data coverage across the country. However, internet use remains monitored and regulated by the government, and certain restrictions apply. Wi-Fi & Mobile Connectivity Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés, restaurants, and even smaller towns. Free Wi-Fi is standard in most […]

Having comprehensive travel insurance is a must when visiting Vietnam, covering theft, loss, illness, or injury. While Vietnam is generally a safe destination, unexpected situations can arise, making the right insurance plan essential. Medical Coverage & Emergency Evacuation Medical facilities in Vietnam vary in quality, with international hospitals available in major cities but limited healthcare […]