Entry Regulations:

All Canadian citizens require a Canadian passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of your entry into the country. An entry visa is necessary to enter Vietnam prior to arrival. You will need to fill out an application form, 2 passport size photo and a copy of your passport to obtain an entry visa.

Please check with your country’s Foreign Affairs office to find out about entry requirements for non-Canadians and Americans.

Climate:

Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate with wet and dry seasons varying from north to south and with elevation changes. November-April is the dry season in the north, Central Highlands and south. Temperatures range from 14-33 degrees Celsius.

Currency:

The basic unit of currency is the Vietnamam Dong (VND). At present, the exchange rate is VND20,921 to C$1 and VND20,830 to US$1. As exchange rates fluctuate many times every day, this rate might not accurately reflect the rate during your trip. Please check exchange rates closer to your date of travel.

Electricity:

Vietnam uses both the 110 and 220 volt system.

Tip: This system may differ from the one you use at home. If it is different, please purchase an adaptor from a travel store near you, to take advantage of the power ports in your hotel room.

Language:

The official language is Vietnamese, tonal language with a mixture of Mon-Khmer, Thai and Chinese. French is still spoken among the older generation while English is more likely to be the second language of the younger generation.

Health Requirement:

No vaccination certificates are required unless coming from an infected area. For all health requirements and recommendations, travellers should check with their doctors for change in requirements.

Airport Facilities and Tax:

The international airports are Tan Son Nhat (Saigon) International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City and the Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. Departure taxes are formulated into the price of your airline ticket.

Shopping:

Vietnam is particularly known for its various styles of lacquer ware (mother of pearl inlay and duck shell) and its growing silk industry. Contemporary paintings and copies of masterpiece work are also widely available in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Extreme caution should be noted when buying goods. Any goods that are considered "antique" will be confiscated. It is illegal to export any item that might be considered "antique" from Vietnam.

Cuisine:

Traditional Vietnamese cuisine boasts 500 specialties varying from the famous spring rolls to tamarind crab. Meals are generally not spicy but make use of a wide array of interesting sauces. Ho Chi Minh City has an increasing selection of international restaurants including Italian, French, Indian, Japanese and Chinese.

For more information please visit:

http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/report-en.asp?country=316000