Vietnam is known as an attractive country by its unique and rich culture, spectacular sceneries and cordial people. Despite Vietnam's ongoing economic liberalization and the pressures of rapid development, the country has managed to preserve its rich civilization and highly cultured society. Most visitors to Vietnam are overwhelmed by the sublime beauty of the country's natural setting : the Red River Delta in the north, the Mekong Delta in the south and almost the entire coastal strip which is a patchwork of brilliant green rice paddies tended by women in conical hats. There are some divine beaches along the coast too, while inland there are soaring mountains, some of which are cloaked by dense, misty forests.
Geography
Land area: 330,991square kilometer
Population: Over 80million
On the world map, Vietnam lies at the center of South East Asia making an S-shaped stretch of land on the East side of the Indochina peninsula, facing the Eastern Sea (South China Sea) on the Pacific Ocean. Vietnam's coastline is more than 3,260 kms in length or almost twice that of the country from North to South, a natural endowment that gives it a great tourism potential. Vietnam has common borders with many countries: to the North with China, East and Southeast with Laos and Cambodia. Other neighboring countries include Thailand, Myanmar, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei. The topography is very diverse with mountain ranges, rivers, forest, sea, highland, deltas, etc. Although it is a country that is located entirely in the tropical region, it has areas that enjoy conditions of temperate zone like Sa Pa or Da Lat, which has been dubbed Switzerland of South East Asia by passionate travelers.
Immigration - Customs Requirement
Travellers to Vietnam planning to bring in more than 3,000 USD and 300 grams of gold per person have to declare the information at the customs. Below is the quota of luggage exempt from tax:
Prohibited goods for import: weaponry, drugs, poisonous chemicals, pornographic press, fire crackers, second hand consumer goods, second hand vehicles, etc.
Visa
The entry visas are obtainable from the nearest Vietnamese Embassy with the assistance of a travel agent or upon arrival for countries that have no Vietnamese missions. The validity of tourist visa is about one month and could be extended. Photo, passport and personal data required should be given. All delegates will be given the official letter of invitation by BIDV in addition to the invitation letter issued by ADFIAP.
For delegates coming from countries that do not have Vietnamese missions,and would prefer to get their respective visas upon arrival, kindly send the following documents to Ms. Sandy Lim, on or before 15 February as it takes quite some time for the Immigration Office in Hanoi to approve visa upon arrival.
1) Scanned passport (showing photo and passport details)
2) Confirmation of Attendance Form
After February 15, we will leave it up to the delegates to secure their respective visa at the nearest country where Vietnamese missions are located. (Please refer to Annex 3 for Confirmation of Attendance Form and Annex 4 for List of Vietnamese Overseas Mission.
Vietnamese language
The official language in Vietnam is Vietnamese. English is also widely used in public service areas.
Climate
Vietnam is located in the tropical zone characterized by sunshine, high rainfall, humidity and monsoon. Most mountainous regions are temperate. The annual average temperature is from 22ºC to 27ºC with two distinguished seasons in general: the cold and dry one from November to April and the other hot and wet from May to October. Especially the North has four distinct seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. In September, the temperature varies from 20-30 degrees.
Clothing
Modern apparel are popular, except at the traditional festival or special events when women wear the long dress or “ao dai”..
Currency
The Vietnamese currency is Dong (VND). Banknotes in circulation are 200 Dong, 500 Dong, 1,000 Dong, 2,000 Dong, 5,000 Dong, 10,000 Dong, 20,000 Dong, 50,000 Dong, 100,000 Dong and 500,000 Dong. The rate of exchange is approximately 1 USD = 16,040 Dong (as of December 2006). Foreign currencies can be exchanged at the bank, exchange bureau or hotel reception desk. Travelers' cheque and most of Credit cards are accepted in the major cities :
(Hanoi, Hochiminh, Haiphong …)
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