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Vietnam... Handy Info
Currency The official currency is the Dong although US dollars are widely accepted. Traveller's cheques can be cashed at certain banks (even if drawn from a US bank). Visa and MasterCard are accepted in some of the larger hotels and restaurants, whilst cash advances are available at selected banks. In general the best advice is to bring US$ cash and travellers cheques. Click here for an estimate of current exchange rates.
	Transport Taxis: There is now an official metered taxi service, which is reasonably priced. However many private vehicle operators as unofficial taxis with fares subject to negotiation and agreed in advance. Most visitors prefer to hire a car or mini-van with driver by the day or by the hour from reputable travel agents. Bicycles/Motorbikes: These can be hired from many small outlets in the city centre. Bicycles rent from US$1 per day, while 50cc motorcycles start at us$5 per day.
Climate The climate in Vietnam varies significantly by region as follows: The South has a sub-tropical climate with average temperatures of 27°C. The dry season lasts from November to June. The Central Highlands temperature can reach 30°C at midday, with nighttime lows of 15°C. In the Central coastal regions, wet season lasts from April to September. Average temperatures range from 27°C in the south to 25°C in the north.
	The North is characterised by a winter season (November to April) and a summer season. Winter temperatures average from 18°C in Hanoi to below 10°C in the highlands. Summer temperatures are similar to central regions. Rainfall is unpredictable and not seasonal History Click Here for a brief history of Vietnam
Health Visitor's to Vietnam are recommended to have up to date inoculations. It is best to consult your doctor on the best preventative measures. Over the counter prescription drugs are widely available in major cities. In addition there are hospitals in HCM City and Hanoi with special wards dedicated to the treatment of foreigners. Foreign doctors are available. Language Vietnamese is the official language, but a variety of other languages are also spoken including Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, English, French and Russian.
	Electricty A combination of 110 volts and 220 volts, both at 50 cycles. Guests are advised to consult with the hotel if unsure of the type of voltage or if electrical faults occur. Food Saigon has an increasing selection of international restaurants including Italian, French, Indian, Japanese and Chinese. Vietnamese cuisine is rivaled only by the abundant array of tropical fare such as dragon fruit, longans and rambutans that form the perfect compliment to any meal.
Other helpful hints Personal Security: Visitors are advised to carry only small amounts of cash in fastened pockets or handbags. All hotels have safe deposit facilities. Tipping: Tipping is not widespread in Vietnam but there is an increasing expectation from foreigners. Tips, when given, should be in low denomination Dong. A tip of 50,000d is considered sufficient for short trips. A 10% service charge is usually added to bills in better quality restaurants and hotels.
	Hue... Vietnam's Royal City With a long history as one of Vietnam’s most important cultural and religious centers, Hue today is a popular stop for tourists because of the impressive tombs of the Nguyen Emperors, the Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Imperial Citadel. The Imperial Citadel reminiscent of pre-communist Vietnam, is one reason why Hue became a Unesco World Heritage in 1993. This charming small city located by the Perfume River is also known as the country’s capital for the arts. Because of this, it is host to popular year-round festivals highlighting local artists, painters, poets, song-writers and theatrical performers. One such festival is called the “Festival of Hue”. The Grand Opening Ceremony is scheduled to take place on June 5, 2010 at Ngo Mon Square. To get to Hue take the train or a domestic flight from Hanoi or Saigon Airport. If you prefer going by car you can take the easy driving distance of Danang or Hoi An.
Sights & Attractions - The Imperial Citadel, first constructed in the early 19th century, is composed of several levels of inner and outer courtyards. Badly damaged in the Vietnam-American War, much of the Citadel is now in ruins and many areas are now devoted to agriculture. Within the Citadel, popular sights include the Flag Tower from which flies the tallest flag in Vietnam. Moreover there is the Imperial City, modelled after the Forbidden City in Peking. Within the Imperial Enclosure are numerous palaces, temples and libraries, including the Forbidden Purple City, dedicated solely to the private life of the King. Visitors can find also here the Thai Hoa Palace, a spacious reception hall with an ornate timber roof as well as the Halls of the Mandarins. Other important attractions within the Imperial Enclosure are the Nine Dynastic Urns, each cast and ornamented for a different Nguyen Sovereign.
Thien Mu Pagoda is a traditionally constructed octagonal tower and has become one of Vietnam’s most familiar landmarks because of its seven-storey structure. The pagoda is beautifully set on the banks of the Perfume River, so visitors can enjoy a scenic view. The Royal Tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty are located to the south of Hue and along the Perfume River. Constructed on a monumental scale, each of the tombs is a series of graceful courtyards and ponds interspersed with temples and leading to the sepulchre and honor courtyard. Most also include a stele pavilion recording the deeds and virtues of the dead emperor.
The most popular tombs to visit are Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, Emperor Tu Duc and of Emperor Khai Dinh. The Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang was built in 1840 and is well known for its magnificent architecture, military statuaries and elaborate decorations. The tomb is perhaps one of the most beautiful of Hue's pagodas and tombs. The Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc built by himself and used it for meditation, reading and theater performances. Today, visitors can wander through the many pavilions and courtyards in their tranquil setting of forested hills and lakes. The Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh is the last of the Nguyen tombs to be constructed. It was completed in 1931, perched on the slopes of Chau E Mountain in Chau Chau Village. Strong European influence are visible in the architecture and decor, distinguishing this from the style of the other tombs.
	If you are curious how local people live and want to see something very traditional then visit one of the near situated Hat Making Villages (Phu Cam, Tay Thuong, Thanh Ha, Xuan Thuy). There you can see how incense and conical hats are made. Or you can go to the Dong Ba Market, which is a local market located near the Imperial City and the place where the Dong Ba Canal joins the Perfume River. This 2-storey market is where you can experience some Vietnamese food and delicacies.
Royal / Imperial Dinner - Many restaurants offer nowadays the so called Imperial or Royal Dinner for the tourists. The elaborate meal likened to the meals of the kings and emperors. Clients become served a royal menu with the most typical special food of Vietnam cooked in a special way. The visitors are dressed up in royal costumes, served by people dressed up as royal servants. The Imperial Dinner mostly includes a traditional music performance or traditional show. Imperial Dinner can be arranged by many hotels or restaurants in Hue.