Visas for Hanoi

Visas for Hanoi

Tourist visas are necessary for almost all visitors except those holding passports from selected Asean countries as well as citizens of Korea, Japan and Scandinavian countries. Tourist visas are valid for single entries only and for a period not exceeding 30 days. For more information on how to obtain a visa, contact the Vietnamese embassy in your home country.

Languages of Hanoi

Languages of Hanoi

A distinct local dialect of Vietnamese is spoken by Hanoi locals, although the primary form of the language used by the media and government is understood by the majority of the city's residents. English is normally spoken only by those working in the tourist industry and by some students.

Hanoi Safety Tips

Hanoi Safety Tips

Hanoi is not a dangerous city and most visitors enjoy holidays in the city free from any unfortunate incidents. A certain degree of petty crime is present and some basic steps should be taken to minimise the risk of being targeted by thieves. Wallets and purses are easy pickings in crowded places so keep them in hard to reach places and keep cash in a money belt if possible. Bags also are common targets, both for snatchers and thieves looking to help themselves to their contents in busy public places, so make sure you wear them securely about your person and keep them within visual range at all times.

Visitors should be wary of the possibility of being scammed during their stay. Taxi drivers (including motorcycle taxi drivers) are known for charging foreigners a higher rate so be sure to establish a price for your journey before you start or make sure that the meter is operational before you agree to go anywhere. Check your change when making any purchases and exercise caution and vigilance in any situation that involves parting with money. Bear in mind that pedestrians have few rights in Hanoi and that crossing the road can be a hazardous experience. Exercise extreme caution, especially in busy areas such as around the Hoan Kiem Lake. Never presume that vehicles will stop or make any allowances for you, irrespective of whether you are already part way across the road.

Etiquette in Hanoi

Etiquette in Hanoi

The concept of 'face' is a significant facet of Vietnamese culture and can influence many aspects of day to day socialisations. From a visitor's perspective, it's important to avoid behaviour that is likely to cause others to lose 'face'. This includes public criticism of locals, irrespective of whether they have erred or not. Losing one's temper in public is considered unacceptable and in doing so you are deemed to have lost 'face' in the eyes of those around you. As in much of Asia, the head and feet have special significance in Vietnamese culture. The head is considered spiritually important and hence it's inappropriate to touch people on this part of their body. In contrast, the feet are considered lowly and dirty and should not be raised in public, brought into contact with other people or used to point to things.

Currency of Hanoi

Currency of Hanoi

The currency in Hanoi is the Vietnamese dong, which is issued in banknotes only. Denominations available include: 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000 dong notes. US dollars are also widely accepted. Visitors may tender dollars as payment but receive change in dong. The import and export of local currency is strictly forbidden, but there are no restrictions on foreign currency.

Currency can be exchanged at the majority of the city's banks and at official bureau de change counters located throughout the city. also offer exchange services, but they generally provide less favourable rates. Best avoided are the local characters offering exchange services on the street, as their rates are generally the worst and their honesty is often questionable. ATMs can be found in various locations, especially in the main tourist areas such as around Hoan Kiem Lake and in the Old Quarter. Machines accept most foreign cards, although it's wise to bring a card endorsed or issued by a reputable credit firm such as American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Maestro, Cirrus or Diners Club. Withdrawal charges may be made by the user's bank or card issuer.

Tourist Information in Hanoi

Tourist Information in Hanoi

A tourist information office is situated on Dinh Tien Hoang, north of Hoan Kiem Lake. The office provides a large selection of services for visitors including information on attractions, accommodation and transportation (phone: +84 4 926 3366). An alternative information office can be found at 80 Quan Su (phone: +84 4 942 4115).

Health Care in Hanoi

Health Care in Hanoi

Immunisations against hepatitis A and B and typhoid are recommended for all visitors, while anyone planning on close contact with animals should consider a course of rabies vaccinations. Those planning on venturing into rural areas should be vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis.

Tap water is not considered potable, however, bottled water is cheap and readily available. Use bottled water to brush teeth and avoid ice in drinks as its purity cannot be guaranteed. Standards of hygiene in eateries often fall below that deemed necessary in Western countries so visitors are advised to be choosey with regards to where they eat. While eating at market stalls and street-side food vendors is a good way of sampling authentic local food, it may also lead to gastric upset, so think twice if you have a delicate digestive system. Visitors who take ill or have an accident that requires medical attention will get basic treatment but will find the standard of care in Hanoi's government hospitals below that of Western medical centres. There are several private facilities aimed specifically at tourists and expats where a higher standard of treatment is available. Vietnam International Hospital: +84 4 574 0740 Ambulance: 115

Hanoi Customs

Hanoi Customs

Visitors are permitted to bring the following into the country without incurring duty payments: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; and 1.5 litres of alcoholic beverages or 3 litres of beer. Prohibited items include illegal drugs, fire arms and pornographic publications as well as certain food stuffs and organic products.

Dining Etiquette in Hanoi

Dining Etiquette in Hanoi

There are some rules pertaining to dining at the home of a local in Hanoi. On arrival at your host's abode, be sure to remove your shoes and leave them outside the front door. On entering, wait to be shown to the dining area. It's polite to bring a small gift for your host, which can be flowers, fruit or something from your own country, among other things. In the dining room, wait for all guests to be seated. Once everyone has found their places, the eldest member of the party will indicate when it is time to eat. Food is generally placed buffetstyle in the middle of the table and all guests are invited to help themselves. It's polite to try a little of everything and to accept second helpings if your host offers them.

Chopsticks are normally laid upon the rest in between mouthfuls of food or when an individual is conversing. Sticks that are placed in the mouth are never used to pass food to other diners. Unlike some Asian cultures where it's polite to leave some food on your plate at the end of the meal, in Vietnam it's fine to eat everything.

Business in Hanoi

Business in Hanoi

Banks: 09:00 to 15:30, Monday to Friday Post Offices: 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday Department Stores and Shops: 11:00 to 21:30, daily; some closed on Sundays Museums: times vary Business Offices: 08:30 to 17:50, Monday to Friday

Business in Hanoi

Business in Hanoi

Banks: 09:00 to 15:30, Monday to Friday Post Offices: 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday Department Stores and Shops: 11:00 to 21:30, daily; some closed on Sundays Museums: times vary Business Offices: 08:30 to 17:50, Monday to Friday

Tour companies
Holiday Indochina Address: 4th floor, 61 Xa Dan, Dong Da dist, Hanoi, Vietnam Tel: 3 633 9576 / 3 633 9577 Fax: 3 972 7517 E-mail: sales@holidayindochina.com Website: www.holidayindochina.com Khoa Viet Travel Co., LTD (Hanoitours) Address: 51 Hang Quat str & 21 Yen Thai St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 39380968 Fax: 39380969 E-mail: hanoitours@hn.vnn.vn Website: www.hanoitours.com.vn KT Adventure Company Limited Address: Suite 405, B13 Building, Sai Dong, Long Bien Dist. Tel: 73007295 Fax: 73007296 E-mail: info@vivutravel.com Website: www.vivutravel.com Lapalanche Voyages Address: 79 Tue Tinh St., Hai Ba Trung Dist., Ha Noi Tel: 39745123 Fax: 39763986 E-mail: info@lapalanche.com Website: www.lapalanche.com Letoile Vietnam Co., Ltd Address: No 77/2 Hoang Sam, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam Tel: 39940659/ 37915679 Fax: 37915677 E-mail: info@letoilevietnam.com Website: www.letoilevietnam.com Luxury Travel Co., Ltd Address: 5 Nguyen Truong To St., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi

Tel: 39274120 Fax: 39274118 E-mail: sales@luxurytravelvietnam.com Website: www.luxurytravelvietnam.com Minh Anh Travel Co., Ltd Address: No 607 - Building D6 , 28 Lane , Tay Ho District , Ha Noi , Viet Nam Tel: 62580486 Fax: 62580483 E-mail: infos@trekvietnamtour.com Website: www.trekvietnamtour.com Niche Travel Address: 69 Nguyen Tuan St., Dist. Thanh Xuan, Hanoi Tel: 3 8587006 Fax: 3 5577011 E-mail: Nichetravelvietnam@yahoo.com Website: www.nichetravel.com.vn Signatures of Asia Co., Ltd Address: Level 3, 54 Le Van Huu St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Ha Noi Tel: 39448029 Fax: 39448030 E-mail: info@vietnamluxurytravel.com Website: www.vietnamluxurytravel.com Tonkin Travel Address: 164 Xuan Dieu St., Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: 3719 1184 Ext. 17 Fax: 3719 1181 Website: www.tonkintravel.com Tuan Linh Travel Co., Ltd. Address: 319 A4, Quynh Mai, Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi Tel: 38625855 Fax: 36362661 E-mail: mail@tuanlinhtravel.com Website: www.tuanlinhtravel.com TUN Travel Address: 24-26 Bat Su St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 39230898 Fax: 38243886 E-mail: tour@hotels-in-vietnam.com Website: www.hotels-in-vietnam.com Viet Vision Travel Address: No 43/83, 91 lane, Tran Duy Hung St., Hanoi Tel: 35561146/ 35561172 Fax: 35561147 E-mail: info@vietvisiontravel.com Website: www.vietvisiontravel.com Vietnam Open Tour Address: 49 Hang Be St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 39262328 Fax: 39262329

E-mail: vietnamtour@hn.vnn.vn Website: www.vietnamopentour.com.vn Vietnam Paradise Travel Address: 1/8 Thi Sach St., Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi Tel: 39454791 Fax: 39454821 E-mail: sales@vietnamparadisetravel.com Website: www.vietnamparadisetravel.com Vietnam Today Travel Co. Address: Suite 707, Thang Long Bld, 115 Le Duan St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 39429444 Fax: 39429442 E-mail: sales@vietnamtodaytravel.com Website: www.vietnamtodaytravel.com/vietnam-tours.html Vietnam Travel Channel Address: Suite 0605 ICC Building, 71 Nguyen Chi Thanh St Tel: 6275 1634 Fax: 6275 8667 E-mail: info@vietnamtravelchannel.com Website: www.vietnamtravelchannel.com Vietnam Travel Solutions Address: 28C1 Pham Hong Thai St., Dist. Ba Dinh, Hanoi Tel: 3715 0718 Fax: 3715 0719 E-mail: mkt@vietnamtravelsolutions.com Website: www.vietnamtravelsolutions.com Vietnam World Travel Co., Ltd Address: 28/11 Yen Lac St., Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi Tel: 38621839 Fax: 36360887 E-mail: vietnamwtravel@hn.vnn.vn Website: www.vietnamwtravel.com VINADE JSC Address: 25/ 630 Truong Chinh road, Dong Da Dist., Hanoi Tel: 35641875; 0906285445 Fax: 35641097 E-mail: sales@allvietnamtravels.com Website: www.allvietnamtravels.com Welcome Vietnam Tour ., JSC Address: 1159 Giai Phong St., Hoang Mai Dist, Hanoi Tel: 22421353/ 66740228 Fax: 36421388 E-mail: info@welcomevietnamtours.com Website: www.welcomevietnamtours.com Wildlotus Adventures.,JSC Address: 43 Nghi Tam St., Tay Ho Dist., Ha Noi Tel: 37152440 Fax: 37152439

E-mail: info@wildlotusadventures.com Website: www.wildlotusadventures.com Ann"s Tourist Co., Ltd Address: 77 Pham Hong Thai St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 37150950 Fax: 37150949 E-mail: info@anntours.com Website: www.anntours.com Asianventure Tours Co., Ltd. Address: 4th floor, Song Thao Building, 69 Ba Trieu St., Hai Ba Trung Dist, Hanoi Tel: 39438550 Fax: 39438552 E-mail: info@asianventure.com Website: www.asianventure.com Thai Vision Holidays - Viet Nam Address: S 19/294 Kim Ma St., Ba Dinh Dist, Ha Noi Tel: 3726 3572 Fax: 3726 3577 E-mail: vietnam@thaivisionholidays.com.vn Website: www.thaivisionholidays.com.vn Vietspace Travel Service Co., Ltd Address: 294 Ba Trieu St., Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi Tel: 39742083/ 39742084 Fax: 39742082 E-mail: viet-spacehn@hn.vnn.vn Website: www.vietnamtourism.com/vietspace AG Travel Address: 4/12 Nguyen Thi Dinh St., Thanh Xuan Dist., Hanoi Tel: 6284 1559 Fax: 6284 1558 Anh Tuan Trade And Service Co., Ltd Address: 44 Dao Tan St., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: 37665618/3 7665616 Fax: 37665617 APEX Vietnam - Hanoi Branch Address: Suite 602, International Building, 25 Truong Han Sieu St., Hanoi Tel: 3944 6550 Fax: 3944 6548 Areca Travel Co, Ltd. Address: Suite 1205, No 04, Tran Dang Ninh St., Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi Tel: 62811734 Fax: 62811864 Army Tourist Service Co. (Army Toserco) Address: 33B Pham Ngu Lao St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 3824 3428 Fax: 3824 8152

Asia Highlights Travel Address: 61 M My St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 39260637/ 39260989 Fax: 38260515 Asia Sun Travel Address: 9B Da Tuong St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 3942 9242 Fax: 3942 9249 Au Lac Tours and Trading Co., Ltd. Address: 165 Giai Phong St., Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi Tel: 3628 3003 Fax: 3628 3002 Ba Ria-Vung Tau Tourist Co. - Hanoi Branch Address: 1E 2B Thanh Cong St., Dong Da Dist., Hanoi Tel: 3831 3798/ 3835 7382 Fax: 3831 3798 Bai Tu Long Hung Nguyen Co., Ltd Address: 54 Nguyen Huu Huan, Dist. Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi Tel: 39263715 Fax: 39263715 Bao Trung ODC Co., Ltd. Address: 142 Hang Bac St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 3828 8729/ 3824 3024 Fax: 3747 8725 Ben Thanh Tourist in Hanoi Address: 79 Ba Trieu St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 3944 5129 Fax: 3944 5121 Buffalo Tours Vietnam Co., Ltd. Address: 94 Ma May St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 38280702 Fax: 38269370 Capital Tourist and Trade JSC (Captour Hanoi) Address: 66B Tran Hung Dao St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 3822 0811 Fax: 3822 0887 Centre for Tourism & Trade Promotion - Vinaxed Address: 9 Dinh Le St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 2211 8888 Fax: 3984 3448 Cho Lon Tourist in Hanoi Address: 7 Thi Sach St., Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi Tel: 3978 3534/ 3978 3649 Fax: 3978 3533 Culture Travel Address: 123X Thuy Khue St., Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: 3971 1733/ 6269 2134 Fax: 3747 3325

Dai Minh Trading, Service And Tourism Co., Ltd. Address: 105 Lang Ha St., Dong Da Dist., Hanoi Tel: 3562 3777 Fax: 3562 3772 Dan Chu Tourism and Commercial JSC Address: 29 Trang Tien St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 3825 4937 Fax: 3936 0334 Danang Tourist Service Co. - Hanoi Branch Address: 24 The Giao St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 3821 5399 Fax: 3821 5407 Danh Nam Travel Address: 585, Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Ha Noi Tel: 37669669 Fax: 32115089 Detesco VN Address: 424 Cong Vi St., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: 9360256 Fax: 9360258 Diethelm Travel Co., Ltd Address: 44B Ly Thuong Kiet St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 3934 4844 Fax: 3934 4850 Discover East Travel Co., Ltd Address: 10 Yen Ninh Alley, Yen Ninh St., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: 3927 5339 Fax: 3927 5340 Discover Mekong Address: 99 Ba Trieu St., Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi Tel: 39439211 Fax: 39439209 Dragon Travel Address: 22 Hang Be St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 3928 5366 Fax: 3928 5365 Dream Travel., Co Ltd Address: 6 Hang Vai, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi Tel: 39967366/ 39262730 Fax: 39234065 East Asia Co., Ltd Address: 33B Pham Ngu Lao St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 3933 1362 Fax: 3933 1307 Emeraude Classic Cruises Address: 59A Ly Thai To St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 39340888 Fax: 38255342

Esperanto Tour and Service JSC (ESP) Address: 112A Hai Ba Trung St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 3934 6688 Fax: 3824 0275