Vietnam Travel Guy

Vietnam Border Crossings

Ben Hoffman — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 22:16:24 +0000

Vietnam shares 13 International border crossings with China, Laos and Cambodia each country and each border crossing has different rules for entering. For instance some border crossings into the same country accept visa on arrival where as others do not therefore it is important to do a little research before venturing too far from the [...]

Vietnam China Border Crossings

Ben Hoffman — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 21:57:20 +0000

Vietnam and China share three international border crossings at Mong Cai Dong Hung, Dong Dang Ping Xian, and Lao Cai Hekou. Tips for Vietnam China Border Crossings: Visa on arrival into Vietnam is not available, travellers should ensure they obtain the correct visa before trying to enter Vietnam or risk being turned back at the [...]

Vietnam Laos Border Crossings

Ben Hoffman — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 21:23:41 +0000

Vietnam shares six international border crossings with Laos, which are fairly evenly spread along this their borders. Tips for Vietnam Laos Border Crossings Visa on arrival into Laos from Vietnam is available at all border crossings at a cost of US $30-40, which can be paid in Dong, Kip or USD. You will also require [...]

Vietnam Cambodia Border Crossings

Ben Hoffman — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 22:27:13 +0000

For travellers wanting a different experience rather than the regular fly-in fly-out trip travelling between Vietnam and Cambodia by bus via one of the Vietnam Cambodia border crossings is a viable option. Another great travel option is travelling from Vietnam to Cambodia (or vice versa) via the Vinh Xuong – Kaam Samnor Border Crossing Vietnam [...]

How to Obtain a Vietnamese Driver’s or Motorbike License

Ben Hoffman — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 05:42:21 +0000

If you need to drive a motorbike anywhere in Vietnam, it is important to obtain a local Vietnamese Drivers or Riders License, as Vietnam does not recognise international driver’s license Note: not Penalties for are quite severe if you injure or cause death to another driver and you are found not to have an appropriate [...]

Vietnam Airlines Nha Trang Moscow Direct Service is Launched

Ben Hoffman — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 22:10:27 +0000

A direct airline service between Nha Trang and Moscow was launched today by Vietnam Airlines providing passengers a 1X week service. The Inaugural Nha Trang Moscow service flying under VN071 was serviced by a Boeing 777 and left Nha Trang’s Cam Ranh Airport at 11:15 am. This 1 time a week service is expected to [...]

Vietnamese New Year Tet Festival and Dates

Ben Hoffman — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 21:34:33 +0000

Tết Nguyên Đán or simply Tet is Vietnam’s New Year festival and is the most important festival in Vietnamese culture. As Tet is the celebration of the first day of the lunar calendar so it’s celebrated on a different day each year on a 12 year cycle. Tet was introduced to Vietnam by the Chinese [...]

Etihad Airways Ho Chi Minh City Flights set from October 2013

Ben Hoffman — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:28:08 +0000

Etihad Airways will begin Ho Chi Minh City services from 1 October 2013 making Vietnam Etihad’s 6th ASEAN destination. Current timetables on the Etihad Airways site indicate show the following details for the flight Origin Destination Flight No Depart Arrive Abu Dhabi (AHU) Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) EY441 0830hrs 1835hrs Ho Chi Minh City [...]

Vietnam Airlines Baggage Allowances

Ben Hoffman — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 20:55:32 +0000

If you are flying to or within Vietnam with the countries national carrier Vietnam Airlines, it is important to note the airline has several different baggage allowances that vary depending on several factors, such as your travel class, if you are travelling domestic or International and for international flights the region you are travelling to/from. [...]

Saigon Ho Chi Minh City Travel and Destination Guide

Ben Hoffman — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 22:15:45 +0000

Saigon known today as Ho Chi Minh City and is the largest city in Vietnam which is officially home to nearly 8 million people (in reality it’s a lot more) and is the business and economic capital of Vietnam. Visitors to Ho Chi Minh City will find it a youthful and vibrant and city, that [...]

Saigon Central Post Office Ho Chi Minh City

Ben Hoffman — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 21:32:14 +0000

The Saigon Central Post Office (Bưu điện thành phố Hồ Chí Minh) is located in District 1 of Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) directly across the road from Saigon’s Notre dame cathedral and within walking distance from other recommended District 1 attractions such as Ben Thanh Market, Reunification Place and the War Remnants Museum [...]

Saigon Train Station Ga Sai Gon

Ben Hoffman — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 03:22:37 +0000

Saigon Train Station (Ga Sài Gòn) is located at 1 Nguyen Thong Street, District 2 Ho Chi Minh City which is around 3 Km from Ben Thanh Market. Popular Stops or small trips from Saigon along the Vietnam Railways network include: Trip Cost VND (US/AU $) Duration Saigon – Hanoi 530,000-1,966,000 ($26-$98) 30-41 Hrs Saigon [...]

Mien Dong Bus Station (Eastern Bus Station) Ho Chi Minh City

Ben Hoffman — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 05:29:09 +0000

Mien Dong (Bến xe Miền Đông) is Ho Chi Minh Cities busiest regional bus station in Ho Chi Minh City and the port for most buses coming from or going to Eastern as well as Northern towns and provences. In total Mien Dong Bus station has buses going to/from around 160 towns and cities some [...]

Mien Tay Bus Station (Western Bus Station) Ho Chi Minh City

Ben Hoffman — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 01:46:27 +0000

Located some 10 KM South West of District 1 Mien Tay Bus Terminal is the regional Bus Station for buses to and from Southern and Western towns and Provences, namley the Mekong region on top of this there are also bus services operating to/from Cambodia from this station. In total Ben Xe Mien Tay (Western [...]

Ho Chi Minh City Inaugurates first Inner River Tourist Route

Ben Hoffman — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 22:11:56 +0000

The Indochina Junk Company has officially inaugurated the cities first inner waterway cruise, operating on Vietnam’s National day 2nd September the cruise boat took 25 passengers from Bach Dang Quay in District 1 then along Ben Nghe and Tau Hu canals, parallel to Vo Van Kiet Avenue, for four hours. The cruise eventually landing at [...]

Vietnamese bread rolls Banh Mi Thit

Ben Hoffman — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 21:27:08 +0000

Along with architecture and café culture one of the good things that came out of the 100 year rule of Vietnam by the French, was the French style bread. Bánh mì thịt or the humble Vietnamese bread roll is a fusion of East and West with bread and Paté fused with chả lụa (Vietnamese ham) roast [...]

Authorities in Hanoi asked to Crackdown on Tourist Scams

Ben Hoffman — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 20:41:30 +0000

Authorities in Vietnam’s northern capital of Hanoi have raised concerns of and asked authorities to crackdown on street vendors who harass and cheat tourists. Mai Tien Dung Vice director of the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has requested that authorities in Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh and Dong Da districts “Tighten controls to detect [...]

Top Must See Attractions on a Trip to Vietnam

Ben Hoffman — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 22:20:18 +0000

Vietnam is such a diverse and stunning country, with awe inspiring landscapes that is matched by a rich yet sometimes turbulent history and a people that are always welcoming, this is Vietnam a country that has something for every traveller. Since there are so many things to see and do in Vietnam I have detailed [...]

Bánh Xèo Crispy Vietnamese Pancake

Ben Hoffman — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 22:12:06 +0000

How can anyone resist a crispy pancake filled with pork and prawn, then wrapped in Vietnamese Lettuce along with Vietnamese mints finally dipped in Nước mắm chấm and eaten, this is Bánh Xèo or Crispy Vietnamese Pancake. On my first visit to Vietnam about 10 years ago I had not heard of this treat and after [...]

Nhà Hàng Ngon Restaurant Ho Chi Minh City

Ben Hoffman — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 12:09:52 +0000

From my first time in Vietnam An Ngon Restaurant was my favourite restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City when I first arrived I returned several times in the first few weeks. However things have changed in the last 10 years for a start the original Ngon is no longer known as Quan An Ngon its [...]

Saigon Ho Chi Minh City Taxi Guide

Ben Hoffman — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 07:55:40 +0000

Taxis and Transport in Vietnam especially Saigon can be a daunting experience, as there is a large number of fake taxis on the streets as well as some of the real ones just aren’t up to any decent standard. The good news is that there are several Saigon Ho Chi Minh City Taxi companies that [...]

Best Blogs and Websites about Travelling or Living in Vietnam

Ben Hoffman — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 00:36:13 +0000

I have been meaning to create a blog roll for a while with all the blogs and web sites that have useful information about travelling, living or doing business in Vietnam, so I decided to create this post which will form the basis of the blog roll for Vietnam Travel Guy Vietnam720 – This very [...]

New Luxury Ships Set for Mekong Tours

Ben Hoffman — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 21:26:42 +0000

The two 68m long ships were recently built that are destined for Mekong River tours between Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City. Both ships are equipped with 32 luxury cabins and 64 passengers, and will sail under the name/tour Mekong Prestige Checking the operator’s website the first 8 day cruise from Siem Reap to [...]

Can Tho Travel and Destination Guide

Ben Hoffman — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 21:09:52 +0000

Can Tho (Cần Thơ) is located 169 Km ( 105 miles) south west of Saigon Ho Chi Minh City and is the main economic hub of Vietnam’s Mekong region, the city is sometimes referred to as Tây Đô or western capital. Population wise Cần Thơ had an estimated population of 1.5 million citizens in [...]

Novotel Saigon Centre Opens Its Doors in the Heart of Ho Chi Minh City

Ben Hoffman — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 23:22:24 +0000

Today doors of the new Novotel Saigon Centre opened for its first day of operation, the new Accor hotel located on Hai Ba Trung Street in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City will cater for both leisure and business travellers and further expands Accor’s presence in Vietnam as the largest International hotel operator in the [...]

International Visitors to Vietnam up Nearly 11 Precent

admin — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 21:32:57 +0000

International Visitors to Vietnam in the January to July 2012 period was up nearly 11% compared with the same period last year, with around 3.8 million International arrivals. Vietnam’s 3.8 million visitors during this period was largely represented by China with over 773,000 arrivals followed by the Republic of Korea with more than 421,000 visitors [...]

Emirates Launches Daily Non-Stop Flights to Ho Chi Minh City

admin — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 20:58:04 +0000

Emirates recently started non-stop daily flights between Dubai and Ho Chi Minh City, making Vietnam’s largest city Emirates eighth new route for 2012. The inaugural Emirates flight from Dubai to Ho Chi Minh City had the following officals and dignitaries on board His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed Ali Hamad Al Mualla, United Arab Emirates Ambassador to [...]

Vietnam Bans Use of Phrase China Beach on Tourist Web Sites

Ben Hoffman — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 21:38:44 +0000

VNExpress is reporting that Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communication has banned local tourist websites from using the phrase “China Beach” to describe the Da Nang Coastline. The phrase China Beach was originally used to describe My Khe beach in Da Nang which was a popular with American soldiers on R&R during the Vietnam America [...]

International Tourists to Vietnam Unaware of Tourist Refund Scheme

Ben Hoffman — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 23:11:46 +0000

From July 1 this year Vietnam started operation of its trial tourist VAT refund scheme, in which international tourists to Vietnam are able to claim back up to 85% of the Value Added Tax paid on good during their stay in Vietnam, however very few tourists have taken up the offer! Customs staff at Ho [...]

Vinh Longs Mekong River Food Vendors

Ben Hoffman — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 22:27:09 +0000

On the streets of Ho Chi Minh City and for that matter most of Vietnams towns and cities, there is a constant stream of food vendors offering their goods up and down most busy streets, however if are living on the Mekong river gone are the street vendors replaced by river vendors that provide a [...]

New Luxury Bus Service Launched Between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh Cambodia

Ben Hoffman — Mon, 28 May 2012 22:26:35 +0000

A new luxury bus services has begun operation between Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam and Phnom Penh Cambodia which boasts 28 luxury seats with massage features as well as on board toilets and video. The 20 bus 6 return per day services is operated by Cambodian Tourism Ministry and NagaWorld Group, and there is already [...]

The Vietnamese Coffee Debate Ca Phe Sua Da or Ca Phe Da?

Ben Hoffman — Mon, 07 May 2012 21:27:30 +0000

How do you have your Vietnamese Coffee Cà phê đá or Cà phê sữa đá? For the un-initiated Vietnamese coffee is strong yet an enjoyable brew and is something most travellers to Vietnam will be come acquainted with before their trip is over, I and most Vietnamese start the day off with a mandatory glass [...]

Best Time to Visit Vietnam

Ben Hoffman — Wed, 02 May 2012 22:13:49 +0000

When is the best time to visit Vietnam? This is a common question I get from both friends as well as reader of this blog on a regular basis so I thought it deserved a post here. Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City There are several things to consider when deciding on the [...]

Ho Chi Minh City Weather

Ben Hoffman — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:05:29 +0000

Ho Chi Minh City Weather like most Asian cities this close the equator is hot and humid with two distinct seasons the wet season mùa mưa and the dry season (mùa khô) The Dry Season in Ho Chi Minh City The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City and for that matter the rest [...]

Ha Long Bay Free Entry to Celebrate Seven New Wonder Status

Ben Hoffman — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 21:59:43 +0000

Following Ha Long Bay’s acceptance and to celebrate its status as a New Seven Wonder of the Natural World entry to Ha Long Bay will be free for all visitors from 28 April 2012 until 1 May 2012. The free visits to the UNESCO-organised World Heritage site are being offered during Ha Long Tourism Week [...]

Ha Long Bay Seven New Wonder Status to be Celebrated

Ben Hoffman — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 21:45:07 +0000

Now that its official and Ha Long Bay has been accepted as one of the Seven new wonders of nature, there will be an official ceremony in both Hanoi and Quang Ninh providence to announce and celebrate Ha Long Bay’s Seven New Wonder status. The first Ceremony will be held in Hanoi on 27 April [...]

Facebook Unblocked in Vietnam or is it?

Ben Hoffman — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 04:34:20 +0000

This morning at my relatives house in Vinh Long I launched Facebook via my Wi-Fi connected iPhone 4 and to my surprise my Facebook profile loaded up, straight away I re-confirmed this on my iPad and Laptop with the same result. Could have the trip which Mark Zuckerberg’s took to Vietnam over Christmas and meetings [...]

Vietnams Mekong Delta in Top 10 Best Destinations for 2012

Ben Hoffman — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 06:31:01 +0000

Following NomadicMatt rant about why he will never return to Vietnam which I have discussed here, Lonely Planet named Vietnam Mekong region as one of the one of the top 10 Best Destinations for 2012, with the region being voted one of the best value destinations in the world. Vietnam ’s rice basket, the Mekong [...]

Ha Long Bay Cruises Safer Reports the BBC

Ben Hoffman — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 06:06:42 +0000

The BBCs Carmen Roberts has reported that Ha Long Bay is now a lot safer following efforts from local authorities as well as Ha Long Bay cruise operators. Initiatives implemented in Ha Long bay have included increased safety training for cruise operators and captains as well as stricter safety rules and guidelines and the introduction [...]

Sửng sốt Amazing Cave Ha Long Bay Voted 10 Best Beautiful Caves

Ben Hoffman — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 05:02:26 +0000

Sửng sốt amazing cave, which is one of the largest in Ha Long Bay, was recently voted one of 10 most beautiful caves in the world by the Association of Tourism Offices and Brokers of the Czech Republic. Sung Sot or Amazing cave was discovered in 1901 by the French, Sung Sot cave is divided [...]

Vietnam Airlines Takes Controlling Share of Jetstar Pacific

Ben Hoffman — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:26:06 +0000

Today it has been offically announced that Vietnam Airlines will take over the majority controlling stake of Jetstar Pacific, along with Qantas increasing its stake in the airline from 27 to 30 precent. Vietnam Airlines will take the majority share in Jetstar Pacific, currently held by the Vietnamese State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC). Separately, the [...]

Vietnamese Embassy in Phnom Penh Cambodia

Ben Hoffman — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 13:21:25 +0000

The Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia is located in Phnom Penh at the below address, in addition to their address we have also provided the embassies phone and fax number, email and website address, office hours, as well as Google maps page so that you can easily find the Vietnam Embassy in Phnom Penh Cambodia. Vietnamese [...]

Vietnamese Embassy Singapore

Ben Hoffman — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 13:03:11 +0000

The Vietnamese Embassy in Singpaore is located at the below address, we have also provided current telephone, Fax, email, website, Office Hours as well as a Google map page so that you can easily find it. Embassy of Vietnam in Singapore 10 Leedon Park St., Singapore 267887 Tel: (+65) 6462 5936 (+65) 6462 5938 Tel: [...]

Vietnam Embassy Washington DC USA

Ben Hoffman — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:32:12 +0000

The Vietnam Embassy in the USA is located in Washington DC at the below address, in addition we have provided telephone, email, website, office hours and a Google map page so that you can easily find the Vietnamese Embassy in Washington DC USA Embassy of Vietnam in Washington DC USA 1233 20th St NW, Suite [...]

Vietnam Embassy Brunei Darussalam

Ben Hoffman — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:12:53 +0000

The Vietnam Embassy in Brunei Darussalam is located at the below address, in addition to this we have listed the known phone, fax email and website addresses along with a google maps page to make finding the Vietnam Embassy in Brunei Darussalam easy. Embassy of Vietnam in Brunei Darussalam No 9,Spg 148-3 jalan Telanai BA [...]

Vietnam Embassy in Vienna Austria

Ben Hoffman — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 11:52:19 +0000

The Vietnamese Embassy in Austria is located in Vienna and provides consular services such as visa applications, the address of the Vietnamese Embassy in Vienna Austria is as below, also we have the current telephone numbers, email and website address as well as google maps location Vietnam Embassy Vienna Austria Felix-Mottl Strasse 20 A-1190 Vienna [...]

Vietnamese Consulate Sydney Australia

Ben Hoffman — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 11:18:32 +0000

The Vietnam government operates a Vietnamese Consulate in Sydney Australia which is able to handle over the counter Visa applications (Normal Processing 1 week, Priority Processing same day) below is the address telephone, website, email and google map location details for the Vietnamese consulate in Sydney Australia Consulate General of Vietnam in Sydney – Australia [...]

Vietnam Embassy Canberra Australia

Ben Hoffman — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 11:07:58 +0000

The Vietnamese Embassy in Australia is located in Australia’s Capital city Canberra at the below address, also below you will find the telephone and fax numbers, email address, website URL and google map location of the Vietnam Embassy in Canberra Australia. Embassy of Vietnam in Canberra – Australia 6 Timbarra Cres., Malley Canberra, ACT 2606, [...]

Vietnam Embassy in Buenos Aires Argentina

Ben Hoffman — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:57:08 +0000

The Vietnam Embassy in Argentina is located in Buenos Aires at the below address Embassy of Vietnam Buenos Aires, Argentina Calle 11 de Septiembre 1442 C.P. 1426 – Capital Federal Argentina Tel: (5411) 4783 1802 (5411) 4783 1825 Fax: (5411) 4728 0078 Email: vnemb.ar@mofa.gov.vn Website: http://vietnamembassy.org.ar/index.php View Larger Map

Why I’ll Always Return to Vietnam!

Ben Hoffman — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 01:45:56 +0000

Vietnam is the best country you will ever visit, its charm, character, people, places and food are unlike anything you will ever experience, down to earth, simple yet complex, vibrant yet peaceful. Walking the streets you can feel safe and confident that you won’t be hassled by beggars, shop or restaurant owners as you would [...]

Vietnam Embassy and Consulates

Ben Hoffman — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:28:53 +0000

Below are the location of all known Vietnam Embassies and Consulates around the world, there may be some missing, so if you know of any send an via the contact form and fill us in with the details. For any of the listed Embassies below click on the Embassy name with a link to get [...]

Guide to Ho Chi Minh City Bus Service SaigonBus

Ben Hoffman — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:20:59 +0000

Ho Chi Minh Citys local bus service SaigonBus is cheap, reliable with regular services and whats better not many tourists use it.

Guide iPhone & iPad 3G Data Access in Vietnam

Ben Hoffman — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:39:51 +0000

3G data plans in Vietnam are cheap and widely available however there are some tricks to getting the best value and technically switching your overseas iPhone or iPad to work in Vietnam, so I have put together this iPhone iPad 3g Data access guide for Vietnam to help you stay connected while in the country. [...]

Emirates to add Ho Chi Minh City Vienam Services

Ben Hoffman — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 22:39:15 +0000

From 4 June 2012 Emirates have announced that the airline will add Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam as its 124th, with Vietnam being one of the fastest grown countries in Asia and the world, it’s no wonder Ho Chi Minh City was added. Emirates Dubai to Ho Chi Minh City service will initially be operated [...]

Ha Long Bay Vietnam Travel Information

Peter Byrne — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 03:29:10 +0000

Consider every superlative you know, such as idyllic, mysterious, magnificent, breath taking, beautiful, wonderful, etc. etc. and you are just on the cusp of almost adequately describing the splendour of Ha Long Bay, that means descending dragon bay. It’s one of those few places, for example, like Uluru (Ayres Rock) in Australia or the Grand [...]

Experiencing Huế

Peter Byrne — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 15:35:43 +0000

No trip to Vietnam is complete without visiting Huế (pronounced Way), this home to almost 1 million people who live in the Thừa Thiên-Huế province was once the imperial capital of the Nguyen dynasty and is located on the banks of the aptly named Perfume River. Nestled roughly halfway along the coast of Vietnam, the [...]

Nha Trang Travel Information

Peter Byrne — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 14:00:29 +0000

If relaxing on beautiful beaches and enjoying swimming and diving are your passions then Nha Trang is the destination for you. Located on one of the world’s most beautiful bays, Nha Trang Bay, this coastal city that is also the capital of the Khanh Hoa province and home to around 350,000 people, is an [...]

Vietnam Visa Information

admin — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 07:31:28 +0000

A Vietnam Visa is required for the majority of visitors to Vietnam however there are a few exceptions to. When applying for a Vietnam Tourist/Visitor visa there are several options that need to be taken into account. Length of stay: The standard Vietnam Visitor visa is 30 days however for a fee a 3 month [...]

The Nam Hai Hoi An Wins Best Asian Leisure Hotel and Resort

Ben Hoffman — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 12:32:12 +0000

The absolutely spectacular The Nam Hai Resort Hoi An recently took out the best Asian Leisure Hotel/Resort in the recent 2011 Smart Travel Asia Best in Asia Travel Poll. The Nam Hai Hoi An actually shared the convened number one spot this year with another great Vietnam hotel the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. Last year [...]