Vietnam

Overview
A diverse country which has become hugely popular with tourists over the last few years. Vietnam has something for everybody; white sandy beaches, bustling cities, shopping, mountain retreats and an amazing history. Let Bluesky holidays create your dream holiday to Vietnam.
Climate
The North is characterised by a hot, dry summer and pleasant spring (March to April) and autumn (October to December). Winter temperatures can dip below 15°C (59°F) in Hanoi with occasional snow. Summer temperatures can rise up to 40°C (95°F). In central Vietnam there is a rainy season in the summer (Late May to Late October) with mild dry weather for the rest of the year. In the south, the climate is hot and and tropical year-round with temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77 - 95°F). Most rainfall is from May to November.
Visas
A single or multiple entry visa is required for various nationalities. Please inquire for more information.
Currency & Money
The national currency is the Dong. US Dollars are also widely accepted. The current exchange rate is approx 17,500 dong to US$1.00. ATMs (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro or Cirrus accepted) are widely available throughout the country.
Credit Cards
Visa and Mastercards are accepted in most large shops, restaurants and hotels while American Express is accepted in fewer places. Please read credit card slips thoroughly before signing.
Tipping
Tipping varies from country to country and many find it a difficult topic. However, tipping is not compulsory and there are no fixed amounts. You can determine how much you would like to tip by how the individual made your tour more enjoyable. As a local rule of thumb it is recommended approximately:
Cuisine
The most authentic Vietnamese food is found at modest or even quite cheap restaurants. Vietnam's national dish is Pho, a broth soup with beef or chicken and rice noodles. Coffee, baguettes, and pastries were originally introduced by the French colonials. If you are Traveling to a seaside village or beach resort area in the south to try the local seafood restaurants that often serve shrimp, crab, and locally-caught fish. Follow the locals to a good restaurant: the food will still be swimming when you order it, it will be well-prepared, very affordable by Western standards, and often served in friendly surroundings with spectacular views.
Language
Vietnamese is the spoken language in Vietnam. It is written in the Roman alphabet making maps and signs relatively easy to understand. English is widely understood in tourist areas.
Transport
For short distances in the city, Metered taxis, motorcycles and cyclos can be hired. For longer distances a driver and car can be hired at a reasonable rate, or flights are available on Vietnam Airlines or Pacific Airlines are available and can be booked through Bluesky Holidays. Other transportation includes trains which are cheap, reliable and frequently operating between major cities.
Highlights of Vietnam Sapa
Sapa is an incredibly picturesque village in the Northern Mountains. There is rich cultural diversity with ethnic hill tribes and rugged scenery. Sapa and its surrounding region is host to many hill tribes, as well as rice terraces, lush vegetation, and Fansipan, the highest peak in Vietnam.
Hanoi
The capital of Vietnam, is a fascinating blend of West and East, with French design from its colonial past and Chinese influence from centuries of dominance. It is still unspoiled by modern architecture.
Halong Bay
The bay is well known for its exotic scenic rock formations ‘Bay of Descending Dragons’, 170km east of Hanoi. The Halong bay cruises are popular among tourists.
Hue
The ancient city related to Nguyen Dynasty, who ruled 1804 to 1945. The city went though a harsh time during the Vietnam war and was conquered by the Viet Cong.
Hoi An
A beautiful city on the coast of central Vietnam. The old town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was a major international port in the 16th & 17th centuries. There is also a beautiful beach with luxurious resorts close by. The old town has full of winding lanes and Chinese-styled shop houses.
Pleiku
Located in Vietnam’s Central Highlands Pleiku is a distinct contrast from the tropical south, with rolling hills, arid climate, old battlefields and indigenous tribes.
Quy Nhon
Quy Nhon is the capital of Binh Dinh Province, a thriving seaside town, but yet untouched by mass tourism. Quy Nhon was for centuries a cradle of the Cham Civilization & evidence remains today of the spectacular towers they built.
Nha Trang
Nha Trang is a beautiful seaside resort with a long white sandy beach. It is a more lively and urban town than some other beach resorts in Vietnam, but visitors can still enjoy the beautiful beaches, resort hotels and scuba diving in the crystal clear waters at nearby islands.
Mui Ne & Phan Thiet
The formerly scarcely inhabited beach south of the fishing village of Mui Ne has prospered in recent years and there has been a nubmer of exclusive resorts along a 15km beachfront backed by shady streets lined with coconut palms.
Dalat
A cross between Vietnam and the French Alps, many of its hotels and houses built in a French style. Temperatures are pleasantly warm by day, and quite cool at night, down to perhaps 10C. Tourists will drawn by the scenery, fresh air, flower filled parks and local edible treats. Dalat is also surrounded by some of the best mountain biking, hiking and canyoning opportunities in Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh City
The largest city in Vietnam, modernised with busy streets, shops, restaurants and night entertainment for tourists.
Mekong Delta
The southern end of the Mekong River, area around Ho Chi Minh City. It is a very rich and lush area, covered with rice fields. The place for timeless sceneries of farmers planting or harvesting rice.
Phu Quoc
An island off the coast in Southern Vietnam. Also known as ‘The most beautiful and cleanest beach of world by ABC News 08’. At Phu Quoc you can try a motorbike tour by yourself. It is a great way to meet the locals and in the south there are some lovely quiet beaches.
A diverse country which has become hugely popular with tourists over the last few years. Vietnam has something for everybody; white sandy beaches, bustling cities, shopping, mountain retreats and an amazing history. Let Bluesky holidays create your dream holiday to Vietnam.
Climate
The North is characterised by a hot, dry summer and pleasant spring (March to April) and autumn (October to December). Winter temperatures can dip below 15°C (59°F) in Hanoi with occasional snow. Summer temperatures can rise up to 40°C (95°F). In central Vietnam there is a rainy season in the summer (Late May to Late October) with mild dry weather for the rest of the year. In the south, the climate is hot and and tropical year-round with temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77 - 95°F). Most rainfall is from May to November.
Visas
A single or multiple entry visa is required for various nationalities. Please inquire for more information.
Currency & Money
The national currency is the Dong. US Dollars are also widely accepted. The current exchange rate is approx 17,500 dong to US$1.00. ATMs (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro or Cirrus accepted) are widely available throughout the country.
Credit Cards
Visa and Mastercards are accepted in most large shops, restaurants and hotels while American Express is accepted in fewer places. Please read credit card slips thoroughly before signing.
Tipping
Tipping varies from country to country and many find it a difficult topic. However, tipping is not compulsory and there are no fixed amounts. You can determine how much you would like to tip by how the individual made your tour more enjoyable. As a local rule of thumb it is recommended approximately:
- US$10 for your local guide plus about US$5 for your local driver on a full day tour
- US$5 for a fullday with driver
- US$5 per transfer service driver with the transfer representative at your discretion
Cuisine
The most authentic Vietnamese food is found at modest or even quite cheap restaurants. Vietnam's national dish is Pho, a broth soup with beef or chicken and rice noodles. Coffee, baguettes, and pastries were originally introduced by the French colonials. If you are Traveling to a seaside village or beach resort area in the south to try the local seafood restaurants that often serve shrimp, crab, and locally-caught fish. Follow the locals to a good restaurant: the food will still be swimming when you order it, it will be well-prepared, very affordable by Western standards, and often served in friendly surroundings with spectacular views.
Language
Vietnamese is the spoken language in Vietnam. It is written in the Roman alphabet making maps and signs relatively easy to understand. English is widely understood in tourist areas.
Transport
For short distances in the city, Metered taxis, motorcycles and cyclos can be hired. For longer distances a driver and car can be hired at a reasonable rate, or flights are available on Vietnam Airlines or Pacific Airlines are available and can be booked through Bluesky Holidays. Other transportation includes trains which are cheap, reliable and frequently operating between major cities.
Highlights of Vietnam Sapa
Sapa is an incredibly picturesque village in the Northern Mountains. There is rich cultural diversity with ethnic hill tribes and rugged scenery. Sapa and its surrounding region is host to many hill tribes, as well as rice terraces, lush vegetation, and Fansipan, the highest peak in Vietnam.
Hanoi
The capital of Vietnam, is a fascinating blend of West and East, with French design from its colonial past and Chinese influence from centuries of dominance. It is still unspoiled by modern architecture.
Halong Bay
The bay is well known for its exotic scenic rock formations ‘Bay of Descending Dragons’, 170km east of Hanoi. The Halong bay cruises are popular among tourists.
Hue
The ancient city related to Nguyen Dynasty, who ruled 1804 to 1945. The city went though a harsh time during the Vietnam war and was conquered by the Viet Cong.
Hoi An
A beautiful city on the coast of central Vietnam. The old town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was a major international port in the 16th & 17th centuries. There is also a beautiful beach with luxurious resorts close by. The old town has full of winding lanes and Chinese-styled shop houses.
Pleiku
Located in Vietnam’s Central Highlands Pleiku is a distinct contrast from the tropical south, with rolling hills, arid climate, old battlefields and indigenous tribes.
Quy Nhon
Quy Nhon is the capital of Binh Dinh Province, a thriving seaside town, but yet untouched by mass tourism. Quy Nhon was for centuries a cradle of the Cham Civilization & evidence remains today of the spectacular towers they built.
Nha Trang
Nha Trang is a beautiful seaside resort with a long white sandy beach. It is a more lively and urban town than some other beach resorts in Vietnam, but visitors can still enjoy the beautiful beaches, resort hotels and scuba diving in the crystal clear waters at nearby islands.
Mui Ne & Phan Thiet
The formerly scarcely inhabited beach south of the fishing village of Mui Ne has prospered in recent years and there has been a nubmer of exclusive resorts along a 15km beachfront backed by shady streets lined with coconut palms.
Dalat
A cross between Vietnam and the French Alps, many of its hotels and houses built in a French style. Temperatures are pleasantly warm by day, and quite cool at night, down to perhaps 10C. Tourists will drawn by the scenery, fresh air, flower filled parks and local edible treats. Dalat is also surrounded by some of the best mountain biking, hiking and canyoning opportunities in Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh City
The largest city in Vietnam, modernised with busy streets, shops, restaurants and night entertainment for tourists.
Mekong Delta
The southern end of the Mekong River, area around Ho Chi Minh City. It is a very rich and lush area, covered with rice fields. The place for timeless sceneries of farmers planting or harvesting rice.
Phu Quoc
An island off the coast in Southern Vietnam. Also known as ‘The most beautiful and cleanest beach of world by ABC News 08’. At Phu Quoc you can try a motorbike tour by yourself. It is a great way to meet the locals and in the south there are some lovely quiet beaches.