Destination Guide

Vietnam Beaches

Posted on 14/04/202014/05/2024 by Sai Gon Web Co., Ltd

14
Apr

As a tropical Southeast Asian country with more than 2,000 miles of coastline, Vietnam is absolutely a perfect choice for those wanting to spend their summer holidays at beaches. Following are the best seashores in that peaceful country.

Nha Trang

Nha Trang is perhaps the most famous Vietnam coast as it has been listed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Located in Southern Vietnam, Nha Trang is a dynamic city which stands by the sea. There are many amazing white-sand beaches in this city, namely City Beach and Hon Chong Chenh. Not only can visitors dive into the turquoise sea water, sunbathe in the sandy beach, they can also participate in some modern water sports such as wakeboarding, kite surfing, and banana boat rides. What’s more, in Hon Chong Chenh beach there exists a rock formation stretching towards the sea, which is an ideal place for taking photos.

Mui Ne, Binh Thuan

Mui Ne has recently become an attractive destination for Vietnam holidays. With long white sandy beaches and rock-free water, it is a perfect place for swimming. Also, Mui Ne is well-known with enormous golden sand dunes, which make travelers feel like they are in the Sahara Desert. Visiting Mui Ne, you can spend our time walking on barefoot on sandy beaches, watch the sunset and enjoy some outdoor activities on the sand dunes. Amazing, isn’t it?

Phu Quoc

Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc – the biggest island in Vietnam has many stunning beaches. The most famous one is Long Beach, located in the West of Phu Quoc Island. It has long and plain beach with soft yellow sand and surrounded by palms. It is an ideal place for sunbathing, swimming and watching the sunset. Long Beach is even more attractive because travelers can also explore the life of a fishing village and pearl farm there.

Cat Ba

Not only the South but also the North of Vietnam has many amazing beaches. Cat Ba is among the most famous ones in Northern Vietnam beaches. Cat Ba is an island on Ha Long Bay – which is considered one of new 7 wonders of the world. That area is well-known for its majestic sea with thousands of limestones and green water. If you want to explore the sheer beauty of Halong Bay but still hesitate because of the huge flocks of tourists there, Cat Ba Island would be your perfect choice. There are some jaw-dropping beaches in that island such as Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2 and Cat Co 3. Cat Co 1 and Cat Co 3 are linked by a Cliffside path that’s a joy to walk anytime, while Cat Co 2 provides travelers with plenty of bungalows and chalets which are suitable for romantic trips or honeymoon.

Co To

Another destination for Northern Vietnam trip is Co To Island, which is popular for its transparent blue sea, white smooth sand beaches. A must-stop destination here is Co To Lighthouse – where visitors can take a broad view of the spectacular Northern Gulf and watch the sunset. There is also a wild forest with colorful flowers and birds. It is amazing to dive into the clean blue water to watch beautiful coral reefs while watching flocks of seagulls flying above.

Lang Co, Hue

It is a beach with a charming beauty which still remains intact in the Central of Vietnam, locating just about 1 hour driving from the UNESCO World Heritage – Imperial Citadel of Hue. Though not being on the recommended lists of travel agencies its beauty will definitely steal your heart. Here there is not only soft sandy beach but also poetic mountains and peaceful fishing villages. Lang Co would be a must-visit stop for those who want to watch flocks of storks flying back to their nest at dawn.

Non Nuoc Beach, Da Nang

Just about 20 minutes driving from the center of Da Nang, visitors will reach the picturesque Non Nuoc Beach. It is voted as one of the most attractive in the world in 2015. That sandy beach with sunshine all year round is the destination for travelers wanting to run away from the bustle of cities. Non Nuoc Beach is not only a swimming beach but also a place for outdoor activities like skydiving and surfing.

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Middle of Vietnam

HUE – DA NANG – HOI AN I. HUE Area: 70.99 sq. km Population: 1,090,000 (2011) Administrative Division: – Wards: Phu Nhuan, An Cuu, Truong An, Phuoc Vinh, Vinh Ninh, Phu Hoi, Xuan Phu, Vy Da, Tay Loc, Thuan Loc, Thuan Thanh, Thuan Hoa, Kim Long, Phu Hoa, Phu Cat, Phu Hiep, Phu Hau, Phu Binh, Phu Thuan, Phuong Duc, Huong So, An Hoa, An Dong, An Tay, Huong Long, Thuy Xuan, Thuy Bieu. – Ethnic groups: Viet (Kinh) The city of Hue covers an area of 70.99 sq. km with the population of nearly 1,010,000 people (2011). There are totally 27 wards in the city: Phu Nhuan, An Cuu, Truong An, Phuoc Vinh, Vinh Ninh, Phu Hoi, Xuan Phu, Vy Da, Tay Loc, Thuan Loc, Thuan Thanh, Thuan Hoa, Kim Long, Phu Hoa, Phu Cat, Phu Hiep, Phu Hau, Phu Binh, Phu Thuan, Phuong Duc, Huong So, An Hoa, An Dong, An Tay, Huong Long, Thuy Xuan, and Thuy Bieu. Most of the citizens are the Kinh people. Hue used to be the capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty, from 1802 to 1945. The vestiges of the past still remains today. Coming to the city alongside the Perfume River, visitors will be amazed by the spectacular beauty and high cultural value of the monuments, tombs, and pagodas. Thanks to the significant value, the complex monuments of the Imperial Citadel of Hue and the Imperial Court Music have been designated as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. The city then gains its reputation as a cultural and religious center of Vietnam in particular and Southeast Asian in general. HIGHLIGHTS OF HUE The Imperial Citadel of Hue It is a complex monument which was built during the 19th century. The Citadel of Hue is actually a walled fortress and palace with impressive architecture. The construction of that massive monument involved in more than a thousand of workers and huge volume of burden workload. With the well-preserved architecture, that site was made a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 2003 and have attracted a large amount of tourists since then. The Imperial City of Hue contains of two main parts: the Citadel and the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City is where emperors and the loyal family lived and worked whereas the Citadel is to protect it. Address: Thuan Hanh Ward Opening hour: Everyday, 7:30 a.m – 5:30 p.m Entrance fee: VND 150,000/person Emperor tombs Another worth-visiting place is the complex of Emperor Tombs, including Gia Long Tomb, Minh Mang Tomb, Khai Dinh Tomb, and Tu Duc Tomb. Each tomb represents different viewpoints of the Nguyen Emperors. Visiting the tombs, history lovers will have a chance to explore the life and viewpoints of the Emperors. These relics are also parts of the Citadel – a World Cultural Heritage. Opening hour: Everyday, 7:30 a.m – 5:30 p.m Entrance fee: VND 55,000/person Thien Mu Pagoda As a religious center of Central Vietnam, Hue has a lot of temples and pagodas. The most famous among them is Thien Mu Pagoda on the Northern bank of Perfume River. Its alluring beauty is a huge attraction to visitors. Located in the foot of Ha Khe Hill, Thien Mu Pagoda (Linh Mu Pagoda) is just about 5km from the city center of Hue. Built in the 17th century, it is considered the oldest pagoda in Thua Thien Hue province. Though having been restored many times, the pagoda still remains its ancient look. There are some notable architectural works such as Phuoc Duyen Tower, Dai Hung Shrine and Dia Tang Shrine. Visiting Thien Mu Pagoda, tourists will immerse their souls in pagoda sightseeing and go into the pure and majestic space, which cannot be seen in bustling cities. Address: Kim Long Road, Huong Long Ward, Perfume River Opening hour: Everyday, 7.30 am – 5.30 pm Entrance fee: Free Tha Om Garden House On the way to Thien Mu pagoda, Tha Om Garden House is a worth-visiting destination where visitors can not only hear the stories about the history of Vietnam but also try the finest Hue dishes. It is a sophisticated garden with lotus ponds and pavilions, creating an unforgettable memory for travelers of the traditional Hue residence harmonizing with an extraordinarily delicious Vietnamese dinner. Address: 12/12 Nguyen Phuc Nguyen Street Entrance fee: From VND 100.000 – VND 300.000 Opening hour: everyday, 8.00 am – 10.00 pm Thanh Toan Village Located in Thuy Thanh Commune, Thanh Toan Village is among the most beautiful villages in Hue. Visitors love to ride bicycle around the village to watch the tranquil scenery of a Vietnamese village as well as visit some interesting destinations. Thanh Toan tile-roofed bridge, the communal houses, and clan worshipping houses are great to pay a visit. Also, traditional festivals are perfect to join in. Address: Thuy Thanh Commune, Huong Thuy Ward Opening hour: Everyday Entrance fee: Free Lang Co Beach After discovering the history and culture of Hue, here comes the time for relaxing. Lang Co Beach is regarded one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With more than 10 kilometers of coastline, Lang Co has soft white sand-bank and turquoise sea water, which is a huge appeal to travelers. It is wonderful to dive into the cool water there. The beach is even more attractive when it is located closely to some sightseeing spots and cultural sites, namely Bach Ma National Park, Hue Citadel and Da Nang City. It is a perfect stop during your travel. Address: Thuy Thanh Commune, Huong Thuy Ward Opening Hour: Everyday Entrance Fee: Free II. DA NANG Area: 1,283.4 sq. km Population: 926,000 (2010) Administrative divisions: – Urban districts: Hai Chau, Thanh Khe, Son Tra, Ngu Hanh Son, Lien Chieu, Cam Le. – Rural districts: Hoa Vang, Hoang Sa. Ethnic groups: Viet (Kinh), Hoa, Co Tu, Tay… Da Nang has an area of 1,283.4 sq.km with more than 926,000 citizens (2010). It consists of 6 urban districts (Hai Chau, Thanh Khe, Son Tra, Ngu Hanh Son, Lien Chieu, and Cam Le), 1 rural districts (Hoa Vang), and 1 island district (Hoang Sa). The majority of population is Kinh people; additionally, there are some ethnic groups such as Hoa, Co Tu, and Tay. The history of Da Nang dates back to the ancient Champa Kingdom, which was established by Indonesian settlers in 192 AD. Champa Kingdom used to be a prosperous nation, but due to the expansion of the Chinese, Vietnamese, and Khmer led to the fall of the Kingdom in the 15th century. Da Nang is now a major economic and service center of Vietnam. Surrounded by the marvelous Truong Son Mountain Range and the East Coast, the city possesses several tourist attractions. HIGHLIGHTS OF DA NANG Marble Mountains Marble Mountains is a should-see in Da Nang. Also known as “Ngu Hanh Son”, these mountains are a cluster of five marble and limestone hills located just about 7km to the south of Da Nang city center. The mountains are named after five elements of the ancient oriental philosophy, which are metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. There are plenty of marvelous tunnels, caves, and Buddhist sanctuaries to explore. Also, the caves were formerly the hiding places and important bases of Vietnamese army during the Vietnam War. Marble Mountains is perfect for those wanting to climb up high to take a bird’s eye view of the bustling yet beautiful Da Nang city. Address: Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District Opening hour: Everyday Entrance fee: Around VND 15,000/guest Champa Sculpture Art Museum The Museum was built in 1915 and is the world’s largest collection of Cham sculpture. Regardless of its significant value in culture and history, that museum is recommended in lists of where to see in Da Nang. Cham Sculpture Art Museum displays an extensive sculpture collection of Champa nation, which was a matriarchal society in the Middle of Vietnam dating from the 7th to the 15th centuries. Nowadays, the museum consists of around 300 sandstone and terra-cotta sculptures standing for Cham culture. The sculptures are collected from Champa temples all over Vietnam and are displayed in distinguished showrooms of different localities. Visiting the museum, visitors have a chance to learn about the glorious past of a nation which passion for art and creativities reached the peak. The distinctive value cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Address: 01 Trung Nu Vuong Street, Da Nang Province Opening hour: Everyday, 7.00 am – 5.30 pm Entrance fee: Around VND 30,000/guest, complimentary for children under 16 years old Ba Na Hills Nestled in the spectacular Truong Son Mountain Range to the west of Da Nang, Ba Na Hills is a huge entertainment complex which welcomes a large number of tourists from different parts of the world. Ba Na used to be a resort founded by French since early 20th century with more than 200 Western-style villas, but only a few of them remain today. Ba Na attracts travelers with dense rainforests, waterfalls, and its bio-ecological diversity. Another notable attraction in Ba Na is the Southeast Asian’s biggest indoor amusement center. Fantasy Park opens a lively and attractive entertainment world with many fascinating games for all ages. Also, Ba Na also consists of many alluring places such as Le Jardin D’Amour Flower Garden, Debay Wine Cellar, Linh Ung Pagoda, and French Village. The cable car, Alpine Coaster, and Funicular will take you through the picturesque landscapes as well as the interesting tourist attractions in Ba Na Hills. Address: Hoa Vinh, Hoa Vang District Opening hour: Everyday Entrance Fee: VND 650,000/person Non Nuoc Beach Regarded as one of the most beautiful seashores in the world, Non Nuoc Beach attracts tourists with soft white sandbank which gently slopes towards the unpolluted blue sea waters. Thanks to its poetic beauty, Non Nuoc Beach always appears in lists of best place to see in Da Nang. Nestled only about 20 km from the city center of Da Nang, the sandy beach with sunshine and mild waves all year round is the ideal destination for those who want to run away from the hustle and bustle of cities. Non Nuoc Beach is not only a swimming spot but also a place for outdoor activities like skydiving and surfing. It is also a great place to eat fresh seafood. Non Nuoc Beach is suitable for both single-day tours and long trips. There are several hotels, hostels, and even luxury resorts available for any types of trips. Address: Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District Opening hour: Everyday Entrance fee: Free My Son Located in Quang Nam Province, just 70km from Da Nang, My Son Sanctuary is an important vestige of Champa civilization. Champa was a dependent country in Central Vietnam from the 4th to the 13th century. Influenced by comprised of a series of impressive tower-temples located in a dramatic site that presents a vivid picture of spiritual and political life in an important phase of the history of South-East Asia. Address: Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam Province Opening hour: Everyday, 6.30 am – 5.00 pm Entrance fee: Around VND 100,000/guest III. HOI AN Location: Quang Nam Province, 30km from Da Nang Population: around 90,000 people Ethnic groups: Kinh, Hoa (Chinese) Administrative divisions: 13 communes and wards Nestled in Quang Nam Province, Hoi An is a small town at the lower section of Thu Bon River, just 30 km to the south of Da Nang. The town used to be the major trading port of Vietnam in particular and Asia in general between the 15th and 17th century. The town consists of 13 communes and wards (3 mainland communes, 1 island commune, and 9 wards). The population of Hoi An is approximately 90,000 people. Most of them are the Kinh and Hoa (Chinese) people. Hoi An has tropical monsoon climate, with the average temperature of 25⁰C, humidity of 82%, and the annual rainfall of 2,000 mm. Hoi An is an ancient town with high cultural values. There exists several ancient buildings and houses, which display the influences of foreign cultures, namely Chinese, Japanese, and French. The town is also a poetic land as the Thu Bon River flows through the town. Thanks to its poetic scenery and important cultural value, Hoi An Ancient Town was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. HIGHLIGHTS OF HOI AN Japanese Bridge (Chua Cau) Japanese Bridges are well-known for their spectacular design, and the one in Hoi An is not an exception. It well represents the impact of Japanese culture on Vietnam. Legend has it that the bridge was constructed to deter the monster called Mamazu, whose head was in India, tail in Thailand and back in Vietnam, from causing earthquakes and natural disasters. In fact, the Japanese commercial community built it in the 16th century to connect with Chinese people on the other side of the river. The Japanese Bridge is famous for its unique decoration. Additionally, there is a small temple on the north side of the bridge. Night on the bridge is even more poetic. With its historical background and beautiful architecture, this is considered a must-visit place for any Hoi An tour. Address : Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Minh An, Hoi An Ancient City, Quang Nam Province Opening hour: Everyday, 7.00 am – 5.30 pm Entrance fee: Free Chinese Assembly Halls Another interesting thing to do in Hoi An Vietnam is to visit the Assembly Halls of Chinese people. When they immigrated to Hoi An, they decided to build some Assembly Halls to socialize as well as to preserve their traditions. There are totally 5 Chinese Assembly Halls (Fujian, Chaozhou, Hainan, Cantonese, and Chinese). Though not all of them remain the original look, these halls have become popular Hoi An Tourist Attractions. All the Halls follow the same formula: a grand gate, a beautiful garden with ornamental plants, a main hall, and a large altar room. These are decorated with lots of statues, murals, and lacquered boards. However, each Hall worships different gods and each Chinese Community has different beliefs. Address: Tran Phu Street, Hoi An City Opening hour: Everyday, 8.00 am – 5.00 pm Entrance free: Free Old House of Tan Ky Located at 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street in the Old Quarter, Tan Ky Old House is an almost perfect instance of residence of the 18th century in Hoi An. Although it is not the oldest house in town, Tan Ky is the most well-preserved one. The details of this house such as the storage area, the outside structure which was made of bricks and tiles and the floor that is covered with Bat Trang bricks still remain unchanged after centuries. Tan Ky Old House represents the cluster of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese culture. Oriental philosophy features are clearly displayed in the house, such as the triple-beam structure, the five round blocks, and many decorative carvings on the furniture. It is absolutely an ideal place for exploring the cultures of Eastern countries. Address: 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hoi An Opening hour: Everyday, 8.00 am – 5.00 pm Entrance fee: Around VND 10.000/guest The Tran Family Chapel Among the top Hoi An Attractions stands the Tran Family Chapel – one of the oldest houses in the ancient town. It was built in the 19th century by Tran Tu Nhac – a highly-respected mandarin under Nguyen Dynasty before he was sent to China as the King’s envoy. The house was originally used as a worshipping place for his family’s ancestors. It is also a reminder about the tradition of his family to the next generations. As a typical example of Eastern architecture, the house has a main gate, a big garden surrounded with high walls. There are different parts which serve different purposes in the house: one for worshipping, one for housing the family leader and his guests, and one drawing room. Members of Tran Family still gather in the house every year to worship their ancestors. It is also a chance to educate the future generations about the traditions of their family. Tra Que Village Located in the rural area of Hoi An and surrounded by fields of vegetables and crops, Tra Que village is dedicated to the growing of traditional vegetables and supplies Hoi An and its neighbors with most of the fresh products which are used to make distinctive central Vietnamese dishes such as Cao Lau and Quang noodle. The village has more than a hundred years of history. Address: 3 km North of Hoi An Opening hour: Everyday Entrance fee: Free Thu Bon River It is a river flowing alongside Hoi An ancient town. Travelers can take a boat tour along the river to watch the beautiful scenery and visit some craft villages. Thu Bon River is incredibly beautiful at dawn and by night. It is a lot of fun to spend your time watching the romantic scenery of the river filled with lanterns by night. Not only do travelers visit Hoi An to explore the stunning scenery but also to sample Hoi An Cuisine, which is renowned for delicious dishes. While travelling around the town, you can drop by some street vendors to try Hoi An specialties such as “Cao Lau”, “Mi Quang”, and “Banh Mi Hoi An”. All these tasty dishes will make your trip even more wonderful. Cua Dai Beach Just 5 km from Hoi An stands Cua Dai Beach – a tranquil seashore with majestic beauty. Not only is the beach wonderful to visit, the way from Hoi An, through peaceful landscapes of villages and fields, is also fascinating to explore. Address: 3 km North of Hoi An Opening hour: Everyday Entrance fee: Free Cu Lao Cham According to archaeologists, Cu Lao was first settled by the Cham people 3,000 years ago and they established business contacts with overseas countries 1,000 years ago. Cu Lao Cham has well preserved many architectural constructions dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, including the shrine built in 1843 at Bai Huong and Hai Tang Pagoda built in 1753. Cu Lao Cham is also a great destination to watch coral reefs and the marine life. Address: Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An Opening hour: Everyday Entrance fee: Free

Visa to Vietnam

1. Customs regulations Thanks to the government’s policies to promote tourism, customs regulations are becoming far simpler. However, it is still necessary to pay attention to the basic information about essential documentation and things that you can and cannot bring along when arriving or leaving the country. Travelers can bring the maximum amount of the followings; if exceeding, you will have to declare your stuff and pay import taxes: – Cigarettes: 400 – Cigars: 100 – Tobacco: 100 gram – Liquor: 1.5 liters – Perfume and jewelries for personal use – Souvenirs and gift items valued under $ 300. There is no restriction on the amount of money, gold, or precious materials; however, large sums of foreign currency (US$5000 and greater) or gold (more than 300 gram) must be declared. Bear in your mind that you are not allowed to bring along the followings: – Weapon, ammunition, explosives and inflammable objects – Military technical equipment; drugs, opium and other narcotics – Anti-government literature; pornographic literature, etc. 2. Passports Passport must be valid for 6 months upon arrival in Vietnam. 3. Visas Getting visas in advance is required for some nationalities, but some don’t. Travelers with tourist visas can stay for 30 days. The standard length for people from visa-exempt countries (Norway, Finland, Japan, Korea, and ASEAN members) is 15 days. The validity of visas is short; hence, check your plans before applying for single or multiple visas. A single-entry visa (30 days of validity) costs , while a multiple-entry visa (90 days of validity) costs . (Modafinil) It is also easy to extend the visa in Vietnam. Types of Visas Visa on Arrival (VOA) It is the most preferred method for travelers coming by plane, as it is much cheaper, faster, and more convenient. The VOA is only available if you are heading to one of Vietnam’s five international airports (Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang, Hai Phong, and Can Tho). The procedure is very simple: fill in an online application form and pay the agency fee (about $20), then you will get a Visa on Arrival approval letter signed by Vietnamese Immigration via email. You need to print it out, show it on arrival in a separate queue at customs, and pay your visa stamping fee in US dollars. The costs for single-entry and multiple-entry stampings are $25 and $50. Visa via the Embassy or Consulate Visa can also be obtained via Vietnam’s Embassies and Consulates in other countries, but the process may be slower. It takes about a week to get a Vietnamese Visa in European countries. E-visas Since 2017, travelers are enabled to apply for visa online via the Vietnam Immigration Department. 40 nationalities are eligible to register. However, the E-visas are single-entry only, and cannot be extended. The cost is $25. You can check the latest conditions and apply at: https://immigration.gov.vn/ Visa exemption Citizens of certain countries which have exemption agreements with Vietnam may visit the country without visa for a period of time. Followings are the list of visa-exempted nations: Country Days Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia 30 Philippines 21 Japan, South Korea, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the UK 15 Myanmar, Brunei 14 4. Embassies and Consulates Regarding countries with no visa exemption agreements with Vietnam, travelers have to contact the Vietnam Embassies or Consulates in their countries to register or extend the visa. In case any problems occur, visitors should contact their country’s embassies and consulates in Vietnam to ask for support. There are 80 embassies in Hanoi, and 58 consulates and 3 representations in other cities. List of Embassies and Consulates EMBASSY & CONSULATE ADDRESSES CITY TELEPHONE WEBSITE Algerian Embassy 1 3 Phan Chu Trinh HN 84 4 38253865/39332151 American Embassy The American Center 1 st Floor, Rose Garden Tower, 170 Ngoc Khanh Street, HN 844-3850-5000 http://vietnam.usembassy.gov/ Argentinian Embassy 360 Kim Ma Street, Daeha Business Centre, BA Dinh District HN 84438315262 / 38315263 http://www.embargentina.org.vn Australian Consulate 5th Floor, The Landmark Building, 5B Ton Duc Thang, District 1 HCM 84-8 3521 8100 http://www.hcmc.vietnam.embassy.gov.au/ Australian Embassy 8 Dao Tan Street, Ba Dinh District HN 84-4 3774 0100 http://www.vietnam.embassy.gov.au/ Austrian Embassy Prime Center, 53 Quang Trung, 8. Floor, Hai Ba Trung District HN 84/4 3943 3050-3/3943 3051 http://www.aussenministerium.at/hanoi Bangladeshi Embassy Villa # D6B-05, Vuon Dao, Compound, Subway #675, Lac Long Quan Road, Tay Ho District HN 84-4-3771-6625,/3771-7829 Belarusian Embassy To Ngoc Van Road, 66, Tay Ho District, HN 84 4 37 19 29 74 http://www.vietnam.belembassy.org/ Belgian Embassy Ha Noi tower, 9th floor, 49 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem District HN 84 4 3 934.61.77/7884 4 3 934.61.79/80/81 http://www.diplomatie.be/hanoi Brazilian Embassy 14, THUY KHUE STREET – villa D-6/7, Tay Ho District HN 844 843-0817/2544 British Embassy 31 Hai Ba Trung Street, Central Building HN 84 4 936050084 4 9360550 / 46 www.uk-vietnam.org/ Bulgarian Embassy 5 Nui Truc Str,Van Phuc, PO.Box 10 HN 84 4 38-45-29-08 Cambodian Consulate No. 41, Phung Khac Khoan, HCM 848 829 2751 Chinese Consulate General 39 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 1 HCM 848-8292457 Chinese Embassy 46 Hoang Dieu Road HN 844 8453736 http://vn.china-embassy.org/eng/ Consulate General of Canada 9th Floor, The Metropolitan, 235 Dong Khoi Street, District 1 HCM 011 84 8 827-9899 https://www.international.gc.ca/ Consulate General of France 27 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, BP 307 – Q. 1 HCM [84] 8 35 20 68 00 www.consulfrance-hcm.org/ Consulate General of Indonesia 1 8, Phung Khac Khoan Street, D 1 HCM 84-8 825-1888, 825-1889 Consulate General of Malaysia 1 208 Me Linh Point Tower, No. 2, Ngo Duc Ke Street, Distric 1 HCM 84-8-829 9023 www.kln.gov.my/perwakilan/hochiminh Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany 1 26 Nguyen Dinh Chieu – Q. 3 HCM 84 8 38 29 19 67 www.ho-chi-minh-stadt.diplo.de/ Consulate General of the Lao PDR 93 Pasteur St, District l HCM 84 8 829-7667or 829-9275 Consulate General of the Lao PDR 1 2 Tran Quy-Cap Danang 84 51 821-208 Consulate General of the Netherlands Saigon Tower, suite 901 , 29 Le Duan Boulevard,, District 1 HCM 84 8 8235932/33 www. mfa.nl/hcm-en Consulate General of the Philippines 40-5 Pham Viet Chanh St., Ward 1 9, Binh Thanh District HCM 84 8 3518 0045 Consulate General of the United States 4 Le Duan Blvd., District 1 HCM 84-8-3520-4200 http://hochiminh.usconsulate.gov/contact.html Consulate of Iceland 18 Ngo Quyen, Hoan Kiem District, HN HN 84 4 936 6868 Consulate of Iceland 80 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Q1, Ho Chi Minh City HCM 84 8 38274 462 Consulate of the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos 40 Quang Trung Street HN 84-4 8252588 Consulate-General of Japan 13-17 Nguyen Hue, District 1 HCM 84-88225314 www.hcmcgi.vn.emb-iapan.go.ip/ Cuban Consulate Phung Khac Khoan Q 1,° No. 45 HCM 848 08 829 7350 Embassy of Brunei Darussalam Villa No 8 and 9, Van Phuc Diplomatik Quarter, 44/8 and 44/9 Van Bao Street , Ba Dinh District HN +84 4 943 5249 / +84 4 943 5250 Embassy of Cambodia 71A,Tran Hung Dao St HN 844 942 4789 / 942 4788 Embassy of Canada 31 Hung Vuong Street HN 84 4 734 5000 http://www.international.gc.ca/vietnam Embassy of Chile Suite 1201-1203, 1 2 th floor, 2 Ngo Quyen Street, Tung Shing Square Building, Hoan Kiem HN 84 4 9351147/84 4 9351148 Embassy of Cuba 65 A Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem B.P 79 HN 844 942 4775/884 942 5070-71 Embassy of Egypt 63 To Ngec, Quang An Ward Tay Ho HN 844 8294999 – 8294996 Embassy of Finland 31 Hai Ba Trung, Central Building HN 84 4 826 6788 Embassy of France 57 Tran Hung Dao – Hanoi HN [84] 4 944 57 00 www.ambafrance-vn.org/ Embassy of Greece 28 Thanh Nien Road , Ba Dinh, Hanoi HN 8443 7152254 Embassy of Hungary 360 Kim Ma Street, Daeha Business Center, 1 2th Floor HN 84 4-7715714 Embassy of Indonesia 50, Ngo Quyen Street HN 84-4 825-6316, 825-3353, 825-7969 /www.indonesia-hanoi.org.vn Embassy of Ireland Vincom City Towers [8F], 191 Ba Trieu Street,Hai Ba Trung District HN 84 4 3974 3291 www.em bassyofireland.vn Embassy of Israel 68 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Ba Dinh District HN 84-4-8433140/1/2 hanoi.mfa.gov.il Embassy of Japan 27 Lieu Giai , Ba Dinh District HN 84 4 3846-3000 www.vn.emb-iapan.go.ip/ Embassy of Malysia 43 – 45 Dien Bien Phu Street, Ba Dinh District HN 84-4-734 38 36 / 84-4-734 38 49 www.kln.gov.my/perwakilan/hanoi Embassy of Mexico 14 Thuy Khue T-1 1, Hanoi, HN 844 847-0948 www.sre.gob.mx/acerca/directorio/embaiadas/vietnam Embassy of Mongolia Van Phuc Diplomatic Quarter, Villa 6 Hanoi, Vietnam HN 84-4-38453009 http:// mongembhanoi.com/ Embassy of Morocco Chu Van An, Ba Dinh District HN 84 47 34 55 86 / 84 47 34 55 87 Embassy of Myanmar A-3 101-104, Vanphuc Diplomatic Quarters, Kim MA St. HN 84-4 845 3369, 823 2056 Embassy of New Zealand Level 5 63 Ly Thai To Street HN 84 4 824 1481 Embassy of Pakistan Villa 44/2, Van Bao Street, Van Phuc Diplomatic Compound HN 84-4 37262251 www.mofa.gov.pk/vietnam/default.aspx Embassy of Romania 5 Le Hong Phong Street HN 84 4 8452014 Embassy of Russia 191, La Thanh street, Hanoi, Vietnam HN 84 4 833-6991, 833-6992 www.vietnam.mid.ru Embassy of Singapore No. 41 & 43 Tran Phu Street HN 84-4-38489168 Main line www. mfa.gov.sg/hanoi Embassy of Slovakia 6B Le Hong Phong Str. HN 84-4 845 4334-5 www.mzv.sk/HANOI Embassy of South Africa 3rd Floor, Central Building, 31 Hai Ba Trung Street HN 84-4-9362000 /+84-4-9362003 Embassy of Spain 15th Fl. Dacha Business Center, 360 Kim Ma Str HN 84-4-771-5207 / +84-4-771-5209 Embassy of Sweden 2, Nui True Street, Khu Ba Dinh District HN 84 4 726 04 00 www.swedenabroad.com/hanoi Embassy of Thailand 63-65 Hoang Dieu Street HN 84-4 823-5092 to 93 Embassy of the Czech Republic 1 3 Chu Van An HN 84-4 38454131-2 http://www.mzv.cz/hanoi Embassy of the Lao PDR 22 Rue Tran Bing Trong HN 844 942 9746, 942 4576, 942 2735 Embassy of the Philippines 27-B Tran Hung Dao St. HN 844 943-7873/ 3849/ 4493 / 7948 / 9826 www.hanoipe.org Embassy of The Republic of Iraq HN 84 4 – 9424141 Embassy of The Republic of Korea 4 th Fl., Dae Ha Business Center,Kim Ma Street, Hanoi, HN 84-4 831 5111/6 Embassy of Turkey 4 Da Tuong Str., 4th Fl., North Star Bldg. HN 84-4 822-2460 Embassy of Ukraine 6, Le Hong Phong Street Ba Dinh District HN 84-4-37344484 /84-4-37344492 www.mfa.gov.ua/vietnam General Consulate of Singapore The Saigon Centre, Level 8, 65 Le Loi Boulevard, District 1 HCM 84-8 8225174 www. mfa.gov.sg/hochiminhcitv General Consulate of Ukraine 4/4 Hoang Viet Street, Tan Binh District HCM 84-8 8222490 German Embassy 29, Tran Phu HN www.hanoi.diplo.de/ Honorary Consulate General of Finland 203 Dong Khoi, Suite #206, 1 st District Ho Chi Minh City HCM 84 8 8272 029 Honorary Consulate General of India 55-Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street , District 3 HCM 84 8-38237047 Honorary Consulate of Sweden 8A/1 1 D1 Thai Van Lung, 5th Floor HCM 84 8 823 68 00-2 www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/5616/a/20794/l/en/pd/561 Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic 2 Pham Minh Duc, Ngo Quyen Dist., Hai Phong HaiPhong 8431/3836539 Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic 28 Mac Dinh Chi, Quan 1 HCM 848/38290585 Honoray Consulate of Chile 79/2/1 Phanke Binh, Dakao, Distrit. 1 HCM 84-8-9102108/84-8-9102903 Indian Embassy 58-60, Tran Hung Dao HN 84-4-8244989 Italian Embassy 9, Le Phung Hieu Street HN 84 4 825 6256 www.embitalyvietnam.org Palestine Embassy HN 840408522947 Polish Embassy in Vietnam 3 Chua Mot Cot HN 84.4.3845.2027 www.hanoi.polemb.net/ Royal Danish Consulate Genera 20 Phung Khac Khoan St. HCM 84.8.8228289 Royal Danish Embassy 19 Dien Bien Phu Street HN 84 4 8231888 http://www.ambhanoi.um.dk Royal Danish Embassy in Vietnam 19 Dien Bien Phu Street HN 84 4 823 18 88 Royal Netherlands Embassy Daeha Office Tower, 6th floor , 360 Kim Ma Street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi HN 84 4 8315650 www.netherlands-embassy.org.vn/ Royal Norwegian Consulate 21-23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Somerset Chancellor Court, 5th Floor HCM 84 8 3822 1696 www.norway.org.vn/Embassy/Consulate- HCMC/ Royal Norwegian Embassy 1 0th Floor, Block B, Vincom City Towers, 191 Ba Trieu Street HN 84 4 3974 8900 www.norway.org.vn/ Royal Thai Consulate-General 77 Tran Quoc Thao Street, District 3 HCM 848 932-7637-8 www.thaiconsulatehochiminh.com:8080/ Taipei Economic and Cultural Office 5th Floor HITC Building,239 Xuan Thuy Street, Cau Giay District HN 2-844-833-5501 www.teco.org.vn Taipei Economic and Cultural Office 336 Nguyen Tri Phuong St., Dist. 10 HCM 002-848 834-6264~7

About Vietnam

Located on the eastern coast of mainland Southeast Asia, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is bordered by China to the north and Cambodia and Laos to the west. The country is long and narrow, shaped like the letter S, with Hanoi (the capital) and the Red River Delta to the north and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam’s largest city, also known as “Saigon”) and the Mekong Delta to the south. Vietnam has a coastline of 3,444 km (2,140 mi) with the East Sea (also called the South China Sea) to the east. Vietnam’s climate is tropical in the south and monsoonal in the north. While there are slight variations in temperature, Vietnam’s climate can generally be divided into the rainy season (May to September) and the dry season (October to March). With an estimated 95 million people, Vietnam ranks 14th in the world in population. About 85-90% of its population is ethnic Vietnamese (also known as “Kinh”), with 53 other ethnic groups recognized by the government. Vietnamese is the official language, and has some similarities to Khmer, Thai and Chinese. Under Chinese rule for a thousand years, an estimated 30% of Vietnamese vocabulary is derived from Chinese. Thanks to French colonial rule, Vietnamese uses a Romanized alphabet, unlike most of its Asian neighbors. While Vietnam has no official religion, the majority subscribe to what’s known as the “Three Teachings” of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Ancestor worship is common. It’s estimated that up to 10% of the population are Roman Catholics, followed by smaller numbers of Protestants, Muslims and Hindu. In the Mekong Delta, the Cao Dai and Hoa Hao sects are popular, in part based on Buddhism. Vietnam’s main exports include seafood, rice, crude oil, clothing and coffee. The monetary unit is the Dong (VND) where VND 22,700 is equal to USD 1.