There are very few countries on the planet that have grown and changed so much in such a short space of time as Vietnam. Sitting to the east of Cambodia and Laos, it’s bordered by a mountainous region to the west, and also by the South China Sea. To the north and south of it, you’ll find the awe-inspiring deltas of the Red River and the Mekong, where you’ll come across the paddy fields, wildlife and farmers that Vietnam is so famous for.
Less than forty years have passed since the slaughter and horror of the American War, and yet this wonderfully resilient nation is certainly back on its feet and full of promise. Getting around this diverse and fascinating country is now easier than ever, thanks to a mass upgrade program of roads, hotels and other essential infrastructure. Vietnam’s tenacious spirit is notably alive and kicking, as the traditional Communist structures gives way to a socialist market economy. The number of foreign tourists visiting the country has exploded year on year and it’s not hard to see why. With its breath-taking paddy fields and powder-white beaches, vibrant cities and elegant temples, Vietnam has risen from the ashes to once again thrive and inspire.
Many people find there’s more than enough places to keep them entertained in the main cities of Hanoi, Saigon and Ho Chi Minh City. But when you venture out a little further, it’s Vietnam’s unforgettable landscape that will really make you stop and admire.
5 Things You Need to Know About Vietnam
Here are five things you may not have known about Vietnam, which you’ll want to make note of before packing your bags:
Time Difference: UTC +7 hours
Currency: Vietnamese dong
Native Language: Vietnamese
Weather: Hanoi and North Vietnam has a distinct winter and summer season. The cool but mostly dry winter lasts from November to April when temperatures average 17-22°C with the coldest months being January - March. Summer lasts from May to October when it is hot and humid and the region experiences its highest rainfall.
Sales Tax: 10%
Flying to Vietnam from Australia
Here’s everything you’ll need to know about flying to Vietnam from Australia, including flight times and entry requirements.
Flight Times
Flights from Australia to Vietnam generally take between nine and twelve hours. Direct flights are only available from Sydney, however you can fly with just one stop from airports such as Canberra, Brisbane, Perth, Avalon, Alice Springs and Melbourne.
Entry Requirements
As a citizen of Australia, you need a visa to visit Vietnam. Since 1996, all Australian citizens coming to Vietnam can pick up a visa at Vietnam international airports. To obtain a Vietnam visa on arrival, you’ll need to visit www.vietnamvisa.govt.vn. A valid Australian passport is also required.
Airlines That Fly to Vietnam
The following airlines offer direct flights from Australia to Vietnam:
- Vietnam Airlines
- JetStar
10 Vietnam Must-Dos
If you’ve never visited Vietnam before and are wondering what the ‘must-see’ sights and attractions are, here are our top ten:
- Cu Chi Tunnels
- War Remnants Museum
- Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake)
- Central Post Office, Ho Chi Minh City
- Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
- The Duck Stop, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
- Bai Tu Long Bay
- Pongour Falls
- Linh Phuoc Pagoda
- Tra Su Bird Sanctuary
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