Useful information

Currency
The currency of Vietnam is "dong" .Note available are 500; 1.000; 2.000; 5.000; 10.000; 20.000 50.000and 100,000. Other currencies such as: USD, Frances, Chinese are widely accepted in many tourist destination.
Credit Cards and Travellers' Cheques are accepted at most of hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops but in major cities only. Visitors are recommended to carry US Dollar in small notes. Travelers can change their money for Vietnamese Dong (VND) at banks, hotels and jewelry shops throughout the country.

Hygiene condition
It is advised to drink mineral water and having meals in restaurant that are indicated by travel agencies. Food from vendors are not really good for health.

Health
There are hospital of each province when you are traveling around, beside that, herbal medicine and traditional acupuncture are perfect alternative when you are facing health difficulties.

Security
Keeping luggage well in safe while traveling is a must, especially for backpackers.
It is dispensable to give aims to beggars and to buy souvenirs from street vendors.
Money exchanged should be done from travel agencies or bank only.

Languages
Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam but there are various dialects spoken by ethnic minority people in remote areas. Learning foreign languages, particularly English and French, is currently in popular among young people in big cities, while Chinese are vogue in provinces which share the borders with China.

The following items are quite unique and have good quality:
* Carved wooden furniture, fine lacquer ware (these can be shipped home upon request).
* Traditional Vietnamese hand-made silk, linen and cotton dresses, kimonos, embroideries, etc.
* Simulated antiques, ceramics, old watches or Zippo lighters, etc. 

Airlines:
Domestic flight are available when traveling with Vietnam airlines or Pacific airlines. Taxi to the airport are also well in use upon request through telephoning.
Vietnam Airlines
Hanoi: 1 Quang Trung St., Hanoi, tel: (84) 4-8320 320
Saigon: 116-118 Nguyen Hue Blvd., tel: (84) 8-8292 118