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The last time I was in Vietnam I was in uniform.
Therefore, as you can see, it has been a long time since I have been
there. If you have been there recently, you can help me develop this
page, Just contact me (mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com) and let me know
about your travels in Vietnam. I would like to make this page interesting
and filled with travel information and tips on Vietnam including passport and
visa information, accommodations, transportation
to and in Vietnam, attractions and things to see and do, restaurant suggestions, tours, and much more.
For information on how to join the Vietnam Veterans of America, visit the website for the chapter to which I belong: Douglas County Vietnam Veterans of America.
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General Information on Vietnam
Passports and Visas
Currency Information and Money
Matters
Electricity
Language
Travel Insurance
Travel Warning
The following information was taken from the CIA World Fact
Book
The conquest of Vietnam by France began in 1858 and was completed by 1884. It
became part of French Indochina in 1887. Vietnam declared independence after
World War II, but France continued to rule until its 1954 defeat by Communist
forces under Ho Chi MINH. Under the Geneva Accords of 1954, Vietnam was divided
into the Communist North and anti-Communist South. US economic and military aid
to South Vietnam grew through the 1960s in an attempt to bolster the government,
but US armed forces were withdrawn following a cease-fire agreement in 1973. Two
years later, North Vietnamese forces overran the South reuniting the country
under Communist rule. Despite the return of peace, for over a decade the country
experienced little economic growth because of conservative leadership policies.
However, since the enactment of Vietnam's "doi moi" (renovation) policy in 1986,
Vietnamese authorities have committed to increased economic liberalization and
enacted structural reforms needed to modernize the economy and to produce more
competitive, export-driven industries. The country continues to experience
protests from various groups - such as the Protestant Montagnard ethnic minority
population of the Central Highlands and the Hoa Hao Buddhists in southern
Vietnam over religious persecution. Montagnard grievances also include the loss
of land to Vietnamese settlers.
Vietnam is a densely-populated developing country that in the last 30 years has had to recover from the ravages of war, the loss of financial support from the old Soviet Bloc, and the rigidities of a centrally-planned economy. Economic stagnation marked the period after reunification from 1975 to 1985. In 1986, the Sixth Party Congress approved a broad economic reform package that introduced market reforms and set the groundwork for Vietnam's improved investment climate. Substantial progress was achieved from 1986 to 1997 in moving forward from an extremely low level of development and significantly reducing poverty. The 1997 Asian financial crisis highlighted the problems in the Vietnamese economy and temporarily allowed opponents of reform to slow progress toward a market-oriented economy. GDP growth averaged 6.8% per year from 1997 to 2004 even against the background of the Asian financial crisis and a global recession. Since 2001, Vietnamese authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to economic liberalization and international integration. They have moved to implement the structural reforms needed to modernize the economy and to produce more competitive, export-driven industries. The economy grew 8.5% in 2007. Vietnam's membership in the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and entry into force of the US-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement in December 2001 have led to even more rapid changes in Vietnam's trade and economic regime. Vietnam's exports to the US increased 900% from 2001 to 2007. Vietnam joined the WTO in January 2007, following over a decade long negotiation process. WTO membership has provided Vietnam an anchor to the global market and reinforced the domestic economic reform process. Among other benefits, accession allows Vietnam to take advantage of the phase-out of the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing, which eliminated quotas on textiles and clothing for WTO partners on 1 January 2005. Agriculture's share of economic output has continued to shrink, from about 25% in 2000 to less than 20% in 2007. Deep poverty, defined as a percent of the population living under $1 per day, has declined significantly and is now smaller than that of China, India, and the Philippines. Vietnam is working to create jobs to meet the challenge of a labor force that is growing by more than one-and-a-half million people every year. In an effort to stem high inflation which took off in 2007, early in 2008 Vietnamese authorities began to raise benchmark interest rates and reserve requirements. Hanoi is targeting an economic growth rate of 7.5-8% during the next four years. For additional information, visit https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/print/vm.html.
You will need a passport to visit Andorra. You have to travel to
Andorra through either France or Spain. Andorra accepts any passport or passport
replacing document that is valid for either France or Spain.
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Passport Visa Express specializes in obtaining Passports for United States Citizens who wish to travel internationally within the next 30 days. We work directly with the U.S. Passport Agency assisting you in expediting your passport application in as fast as the same day! Our passport consultants have many years of direct experience working with the Passport Agency. |
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Currency Information and Money Matters
The currency of Vietnam is the dong (VND). The dong
per US dollar - 16,119 (2007), 15,983 (2006), 15,746 (2005), NA (2004), 15,510
(2003).
Currency
Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports,
railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency
exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and
rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a
nightmare. Order in advance from
All
Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and
money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and
transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious! Current Exchange Rate:
Check Today's Exchange Rate
The official language is Vietnamese (official), English (increasingly favored as a second language), some French, Chinese, and Khmer; mountain area languages (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian). I have found that it helps to know at least a little bit of the language as I travel in other countries. You do not have to be able to be a fluent speaker, but knowing a few key words and phrases will really help. I have found that, although almost everywhere I go I can find someone who speaks English, knowing just a few words of the local language can really be a help. And, it lets others know I am at least interested in their language. Visit the Getting Away Language Learning Center where you can find out how to learn another language, or where to purchase books, dictionaries, electronic translators, software and more
Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
Electricity
125 or 220V ,both at 50Hz.
Be sure to take your adaptor and converter kit.
Find the converter you will need in the Getting Away Travel Store. Additionally, you will find just about anything and everything you will need when you travel. Across the state, country, or to a destination on the other side of the world, you'll find what you need in the Getting Away Travel Store!
Travel
Insurance
If you need medical
care while you are away, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not
accept payment through your insurance company and that you will therefore to pay
in full for your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for
reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit
card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local
embassy or representative. For compensation, you must be treated by licensed
medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation
and receipts. It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel
insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country. Visit
the Getting Away
Health
and Safety Tips for Travelers
page for additional information about insurance.
Travel Warning
Travel Warnings are issued to
describe long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or
unstable. A Travel Warning is also issued when the U.S. Government's ability to
assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or
consulate or because of a drawdown of its staff. The countries listed below
meet those criteria. Additionally, the State Department issues
Country Specific Information for every
country of the world with information on such matters as the health conditions,
crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, any areas of instability, and the
location of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in the subject country. Check with the U.S. State Department for
Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets & Public
Announcements.
Books, Maps and Other Resources
My favorite guidebooks when I am traveling is
Fodor's. I find them to be quite complete, easy to use, and almost always on the
money with helps and tips for traveling in the country I am visiting. Click on
Fodor's Travel Guides
to find the perfect guidebook for your travels.
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I always research the destinations to which I intend to travel with books and maps. I normally use Fodor's as I find their guidebooks very informative and easy to read and understand. Click on the Amazon logo to search for travel books and maps. If you don't find what you are looking for, click on the Getting Away Travel Bookshelf to find some of my favorites! Still can't find what you need? Contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com |
| Green Trail Tours - Born with the aspiration of bringing hidden Vietnam to the world, Green Trail Tours brings you possibilities of exciting adventures, enchanting discoveries and romance. They offer Package Tours to Vietnam and South East Asia, Individual Travel, Group Travel, Beach Holidays, Cultural Tours, Business Travel, Incentive Trips, Sport Event Packages, Motorcycle Holidays, Nature - Eco Tours, Scuba Diving, Golf Holidays, Health - Beauty Packages, Special Events Packages, and Special Interest Tours. Green Trail Tours may just be the best way to see Vietnam for the first time. |
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At
Travelocity, not only can you find
the lowest fare or best schedule on over 400 airlines, but you can also
find
Great
Car Rental Deals, Low hotel rates when you click on |
For Flights, Hotels, Cars, Cruises, Vacations, Tours and Travel Deals, Click on Global Travel International. If the link does not work properly, type www.gettingaway.globaltravel.com in the address line of your browser.
Getting
Around In Vietnam
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have
information you believe I should add to this section of Getting Away, please
contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
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Cities and
Towns In Vietnam Hanoi Centrally located in Hanoi's elegant French Quarter, the Hilton Hanoi Opera hotel is a short walk from the famous Old Quarter and the city's bustling business district. Recently awarded 'Best Business Hotel in Hanoi 2010' and voted 'Vietnam's Leading Hotel for five consecutive years at the prestigious World Travel Awards, the Hilton Hanoi Opera hotel is a landmark in the city. Relax in the comfort of a traditionally furnished Vietnamese room with high-speed internet access, cable TV and separate work areas. Guests staying in Executive Rooms also enjoy complimentary breakfast and refreshments in the Executive Lounge. Swim laps in the outdoor pool with Opera House views, work out in the fitness center or unwind in the jacuzzi and saunas. Dine on contemporary Vietnamese cuisine in Ba Mien restaurant or enjoy a cocktail and listen to the live jazz in the Lobby Lounge. There are seven spacious meeting rooms at the Hilton Hanoi Opera hotel including a ballroom and business center. For additional information, or to make reservations, click on Hilton Hotels, or click on Hilton Hotels Specials and Package Deals and Get Our Best Rates. Guaranteed. Ho Chi Minh City
If you have information you believe I should add to this section of Getting Away, please contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Some
Suggestions For Accommodations In Vietnam
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| Ho Chi
Minh City - My preferred hotel chain is
Marriott |
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| Click on The Hilton Family of Hotels to search for Hilton Hotels along with Conrad Hotels, Doubletree Hotels, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hampton Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites by Hilton. Looking for a better hotel rate? They're at Hilton.com |
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Some Things To See And Do In Vietnam
| At InfoHub, we believe vacation travel should be much more than just flying you to a tropical beach. Since 1996, we at InfoHub have worked hard to bring you the largest specialty travel portal on the Internet. Today, you can find over 20,000 specialty trips on InfoHub.com, covering activities from Artist Workshops to Yoga Retreats. Whatever your special interest is, you will find it right here! Plus trips you never even knew existed! We continue to expand the exciting array of travel options available by adding hundreds of out-of-the-ordinary trips every week! Our goal is to make Infohub.com "The Ultimate Source of Inspiring Travel Ideas" for your next dream trip. | ||
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Coming Soon. In the mean time, if
you have information you believe I should add to this section of Getting Away,
please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Some
Suggestions For Dining In Vietnam
Coming Soon. In the mean time,
if you have information you believe I should add to this section of Getting
Away, please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Some Favorites
In Vietnam
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have information
you believe I should add to this section of Getting Away, please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Some
Interesting Links For Vietnam
Click here for language
helps, dictionaries,
electronic translators,
language software and other helps for learning
a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the
country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip
more. Jim.
Green Trail Tours
- Born with the aspiration of bringing hidden Vietnam
to the world, Green Trail Tours brings you possibilities of exciting adventures,
enchanting discoveries and romance. They offer Package Tours to Vietnam and
South East Asia, Individual Travel, Group Travel, Beach Holidays, Cultural
Tours, Business Travel, Incentive Trips, Sport Event Packages, Motorcycle
Holidays, Nature - Eco Tours, Scuba Diving, Golf Holidays, Health - Beauty
Packages, Special Events Packages, and Special Interest Tours.
Green Trail Tours may just be
the best way to see Vietnam for the first time.
| The Vietnam page is sponsored by Vietventures., Tom Pilitowski, 6278 North Federal Highway, suite 459, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, 33308.tpilitowski@yahoo.com |
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