Vietnam is a country in Southeast Asia. Common borders in the west with Laos and Cambodia, in the north with China. In the east and south, Vietnam is washed by the waters of the South China Sea. In addition to the mainland, Vietnam owns the islands of Con Dao, Fukui (Thu), Khoai, Re, Cham and others. The capital is Hanoi. Religion – Buddhism.
The name of the country consists of the phrase: “Viet” (nation of Viet) and “Nam” (south). So – the country of the Viet in the south. Until 1945, the country was called “Annam”.
More than 80% of the country’s territory is occupied by low and medium-altitude mountains.
According to commit4fitness, Vietnam is a state occupying the eastern part of the Indochinese Peninsula. Vietnam has 12 national parks, about 60 nature reserves and many forests that are of cultural, historical and ecological significance.
More than 80 million people live in the country: 54 ethnic groups, 80% of the country’s inhabitants are representatives of the Kinh people – miniature dark-haired with dark brown eyes, the indigenous people of Vietnam. Most of the population professes Buddhism.
The climate is subtropical, hot and humid. The temperature and natural conditions of different resorts are very different. The climate is determined by the monsoons, which divide the year into two main seasons – a dry winter and a wetter summer. There are no sharp temperature fluctuations, the air is warmed up to + 28 * C almost all the time. Cloudy days are rare even during the rainy season, during which there is not much rainfall. The mountainous regions are characterized by light, drizzling rains and frequent fogs.
Average temperature – January-July:
North +23 +35
South +35 +40
Population: 79 million.
Capital: Hanoi (3.5 million people).
Languages: The official language is Vietnamese.
Religion: The most common religion is Buddhism.
Time: ahead of Moscow in the summer – by 3 hours, in winter – by 4 hours.
Currency: monetary unit – Vietnamese dong. 1 USD is approximately equal to 14,000 VND. The import of foreign convertible currency is not limited, but it is necessary to declare the total amount, since the export of currency is allowed only within the declared amount.
To communicate with Russia by Vietnamese phone, it is recommended to dial 1717 – 007 (Russian code) – (area code) – phone number. The cost of a call in this case is approximately 75 cents.
The time is 3 hours ahead of Moscow in summer and 4 hours in winter. More than 80% of the population speaks Vietnamese. In the service sector, English and French are also used.
Citizens of Russia can apply for a visa both upon arrival (for this you need to have 2 color photographs 4×6 cm and a visa confirmation with you), and at the Embassy of Vietnam in Moscow (processing time – 7 days).
Embassy of the Russian Federation in Vietnam:
Hanoi, st. La Thanh, 191, tel.: (844) 3833-69-91, (844) 3833-69-92, fax: (844) 3833-69-95; Ho Chi Minh City – 40, Wa Huyen Thanh Quan, tel.: (84-8) 9303936; Danang – 22, Tran Phu, tel.: (84-511) 822380.
Ambulance 115,
Fire brigade 114,
Police 113.
The monetary unit of Vietnam is dong. $1 = approximately 16,000 VND. Currency (dollars, euros, pounds) can be exchanged in hotels, banks, specialized exchange offices, as well as supermarkets. Almost everywhere in the service sector it is possible to pay in US dollars.
Stay mode: Russian citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam. It is issued at the embassy within 7 days or obtained directly at the border on the basis of a pre-issued invitation. Foreigners residing in the CIS who require a visa should apply for this visa at the consulate or embassy of Vietnam in Moscow.
Rules of behavior: When trying to get the attention of a Vietnamese, do not point or gesticulate excessively, this is considered rude. Call him by name or beckon. As in other countries of Southeast Asia, in no case should you touch the head of the Vietnamese. The head is considered a sacred part of the human body. Be prepared for the fact that in small villages far from the tourist centers you will find yourself in the center of attention of the local population.
Food and drink: Of course, a story about Vietnam would be incomplete without mentioning the excellent Vietnamese cuisine. Incorporating the best of Chinese, Thai and Khmer cuisines, she created her own unique dishes and sauces that won the hearts and stomachs of millions of people around the world. Anyone can be convinced of this by trying at least one of the dishes in a restaurant in any city in Vietnam. Vietnamese cuisine is a mixture of Chinese, Thai and French cuisines. The main ingredients of the dishes are rice, fish sauce. Very tasty small buns with filling. Their size and filling depend on the region of the country.
Resorts and attractions in Vietnam
South Vietnam is known for two resorts: Phan Thiet is the most popular and easily accessible resort, where almost all hotels are located on the first line with their own beaches. And Nha Trang is the most prestigious resort, where the bulk of the hotels are located across the road from the beaches, which are common to everyone.
Interesting facts
Sports are popular – football, table tennis, chess, martial arts.
According to legend, the Vietnamese are descended from a dragon and a fairy bird.
The most used surname in the country is Nguyen (40% of the population).
As a guest, you must respect and be tolerant of the customs of the country in which you have arrived. Before visiting temples, find out the rules regarding this. You can get relevant information from the guide. In order to avoid unwanted incidents, it is recommended: to take into account the way of life of the local population; show friendliness, be patient, do not be rude, do not raise your voice, do not humiliate the dignity of the local population; to respect local customs and traditions, not to show arrogance and disregard for the local culture, and also not to allow insulting statements in relation to citizens and leaders of the host country; do not appear in public places or on the street while intoxicated,
The mains voltage is 220 V. Sometimes in hotels the sockets differ from European ones, we recommend using adapters.
To call from Vietnam to Russia, you need to dial 00, then the country and city code. The most reliable (although more expensive) is to order a conversation from the hotel.
The crime rate in Vietnam is very low. However, do not forget about the elementary safety rules: when you are going shopping or walking around the city, you should not take valuables and a lot of money with you, there are pickpockets in any country. No need to help vagrants and beggars with money, in the future it will be difficult to get rid of their company.
Large and small air-conditioned buses run from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to all other cities in Vietnam. Air and railway communication has been established between all major settlements. You can rent a car, but only with a driver. the local traffic police do not recognize any driving license other than Vietnamese. To rent a motorcycle, nothing is required other than a deposit. In cities, it is best to use a taxi. The fare in a taxi is $1-1.5 per landing and then every kilometer 6-10 cents (depending on the class of the car). The slowest, but the most exotic means of transport are cycle rickshaws, which are best suited for exploring the old quarters.
You can import into Vietnam: cigarettes – 400 pieces, cigars – 50-100 pieces, wine and vodka products – 1.5 liters. Upon arrival in the country, tourists must fill out a migration card in duplicate. One copy remains with the border guards. The second copy (yellow) must be kept with the passport until leaving the country. The import of foreign convertible currency is not restricted, but it is necessary to declare the total amount exceeding 5,000 US dollars, since the export of currency from Vietnam is allowed only within the limits of the declaration. It is forbidden to export art and antiques without proper documentation.
