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worth knowing, Hanoi
Author: Anothertravelguide.com
- Not so long since travelers can apply for Vietnam visa online as well. The procedure, however, is not as simple and trouble-free as, for example, in neighboring Cambodia. Visa is issued in 3 office days there and all you need is to complete the online application form, provide a scanned passport size photo and pay the required fee. To get Vietnam visa upon arrival (picked up at the destination airport), you have to obtain a letter of approval first. A travel agency in Vietnam or a hotel you plan to stay at may help you in this. Processing of this document may take up to one week and requires your passport information and flight details. Showing a letter of approval, you can collect your visa upon arrival at Vietnam international airports in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, and Danang City. A letter processing fee may differ and luxury hotels are more expensive in this respect too. Anothertravelguide suggests Vietnam-based Exotissimo travel agency (www.exotissimo.com) that will process your visa application for 25USD per person. The same amount will be required upon arrival and be sure to take a passport size photo with you.
- In Vietnam you can pay with US dollars but will need the local currency anyway - at small shops, for tips and bicycle rickshaws.
- Some confusion may occur venturing to cross a street in Hanoi for the first time. On rare occasions there are traffic lights, yet almost no one observes them and a never abating stream of cars, mopeds, bicycles and motorcycles continues to flow unhindered. The only chance to get across is to go without hesitation or abrupt change of direction. Vehicles will bypass you, although it seems next to impossible, considering a tiny distance that drivers observe. Then again, pausing or a sudden change of direction may cause unpleasant consequences...
- The best way to explore Hanoi's old quarter is by foot, maneuvering among vehicles that move along its narrow streets. When a bit of weariness sets in, you can get into a bicycle rickshaw, available for 1 USD per ride. It's the most eco-friendly mode of transport of otherwise rather polluted city and a good way to support local people as well. Taxies or any other cars do not seem fitting into the old city environment so well anyway.
- The best time to go to Hanoi is October and November. It's not so intolerably hot any more, the weather is dry but winter hasn't set in yet. Winter, lasting from December to the end of February, can be quite chilly - at least locals look for their warm clothes and wrap themselves up in scarves. From February to April it is rather rainy, but from May throughout September - hot and humid.
- Foreigners cannot rent a car without a driver in Vietnam. Traveling along the roads of this country, you will understand why.
- Taxi fare from Hanoi airport to the city centre is approximately 16 USD.
- It should be taken into consideration that in Vietnam it is not allowed to take pictures of state institution buildings and military objects.
- A useful internet address is www.vn-tourism.com
Keywords: worth knowing, Vietnam, Hanoi
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