Travel Information From Lesotho to Vietnam

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Routine Vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (Influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Polio
• Shingles

COVID-19

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Vietnam.
Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.
Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.
Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages to Vietnam.

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who
• Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
• Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
• Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis
Consider vaccination for travelers
• Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
• Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there
Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season.

Malaria

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Vietnam take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Infants 6 to 11 months old traveling internationally should get 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. This dose does not count as part of the routine childhood vaccination series.

Rabies

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Vietnam. However, if you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Vietnam, rabies treatment is often available.
Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.
Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include
• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas
Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Vietnam.

Typhoid

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

You will need 6 months validity remaining on your passport from the date of entry.

Local Phrases Language : Vietnamese

Local Phrases :

Greetings

Hello = Chào
Good morning = Buổi sáng tốt lành
Good afternoon = chào buổi chiều
Goodbye = Chào
Nice to meet you = rất vui được gặp bạn

Conversational

How are you? = Khỏe không? (kweah kohng?)
I am good thank you = Tôi khoẻ, cảm ơn. (thoy kweah, gam uhhn)
What’s your name? = Ông tên là gì? (ohng theyn la yi)
My name is … = Tôi tên là ______ . (Thoye theyn la _____ .)
Do you speak English? = Biết nói tiếng Anh không? (bee-IT noh-Y thee-IHNG ayng kohng)
I don’t speak Vietnamese = Tôi không biết nói tiếng Việt [giỏi lắm]. (thoy kohng bee-IT noh-Y thee-IHNG vee'it [yi-oh-i lahm]
I don’t understand = Tôi không hiểu. (thoy kohng hee-oh)

Basics

Yes = Vâng
No = Không
Please = Làm ơn. (lam uhhn)
Thank you = Cảm ơn. (gam uhhn)
You’re welcome = Không sao đâu. (kohng sao doh)
I want to go to … = tôi muốn đi đến

Shopping & Eating Out

Restaurant = nhà hàng
It was delicious = Nó rất ngon
The bill, please = Thanh toán tiền giúp tôi.
How much? = Bao nhiêu (tiền)? (bahw nyee-oh thee-uhn...)
Very expensive = Đắt quá. (daht?! kwahh?)
Please can I have a beer? = Cho tôi một cốc bia.

Transportation & Directions

Taxi = Taxi
Car = xe hơi
Bus = Xe buýt
Right = phải
Left = trái
Straight = đi thẳng
Stop here = Dừng ở đây

Places

Downtown = thành phố
Street = đường
Hotel = Khách sạn
Museum = Bảo tàng
Market = Thị trường
Hospital = Bệnh viện
Police = Cảnh sát viên
Bank = Ngân hàng

Time & Dates

What time is it? = Mấy giờ rồi
Today = hôm nay (home nye)
Tomorrow = mai (my)
Yesterday = hôm qua (hohm gwah)
When? = Khi?

Emergencies

Where is the toilet? = Nhà vệ sinh ở đâu?
Help me, please = Tôi cần
Call an ambulance = gọi xe cấp cứu
I need aDoctor = Tôi cần một bác sĩ

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You should follow the instructions of local authorities. There are penalties for non-compliance. Penalties for possession, distribution or manufacture of drugs can be severe. Anyone found in possession of even a small amount of drugs can face the death sentence. Illegal drugs are often tampered with or spiked and can be much stronger. There were 7 deaths at a music festival in Hanoi in 2018 connected to illegal drugs. A number of British nationals in Vietnam have suffered severe psychiatric problems because of drug use. Don't take illegal drugs. Crimes like sex offences can attract very long prison terms, or a death sentence. The Vietnamese legal system is not well developed and the standard of prisons is very poor. Reporting a crime to the police can be a long and difficult process. You should consider taking a Vietnamese-speaking person with you to assist with the translation. You will usually be required to sign documents in Vietnamese. You should take care to only sign documents that you are confident have been translated accurately. Foreign nationals subject to criminal investigations can legally be detained for long periods prior to evidence being presented. Foreign nationals involved in traffic accidents have been stopped from leaving Vietnam subject to police investigations being completed. This process can take a long time and foreign nationals have been asked to agree out of court financial settlements. Foreign citizens in such situations are advised to seek professional legal advice and representation. Vietnamese law requires everyone to carry photographic ID at all times. You should carry a photocopy of the pages from your passport with your personal details and visa for ID, and leave the original document in a safe place. When entering religious or cultural sites respect local customs and dress in appropriate clothing. Vietnam is a generally tolerant and progressive place for LGBT travellers. Same-sex relationships are not criminalised by law and changing gender is recognised by Vietnam’s Civil Code. Vietnam abolished a ban on same-sex marriage in 2015, although same-sex couples are neither recognised nor protected by law. In parts of society LGBT rights and issues are still more tolerated than accepted, but Vietnamese society has become significantly more tolerant in recent years. It’s illegal to buy, sell, kill or collect protected wild animal or plants. Vietnam is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Those caught buying or trafficking these items could be prosecuted and receive lengthy prison sentences or fines. Never take photographs near military installations. There are restrictions on internet use, which can affect access to social media websites.

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Hanoi

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is known for its centuries-old architecture and a rich culture with Southeast Asian, Chinese and French influences. At its heart is the chaotic Old Quarter, where the narrow streets are roughly arranged by trade. There are many little temples, including Bach Ma, honoring a legendary horse, plus Đồng Xuân Market, selling household goods and street food.

Customs Allowances : Click Here

Petty Crime

Crime in Vietnam is low, but it's best to keep it on your radar just like anywhere else you travel. Don't leave your bag dangling from your body, as the infamous “Saigon Cowboys“ love the drive-by snatch. Keep valuables in your hotel safe so if you do come across a snatcher, you can just let your bag go and head to the markets for a new one. Don't try to hang onto your bag or you may risk being dragged or injured.

Some children in the streets of Vietnam, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are adorable but sneaky. They're able to lift wallets, cameras, and passports without effort. While talking to one, keep an eye on the other.

Hotel Scams

When a hotel becomes popular, others actually spring up with the exact same name in hopes of stealing business. Confirm the address of your hotel, rather than just giving the taxi driver a name.

One of the most common scams visitors encounter is the oldest in the book. If a taxi driver tells you the hotel you are going to has closed down or is full, make sure you are taken there anyway. Taxi drivers attempt to take travelers to friends or family-run accommodations, where they will receive a commission for their efforts. This scam is huge in Hanoi, where the streets are confusing, and you just want to rest away from the noise.

Hotels in Vietnam have been known to double rates upon checkout by claiming that the price quoted was per person, rather than per night. Ensure you confirm rates and payment upon arrival. Better still, book and pay in full before arriving.

Motorcycle Scams

Motorbike rentals where the owner steals back the bike.

In places like Mui Ne and Nha Trang, the police also impound the bike and can charge you extortionate amounts to get it back. The bike owner will also charge you for the loss of the bike in order to get back your passport. Mechanical problems can be another issue. Always use your own lock, test drive the bike and ensure that you have a Vietnamese driving permit.

Transport Scams

Cyclo/tuk-tuk drivers taking you to the middle of nowhere and overcharging you to get home. Avoid this by agreeing on a price before you hire one or booking via your hotel or tour operator.

Some drivers will also use sleight of hand tactics to switch whatever money you pay them with to smaller denominations. A favourite is switching the 500,000 VND to a 20,000 VND as they are both blue in colour. Avoid being duped by paying with small denominations.

Fake train tickets are sold by touts at the station or via online websites. Use websites like Rome2Rio and Seat61 to find information about train travel in Vietnam and buying your tickets online.

Sneaky Local Scams

No matter how friendly and helpful some people on the street can seem, things aren't always what they seem to be. Shop owners will often try to get you into their shop, or partake in a card game, or to buy a very expensive round of drinks/tea at a bar.

Some vendors who invite you to take a photo of them or their products such as the fruit ladies of Hanoi, bamboo basket vendors, bug sellers etc. They will then turn around and demand an exorbitant fee, a tip or for you to buy their products.

International Driving Permit 1968 is required.

• The most common religion in Vietnam is irreligion/folk belief.
• Don't wear shorts, tatty beer t-shirts, skirts, low-neck tops and bare shoulders when visiting pagodas - it's extremely rude and offensive.
• Don't show affection with a member of the opposite sex in public. Anything beyond holding hands is seriously frowned upon.
• Don't forget to take off your shoes before entering a Vietnamese home.
• Don't take video cameras into the ethnic minority villages - they are considered to be intrusive by locals.
• Don't take a photo of somebody without asking for permission. Don't take pictures of anything to do with military.
• Don't carry large amount of money or wear a lot of jewellery. Never leave your bags unattended.
• Don't change money from not recognized moneychanger.
• Don't leave your drinks or food unattended.
• Don't forget to do some haggling at outdoor markets, but not at indoor shops and restaurants.
• Don't use left hand to passing objects - use both hands.
• Don't be too affectionate in public - kissing, cuddling and similar behaviour are frowned upon if in public, especially amongst older locals.
• Don't show disrespect to Buddha or its images - large or small, ruined or not, it's regarded as a sacred object.
• Don't forget the rainy season usually runs from June to December.
• Don't get stuck in Hanoi during the Tet holidays. It's Vietnamese New Year and biggest holiday in Vietnam - check your calendar, the dates change every year and don't forget to wear reflectors when riding a bike or walking at dark.

Do I need travel insurance to travel to Vietnam?

Travel insurance is very important when traveling overseas. We strongly recommend that you take out cover to travel to Vietnam. You can usually take out single trip or annual multi-trip cover to give you peace of mind should anything happen.

It can be a better and cheaper option to take annual multi-trip cover as it usually covers any number of trips taken in one year with a maximum of up to around 60 days away per trip.

We work with the top names in the industry and have already pre-selected the easiest, cheapest and best quality travel insurance on the market to save you time and money trying to find the best cover.

Travel insurance typically covers the following; however, you can tailor a policy to suit your needs depending on where you are traveling to, your activities and how long you are away.

• Medical Expenses
  Medical treatment can be extremely costly and add up very quickly, and include Overnight stays in hospital, minor or major surgery, accident and emergency treatment, drugs, COVID-19 treatment, journey home if you cannot use the original ticket, dental treatment, and many more unexpected expenses.
• Baggage and personal belongings
  If your baggage is lost, stolen, damaged or delayed it is extremely frustrating. If you must buy new clothes, toiletry products or personal belongings it can be very expensive and time consuming.
• Cancellation
  Sometimes due to unforeseen circumstances you may need to cancel your trip. This could be due to several reasons such as illness, injury, a bereavement or many other scenarios. Usually airlines, tour operators and hotels have large cancellation fees, so buying travel insurance that covers this is recommended.

Health Care

Healthcare System in Vietnam

Healthcare of Vietnam is ranked 73rd in the world. The healthcare system in Vietnam combines aspects of Eastern and Western medicine.

Health Risk

Leptospirosis

Caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira.

Zika

Occurs from mosquito bite.

Dengue

Occurs from insect bites, including mosquitoes.

Chikungunya

Caused by Mosquito bite.

Avian/Bird Flu

Occurs from being around, touching, or working with infected poultry.

Hantavirus

Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Caused from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.