IMPORTANT NEWS
Public Holidays
• Vietnamese Lunar New Year 2022, this year is between 1st Feb 2022 – 3rd Feb 2022.
• January 01st : New Year`s Day.
• Late January to Mid-February: Vietnamese Lunar New Year (08 days off).
• April 30th : Re-unification Day.
• May 01st : International Workers` Day.
• September 02nd : National Day.
Security and advice
Vietnam is by and large a very safe country; violent crime is extremely rare. Unfortunately you cannot expect hospitality at every turn and you may experience problems with petty theft and pick pockets.
• As with any big city, do not bring items of value as you go shopping or sightseeing on city streets.
• It is customary to give alms to beggars and to buy souvenirs from street vendors.
• Foreign currencies should be exchanged at banks, or authorized exchange facilities. Do not exchange money in the street.
• Store your cash, credit cards, airline tickets and other valuables in a safe place. Most 4-star hotels have in-room safes, otherwise ask the reception to keep your valuable things in their deposit facility.
• Don`t wear singlets, shorts, dresses or skirts, or tops with low-neck lines and bare shoulders to Temples and Pagodas. To do this is considered extremely rude and offensive.
• Do not try to take photographs of military installations or anything to do with the military. This can be seen as a breach of national security. Never take video cameras into the ethnic minority villages. They are considered to be too intrusive by the local people.
• It is advisable NOT to take pedicabs or "honda-om" on your own.
Visiting
Every sightseeing in Ninh Binh opens on everyday (from 7h30 am – 17h30 pm), Even opening saturday, sunday and Holidays.
People and Language
Population of Socialist Republic of Viet nam is more than 78.5 million with urban population consisted of about 19.7%. There are 54 ethic minority groups inhabiting in Vietnam. The Kinh people (or Viet) account for nearly 90% of the population. Major ethic minority groups include the Tay, Thai, Muong, Hmong, Dao and Khmer.
Vietnamese language is the main language. English, French and Russian can be communicated in the major city and tourism city. More Vietnam People and Language...
Land & History
Vietnam land`s has the S -shaped and the area are 329,600 Km2. Vietnam has common borders in the North with China, East and Southeast with Laos and Cambodia. The West of Vietnam facing the Eastern sea (South China Sea). Vietnam`s coastline is more than 3,260 kms in length. Vietnam land is very diverse with mountain, highland, deltas, rivers and forest. Hanoi is the capital and Hochiminh city is Vietnamese biggest city. More Vietnam history...
Climate
Vietnam has sub-tropical climate with four seasons, which is characterized by lots of sunshine, high rainfall, humidity with two distinguished seasons in general: the cold and dry one from November to April and the other hot and wet from May to October. The annual average temperature is from 22ºC to 27ºC. But weather usually different between North and South, between land and mountains.
Currency
The currency is Vietnamese dong (VND) is the official currency. Paper notes include: VND 500,000; 200,000; 100,000; 50,000; 20,000; 10,000; 5,000; 2,000; 1,000; 500; 200 and 100. Coins include VND 5,000; 2,000; 1,000; 500 and 200. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at the bank, exchange bureau or hotel reception desk. Travelers` cheque and most of Credit cards are accepted in the major cities. We are recommend you bring with you some cash. Check online currency exchange at Vietcombank: http://www.vietcombank.com.vn/exchangerates/
ATM
Every city and town has got ATMs, so easy for you to get money but ATM in Vietnam account in dong (not account dollars). You can also get a cash advance on your Visa card at the Hong Kong Bank office in Hanoi or through the ANZ Bank`s offices in HCMC and Hanoi.
Time
Time zone: GMT/UTC + 7 (the same zone with Thailand, Laos, Cambodia)
Working days from Monday to Friday.
Office hour: Morning: 07h30 - 12h00; Afternoon: 13h00 - 16h30.
You can visit some sightseeing such as temples and pagodas every day. Opening hour for most restaurants and shops is at about 08h00 till 22h00.
Internet facilities
E-mail and Internet services are available in most hotels and posts in Vietnam. In major cities & some tourism city, there are also a number of internet cafes available.
Mobile phone
In Vietnam you will be able to use your mobile phone as long as it is programmed for roaming internationally. You may also rent a mobile phone, which may be easier, or buy a pre-paid phone card. (This service is available at your hotel or at a Mobile Phone Service Center on the street.)
Electricity and water supply
Electric power: 220V, frequency: 50 Hz
Cities, towns and townships are supplied with fresh sterilized water
Television and Radio
Vietnam TV broadcasts three channels throughout the country; satellite channels such as CNN are available in most hotels catering to foreigners. Voice of Vietnam Radio broadcasts throughout the country; all provinces and cities have their own radio stations as well.
Shopping
Bargaining is customary at roadside stalls and at open markets.
The following items are preferred by foreign travellers:
• Carved wooden furniture, fine lacquerware (these can be shipped home upon request).
• Traditional Vietnamese hand-made silk dresses, kimonos, embroideries, etc.
• Simulated antiques, fine ceramics, old watches or Zippo lighters, etc.
• Copies of famous artist paintings.
Tipping
With the advent of tourism, the practice of tipping is just beginning in Vietnam. Tip sparingly and only where it is deserved. Ten percent will suffice. It is increasingly common to tip guides, drivers, waiters and masseurs.
Clothing
In daytime and evening, dress informal. When visiting some places, smart clothes are required.
Food and Drinks
There is a wide range of dishes in Vietnam, included the very popular nem (spring rolls) and pho (Vietnamese noodle soup). They are eaten together with rice or noodles. Not all foods are spicy. Vegetarian foods & dietary dishes are also available at some restaurants. A rich variety of tropical fruits is on hand year round, however, it will vary depending upon the season.
Imported beers and alcohols are available in hotels, restaurants and shops. There are many Vietnamese brands or country wines made from rice such as Kim Son wine. If you prefer to drink water, please use bottled mineral water, which has an unbroken seal. Do not ingest tap water, which has not been boiled.
Something To Do Whilst Staying In Ninh Binh
Restaurants
There are some very good eating places like Coffee Phong Restaurant & Trung Tuyet Restaurant/ our partner close to The Vancouver Hotel with Vietnamese food, children’s menu. Vietnam is renowned for it’s gourmet delights so make sure you try everything you can whilst visiting this interesting place.