Vietnam Travel Information
VISA application
For most guests, you need a VISA to visit Vietnam. Plan for 2 weeks application time for ample preparedness, but know that a 24 hour turnaround is possible. There is a fee associated with the visa. You can apply online, in person, or by mail. We strongly recommend getting a visa in your hand before you travel. For details and to apply for a Vietnamese visa, go here: http://vietnamembassy-usa.org/content/visa-application-process
Health
Vietnam is sub-equatorial and tropical, which means in July, there will be mosquitoes. Though Phil has never seen a mosquito anywhere at the Metropole the numerous times he's been there, we suggest bringing bug repellent and wearing long sleeves and long pants when outdoors. You may want to also discuss with your doctor about malaria prophylaxis, though the areas where we will be staying/traveling will have a much lower risk of malaria, relative to oh, exploring the jungles of Borneo, or the Vietnamese mountainous regions, or DC last summer (hello swamp!). Zika is endemic throughout equatorial regions of the world, including Vietnam. The CDC gives more information for expectant mothers or those planning-to-be-mothers-soon, traveling in this region.
Hotel water is safe, and so is hotel ice/cocktail, and cans or bottled water. However, travelers' diarrhea is always a possibility. We've planned an audacious menu of Vietnamese foods at the Metropole, so you can safely enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables there. When dining outside of established hotels or restaurants however, consider avoiding fresh salads and fruits that you didn't peel yourself. The old travel adage applies: if it's sizzling, boiled, fried or grilled in front of you--it's probably good to eat. Discuss with your doctor about travelers' diarrhea prophylaxis.
The US CDC contains more guidance for travelers to Vietnam, and we are happy to give you personalized medical advice.
Getting Around
Taxis are readily available at the airport. You don't need to book a special car unless you want to. Taxi’s fee from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi can be a flat fee, and airport taxis vary between using a meter or a flat rate--they work out similarly. After going out from the airport gate, you will see many taxis right in front of you. They look like these (Click here for pictures of Hanoi taxis). It takes about 45-50 minutes to arrive at Hanoi Old Quarter--where Metropole is. The price for 5 seat taxi is different from that of 7 seat one, but it is not a big difference. The best thing to do is to show the address and name of the hotel (everyone knows it as Metropole hotel). The price quoted to you should be around $500,000 to 600,000 Dongs (~25 USD). If in a hurry, you can use US dollars with the cab driver at the airport.
- Address to the Metropole Hotel: 15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem District | 10000 HANOI, VIET NAM
- PHONE : (+84)24/38266919
The Metropole offers a car service, but this can be expensive especially if traveling alone. You can see prices on the general hotel booking form for our group.
In the city, there are metered taxis. A number of ride-share services similar to UBER exist, but we suggest hailing a taxi to get around. Green color taxi (Mai-Linh) is a good one, though in general, look to make sure city taxis are always metered, and don't accept otherwise. Tips are not expected, though they will be appreciated. Taxis in general require Vietnamese cash-- a 10 minute ride inside the city should cost less than/around 5 USD (110,000 Dongs).
Hanoi taxi drivers speak very little English, so we suggest you get your hotel’s business card, and use famous landmarks or hotel names (the Metropole is very well known). You can ask the hotel to write your destination’s name in Vietnamese to show the taxi drivers. The earlier you show the address (don't try to pronounce it), the better it is. Vietnamese is written in the Roman alphabet.
When you want to stop immediately
Tell the driver to "stop" when you feel the taxi is lost or in case of any trouble. As “stop” is a widely used English word in Vietnam, even by Vietnamese, all taxi drivers can understand this word.
Weather
Hot, humid, and with short rain showers on most days during July--which Phil has found to be lasting around 15-20 minutes at a time (perfect for a 2nd coffee or a cocktail), and then everything just feels refreshed and verdant. Bring an umbrella--or borrow the Metropole's black colonial style umbrellas--they go great with your monocle. Daily high temperatures are around 92°F. Daily low temperatures are around 80°F.
Dress and Culture
Clothes are cheap in Vietnam--you should go shopping. The Vietnamese dress very conservatively. Women and men wear long pants and short or long sleeve tops for the most part. Tourism is big in Vietnam, however, so shorts and short sleeve shirts will be seen at popular destinations. However, we caution that for temples and visiting religious or historical sites, shorts may not be allowed. Flip flops or sandals are appropriate. Consider hats.
Hanoi culture is refined, slow in pace, friendly but reserved. Spending time languidly over a coffee is expected, as well as lounging about and people watching. Though police/guards are friendly, you should avoid taking pictures of government guard booths, military depots, or security looking apparatus--this is likely an abundance of caution. Watch out for pick-pockets.
Currency
Vietnamese currency is called the Vietnamese Dong. $1 USD = approximately $22,000 Dongs. A bowl of Pho will cost you around 3 USD. A 10 minute taxi ride around town is $ 3-5 USD. The current exchange rate is here. Foreign currency, except in the most dire or sketchy circumstances, are not accepted. ATMs, credit cards are widely used at restaurants and shops. Major international banks have branches in Vietnam, so you should feel at ease using ATMs and credit cards. Cabs only take cash.