Local Time: GMT + 7 hours

Security: Vietnam is generally very safe (recently claimed the safest country in Asia!). Women and independent travelers have found it hassle-free and easy to travel in Vietnam. Visitors just have to be aware of the surroundings when walking. And in Ho Chi Minh city, be careful with pickpockets and drive-by bag snatchers.
Do make use of hotel safe deposit facilities. Do not carry, your passport, visa, large amount of cash, or valuables with you.

Emergency:
International S.O.S
Ha Noi : 31 Hai Ba Trung str., Tel: (04) 934 0555
Ho Chi Minh city : 65 Nguyen Du, Dst1., Tel:(08) 8298520

What to bring: Bring as little as possible. You can buy almost everything in Vietnam! Following is the recommended checklist:

• Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets.
• Money: travelers cheques/cash/credit card
• Money pouch
• Medical kit
• Small padlock for your backpack/bag
• Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day
• Alarm clock and torch/flashlight
• Camera and spare batteries
• Hat, sun cream, insect repellant
• Earplugs & eye mask for train
• Light raincoat/poncho
• Tampons
• Long pants, short pants, long sleeved shirt, T shirt, swimming costume, warm clothes for the winter months in the North( Nov-Mar).
• Toothpaste, toothbrush
• Shoes, sandals, slip-off thongs
• For those on trekking tours: degradable soap, towel, toiletry, hiking shoes.

Electricity
Electrical current in Vietnam is 220-250 volts, 50 cycles alternating current (AC). Wall outlets take plugs with two round-tipped prongs, some take three round/flat-tipped prongs. Most hotels have adapters/converters to lend to their in-house guests. Converters/adapters can be acquired from local electrical equipment shops for less than USD 1/unit.

Public holidays in Vietnam which may affect touring and/or incur extra charges
January

• 01 International New Year's Day
• Tet Holiday (Lunar New Year)

April

• 12 Death Anniversary of Kings Hung Vuong (10th of the 3 third Lunar Calendar)
• 30 Reunification Day

May

• 01 Labor Day

September

• 02 National Day