Page 6 - Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia 2019

Travel Tips

Yen Bai, Vietnam Wat Sisaket, Vientiane, Laos

When to Go Language
Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia enjoy a tropical climate influenced by two Vietnam: Vietnamese is the official language however English is widely spoken.
seasons – ‘dry’ and ‘green’.
Laos: Lao is the official language and English is becoming widely spoken.
The green season is May to October and brings warm, humid days with Cambodia: Khmer is the official language and English is becoming widely spoken.
early morning or late afternoon showers. During this time find lush, green
landscapes, full temple moats and fewer travellers. Electricity
November to April is the dry season, bringing cooler temperatures with 230V 50Hz. An adapter is required.
little rain. It can become cold in mountainous regions, particularly in Sapa,
which can drop below zero.
Getting Around
Visas & Passports BY AIR
A valid passport is required with at least six months validity beyond the Flying between and within Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia is the most
intended stay. Travel advice is available from the New Zealand Government convenient option. Domestic flights within these countries can be arranged
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade at www.safetravel.govt.nz. by your travel agent.
Vietnam: An electronic visa is required before departing to Vietnam. BY RAIL
Alternatively, visas are available on arrival at international airports, however a Rail is a popular option when travelling within Vietnam. The most popular rail
visa support letter must be obtained prior to your visit. Single entry visas are journey is from Hanoi to Lao Cai or Hue. Other rail options are available from
valid for up to 30 days from the date of arrival. Saigon to Da Nang, Hue, Hanoi and Phan Thiet. Alternatively, travel by rail
between Nha Trang and Da Nang. Expect to travel in four-berth soft sleeper
Laos: A tourist visa is required and can be obtained on arrival at Vientiane and compartments on overnight journeys and economy airline style seating on
Luang Prabang international airports. Visas are valid for up to 30 days. day trips. Ask your travel agent for details.
Cambodia: An electronic visa is required before departing to Cambodia.
Alternatively, visas are available on arrival at international airports. Single entry Temperature & Rainfall
visas are valid for up to 30 days from the date of arrival.
Temperature Average (Max. °C)
Time J F M A M J J A S O N D
Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia are 5 hours behind New Zealand Standard SOUTHERN VIETNAM 32 33 34 35 35 33 32 32 31 31 31 31
Time (NZST). NORTHERN VIETNAM 19 20 23 27 32 33 33 32 31 29 25 21
Currency LAOS 28 31 33 34 34 33 32 32 32 31 30 28
Vietnam: Dong (VND), Laos: Kip (LAK), Cambodia: Riel (KHR) CAMBODIA 31 33 34 35 34 33 32 32 31 31 31 30
Major credit cards are widely accepted throughout Vietnam, while in Laos
and Cambodia use of credit cards is limited. In Laos, Thai Baht (THB) and Rainfall Average (mm)
US Dollars may also be accepted. In Cambodia, US Dollars (USD) are J F M A M J J A S O N D
widely accepted, it is recommended that small denomination notes in good
condition are used. SOUTHERN VIETNAM 12 7 6 45 179 246 242 220 258 213 118 44
NORTHERN VIETNAM 15 28 47 95 169 215 249 259 212 120 52 29
Tipping
Tipping isn’t generally expected in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, but is always LAOS 12 17 32 91 195 216 242 316 238 81 20 8
greatly appreciated for good service. CAMBODIA 4 8 26 61 142 156 167 185 237 235 99 21
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