Page 9 - Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos 2020

TRAVEL TIPS

WHEN TO GO CURRENCY
Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia enjoy a tropical climate Vietnam: Dong (VND)
influenced by two seasons – ‘green’ and ‘dry’. Laos: Kip (LAK)
The green season is May to October and brings Cambodia: Riel (KHR)
warm, humid days with early morning or late Major credit cards are widely accepted throughout
afternoon showers. During this time, enjoy Vietnam, while in Laos and Cambodia use of
lush, green landscapes, full temple moats and credit cards is limited. In Laos, Thai Baht (THB)
fewer travellers. and US Dollars (USD) may also be accepted. In
November to April is the dry season, bringing cooler Cambodia, US Dollars are widely accepted, it is
temperatures with little rain. It can become cold in recommended that small denomination notes in
mountainous regions, particularly in Sapa, which can good condition are used.
drop below zero.
TIPPING
VISAS & PASSPORTS Tipping isn’t generally expected in Vietnam, Laos
A valid passport is required with at least six months and Cambodia, but is always greatly appreciated for
validity beyond the intended stay. Travel advice is good service.
available from the New Zealand Government Ministry
of Foreign Affairs and Trade at safetravel.govt.nz. LANGUAGE
Vietnam: Vietnamese is the official language
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Vietnam: An electronic visa is required before
China however English is widely spoken.
REGIONAL AIRPORT departing to Vietnam. Alternatively, visas are available Laos: Lao is the official language and English is
RAIL on arrival at international airports, however a visa becoming widely spoken.
support letter must be obtained prior to your visit.
Sapa • • Lao Cai Single entry visas are valid for up to 30 days from the Cambodia: Khmer is the official language and
date of arrival. English is becoming widely spoken.
Laos: A tourist visa is required and can be GETTING AROUND
Hanoi • Halong obtained on arrival at Vientiane and Luang By Air
Prabang international airports. Visas are valid for
Halong Bay Flying between and within Vietnam, Laos and

Luang Prabang • up to 30 days. Cambodia is the most convenient option. Domestic

Cambodia: An electronic visa is required before flights within these countries can be arranged by
Ninh Binh your travel agent.
LAOS GULF OF TONKIN departing to Cambodia. Alternatively, visas are
available on arrival at international airports. Single By Rail
entry visas are valid for up to 30 days from the date
45MIN Rail is a popular option when travelling within
of arrival. Vietnam. The most popular rail journey is from
Hanoi to Lao Cai or Hue. Other rail options are
Myanmar
TIME available from Saigon to Phan Thiet, Da Nang, Hue
1HR 15MIN
Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia are five hours behind and Hanoi. Alternatively, travel by rail between Nha
• Vientiane  1HR 20MIN New Zealand Standard Time (NZST). Trang and Da Nang. Expect to travel in four-berth
soft sleeper compartments on overnight journeys
ELECTRICITY and economy airline style seating on day trips.
1HR 30MIN 230V 50Hz. An adapter is required. Ask your travel agent for details.
• Hue  TEMPERATURE & RAINFALL
3HR 15MIN Southern Vietnam J F M A M J J A S O N D
• Temperature (max ºC) 32 33 34 35 35 33 32 32 31 31 31 31
Thailand Lang Co • Da Nang  Average rainfall (mm) 12 7 6 45 179 246 242 220 258 213 118 44
Northern Vietnam J F M A M J J A S O N D
• Hoi An Temperature (max ºC) 19 20 23 27 32 33 33 32 31 29 25 21
2HR 10MIN
Average rainfall (mm) 15 28 47 95 169 215 249 259 212 120 52 29
1HR 25MIN Laos J F M A M J J A S O N D
Temperature (max ºC) 28 31 33 34 34 33 32 32 32 31 30 28
Average rainfall (mm) 12 17 32 91 195 216 242 316 238 81 20 8
Camboida J F M A M J J A S O N D
1HR 20MIN
• Quy Nhon  Temperature (max ºC) 31 33 34 35 34 33 32 32 31 31 31 30
• Siem Reap  VIETNAM Average rainfall (mm) 4 8 26 61 142 156 167 185 237 235 99 21
Tonle Sap
Lake
1HR 5MIN
• Nha Trang
45MIN CAMBODIA Dalat Cam Ranh 
•
Phnom Penh • 1HR 5MIN

55MIN
• Phan Thiet
GULF OF THAILAND • Saigon 
Phu Quoc • 1HR

Mekong Delta

1HR
• Con Dao  Phu Quoc, Vietnam 9