Last updated: 18 May 2012
Travel
Airports
Noi Bai International airport is 39km from Hanoi City. The road journey takes about 35 minutes to the Australian Embassy and a further 15 minutes to the city centre. Noi Bai airport also services domestic flights.
Vietnam Airlines run a bus to and from Noi Bai airport from the centre of the city, costing US$4. Hotels also arrange for airport pick up with prices varying from US$15 (hotel bus) to US$25-$60 (hotel car). A large fleet of airport taxis are available upon arrival at Noi Bai airport. Taxis can be hired for US$10 net for a one-way trip to downtown Hanoi, and are generally safe and reliable.
Tan Son Nhat International airport is about 15 minutes from Ho Chi Minh City to the city centre. A large fleet of airport taxis are available upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport. Taxis can be hired for US$5 net for a one-way trip to the centre. Airport bus service is not available.
Vietnam Airlines can often alter its flight schedule at very short notice. Flight delays are common and this should be taken into consideration when planning itineraries. Some airlines have joint flight service with Vietnam Airlines.
Ground transport
Public transport is not recommended for business travellers. Local car hire or taxis are the best options and the cost is reasonable. If you wish to hire a car and driver for daily use, please contact Austrade for good recommendations on rates and drivers.
Hotels
There are a wide range of hotels to choose from in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Internationally managed five-star hotels generally range from US$70 to US$150 per night.
Value Added Tax is usually 10 per cent and service fee is five per cent. There is a proliferation of Vietnamese three-star hotels, which are quite clean and comfortable, although more limited in the range of services they offer. These range from US$25 to US$55 per night.
It is important to obtain some form of booking confirmation number if possible in order to ensure that bookings will be honoured on arrival. Austrade can secure preferential hotel booking rates and is happy to offer this service as part of a broader client service package.
Most hotels will require a copy of your passport and yellow immigration entry form for their records upon checking in. Some will keep your passport for the duration of your stay but there is usually no problem about its safe return.
Further information on hotels and accommodation in Vietnam can be sourced from www.hotelstravel.com and the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
Dining
There is an abundance of good food in Vietnam. Travellers should eat at established restaurants with high customer turnover. Avoid street stall vendors and cold, pre-cooked meats. Ask your hotel to make a reservation as only a little English is spoken in some places.
Tipping
Tipping is generally not expected in Vietnam. Hotels and most restaurants always add a service fee to their bills. With taxis, round up to the nearest VND1000 or leave some small change.