Standard time in Vietnam is 6 hours ahead of Central European Time (CET), 7 hours ahead of GMT, 12 hours ahead of time in  New York, 3 hours behind time in Sydney and in the same time zone as Bangkok.
ELECTRICITY
Electricity: 220V / 50V. However, electricity supply can be unreliable in smaller towns.
COMMUNICATION
Telephone : The country code is 84, the area code for Hanoi is 04, Saigon 08, Hue 054 and Danang 0511. International calls from international hotels cost between US $3 and US $5 per minute.
Mobile Telephone : GSM 900. The two main providers are Vietnam Mobile Telecom Service (www.vnpt.com.vn) and Vietnam Telecoms Services (www.gpc.vnn.vn).
Internet : Most major cities have internet cafes.
HEALTH & SECURITY
We strongly recommend having good health insurance and carrying a good first aid kit. In general there is a lack of international standard medical help and hospitals. Major cities like Hanoi and Saigon have international clinic which provide good service for minor ailments. For any major health problems we recommend going to Thailand or Singapore.
No vaccinations are officially required by the Vietnamese authorities, but immunization against cholera, hepatitis, typhoid, tetanus, polio, and Japanese encephalitis is advised. Rabies is present in Vietnam, so you are advised to avoid dogs and other animals that may bite as a precaution.
Malaria : Malaria is present in Vietnam, especially in the Central Highlands and some parts of the Mekong Delta. The best protection against malaria is to avoid being bitten in the first place. Check with your physician about taking a course of anti-malarials. If it is considered necessary given your itinerary, you might need to begin before your trip and continue for a time after you return.
Dengue fever, which is also transmitted by mosquitoes, is often mistaken for malaria. Its symptoms are severe pain in the joints, high fever, and extreme headache. Aside from avoiding being bitten altogether (this mosquito is active in daytime and is often a striped variety), there is no prevention available. Hospital treatment is urgently required.
 Food & Water : As with most underdeveloped countries, stomach upsets and diarrhea can be a common problem. Most problems stem from contaminated water. Unless it has been thoroughly boiled, do not drink tap water. You should also avoid ice in drinks, especially in the countryside. Imported bottled water is available in most cities, but beware of bottles that have been reiilied with tap water. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are fine and in hotels you can use the hot water in your room lo make Chinese tea. You should have no problems with thoroughly cooked food, but stay clear of anything that looks like it has been reheated from a previous meal. Take care with seafood and avoid undercooked meat. Only eat fruit that you have peeled yourself, but salads should be given a miss.
Security : When planning your trip abroad, lake steps to protect yourself from crime or theft. Vietnam is a relatively a safe destination, with a low record of petty crime experienced by travelers but crimes against travelers are a growing problem worldwide.
Mines & Munitions. Although most of the land mines have been cleared you should avoid walking through jungle or remote areas, especially in the north of the country.
HOLIDAYS AND FESTIVAL
Participating in Vietnamese festivals is the best way to experience the culture and tradition of the country. These festivals are an expression of a truly distinct culture accessible and close to all.
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