Travel Information

Climate:
Mui Ne enjoys some of the finest weather in Vietnam with the lowest annual rainfall in the entire country. This makes it great for playing on the beach (or perhaps even the swimming pool). The climate is hot and dry for the most part of the year. However, in the Mui Ne, Phan Thiet area, we usually enjoy the ocean winds which transform the heat into a pleasant breeze. These strong sea breezes are perfect for kite surfing and windsurfing.

Rainy Season: May to October
Dry Season: November to April
Average Temperature: 27 C
Average Yearly Rainfall: 1.024mm
Relative Humidity: 79%
Total Hours of Sunlight per Year: 2,459 hours

Language:
The people of Vietnam speak Vietnamese as a native language. The French language, a legacy of colonial rule, is still spoken by some older Vietnamese as a second language, but is losing its popularity and to a much lesser extent German, Czech, or Polish is spoken. In recent years, English is becoming more popular as a second language. English study is now compulsory in most schools.

Currency:
The local currency is the Dong (abbreviated “d” or VND). Bank notes are: 200d; 500d; 1,000d; 2,000d; 5,000d; 10,000d; 20,000d; 50,000d; 100,000d & 500,000d. Coins include 200d; 500d; 1,000d; 2,000d & 5,000d. The exchange rate (updated on October 9th 2008) is approximately 16,650VND for one U.S.Dollar.

Money and travelers cheques, particularly U.S. Dollars, can be exchanged at banks, hotels and authorized money- exchangers. It is advisable to carry U.S. Dollar bills in small denominations.

Credit cards are generally only accepted in major hotels, and in some up-market shops and restaurants in some of the major cities.

ATM facilities are readily available now in most large cities.

Visa:
Travelers to Vietnam are required to hold a passport that are valid for at least six(06) months beyond the completion of their visit and must have a valid entrance visa. Visa are usually issued by the Vietnamese Embassy in Bangkok or in the passenger’s home country. Acquiring a visa will require an original passport, two (02) photos and a waiting time of up to one week in order to be issued a visa stamp.

Visa exemption: not more than 30days: for citizens of Indonesia, Laos, Philippines. Singapore and Thailand not more than 15days: for citizens of Denmark, Finland, Japan, Norway, South Korea and Sweden.

Health:
At L’Anmien there is a nurse on staff and a doctor is on call 24 hours a day. In certain areas of Southeast Asia there is a chance of contracting mosquito-borne diseases. Reasonable precautions, including the use of mosquito repellent will minimize the risk. You may also wish to consult your doctor.

Travel Tips:
Electricity is 220volts/ 50 cycles. Vietnam’s time zone is plus seven hours GMT. Loose and casual clothing will suffice but when visiting temples, clean and modest attire is advisable.