General Travel Information
Welcome to Vietnam! Whether you stay in Ho Chi Minh City or in Binh Duong during the conference, the information on this page will be helpful to find your way around Vietnam. We have prepared information about how to move around the city and what to do after the conference.
Climate
Binh Duong Province experiences a tropical climate with distinct wetand dry seasons. In October, the weather is typically hot and humid, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 25°C to 33°C. There will be air-conditioners at the venue and there may be occasional rainfall, so participants are advised to bring an umbrella.
SIM-card and mobile internet
At Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will find several phone company kiosks, such as Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone outside the arrival terminal. To purchase a SIM, you are required to present your passport. Prices range from VND 200,000 to VND 500,000 (approx. $8 to $20), depending on the package.
Currency and payment
The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND).
The exchange rate typically fluctuates around VND 24,000 to 25,000 per USD.
Currency exchange counters are available at Tan Son Nhat International Airport and most banks in HCMC and Binh Duong Province. Commonly accepted currencies include USD and EUR.
ATMs are widely available in both HCMC and Binh Duong. They dispense cash in VND and accept most international credit cards and debit cards.
Tipping is not mandatory in Vietnam but is appreciated. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5.10% of the total as a tip is common. Some higher-end establishments may already include a service charge in the bill. Look out for that on the menu.
Transfer to your Hotel and around the city
Taxis are available outside the arrival terminal. Reputable taxi companies include Vinasun and Mai Linh.
The fare to central Ho Chi Minh City (Distric 1) is typically around VND 300,000 (approx. $6 to $12).
The fare to Binh Duong may range from around VND 500,000 to VND 700,000 (approx. $20 to $30).
Grab Service is like Uber in its function. It is usually cheaper, but still a lot more expensive than public transportation. You can pay for your rides in cash or with credit card. To use it, you will have to register a credit card anyways.
Public Buses: Both Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong Province have public bus systems that provide affordable transportation. However, bus schedules may vary, and routes can be more complex for non-locals.
From Mien Dong Bus station (address: 292 Dinh Linh Street, Ward 26, Binh Thanh District, HCMC) to Binh Duong, take bus No. 4 to go to Binh Duong Bus Station. You will arrive at the final destination Binh Duong Bus station.
Activites in Ho Chi Minh City
As Vietnam's bustling economic hub, HCMC offers a vibrant mix of history, culture, shopping and nightlife. Find some recommendations below:
Ben Thanh Market: One of the HCMC's oldest and most famous markets, Ben Thanh Market, offers an array of goods, from souvenirs and clothing to local foods. It' the perfect spot to experience local culture and shop for unique items, although some of the items may not completely comply with this conference's main ideas.
Ben Thanh Market's main entrance
War Remants Museum: This museum provides a powerful and moving perspective on the Vietnam War through a collection of photographs and objects from the war. It is an essential stop for history enthusiasts.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon: A beautiful remnant of French colonial architecture, the Notre-Dame Cathedral is located in the heart of the city. Nearby, you'll also find the equally impressive Central Post Office, another architectural gem.
Saigon Opera House: Built in 1897, the Saigon Opera House is an architectural landmark. Travellers can attend various performances, such as the AO Show, blending acrobatics, theatre, and dance.
Cu Chi Tunnels: Located just outside the city, the Cu Chi Tunnels are a fascinating historical site where visitors can explore the underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War.
Activites in the Binh Duong Province
While Binh Duong is primarily known for its industrial and commercial growth it also offers several relaxing and cultural experiences:
Traditional Lacquer Ware of Vietnam
Binh Duong New City Central Parkt:This expansive park in Binh Duong New City offers a peaceful escape with lush greenery, walking paths, and serene lakes. It's a great place for a stroll or a picnic.
Binh Duong's Ceramic Village: Binh Duong is renowned for its traditional ceramic craftsmanship, and visiting the Ceramic Village offers a uniqe cultural experience. The village is located in Thu Dau Mot City and has a long history of producing fine ceramics and pottery, dating back centuries.
Traditional Lacquer Craft Village: Binh Duong is also home to several traditional lacquer craft villages. One of the most notable villages is Phu Tho Ward which offers a fascinating glimpse into the art of lacquerware, an important aspect of Vietnamese culture. Visitors can tour various workshops where skilled artisans create beautiful lacquer products and offer participants to try their hand at applying lacquer or creating their own small items.