The National Convention Center (NCC) is the largest convention Center in Vietnam and has been designed to cater for all events from the smallest committee meeting to the largest conference and exhibition. Its stylized building symbolizes the traditions of Vietnamese people. Covering an area of 64,000m², the centre boasts the largest conference hall, seating up to 3,800 people, 30 meeting rooms of various sizes and underground parking for 700 cars. Its main opening event is the annual APEC CEO Summit which Vietnam hosted in November 2006.
The National Convention Center is Vietnam’s first ever architecture to harness the sun’s energy for back-up power. Equipped with the latest convention facilities and technology, the NCC makes an ideal venue for the IRC2010.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT VIETNAM
Vietnam in the heart of Southeast Asia offers a captivating blend of the traditional and the modern. Vibrant cities compliment verdant green landscapes in a land where warmth and friendliness are second nature. Hanoi, the enticing capital in the north with its beautiful lakes and tree lined boulevards.
Airport Tax
All visitors to Vietnam are required to pay a departure tax of USD14.00, which can be paid in dong or US dollars.
Climate & Weather
In Hanoi there are four distinct seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. But it is able to be divided into two main seasons: the rainy season from May to September (it’s hot, heavy rain), and the dry season from October to April (it’s cold, little rainfall). The annual average temperature is 23.2oC, but in winter the average temperature is 17.2oC. The average summer temperature is 29.2oC.
Communication (Internet, Mobile Phone, Postal, and Telecommunication services)
Internet access is widely available in most hotels and internet cafes within major cities and tourist destinations. Local mobile phone service provider VinaPhone links visitors to any major cities around the world.
Currency & Banking Services
The Dong is the official currency of Vietnam. Banknotes come in denominations of 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000, 200,000 and 500,000 dong. Exchange rate at time of publication is USD 1 = VND 18,400.
Foreign currencies and travelers cheques can be exchanged into Vietnamese Dong at banks or foreign exchange agencies. Banks are open from 7.30 AM or 8.00 AM to 11.30 AM and from 1.00 PM to 4.00 PM. They are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Visa, MasterCard, American Express and JCB credit cards are widely accepted especially in cities and big tourist centers.
Electricity
Electricity in Vietnam is 220 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. If you come to Vietnam with a device that does not accept 220 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter.
Most power outlets are two-pronged but adapter plugs are available upon request.
Language
Vietnamese is the national and official language. Many tourist guides can speak English, French, Chinese, Russian and Japanese.
Visa Application
Tourist visa can only be obtained in Vietnamese embassies and consulates abroad. Otherwise, you can get a visa at the border gates if you are invitees of some Vietnamese competent organizations or you are traveling on a package tour organized by Vietnamese travel companies. To apply for a visa, the requirements are as follows:
Entry permit form (which can vary from one Vietnamese embassies or consulate abroad to another) - There are two categories of this form: for foreigners and for Vietnamese overseas.
Two photos (4cmx6cm or 3cmx4cm)
Original passport
Visa fee
You should send your application and photos to a Vietnamese embassy or consulate abroad near you. On your requirement, the reply will be returned by post (you must provide stamped envelopes with your name and address).
Citizens of the following countries are exempted from a visa to enter Vietnam and are entitled to stay within the country for specific number of days as specified below:
Not more than 30 days: for citizens of Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Laos.
Not more than 15 days: for citizens of Japan and South Korea, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland.
French citizens holding valid diplomatic passports are exempt from visa requirements when visiting Vietnam and are allowed to stay for up to 3 months at one time or on several visits within six months since their first immigration dates.
Citizens of Chile and Vietnam holding valid diplomatic or official passports from one of the two countries are exempt from needing entry, exit and transit visas in the other's territory and are allowed to stay for up to 60 days on each visit.
Letters of invitation for visa purposes will be supplied, upon request to the Congress Secretariat, to all registered Participants only.
The Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development (MARD) can assist IRC2010 delegates & participants in arranging their entry visas. Please follow the following guidelines:
Register as participant to IRC2010. Only the request of IRC2010 registered delegate, exhibitor or visitor will be processed.
Complete the required information and send to lala@asiacongress.com or info@asiacongress.com:
Full name (as shown in passport):
Position:
Organization/Company:
IRC2010 Registration Number: (as shown in the registration confirmation)
Date of Birth:
Nationality:
Sex:
Passport Number:
Type of entry (Multiple or Single entry):
Expected Date of Arrival:
Name of hotel in Vietnam:
Address of hotel:
The place to get visa (Address of Embassy):
Pay the required delegate registration fee together with the 10US$ fee for the processing of Approval Letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department. Note that Approval Letter processing takes about 5 working days.
Submit the following to the Vietnam embassy and consulate abroad nearest you:
a) Approval Letter from the Immigration Department
b) Invitation Letter from the IRC2010 Organizers
c) Two photos (4cmx6cm or 3cmx4cm)
d) Stamp fee
e) Original Passport
For countries without Vietnam embassy or consulate office, Visa upon arrival can be secured at the airport.
Airport Tax
The Dong is the official currency of Vietnam. Banknotes come in denominations of 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000, 200,000 and 500,000 dong. Exchange rate at time of publication is USD 1 = VND 18,400.
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