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Saigon, Ben Thanh Market is a good place for shopping. (Vendors will willingly bargain but as a cour tesy, do not ask the price of something unless you want to buy it.) Dong Khoi Street is an ar ts and craf ts tourist bazaar.
Currency The currency is the Vietnamese dong. The US dollar acts as a second currency and is readily accepted everywhere. Most gold and jewellery stores will exchange foreign currency and usually have bet ter rates than the hotels. Given the low wages of most of the population, tipping is always greatly appreciated.
Climate Vietnam has three climatic zones with temperatures ranging from 22˚C to 27˚C. In the nor th, the best time to visit is between October and March. Central Vietnam is protected by the Hai Van Pass Mountains and travelling is recommended year-round. In the south, there are two seasons—dry and rainy. March, April and May are the hot test months.
Lightweight clothing is suf ficient for
the south all year round but warmer clothing is needed during winter (November through April) in the nor th and in the highlands.
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