Tournament FAQ
Below we have compiled a short list of questions and answers to help you enjoy a smooth and worry-free tournament experience and stay in Vietnam.

GENERAL VIETNAM INFO


Q: This is my first time in Ho Chi Minh City. What should I expect?

Ho Chi Minh City (AKA Saigon) offers a full range of modern amenities, while distinctly maintaining its unique local flavor. The city boasts excellent shopping & dining, with a growing club & bar scene. The city has many interesting cultural sites, and serves as a hub for fascinating tours throughout south and central Vietnam. Transportation by taxi is convenient and inexpensive (~$0.70/km). A wide range of quality hotels are available that suit the needs of everyone from backpackers to businessmen. Ho Chi Minh City has several modern medical facilities, and boasts excellent public security.

Q: Are there any discount airlines that fly to Vietnam

Yes, there are several. Try looking for flights on Tiger Airways, Air Asia, Jetstar, Cebu Pacific or Lion Air for discount fares that can run as low as US$100 round-trip.

Q: Do I need a visa for Vietnam?

Yes, unless you are a citizen of another ASEAN country, you will need to apply for a 30-day tourist visa. Handspan Adventure Travel, the official travel sponsor of this year's tournament, is happy to provide visa-on-arrival services for our players. Please refer to our Travel and Accommodation page for details.

Q: Do I need any special shots, etc.?

In our experience, getting shots (malaria, etc.) may be more trouble than it's actually worth. Vietnam has a very low incidence of tropical diseases, especially within the urban areas. Unless you have had prior health issues, or plan to be travelling extensively through the countryside, consider shots a luxury precaution rather than a necessary preparation to come to Vietnam.

Q: What else can I see / do around Saigon?

Saigon is a perfect jumping off point for exploring the Mekong River, one of the largest rivers in the world. Handspan Adventure Travel offers a number of tour options for tournament players. Please refer to our Travel and Accommodation page for details.

Slightly farther out is the delightful, laid-back beach resort area of Mui Ne, five or six hours travel from HCMC by bus, train, or hired car. If you want to organize a full tour of Vietnam, internal flights on Vietnam Airlines are frequent and reasonable in cost. It's easy to jet off to the historic cities of Hue and Hoi An in central Vietnam, Nha Trang for the best deal in the world on scuba certification, or Hanoi.

TOURNAMENT INFO


Q: How much is the registration fee?

The tournament registration fee is only $65USD. (Payment in USD is very much appreciated.) You'll get a great player's kit including a tournament disc, tournament jersey, shoe bag and lots of great goodies -- not to mention lunch on the field on both days and some rockin' parties on Friday and Saturday night.

Q: How do I get to the fields from downtown?

A tournament bus will travel once each day from the central city to the fields, and back at day's end. Schedule and pickup point are still to be determined, but the bus will probably depart from the Pham Ngu Lao backpacker neighborhood where many players stay. Getting there on your own is also easy. Below is a summary of your local transportation options:

Taxi: One of the easiest means to get around town, and reasonable in price compared to other countries. It will cost you about 75,000 VND (US$4) to get to the RMIT fields from the Pham Ngu Lao backpacker district, and slightly more from other parts of the city center. Taxis cruise the streets in large numbers, so finding one is rarely difficult. Reputable companies, with competitive rates and no meter hassle, include Mai Linh (white or sometimes silver), Vinasun (white), Vinataxi (yellow), Savico (blue), Petrolimex (white), PetroVietnam (silver), Hoang Long (yellow and green) and Happy Taxi (silver). (Some other taxis will sometimes have fast meters or refuse to use the meter, so use others cautiously. Beware of Mai Linh and Vinasun mimics -- cars with very similar markings but not quite.)

Xe om: A cheaper means of transportation is a "Xe om" or a motorbike taxi, which are to be found on almost every corner. Just give directions, negotiate the price, and and off you go. From the city center to the RMIT field will cost you approximately 30,000 VND/person (about $2).

Please note, when travelling by taxi or xe om, be sure that the driver knows exactly where you want him to go. Otherwise, he may just make a wild guess and you will find yourself on a longer-than-expected joy ride! Click here for a map and directions to the fields.

Motorbike / Bicycle: For the adventurous, you can rent a motorbike or bicycle from hotels on the Backpacker streets (Pham Ngu Lao, De Tham, Bui Vien). Be sure to wear a helmet, and drive at your own risk! Traffic is heavy and aggressive (especially at rush hour), with a lot of unwritten rules. Prior experience riding in Asian cities is helpful for survival.

Q: What is included in the players' package?

Registration fees include free fruits and beverages on the fields, lunch on both days, a tournament disc, a tournament jersey, and extra goodies!

Q: How will the weather be for the tournament?

Late December is the middle of the cool and dry season -- the best time of year in southern Vietnam, weather-wise, and a delightful time to visit. Our tournament forecast calls for clear blue skies, a light breeze, and a daytime high temperature of about 24° to 28° C (75° to 82° F). Nights are typically cool, with temperatures ranging from about 19° to 23° C (66° to 73° F). Despite the pleasant temperatures, however, the UV rays can be quite intense, so be sure to wear sunscreen!

Q: I don't have much Ultimate experience. Can I still participate in the tournament?

Absolutely. This year's tournament will feature players of all ability levels, including a healthy crop of rookies. If this is your first tournament, then you will certainly feel at home with the friendly, fun atmosphere of Vietnam Ultimate.

Q: I'm still not sure if I can come. How late can I sign up for the tournament?

The registration deadline is December 24, 2009. When in doubt, go ahead and sign up. This will allow us to send you useful updates regarding the tournament, and will enable us to help you in arranging accommodations when you make your decision.