Top Vietnam Travel Tips: What You Need to Know Before Visiting Vietnam
Vietnam is a fascinating destination with a rich local culture and a diverse range of travel experiences. If you're planning a trip to Vietnam, there are some important tips you need to know. Firstly, US citizens must apply for a visa before entering Vietnam,
Planning is an essential
part of any trip, and just like elsewhere, there are certain things you need to
know before visiting Vietnam – especially if you’re a first time visitor. While
you won’t have too much to worry about in Vietnam, it’s always best to know
what you’re getting yourself into before arriving at a new destination. To help
you plan the perfect trip, here are my top 10 Vietnam travel tips so
that you can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying this fascinating
country!
1.
Consider Travel Insurance
Although Vietnam is a relatively safe country to visit, it’s important
to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances. And that doesn’t just include
petty theft. Food poisoning, getting injured during an adventure activity,
losing your valuables, or even missing a flight are just some of the things
that can really ruin your Vietnam trip.
So my first travel tip for Vietnam is to consider travel insurance for
your trip.
2.
Choose the right season to visit
Vietnam is a massive country spanning more than 1600 km from north to
south. While the weather in Vietnam might not be at the top of your worry list,
choosing the best time to visit Vietnam is an important part of planning the
perfect trip.
The country has a tropical monsoon climate with high humidity throughout
the year and rather unpredictable weather, including everything from typhoons
to frequent downpours to relentless heat. Added to that, the temperature can
vary drastically depending on where and when you visit.
With that said, though, if you are planning to see a bit of everything,
the best time to visit Vietnam is either in spring (March –
April) or autumn (September – December). During these months, expect
pleasant temperatures throughout most of the country.
3.
Don’t forget your visa
Most nationalities need a visa to enter Vietnam, except for several
European passport holders, such as citizens from the UK, France, and Germany.
If you’re from one of these countries, consider yourself lucky, because you can
enter Vietnam 15 days visa-free.
For the rest, chances are high you’ll need to apply for a visa beforehand.
While some countries’ citizens can apply for a visa online (read more about
it here or use iVisa to sort everything for you),
South Africans need to apply in persional at the
nearest Vietnam embassy. It’s definitely a bit of a mission, but the effort
will be worth it – especially since you’ll get to experience one of the most
beautiful places in Asia!
4. Know
how to get in and out
As already mentioned, Vietnam is a huge country packed with loads
of beautiful places to go, ancient landmarks to
explore, and amazing things to do. Choosing where to arrive and
depart is, therefore, another important Vietnam travel tip to keep in mind.
Three main international airports serve Vietnam: Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang International Airport. If you’re planning to see a bit of everything, the easiest would be to arrive in the south and depart in the north (or vice versa). Search and compare flights here on Booking.com
No matter where you arrive, it’s straightforward to get from any of
these airports to the city center. Buses and taxis are readily available and
very affordable. Don’t feel like planning a thing? Grab a private transfer
here:
·
Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi
City/Halong Bay
·
Tan Son Nhat International
Airport to HCMC
Da Nang International Airport to Hoi An/ Hue or Da Nang
5. Know
how to get around efficiently
Vietnam is one of the cheapest countries to visit in Asia and
getting around is super easy and affordable. As a result, it’s a great
destination for budget travelers and backpackers. With everything from trains
to buses, Vietnam has a vast and efficient transport network that can literally
connect you to all its corners.
Some of the best long-distance travel options include sleeper
buses and overnight trains. These are
especially ideal for travelers who want to cover large areas of land at dirt
cheap prices. Booking.com is a great source to find and book tickets
for buses, trains and transfers
6. Get
a local Sim card
Whether you’re planning a some day Vietnam itinerary or staying
a bit longer, getting a local SIM card or pocket wifi is highly encouraged
(especially if you are a first-time visitor to Vietnam).
Even though most hotels and posher eateries are likely to have free (and
super fast) wifi, having access to all your favorite travel apps like Google
Maps, Google Translate, and Grab Taxi 24/7 can help avoid unnecessary
stress.
7.
Familiarize yourself with the currency
The official currency is the
Vietnamese Dong, but US dollars are widely accepted. It's advisable to carry
some local currency for smaller transactions everywhere.
However, currently many shop in Vietnam using QR code and credit POS,
it’s convenient for every transactions.
8. Use local
transportation (Opt to
use Grab Taxi )
Among
the many ways to get around in the cities include taxis, local buses, bicycle
rickshaws, and even motorbike taxis. Oh and travel tip – the latter might seem
like a fun ride, but it’s not for the faint-hearted!
All
of the above options are generally quite cheap. But remember to agree on a
fixed price with the driver beforehand. Vietnam’s taxi drivers are notorious
for ripping off tourists!
The easiest way to avoid this unpleasantry is to use Grab Taxi instead. Grab is a popular ride share service, similar to Uber, where you book a ride using their app. The best part? You’ll know exactly how much your ride will cost and how long it will take to reach your destination.
9.
Learn a few key Vietnamese phrases
This is the way you can make strong impression with
local people.
The official language in Vietnam is Vietnamese, but English is widely
spoken in more touristy places. While it’s unlikely that you’ll have any
trouble with language barriers in the bigger cities, it’s always a good idea to
know the basics. Here are a few key phrases that will make your trip a whole
lot more enjoyable and perhaps even impress a few locals:
Hello – Xin chào
Goodbye – Tạm biệt
Thank you – Cám ơn
Sorry – Xin Loi
Please – Làm
ơn
Yes– Dạ
No – Không
How much is it? – Cái này giá bao
nhiêu?
Please help me – Làm ơn giúp tôi
Where is the
bathroom? – Nhà vệ sinh ở đâu?
10.Explore beyond the
tourist spots:
While popular
destinations like Halong Bay and the Mekong Delta are must-visit places, don't
forget to explore the lesser-known areas, such as the stunning Bãi Đầm Trầu in
Côn Đảo Islands, Vietnam
Hope that with this 10 tips travelling to
Vietnam will help you have great trips and experiences.
Find and discover your trip now with booking.com now.
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