TOP TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP TO VIETNAM

Planning a trip to Vietnam? Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, it’s always wise to do your research and know what to expect before you arrive in a new destination. To help you plan the perfect trip to this fascinating country, we’ve put together some top Vietnam travel tips that will save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.

1. Consider Travel Insurance

Although Vietnam is generally a safe country to visit, it’s always wise to be prepared for the unexpected. From minor theft to serious health issues, unforeseen circumstances can really ruin your trip. That’s why we recommend considering travel insurance for your trip to Vietnam. World Nomads offers flexible and affordable travel insurance that you can buy at home or on the go, and claim online from anywhere in the world.

2. Best Time to Visit

Vietnam is a vast country with a tropical monsoon climate that can vary dramatically depending on where and when you visit. Choosing the best time to visit is crucial to ensuring a pleasant trip. Generally, the best times to visit Vietnam are during the spring (March – April) or autumn (September – December), when temperatures are mild throughout most of the country.

3. Don’t Forget Your Visa

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Vietnam, except for a few European passport holders. If you’re not lucky enough to have visa-free access, be sure to apply for a visa before you go. Some countries’ citizens can apply for a visa online, while others, like South Africans, need to apply in person at the nearest Vietnam embassy.

4. Know How to Get Around

Vietnam is a large country with plenty to see and do, so it’s important to plan your arrival and departure strategically. Three main international airports serve Vietnam, and it’s easy to get from any of them to the city center via bus or taxi. If you’re planning to explore different regions of the country, consider arriving in the south and departing in the north, or vice versa. Sky scanner is a great resource for

finding and comparing flights. Private transfers are also available if you prefer a hassle-free option.

Grab is a great app you can trust and it is cheap too. However its only available in big cities like Hà Nội, Hồ Chí Minh, Đà Nẵng, Hội An, Nha Trang, Đà Lạt, Huế, Phan Thiết, Vũng Tàu và Cần Thơ. Vietnam is a budget traveler’s paradise, with a well-developed transport network that connects you to every corner of the country. From trains to buses, you can get around Vietnam cheaply and easily. Long-distance travel options like sleeper buses and overnight trains are ideal for covering large distances, but they’re not for everyone, as they can be long and unsanitary. For those who prefer more comfortable travel, flying with Vietjet is the way to go.

5. Internet for your mobile phone

Having a local SIM card or pocket wifi is highly recommended, especially if you’re a first-time visitor to Vietnam. Although many hotels and eateries have free wifi, having access to travel apps like Google Maps and Grab Taxi can save you a lot of hassle. You can easily get a SIM card upon arrival or have it delivered to your hotel.

US phone without international version can’t not use Vietnamese SIM card, so make sure it is one or you can buy a random used phone in VN

6. Be aware of scams

In touristy spots like Hanoi and HCMC. Booking tours through reputable websites like Klook can help you avoid being ripped off. If you choose to book with a local tour operator, make sure to shop around and compare prices before committing to anything. Most operators are happy to explain their packages and trips, so take your time and choose the best option for your needs.

7. Respect the culture and traditions

Vietnam is a culturally rich country, and it’s important to respect their traditions and customs during your visit. For example, when visiting temples and pagodas, it’s important to dress appropriately, which means no shorts, tank tops, or revealing clothing. It’s also considered impolite to touch someone’s head, point your feet at someone, or show public displays of affection.

Another aspect of Vietnamese culture is the importance of family and community. Family is considered sacred, and it’s common for multiple generations to live together in one home. If you’re invited to someone’s home, it’s customary to bring a small gift, such as fruit or flowers. It’s also polite to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home. Vietnam Travel Tips

8. Learn some Vietnamese phrases

While English is widely spoken in touristy areas, it’s always a good idea to learn some basic Vietnamese phrases. This will not only help you communicate with the locals, but it will also show that you respect their culture. Some useful phrases to learn include “Xin chào” (Hello), “Cám ơn” (Thank you), and “Nhà vệ sinh ở đâu?” (Where is the bathroom?). Vietnam Travel Tips

9. Carry enough cash with you

Cash is king in Vietnam, so make sure to carry enough with you, especially if you plan on visiting markets or small eateries. If you run out of cash, there are plenty of ATMs around, but make sure to withdraw from a reputable bank like HSBC or Citi Bank to avoid hefty fees.

10. Learn to haggle

Haggling is standard practice in Vietnam, especially at markets and small stores. It’s important to remember that prices for tourists are generally inflated, so don’t be afraid to negotiate. It’s also a good idea to shop away from the entrance of a market to avoid higher prices. Vietnam Travel Tips

11. You don’t need to tip

Tipping is not a common practice in Vietnam, but it’s always appreciated. If you do decide to tip, small change in US dollars is preferred.

12. Don’t drink the tap water

The tap water in Vietnam is not safe to drink, so make sure to only drink bottled water. You can find bottled water everywhere and it’s inexpensive. Vietnam Travel Tips

13. Packing tip

It’s important to know what clothing to pack. The country’s high humidity makes it ideal to bring lightweight, breathable clothes made of cotton or linen that won’t make you feel sweaty or weighed down. Unless you’re visiting during winter, it’s unnecessary to pack a lot of warm clothes. Instead, pack shorts, skirts, t-shirts, dresses, and one or two lightweight jackets, long-sleeved shirts, and jeans for cooler days or hiking. A raincoat is also a must-have. If you plan on visiting religious sites, a simple sarong that covers your shoulders and knees will suffice.

Pack bug spray and sunscreen to protect yourself from dengue fever and the Zika virus. Most sunscreen brands in Asia have whitening agents that can alter your skin color, so bringing your preferred brand is advised.

The standard voltage in Vietnam is 220V with a frequency of 50Hz, and plug types include A, C, and F. It’s important to check your device’s voltage compatibility before plugging it in. Investing in a good travel adapter is recommended. This travel plug is suitable for 150 countries and has four USB sockets.

These are my top travel tips for Vietnam. If you have any other must-know tips, please leave a comment to keep this post updated.

Vietnam Travel Tips