Vietnam travel tips you need to know
Planning your trip before you go is essential, especially if it’s your first time. Although you shouldn’t worry too much about Vietnam, it is always better to be prepared before you arrive. Here are my 16 top Vietnam travel tips to help you plan your perfect trip. This way, you’ll spend less time worrying and more time exploring this fascinating country.
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Consider Travel Insurance
It’s essential to prepare for unexpected circumstances, even though Vietnam is a relatively safe country. This doesn’t only include small thefts. You can ruin your Vietnam vacation by getting food poisoning, being injured in an adventure activity, misplacing your valuables, or missing your flight.
Travel insurance is my first tip for Vietnam. World Nomads provides simple and flexible travel coverage. Purchase online or on the road and claim anywhere.
Visit in the right season
Vietnam is an enormous country that stretches more than 1600 km north to south. The weather in Vietnam may be missing from your list of concerns, but choosing the right time to travel is a crucial part of planning a trip.
The climate is tropical monsoon with high year-round humidity and unpredictable weather. This includes everything from typhoons to downpours to intense heat. The temperature varies greatly depending on when and where you are visiting.
If you want to see everything, the best time to travel to Vietnam is in the spring (March-April) or fall (September-December). Expect pleasant temperatures in most parts of the country during these months.
Remember your visa
The majority of nationalities require a visa to enter Vietnam. However, some European citizens, including those from France, the UK, and Germany, do not. Consider yourself lucky if you are from one of the countries listed above, as you can enter Vietnam for 15 days without a visa.
You’ll need to get a visa before you travel. Some countries can apply online for a Vietnam visa (read more here or use the iVisa), but South Africans must go to their nearest Vietnam embassy to apply. The journey is a bit difficult, but it’s worth the effort – you get to see one of the most beautiful countries in Asia.
How to enter and exit the building
Vietnam is a vast country with many unique places and ancient monuments to explore. There are also many other things to do. Another important Vietnam travel tip is choosing where to depart and arrive.
Vietnam has three main international airports: Noi Bai International Airport, located in Hanoi; Tan Son Nhat International Airport, in Ho Chi Minh City; and Da Nang International Airport. Arrive in the south, and leave in the north if you want to see everything. Compare flights on Skyscanner.
Learn how to navigate efficiently
Vietnam is one of the most affordable countries in Asia, and it’s easy to get around. It’s also a popular destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Vietnam’s vast transport system, including buses to trains, can connect you to every corner of the country.
There are many options for long-distance traveling, including sleeper buses and night trains. They are ideal for those wishing to travel large distances at low prices. 12Go Asia can be used to book and find bus, train, and transfer tickets. You’ll save money by bus or train, but it is only for some. The journeys can be long and not the healthiest way to travel.
Flying is the best option to avoid traveling by bus or train. Vietjet, the country’s leading low-cost airline, offers cheap local flights.
Vietnam Travel Tip: Research before booking a Halong Bay trip.
Grab Taxi is the best option to choose
It’s surprising how walkable most cities are in Vietnam. However, it is good to have options if you get too tired. Are you looking for cute and comfortable travel sneakers? (Check out my guide to women’s travel sneakers).
Taxis, local buses, and bicycle rickshaws are all ways of getting around the city. Motorbike taxis are also available. Travel tip: Although motorbike taxis may look fun, they are not for the faint of heart!
All the options above are affordable. Remember to fix a price in advance with the driver. Taxi drivers in Vietnam are notorious for taking advantage of tourists.
Grab Taxi is the best way to avoid these unpleasant situations. Grab is similar to Uber because you can book a ride through their app.
Beware of scams
Scams are one of the most important things to be aware of when traveling in Vietnam. In Vietnam, scams are common, especially in touristy areas like HCMC or Hanoi. As you know, I also hate getting ripped off. It’s best not to let this happen. Even though it may be challenging, especially if you’re traveling in an unfamiliar area, it is possible.
Booking your Vietnam tours and trips in advance through a reliable website is the first Vietnam tip that you should know. I reserve the majority of my tours with Klook. There are many options available at affordable prices. The reviews make it so easy to choose a suitable time.
Booking activities with a local tour operator can also be done. You’ll find these companies in every tourist center in Vietnam. You’ll need my second-most important tip on booking tours in Vietnam if you have to use any of these companies. Compare prices before you commit to anything. Prices vary widely from one tour operator to the next.
Most tour operators will happily spend hours describing different tours, packages, and trips. Refrain from booking the tour immediately. Tell them that you will think about it and thank them for the time they spent. Next, move on to another tour operator. You’ll know after visiting several sites which company has the best package for you at the lowest price.