Vietnam, offically known as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is located at the easternmost side of the Southeast Asian Indochinese peninsula. The country is bordered by China to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the West, and the South China Sea to the east. Vietnam was once pictured as a tragic war torn country with many important historical sites being destroyed from bombings during the Vietnam war. Restoration and preservation efforts had since been made and Vietnam now boasts 7 World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. It is home to many ancient landmarks & colonial structures, iconic rice patties on hills, limestone islands of Halong Bay, long golden beaches, and great food & nightlife scenes. Vietnam is quickly becoming Asia’s hottest travel destination with it’s S curved circuit always flashing a different side of the country.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
VIETNAM VISA
U.S. Citizens visiting Vietnam are required to have a visa before visiting the country. Passports must be valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond their stay in Vietnam. Listed below are three ways to obtain a visa with the first being the cheapest and most convenient.
1. Apply for a single-entry 1 month/30 days e-visa by visiting Vietnamese Immigration Department online. You can find Instructions Here if you need help. You can also apply for an e-visa through reputable agencies like Vietnam-Visa.
2. Apply in advance through mail or in person at a Vietnamese consulate or embassy. Applying in person is common for travelers who are in neighboring countries planning a last minute trip to Vietnam. I visited the Vietnamese consulate in Luang Prabang, Laos for a rushed visa prior to departing to Vietnam. Pricing will vary depending application processing time.
3. Obtain a written approval letter for a visa on arrival. You can get one from a travel agency prior to departure.
WEATHER
Vietnam has a tropical and sub-tropical climate split into three regions: north, central, and south. A good way to base the periods are by the southwest monsoon and northeast monsoon.
Southwest Monsoon (May – October): North and south Vietnam will experience heavy rain while central tends to be drier due to protection from the mountains.
Northwest Monsoon (October – April): Drier than it’s counter-part, heavy rain can be expected along the east coastal areas with light showers in the north.
It tends to be hot and humid throughout the rest year but the north tends to be cooler October – April with the far north occasionally experiencing snow in the mountains.
MONEY EXCHANGE
Vietnam’s main currency is the Vietnamese Dongs. At the time of writing the current exchange rate is 23,280 VND/USD. You can find money exchanges in the airport and across the city. International ATMs will provide you with the best exchange rate but you will get charged ATM plus any additional bank fees. I highly recommend opening a checking account with a bank that waives all ATM transaction fees before you travel abroad. You could easily save hundreds of dollars.
Cash is the most common form of payment in Vietnam. Up-to-date hotels, large retail stores and modern restaurants may accept credit card but most shops are cash only.
ELECTRICAL SOCKET TYPE
The power sockets are mainly type A (2 flat parallel pins), type C (2 round pins), and type F (2 round pins with 2 side grounding clips). The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. If you are coming from the U.S then chances are your current plugs will work with type A assuming your adapter has an automatic voltage converter (please take the extra precaution and check). Most laptop and cellphone chargers are dual voltage but you will need a voltage converter for appliances such as hair straighteners.
CELL PHONE DATA & INTERNET
If you have an unlocked cell phone then you can purchase a SIM card at the airport or in the city that includes internet data, local calls and text depending on your needs. You can also rent and share a pocket Wifi if you have multiple people in your group.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance is not required but highly encouraged when traveling to a foreign country. Vietnam is home to many physical activities including hiking mountainous terrains, cave exploring, water sports activities, and motorbike riding. I have seen many foreigners injured from motorbiking while I was in Vietnam. Riding there can be extremely dangerous due to the large amount of traffic without regards to traffic laws. On top of that, different climate conditions, insect bites, or trying new types of food can cause one to get seriously ill. Unforeseen accidents do happen and expenses can add up and ruin your trip. The most popular insurance for all types of travelers is World Nomads. Their policies are created specifically with travelers in mind. It doesn’t hurt to Get a Free Quote and decide from there.
TRANSPORTATION
There are multiple transportation options when it comes to getting around Vietnam. Here are the most common for travelers and will vary between cities.
Motorcycle Taxi: These are motorcycles that can carry two people comfortably and is a great way to buzz through the city’s busy traffic. You can flag one down or order one your grab app.
Taxis: Always make sure to ask your driver to switch on the meter. Some deliberately neglect to do so resulting in customers usually paying a higher lump sum fare. There are dodgy taxis prowling around so a safe bet is to go with reputable companies like Mai Linh or Vinason.
Grab: Working exactly the same as the Uber app. This is the safest way to get around in cities as the price is set at booking and you can pay by credit/debit card on file or by cash. Vehicles include motorcycles, cars, and vans.
Hire a driver: The most expensive but luxurious option is hiring a driver for a day. The driver will take you to where ever you want at an agreed price for the day.
Rent a motorbike/scooter: This is by far my favorite method for getting around but Vietnam’s traffic is one of the most dangerous and complicated for novice riders. I have met many travelers during my time there who had gotten into a motorbike accident. If that doesn’t scare you off then by all means choose this option! On top of freedom and flexibility, it really allows you to live in the scene and venture off the beaten track.The cost ranges from 5-10 USD plus gas per day and can come out to be cheaper than public transportation depending on usage.
LANGUAGE
Vietnamese is the main language of Vietnam. Many people speak and understand little English in tourist areas but many will not. English will become almost nonexistent if traveling to remote areas. It is best to brush up on basic Vietnamese to enhance your experience.
VIETNAM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS
Most travelers flying into Vietnam will start at either Hanoi, north of Vietnam, or Ho Chi Minh/Saigon, south of Vietnam. Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is the main airport serving Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is the main airport serving Ho Chi Minh/Saigon.
Once at the airport, I highly recommend first time travelers to Vietnam to setup the Grab app on their phones. It is similar to Uber and is the safest way to not get scammed by taxi services. Pricing is competitive and you can occasionally find discount codes advertised on banners around the airport.
PLACES TO VISIT IN VIETNAM
Keep checking back for upcoming travel guides & blogs for Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh.
We are planning a trip to Vietnam, Korea, and maybe somewhere else in the surrounding area. Your blog came to mind and it is super helpful!