What To Know Before Travel in Vietnam

Vietnam has recovered from its turbulent past to establish itself as a major player on the Southeast Asian tourist scene. There is a wide range of experiences available, including emerald paddy fields, white sand beaches, bustling cities, ancient pagodas, limestone islands protruding dramatically from the water, enormous caves, craggy mountains, and hospitable minority communities with their ornate tribal costumes and traditional practices. If you go to Vietnam, you'll be welcomed with open arms and curiosity.

Here are the things you should know before traveling in Vietnam. Let's find out together.

TRAVEL IN VIETNAM: VISA REQUIREMENT

Do I Need a Visa for Vietnam? is the query.

Yes, the majority of foreigners visiting Vietnam for leisure or business may require a visa, with the exception of those on this list of exempted nationalities. The majority of foreign visitors require a visa to enter Vietnam; however, some Asian and Nordic nationals are granted 15–30 days without a visa, and as of 2016, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain were also granted the same privilege. However, this privilege is only valid for a short period of time, so be sure to check with your local consulate.

You must submit an application form, the required fee, and two passport-sized pictures (procedures vary). The visa is valid for admission through any of Vietnam's international land borders as well as the airports in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.

You should rigorously adhere to the measures below to save your costs and time while applying for a visa to Vietnam:

To find out if you require a visa for Vietnam, please choose your nationality from the list below.

If you require a valid visa to enter Vietnam, follow the instructions for the simplest approach to obtain a visa.

However, you must be aware of Vietnam's visa requirements before departing. Here is a concise, detailed description of all the paperwork needed to apply for a visa to Vietnam. It applies to anybody who needs a visa for Vietnam and is not excluded.

Obtaining a visa for Vietnam requires the following documents:

1. Passport must have at least two pages blank and be valid for at least six months after the date of your arrival in Vietnam. An interim passport might not be accepted.

2. Visa Approval Letter: necessary to obtain a business visa for Vietnam.

3. Photo: two passport-sized (4 x 6 cm) pictures that were taken lately and do not have glasses on them. Read more on the specific Vietnam visa photo criteria.

4. Visa application form for Vietnam: Immigration Entry and Exit Application Form.

5. Visa expenses for Vietnam

Notes:

- Passengers transiting via Vietnam should confirm the airline's policies on Vietnam visa requirements.

- Anyone traveling straight to Phu Quoc Island from a nation other than Vietnam, whether by boat or flight, and staying there for fewer than 30 days is exempt from needing a visa for Vietnam.

- If you are allowed admission into Vietnam without a visa, all you need is a passport that will still be valid after your date of entry for at least six months.

- Only the airport will accept the letter of permission for a visa. Travelers can thus apply for a Vietnam visa through the regional embassy whether they visit Vietnam by land or ship.

- Check your country's requirements for a visa to Vietnam

TRAVEL IN VIETNAM: WHEN IS THE BEST TIME?

Vietnam is a year-round destination for tourists thanks to the contrasting seasons and weather between the North and the South. This means that if you're looking to travel the whole country at once, there's a good chance you'll encounter rain at some point.

To be able to enjoy the best experiences in Vietnam, the best time to travel is between February and April or between August and October. At these times, the rainfall will be low. and temperatures will fall within the average range in most areas. If you want to avoid the rain completely, the time between March and April will have the least amount of rain. However, if you go to the North at this time, you may face an uncomfortable high temperature.

I. Northern

The North is a land with 4 distinct seasons in the year, if you like any season you can travel in that season, but perhaps the two most beautiful seasons of the year are spring and autumn. Cool air at this time is a favorable time for travel.

In spring, you will be filled with thousands of scents of blooming flowers. However, this time in the North is low humidity and often wet, so when you travel, prepare yourself an umbrella.

For autumn, the most romantic period of 12 months, you will see a rapid change in color of the leaves but this season will be quite short, starting and ending in just a few weeks from mid-September to the end of October, so if you like to travel in the fall, you should take advantage of it.

II. Central

Central has many unique tangible and intangible cultural heritages. Central, one of the famous tourist destinations in Vietnam, is also home to ravishing beaches and outstanding national parks.

Central region is located in the tropical monsoon climate, so it is quite dry and hot. The most suitable time for you to travel the Central Heritage Road is from April to August, the weather is hot but still pleasant, the temperature ranges from 28 - 32˚C.

You should avoid the months from September to March next year, because at this time the Central region will fall into the rainy and stormy season, if traveling at this time it is a waste of time to visit tourist attractions with beautiful scenery.

III. Southern

Not as majestic as the mountains in the North, nor as magnificent as the ancient beauty of the Central region, the South impresses visitors with its peace and simplicity. For the southern climate, there are only two seasons, the dry season and the rainy season, so traveling at any time is the best and least volatile time in the three regions of the country.

The most appropriate time for tourists to travel to famous places in the South is during the dry season. At this time, the weather is fresh, the temperature fluctuates above 30 degrees Celsius, which is very suitable for beach tourist destinations such as Nha Trang, Phu Quoc island, Nam Du island, etc. You can freely swim or participate in many other interesting activities such as scuba diving to see corals, squid fishing, etc.

On the contrary, tourists should limit traveling in the rainy season, because at that time, heavy rains often appear, making it very difficult for traveling as well as visiting outdoor tourist attractions.

TRAVEL IN VIETNAM: WHERE TO GO

I. Vietnam heritages recognized at the world culture

Vietnam has 8 tangible heritages honored by UNESCO: 

1. Complex of Hue Monuments

Recognized as a world heritage site in Vietnam by UNESCO, Complex of Hue Monuments is one of the most popular tourist attractions. The Complex of Hué Monuments is most known for the walled palace inside the citadel, which is the most famous feature of the complex. Former Imperial Vietnam's capital was also located in this city. It took 203 years to complete and began construction in the late 14th century (more particularly, in 1362). 

Complex of Hue Monuments - Source: Google.com

During the 17th and 18th centuries CE, the Hue Citadel region served as the administrative hub of southern Vietnam. Along with the administrative and military operations of the Empire, the Hoang Thanh (Imperial City), Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Purple City), and related royal residences were all housed inside the Hue Citadel.

2. Hoi An Ancient Town

Since the 1980s to the present, Ancient Town Hoi An has drawn visitors from all over the world because of its stunning natural scenery, stunning beaches, and cultural fusion of Chinese, Vietnamese, and Japanese architecture and culinary delicacies.

Hoi An Ancient Town is situated in the center of Quang Nam province, about 30 kilometers south of Da Nang city, just downstream from Thu Bon River. It is a well-known tourist destination as well as a collection of historic buildings.

3. My Son Sanctuary (Quang Nam)

My Son Sanctuary is situated in a hilly area in Duy Phu commune, Duy Xuyen district, some 70 km southwest of downtown Da Nang city and 40 kilometers from Hoi An city. It was formerly the governmental and religious center of the Champa Kingdom.

UNESCO designated the sanctuary as a monument of global cultural heritage in 1999. It consists of eight groups totaling 71 monuments constructed between the years 7 and 13. My Son temples were constructed to honor Hindu deities like Krishna and Vishnu, but most importantly Shiva, and they owe their spiritual roots to the Hinduism of the Indian subcontinent.

4. Thang Long Imperial Citadel (Ha Noi)

An exceptional tourist destination for both the nation's capital city and the whole nation is the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. Throughout Vietnam's history, The Citadel has seen a lot of significant transformations and has prepared for several deadly battles. The Central Sector of the Citadel is its most prominent section; in 2010, it was included on the list of UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites.

5. Ho Dynasty Citadel (Thanh Hoa)

The Ho Dynasty Citadel is a distinctive piece of Vietnamese stone architecture and is situated in the communes of Vinh Long and Vinh Tien in the Vinh Loc District. In June 2011, the Ho Dynasty Citadel received the honor of being named a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is not only the pride of Thanh Hoa people, but also of Vietnamese people all around the country.

6. Ha Long Bay (Quang Ninh)

Halong Bay, sometimes known as "the bay of descending dragons," is 170 kilometers from Vietnam's capital Hanoi. The bay is a part of the northern province of Quang Ninh, which borders China. Ha Long Bay becomes one of Vietnam's heritage recognized as world cultures by UNESCO. 

Halong Bay has a surface area of approximately 1,553 km2, containing 1,960 limestone-dominated islets. According to estimates, the creation of this limestone took 500 million years and involved numerous environmental factors. The most amazing caves and islands in the world can be found here thanks to the effect of a humid tropical environment.

7. Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park (Quang Binh)

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (Phong Nha-Ke Bang) is a national park and Unesco inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2003, located in the center of Quang Binh province in north-central Vietnam. It safeguards one of the two greatest karst zones in the world, which contains numerous caves and grottoes. Its name is derived from Phong Nha Cave, the most stunning cave in Ke Bang Forest, which contains several unique rock formations. One of Southeast Asia's best and most recognizable examples of a complex karst landform is undoubtedly the plateau.

8. Trang An - Ninh Binh Scenic Landscape Complex (Ninh Binh)

Tràng An is one of Vietnam's scenic places. It has been ranked as a particularly important national monument by the Vietnamese Government and recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural and natural heritage in 2014.

Trang An was originally called the southern citadel of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, now the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. Through thousands of years of weathering and changes of the earth, climate, sea advance, sea recedes, Trang An today brings in itself an attractive beauty with a series of valleys, lakes, lagoons, caves and rocks. Limestone is more than 250 million years old, with flooded forests or forests on beautiful limestone mountains. In this scenic spot, there are many ecosystems of flooded forests, forests on limestone mountains and relics associated with the history of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.

II. Beaches in Vietnam

1. Con Dao - Ba Ria Vung Tau

Con Dao is a group of 16 islands off Vietnam's southern coast, despite frequently being called a single island. Con Dao used to be referred to as "hell on earth," but it has now changed its name to "paradise" and become a well-liked beach vacation spot. Con Dao, historically known as a terrible jail for the harshness of the French colonialists, is today renowned for its coral reefs, varied marine life, and gentle white sand beaches.

2. Phu Quoc - Kien Giang

The largest and farthest western island of Vietnam is Phu Quoc, which is located in the Gulf of Thailand not far from Cambodia.

Long lengths of coastline and upscale resorts can be found at Phu Quoc. The most notable of the beaches in this area are Bai Khem, which is regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and Bai Sao, where the scenery blends in, combining the beautiful white sands, the fresh green of the palm tree rows, and the color of the sea as it sparkles in the golden sunlight.

3. My Khe - Da Nang

Not only is My Khe Beach renowned as the most beautiful beach in Vietnam, but it was also named one of the six most beautiful beaches in the world by Forbes magazine in 2006. My Khe beach draws millions of tourists each year due to its crescent-shaped sea path, the serene and tranquil beauty of the shoreline behind the ocean.

4. Mui Ne - Binh Thuan 

The three amazing elements that best describe Mui Ne beach are blue water, white sand, and golden sunshine. It is this combination that has swiftly made Mui Ne one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Most people like Vietnam. Not only that, but when you visit here you can also enjoy and explore whispering streams surrounded by enormous limestone rocks and undeveloped fishing towns with distinctive, scenic charm. Additionally, it's fascinating to observe Mui Ne's incredibly gorgeous sunset.

5. Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa

Although tourism and construction have recently had a significant impact on the scenery, this city in the south central region has long been known for having some of the most stunning beaches in the world. But there are still many uninhabited islands and beaches that are worth seeing. With its abundance of stunning beaches, infinite stretches of white sand and pure blue water, and innumerable islands dotting the horizon, this location is excellent.

6. Ly Son Island - Quang Ngai

Ly Son island is a tourist site that is not well-known to visitors from outside of Vietnam since it is far from the country's central coast. With its serene and lyrical surroundings, Ly Son Island draws travelers. Big island (also known as Ly Son, Re islet), Be island (also known as Bo Bai island), and Mu Cu island make up Ly Son. There are remarkable geological structures, more than 50 temples and famous Ly Son garlics on the two islands of Dao Lon (Big Island) and Dao Be (Small Island) instead of palm trees and beach resorts.

7. Ky Co - Binh Dinh

Over 20 kilometers to the southeast of Quy Nhon's downtown is where Ky Co is situated. This is regarded as the most intriguing tourist attraction in Quy Nhon, with two sides abutting the mountain and one side facing the sea. An excellent choice for motorcycle riders. It is possible to visit and explore this location by automobile, but a motorcycle will be more practical.

A 5-star resort, a wide variety of food, and immaculate beaches are just a few of the amenities lauded and mentioned by CNN newspaper (USA) as being present in Quy Nhon city.

III. Landscapes in Vietnam

1. Ban Gioc Waterfall

Ban Gioc Waterfall is the common name of two waterfalls on the Quay Son River located between the international border between China and Vietnam. Ban Gioc Waterfall is not only a scenic spot but also acts as a landmark of sovereignty of the two countries. In which half of the main waterfall and the secondary waterfall are undertaken by Vietnam, in the middle of the waterfall there is a landmark 53 to mark.

Ban Gioc Waterfall is one of the most wonderful natural landscapes in Vietnam. Ban Gioc has also been known as one of the four largest cross-border waterfalls in the world and one of the most famous waterfalls in Vietnam.

2. Bái Đính Pagoda

About 15km from Ninh Binh city and 95km from Hanoi, Bai Dinh Pagoda is the largest-scale landscape of Vietnam's historical relics today. Combined with Tam Truc Pagoda and Hương Pagoda, the trio creates a spiritual triangle that every Vietnamese must visit every time the New Year comes to spring.

3. Tam Cốc

Located in the land of Ninh Binh with countless famous tourist attractions, Tam Coc is the 3 most eye-catching caves in Ninh Binh with extremely sparkling stalactites. The scenery of Tam Coc is harmonious between caves, limestone mountains and water currents. Located only about 7km from Ninh Binh city, Tam Coc takes visitors to sightseeing routes by boat, bicycle and even on foot, discovering the charming beauty of the mountains and the picturesque scenery.

4. Sơn Đoòng Cave

Son Doong Cave is the largest natural cave in the world, discovered in 2009 and exploited for tourism in 2013. This cave not only attracts visitors for its vastness, but also contains a hidden ecosystem of botanicals.

5. Ngũ Hành Sơn

Ngu Hanh Son is one of the attractions that attracts tourists in Da Nang with many caves and splendid natural scenes.

Located on the route Da Nang - Hoi An, Ngu Hanh Son is a complex of 5 limestone mountains rising on the coastal sand: Kim Son, Moc Son, Thuy Son, Hoa Son and Tho Son. Ngu Hanh Son Mountain has a majestic landscape with ancient mossy rocks and many unique cultural and historical architectural works.

TRAVEL IN VIETNAM: GUIDE

Make sure you get current travel advice before you fly to Vietnam. Our Vietnam travel guide provides information on everything you need to know, from insurance details to store hours, tipping customs to advice on traveling with children.

I. Cost and money

The Vietnamese dong, which is sometimes referred to as the "d” “đ” or "VND" following a sum, is the country's official currency. Daily expenses like entry fees to historical places, food, and drink (particularly if you eat and drink like a native), are reasonable and nearly always negotiable. Although not required, tipping is usually appreciated; at a restaurant, 10% is the standard.

Expect to pay $6–10 for a bed in a dorm and $15–25 for a basic private room while staying in a hostel on a tight budget. For midrange lodging, budget between $35–80, and the sky's the limit when it comes to luxury accommodations. Pagodas and temples are frequently free to enter.

But the majority of eateries and small businesses only accept cash and don't accept credit cards or internet payments.

II. Etiquette and culture

Vietnamese society is both traditional and accommodating, so it's essential to abide by some straightforward guidelines to avoid offending anyone: shorts and sleeveless shirts are OK for the beach but not at religious places, and nudity is not permitted on the beach. Modest clothing is especially important for women.

It's uncommon to display open anger, as it is in the majority of Asian nations. It is always welcomed and frequently utilized in discussions, negotiating, and other situations to pass around smokes (to males exclusively).

III. Insurance

A solid travel insurance plan is necessary to protect against theft, loss, illness, and accident. Additionally, it's a good idea to obtain medical insurance that covers evacuation in the case of a major sickness, particularly if you plan to undertake any motorcycle touring. Determine whether your benefits will be paid while your treatment progresses or just after you return home by checking your insurance, and whether there is a 24-hour medical emergency hotline, if applicable. Check your insurance to see whether it covers any "risk" sports you want to participate in.

If you suspect that something you own has been stolen, you must get the police to make an official declaration.

IV. Electricity

The voltage of the power in Vietnam is 220 volts. The majority of plugs contain two circular pins, however you may also find sockets that accommodate two flat pins or even three pins. In the sticks, power supply might be unreliable, so be ready for surges and cuts.

V. Opening hours

The standard business hours are 7.30am–11.30am and 1.30pm–4.30pm. Offices typically close on Sunday, but many increasingly also do so on Saturday, including the majority of government buildings. There are some differences; some banks are open on the weekends and some are only open from 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. on weekdays, so be sure to check. Typically, post offices are open from 6.30 am until 9 pm.

Although most market vendors and many private merchants will take a siesta, shops and marketplaces are open seven days a week and should remain open all day. In most major cities, stores are open far into the evening, maybe even until 8 o'clock or later.

VI. Mobile phone and the internet

The majority of coffee shops and hotels in big cities and popular tourist destinations provide wi-fi, and smaller communities are catching up. Regrettably, some upscale hotels continue to level a steep cost for the ability to access the internet.

The easiest and most affordable way to use your own mobile phone in Vietnam is to get a Vietnamese SIM card (or even a phone, if your own is locked). The big operators' stores are the greatest places to shop; you may find them at the major international airports (bring your passport, too).

VII. Traveling with kids

Vietnamese people enjoy children and make a big deal out of them. Since Vietnam may be notably unclean, cleanliness will likely be the major concern. So staying away from hot meals will be beneficial until their stomachs adjust. Keep in mind that healthcare services outside of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City may still be subpar, so make sure complete medical evacuation is covered by your travel insurance.

Children can travel for less on railroads, open-top buses, and domestic aircraft. For instance, on trains, children under five ride free (as long as they sit on your lap) and children aged five to ten ride for half price.

TRAVEL IN VIETNAM: SAFETY

I. Prime

Visitors may go to Vietnam with some degree of safety, and the people there are often kind to visitors from other countries. If you use common sense when traveling, you shouldn't have any issues with petty crime, which is on the rise on a small scale. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry, keep your passport and other important documents hidden in a money belt, and keep a close eye on your bags when using public transportation, especially if they're on a luggage rack or on top of a bus.

Additionally, wearing cameras or pricey sunglasses around your neck makes you exposed to moped-borne snatch criminals while you're out on foot or in a cyclo.

The city with the highest likelihood of experiencing street crime is Ho Chi Minh City, which has a horrible reputation for pickpockets, con artists, and bag snatchers. Be aware of children and elderly people who appear to be acting innocently since they might be luring criminals, especially in well-liked tourist areas.

Where petty crime is a concern, you should always keep an eye on your goods when on the beach. Women should avoid strolling alone at night and be cautious when riding a bicycle after dark.

In certain places, unexploded ordnance from previous battles still remains a concern. No matter where you are, stay on well-traveled routes and avoid touching any shells or partially buried metal objects.

II. Drug law

Vietnam is a very bad place to have illegal substances in your possession or sell them. The death penalty is frequently applied for larger-scale drug possession, trafficking, or dealing offenses in Vietnam. Strict penalties and jail terms are also commonly given for smaller drug-related offenses.

III. Women Travelers in Vietnam

Vietnam is often a secure destination for female travelers traveling alone. If you're a lady traveling alone, it's better to use the usual prudence; stay off cyclos and hire cabs from a trustworthy company instead.

With our guides, we hope you will have an impressive trip in Vietnam.