It is indisputable that Vietnam is a one-of-a-kind country with a diverse range of magnificent landscapes spanning from the North to the South. With its rich culture and history, great food, and friendly people, it's no surprise that Vietnam is a popular tourist destination. However, many international tourists who travel to Vietnam are not well-informed about the tips on how to have the greatest experience possible.
Planning is an important component of any trip, and there are several things you should know before visiting Vietnam, especially if you're a first-time visitor.
Read more: What Is Travel Insurance and How To Choose The Suitable One (ezyremit.com)
Vietnam Travel Tips - Choose your destination
Vietnam is a long, coastal country with its signature S-curve. When visiting Vietnam, keep in mind that it is a diverse country with considerable cultural differences between the North and the South. Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon as the locals call it) is significantly more open-minded with western influences, whereas Hanoi is more tied to the country's native traditions. You must visit both locations if you want to obtain the complete Vietnam experience.
Friendly inhabitants, well-preserved customs, historic towns, mature tourism facilities, and reasonably priced hotels will all make your visit to Vietnam more intriguing and unforgettable. Despite the lack of well-known sights, your trip experience in Vietnam will be excellent.
Check your Visa
You can travel to Vietnam using an e-visa or obtain a visa on arrival at one of Vietnam's international airports. But in comparison to most other countries, visa restrictions in Vietnam change often, therefore it is important to double-check with your embassy or the official website for any changes.
There are many categories of Visas but for travelers, the three types that you can apply for are:
- E-Visa: You may get one by filling out an online application form. It is suggested for travelers since it is the most convenient and cost-effective option for guests who will be staying for less than 30 days.
- Visa on Arrival: In Vietnam, VOA is conditional. In addition to the standard immigration application (obtained on the flight or at the airport), your passport, pictures, cash, and an Approval Letter is required (obtained through travel agencies and then printed out). Most major airports in Vietnam accept VOA, and the process usually takes around 30 minutes.
- Vietnam Visa: It is available through any Vietnamese embassy in your country, as well as any other country with a Vietnamese embassy. You simply need to follow the provided steps to effortlessly acquire a Vietnam Visa.
Furthermore, regular passport holders from certain countries do not require a visa to enter Vietnam. More information about the visa exemption policy may be found here.
NOTE: From May 2022, you will be able to travel to Vietnam with just your passport and visa. A negative covid test or insurance is not required.
Vietnam Travel Tips - Where to stay
Vietnam, like most of Southeast Asia, there are lots of affordable and simple alternatives for any travel budget.
At the moment, whatever sort of accommodations suit you the most, you can look up Booking, Agoda, or Airbnb to find the best one for your needs. One of the useful Vietnam travel tips is to experience the local homestays with a comfy staycation and friendly service.
There are many various forms of accommodations in Vietnam depending on the nature of your visit and your travel budget, ranging from resorts, hotels, hostels, and guesthouses (homestay), to regular apartments.
Pick a vehicle
Vietnam is one of the cheapest Asian nations to travel to, and getting about is simple and inexpensive. As a consequence, it is an excellent choice for budget visitors and backpackers. Vietnam boasts a wide and efficient transportation network that can practically link you to every corner of the country, with everything from trains to buses.
Arriving in any major metropolitan area in Vietnam might be a bit jarring, especially if you haven't been much in Asia previously. The streets are chaotic, motorbikes are all over the street, and there isn't much tourist information to help you navigate depending on the city. Furthermore, you should be aware that Vietnam is a congested nation with narrow streets and lanes, particularly in major cities. Traffic congestion at peak hours is a common occurrence here.
There are several transportation options available for you to choose from, including motorbikes, taxis, buses, and even rickshaws. However, motorcycles are unquestionably the most convenient and cost-effective method. According to former visitors, the Vietnam travel tips for the vehicle are it is easy to learn, quick to navigate the streets and alleys, and most importantly, cheap. You may simply hire one with the assistance of your booked hotel, hostel, or homestay for no more than ten dollars per day.
But if you find it too hard to navigate the streets of Vietnam, other ride-sharing apps such as Grab or Bee are widely available here. They are easy to use and most are English supported.
Vietnam travel tips - Safety first
Even for first-time visitors, Vietnam is a safe nation to travel to. The locals are warm, helpful, and hospitable to international visitors. However, even tourists are likely to be exposed to crimes, traffic events, and tropical infectious diseases. Here are some recommendations to help you remain safe and limit your risks when visiting Vietnam:
- When crossing the street in Vietnam, simply go slowly and cars will automatically avoid you. Make no unexpected moves.
- Motorcycling may be a thrilling experience, but it can also be dangerous in the cities if you don’t know the ins and outs. The idea is to drive slowly and follow all traffic laws.
- Street crimes such as robberies and pick-pocketing are especially prevalent in big cities and tourist areas like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Nha Trang... Take careful care of your possessions and keep your baggage in front of you when traveling in crowded areas. Keep an eye out before you hold up your phones or wallets.
- To avoid infectious illnesses such as dengue fever, dress in long-sleeved shirts and slacks and use mosquito repellent.
- Street foods can be downright dangerous if not prepared sanitarily. Use sites like Foody or ask your local guide for recommendations on where it is safe to eat.
Vietnam Travel Tips - Know your Dong
Vietnamese Currency
The currency of Vietnam is the Vietnam Dong, which you will see after an amount written in abbreviation as “đ”, “d” or “VND”.
Because the denominations of cash in Vietnam are relatively huge (ranging from 1.000 VND to 500.000 VND) you may get confused with the trail of zeros and their colors at times. One of the critical Vietnam travel tips regarding currency is to double-check while exchanging currency, paying for things, or handling change.
Cash is Preferred
Even though Vietnam has been gradually moving into a cashless society, in general, cash is still king in Vietnam. Therefore, you should always have enough cash on hand, especially if you plan on visiting markets or street vendors.
Dollar or Dong
Even though the Vietnam Dong is the national currency and is preferred, nonetheless, the US Dollars are also widely used in Vietnam. You can use US Dollars to pay for vendors, drivers, motels, and restaurants. Some hotels, products, and airline tickets are even priced in US Dollars.
Money Exchange in Vietnam
Exchanging currency in and around Vietnam's major cities is relatively easy and reliable. The USD is the most popular and easily convertible currency in Vietnam, and the exchange rate is among the best.
Furthermore, the AUD, GBP, EUR, CNY, and other major currencies are reasonably straightforward to trade.
Currency exchange offices in Vietnam are widely available. Airport banks and money changers frequently convert money at quite high rates. Some hotels and jewelry stores can also exchange currency and with even more favorable rates most of the time. Always check so that you don’t get ripped off before exchanging money.
However, most of these headaches surrounding money can be avoided if you use EzyRemit for your trip to Vietnam.
For an easier time with money in Vietnam, check out EzyTravel
As a convenient service of EzyRemit, EzyTravel is an essential convenience exclusively for international travelers coming to Vietnam.
EzyTravel serves as your personal virtual wallet, allowing you to carry money safely and easily when traveling internationally. Instead of carrying cash, you may travel with peace of mind by securely storing your own money in the currencies you require on an EzyCash account.
You only need to use your passport to receive money from the affiliated banks using our app. This eliminates many of the risks that come with carrying too much cash while traveling in Vietnam.
Especially with the exchange rate locking option, when you deposit money into EzyRemit's virtual currency pocket, you can rest assured that you won't have to worry about changes in your travel budget. Regardless of market fluctuations, the amount you get after the exchange will always stay the same.
For more information, check out our website and start planning your trip to Vietnam today.
