How to prepare for a trip to Vietnam?

Organizing a trip to Vietnam can be more complicated than anticipated, especially if this is your first time coming to Asia. Traveling in Vietnam completely differs from traveling in Europe, Africa, or the United States, from culture, cuisine to climate. Therefore, it is highly recommended to research before the trip thoroughly. Here are our 10 essential tips on “How to prepare for a trip to Vietnam” to help you have an unforgettable journey.

1. Brainstorming

To prepare for a favorable trip to Vietnam, put yourself in a planning mindset. Here are the questions to ask yourself before traveling to Vietnam:

a. Time:

First, determine how many days are ideals for Vietnam

Do you have a week or two to explore the country or just a short trip in larger Asia travel plans?

If Vietnam is just one stop on a larger Asian adventure, you can still enjoy great experiences. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are two popular places and very suitable for a short trip. You can explore cultural heritage, enjoy unique cuisine and visit famous attractions.

However, to fully experience the cultural wealth of Vietnam, it is recommended to spend around 7-10 days. During this time, you can visit classic and famous Vietnamese destinations such as Hue, Sapa, Ha Long Bay and Nha Trang.

If you can stay longer, you will have the opportunity to see more and be immersed in the culture and people of this country. A two-week trip will allow you to explore from the north to the south of Vietnam. You can explore the vibrant streets of big cities, the beauty of unspoiled nature from the high mountains, and even go to beautiful beaches.

b. Budget

Vietnam is a country with a relatively low standard of living, but you should still plan your budget properly to avoid money problems. Vietnam has many options from luxury hotels to reasonably priced homestays. You should also count other expenses such as airline tickets, meals, shopping, and entertainment.

c. What type of travel do you prefer?

Vietnam has a variety of tourism activities, identify the type of tourism you are interested in. Do you enjoy visiting historical and cultural attractions, or do you want to experience adventure activities and sports? Do you enjoy exploring vibrant cities or relaxing on the beach? Identifying your travel interests will help you plan activities and places that are right for you.

d. Know places to go

Once you have determined your travel interests, learn about interesting places in Vietnam. There are many beautiful and diverse places in Vietnam, from big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, to natural attractions like Ha Long Bay and Sapa. Choose a location that suits your interests and timing.

If you have a destination in mind, research it. Learn about attractions, activities, and local specialties for a more detailed Vietnam travel plan.

2. Find out about the administrative procedures of Vietnam

Administrative procedures are an indispensable step in organizing any trip. Vietnam's administrative procedures are quite simple and accessible. 

First and foremost, you need a passport valid for at least 6 months after the end of your trip.

For stays of less than 15 days (including entry and exit dates), citizens of five European countries including France, Germany, United Kingdom, Spain and Italy are exempt from visa. This visa exemption is for single entry only. You only need to present a valid passport upon entry along with your reserved return air ticket.

If you plan to stay more than 15 days in Vietnam, you are required to have a visa to enter Vietnamese territory. You can apply for a regular visa from your country of residence through an embassy, consulate or equivalent service. In addition, you can also apply for an electronic visa (e-visa) or a visa on arrival (visa on arrival). 

Other procedures to organize a trip to Vietnam

● As for vaccination, there are no specific requirements, including the Covid-19 vaccine, from the Vietnamese government for entry into Vietnam. For the prevention of malaria, the vaccine is recommended if you go on a trip with consecutive days of climbing in the forest and many nights of staying at a homestay. Otherwise, the use of mosquito repellent is sufficient.

● As for insurance, it is highly recommended to purchase travel insurance that covers at least the cost of medical emergencies and the cost of repatriation.

3. Weather and time difference

Vietnam is in the GMT+7 time zone. So consider time zone differences from your country and adjust your schedule. 

Weather in Vietnam can vary by region and season that one area is cold, wet, and rainy while other parts is sunny and pleasant. However, the best time to travel to Vietnam would be from early March to mid-May when you can see most of areas in the warm and sunny weather. Please do not forget to check the weather forecast and prepare clothes suitable for the weather conditions when traveling. 

To organize your travel in Vietnam, it is recommended to determine the schedule based on the climate of the regions.

4. Book your flight

● From abroad:

If you're coming from abroad, find out which airlines have flights to Vietnam and compare ticket prices. Major Vietnam international airports such as Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi and Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City are often the main destinations. Book flights in advance to secure seats and save money.

● Domestic flights

If you are already in the country and want to explore different destinations within Vietnam, consider domestic flights. There are many Vietnam domestic airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways... Check the schedule and fares to book a flight that suits your plan.

Vietjet Air and Jetstar often offer lower fares than Vietnam Airlines. However, there is often a chance that their flights are delayed by at least 30 minutes or more.

5. Consider organizing your trip with a local travel agency

Vietnam is a country rich in nature and culture, from the ethnic minorities in the northern mountains to the Mekong Delta in the south, through the city of lanterns in Hoi An and not to be missed the legendary Ha Long Bay. Sometimes, it becomes difficult to prepare for your trip in Vietnam because there is so much to explore in a particular period of time.

The easiest way to explore Vietnam is through a local travel agent in Vietnam. Vietnam Original Travel is one of the leading travel agencies in Vietnam, with headquarter in Ho Chi Minh City and office in Hanoi. It is a reputable travel agency and tour operator in Vietnam, specializing in organizing individual and on-demand tours in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand.

Whether you are traveling in Vietnam for 10 days or 3 weeks, to explore the North, South or just simple sightseeing, whether you prefer to relax at the beach or hike in the mountains, knowledge and the experience of a local travel agent will make it easier for you to organize your trip.

Organizing your trip to Vietnam has never been so easy! Contact us to help you organize your dream trip.

6. Learn about the culture of Vietnam and things not to do

Vietnam is a multicultural country with unique traditions and customs. Before you start your trip to Vietnam, it's a good idea to learn a few things about the local culture to avoid cultural faux pas and have a complete and respectful travel experience.

During your stay, you may be lucky enough to be in the country during Vietnamese traditional celebrations and festivals. The most famous festival is the Lunar New Year, the Vietnamese New Year. In particular, we have:

● Lunar New Year: This is the Lunar New Year, the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Tet is the biggest and most sacred festival of Vietnam, lasting from 4 to 5 days. 

● Mid-Autumn Festival: The Mid-Autumn Festival, held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, is considered the second largest festival celebrated by the people. This festival is mainly for children, adults also participate in the activities. Children sing, dance and parade in the streets with moon-shaped lanterns before eating fruit and sweets specially prepared for them.

● Perfume Pagoda Festival: The festival lasts from January 6th to March of the lunar calendar. Visitors to the Perfume Pagoda are integrated into caves and rocks, located in My Duc, about 50 km from Hanoi.

Things not to do in Vietnam:

● Do not place chopsticks vertically in your rice bowl, as this is reminiscent of incense sticks burned for the deceased.

● Do not joke about Buddha, and show respect for the Vietnam religions

● Follow the rules when visiting religious sites, temples, and pagodas, and remember to cover your feet and shoulders (no shorts, or short skirts/dresses).

7. What to eat in Vietnam?

Wondering what you should eat in Vietnam and best dishes by region in Vietnam?

Vietnam is famous for its rich and varied cuisine. Trying Vietnamese food should be on your top list of things to do in Vietnam. Don’t forget to try Vietnam specialty dishes like pho, banh mi, bun cha, spring rolls, or fresh seafood dishes. 

We recommend downloading and using the Foody app to find restaurants when visiting Vietnam. You can also check our website for places to eat in each region.

Make sure to eat only in trusted eateries to avoid food hygiene issues. 

8. What means of transport can you use in Vietnam?

Vietnam has many means of transportation for you to move within the city and between tourist destinations. You can use taxis, buses, motorbikes, or a double bike service (motorbike taxi) to conveniently move around the city. For more remote locations, you can use a car, train or plane.

Taxis, motorbike taxis, etc. are usually cheap modes of transport in Vietnam, but the prices can add up quickly during times of traffic congestion. In addition to the main routes, traveling by bicycle is a good means to visit Vietnam at a cheap price. 

9. Buy a sim card

Most hotels and restaurants have Wi-Fi connectivity, but you can also use a SIM card for low-cost Internet connectivity when you're out and about. This will help you to enjoy GPS or WhatsApp apps using VinaPhone, Viettel or Vietnamobile prepaid cards. SIM card prices range from 150,000 to 350,000 VND (about 7 to 13$) depending on the plan.

Some airport counters offer sim cards, but we recommend ordering online in advance. You can check sim packages from Klook to buy 4G sim card in Ho Chi Minh city or Hanoi.

10. Pack your luggage

To prepare for your trip to Vietnam, it is highly recommended that you bring a backpack with a capacity of less than 40 liters to use during tours and cruises to transport necessary personal items, while your suitcase, or another large bag, will be used to hold other items. Depending on the regions you visit, learn about the climate to bring appropriate clothing.

● For the mountains and north in winter, think about bringing windbreakers and walking shoes, as well as good socks and a coat as the temperatures are quite cool.

● For the North in summer and the South, bring light clothes and a T-shirt, a mini skirt to go out and sandals, don't forget to bring a hat and sunglasses.

Necessary things: small pill box and specific medicines if you need it, sunscreen

You may not need to pack these things:  shampoo, toothbrush, and toothpaste as you can get these at any convenience store. However, for women, buying tampons or menstrual cups in Vietnam can be difficult, so you should pack them in your luggage or you can buy pads in convenience stores in Vietnam.

Before you depart, double-check your flight information, including take-off and landing times. Arrive at the airport early to complete check-in and security procedures. Bring personal documents such as passports and visas (if needed), and make sure you have copied and stored important information such as hotel addresses and contact phone numbers. Also, make sure you have prepared a small carry-on bag containing important personal items such as cell phones, wallets, and papers, for easy access during the flight.

Conclusion

In this article, we have given you some important suggestions to fully answer your question “How to prepare for a trip to Vietnam?”. From choosing the right time and getting to know the local culture to reviewing the necessary documents and medical issues, it's all about having a smooth trip and making the most of your wonderful experiences.

The most important thing is to open your heart and enjoy every moment of your trip. If you still worry about your trip to Vietnam, just check out a sample itinerary: things to do for 15-Day Itinerary in Vietnam or book our instant tour to make your trip hassle-free: Vietnam itinerary 2 weeks

We wish you a memorable and fun-filled experience in Vietnam. Prepare well and enjoy!