Top 10 things to consider before planning a trip to Vietnam
If you are a first-time traveller to Vietnam, then you will want to make sure you have the holiday of your lifetime. Nowhere else will you come across so many travel choices, diverse attractions or ability to travel around your budget? So make sure you are travel-ready. Consider the following to travel smart and make your Vietnam holiday the most memorable of your travel journeys.
1. Visa gets top priority
Wondering why the focus on the visa? That’s because Vietnam takes its visa formalities seriously. No excuses if you forgot to have your visa-on-arrival printed on the right paper. If you thought you could book your first night stay after you landed, you’d be mistaken. You need to have your proposed accommodation ready for filling out your arrival form.
Does the country you belong to qualify for a free 15-day visa or a 30-day visa? Is it better to take a multiple-point visa, or a single-entry visa? There are several visa issues to look into once you have checked out your Vietnam holiday. No worries. There are many providers who can do your visa requirements for a fee. So, make sure to approach an agency and apply for your visa-on-arrival before you land up!
So, make sure you do not land up on Vietnam land without a proper visa pre-approval letter, the mandatory 2 photographs and of course, your passport!
2. Take a travel insurance
Okay, so you thought because Vietnam does not make it compulsory to for a travel insurance plan you may very well skip it! Not a wise decision when you are visiting a foreign country, where you will avail of multiple modes of transport to get around - flying, maybe kayaking, cruising, two-wheeler backpacking, or simply crossing a busy traffic intersection! You definitely need an insurance cover, especially if you are travelling during a typhoon season or arriving by boat. So do some research on Vietnam, chalk out a plan of the locations you plan to visit or the season, explore the potential risks, and discuss with your insurance provider for the best coverage.
3. Plan your itinerary to match expectations
Vietnam offers so much to do and see that chalking your itinerary may pose a challenge. You can begin with planning your time of travel, number of days, and holiday wants-list. Are you free to travel during the non-typhoon season, namely months? Are you planning to visit Vietnam over the weekend on a hopping tour from a neighbouring Asian country, or have serious intentions of exploring the length and breadth of this amazing country? Are you a travel adventurer seeking to explore the many adventure activities of Vietnam? Do you want to explore Vietnam’s amazing geographical sites and activities? Or are you looking at soaking up the culture and spirituality that pervades Vietnam? Whatever your expectations, Vietnam can fulfil them. All you need to do is plan your travel itinerary and visa application in tune with your holiday details.
4. Check your travel vaccinations
Although Vietnam does not have a list of compulsory vaccinations, you will need to factor-in your destination in Vietnam and the month of the visit. Like any other tropical country, risks are associated with travel season and rural or country-side destinations. Such remote locations may lack amenities, safe drinking water or be mosquito infested.
So if you are planning to trek, or visit the back country, like every seasoned trekker you are already aware of the hazards. So it is recommended that you look up the vaccination advisory and take the necessary measures before your holiday.
5. Clothing
Vietnam has a hot, sultry weather. Carrying thin, light and loose-fitting cotton or linen clothes is recommended. You will also need protection from the strong sun, so a hat, umbrella or parasol is a must-carry. If you are visiting during rainy months, carry quick-dry non leather sandals. Like any other Asian country where travel includes visits to temples and pagodas, a stole to wrap around shoulders or cover the head is a must-carry, just as a pair of long cotton trousers.
You may also opt to carry less and pick up cotton clothes at any of the vibrant markets in Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi.
6. Know the culture
Western travellers are largely ignorant about the cultural ethos of Asians. They may not understand the significance of local rituals, or what behaviour is a mark of disrespect or rudeness. So it makes sense to read up on local culture and spiritual rituals for an understanding of Vietnamese culture.
Respect the local norms, and join in the festivals and spiritual events across Vietnam, for a terrific Vietnam holiday!
7. Carry your dollars
This is a country where your dollar is equally valid. So make sure to carry US dollars. You will need them in the first instance to pay your visa fees. When you change currency or withdraw from an ATM, have some Vietnamese Dong for getting around and street-snacking. However, you can retain US dollars for making payments at restaurants, bars, shops, markets, and hotel or tour operators.
8. Whether DIY or organised travel
A mix is recommended, where you have an agency take care of your visa requirements and /or hotel booking, while you book state-approved tour operators for day tours at very low prices.
9. What you need to carry – a checklist
Like most travel checklists carry your first aid kit, rucksack, travel wash and a separate pouch or wallet for the visa and travel documents you will carry around with you.
Other must-carry’s are:
• Light stole
• Light-weight cotton trousers
• Waterproof jacket
• Strong mosquito repellent
• Insect bite ointments
• Sandals/ trainers
• Money-belt to carry your currency
• Dry bag, for water adventure
10. Learn to spot the counterfeit tour agency
Travelling in Vietnam is much about travelling smarter. As a country that only recently opened up to world tourism, the tourist industry is largely unregulated. You need to be travel savvy and guard yourself from being scammed by counterfeit travel agencies. Some useful pointers are using travel companies that have a website presence, or are recommended your hotel. However, the people of Vietnam are very warm and friendly, and are always willing to offer recommendations or local guidance.
The Best Reasons Why You Must Visit Vietnam Now
Whether you are a culture buff or a foodie, Vietnam is the best place to be. From exquisite foods to fascinating culture and history, this amazing country has a lot to offer for all kinds of travelers. And if these are not enough to convince you, here are more reasons why you must visit Vietnam now.
Interesting History
With a history that dates back to 2000 BC, Vietnam has one of the oldest cultures in all of Southeast Asia. Its interesting and complicated history started from the Dong Son culture and spans thousands of years. In its thousands of years of existence, Vietnam has also been influenced by Indian, Chinese, Khmer and French colonialism. If you want to know more about Vietnam’s colorful past, then head over to the country now and check out the country’s best museums where you can learn more about the country’s unique and interesting history.
Exquisite Foods
Delicious street food is one of the trademarks of Vietnam. So if you consider yourself a foodie, you should head over to this country. Drop by at one of the local food stalls along the streets and hidden alleyways, grab a plastic stool and have a seat at one of the tables, while you wait for your delicious bowl of Pho to be served. Vietnamese local foods are so heavenly! Aside from the sumptuous bowl of Pho, make sure you taste the delicious spring rolls, sticky rice, banh mi, and other seafood dishes.
Friendly Locals
Anywhere you go in Vietnam, you’ll find a crowd of locals with a huge grin on their face. In fact, Vietnam is also known as the “land of endless smiles.” You’ll find plenty of friendly and approachable locals in every street corner who will be more than happy to help in case you get lost or needed some local advice. You can visit one of the parks and perhaps make friends and have a good conversation with some of the locals you meet there. This is also a great way to learn about the country from a local perspective.
Exciting Adventures
One of the best ways to get the most out of your travel to Vietnam is to discover the country like the locals would - rent a motorbike and drive through the city or towards the countryside! Enjoy the scenic mountain views in the north and discover unspoilt beaches. The roads are a bit tricky and badly maintained, but this is what makes the adventure even more exciting. Just make sure to exercise caution when driving and make sure you have an International Driver’s license.
Reasonable Cost
Budget travelers will certainly love Vietnam because everything in the country is priced reasonably. From budget accommodations to affordable foods, Vietnam is certainly one of the most affordable countries to visit in Asia. In fact, hostel dorms can go as low as $5 each night and most of the local street foods cost only $1 to $2.
Best Coffee in the World
Vietnam is one of the largest coffee exporters in the world. The country is known for its excellent coffee culture. You can choose from a whole range of coffee. Aside from black coffee, there’s the coffee with coconut, coffee with condensed milk, coffee with yoghurt, and the most coveted coffee with egg!
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why Vietnam should be your next destination. But before you get too excited to book your plane ticket, find out about the country’s visa rules first at https://www.visa-vietnam.org/. The requirements for visa would vary from one country to another so determine what the requirements are for your country before you fly to Vietnam. It’s very important that you have the right visa or the immigration officials will turn you away.
Visit Ho Chi Minh City – a melting pot of culture and spirituality
While Asian cities in general are known for their exuberant traffic and swarming crowds, Ho Chi Minh City ranks high on spirituality, culture and history. The dynamic ethos of the city does not allow the tourist to sit back and relax, but compels the visitor to make the most of the Vietnamese holiday. So be ready to soak up culture, food, spirituality and traffic madness, all in one big breath!
Saigon to Ho Chi Minh – a historical journey
From a tiny fishing village to a major commercial hub, the city of Saigon witnessed some of the most historical transformations in the past few centuries. After the liberation of Vietnam in 1975, Saigon city was renamed in honour of the revered leader “Ho Chi Minh” in 1976. Today, Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most vibrant cities in S-E Asia with powerful displays of its historical journey through the country’s struggles and victory.
The former port known as Saigon Port has been relocated 60 km to the southeast of the present Ho Chi Minh City. It is a major port-of-call for world cruise ships and boats from neighbouring countries. Visitors must be prepared to be confused, with the Ho Chi Minh City, still largely referred to as Saigon, and the Saigon Port as the “Port”.
When to go
When it comes to selecting a good time to visit Ho Chi Minh City, there is not much of a choice. The dry season of November to April is recommended, when humidity is moderate and you can avoid the hurricane season. However, the weather is extremely hot, ranging from 28 to 39 degree centigrade. With plenty of sites to visit, tourists must plan to visit the attractions during cooler hours and make the best of Vietnamese cuisine and spas during the sunny hours.
What to see
Ho Chi Minh City has diverse attractions and visitors will need to plan and prioritise. Are you a history-buff, and like to soak-in culture? Then, Ho Chi Minh City with its scores of museums, colonial architecture and sites of spiritualism, cannot disappoint you. The adventurous can take a tour of the port area and the legendary tunnel complex.
The following are some of the must-dos on your Ho Chi Minh City itinerary:
The Cu Chi Tunnels - A vast network of underground tunnels from the Vietnamese War, this is an absolute must-visit for both, a tunnel adventure and a peep into a carefully preserved slice of Vietnamese history.
The Independent Palace - Also known as the Reunification Palace, it is an important historical building where you can expect to learn about Vietnamese war and strategies. It is a must-see site highly recommended for every tourist.
Saigon Notre Dame Basilica - A grand contribution of 19th century French occupation, this cathedral is a popular tourist attraction.
You cannot visit Vietnam without seeing its majestic Buddhist temples, or pagodas. The Vietnam Quoc Tu Pagoda is an impressive seven-storey pagoda open to the public twice a month. Although the Jade Emperor Pagoda is the most popular among tourists, the Giac Lam Pagoda is the oldest and most beautiful, with 118 shrines and a bodhi tree with gardens. The Ba Thien Hau Pagoda is a beautiful temple dedicated to the Chinese goddess Thien Hau.
Ho Chi Minh City is also a city of museums, most of which host visual reminders of Vietnam’s challenging war history. The Ho Chi Minh City Museum showcases the city’s evolution and the War Remnants Museum documents the shocking and ghastly legacies of Vietnam’s wars. The three-storied Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Vietnamese History are for visitors with an appreciation of art and crafts, while the Ao Dai Museum is a contemporary site tracing the history of Vietnamese costume.
What to do
Overcome the language barrier and discover the warmth and friendliness of Ho Chi Minh City. The friendly, easy-going nature of the urbanities sets the tone for the rest of your holiday plan. Listed below are some great activities to while your evenings away.
Shopping
Ho Chi Minh has plenty of markets that are largely for the locals. However, you can still shopfor souvenirs from antique and crafts shops, or perhaps get yourself a bespoke suit!
Spa treatment
Pamper yourself at a spa. Take-in a massage or a pedicure, at any of the spa centres.
Evening shows
Indulge in evening activities like the traditional theatre and puppetry shows in the city’s theatre halls.
Two-wheeler ride
Zip around on a two wheeler for a guided city tour and a motorbike experience.
River cruise
Take a river cruiseon a traditional dragon boat on the Saigon River that flows alongside the city.
Nightlife and food
Indulge in Ho Chi Minh City’s famous nightlife. Down beer at a rooftop bar, and sample the best of Saigon cuisine at its roadside stalls and popular seafood restaurants.
Discover Da Nang
Da Nang is the fourth biggest and one of the fastest growing cities in Vietnam its the economic hub of Central Vietnam. It’s a beautiful port city at the mouth of the Han river, it has a deep history. It is popular with local and international tourists due to its stunning coastline, beautiful food and its many attractions including the breathtaking marble mountains and proximity to not one, or two but three UNESCO world heritage sites! So that is today we are going to look at why on your trip to Vietnam you absolutely must come to Da Nang!
Things To Do
There are so many things to do in Da Nang and it surrounding areas it’s not possible to fit them all in here but we will suggest what we think is the best to get you started!
Da Nang is close to two world famous mountain ranges. The first are the Marble mountains. Located only 7 km from Da Nang city centre. There are 5 mountains representing the five elements, metal, wood, water, fire and soil. These mountains are host to many caves and buddhist temples. Particularly spectacular is the Water mountain where at the top is a beautiful observatory spot called the River View Tower, from here you can get spectacular views of the Da Nang province. Likewise the Son Tra mountain aka the Monkey Mountain on account of the monkeys you will see as you traverse up it, and on a clear day you will have the most breathtaking views of the city and the sea. A must on your visit to Da Nang!
You can almost make a trip up to Ba Na Hills, take a cable car(the longest in the world) up the 1500 m to this model french village built in 1919. With the cooler climate you will forgive yourself for thinking you are walking around France with its town square, cathedral and beautiful french gardens. There is so much to do in Ba Na Hill from the Debay Ancient Wine Cellar to the modern Fantasy Park, a theme park inspired after the french novel 20,000 leagues under the sea, a great day out for all the family! There is even a wax work museum where you can see models of all your favorite celebrities.
Da Nang City
Da Nang city itself is a thriving modern city, if you have been in Hanoi or HCMC you note the more relaxed vibe - traffic and life is a little less chaotic here. It has many stunning beaches, its most famous running north to south along the city called My Khe Beach. This is just a stone's throw from the major tourist section of the city with many hotels along the beachfront. This beach has something for everyone whether you want to lazily spend the day reading a book, drinking a coconut milk or want to take the to the sea’s on a jetski. It’s up to you!
There are also many great restaurants and bars especially around the An Thuong district. The main expat area of the city.
Excursions
Another great reason to base your trip out of Da Nang is your ability to get to another of the two great cities of Vietnam, Hoi An and the imperial capital Hue. Hoi An is an fantastic location with some of the best food in all of Vietnam and famous the world over for its tailors. You can get lost days in its myriad of shops and markets. My top tip hire a bike from Da Nang and travel there. The drive is takes you along the coast, truly the best way to see Vietnam. Hue is a similarly impressive city and just two hours on bus that leave from Da Nang every day.
Are you a UK citizen and heading to Vietnam?
If you are from the UK and heading to Vietnam there are a number of options to obtaining a visa. If your stay is under 15 days you are exempt from getting a visa, simply show up with your passport and a flight ticket showing that you will be leaving in under 15 days and on you go.
If you are staying for longer you can either get a tourist visa or you may be coming to work and thus your choices are different.
16 Popular Festivals and Events to attend in Vietnam
Check out the festival and holiday calendar before you apply for your visa. Especially, make sure to apply for the visa at least 2 months beforehand if you plan to visit during the Tet Festival. This is when tourists and the Vietnamese in overseas visit Vietnam, and there is a rush for visas.
1. Tet Nguyen Dan /Lunar New Year Festival (January – February)
The Tet is the festival of the Lunar New Year, when it is also a holiday throughout Vietnam. Cities like Hanoi are the best place to enjoy festivities, operas, parties and fireworks displays. Like most Vietnamese festivals, there is also a spiritual aspect, with visits to pagodas for prayers and offerings.
Usher in the New Year the Vietnamese way by beating drums and watching firecrackers light up the skies!
2. Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival (January – February)
On the 1st day of the Lunar New Year, millions of Buddhists come together at the Bai Dinh Pagoda for this spring festival. It is a major Buddhist festival, and a must-do for every tourist. Watch huge palanquin processions of the God Cao Son, Holy Nguyen and Thanh Mau Thuong Ngan; participate in elaborate ceremonies and festivities. Visit the vast temple complex that has the honour of having the largest Buddha statue and Bronze Bell.
3. Lim Festival (February)
On the 13th day of the Lunar New Year, men and women come together at the pagoda on Lim Hill in Bac Ninh province to worship Lady King and Hieu Trung Hau. Visitors can watch weaving events, participate in the quan ho traditional songs, and enjoy songs performed from boats. Listen to folk songs and watch folk games like the danh du. This is a great place to unwind and watch the place come alive with colours and sounds.
4. Perfume Pagoda festival (February – March)
The 15th day of the 1st lunar month brings together locals at the Perfume Pagoda in Hanoi, an incredible site in Vietnam, to pray to Lord Buddha for a good year ahead. Beginning with a dragon dance at Den Trinh Pagoda, participants travel by boat to the Huong Tich Cave, for worship. Although the Pagoda can be accessed by land as well, make sure to take the waterway route to enjoy the stunning landscapes.
5. Thay Pagoda Festival (March – April)
This is a festival in honour of the Buddhist monk Tu Dao Hanh, and his contribution to medicine and religion. He is also known for developing the Vietnamese Water Puppetry, and the festival serves the perfect occasion for water puppetry performances in front of the Thay Pagoda.
6. Phu Day festival (April)
This is a must-do colourful festival to participate in Buddhist processions, while indulging in xam folk music, dance, tuong and cheo operas, and a vibrant market fair. Held in Phu Day Temple in the Nam Dinh Province, the festival worships Princess Lieu Hanh with quaint must-see Holy Mother Rituals.
7. Hung Temple Festival (April)
The festival commemorates the death anniversary of Kinh Duong Vuong, the first King of Vietnam. Enjoy the magnificent vision of 100 lanterns released into the sky. Watch the amazing flower and incense-offering ceremonies at the Upper Hung Temple, followed by traditional processions. Watch Vietnamese operas (ca tru) and sword dances, ancient drum-beating (cham thau) and rice-pounding (dam duong) rituals, listen to Xoan songs and indulge in plenty of fun and gaiety.
8. Danang International Fireworks Festival (April)
This is an annual event held at Da Nang to promote Vietnamese culture and tourism. Firework displays along the river, traditional boat races, flower drops from the sky and vivid imagery created in the sky, are some of the highlights. For a great beginning to a Vietnam holiday, apply for your visa, book your ticket and hop over.
9. Victory Day / Liberation Day (April)
Also known as Reunification Day, this Day is one of the most important public holidays in Vietnam. It is a national celebration marking the end of the Vietnam War and unification of its regions. Flag-bearing patriotic parades and nationalist songs in public squares and main city roads, remind you of the liberation of Vietnam.
10. Xen Xo Phon festival (April – May)
This is a pagan festival of the White Thai farmers, who depend upon the rains for a good harvest. The entire community comes together to please the rain gods. While the young people sing songs in the dark of the night, the elders pray and give offerings to the rain gods.
11. Buddha’s Birthday (May)
Temples and communities across Vietnam celebrate the birth of Lord Buddha. A must-see festival for its might and visual feast, you can expect colourful parades on the streets, processions of Buddhist monks, prayer sessions, and incense-offering rituals. As it is the night of the full moon, celebrations include illuminated lanterns floating down waterways and pagodas decked up with flowers and lights.
12. Wandering Souls Day / Trung Nguyen (September)
Like many other S-E Asian nations, the Vietnamese too remember their lost ones. This is the day when families pay respect to the visiting souls of the departed. People visit pagodas, and monks perform rituals and prayers. Travellers must experience some of the cold feasts prepared on this occasion.
13. Mid-Autumn Festival (September)
A must-do for every tourist in Vietnam, the Tet Trung Thu festival, is a colourful harvest festival when households make offerings to the full moon. Vivid lantern displays, lion dances, feasts and fiesta mark this festival.
14. Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival (September)
This is an ancient pagan festival held to celebrate the valour of the tribes of Do Son, Hai Phong. Although similar to the bull-fighting of Spain, this Vietnamese festival is associated with worship of the water spirits, in the ritual of Hien Sinh.
15. The Hoi An Full Moon Lantern festival (14th day of every lunar month)
A monthly festival held at Hoi An on the 14th of every lunar month, this is Vietnam at its spectacular best. The festival is a celebration of light on the occasion of full moon - with lanterns, music and traditional candle-lit ceremonies.
16. Hue Festival (April – May – June)
Another must-do on a traveller’s Vietnam calendar is the Hue festival which celebrates the tradition and culture of Vietnam. So you can expect spectacular shows, street performances, sporting events, boat parades and much more, at the Hue city.
Top Five Destinations to Visit in Vietnam
by Jenny Weller
Vietnam is a beautiful country with a diverse culture and incredible natural highlights. At over 1000 miles long, the Southeast Asian country is known for its history, traditions and varying landscape. From the mountainous landscapes in Sapa in the north to the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh in the south, Vietnam is a vast country that’s full of surprises.
Whether your heading to one destination or plan on travelling throughout the country, you’ll have the opportunity to experience Vietnam fully. Vietnamese food tastes great, be sure to try out popular Vietnamese dishes Pho and Banh Mi. With so many places to choose from, here are five great destinations to visit in Vietnam, listed in order from the South to the North.
1. Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh formerly known as Saigon is a buzzing and crazy economic hub. The largest city in Vietnam, the streets are packed with cars and motorbikes and the sidewalks are packed with restaurants and cafes. The popular destination is a must-visit for anyone in Vietnam, the charming French colonial architecture combined with vast green parks and friendly locals really capture the heart of any traveller.
2. Hoi An
The most atmospheric city in all of Vietnam, Hoi An really takes your breath away. Filled with historic architecture and traditions, much of the small town has been pedestrianised which is very refreshing. If you’re looking to relax and recharge, Hoi An is the place for you. During the 15th-19th century, the central Vietnamese coast was a vital trading port and is a very popular stop for backpackers and travellers. Be sure to visit on the 14th day of the lunar month, the town is lit up with the signature lanterns Hoi An is so well known for.
3. Da Lat
If you’re looking for some natural beauty, the waterfalls surrounding Da Lat are a sight to behold. Another popular reason to head to Da Lat is the climate, if you’re looking to escape the tropical heat of Vietnam, Da Lat is more spring-like featuring charming French-colonial villas. Due to the weather, Da Lat is very well known for its adventure sports such as canyoning, mountain-biking and hiking. If you’re looking for a little adventure but don’t want to overheat then this is the place for you.
4. Hanoi
The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is brimming with historic architecture and rich culture. Despite being chock full of motorbike riders and people, Hanoi allows you to dive head first into Vietnamese city life. Whether you’re a history buff or prefer to hit the restaurants and bars, there’s plenty to keep you busy in Hanoi. Both charming and confusing, the city in the north is an entirely different experience to other Vietnamese cities. Filled with street vendors and shops, this is definitely the place to buy your souvenirs and trinkets.
5. Sapa
Last but not least, the market town of Sapa offers stunning views, traditions and culture unlike any other. Sapa is the perfect oasis for a mountain getaway, whether you feel brave enough to attempt a mountain trek or prefer a rice-paddy tour, there’s plenty to do. The rice field countryside in Sapa makes for a picturesque view and there’s plenty of hiking options including visiting local ethnic minorities. Known as the top trekking destination in Vietnam, the town borders the Hoang Lien Mountains. Sapa is a bustling, popular spot with great views, markets and food.
Vietnam is such a vast and wonderful country, it’s difficult to narrow down the best places to visit. Hopefully, these top five destinations help gives you an idea of where to start and see what Vietnam has to offer.
Travelling to a new country is very exciting but figuring out and arranging the right visa can get confusing.
With Visa-Vietnam, you can find out everything you need to know about arranging your Visa before travelling to Vietnam. The fast, budget-friendly and easy-to-use service offers a step-by-step guide, making it easy to set up your visa. With clear instructions and fees, both Visa on arrival and E-visa’s are available. By taking the fuss out of visas, you now have more time to focus on planning your adventure. For more information please visit www.visa-vietnam.org.