Five Things to Know Before Traveling to Vietnam

Before traveling to Vietnam, it’s important to know a few things about the country. A visa is required for travel and the currency is dong, so bring dollars or euros, or use a card to withdraw the local currency. And know that Vietnam is a safe country to travel, including for single women. 

In this article we list the main things to know before traveling to Vietnam. 

1. VISA AND PASSPORT

Europeans and North Americans will need a Vietnam visa to travel to the country. It can be done online through the official visa website Visagov, it costs US$25 excluding service fee, is valid for 30 days, and takes 3 to 15 working days to be ready. Upon arrival at immigration at the airport, just show your passport and printed visa.

Those who bought the package with a local agency can ask for an invitation letter. In this case, the agency arranges everything for you.

2. CLIMATE IN VIETNAM

The best time to travel to Vietnam is in the months of February, March and April, as they combine sun in all regions, as the climate in the country varies from north to south.

NORTH: HANOI, HALONG BAY, SAPA: Sunny from November to April. It is quite cold between December and February, with fog. It rains from May to October, with July and August being the months of intense rain, when tours are cancelled. There is a risk of a typhoon.

CENTER: HOI AN, DA NANG, NHA TRANG: Sunny from February to August. It rains from September to January, with October and November being the months of intense rain, and historically, the months that Hoi An has suffered the most from flooding. There is a risk of a typhoon.

SOUTH: HO CHI MINH, PHU QUOC: Sunny from November to April. It rains from May to October. During the rainy season, the sea on the island of Phu Quoc is stirred (swell), as well as the waters of the Mekong Delta.       

3. CURRENCY AND MONEY

The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Therefore, take only dollars or euros to exchange. Other currencies might not get accepted at exchange offices.

Credit cards and global cards are accepted at larger establishments such as restaurants, convenience stores and shopping center stores. Always have money (dongs) with you and the physical card. There are many ATMs, especially in larger cities. Some charge a local withdrawal fee.

4. TRANSPORT

Vietnam is well connected in terms of transportation. There are buses, trains and flights that connect the main cities of the country. In cities, there are taxis and the Grab app. And also, the option of motorcycles.

TAXI/ GRAB: Whenever possible, use Grab, the local app that’s like Uber. With it you know how much you will pay and which route will be taken. Taxis are necessary to be negotiated, and are slightly cheaper than Grab. If you are going to take the Grab-Moto (motorcycle taxi), you can trust your driver, because Vietnamese are really good at driving motorcycles.

LIMOUSINE BUS: these are more comfortable vans, with wider armchairs, which recline more and carry fewer people, in addition to having a pick-up and drop-off service at the hotel. It is a good option for journeys like the one from Sapa to Hanoi.

BUS: There are many short and long-distance buses in Vietnam. They’re a great way to save money if you have the time. Long-distance buses come with beds, but if you’re taller than 1.70 m, you won’t be able to stretch your legs.

TRAIN: Trains are an interesting way to travel and see the scenery, but they don’t cover all routes and are the slowest way to get around. The most interesting journey, which is part of the experience, is to go from Hanoi to Sapa, when it passes through Train Street and you have the possibility to travel on a luxury train (which is not expensive!), such as the Chapa Express.

PLANE: There are airports in the main cities of the country and the prices for flights are the same as for the train, and sometimes even for the bus. The main airlines in Vietnam are Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Jetstar Pacific, Bamboo Airways and Air Asia. Vietnam Airlines is the only one that is not low cost, but the rates already include checked baggage of up to 20 kg, making it a great cost-benefit option. For travel within Southeast Asia, consider Vietnam Airlines and Air Asia.

5. CULTURE AND ETIQUETTE

Vietnamese people are very kind, polite, and cheerful.

When visiting temples and historical sites, both men and women must cover their shoulders and knees. Therefore, it is recommended to always have a scarf with you to cover your shoulders and neckline, and wear a midi or long skirt or dress. Men with longer shorts will not have a problem. Also, temples are places of silence.

Tips are always welcome and highly appreciated, although it is not a rule. Values ​​between 20,000 and 50,000 dongs are fine, depending on the type of service you want to honor. But remember that the more attention and luxury, the greater the value.