Vietnam Travel Guide: Top Tips & Essentials

Vietnam is a top destination in Southeast Asia, known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. This Vietnam travel guide is designed to help international travelers navigate the essentials, including visa requirements, transportation options, currency exchange, and accommodation. Whether you’re planning to explore bustling cities, tranquil countryside, or stunning coastlines, this guide has you covered with the best travel tips and insights to make your trip unforgettable.

1. Visa and Entry Vietnam

1.1 Visa Viet Nam

Vietnam Travel Guide provides essential information about Vietnam visas to help you prepare before your arrival. Before coming to Vietnam, you need to have a visa. Some countries are exempt from visas for a short time, but most travelers need to apply for a visa before entering the country. Here is important information about visas:

• Visa type: You can apply for a short-term (30-day) or longer-term tourist visa if needed.
• How to apply for a visa: A visa can be obtained at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country. Alternatively, you can also apply for an e-visa online via the Vietnamese Government’s website
• Visa on Arrival (VOA): This is an option that allows you to receive a visa upon arrival at an international airport in Vietnam. You need to have an invitation letter from a travel agency in Vietnam and pay the fee at the airport.

1.2 Entry

When entering Vietnam, prepare the necessary documents such as a visa, a valid passport, and proof of finances. Immigration at the airport is usually quick, but it’s a good idea to check the latest requirements and regulations before your trip.

2. Transportation

2.1 International Mobility

• International flights: Vietnam’s major international airports such as Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), and Da Nang have many international flights from major cities around the world.
• Transportation from the airport: From the airport, you can choose a taxi, bus, or shuttle service to reach your hotel or destination.

2.2 Domestic Travel

Vietnam Travel Guide will help you learn about popular modes of transportation in Vietnam, from domestic to international. Domestic travel in Vietnam is very diverse:

• Flights: Major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang have international and domestic airports. Flying is the fastest means of traveling between major areas of Vietnam.
• Trains: Vietnam’s railway system connects many cities and popular tourist destinations. The Thong Nhat train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City offers an attractive travel experience.
• Bus: Buses are a popular choice for intercity travel. Bus companies such as Futa Bus, and Hoang Long provide many routes and services.
• Renting a motorbike: Especially in rural and mountainous areas, renting a motorbike allows you to explore more flexibly and in detail. However, be mindful of traffic safety and local regulations.

3. Currency

Vietnam Travel Guide recommends that you exchange money and use a reasonable credit card when traveling to Vietnam.

• Currency: Dong (VND) is the currency of Vietnam. 1 USD is usually equivalent to about 23,000 – 24,000 VND (depending on the current exchange rate).
• Currency Exchange: You can exchange money at airports, banks, or legal currency changers. The best exchange rates are usually at large banks or money changers.
• Use of credit cards: Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas. Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid the card being locked for security reasons.
• Withdrawal ATMs: There are many ATMs in major cities, which allow you to withdraw cash with an international card. Make sure you check transaction fees and exchange rates when using ATMs.

4. Accommodation

When arriving in Vietnam, Vietnam Travel Guide suggests a wide range of accommodation options from high-end hotels to low-cost homestays and hostels. In big cities and popular tourist destinations, you can find many 5-star hotels and high-end resorts. In addition, homestays are a popular choice for travelers who want to experience local life, especially in rural and mountainous areas.

4.1 Hotels & Resorts

• Luxury hotels: In major cities and popular tourist destinations, you can find many 5-star hotels and high-end resorts such as Sofitel, InterContinental, and Marriott.
• Budget Hotels: For lower budgets, there are many cheap hotels and motels that you can choose from. Online booking sites like Booking.com and Agoda can help you find the right room.

4.2 Homestay and Hostel

• Homestay: In rural and mountainous areas, homestays are a popular choice for travelers who want to experience local life. This is a good opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions of the people.
• Hostel: If you’re a young traveler or looking for a cheap place to stay, hostels are a great option. They offer a dynamic and affordable social environment.

5. Food & Beverage

Vietnamese cuisine is an integral part of the journey of discovery. Vietnam Travel Guide showcases signature dishes such as pho, vermicelli, and banh mi, along with delicious street food at night markets and snack bars.

5.1 Signature dishes

• Pho: The famous Vietnamese pho, with its delicious broth and fluffy noodle soup, is often served with beef or chicken.
• Bun Cha: Bun Cha with barbecue, vermicelli and raw vegetables, often served with sweet and sour fish sauce.
• Banh Mi: Vietnamese banh mi is the perfect combination of French baguette and local ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and sauces.

5.2 Street Food

• Night markets: In big cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, night markets are where you can try a variety of delicious street food.
• Snack Bars: Roadside snack bars offer unique local cuisine, from fried spring rolls to sweet tea dishes.

6. Important Travel Tips

Vietnam Travel Guide also provides important travel tips to help you have a safe and enjoyable trip:

6.1 Language

Vietnamese is the main language, but in major tourist areas, many people can communicate in basic English. You should learn some basic sentences in Vietnamese to be more convenient in communication.

6.2 Security and Safety

• Personal belongings: Be careful with personal belongings, especially in crowded areas or when using public transportation.
• Traffic safety: Vietnam has a high traffic density, and driving styles can be different from many other countries. Obey the traffic rules and be careful when traveling.

6.3 Food Health and Safety

• Drinking water: It is recommended to drink bottled water to avoid the risk of illness from unclean water. Avoid drinking tap water directly.
• Food: It is recommended to eat at clean and reputable restaurants to ensure food safety.

7. Featured Destinations

Vietnam Travel Guide is indispensable for outstanding destinations such as:

7.1 Hanoi

• Old Quarter: Hanoi Old Quarter is a special area with narrow streets and traditional shops. Here, you can easily feel the local culture through the ancient architecture, bustling alleys, and shops selling crafts and souvenirs. The Old Quarter is not only an ideal place to stroll, but also to enjoy specialty dishes such as pho, vermicelli, and bread.
• Hoan Kiem Lake: Hoan Kiem Lake is a famous symbol of Hanoi, with its serene landscape and fresh air. Around the lake, you can relax and visit interesting spots such as Ngoc Son Temple and The Huc Bridge. Hoan Kiem Lake is an ideal place to take photos and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere in the heart of the city.

7.2 Ho Chi Minh City

• Ben Thanh Market: Ben Thanh Market is one of the most popular markets in Ho Chi Minh City, where you can find many local products and souvenirs. The market is known for its busy space, and stalls ranging from fresh food to handicrafts. It is an ideal destination for culinary discovery and shopping.
• West Quarter (Bui Vien): West Bui Vien Quarter is a vibrant entertainment hub with many bars, restaurants, and shops. The area attracts many tourists and locals, offering a lively atmosphere and abundant recreational activities.

7.3 Ha Long

Halong Bay: One of the world’s seven new natural wonders, Halong Bay is famous for its magnificent limestone islands, clear blue waters, and stunning landscapes. Popular activities here include taking a boat ride to visit the bay, exploring the caves, and enjoying fresh seafood.

7.4 Ha Giang

• Ha Giang Loop Tour: Ha Giang Loop is one of the most attractive walking tours in Northern Vietnam. It is a journey of about 300 km through majestic mountainous areas, high passes, and green valleys. Throughout the journey, you will have the opportunity to admire the rice terraces, ethnic minority villages, and beautiful natural landscapes. Ha Giang Loop is a great choice for travelers who want to explore and learn about the local culture.
• Hoang Su Phi Rice Terraces: Hoang Su Phi is famous for its magnificent rice terraces, especially in the ripe rice season. The brilliant golden rice fields create a beautiful natural picture, attracting many tourists and photographers to explore and take pictures. The area stands out not only for its natural beauty but also for the cultural diversity of the local ethnic minorities.
• Nho Que River: The Nho Que River flows through the mountains of Ha Giang, featuring its jade-green watercolor and majestic surrounding landscape. Surrounded by steep cliffs and green valleys, the Nho Que River is an ideal destination for adventurous tourism activities such as kayaking, aerial viewing, and exploring the unspoiled beauty of nature.
• Lung Cu Flagpole: Lung Cu Flagpole is the northernmost point of Vietnam, where you can stand at an altitude of 1,470 meters above sea level and admire the panoramic view of the mountains of Ha Giang. From the flagpole, you will have a panoramic view of the valleys, rice terraces, and ethnic minority villages. This is not only an interesting tourist destination but also a place to show patriotism and national pride.

Vietnam is an attractive tourist destination with a variety of experiences. Whether you’re looking for cultural discovery, a culinary spree, or simply relaxing, this guide will help you prepare well for your trip. Have a great trip to Vietnam! For more information and travel tips, visit Karst Plateau to explore the Vietnam Travel Guide and plan your trip.