If Vietnam isn’t on your itinerary yet, it should be! One of the most diverse countries in Asia, it offer travellers beautiful coastlines, delicious cuisine, stunning landscapes, mountains, waterfalls, quaint and charming towns, big and impressive cities, chaos and calmness at the same time. But with every country you travel to, it’s always good to know some useful tips. Vietnam can be a tricky place to explore but once you start understanding how things work here, it’ll be a wonderful journey. Here are 6 things you should know about Vietnam before you go.
1. You will need to apply for a Vietnam visa
Vietnam visa on arrival office in Da Nang Airport
Some countries in Europe and Asia are lucky and can go visa-free for up to 15 days. But most countries need to apply for a Vietnam visa. Fortunately, it is easy and affordable to apply for a Vietnam visa. Depending on which country you are from, you can apply for three sort of visas: E-Visa, Visa on Arrival or go to your local or nearest Vietnam Embassy or Consulate. The E-Visa is only eligible for certain countries so if you are unsure whether you can apply for one, contact your embassy. Once your visa has been approved of, remember to bring all documents, photos and cash with you to the immigration officers. EUR and USD will do.
2. There isn’t really a bad season to go to Vietnam – but there will be warmer and colder places
A tourist enjoying sunset and valley view.
Vietnam has basically two seasons: dry and rainy season. Usually people prefer to go during the dry season. But even if you go during rainy season, you will enjoy Vietnam a lot. And if you go during the winter months, beware that the north can get quite cold and chilly, especially during night. But head down south and you will have tropical heat all year round.
3. Prepare to haggle
Shopping at Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh city
Although things are very cheap in Vietnam, you will still need to haggle a bit to get what you want. There are usually no fixed prices here, if you don’t enter a mall and go to a chainstore. It might be a bit frustrating at times but once you get used to it, you might find yourself having a bit of fun. If you already know the price you are willing to pay, make sure that you haggle with confidence, but if the seller still doesn’t give in… well, then it might just be worth it paying those extra cents to get it.
4. Vietnam might be bigger than you think
A tourist in Vietnamese hat looking the train in Vietnam
You might look on the map and think “going from the north to south can’t take that long” but oh. That is where you are wrong. Vietnam is big and a lot of the sights and cities are spread out. If you want to go from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, the ride will take about 35 hours. So try to plan accordingly, make a list of the things you would like to see and start traveling!
5. Food is a big thing here – and you will love it!
Enjoy your Pho (Vietnamese noodle)
There is a reason why Vietnamese cuisine has spread all over the world – it is simply delicious, healthy and has the perfect balance of sweet, sour and salt. Try some of the staple dishes such as pho, bun, banh mi, cha nem (spring rolls) and don’t forget to go to their many vegan and vegetarian restaurants as well across the country. The food is worth going to Vietnam for.
6. It’s a cheap country to travel in
Travelllers with travel backpack walking on street of Hanoi city.
You’ve probably heard this before, but Vietnam is cheap. Dirt cheap for some. It makes the perfect backpacking destination because you can have so much for so little. Although there are of course the more exclusive, high-end restaurants, hotels and tours, here you have the option to spend very little money if you want to (or need to!). You can get delicious street food, stay at a nice hostel and go on overnight buses for a very affordable price. What are you waiting for? Book your flight today!
