How to travel Vietnam - The full guide
With some of the most compelling sight-seeing places, Vietnam has been making quite a buzz in the traveler’s bucket list these days. Surrounded by pristine beaches and lush green plants and trees, Vietnam is one of the must-visit countries. Vietnam has been one of the most sought-after destinations these days by a lot of travelers because of its rich heritage and culture.
Vietnam has been frequented by a lot of tourists’ of late, and the country boasts of some of the best beaches and scenic landscapes. There are a lot of destinations in Vietnam that one can visit during their visit. Also, the country has some of the world-class delicacies to tantalize your taste-buds. Most of the people love to go to Vietnam because of its most beautiful and kindest people.
The people here are amiable; thus, traveling in Vietnam can be one of the most pleasant experiences that you could have. In this write-up, we have written everything about Vietnam that you must know when you are traveling there.
If you want to know a country or a place better, it is recommended that you stay there for a month or two or go on an extended vacation and experience the place like a local. Only then would you truly explore the area? A country like Vietnam has a deep history associated with it, and spending time in the country taking a stroll on the streets can make you jibe in those vibes.
The beautiful landscapes, the ancient temples, the cultural centers, and the tranquil beaches can make your holiday a perfect one when you are here. Traveling in Vietnam is nice, but, along with that, it is worth knowing the place in detail before you plan to go there. So, are you ready to take a virtual tour of Vietnam?
The best season to visit Vietnam
The monsoon in Vietnam is pretty harsh, and this rainfall is going to be high. Thus, visiting Vietnam during the storm can be the worst choice. The weather in Vietnam is both tropical and temperate, and the temperature is anywhere between 22 degrees Celsius to 27 degrees Celsius. The place is generally humid; hence, it is essential to choose the right season to make your travel plans.
Also, the temperature in Vietnam is pretty constant, but the winters in the Northern regions can be pretty harsh. Similar to the other countries, Vietnam also has four seasons; summer, winter, monsoon, and autumn.
The southern parts of Vietnam experiences summer from May to October and the winter season starts from November and lasts until April. In Northern Vietnam, both the summer and winter seasons are quite at its peak.
The cloudbursts here are unpredictable, and it can start to pour at any time of the day. Hence, there is no distinguished monsoon season in Vietnam. Thus, the best time to travel to Vietnam would be from February to April, spring season, and August to November, autumn season. Winter months can also be considered; however, it is wise to travel during the recommended seasons for the best experience.
Geography of Vietnam
Vietnam is broadly classified into the Highlands, the Central Highlands, Coastal Lowlands, and Mekong Delta. Vietnam is mainly surrounded by tropical lowlands, hills, and also thick jungles. Located in the eastern margin of the Indochinese peninsula, the overall area of Vietnam is 331,211.6 square kilometres. Vietnam has the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin, and the Pacific Ocean, along with China, Laos, and Cambodia at the borders.
The Red River Delta and the Mekong Delta are two significant areas in Vietnam, and amongst the two, the Red River Delta is densely populated. The country’s maximum cultivation is found in this region due to the presence of alluvial soil. Vietnam is also an abode to tribes that are found in the Highlands. The Mekong River is the major lifeline of Vietnam, and the water from this river is used for cultivation and drinking purposes.
The terrain in the Central Highlands is pretty different from that of the Red River Delta. Covering the southern regions of Vietnam, the Central highlands comprise peaks, thick forests, and fertile soil. Also, the provinces of Dac Lac, Gia Lai, and Kon Tum are abundant with basalt soil.
Apart from these, the Coastal Lowlands also contribute a significant part to the country’s growth and revenue. The fertility of the soil is pretty good at the Coastal Lowlands. Thus, it is one of the best places to grow paddy.
Mekong Delta is the home of the Mekong River and the tributaries. This region has umpteen numbers of canals and water bodies; thus, it makes it one of the largest rice-growing areas in entire Vietnam. Also, the southernmost tip of this region is known for its mangroves. The sediments from the Red River Delta get accumulated in this region, forming vast swamps. Also, Vietnam’s Mekong River is one of the 12 Great Rivers of the World.
Useful information about Vietnam
Time zone of Vietnam
Indochina Time (ICT) is what is followed by Reunified Vietnam. The Indochina Time is seven hours ahead of UTC. Vietnam does not observe daylight saving time.
Currency used in Vietnam
Vietnam’s currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND). Multiple zeros are found on Vietnam’s official polymerized notes.
Population of Vietnam
According to the recent census conducted in the year 2019, Vietnam, as a country, has about 96,653,345 people. Vietnam contributes 1.25% of the population towards the total world population.
Languages are spoken in Vietnam
Though the official language is Vietnamese, a lot of people can also speak French, Chinese, and Khmer. Also, due to growth in tourism, English is becoming slightly famous off-late.
Well, these are some of the essential things that you must know when you are traveling to Vietnam. With this information, you would be able to understand the country better and also plan your trip accordingly.
Off season travel benefits in Vietnam
Most of the people would want to plan their travel to any destination during the peak season only. There would be a lot of seasonal activities and attractions that are limited to a particular season. But, at the same time traveling to a place during the off-season can be quite an experience in itself. Well, even Vietnam has a lot of off-season destinations and attractions that one can visit. Also, there are a lot of benefits that one can get when they are traveling to Vietnam during the off-season, and the same has been listed below.
You would be able to enjoy the places and the views better
When you travel to Vietnam during the off-season, you would certainly not have a lot of tourists at all. When there are not many tourists, then going around the places can be quite an exciting thing. There wouldn’t be many people, and the areas would also not be crowded; hence, spending time in an area without any disturbance is quite possible.
Also, Vietnam is blessed with a lot of pristine beaches; hence, spending time on the shores of the beaches looking at the roaring waves and the crystal clear water and clear sky can be one of the best things to do during the off-season. So, this is one of the significant benefits that one can avail when they travel to Vietnam during the off-season.
Affordable prices
Of course, when you choose to move to a country during the peak season, everything that you do, visit, stay and buy can be quite expensive. But, when you decide to go to Vietnam during the off-season, you would be able to get the overall tour package at an affordable cost. The prices would be pretty low, and everything best can be afforded during this time. Hence, this is yet another advantage that you get when you travel to Vietnam during the off-season.
Landscapes are gorgeous
During the monsoon, everything around becomes pretty. Especially, moving amidst the beautiful and lush green forests can be one of the best experiences. Though there are heavy rainfalls in Vietnam, one must know that the showers are short. Thus, traveling during this season can be one of the most beautiful things to do.
There are a lot of attractions to visit
Even during the off-season, there are a lot of attractions that can be visited in Vietnam. There would not be any compromise on these as well. Also, when you go to Vietnam during the off-season, you can spend more time knowing the culture and the beauty of the cities and other places. One can also spend a lot of time amidst the locals because, during the off-season, there wouldn’t be a lot of tourists, and the locals would also be free to explain things to you in a much better way.
Well, don’t you think traveling to a country like Vietnam during the off-season can be beautiful? After knowing the advantages of off-season moving, it is now time to understand the benefits of traveling during the peak seasons to Vietnam.
Traveling to Vietnam during the peak season
February to April, spring season, and August to November, autumn season is considered to be the best months to go to Vietnam. During these months, there would be a lot of travelers heading towards this country for its spectacular views and panoramic landscapes. Here are some of the benefits of traveling to Vietnam during the peak season.
Fun and frolic
When you go to Vietnam during the peak season, you will not miss any fun. When the cities are lit completely, the happiness and also the energy levels would be a lot more. The enthusiastic vibes and interesting places would make you feel happy and excited. The same may not happen when you are in this country during the offseason. Hence, traveling during the peak season becomes quite essential.
Can get to meet new people
When you are in Vietnam during the peak season, you would be able to make new connections, and that is what travel is all about, isn’t it? It may not happen when you travel to Vietnam during the off-season. There wouldn’t be many travelers, and you may not have many people to meet as well.
Can experience the best of restaurants
Some of the seasonal restaurants would operate only during the peak seasons. Their delicacies may be delicious. The must-visit restaurants should be tried only during peak seasons because there would be a huge demand, and they might make everything that is on the menu. The same kind of list may not be available during the offseason. Hence, this is one of the main reasons as to why you need to visit Vietnam during the peak season.
Some crucial events might happen only during the peak season
There are a lot of festivals and celebrations that happen in Vietnam and during the peak season. Attending and taking part in these festivals can be pretty delightful. During the off-season, everything would be dull, and as there would not be any festivities, it would just be like any other typical day of your life. Hence, visiting Vietnam during the festivals and events during the peak season is right.
You do not have to come back in disappointment
Some of the attractions or tourist places would be open only during the peak season. If you are visiting Vietnam with an expectation to see that place and you do not get to see it then, you may have to come back in disappointment.
Some of the tourist places may be closed due to the harsh and extreme weather during the off-season. So, if you are keen on covering all the tourist spots and attractions during your visit, you must make it to Vietnam during the peak season. Well, these are some of the advantages that you would get when you travel to Vietnam during the peak season.
Exciting and fun facts about Vietnam
Every country we go to would have some interesting facts revolving around it. Even Vietnam has a lot of points like it. Knowing a little about these facts may not be just exciting, but it would also make your travel to Vietnam a memorable one. So, are you in for knowing some fascinating facts about Vietnam?
Did you know the Vietnamese love to commute on motor-bikes?
Vietnam is a country that encourages people to use motor-bikes in large numbers. Generally, in most of the other countries, we find people using cars, taxis, autos, and buses as a means of transportation. But, this is one country that loves to make it less chaotic for everyone. So, when you travel to Vietnam, be prepared to ride a bike to explore places.
Ho Chi Minh is still the hero of this land
Who would not probably know about Ho Chi Minh? He is the founder of modern-day Vietnam, and the entire country always respects him as their hero. He was and would be their undying hero forever. Usually, the hero of the country keeps changing time and again, but here Uncle Ho, as he is popularly known, is the popular hero of all time. The remains of Ho Chi Minh is protected in the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi.
Fair and lovely is still the concept here
People with fair skin have high standards in Vietnam even to this day. Like most of the Asian countries, skin complexion is given the highest importance in Vietnam. Most of the men and women avoid suntan or exposing their skin to the Sun. So, don’t you think this is one of the interesting facts that would surprise you about Vietnam?
They have a national dish
Vietnam has a national dish, and every restaurant irrespective of the class and the standards prepare this. Pho is the national dish of Vietnam and everyone right from a street shack to the five-star restaurants; everyone makes this yummy food. So, this may not happen in every other country, isn’t it?
Gosh! They have snake wine
According to the Vietnamese culture and traditions, Snake wine or the snake liquor would be consumed to increase the vitality in our bodies. They also believe that there are a lot of health benefits that come along with the consumption of snake wine. Snake wine or the snake liquor is pretty standard in the Southeast Asian continents yet, can come across as a bizarre one, isn’t it?
Vietnam ranks two in coffee production
After Brazil, Vietnam boasts of producing and trading the best and large quantities of coffee to the other parts of the world. The coffee in Vietnam is one of its kind and is a must-try beverage when you are here. Well, Vietnam is the second-largest producer of coffee after Brazil.
It is rich in wildlife
The thick and dense forests in Vietnam are an abode to 16% of the world’s wildlife species. When you travel to Vietnam, you can get to see the Burmese Pythons, Great Hornbills, and Sun bears Pygmy Slow Loris, Asian Water Monitor, and Indian Elephants in large numbers. For all those wildlife lovers, Vietnam can become your favorite destination within moments.
Have you heard of water puppetry?
It is pretty common to have heard of puppetry but, water puppetry is pretty unusual, isn’t it? Yes, in Vietnam, we have something called water puppetry, and the same cannot be witnessed anywhere else. So, this is one of the most interesting facts about Vietnam. Water puppetry here is one of the oldest followed customs, and the cities of Hanoi and Chi Minh follows this tradition quite religiously.
The world’s largest cave is here
Hang Son Doong Cave is the largest cave in the world, and Vietnam gets the credit of housing this naturally formed caves. It is one of the must-visit places when you are here, and not many people would know about this fact at all. So, for all the cave lovers, here comes your reason to travel to Vietnam now.
Egg coffee is delicious
Yes, you heard us right; Hanoi is known to make some delightful egg coffee. It is not available anywhere in the world. So, when you are in Vietnam, do not miss out on the most popular beverage, egg coffee.
Vietnamese hail from Dragons
It is probably one of the funniest facts of all we suppose. According to the legends and folklore, the Vietnamese hail from dragons. Well, this is the most exciting fact which no one would have probably ever heard of.
Vietnam has Breast Milk Fruit
Yes, don’t let your eyes pop out in awe! A fruit in Vietnam known as the Breast Milk Fruit is available, and probably this is not available anywhere in the world. So, when you travel to Vietnam, you must undoubtedly try your hands on these new fruits. It is also called as Vu Sua in the local language.
Every other family would have a surname called Nguyen
Don’t be surprised if you get to hear the same surname quite often. Nguyen is one of the most common surnames in Vietnam, and every second family would have it. So, be prepared to get confused with the names.
Pigs are pets and Water buffalo, national animal
The potbelly pigs are generally reared and kept as pets at home in Vietnam. So, when you travel to Vietnam, you would be able to spot a lot of these animals. Also, their national animal is the water buffalo. It sounds pretty impressive, isn’t it?
Well, apart from these there are a lot of other interesting facts which you must experience first-hand when you travel to Vietnam. Understanding some of the traditions and beliefs through these facts can be quite handy when you move to a place, isn’t it?
Best agencies and websites to use for bookings
There are a lot of travel agencies and websites that can be used for booking a trip to Vietnam. Some of the best agencies are listed below. These websites and agencies are known to be highly reliable and also customer-centric ones. Hence, booking through these sources are always recommended to be the best ones.
While most of the people love to book their accommodation and travel on their own, a few of them would like to seek assistance from the booking companies. Keeping that on the mind, we have listed some of the travel agencies and also the websites that you can use to book your travel to Vietnam. Some of the travel websites also help in booking the customized packages; hence, relying on these websites can be a better idea.
Best tour operators and websites to book Vietnam tour (no affiliate)
- INTRO Travel
- G Adventures
- Topdeck
- Exodus Travels
- Intrepid Travel
- Contiki
- Hoi An Express
- Busabout
- https://vietnamtour.in/
- www.tripoto.com
- www.makemytrip.com
- www.traveltriangle.com
- www.thrillophilia.com
- www.thomascook.in
- www.sotc.in
- www.tnktravel.com
Well, these are some of the best websites and tour operators who offer customized travel packages to their customers. There are a lot of benefits that you can get when you book through these agencies or the agencies, and a few of them are listed below.
Reliable
Most of these tour agencies and websites are reliable, and they would also have a lot of choices when it comes to booking the trip. The packages that they offer are based on the customer’s preference. It may not be available if you try booking it on your own. You may end up choosing the wrong places that are in opposite directions when there is no proper research done. Hence, booking through these agencies can help you relax because they would also help you with a detailed itinerary as well.
Experienced professionals
Most of these tour operators are experts in their areas of specialization. They would know the details of the places properly, and the same is mentioned on the itinerary as well. They would also be able to suggest if there are any issues concerning the Visa, passport, and other details that you may end up overlooking. Hence, this is one of the greatest advantages that you would receive when you are booking your travel to Vietnam via a booking agency.
Would have reviews from the customers
Their website would certainly have genuine reviews from the customers, and by going through them, you would be able to understand the quality of these booking companies. When you get to know the reviews from the other customers, it becomes pretty easy for you to go ahead with the bookings because most of these users would be giving their genuine reasons.
Customer-centric
Most of these booking agencies would also take the responsibility of booking the end to end trip to their customers, including the transportation, accommodation and sight-seeing places. You do not have to run around or do anything on your own. So, they would always go the extra mile to make their customers feel great about their service.
Discounts and offers
Most of these tour agencies would have contacts, and they would get you the best accommodation or flights at a nominal price. It would save a lot of money for you. A part of these, they would also ensure to shower you with discounts and offers and this can help you to make several trips.
Well, these are some of the benefits that one can get when they book their travel to Vietnam using the websites or the tour operators mentioned above.
What to pack to Vietnam?
There are a lot of things that one has to carry during their travel to Vietnam. To carry the right things, it is essential to understand the weather and climatic conditions of the region that you are visiting. Most of the places in Vietnam are hot and humid; hence, carrying the below mentioned things are important during your travel to Vietnam.
Vietnam is a sub-tropical region with a lot of humidity and heat. Therefore, carrying light-weighted clothes would be entirely appropriate. Also, Vietnam experiences sudden downpours. Hence, having a rain-jacket handy is also essential.
- Carry clothes that are comfortable and are of loose-fit. The humidity would make it difficult for you to roam around if you are wearing tight-fitting clothes.
- Carry proper hiking shoes and footwear because there are a lot of hiking spots and dense jungles that you may want to explore.
- Carrying a swim-suit would also be a good option when you are stepping out to explore the beaches.
- Light-colored clothes are perfect choices because wearing black clothes can only make you feel even hotter.
- Goggles, sun-glasses, and shades are to be carried to protect your eyes from harmful sun rays.
- Carry sunburn creams, suntan creams with high SPFs because the Sun would be at its peak, and stepping out during the afternoons would require all these things.
- You could also choose to carry sarongs and scarves and spread them on the shore to lie down.
- Carry Panama caps when you are stepping out in the Sun.
- Carrying an umbrella can save you from getting wet from the sudden downpours.
- Track pants and tees are also essential as they absorb the sweat
- Carry a few pairs of socks as well and never wear your shoes without socks
- A pair of flip-flops or sandals are to be carried
- Pajamas or harem pants can come handy when you are out to explore religious and spiritual centers.
- Do not forget your inner garments, and if you are traveling from November to February, it is essential to carry a sweatshirt, a cardigan, or a jacket. It can help you protect from the cold.
These are the general things that are to be carried when you travel to Vietnam;the same applies to family, women, and kids.
Do’s and Don’ts in Vietnam
Every country would have its principles, traditions, and values. Like most of the countries, even Vietnam has particular Do’s and Don’ts that are to be followed by all the tourists and travelers when they visit this place. Let us quickly understand those things to make your travel in Vietnam the best one.
1. You must make sure to dress appropriately
Like most of the Asian countries, Vietnam is also a pretty conservative country in terms of dresses. So, when you travel to Vietnam, it is recommended to carry clothes that do not reveal too much of your skin. Especially when you are in public wearing scanty clothes is simply considered to be disrespectful.
2. Stay hydrated
You already know that this is one of the sub-tropical regions, and the weather is pretty humid. Hence, drinking a lot of water and staying hydrated is very important. Else, you may even land on a hospital bed with dehydration. Therefore, keep sipping water as much as you can.
3. Remove your shoes if you are visiting the homes or temples
Most of the temples in the Asian continent follow the tradition of leaving the footwear at the entrance or a place dedicated to footwear. The same rule applies to Vietnam as well. When you travel to Vietnam, make sure to remove your footwear at the temples and also when you go inside the homes of the residents. It is a sign of respect.
4. Have a reusable water bottle handy
Make sure to have your water bottle because, in Vietnam, a bottle of water is costly. It is more expensive than a bottle of beer. Hence, carrying your containers and filling it up with water where you find is the ideal thing to do.
5. Remember the address or have a business card of the place where you are staying
Most of the time, Uber or the taxi drivers may not understand your accent or language, and they would simply look at the business cards to get the address. So, carrying the business card of the place where you are staying is very important to reach back safe when you are in Vietnam.
6. Toilet papers would always come to your rescue
The public toilets here do not have the luxury of having toilet rolls. Hence, it is good to carry your toilet paper and use them when you pay a visit to the public toilets. Also, toilet papers can be used to clean the surface when you are sitting on a bench or elsewhere in public.
7. Train journeys are the best
It is always good to take the trains when you are traveling in Vietnam. Taking passengers can be one of the best ways to experience this country. Also, it is one of the most affordable means of transport. Hence, this is one of the must-do things when you travel to Vietnam.
8. Temples hold the highest significance
Make sure to maintain silence at the temples and also remove the footwear when you walk inside the temples. Also, remember to be dressed appropriately in the right clothes when you visit the temples. Temples in Vietnam hold great importance, and disrespecting the culture and the tradition at the temples can be a bad thing to do during your travel to Vietnam.
9. Your bag is your property
Bag snatchers are found in abundance in Vietnam. Hence, you must make sure to keep your bags safe. Always hang it by your side and never take your eyes off from your belongings.
10. Click with permission
There are a lot of places in Vietnam where photography is restricted. Clicking pictures in those places can attract unnecessary fines. Hence, you must ensure to ask permission and then start clicking photographs when you travel to Vietnam.
Now that we have understood the do’s while traveling in Vietnam, it is also important to understand the things that are not to be done in Vietnam.
Don’t do these things when you travel to Vietnam
1. Clicking pictures of military equipment
When you visit a place that has the military equipment or anything related to the war, even by mistake, you must not take photos of it. If you do so, you would be immediately being imprisoned on the lines of breach of national security. So, beware before clicking photographs when you travel in Vietnam.
2. Mentioning anything about the war can be a criminal offense
Speaking anything about war or even vaguely saying it can be considered a serious crime here. So, do not utter a word about the Vietnamese war.
3. Cross the roads without stopping
Despite the heavy traffic, you would find the locals crossing the streets without any fear. You may also have to follow the same rules because stopping here would certainly not solve the problem. Hence, stick to a lane and just keep walking until you reach your destination.
4. PDAs are strictly not allowed
When you are in Vietnam, you must strictly refrain yourselves from kissing, cuddling, or even hugging tight at the public places. The country is conservative, and PDAs of any sort is considered to be a serious offense
5. Do not intrude the villages without their permission
There are a lot of ethnic communities in Vietnam. Most of the people would love to take a tour of these places. These villages are charming but, walking in without the permission of the locals is unacceptable. Hence, this is one of the other things that you must and should avoid when you are in Vietnam.
Well, these are some of the dos and don’ts that are to be followed when you travel to Vietnam. When you know these things, it becomes easy for you to experience the beauty of the place without violating the rules.
How to behave with people in Vietnam?
As already mentioned, Vietnam is a traditional country, and they have their own beliefs and system in place. Also, the people here are pretty conservative. Hence, there are certain things that one must follow when they travel to Vietnam. In this section, let us quickly understand how you need to behave with people when you are in Vietnam.
1. Never stroke the hair of a child
Never try to touch a child when you are in Vietnam. Moving the head or gently stroking their hair is considered to be pretty offensive, as this means that the child’s soul is stolen. Hence, even if you cross your paths with the cutest kids in Vietnam, please keep your hands to yourselves.
2. Raising your voice is forbidden
Vietnamese people are pretty calm and quiet; they do not believe in arguments and raising voices. Hence, speaking to them in a low-tone is mandatory even if you are not used to this…
3. Offering gifts to children is not encouraged
If you find a kid walking by the street, it is not a great sign to offer them a box of cookies, chocolates, or anything as a goodwill gesture. It is always recommended to either stay away from any of these things or give these things to the adults who are with the children.
4. Do not offer money even by mistake
Providing cash to Vietnamese is one of the most degrading things. You must carefully watch out for these. If you feel like donating items, some orphanages or institutions accept. Do not hand over money to anybody you find on your way. Vietnamese will take your generosity.
5. Never hug or kiss a Vietnamese
Most of the countries are exceptional when it comes to embracing and planting a kiss on the cheek as part of their culture. Well, in Vietnam, this is highly disregarded because the country’s culture is pretty protected, and they do not allow any sort of PDA.
6. Gifts offered to the host remains wrapped
In many states, the gifts offered would immediately be unwrapped, but, in Vietnam, it is the exact opposite. Until and unless the guests leave, the hosts will not open the gifts. So, don’t get surprised as that is part of their tradition and culture.
Well, these are some of the things that you must learn when you plan your travel to Vietnam. Vietnamese are sensitive people, and behaving with them gently is very important.
Different rules in Vietnam
Apart from the provisions mentioned above, there are a lot of other regulations that one must follow during their trip in Vietnam. When you are traveling to a different country, it is always good to understand everything about that place and then go there. Else, a small mistake might lead to a significant offense, and you may even end up in jails.
1. Photos without permission is a serious offense
In most of the places, people would love to pose in front of the cameras with a broad smile. But, in Vietnam taking photographs of the locals, especially at the ethnic villages, is considered to be an annoyance. Also, clicking pictures of the military equipment is not at all appreciated. Hence, you must make sure to take the pictures with permission else, refrain.
2. Eating food has its own rules
If you ever happen to visit a local’s home for lunch or dinner, you must make sure to wait until the eldest person in the family has started to eat. It is considered to be respectful in Vietnam. So, do not begin hogging on food as soon as it is served on your plate when you are in Vietnam. Also, in the Vietnamese culture, food is one of the most promising things. Even when the eldest and the oldest member of the family start to eat, followed by the younger members, it symbolically shows the respect and love that the family has towards each other.
3. Smoking is restricted
Like the other countries, Vietnam has its own rules when it comes to smoking. People are restricted from smoking in public places. Especially where there are a lot of people, smoking is prohibited. Hence, you must make sure to follow the rules on tobacco strictly when you travel to Vietnam.
4. Wearing skimpy dresses to temples
Vietnam has enormous respect for the temples, the religious, and the spiritual centers from time immemorial. These are the places that are to be dressed modestly. Hence, wearing scanty clothes is entirely forbidden. It can be pretty unpleasant and can even annoy the locals at the temple. Therefore, this is one of the most important rules that you must follow when you are in Vietnam.
Well, these are some of the other rules that you must strictly adhere to when you are in Vietnam.
Vietnam is filled with abundant attractions. Right from the spectacular beaches to the dense jungles, temples to the best restaurants, Vietnam is known as a perfect holidaying destination. Well, every country would have its attractions to visit, and so does Vietnam. Here is a list of must-visit attractions in Vietnam:
Attractions to visit in Vietnam
1. Halong Bay
Get the stunning views of the seascape the Halong Bay while you travel to Vietnam. It is one of the UNESCO World heritage sites and a lot of and a lot of tourists flock into this place to catch a glimpse of the limestone island. Do not forget to go cruising when you are in Halong Bay. Apart from this, one can also enjoy the cave explorations at this place as there are a lot of famous caves around this area.
2. Hue
Hue happens to be Vietnam’s ancient cities with great history attached to it. If you want to know more about the Nguyen emperors, you must visit Hue because there are a lot of relics about these emperors that can be found in this city. The quaint town is perched on the banks of the Perfume River, and it has a lot of attractions that one can visit. It is one of the must-visit places for all the art-lovers. Cruising along the Perfume River can be one of the most beautiful things to do.
3. Ho Chi min city
Ho Chi Minh City is the buzz of the country for several reasons. People who love to be part of the city must visit this place because this city probably has everything that you want. Right from the posh restaurants to shopping areas, this place is almost always crowded. Vietnam’s major sight-seeing attractions are found in this city, HCMC Museum and grand Notre Dame Cathedral are the most important ones.
4. PhongNha-Ke Bang National Park
For all those who love caves, PhongNha-Ke Bang National Park is one of the best caves that you must visit when you are in Vietnam. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gorgeous views of the karst mountain formation can leave you mesmerized at this place. Paradise Cave happens to be one of the most iconic destinations at this place. The distance of the cave is about 31km underground, and that’s what makes it one of the most happening places in entire Vietnam.
5. Hoi An
Hoi An is one of the most lovely cities in Vietnam that boat about the proud history of the country. It is one of the places where one would get to experience the real Vietnam and its culture. Hoi An was one of the most trading centers for the Japanese and the Chinese merchants during the 15th century.
The glimpses of these can be caught to date as you take a stroll around the place. The significant attractions of Hoi-An are the houses of merchants of the bygone era, which are opened to public visits. Walking into these houses to experience the beautiful architecture and the decorative can be one of the best things to do when you are in Hoi An.
6. Hanoi
The heart of the country, Hanoi is one of the most popular destinations that one must undoubtedly visit when they are in Vietnam. Hanoi has the charm of the old city yet, and it is one of the most buzzing cities in Vietnam. Your visit to Vietnam will remain incomplete if you do not catch the sight of the busiest Hanoi streets filled with motorbikes and street vendors.
7. My son
For all those who love to go around and experience the surreal beauty in ruins, My Son is the right destination. This 4th-century Hindu religious temple is covered with mountains filled with lush green forests and a wide range of flora and fauna. The temple complex boasts of 20 temple structures with various architectural marvels from different Asian empires. It is one of the must-visit places when you are in Vietnam.
Well, these are some of the major destinations in Vietnam, and apart from this, one can also take a trip to the Sapa Countryside, Nha Trang Củ Chi Tunnels, Ba Be National Park, and Mekong Delta.
Travel Costs to Vietnam
There are a lot of travel agencies and websites that offer the best deals to travel to Vietnam. However, it is always better to understand the cost of everything, plan, and then start with the reservations. One can plan for a lavish, yet a budget-friendly trip to Vietnam.
Flights
The flight charges are comparatively cheaper to Vietnam, and if you book it well in advance, you may be able to save a lot of money on the flights.
Accommodation
There is no shortage of housing in Vietnam. There are a lot of guest-houses, hotels, and luxurious hotels that one can choose to book during their travel. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are the best places to reserve accommodation.
Some of the best guest houses in Vietnam are
- Hanoi Charming House
- Hanoi Lotus Guest House
- My cozy Apartel
- Con KiếnNhỏ
- Little Library Villa Hoi An
- Big Home Dalat
- 49 Trang Tien House
- TUTU HOUSE
Some of the topmost luxurious hotels in Vietnam are
- Acoustic Hotel and Spa
- Hanoi L’Heritage Diamond Hotel and Spa
- Orchids Saigon Hotel
These are some of the best choices for choosing your stay in Vietnam. Well, if you make prior reservations, you would be able to save a lot of money even on the accommodation when you are in Vietnam.
Transportation
Motorbikes are the most preferred means of commutation in Vietnam to go around the cities. Apart from this, one can also choose to travel through the local train as this can save a lot of money. If you want to experience a luxury holiday then, Uber services are pretty much available in Vietnam. There are private taxis that you could choose to hire as well.
Food
Vietnam is a paradise for foodies. One can go on a gastronomical tour in Vietnam. The local cuisines here are mouth-watering, and Vietnam offers a plethora of choices when it comes to food. You can get to hop streets and also binge in some of the best restaurants when you are here.
Mentioned below are some of the must-visit restaurants when you are in Vietnam
- Shri Restaurant & Lounge
- Skewers Restaurant
- Cuc Gach Quan
- Secret Garden
- Hum Vegetarian, Lounge & Restaurant
- Secret House
- Mountain Retreat
- Anan Saigon
Hanoi and Chi Minh city also have a lot of street food options, and the best places to eat are
- Co Giang Street
- Nguyen Thuong Hien Street
- SuVanh Han Street
- Phan Van Han Street
- Van Keep Street
Mi Quang, Pho, Xoi, Banh xeo, GoiCuon, Bun Bo Nam Bo, Cao Lau, and Banh me are some of the most authentic dishes to be eaten when you are in Vietnam.
Travel insurance in Vietnam
Every traveler needs to take the best travel insurance that offers better coverage to cover the theft, illness, and injury during the travel.
The best available travel insurance is with World Nomands.
Please note: we are affiliate with Travel Nomands Insurance. However, we do encourage you to click here and check Travel Nomands insurance package by your self.
It includes medical expenses for travel accidents, natural disasters , scuba diving or when you are prone to serious illness. There are a few policies that would exclude a few dangerous sports until and unless you do not pay extra amount.
Even if you are prone to injuries while playing games such as scuba diving, whitewater rafting, kite surfing, or other activities, you would be covered when you have the best travel insurance. If you want to try motorbiking in Vietnam, you need to make sure that the insurance covers biking in Vietnam. If you are going to claim the amount, you need to keep the receipts of the medical bill and treatment. If you lose the medical bills, you need to get an official statement from the police.
The best thing about taking Nomad insurance is that it offers various travel insurance plans at affordable prices. Besides, the support team is available to answer your queries round the clock. Interestingly, this insurance allows travelers to use it at any time. You can also buy this right from your home and even if the trip is in progress. You can get the claim anywhere globally.
Safety travel with kids
In general, Vietnam is a safe country to travel to and you can read in great detail the answer to the question: Is it safe to travel in Vietnam?
Vietnam is safe to travel with kids as one can see a lot of families with children going around the places without any inhibitions
Travel alone / group (male / female)
- Do not simply trust the cab drivers to jump into the taxi without proper directions
- Make sure to keep all your belongings safe
- Preserve or petty thefts like chain-snatching, pick-pocketing, etc.…
- Make sure to find the best accommodation within the city limits
- Try going out in the night to a deserted place; it can be dangerous
- Carry only the amount you need for the day and leave the rest in the safe lockers.
Crime
According to the recent survey, Vietnam is a country with fewer crime rates. Petty issues like thefts, chain-snatching, and cheating are common in big cities. Apart from these, there aren’t any such significant crimes that occur in this country. Accidents are pretty common in this country because the majority of the people here are fond of riding motorbikes. Hence, one has to be extremely careful when they are riding or driving in Vietnam.
Warnings
- It is good to avoid motorbikes
- Wearing bags that are sturdy can keep you and your belongings safe
- Crossing the street can be a menace but, go with the flow. Be steady and focus on the roads while you cross some of the busiest streets in Hanoi and Chi Minh city.
- Traveling through the motorbike taxis at night can be quite dangerous. Also, avoid going out all by yourself at night in a deserted area.
- Drugs are hazardous; hence, say “No” to it.
- Remember to sit at the back seat of the taxi because there are chances of getting assaulted by the taxi drivers, and this can be pretty annoying.
- Expensive gadgets can catch the attention of thieves. Hence, you must be extra careful when you are taking out your expensive devices out in public.
- Remember not to drink water from the taps to avoid any sort of water infection, stick to bottled waters.
Local laws
- There are some serious flaws that can be imposed when a person is found using drugs. Drugs in Vietnam can lead to a death sentence, as well.
- Beware not to click any photographs where there are military installations. It is a severe offense, and you would be jailed immediately.
- Never try to pick antiques from Vietnam back home; it is a crime.
- There are Government approved Casinos. Apart from these, if you are caught anywhere else, you would be punished by the court of law in Vietnam.
- You must never take part in any of the political events. It would immediately attract the police, and you would be severely punished.
- Prostitution is entirely illegal. Hence, be careful when you walk into a massage center or a spa.
- Be careful when you are blogging about Vietnam, any discussion related to the Government or any political institution can be scrutinized. These can again be an illegal act and will be punished.
- Also, involving yourselves in spreading anything about religion when you travel to Vietnam is also a serious offense.
Embassies and consulates
Mentioned below are some of the list of embassies and consulates in Vietnam.
Health
When you travel to Vietnam, beware of some of the most contagious diseases. The medicine system here is a blend of both traditional and modern-day methods. There are a lot of public hospitals in Vietnam. However, the facilities aren’t that great.
One may not find sophisticated equipment, as you see in other countries. Also, the doctors at these hospitals are only found speaking Vietnamese. Hence, it may become slightly awkward to get the treatment done.
But, Vietnam also has a lot of private hospitals which are highly sophisticated. The modern-day equipment is installed, and the doctors will give the best services to the patients at an affordable price.
When compared to other countries, health treatment in Vietnam is pretty affordable.
When you are in Vietnam, it is always recommended to avoid Ice at the restaurants or any eat-outs. One must make sure to drink bottled water to avoid any sort of infection. Keep drinking water to prevent dehydration and carry the necessary sunburn creams and lotions to keep your skin safe from the harmful radiations of the sun.
Well, these are some of the things that you must know before you travel to Vietnam. Traveling to a different place by knowing various aspects can help you blend well with the surroundings. Of course, traveling has its challenges. But, when you are completely aware and have researched everything about the place you are going to, you would be much confident and safer. We hope that this information about Vietnam would come handy to you soon 🙂
