All Posts, Asia Guides, Country Guides · Vietnam Travel Guide As one of my favorite places in Asia, Vietnam is a country of sensory overload – in all the best ways. There’s the majestic: cruising through emerald green waters while watching the sunset behind the limestone islands of Ha Long Bay. The delicious: with its rich broth, rice noodles, and perfectly seasoned beef, Phở will quickly become a staple in your diet. The people: with the big straw hats and smiling faces, the friendly locals will quickly steal a place in your heart. And you can’t forget the crazy: anxiously waiting 15 minutes to cross the road amid a flood of motorbikes in Hanoi. This is Vietnam. Quick Info Capital: Hanoi, the second largest city in Vietnam behind Ho Chi Minh CityPopulation: 95.5 millionCurrency: Vietnamese Dong (click here for current conversion rates)Visa: Most travellers entering Vietnam will need a visa. Here is a list of countries with exceptions. The easiest way to get a visa is online Typical cost is $45.Safety: Ranked #57 on the Global Peace Index (USA is ranked #128).Time zone: UTC +7 When to Visit Vietnam may seem like a small country at first, but it is spread out over such a long distance. This results in varying elevations and weather patterns, meaning there is no definitive ‘best time to visit’. Therefore, my advice is to decide what exactly you want to experience in Vietnam, and then figure out which months have the best weather for that region. As a whole, the ‘best time to visit’ for Northern and Southern Vietnam are as follows: Northern Vietnam Northern Vietnam experiences warm to hot summers and mild winters, so the best time to visit this region is from March to May or September to November. Southern Vietnam The southern region of Vietnam experiences a tropical climate, meaning there is a dry season and a wet season. The dry season lasts from November to February, making this the best time to visit. Top 5 Bucket List Experiences 1. Ha Long Bay Ha Long Bay is best known for its gorgeous scenery, emerald waters, and limestone karsts, which seemingly erupt straight out of the water. Recently titled one of the ‘New Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Ha Long Bay is unsurprisingly Vietnam’s #1 bucket-list destination. Spending at least one night on a luxurious cruise boat is a must for any Vietnam itinerary. 2. Hoi An With its lantern-strung streets, historical buildings, and charming cafes, Hoi An is what every traveler imagines Vietnam to be. Spend at least 3 days here to take advantage of the local expert tailors – you can get a custom suit fitted just for you! 3. Hanoi As the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is one of the most vibrant, bustling, and unique cities in Asia. With its ancient culture of Chinese and French influences, Hanoi is a fascinating mix of old and new. This hectic city is also a great base to explore the Northern Vietnam region and Ha Long Bay. 4. Sapa For one of the most beautiful hiking destinations in the world, head to the northern Vietnam region of Sapa. Here, you’ll be trekking alongside rice terraces made up of every shade of green, all cascading down the countryside hills. The best time to hike these rice fields is March to May or mid-September to November. 5. Ninh Binh Located just 2 hours south of Hanoi, Ninh Binh boasts its natural beauty with its stunning limestone scenery. Don’t miss either Tam Coc or Trang An to experience why Ninh Binn is coined “Ha Long Bay on land.” Ninh Binh is not as well known to many tourists, making it the perfect escape. Take advantage of the lack of crowds by renting a scooter and riding around the area – the perfect way to discover Vietnam’s stunning landscape. Other Things to See and Do in Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City – alsa known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minn best known for is abundant history, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife. With over 9 million inhabitants, Ho Chi Minh is Vietnam’s most populous city. Be sure to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels to navigate your way through the exact tunnels that soldiers used during the Vietnam War.Mekong Delta – Made up of over 30,000 miles of interconnected waterways, the Mekong Delta is a floating world on the south border of Vietnam. This areas is home to small villages, floating markets, and pagodas, with boats being the main means of transportation. Hue – Offering a quite retreat, especially compared to the bustling cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, the ancient city of Hue was the capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty. Don’t miss the Royal Palace of the Imperial City, which dates back to the 19th century. Also close by are several beautiful beaches, making Hue the perfect city escape.Caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang – Only recently discovered in 1990, and “rediscovered” by a British caving team in 2009, this extensive cave Dalat – Located 180 miles from Ho Chi Minh City, Dalat is nestled in the hills of the Central Highlands, making this the perfect spot for a mountain retreat. In fact, Dalat was initially called ‘Le Petit Paris’ because it was a luxurious haven for travelers and residents alike. Sitting 1,500 meters above sea level, the city offers cool weather all year long. Dos and Donts dos Negotiate prices when buying something at the markets. This is a part of the culture and is expected – plus it’s fun!Women – carry a bit of toilet paper with you. It’s not uncommon for public toilets to run out of toilet paper or simply not have any donts Don’t wear short shorts and tank tops when visiting Pagodas. Dress conservatively or risk being turned away Don’t try to cross heavily trafficked roads by yourself. Find a local and piggyback along with them as they cross Good to Know Airport– Vietnam has 3 major international Airports. Tan Son Nhat International Airport in the south (Ho Chi Minh City), Noi Bai Aiport in the north (Hanoi), and Da Nang International airport centrally located. Getting around– While buses are the main mode of transportation for Vietnamese locals, tourists usually opt for planes or private cars. Planes are cheap if you book ahead, and are usually the quickest way to get around. Private car hires include a driver and are very useful when visiting regions without public transportation. Money- Cash is king in Vietnam, so be sure to always have Vietnamese dong. ATMs can be found throughout the country, though withdrawal fees can be quite steep. Keep in mind that your dollar can go very far when traveling in Vietnam, and the price of food is cheaper than you’re probably used to. Tipping– while usually not expected in Vietnam, it is greatly appreciated by the locals. For someone earning just $150/month, a $1 tip goes a long way. Restaurants – not expected, but leave 5-10% if you’re very satisfiedHotels- Not expected. Leave a small tip for cleaning staff if you likeTaxis- Not expected, but it is nice to round up the total fare amountGuides- Tip a few dollars on day trips Bars- Never expected SIM Card- SIM Cards are great to have when visiting a foreign country. Best purchased at the airport on arrival, Viettel and Vinafone are reputable SIM cards in Vietnam. Make sure your cell phone is unlocked and bring your passport when purchasing your SIM card. Expect to pay around $10 for unlimited data including the SIM card Language– English is not widely spoken in Vietnam, with the exception of tourist areas where hotel staff are able to speak a little. A few key phrases are very helpful when visiting: EnglishVietnamesePronounceHelloXin ChaoSin chowThank YouCam onkahm uhnGoodbyeTam BietTarm ByeetHow much?Bao nhieuBaow nyewHow are you?Ban Khoe KhongBan Kwe Khom Ready for your dream trip to Vietnam? CONTACT US TODAY DID YOU LIKE THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER!
