10 things you need to know before visiting Vietnam

Given the breadth of bucket-list-level experiences that await visitors to Vietnam, planning the perfect trip takes some effort. This is where our run-down of 10 things you need to know before visiting Vietnam comes in. From wising-up on when to visit, to sorting your Vietnam visa, these insights should set you up for an unforgettable trip of a lifetime. And that goes whether you intend to head to Ha Long’s otherworldly karsts, immerse yourself in the Mekong Delta, or hike the lush Central Highlands.

1. Select your season and region wisely

Around 1000 miles long and 30 miles wide, Vietnam boasts a bounty of varied landscapes across its slender mass.

And, given that it encompasses a tropical climate zone and a temperate zone — both of which experience the annual monsoon — Vietnam also has a variety of temperatures and seasonal rain patterns.

In terms of monsoon season, expect heavy rainfall in the north and south from May through to October. Meanwhile, in the central areas, the rain is at its heaviest from September to January.

As a result, you’ll want to choose where and when to visit in conjunction with considering these seasonal patterns.

Keen to cover the whole country? Your best bet is to visit in autumn/winter (September-December), or spring (March and April).

2. Multi-destination itineraries are most rewarding 

Considering the country’s diversity, we recommend researching multi-destination itineraries that’ll enable you to max out your experience of Vietnam.

Mulling over the multi-destination option applies whether you’re planning to spend a week or two in Vietnam, or several months — the longer the better, in our opinion! Just come prepared with the right Vietnam visa, but more on that later.

In the meantime, read on for a food-for-thought itinerary suggestion.

Culture and nature from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Kick off your trip in the capital of Hanoi, where we suggest visiting Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, and seeing a traditional water puppet show. 

From Hanoi, head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay. Here 3000 forest-capped limestone islets rise from emerald waters that conceal countless caves and grottoes. It really is an enchanting place that befits its name — in Vietnamese, Ha Long means “descending dragon”.

After being well and truly awe-inspired by Ha Long’s natural majesty, visit the royal tombs of King Tu Duc, King Khai Dinh and Tu Hieu pagoda. And how about cruising the Perfume River on a dragon boat before exploring Hoi An, another UNESCO-designated site?

Then, before winding up your adventure in Ho Chi Minh City, take a trip to Cai Rang floating market — the largest of its kind in the Mekong Delta.

3. Sort your visa in advance

Not to rain on your exciting itinerary-planning parade, but it’s also important to attend to practical matters, like sorting your Vietnam visa. And the good news is, you can apply for this online, with ease. 

Before you start the application process, read on to find out which Vietnam visa you need.

 Stays of 15 days or less

If you’re planning to visit Vietnam as a tourist or business traveller for 15 days or less, and hold a British, French, Italian, German or Spanish passport, you don’t need a visa. If you’re staying for longer, or hold a different passport, keep reading!

Stays of up to 30 days

The standard Vietnam visa covers stays of up to 30 days, and costs £49.95 per person. You apply online. On approval, your e-visa will be emailed to you ­— simple!

Stays of more than 30 days 

For stays that exceed 30 days, you can’t apply for an e-visa online. Instead, you’ll need to apply for a physical visa in person ­at the Vietnam embassy.

4. Getting around is easy and affordable 

However long you’re planning to stay, you’d be wise to plan how you’ll get around Vietnam. Happily, the country’s public transport network is pretty comprehensive, and eminently affordable.

The majority of visitors opt to travel by bus. These days, most bus routes have fixed-price tickets, with improved comfort levels coming courtesy of the “open-tour” buses that traverse the main tourist trails. 

In terms of trains, the routes you’ll most likely want to be aware of include the shuttle from Da Nang to Hué (2-3hr). 

The overnighters from Hué to Hanoi (11-16hr) and Hanoi to Lao Cai (8-9hr) might also come in handy. 

5. It’s worth learning some lingo 

While English is widely spoken in the bigger cities and areas that attract a large volume of tourists, it’s worth arming yourself with a few Vietnamese words and phrases. 

Not only is this polite, but it might also make your journeys along lesser-travelled roads less bumpy on the communication front!

So, get yourself a Vietnamese phrasebook or, if you’re planning to stay for a few months, consider taking an online course.

6. Haggling is a way of life 

If you’re a first-time visitor to Vietnam, be aware that haggling is the norm in many situations. 

Beyond bargaining over prices in more obvious contexts, such as tourist-oriented markets, you can also haggle over prices for tours booked through local operators. 

The same goes for taxis — just be sure to agree a price before setting off.

As a general guide, keep bartering fun and friendly, and don’t insult anyone by offering a crazily low price. 

Of course, your bartering success rate will be all the better (and more fun) if you follow our advice to learn some lingo!

7. Local etiquette should be observed

Alongside having some Vietnamese under your belt, and embracing bartering, we also advise following a few pillars of Vietnamese etiquette. 

First up, wearing skimpy clothing is not the done thing in Vietnam. And, when visiting temples and pagodas, you should show respect by covering your arms and legs. Remember, they’re places of worship and reflection.

Finally, a few words of caution around photography. Always ask before you take a photo of someone, and don’t take photos of anything related to the military. Doing the latter could land you with a substantial fine, at the very least.

8. Carry cash in rural areas

Pretty obvious one, this, but the more rural and remote you go, the less chance you have of finding a cash machine.

So, before heading for the hills or voyaging to one of Vietnam’s smaller islands, work out how much cash you’ll need to eat, drink, make merry, and bed down.

9. Vietnam’s street food is sublime

While Vietnam isn’t short of high-end restaurants, its street food culture is out-of-this-world tasty, and affordable with it.

As for what to try, Banh mi is one of Vietnam’s most popular street foods for very good reason. This beast of a baguette is packed with meat (often pork or chicken), smeared with pate, stuffed with crunchy veg, and typically flavoured with coriander, chilli and mayo. 

Other favourites include Banh xeo (sizzling pancakes), and lip-smackingly satisfying Bun Cha (grilled meatballs).

10. … but don’t drink the tap water

To avoid getting sick, don’t drink tap water in Vietnam. Instead, stock up on big bottles of filtered water, and don’t forget to wash fruit and veg before chomping into them.

A word of warning, though. There is a bit of an issue with fake bottled water, so best to purchase it from known supermarkets and convenience stores.

And that’s it, folks! From sorting your Vietnam visa, to researching a rewarding multi-destination itinerary, these 10 things to know before visiting Vietnam should stand you in excellent stead.

Feeling inspired? Our local experts can plan wonderful trips for you to Vietnam, without the hassle of planning and booking.

This article was brought to you in sponsorship with e-visa.co.uk