If you’re planning your first trip to Vietnam travel tips and everything about this beautiful and peaceful country seems new to you, it’s natural to have questions and want to research. To ensure the best preparation and most enjoyable moments, let’s take a few minutes to explore some essential traveling tips for Vietnam.
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Essential Tips for Traveling in Vietnam
1. Choosing the Best Time to Visit
Finding the perfect time to visit Vietnam can be tricky due to the country’s varied climate and regions. However, April, May, and October are generally recommended for a balanced experience. The North is most comfortable between November and February, while July to early November brings unpredictable typhoons.
2. Health Care Facilities
While Vietnam has a developed healthcare system, it’s more concentrated in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Rural areas may have limited medical care and increased health risks. Here are some international hospitals/clinics with English-speaking staff:
In Hanoi:
- Hanoi French Hospital
- Family Medical Practice
- International SOS
- Vietnam-Korea Friendship Hospital
In Ho Chi Minh City:
- International SOS
- Saigon International Clinic
- Gia Dinh International Hospital
Franco Vietnamese Hospital
Address: 6 Nguyen Luong Bang Str., District 7
3. Essential items
When traveling to Vietnam, it is recommended to bring only the necessary commodities and clothes as they can be easily purchased at affordable prices compared to Western countries.
Ensure you have your passport and visa, as they are essential for any trip. It’s also useful to carry several copies of these documents and 4 photos (2×3 and 4×6 cm) for certain situations.
Other useful items to bring include earplugs to block noise, a universal plug adaptor, a jacket or sweater for highland areas, mosquito repellent for tropical forests or coastal areas, and a folding umbrella for unexpected rain during damp seasons.
4. Currency
The currency in Vietnam is the “Dong” (abbreviated as “d” or “VND”), but US dollars are widely accepted with an exchange rate of approximately VND 20,000 per US $1. So, don’t worry when encountering price tags in bars or shops.
Common banknotes to be familiar with are 10,000d; 20,000d; 50,000d; 100,000d; 200,000d; and 500,000d, all made of polymer.
Although credit cards are widely accepted, cash is the most common means of transaction. International ATMs like HSBC, ANZ, VIB, or Vietcombank allow cash withdrawals and USD to VND exchange with a commission fee of around US $2.
5. Recommended actions
- Safely store money and valuables, as many high-star hotels provide in-room safes. It’s advised to register your valuable items with the hotel reception when leaving.
- Keep the hotel’s business card with you so that you can easily communicate the hotel’s name and address to taxi drivers if needed.
Tips for Cultural Etiquette in Vietnam
- Respect the conservative dress code in Vietnam, especially in rural areas. However, big cities are more flexible nowadays.
- Take off your shoes before entering someone’s home as a sign of respect.
- Seek permission before photographing individuals, particularly the elderly and in certain stores at wet markets.
6. Things to Avoid
- Avoid carrying excessive cash to prevent pickpocketing, especially in crowded places. Also, refrain from wearing ostentatious jewelry in public.
- Stay aware of your surroundings for security purposes, but don’t be overly paranoid.
- Do not wear revealing clothing when visiting temples and pagodas as it is highly disrespectful.
- Refrain from taking photos at military sites, as it is considered a breach of national security.
- Avoid using video cameras in ethnic minority villages to respect the locals’ privacy.
7. Shopping and Souvenirs
While you can find international brands in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, it’s recommended to buy authentic Vietnamese products as souvenirs.
- Propaganda posters and water puppets are unique to Vietnam and popular among foreign visitors in Hanoi.
- Silk products are a specialty of the capital city.
- In Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll find various stalls selling fake Vietnam War-style Zippo lighters and dog tags.
- Traditional conical hats (Nón Lá) and Áo Dài outfits are great choices to bring back a Vietnamese touch.
For visa information, visit www.visaonlinevietnam.com.
