Basic Tips For Your Arrival In Vietnam

Get the best tips to travel around Vietnam: Habits, Food, Language, Religion, Currency and much more. Get ready for your visit in this beautiful and friendly country.

Basic Information About Vietnam

Language: Vietnamese.

It’s the only Asian language that uses a Latin-based alphabet. That definitely makes things easier for Western travellers.

Religion: Mostly Buddhist.

There is a large catholic community and we saw some muslim people. Anyway religion is not a big thing among Vietnamese people. Just make sure you respect the rules when you visit temples.

Weather.

Check the weather and plan your trip in advance. Avoid the rainy seasons, it can limit you. Check this out on this blog: https://www.audleytravel.com/vietnam/best-time-to-visit

Currency: Dong.

Check the exchange rate at xe.com

Most of the times, instead of “five thousands” you’d just hear “five”. Everyone’s used to that, it makes things simpler.

Basic Tips

Bring cash.

You may not find ATMs everywhere and hardly anyone accepts cards. You can change your money at jewelry stores to get a better rate exchange.

A good deal.

Everything is very cheap, especially food and drinks.

SIM cards.

Buy a SIM card at the airport, it’s important to stay connected and there are several SIM options for tourists.

Travel Insurance.

It will solve any type of unforeseen event. There are a lot of insurance options for travelers. We recommend World Nomads. Acquire it by following this link. https://tourifficworld.com/travel-insurance/

Traveling To Vietnam

Flight.

There are 3 major international airports: Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, Da Nang.

Qatar Airways is a good option for your trip, they offer more space between seats and an excellent on board service. Follow this link to find your flight: https://www.qatarairways.com

Priority Pass.

Priority Pass Card will allow you to enjoy a pleasant stopover in Doha. You have access to VIP lounges in many airports around the world. They usually have credit card agreements and offer it to you free of charge. Click on this link to get 20% OFF on your card fee if you don’t have it yet: https://www.prioritypass.com/

Visa.

Get your visa online and bring USD in cash to pay at the Immigration office (mandatory). We found all the information about the visa in the following blog: https://vietnam.travel/plan-your-trip/visa-requirements

Traveling Around Vietnam

Domestic Trips.

The best way to travel between cities is by plane. The roads and highways are not very safe; the trains, very slow.

Taxis.

Use Grab (e-taxi) for urban travel, it is cheaper and more reliable than taxis.

Accommodation

Place to stay.

Book your accommodation through Booking.com , you can find excellent options for very good prices.

Customs and habits

Eating outside.

The chairs and tables at street food stalls and even in some restaurants are very small. As small as those used in a kindergarten.

Crossing the street.

Do not hesitate for a second when you cross the street, you could confuse drivers and cause an accident. Just walk straight at a steady pace.

Shoes on - Shoes off.

Take your shoes off before getting in in shops, temples, hotels, houses, restaurants, bars, etc.

Beach time.

Bring Sunscreen with you. In Vietnam it’s quite expensive, not easy to find and not even so good. (Vietnam is not a good destination to go to the beach anyway.)

If you are a woman and you go to the beach wearing a bikini, you will get everyone’s attention.

Tipping

Bring cash with you to tip on tours, all guides are waiting for it.

Friendly people.

Vietnamese people are very friendly and thoughtful.

Safety

We never saw or heard about a security incident. We walked anywhere at any time and nothing ever happened. We noticed that everyone leaves their shoes outside and nobody touches them, just as when they leave things on top of motorcycles (helmets, jackets, bags).

Eat & Drink Like a Local

Meal times.

Breakfast 6 am – 9 am, lunch 12 pm – 2 pm, dinner 6pm – 8pm. Outside these hours, only some places for tourists stay open.

Breakfast.

Breakfast is generally a “Pho” soup, served with meat or chicken or pork or seafood, fresh green leaves and some spices. Pho is also offered for lunch and dinner.

Coffee.

Vietnam has the best coffee in the world (don’t go into a Starbucks-type chain, they are terrible, go to traditional coffees).

Foodie experience.

The food is very good, Vietnam is truly a foodie paradise. Don’t miss the chance to taste some great street food.

Natural drinks.

Drink sugar cane juice and smoothies. They are delicious, we got addicted and almost gave up alcohol.

Safe water.

Don’t drink water from the tap, nobody recommends it.