Essential Vietnam Travel: Nine Things to Know Before Travelling

One of Southeast Asia’s most exciting and popular tourist destinations, Vietnam’s striking landscape and contrasting cities make it a truly magical place to visit. A hotspot for foodies, thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting the charming capital of Hanoi with its older architecture and narrow streets or heading to a modern and bustling city like Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam is vast and changing throughout.

If you’re in the north, be sure to visit one of the great natural wonders of the world, Ha Long Bay. Known for its clear waters and limestone islands, this one’s definitely a must-visit location. Before you head to Vietnam, whether you’re travelling on a budget or splurging, here are nine essential travel tips to know before you board the plane.

1. Apply for your Visa

Visa’s are top of the list for a reason, you can’t travel without it and it’s so important to get it sorted before you start planning and booking your travel plans. Visa requirements are different for every country, if you’re from the UK and don’t plan on staying longer than 15 days then you don’t need a visa. However, the likelihood is that you will need to arrange your visa in advance. Visa-Vietnam.org can take of everything for you, the online service makes it easy and simple to obtain the right visa for you. Both E-visas and visa on arrival are available, with fees and instructions clearly labelled.

2. Check your Travel Vaccinations

Wherever you’re coming from, always check your recommended travel vaccinations before travelling. Your GP can advise you on vaccinations and recommendations and then you can decide which you are comfortable having. It’s best to book an appointment with your GP 6-8 weeks before travelling.

3. Book Accommodation for your First Night

You can do as much research as possible to check the area that you’ll be staying in but there’s nothing quite like being there and experiencing it for yourself. This is particularly useful with hostels and hotels with fewer reviews, book accommodation for the first night to ensure you like the area. There’s an abundance of hostels and hotels around Vietnam and with sites such as booking.com and Hostelworld, you’ll be able to find somewhere you love to stay.

4. Pack the Right Clothes

Vietnam is hot the majority of the time but depending on the time of year you’re travelling, it could also be the rainy season. Make sure you pack the right clothes, shorts and t-shirts are widely accepted throughout Vietnam but pack clothes that cover shoulders and legs also for visiting sacred areas and temples.

5. Hostels or Hotels?

The word hostel no longer envisages a small room full of people with one bathroom. Hostels are now a bustling epicentre for travellers to meet, play ping pong and swim in the private pool. They have really come along way, both private and dorm rooms are available so if you’re looking to meet people and have fun then hostels are for you. Hotels are also a great option, much quieter and can range in price from extremely budget-friendly to luxurious.

6. How to Cross the Road

Vietnam roads are chaotic and crazy, crossing the road can be tough. The majority of locals and tourists ride motorbikes which means the roads are full of them. Once you get into the habit of crossing the roads, it gets better. If there are no traffic lights, the best thing is to walk slowly and the bikes will move around you.

7. Watch Your Belongings

Vietnam is a welcoming place and you do feel safe. However, with any place you need to be aware of the people around you and watch your belongings. Tourists are obvious targets with expensive cameras and phones. In crowded areas, keep your bag and valuables around your front and don’t leave them unattended.

8. Learn to Haggle

Haggling is a part of Vietnamese culture and could really help your travel budget go further. You can barter on almost anything including fruit, vegetables and souvenirs. Once you get the hang of it, it can be a lot of fun.

9. Vietnamese Food

Well known for its incredible food, Vietnamese dishes are filled with amazing flavours and ingredients. Street food, in particular, is a massive part of Vietnamese culture and local life. Pull up a very small plastic stool on the side of the road and dive into a delicious meal. It’s best to buy from stalls where the food is made fresh and hot in front of you.

Vietnam is a fascinating place to visit filled with welcoming locals, delectable food and stunning landscape. Whether you’re a history buff, adrenaline junky or avid photographer, Vietnam is a must-visit country and should be on everyone’s bucket list.

How to Travel Vietnam on a Budget

Vietnam is not an expensive place to visit. In fact, it’s a dream come true for budget travellers who are looking to get the most out of their hard-earned dollars. But despite it being a cheap country to visit, it’s important that you come prepared, especially if you’re planning to stay longer. If you’re not prepared, you could end up spending way beyond your travel budget. So here are some tips on how to travel Vietnam on a budget.

Explore the City on a Motorbike

If you are going to visit some of the major cities of Vietnam, such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, one way to save on your travel budget is to rent a motorbike! Dubbed as the motorbike country, you’ll find millions of motorbikes running around the streets of Vietnam every single day. And since there are so many motorbikes, you should be able to rent one at a very cheap price.

If you’re staying for several months, consider buying a secondhand motorbike that costs less than $400 only, which you can resell when the time comes that you will leave the country. Driving on a motorbike will surely save you a lot on your daily transportation costs.

However, you must have a valid International Driving License to rent one, or you’ll be slap with a hefty fine if you get caught driving without a license. Furthermore, the roads in Vietnam have many potholes so you have to be careful when driving. Above all, make sure you get a good helmet and secure reliable travel insurance.

Stay in a Budget Hotel

There are plenty of cheap accommodation options in Vietnam. After all, it’s a haven for backpackers and budget travelers. But in order to save a good amount of money for your Vietnam accommodation, it’s a good idea to book your hotel as early as possible. Keep an eye out for deals, especially for long-term stays.  If you will simply show up at the hotel’s door upon your arrival, they will assume that you are in desperate need of a bed and have no other options, so they will quote you a higher rate.

The cheapest options for an accommodation in Vietnam are backpacker hostels where you get to sleep in bunk beds and share the entire room with several other travellers. While this might seem like a great way to meet new friends and exchange travel tales with fellow travelers, you will not have your own privacy and personal space.

Another great option for an affordable accommodation in Vietnam is staying at a local homestay. This is usually cheaper and you may be able to live with a local family, which is a great way to learn more about the local culture. If you’re lucky, your host might even show you around the city for free!

Eat at Street Foods

You can save a significant amount of money on food in Vietnam if you will choose to eat at street foods and local restaurants. If you take time to explore the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi, you should be able to find plenty of food stalls selling local meals for less than a dollar.

Try to avoid eating at places that cater to tourists, since the prices here are understandably expensive. Vietnam has lots of delicious local foods, such as the piping hot bowl of Pho, Vietnamese rolls, Banh mi, and other tasty treats that are very affordable.

If you’re staying at an apartment that has a functional kitchen, you can shop at the local markets for fresh produce and cook your own food! Like most Southeast Asian countries, fruits and vegetables are in abundance in Vietnam and you can buy them at very cheap prices.

Amazing Places to See In Vietnam

Vietnam is definitely one of the most spectacular travel destinations in Asia. With scenic mountain views, stunning rivers and seas, not to mention delicious food and coffee, it’s no wonder why Vietnam is one of the most visited countries in the Asian region.

There are so many things to see in Vietnam, but if your time in the country is limited, here’s a list of some of the most amazing places that you should not miss.

Mekong Delta

If you do a search of Vietnam online, images of colorful floating markets and rice paddies will surely come up. You’ll be able to view these scenes in the Mekong Delta, located in the southwestern part of Vietnam. The Mekong Delta is Vietnam’s architectural region and its soil has been made fertile by the long maze of streams flowing through the Mekong River.

Sapa

Surrounded by picturesque mountains and rice fields, Sapa is a charming sleepy town in the northwestern region of Vietnam that is a great base for trekking, as this is where the Hoang Lien Son Mountains is located. Aside from trekking, visitors would come to Sapa to explore the beautiful rice paddies, remote villages, and stunning waterfalls.

Hanoi

Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital city and a must-visit when you’re traveling to the country. A trip to this fascinating city offers a blend of adventure and mystery. It’s dotted with numerous museums and countless colonial buildings featuring an interesting combination of Western and Eastern influences. From the scenic-tree lined boulevards to quaint coffee shops serving mouthwatering Vietnamese coffee, Hanoi should be on top of your list of places to see in Vietnam.

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is another picturesque destination in Vietnam, famous for its cluster of limestone surrounded by a massive body of aqua green water. Located 80 miles east of the city of Hanoi, this beautiful destination has more than 2,000 jungle-covered islands that were naturally sculptured for centuries and have been transformed into fantastic formations that they are now. 

Ho Chi Minh City

The city of Ho Chi Minh is another popular destination in Vietnam. Located along the Saigon River and in close proximity to the Mekong Delta in the southern part of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh serves as the capital of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Nowadays, Ho Chi Minh is the largest city in the country, offering numerous historic and modern attractions, ideal for all kinds of travelers.

Dalat

Dalat is one of those places in Vietnam that enjoys cool weather all year round. Surrounded by idyllic scenery of lush pine trees, misty valleys and colorful flower plantations, Dalat is definitely one of the most beautiful places to see in Vietnam. Dotted by colonial buildings and villas featuring French colonial architecture, strolling through this charming city is truly a feast for the eyes.

Hoi An

Hoi An is another beautiful old city that is one of Vietnam’s most popular destination. The city was established 2,000 years ago during the Champa Kingdom and several ancient buildings can still be found scattered all over the city today. At the heart of Hoi An is the Old Town, which is lined with traditional wooden houses and various local shops selling custom-made clothing and souvenir items.

How to Spend Two Days in Da Lat

Set in Vietnam’s southern central highlands, Da Lat is a beautiful mountain town surrounded by rolling landscapes, waterfalls and forests. Known for its coffee, flowers and cool climate, Da Lat is a popular destination, allowing visitors to escape the heat. Originally built by the French as a resort town in the early 1900s, much of the French colonial architecture can be seen throughout the town.

Even if you’re strapped for time, it would be a shame to miss out on the culture and adventure Da Lat has to offer. There’s plenty of ways to see Da Lat, either rent a motorbike and start exploring or book an Easy Rider tour and let someone else do all the driving whilst you soak up the views. If you have 48 hours to spend in Da Lat, here’s how you should spend it.

Day One

Morning : Rooftop Breakfast, Cable Car to Truc Lam Pagoda and Tuyen Lam Lake

Start your day off right with a hearty breakfast overlooking the town. Da Lat Backpackers Hostel offers a free breakfast on the balcony with accommodation. Lap up a tasty breakfast followed by a Vietnamese coffee and head out for the day.

Catch the cable car from Robin Hill and take in panoramic views of the mountains as you head up to experience Vietnam’s largest zen monastery and visit Truc Lam Pagoda. The cable car journey itself is fantastic and a brilliant way to see Da Lat. Spend your morning exploring the monastery before heading down the steps to see Tuyen Lam Lake. Also known as “Paradise Lake”, the man-made reservoir is a great place to relax and unwind.

Afternoon: Lunch and Elephant Waterfalls

After a busy morning exploring the countryside, grab some lunch to keep your energy up. There are a number of restaurants throughout the town ranging from budget-friendly local eateries to expensive dine-in options. The elephant waterfalls can be found around 28km from Da Lat city centre and can be reached easily by motorbike or tour. The waterfalls are allegedly named after a large rock that resembled an elephant. The admission cost is 10,000 VND. Da Lat is surrounded by waterfalls, if you have time be sure to visit Datanla Waterfalls and Pongour Falls as well.

Evening: Night Market and The Maze Bar

After the sun sets you can stroll through Da Lat’s night market. Based in the city centre the market sells delicious food, souvenirs and clothes. A charming market to explore at night before heading out for drinks. If you like to drink at quirky and unique places then the Maze Bar is for you. Prepare to get lost in the winding corridors and crannies, the bar also known as the 100 Roofs Bar provides a surreal drinking experience.

Day Two

Morning : Coffee Plantation Visit

Trai Ham Da Lat Weasel Coffee farm is the town’s first organic coffee farm and is open to visitors. Spend the morning learning everything you need to know about weasel coffee and try out some blends. Weasel coffee is popular throughout Vietnam but Da Lat is known for it. If you’re a big coffee drinker then this excursion is definitely for you.

Afternoon : Crazy House, Da Lat Railway Station and Vintage Train Ride

The Crazy House, officially called Hang Nga Guesthouse & Art Gallery, is a unique and bizarre structure in Da Lat. Designed by Dang Viet Nga, the house is a labyrinth of twisting and turning corridors and staircases. This is a completely different experience and wonder of architecture. You can either stay in one of the rooms or visit for the day at a cost of 20,000 VND. Next, head to the Da Lat railway station, a beautiful building with large colourful windows and a functioning Japanese steam train. Explore Da Lat’s countryside by taking the train to Trai Mat Village for just 106,000 VND.

Evening : The Escape Bar

After two days of exploring, head to the Escape bar for some cocktails and entertainment. A great choice for live music with regular outstanding performances, expect to hear covers from Hendrix and The Eagles amongst other greats.

Whether it’s a romantic getaway for two or a stop along the way, start planning your trip to Da Lat. Before travelling anywhere always double check the visa requirements. When travelling to Vietnam, the requirements can be different depending on your country of origin, this can make it tricky to navigate. Here’s where Visa-Vietnam.Org can step in, they take out the hassle of arranging a visa for you. The easy-to-use service has clear step-by-step instructions and fees, simply fill out the form and they’ll do the rest for you. Let Visa-Vietnam.Org take care of your Vietnam visa so you can focus on the fun part, planning your Vietnam adventure.

A Night of Laughs: Vietnamese Comedy

The first thing you think of when you think of Vietnam might not be stand up comedy.

But here and across South East Asia there is a burgeoning scene of expats, locals and international headliners coming to the region to audiences starved of a type of entertainment that hasn’t truly taken hold of in this part of the world. We are going to look at the comedy scene in Vietnam, so if your a fan of laughing read on and find out what is happening in the country today.

So when it comes to comedy in Vietnam you have look at the two main cities. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. Both have a thriving scene with nights for international headliners and nights for new acts called “open mic” nights. Don’t be put off by the idea of new acts some of these people will be great comics in their own right and you can often see them in a more relaxed and cheaper environment for much less!  Stand-Up Comedy is performed almost always in English which is great for the expat or the tourist passing through.

So let us look at the two cities and see what they have to offer.

The North

The biggest promoter in Hanoi has to be Stand Up Hanoi. Who host regular monthly shows, both inviting international comics to perform in Hanoi & featuring the local Hanoi stand-up comedy scene. All the gigs take place in the Standing Bar(170 Trấn Vũ, Trúc Bạch). Which is a great spot for a drink when you are in Hanoi anyway, I can’t recommend the place enough it has the biggest craft beer selection in all of Hanoi. The caliber of the act that comes through here is absolutely astonishing, recently hosting Tom Rhodes from the US and Yina Gashere from the UK!

New acts and up and coming comedians can be found at regular nights under the “Brown and Yellow” banner. Hosted by Minkus Nguyen of course from Vietnam and a regular performer in Hanoi and Soham Dave two very funny gentleman. The room is a beautiful space in the heart of the city at the Mojito Bar. (19 Nguyen Quang Bich) If you are a traveling comedian or just want to give comedy a try give them a message and give it a shot. Shows are once a month so check the dates on their Facebook and get laughing!

The South

Now to HCMC where the comedy scene is absolutely thriving. Whether you are an audience member or a performing there are many more venues in HCMC.

The Heart of Darkness bar (31D LY Tu Trong, D1) Is one of the homes of Saigon Comedy, located in D1 the heart of the city and a great venue to watch comedy. Serving craft beer from all over the world it hosts a weekly and relaxed open mic night for the city’s performers.

The Yoko Bar(22A Nguyen Thi Dieu, D3) has some of the best comedy bills in Vietnam. With its large seating area and classy venue, it attracts some of the biggest crowds and best comedians from the local and international scenes. Shows are on a monthly basis so check there Facebook regularly to see whats going on.

Comedy Saigon is the biggest promoter in the city with gigs all over the city so it is worth keeping up with their social media. Recently Doug Stanhope came through as part of a tour of South East Asia and Australia. Any comedy fan can tell you to see Doug Stanhope in a city such as Saigon is not something to be missed!

So when you are in Vietnam living or passing through don’t just do the usual tourist stuff experience some great live entertainment in a burgeoning artform in this part of the world. It’s exciting, watching local Vietnamese performers create a scene and world-class headliners from all around the world get loose in a theatre in Saigon! Everyone loves to laugh to get out to a show!

Visa information

Depending on how and why you are traveling to Vietnam, whether it is your sole destination or as part of a larger trip across many countries, there are many different visa options for you depending on your particular circumstance. But don’t fret! Here at visa-vietnam.org, we are here to help you navigate the process, making it as stress-free as possible so all you have to do is arrive and get eating!

Ultimate Vietnam Travel: Ten Tips for Backpacking Vietnam

An extremely popular backpacking destination but unlike its very touristy neighbour, Thailand, it still has that untouched feel. Known for its varying landscapes ranging from rolling mountains in the north to rivers, beaches and bustling cities. Its natural beauty, culture and history mean Vietnam is only bound to get even more popular as a backpacking hotspot. The dynamic country offers visitors an intense glimpse at Vietnamese life from ethnic minorities in tribal villages in Sapa to cities full of skyscrapers. Be prepared to try incredible food, meet fellow travellers and stay at very backpacker-friendly hostels with rates to match.

1. Enjoy the Food

It seems like an obvious one but it’s so easy to be drawn towards the ‘safe’ option whilst travelling but Vietnamese food is truly delicious. Street food is extremely cheap, it would be a shame not to try it. As well as street food, there are plenty of local restaurants as well as more expensive establishments, depending on what you would rather experience.

2. When to go?

If you plan on travelling the whole country, it can be difficult to decide when to go. The best time to go to Vietnam is during Spring (February to April) or Autumn (August to October), the temperature is moderate and rainfall lighter. Having said that, Vietnam can be visited at any time of the year but for optimum weather, these are the best times to go.

3. Drink Up

Vietnam is hot which means it’s so important to stay hydrated. Always keep bottled water on you or pick one up as you go. It’s so cheap to buy and is available in different sizes. Whether you’re doing activities or not, the heat can get to you very quickly.

4. Travel by Train

Combine your travel and accommodation by taking a train during your journey. As well as the main route between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, there are links with other parts of northern Vietnam. Travel, sleep and get fantastic views on the way. Prices differ depending on the train and type of carriage you require, with faster trains being more expensive.

5. Always Ask ‘How Much?’

Prices always seem to be changing in Vietnam so be sure to ask how much something is ahead of buying it. Agree on a price before you reach for your wallet then you won’t be disappointed. It’s very easy to get taken advantage of whilst travelling through a foreign country and even though something may be cheap, it could be a lot more expensive than it’s meant to be.

6. Learn to Barter

This is vital whilst travelling through Vietnam. Bartering is a part of everyday life, whether you’re buying fruit at a market or looking for souvenirs. It’s definitely a skill that needs to be worked on but once you get the hang of it, it can be really fun.

7. Rent a Motorbike

Seeing the country by motorbike is a very popular method of transport in Vietnam. However, it’s important to be very careful as the roads can be dangerous and busy. Navigating the road, other drivers and pedestrians can be difficult. It’s possible to rent motorbikes in most cities so you can explore the area without having to commit to buying a motorbike. The Hai Van Pass, the route connecting Da Nang and Hue is particularly beautiful and very calming.

8. Learn Some Vietnamese

Vietnamese is a difficult language to grasp but it’s common courtesy to try and learn some conversational basics. Be sure to learn hello and thank you before heading to Vietnam, anything else you learn along the way is a bonus.

9. Pay Close Attention to Your Money

The currency in Vietnam is Dong and notes go into the millions. The notes can look quite similar so be careful when paying for items and check the zeros on the notes to ensure you don’t overpay. It’s an easy yet unnecessary way to lose money, with a simple double check you can keep track of your Dong.

10. Triple Check Your Visa

Last but not least be sure to triple check your visa requirements and make sure that your visa is in place before heading to Vietnam. There are a number of different types of visas available for entry into Vietnam ranging from one month to a three-month multiple entry visa. Visa-Vietnam.Org can arrange everything for you so you don’t need to worry about your visa before travelling. The easy-to-use service clearly lists visa requirements for all nationalities. Simply pay for the visa you require and your E-Visa or Visa on arrival will be arranged for you.

Whether you plan on seeing the entire country from the south to the north or intend on visiting Ha Long Bay, these travel tips will help prepare you for your journey to Vietnam.