Top 10 things to consider before planning a trip to Vietnam
If you are a first-time traveller to Vietnam, then you will want to make sure you have the holiday of your lifetime. Nowhere else will you come across so many travel choices, diverse attractions or ability to travel around your budget? So make sure you are travel-ready. Consider the following to travel smart and make your Vietnam holiday the most memorable of your travel journeys.
1. Visa gets top priority
Wondering why the focus on the visa? That’s because Vietnam takes its visa formalities seriously. No excuses if you forgot to have your visa-on-arrival printed on the right paper. If you thought you could book your first night stay after you landed, you’d be mistaken. You need to have your proposed accommodation ready for filling out your arrival form.
Does the country you belong to qualify for a free 15-day visa or a 30-day visa? Is it better to take a multiple-point visa, or a single-entry visa? There are several visa issues to look into once you have checked out your Vietnam holiday. No worries. There are many providers who can do your visa requirements for a fee. So, make sure to approach an agency and apply for your visa-on-arrival before you land up!
So, make sure you do not land up on Vietnam land without a proper visa pre-approval letter, the mandatory 2 photographs and of course, your passport!
2. Take a travel insurance
Okay, so you thought because Vietnam does not make it compulsory to for a travel insurance plan you may very well skip it! Not a wise decision when you are visiting a foreign country, where you will avail of multiple modes of transport to get around - flying, maybe kayaking, cruising, two-wheeler backpacking, or simply crossing a busy traffic intersection! You definitely need an insurance cover, especially if you are travelling during a typhoon season or arriving by boat. So do some research on Vietnam, chalk out a plan of the locations you plan to visit or the season, explore the potential risks, and discuss with your insurance provider for the best coverage.
3. Plan your itinerary to match expectations
Vietnam offers so much to do and see that chalking your itinerary may pose a challenge. You can begin with planning your time of travel, number of days, and holiday wants-list. Are you free to travel during the non-typhoon season, namely months? Are you planning to visit Vietnam over the weekend on a hopping tour from a neighbouring Asian country, or have serious intentions of exploring the length and breadth of this amazing country? Are you a travel adventurer seeking to explore the many adventure activities of Vietnam? Do you want to explore Vietnam’s amazing geographical sites and activities? Or are you looking at soaking up the culture and spirituality that pervades Vietnam? Whatever your expectations, Vietnam can fulfil them. All you need to do is plan your travel itinerary and visa application in tune with your holiday details.
4. Check your travel vaccinations
Although Vietnam does not have a list of compulsory vaccinations, you will need to factor-in your destination in Vietnam and the month of the visit. Like any other tropical country, risks are associated with travel season and rural or country-side destinations. Such remote locations may lack amenities, safe drinking water or be mosquito infested.
So if you are planning to trek, or visit the back country, like every seasoned trekker you are already aware of the hazards. So it is recommended that you look up the vaccination advisory and take the necessary measures before your holiday.
5. Clothing
Vietnam has a hot, sultry weather. Carrying thin, light and loose-fitting cotton or linen clothes is recommended. You will also need protection from the strong sun, so a hat, umbrella or parasol is a must-carry. If you are visiting during rainy months, carry quick-dry non leather sandals. Like any other Asian country where travel includes visits to temples and pagodas, a stole to wrap around shoulders or cover the head is a must-carry, just as a pair of long cotton trousers.
You may also opt to carry less and pick up cotton clothes at any of the vibrant markets in Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi.
6. Know the culture
Western travellers are largely ignorant about the cultural ethos of Asians. They may not understand the significance of local rituals, or what behaviour is a mark of disrespect or rudeness. So it makes sense to read up on local culture and spiritual rituals for an understanding of Vietnamese culture.
Respect the local norms, and join in the festivals and spiritual events across Vietnam, for a terrific Vietnam holiday!
7. Carry your dollars
This is a country where your dollar is equally valid. So make sure to carry US dollars. You will need them in the first instance to pay your visa fees. When you change currency or withdraw from an ATM, have some Vietnamese Dong for getting around and street-snacking. However, you can retain US dollars for making payments at restaurants, bars, shops, markets, and hotel or tour operators.
8. Whether DIY or organised travel
A mix is recommended, where you have an agency take care of your visa requirements and /or hotel booking, while you book state-approved tour operators for day tours at very low prices.
9. What you need to carry – a checklist
Like most travel checklists carry your first aid kit, rucksack, travel wash and a separate pouch or wallet for the visa and travel documents you will carry around with you.
Other must-carry’s are:
• Light stole
• Light-weight cotton trousers
• Waterproof jacket
• Strong mosquito repellent
• Insect bite ointments
• Sandals/ trainers
• Money-belt to carry your currency
• Dry bag, for water adventure
10. Learn to spot the counterfeit tour agency
Travelling in Vietnam is much about travelling smarter. As a country that only recently opened up to world tourism, the tourist industry is largely unregulated. You need to be travel savvy and guard yourself from being scammed by counterfeit travel agencies. Some useful pointers are using travel companies that have a website presence, or are recommended your hotel. However, the people of Vietnam are very warm and friendly, and are always willing to offer recommendations or local guidance.
