Unforeseen problems are the last thing you want to deal with when you visit Vietnam. We prepared a list of tips for your fulfilling and stress-free travel
Places, sights, culture, food… this destination is extremely versatile and even a solo traveler may struggle to decide spontaneously. Make sure that your companion(s) and you have similar expectations for the trip. Share your ideas and interests to balance up the plans and try to compromise when these differ. Be wise and invest time in experiences, rather than arguments. Great memories shared with your loved ones are a much better souvenir than frustration and feelings of missed chances.
“The country is not too big, one week is enough to go across” – Nothing is impossible, and you can traverse unlimited distances in quite limited time, but you are unlikely to enjoy the vacation that rather reminds track running.
“The cost of living is lower than in my country, I can travel like a king” – Do kings ever end up sleeping on the street, having underestimated their budgets?
Weigh the desires against opportunities before you visit Vietnam, and you won’t need to tackle sudden but easily preventable problems.
Prior research and early booking will save both your nerves and your wallet. Firstly, you will have ample time to perfect your plans and simply follow your well-designed itinerary upon arrival. Secondly, the cost of transport tickets, accommodation and tours rise over time. Though lingering and taking a chance to catch a last-minute discount might sound tempting, looking ahead will keep you on the safe side. In fact, you can find reasonable prices if you book your journey for several months in advance.
Visa is one of the first things to consider when planning a trip. Choosing what kind of visa you need to visit Vietnam depends on the purpose and length of your stay and your nationality, and there are multiple ways to obtain it. You can visit the embassy directly in your country, apply for e-visa or visa on arrival. Feeling lost? There are numerous reliable travel agencies that offer their assistance for reasonable prices.
Another point is health issues. If a visit to a local hospital is not in your to-do list, consult with your doctor and take recommended vaccinations. Keep in mind that some kinds of vaccines are to be taken months or weeks prior to the trip and require re-vaccination. Insurance is an essential part of your travel arrangements. Depending on the length of your stay and kind of activities you’ll take up, different insurance plans are available.
There is no best time to visit the tropical, monsoon-influenced Vietnam. Several climatic zones within this country create a highly diverse weather map, and certain parts of Vietnam are more preferred for visiting in certain months. If you don’t feel like wearing a raincoat while you expected a swimsuit, or carry the burden of unnecessary sweaters on a scorching summer afternoon, plan and pack accordingly.
How to use chopsticks? How to greet and thank people? How to tip at a restaurant? How to act right at a Vietnamese homestay?
Overlooking the local etiquette can lead to quite a number of awkward or utterly embarrassing situations during your stay in a foreign country. To be sure, you should learn about the essential guide to Vietnamese etiquette. After all, with a mind open to learning new norms and practices (that are at times fairly extraordinary compared to what you’re used to!), you have all chances for an unforgettable immersive experience of the local culture. Isn’t it what you’re looking for when you visit Vietnam?
Your smartphone will be the best helper during your trip to Vietnam.
Overwhelmed with the bustling life on the big streets or taking shortcuts in the narrow crooked alleyways, it’s easy to get lost. Make sure to download offline maps before the trip, and you’ll be ready to explore without the risk.
In the big cities, more and more restaurants now have an English menu, and the staff in hotels and public places can often speak the language. However, the chances remain high enough that you’ll end up signing to communicate and guessing what stands behind the hard-to-read words. Offline dictionaries and translators will ease the task and won’t let the language boundaries spoil your travel experience.
