10 Things To Consider Before Planning Your Holidays In Vietnam

A rapidly growing and well-liked tourism destination is Vietnam.

Due to Vietnam's colorful and expansive scenery, you may be sliding down a sand dune in the morning and strolling along the beach in the evening with Vietnam travel packages. 

However, Vietnam may be a nation of extremes. It becomes incredibly, terribly hot when it's summer in June. Plus, oceans spill from the sky when it rains. Moreover, first-time visitors to Vietnam's cities frequently complain that the dense crowds in the tourist areas and the seemingly impenetrable traffic walls overwhelm them. 

Nevertheless, a voyage on a wooden boat along the Mekong river will transport you to a time when modernism predominated.

What should you learn before traveling to Vietnam?

1. Consider your visa

The granting of visas in Vietnam is simple, yet other nations have various rules. More than 30 countries can obtain a visa upon arrival. 

Additionally, if you have a US or UK passport, you may go to Vietnam for the first 15 days for free. However, if you decide to prolong your stay, you will need to contact the embassy to renew your passport. 

Similar to that, repeated entrances are not permitted. You must have the visa ready if you want to visit another nation like Thailand or Cambodia and then wish to return.

2. Never undervalue the weather

From May to October, you should be ready for both blazing temperatures and sopping wet shoes in In Ho Chi Minh city. In exchange, you will receive regular, spectacular lightning displays.

Similarly, Hanoi experiences four distinct seasons: extremely hot and steamy summers and miserably cold and muggy winters. So, when you book Vietnam holiday packages and travel to the north, you'll want warmer clothing than just your linen beachwear.

3. Traveling by air is thoughtful

Vietnam is a long, narrow nation. It would take approximately 30 hours to drive the more than 1,000 kilometers between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, which are in opposite directions. Even with a full month in Vietnam, you should expect to fly if you want to see all the major attractions in the south, center, and north.

You could save a few bucks by taking the bus or train, but you'll lose a lot of time traveling these great distances. If you plan ahead, you may discover cheap domestic flights.

4. Language considerations

Many English-speaking people live in places like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. However, you will struggle to find people who are more fluent in English in the countryside and smaller towns.

The most common language you will find, as a matter of fact, is Vietnamese.

The national tongue of Vietnam is Vietnamese, historically known as Annamese. There are about 59 million Vietnamese speakers on the globe. Plus, Vietnamese is widely spoken among the ethnic minority and in nearby nations like Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.

5. Cache the plastic because cash is king

One of those currencies that makes you feel like you've won the jackpot when you book your Vietnam tour packages is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). 

In Vietnam, cash is also king. Never forget to have cash with you. Almost everything must be paid for in cash, with occasional exceptions, including expensive lodging and dining establishments in big cities like Hanoi, HCMC, and Da Nang. 

But, credit cards are frequently accepted by tour operators, and you may use your cards to make bus and rail reservations if you use any online booking sites. 

In Vietnam, it is easy to gain cash from ATMs, but some ATMs could impose a minor fee.

6. Street crossing calls for caution

Vietnam's crazy traffic is well known across the world. Thousands of motorcyclists predominate and weave in and out of traffic. Hence, they are more of a problem than cars. 

Here, walk signs and the white lines that typically designate "pedestrian crossing" zones are of little significance.

You'll need to be extremely cautious every time you try to cross the street because motorbike drivers don't adhere to standard traffic laws like staying off the sidewalks, traveling the proper way down a one-way road, or stopping for red lights.

7. Being an early bird will benefit you

In the realm of tourism, getting up early is underrated. It's amazing how often we have a spot to ourselves at 6 a.m. that becomes crowded by 9 a.m.

Only by pulling yourself out of bed before daybreak and getting a wiggle on can you effectively do this if you want to have the best opportunity of visiting a major tourist spot without throngs of people.

So, when you book Vietnam holiday packages, remember that Vietnam is the same. 

Get up early to visit Hoi. Only the residents cleaning the sidewalks in front of their stores provide companionship in this old town in the early morning. 

Arrive at the Mua Cave Viewpoint trailhead in Ninh Binh at 6 a.m. to take in the peak alone. The early morning's cooler temperature is an additional plus.

8. Walking on the sidewalk is a myth

You might believe you can avoid the chaotic traffic in Vietnam's cities because there are so many spacious walkways, right? 

No, you cannot. Because of the numerous parked motorbikes and plastic restaurant tables that line the sidewalks, you'll discover that you must generally stroll in the street.

In the tourist regions of Hanoi and Saigon, it is quite inconvenient. However, as was already said, motorbike riders in Vietnam are skilled at dodging people.

But, you'll be grateful for places with defined pedestrian spaces, like Hoi An, so you won't have to worry about meandering along the side of the road and getting sideswiped by a motorbike.

9. Passport copies can be useful

Take copies of your passports at all times. Take many backups! You can never envision when you'll need them. 

Naturally, hotels will want the original document to register you as a guest. In some areas of Vietnam, it has been reported that property owners would hang onto your passports as security. 

But, leaving your passport behind is never a smart idea, so use photocopies of your passport and visa and say you will pay in advance for all of your nights. This eliminates the requirement for collateral.

Additionally, when renting a motorcycle from a rental facility, it's also a good idea to have copies of your passport. Again, leaving your actual passport behind is not a smart idea, but most places will take photocopies.

10.Sleeper buses are better than trains

Many claim that traveling in Vietnam by rail is an experience in and of itself. However, buses are the most affordable and excellent kind of transportation. 

There is considerable legroom, air conditioning, nice seats, and some even have WiFi. Most importantly, they often arrive on schedule. You might save money on transportation to your hotel or hostel if they drop you off in the city or central section of certain towns.

In conclusion

Vietnam is one of the top destinations for travelers in SE Asia, can connect with its neighbor Thailand and Cambodia tours.

Even if most people have a positive opinion of Vietnam, it's unfortunate that many still don't realize how beautiful it is! Perhaps they lacked some knowledge or had not made adequate plans or preparations.

So, refer to the guide mentioned above to make the most of your Vietnam holidays.