Visiting a new place for the first time can be daunting, especially if it’s not somewhere where trusted friends and family have been before you. Vietnam is considered to be one of the safest countries to visit in South-East Asia, which is probably why it is increasing in popularity as a tourist destination. From mountainous landscapes to beaches and bustling cities, there is plenty to do in Vietnam. We recommend a few travel tips for visiting Vietnam that can be very useful while undertaking the trip. In fact, research shows that Vietnam has seen a 32.1% growth in tourism. Here are 5 travel tips for visiting Vietnam for the first time.

Pack wisely before planning a trip to Vietnam

The country spans over 15° of latitude and as a result, has a varied climate. A monsoonal climate with four distinct seasons is the case in the North, while the South has a tropical monsoon climate with just two seasons: rainy and dry. As such you should pack clothing to reflect the locations you will be visiting and at which time of year. It’s a good idea to pack loose clothing for during the day and a hoodie or fleece for the evenings in the winter months. If you plan to visit religious sites, make sure you have respectable clothing to cover the shoulders and knees. 

Where to visit during your trip to Vietnam

You can’t come to the country without visiting at least one of the many Buddhist pagodas. These temples are not only an important part of religious life here but are also architecturally beautiful with their sloped roofs. You can get a further taste of local culture by visiting the floating markets of the Mekong Delta where locals trade goods from their boats.

Ho Chi Minh city is the place to be for cosmopolitan Vietnamese life and if you’re after a good beach, well, it’s probably better to head elsewhere. Although Vietnam is home to over 2,000 miles of coastline, its beaches are a far cry from the tranquil shores of neighboring Cambodia and Thailand. Even Sao Beach, supposedly the most beautiful in Vietnam, is lined with litter and bleached coral. Not the idyllic bay pictured in your holiday brochure. 

Fly within the country

If you want to visit a variety of regions during your first trip to Vietnam, it is advisable to travel by air. Vietnam’s road conditions and infrastructure are poor and are best avoided altogether during rush hours. A downpour also spells disaster for traffic due to a severe lack of drainage. Unless you want to spend hours on the road for even just a short journey, flying is your best bet. 

Try the local food

Whilst it might not be the cuisine you’re used to at home, it’s always a good experience to try the local food. Street food is very prevalent in Vietnam and often provides cheap and tasty options. Be sure to pick a stall attracting locals as this is a good indicator of quality. As street food is prepared before your eyes, it is a good way to assess hygiene standards.

Learn to haggle

Street vendors and other traders and service providers will often attempt to charge westerners a higher price than locals. It’s advisable to have an idea of what the item will cost in Vietnamese dong. If you think you are being overcharged, do not be afraid to decline the first price and haggle for a better deal. It’s advisable not to have expensive jewelry or other items on show as this may signal wealth to traders who will be reluctant to bargain on price.

We hope that you will find these travel tips for visiting Vietnam very useful!