Visiting a new place for the first time can be daunting, especially if it’s not where trusted friends and family have been before you. Vietnam is one of the safest countries to visit in Southeast Asia, which is likely why it is gaining 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 useful during your trip. Research shows that Vietnam has seen a 32.1% growth in tourism. Here are some 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 environment with four distinct seasons is typical in the North, whereas the South has a tropical monsoon climate with only two seasons: rainy and dry. As such, you should pack clothing to reflect the locations you will visit and the 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, ensure you wear respectable clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.
How do you plan a trip to Vietnam and explore the country?
1.You can’t plan a trip to Vietnam without visiting at least one of the many Buddhist pagodas. These temples are an essential part of religious life and are architecturally beautiful, characterized by sloping 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.
2. Ho Chi Minh City is a place to be for cosmopolitan Vietnamese life. If you’re after a good beach, it’s probably better to head elsewhere. Although Vietnam is home to over 2,000 miles of coastline, its beaches are far from the tranquil shores of neighbouring Cambodia and Thailand. Even Sao Beach, the most beautiful in Vietnam, is lined with litter and bleached coral. Not the idyllic bay pictured in your holiday brochure.
3. Learn to haggle – Street vendors, other traders, and service providers will often attempt to charge Westerners a higher price than locals. It’s advisable to know the cost of the item in Vietnamese dong. If you are overcharged, do not hesitate to decline the initial price and negotiate for a better deal. It’s advisable not to display expensive jewellery or other items, as this may signal wealth to traders who will be reluctant to bargain on price.
4. Whilst it might not be the cuisine you’re used to at home, trying the local food is always a good experience. Street food is prevalent in Vietnam, offering affordable and delicious options that cater to a wide range of tastes. Be sure to pick a stall that attracts locals, as this is a good indicator of its quality. Hawkers prepare the street food before your eyes, which is a good way to assess hygiene standards.
CONCLUSION
If you want to visit various regions during your first trip to Vietnam, it is advisable to travel by air. Travellers often avoid trips during rush hours due to Vietnam’s poor road conditions and inadequate infrastructure. Flying is usually the best option unless you’re willing to spend hours on the road for a short journey. We hope you will find these travel tips helpful when planning a trip to Vietnam!