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 considered one of the safest countries to visit in Southeast Asia, which is probably why it is becoming popular 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 while undertaking the trip. Research shows that Vietnam has seen a 32.1% growth in tourism. Here are five travel tips for visiting Vietnam for the first time.
How do you plan your trip to Vietnam?
- 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 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 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 have respectable clothing covering 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 an essential part of religious life and are 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 a place to be for cosmopolitan Vietnamese life, and 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 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 various regions during your first trip to Vietnam, it is advisable to travel by air. Vietnam’s poor road conditions and infrastructure are best avoided during rush hours—a downpour. Flying is your best bet unless you want to spend hours on the road for a short journey. - Try the local food.
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 and often provides cheap and tasty options. Be sure to pick a stall that attracts locals, a good quality indicator. As street food is prepared before your eyes, it is a good way to assess hygiene standards. - 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 what the item will cost in Vietnamese dong. If you are 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 you will find these travel tips helpful when visiting Vietnam!
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