The hazy terraces of Sapa, the enormous caves of Phong Nha, the crowded streets of Saigon, or the windswept beaches of Nha Trang—what are the best ways for tourists to experience this stunning country? There are nearly 330,000 square kilometers to travel through in Vietnam, a nation with a population of nearly 90 million. Some routes are undoubtedly easier than others.
Covid has assisted people in realizing the value of travel for their physical and mental well-being until the journey becomes more difficult. Travel is a "vitamin" for life, and in 2022, many people will use vacations as a way to "care for themselves."
When making travel plans for the most epic Southeast Asia trip, there are so many things to do in Vietnam that it's simple to become overwhelmed. Keep this guide close at hand for all the must-see attractions and insider information, and you'll be prepared to explore the area.
The following guide will help you in your tour while in Vietnam:
1. Travel spending plan
Vietnam is one of the more affordable travel destinations despite the high cost of food, lodging, and transportation. Your travel budget, the price of round-trip tickets, and the cost of insurance should all be calculated before planning your trip to Vietnam because they will influence where and how long you want to travel.
Keep the following in mind:
● Save cash
● Request a customized travel package that is affordable.
● Budget additional funds for mementos, supplemental travel, and vacation extensions.
● Before leaving on a trip, ascertain whether there will be any unforeseen expenses.
2. Think about the seasons.
You can't anticipate arriving in Vietnam to "perfect" weather if you plan to travel the entire country. There is no escaping the fact that the climates in the north, center, and south, which are all very geographically separated from one another, are all very different.
Remember that the north is in a temperate region even though the majority of the country is tropical. In the mountainous north, wintertime temperatures are to be expected. Even in spring or fall, the nights can be a little chilly. Bring a winter jacket and perhaps a hoodie. Be prepared for it to be swelteringly hot and humid if you visit during the summer.
In the north, it is also cloudy and misty for a large portion of the year (because of both weather and smog). April through June, as well as September and October, are the months with the clearest skies over Halong Bay.
For central and southern Vietnam, the rainy season should be taken into consideration. For Hoi An, Hue, and Da Nang in central Vietnam, this happens in October or November. In the southern cities, like Ho Chi Minh City, May through October.
3. The length of your journey
Research each location in Vietnam on your own to learn more about it. The best course of action is to contact a local Vietnam tour operator who can offer you advice and useful tips. Additionally, you can inquire in some forums or travel groups.
Remember that there are too many appealing places to see in Vietnam for one week. Just focus on the northern and central parts.
● Two weeks in Vietnam are sufficient to visit all of the major attractions from north to south.
● Three weeks in Vietnam would be perfect! You have plenty of time as you travel from rural to rural, from mountains to beaches, to thoroughly explore Vietnam.
Vietnamese travel company
In order to travel safely and comfortably when Covid is still ongoing and you are in a risky situation, Vivutravel advises you to plan your Vietnam tour with a local Vietnam tour operator.
Seek recommendations from your friends for reputable Vietnam tour operators, and make sure they have a valid license (Business and tour operator licences)
● Confirm the Vietnam tour guide is still alive (survive from Covid-19)
● Check to see if the Vietnam tour operator responds promptly and provides knowledgeable services.
● Confirm the flexible cancellation and payment policies of the Vietnam tour operator.
Create a tour plan. Itinerary
You ought to go on a personalized, adaptable tour of Vietnam. Vivutravel makes everything clear to avoid misunderstandings, and changes can be made without incurring additional expenses while you are traveling.
There are a few things to keep in mind when traveling:
● Private tour packages to lower your risk of getting Covid-19;
● Customized tour packages to see and do what you want;
● Make sure there are no hidden fees when traveling;
● Be clear about what is included and excluded;
● Check that the hotels are in good locations and have adequate room sizes;
● Itinerary must be specific.
Book Your Flight
Before booking an international flight, check the arrival and departure times. Because hotels in Vietnam charge extra for early check-ins and late check-outs.
It is best to book domestic flights through your Vietnam travel agency so you can keep up with any changes.
Remember that hotels in Vietnam typically accept check-ins starting at 14:00 and check-outs ending at 12:00. Only use Vietnam Airlines to travel (Vietnam National Airlines, the best choice for comfort, on-time, and safety)
Choose a place.
Vietnam is a lovely country where you can travel all year round. Let's look at the best times of year in each Vietnam destination so you can plan your trip there perfectly.
Remember that there are four distinct seasons in northern Vietnam.
● Spring is cool, rainy, and drizzled, lasting from March to May.
● The summer, which is hot and muggy, lasts from June to August.
● Fall is a cool, dry season that lasts from September to November.
● The cold and gloomy winter season lasts from December to February.
Beautiful scenery can be found in Vietnam's northern region. Beautiful terraces can be found, among other things, in Sapa, Mu Cang Chai, Y Ty, Hoang Su Phi, as well as in Ha Giang, picturesque Trang An, and Ha Long Bay. The north is a good place to study Vietnamese history and culture.
There are two distinct seasons in the central region and the south:
● The dry season is from April to November: From June to November is typically when tropical storms and torrential rains occur. Although they could happen, delays rarely have a negative impact.
● The rainy season lasts from December to March. Despite the possibility, it doesn't always rain suddenly.
The best beaches in Vietnam can be found in Da Nang, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang, Mui Ne, Phu Quoc Island, as well as the historic cities of Hue and Hoi An.
Best Vietnamese Beaches
If you're hoping to find incredibly idyllic beaches that seem to have been plucked right out of a travel magazine, Vietnam might not be the first place to look. The beaches are pleasant, but I don't believe they can compete with the pristine, breathtaking beaches that are more easily accessible in Malaysia, Indonesia, or the Philippines.
I don't want to sound negative, but it's just my honest opinion. There are many wonderful beaches in Vietnam to choose from if you want to combine a cultural trip with some relaxing beach time. Vietnam may not be the best destination if you only want to visit for the beaches, though.
Vietnam Food
Outstanding cuisine can be found in Vietnam. However, you'd be mistaken if you assumed that it was only about spring rolls or pho noodle soup. There is a whole world of Vietnamese cuisine to discover, even though you may already be familiar with these dishes from Vietnamese restaurants.
Most tourists order bland or generic foods like "chicken stir fry" or "noodle soup" off of tourist menus. Vietnam also offers a wide range of other delicious foods, though there is nothing inherently wrong with these.
Respect the customs
Residents adhere to certain basic social norms, just like in other parts of Southeast Asia. It would be beneficial for travelers to pay attention to, or at the very least be aware of, the following:
● Because temples are regarded as sacred places, people should not wear shoes or hats inside them. Both sexes should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.
● Never touch someone's shoulder or pass something over their head.
● Avoid touching or showing affection to those who identify as the opposite sex in public.
● People of the same gender often sit very closely together or hold hands while walking as a sign of friendship. If you try to move between these two, they might be confused and expect you to walk around them.
Take care of your health.
You don't need to have a "vaccine passport" to enter Vietnam. Additionally, every Vietnamese child over the age of 12 will have received their vaccinations by the end of 2021. However, it is advised to take safety precautions, such as avoiding crowded areas, going to less well-known places, and following the Covid-19 Health & Safety Protocol, to keep yourself safe.
Every region of the country has a unique specialty. One of the best things you can do in Vietnam is go on a street food tour with a guide in Saigon or Hanoi, which will give you a fantastic crash course in everything that is on offer. Check out our own ranking of the best Vietnamese street foods.
You should find the quick travel guide useful as you get ready for your upcoming trip to Vietnam.