Vietnam
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Key things to know before your trip
Last update October 16, 2023
Online in advance (e-visa) Official website
Starting from August 15, 2023, the Vietnamese government has decided to extend the stay duration in Vietnam from 15 to 45 days for citizens of 13 countries, as a unilateral visa exemption measure by Vietnam (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the U.K., Northern Ireland, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Belarus)
Starting from August 15, 2023, the Vietnamese government has decided to extend the stay duration in Vietnam from 15 to 45 days for citizens of 13 countries, as a unilateral visa exemption measure by Vietnam (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the U.K., Northern Ireland, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Belarus)
Taxi
Taxi app Grab, Maxim
You can take a taxi on the spot (negotiate the price)
You can take a taxi on the spot (negotiate the price)
Navigation on-site
Make sure to install the Maps Me app in advance and download the offline map of Vietnam for the specific region you'll be visiting
- Official stores of mobile operators Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone; available at the airport (usually at higher rates). Passport and money in cash are required
- E-sim (if your phone supports this feature)
- Install the WiFi Map app - the map with WiFi hotspots and passwords, and get a 10% discount on purchasing an e-sim (use promo code 7ECF3FK for SIM card purchase)
- Currency - Vietnamese Dong (VND)
- The best exchange rates can be found in jewelry stores. There's also a Telegram chatbot with locations for currency exchange and current rates
- Card payments are accepted in many places, but not in small local shops/restaurants
From the airport to the city
Buses, minibuses, taxis, and transfers, depending on the city you're arriving in
Where to stay
- Hotels and apartments
- It's possible to rent a hotel room for an extended period at a reasonable price. Always negotiate
- You can also search for accommodation on-site by visiting homes (with rental advertisements) and hotels
- A variety of soups like Pho and Bun Cha, spring rolls, seafood, tropical fruits, and coffee
- We recommend visiting places recommended by the Michelin Guide, where you will find both very budget-friendly cafes and high-end restaurants
Most popular destinations
Hanoi, Nha Trang, Danang, Ho Chi Minh City, Dalat, Sapa
May come in handy during the trip
- Sunscreen with a high SPF
- A head covering
- A set of necessary medications.
Best Time to Visit Coastal Resorts
All year round, but ideal:
- Phan Thiet - winter
- Nha Trang from February to October
- Phu Quoc from November to March
- Hoi An - from April to September
What to Buy
Pearls, coffee, dried fruits
Public transportation
Railway and bus transportation are well-developed
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More Information About the Country
Personal experiences and impressions
Personal experiences and impressions
Sleeper Buses: a Budget Traveler's Lifesaver
If you want to save money on accommodation and need to travel around the country frequently, consider taking a night journey on a sleeper bus. These are typically buses with double-decker berths similar to those in trains, or with lower seats and upper berths. The buses usually have power outlets (though they may not always work) and provide bedding and blankets (this may vary by carrier).
Such buses are popular in India, Vietnam, Pakistan, and China. We recommend getting tickets for the upper berth to avoid anyone climbing over you. Book your seat further away from the driver as they can have loud conversations throughout the journey. However, the lower berth tends to have less motion sickness."
You can check your bags in the luggage compartment, and before the trip, we recommend placing your suitcase/backpack in a protective cover or packing it in a large bag to avoid heavy soiling or getting wet (luggage compartments can be quite dusty).
There are stops for restroom breaks and cafes along the way.
Sometimes, there may be some swaying, depending on the bus and the quality of the roads, but overall, it's not bad.
TURIST_VERON
Such buses are popular in India, Vietnam, Pakistan, and China. We recommend getting tickets for the upper berth to avoid anyone climbing over you. Book your seat further away from the driver as they can have loud conversations throughout the journey. However, the lower berth tends to have less motion sickness."
You can check your bags in the luggage compartment, and before the trip, we recommend placing your suitcase/backpack in a protective cover or packing it in a large bag to avoid heavy soiling or getting wet (luggage compartments can be quite dusty).
There are stops for restroom breaks and cafes along the way.
Sometimes, there may be some swaying, depending on the bus and the quality of the roads, but overall, it's not bad.
TURIST_VERON