Vietnam 101: Vietnam Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Asian countries are full of colours, chaos, and culture. And one such country that stands out as culturally rich and refreshingly beautiful is Vietnam. With its bustling streets, delicious food scenes, and breathtaking landscapes, Vietnam is a perfect holiday destination for most people. But like every new thing, travel too comes with its own learning curve. This is why Holiday Tribe has curated this blog with Vietnam travel tips so that travel can be hassle-free and pleasurable. 

Getting to Know Vietnam Better Geographically

First things first, Vietnam is a big country, and when we say big, we definitely mean it. Most travellers mistake Vietnam travel as quick and easy, but it’s rather the opposite. The country stretches well over 1,600 kms from north to south. So, it definitely cannot be covered “quickly”.

A lot of first-time visitors try to squeeze everything in a couple of days and end up travelling more than enjoying. Here’s how you can decide your region of travel as per the number of days you have:

• If you have 5-7 days, stick to one region, north, the south or the central region
• If you have 10-15 days, you can cover 2 regions comfortably 
• If you have more than 2 weeks, you can travel from North to South easily.

The best Vietnam travel tip for you would be to take at least 7-10 days, so that you can explore more than one region and have a more immersive experience of the country. 

What’s the Best Season to Travel to Different Regions of Vietnam?

Being a Southeast Asian country, Vietnam has a variety of seasons. And as a first-time traveller, the weather and peak season are two of the top things to know before visiting Vietnam. Let’s have a look at regions and their best seasons. 

One important factor to note while travelling to Vietnam, is that the climate varies significantly from north to south, so please pack your essentials as per different weather conditions. By carefully timing your visit, you can make your Vietnam holiday much more pleasant. 

Vietnam Travel Tips for Transportation across Regions

Navigating through Vietnam is quite easy, courtesy of its well-developed and affordable transport network. Based on time and comfort, you can choose from a wide range of transport to reach from one destination to another. 

While flights are the ideal choice to travel between one region and another, especially travelling from north to south, trains offer a more relaxed and scenic journey, perfect for long routes when you aren’t in any hurry. 

There’s also an app called Grab with which you can book taxis in advance  to travel across cities. 

When you book your Vietnam holiday package with Holiday Tribe, we make sure that you don’t have to think twice about commuting between cities, as we assist you with arranged transfers for seamless travel. Get customised Vietnam tours with our AI travel planner for a more immersive experience, only with Holiday Tribe. 

1. Cash, Currency & Communication

One thing you must know about Vietnam is that it is still largely a cash-based economy, meaning you’d be asked for cash at most of the places. A crucial Vietnam travel tip is to keep cash handy at all times. Vietnam street food, cafes, local shops, and taxis all operate on cash. It is only in the hotels and upscale restaurants that you can use your cards. These are the top currency-related things to know before you visit Vietnam. 

Additionally, if you are worried about availing a SIM in Vietnam, you don’t have to break a sweat because SIM cards are easily available at airports, convenience stores, and official telecom shops. All you need is your passport. 

Tribe Travel Tip - Make sure to always keep small denominations, and be sure to keep track of zeroes, as the Vietnamese Dong (VND) is quite confusing. 

2. Cultural Etiquette for Vietnam

Let’s now read about some Vietnam travel tips for first timers - the culture edition. Even though Vietnam is incredibly warm and welcoming, it is still a traditional country. A little respect will go a long way - 

• Dress appropriately (read modestly) at temples and pagodas
• Remove shoes before entering temples and homes
• Avoid public display of affection or anger 
• Use both your hands while giving or receiving anything
• Do not touch anybody’s head, as it is considered to be the most spiritual part of the body.

Let Holiday Tribe Plan Your Perfect Vietnam Getaway 

Now that we have covered all the things to know before visiting Vietnam, let’s find out how to build an ideal itinerary. Holiday Tribe is your perfect partner when it comes to curating a vacation as per your vibe. If Vietnam is where you want to be this year, here are some exciting tour packages for you. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway to Vietnam or a full family excursion, we have everything sorted.

*Note: Prices and inclusions are subject to change. Connect with our holiday advisor for exact prices.