Tips For Your First Visit to Vietnam

Vietnam    11.11.2024    Transindus

If you're eagerly awaiting your first trip to Vietnam, you're undoubtedly in excellent company and full of excitement. Here, we provide our top tips for your first-time visit to Vietnam - what to expect, what to pack, and much more.

Embrace Vietnam's Culture

Vietnam is a country where you can explore isolated rural villages, spectacular natural wonders, cities that hark back to colonial times and modern metropolises. Its contrasts and the sheer chaos of the streets in some big cities can easily be overwhelming.

But don't let that scare you into hiding yourself away. Instead, be bold and embrace the variety Vietnam has to offer. There are so many rewarding experiences in this country that throwing yourself into your trip and seeing as much as possible is the only way to go.

Choose your accommodation 

If you have not yet booked your tour of Vietnam, remember that there is a wide range of accommodations - everything from boutique hotels to colonial mansions on the beach and traditional lake lodges. There is something to suit all tastes. Be adventurous and stay in the places that fire up your imagination.

Prepare for Vietnam's climate

Vietnam has a tropical climate, and you should prepare for the heat by carefully considering the kind of clothing you pack. Of course, because Vietnam is such a long country and varies a lot in terms of altitude, the climate here is diverse - so make sure you understand what the weather is expected to be like during your stay.

By way of example, the south is usually warm all year and has a monsoon season from June to October, while the north is typically cool and wet from November to April. Mountainous areas can get chilly, so it's important to bring layers if you're planning trekking through this part of Vietnam.

What to pack on a trip to Vietnam

In terms of clothing, what you pack will largely be dictated by the time of year you are visiting and what you plan to do. As a general rule of thumb, light, comfortable, breathable fabrics paired with ventilated walking shoes are the best option for daywear. If you'll be going on a mountain trek, this still stands - but make sure you pack plenty of layers because it can get quite cold. 

It's also important to remember that while your clothing keeps you cool, you must pick items that cover plenty of skin - especially when visiting religious sites. Aim to cover your shoulders and stick to skirts and shorts below the knee.

Basic medical supplies such as remedies for diarrhoea and travel sickness and plenty of sun cream are also a good idea.

Carry US dollars and Vietnamese Dong 

The official currency is the Vietnamese Dong, which can only be issued to you once you arrive in the country. US dollars are widely accepted in big cities, too, so generally speaking, it is a good idea to carry a supply of both currencies. 

Just as a quick note, if you carry US dollars, ensure the notes are in good condition, as they may be rejected if they're not. 

Keep Hydrated

Because of the tropical climate, staying hydrated is important - but this isn't completely straightforward. That's because you need to avoid consuming tap water or ice.

Aim to drink bottled water; carbonated soft drinks are also fine. Alternatively, many hotels also offer free filtered water. Pack a reusable water bottle and make the most of this service. It limits plastic use and helps protect Vietnam's environment.

Pace yourself... be food wise 

Vietnamese cuisine is wonderfully exciting and extremely tempting, but it's important to pace yourself and allow you system to adapt to your new environs. The aroma and sight of steaming bowls of Pho and Bao Buns is enough to make anyone try everything at once but we recommend you give yourself a day or two to adjust to the climate before getting stuck in. Your stomach will thank you for it, allowing you to enjoy Vietnam's street food more.
Bon Appetite.