Tips For Your First Visit to Vietnam

Vietnam    10.01.2019    Transindus

If you're eagerly awaiting your first trip to Vietnam, no doubt you're full of excitement. Here we provide our top tips for your first-time visit to Vietnam - what to expect, what to pack and so much more.

Embrace Vietnam's Cultures

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 of the 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 to be had 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 actually booked your tour of Vietnam, bear in mind that there is a wide range of accommodation to choose from - everything from boutique hotels to colonial mansions on the beach and traditional lake lodges. There really is something to suit all tastes. Be adventurous and stay in the places that really fire up your imagination.

Prepare for Vietnam's climate 

Vietnam has a tropical climate, and you should prepare for the heat by giving some careful thought to 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 rather chilly, so it's important to bring layers if you're planning any 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 is 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 should keep you cool, you need to pick items that cover plenty of skin - especially when visiting religious sites. Aim to keep your shoulders covered and stick to skirts and shorts that fall below the knee.

In terms of what else to pack, basic medical supplies such as remedies for diarrhoea and travel sickness, as well as 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 do carry US dollars, make sure the notes are in good condition, as they may be rejected if they're not. 

Keep Hydrated

Because of the tropical climate, it's really important to stay hydrated - 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 your plastic use and helps protect Vietnam's environments.

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 and allow you to enjoy Vietnam's street food more.
Bon Appetite.