vietnam travel checklist Vietnam is a beautiful and diverse country that offers something for everyone. Whether you want to explore the bustling cities, the stunning natural scenery, the rich culture and history, or the delicious cuisine, you will find plenty of reasons to love Vietnam.
But before you pack your bags and hop on a plane, there are some things you need to know and prepare for your trip. Vietnam has its own customs, laws, climate, and challenges that you should be aware of and respect. To help you plan your perfect Vietnam adventure, we have created this comprehensive Vietnam travel checklist that covers everything from visa requirements, vaccinations, packing tips, transportation options, safety advice, and more.
Visa Requirements vietnam travel checklist
One of the first things you need to check before traveling to Vietnam is whether you need a visa or not. Depending on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the length of your stay, you may be eligible for visa exemption, visa on arrival, or e-visa.
Visa Exemption
Vietnam offers visa exemption for citizens of some countries for a certain period of time. For example, if you are from one of the ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand), you can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 30 days. If you are from one of the European countries (Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, UK), you can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 15 days. If you are from Chile or Japan or South Korea, you can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 90 days. vietnam travel checklist
To qualify for visa exemption, you need to have a valid passport with at least six months of validity and at least two blank pages. You also need to have proof of onward travel or return ticket. You can only enter Vietnam through certain ports of entry and exit. You can check the full list of visa-exempt countries and ports of entry and exit here: https://lanhsuvietnam.gov.vn/Lists/BaiViet/B%C3%A0i%20vi%E1%BA%BFt/DispForm.aspx?List=dc7c7d75-6a32-4215-afeb-47d4bee70eee&ID=306
Visa on Arrival
Visa on arrival is a convenient option for travelers who are not eligible for visa exemption or e-visa, or who want to stay longer than the visa-exempt period. Visa on arrival allows you to apply for a visa online and receive a visa approval letter via email. You then need to print out the letter and bring it with you to Vietnam, where you will pay a stamping fee and get your visa stamped on your passport at the airport. vietnam travel checklist
Visa on arrival is only available for air travelers who enter Vietnam through one of the international airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hai Phong, Phu Quoc). You cannot use visa on arrival if you enter Vietnam by land or sea. You also need to apply for visa on arrival at least two working days before your departure date. vietnam travel checklist
To apply for visa on arrival, you need to fill out an online form with your personal and travel information, upload a passport photo and a copy of your passport, and pay a service fee. You can choose from different types of visas, such as single-entry or multiple-entry, and different durations of stay, such as one month, three months, six months, or one year. The service fee varies depending on the type and duration of the visa you choose. You can check the current fees and apply for visa on arrival here: https://www.vietnam-visa.com/
E-Visa
E-visa is another option for travelers who want to apply for a visa online and avoid the hassle of getting a visa approval letter and paying a stamping fee. E-visa is a single-entry visa that allows you to stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days. E-visa is available for citizens of 80 countries and territories, which you can check here: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/documents/20181/117155/List+of+countries+and+territories+eligible+for+e-visa.pdf vietnam travel checklist
To apply for e-visa, you need to fill out an online form with your personal and travel information, upload a passport photo and a copy of your passport, and pay a fee of 25 USD. You will receive an e-visa code via email within three working days. You then need to print out the e-visa and bring it with you to Vietnam, where you will present it at the immigration checkpoint. You can enter and exit Vietnam through any of the 33 ports of entry and exit that accept e-visa, which you can check here: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/documents/20181/117155/List+of+ports+of+entry+and+exit+accepting+e-visa.pdf vietnam travel checklist
You can apply for e-visa here: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/web/guest/trang-chu-ttdt
Vaccinations
Another thing you need to check before traveling to Vietnam is whether you need any vaccinations or not. While there are no mandatory vaccinations for Vietnam, there are some recommended ones that can protect you from certain diseases and infections. Some of the common vaccinations for Vietnam are: vietnam travel checklist
- Hepatitis A and B: These are viral infections that affect the liver and can be transmitted through contaminated food, water, or bodily fluids. You should get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B at least two weeks before your trip. vietnam travel checklist
- Typhoid: This is a bacterial infection that causes fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain and can be transmitted through contaminated food or water. You should get vaccinated for typhoid at least two weeks before your trip. vietnam travel checklist
- Tetanus: This is a bacterial infection that causes muscle spasms and can be transmitted through wounds or cuts. You should get a booster shot for tetanus every 10 years.
- Rabies: This is a viral infection that affects the nervous system and can be transmitted through animal bites or scratches. You should get vaccinated for rabies if you plan to interact with animals or visit rural areas where rabies is prevalent. You should get vaccinated for rabies at least one month before your trip. vietnam travel checklist
- Japanese Encephalitis: This is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the brain and can be transmitted through mosquito bites. You should get vaccinated for Japanese encephalitis if you plan to visit rural areas or stay longer than one month in Vietnam. You should get vaccinated for Japanese encephalitis at least one month before your trip. vietnam travel checklist
- Malaria: This is a parasitic infection that causes fever, chills, and headache and can be transmitted through mosquito bites. You should take anti-malarial medication if you plan to visit areas where malaria is present, such as the central highlands or the Mekong Delta. You should start taking anti-malarial medication one week before your trip and continue for four weeks after your trip. vietnam travel checklist
You should consult your doctor or a travel clinic before your trip to get the most updated advice on vaccinations and medications for Vietnam. You should also bring your vaccination records and prescriptions with you to Vietnam in case you need them.
Packing Tips
Packing for Vietnam can be tricky, as the country has different climates and seasons depending on the region and the time of the year. Generally speaking, Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate, with hot and humid summers and mild and dry winters. However, there are variations in temperature and rainfall across the country, so you should check the weather forecast for your specific destinations before you go.
Here are some general packing tips for Vietnam:
- Pack light and versatile clothing that can be layered and mixed and matched. You should bring some long-sleeved shirts, pants, and jackets for cooler weather or air-conditioned places, as well as some short-sleeved shirts, shorts, and skirts for warmer weather. You should also bring some rain gear, such as a waterproof jacket, an umbrella, or a poncho, especially if you travel during the rainy season (May to October in the north and south, September to December in the central region). vietnam travel checklist
- Pack comfortable and sturdy shoes that can handle different terrains and activities. You should bring some sandals or flip-flops for the beach or casual walks, as well as some sneakers or hiking boots for trekking or exploring. You should also bring some socks to protect your feet from blisters or insects.
- Pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. The sun can be very strong in Vietnam, especially during the summer months, so you should apply sunscreen regularly and wear a hat and sunglasses to prevent sunburns or heat strokes. vietnam travel checklist
- Pack a swimsuit if you plan to swim or enjoy water activities. Vietnam has many beautiful beaches and islands that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, or surfing. You should bring a swimsuit that covers your body modestly, as well as a towel and a dry bag to keep your belongings safe from water.
- Pack some medications and first aid items that you may need in case of emergencies or minor illnesses. You should bring some basics such as painkillers, anti-diarrhea pills, antihistamines, band-aids, etc. You should also bring any prescription drugs that you take regularly, as well as a copy of your prescription and a doctor’s note. You should also consider getting travel insurance that covers medical expenses and evacuation in case of serious accidents or injuries.
- Pack some electronics and gadgets that can make your trip more convenient and enjoyable. You should bring your phone, charger, adapter, power bank, headphones, camera, etc. You should also bring some entertainment options such as books, music, games, etc. You should also download some useful apps for Vietnam, such as maps, translation, transportation, currency conversion, etc. vietnam travel checklist
- Pack some documents and copies that can prove your identity and travel plans. You should bring your passport, visa, e-visa code or visa approval letter, vaccination records, travel insurance policy, flight tickets, hotel reservations, etc. You should also make copies of these documents and store them in different places or online. You should also have some emergency contacts and numbers in case you need help or assistance.
- Pack some cash and cards that can cover your expenses and transactions. You should bring some US dollars or Vietnamese dong that can be used for tipping, small purchases, or emergencies. You should also bring some credit cards or debit cards that can be used for larger purchases or withdrawals. You should also inform your bank of your travel plans and check the fees and exchange rates before you go. vietnam travel checklist
Transportation Options
Vietnam has many transportation options that can help you get around the country and explore different places. Depending on your budget, time, comfort level, and preferences, you can choose from various modes of transport such as:
- Plane: Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between major cities and destinations in Vietnam. There are several domestic airlines that operate frequent flights across the country, such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, etc. You can book your tickets online or through a travel agent. You should check the baggage allowance and fees before you fly. You should also arrive at the airport at least two hours before your departure time. vietnam travel checklist
- Train: Taking the train is a scenic and relaxing way to travel across Vietnam, especially along the coast or through the mountains. There are several train routes that connect different regions and cities in Vietnam, such as the Reunification Express, the North-South Railway, the Hanoi-Lao Cai Railway, etc. You can book your tickets online or at the train station. You should choose your seat class and type according to your comfort and budget. You should also bring some snacks, drinks, and entertainment for the long journey. vietnam travel checklist
- Bus: Taking the bus is a cheap and convenient way to travel within or between cities and destinations in Vietnam. There are many bus companies that offer different types of buses, such as local buses, intercity buses, sleeper buses, etc. You can buy your tickets online, at the bus station, or from your hotel or hostel. You should check the schedule and route before you board. You should also keep an eye on your belongings and be prepared for some delays or traffic jams. vietnam travel checklist
- Car: Renting a car is a flexible and comfortable way to travel around Vietnam at your own pace and schedule. You can rent a car with or without a driver from various rental agencies or online platforms. You should have a valid driver’s license and an international driving permit to drive in Vietnam. You should also have insurance and a contract that covers the rental terms and conditions. You should also be aware of the traffic rules and road conditions in Vietnam, as they can be chaotic and challenging.
- Motorbike: Riding a motorbike is a popular and adventurous way to travel around Vietnam and experience the local culture and scenery. You can rent a motorbike from various rental shops or online platforms. You should have a valid driver’s license and an international driving permit to ride a motorbike in Vietnam. You should also wear a helmet and protective gear and follow the traffic rules and signs. You should also be careful of the weather, road hazards, and other drivers. vietnam travel checklist
- Bicycle: Riding a bicycle is an eco-friendly and healthy way to travel around Vietnam and enjoy the nature and countryside. You can rent a bicycle from various rental shops or online platforms. You should have a helmet and a lock and check the condition of the bike before you ride. You should also avoid riding at night or in busy areas and follow the traffic rules and signs.
Safety Advice
Vietnam is generally a safe and friendly country to visit, but like any other place, it has its own risks and challenges that you should be aware of and avoid. Here are some safety advice for Vietnam:
- Be careful of scams and rip-offs that target tourists, such as taxi meters, cyclo drivers, street vendors, etc. You should always agree on a price before you use a service or buy a product. You should also check the quality and quantity of what you get. You should also avoid giving money to beggars or children, as they may be part of a larger scheme. vietnam travel checklist
- Be careful of theft and pickpocketing that can happen in crowded or touristy areas, such as markets, buses, trains, etc. You should always keep your valuables and documents in a safe place or on your body. You should also avoid flashing your cash or gadgets and be aware of your surroundings. You should also report any loss or theft to the police and your embassy.
- Be careful of traffic and road accidents that can happen due to the chaotic and unpredictable traffic conditions in Vietnam. You should always cross the street with caution and follow the locals. You should also avoid driving or riding a motorbike if you are not experienced or confident. You should also wear a helmet and follow the traffic rules and signs. vietnam travel checklist
- Be careful of food and water poisoning that can happen due to the hygiene and sanitation standards in Vietnam. You should always drink bottled or filtered water and avoid tap water or ice. You should also eat cooked or peeled food and avoid raw or street food. You should also wash your hands before and after eating and use clean utensils. vietnam travel checklist
- Be respectful of the culture and customs of Vietnam and avoid offending or insulting anyone. You should dress modestly and cover your shoulders and knees when visiting religious or cultural sites. You should also remove your shoes when entering a temple or a house. You should also avoid public displays of affection or criticism of the government or the history of Vietnam. vietnam travel checklist
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Conclusion
Vietnam is a wonderful country to visit, but it requires some preparation and planning to make the most of your trip. By following this Vietnam travel checklist, you can ensure that you have everything you need and know everything you should before you go. We hope that this guide will help you have a smooth and enjoyable Vietnam adventure. Happy travels! 🛫
