vietnam travel information Vietnam is a beautiful and fascinating country that offers a lot of attractions and activities for travelers. Whether you want to explore the natural wonders of Ha Long Bay, the cultural heritage of Hoi An, the historical sites of Hue, the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh City or the exotic Mekong Delta, Vietnam has something for everyone. However, before you pack your bags and book your flight, you need to know some essential information about Vietnam travel. In this blog post, we will provide you with everything you need to know before you go to Vietnam, such as visa requirements, COVID-19 situation, safety tips, weather, currency, transportation and more.
Visa Requirements vietnam travel information
One of the first things you need to check before traveling to Vietnam is the visa requirements. Depending on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your stay, you might need to apply for a visa before you travel or get one on arrival. vietnam travel information
Visa Exemption
Vietnam offers visa exemption for citizens of some countries and regions, which means they can enter Vietnam without a visa for a certain period of time. The list of visa-exempt countries and regions and the duration of stay are as follows:
- 90 days: Chile
- 30 days: Cambodia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand
- 21 days: Philippines
- 15 days: Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom
- 14 days: Brunei, Myanmar
To be eligible for visa exemption, you need to have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry and a return or onward ticket. You also need to have at least one blank page in your passport for the entry stamp. You can only enter Vietnam visa-free once every 30 days, unless you have a visa to re-enter. vietnam travel information
E-Visa
Vietnam also offers e-visa for citizens of 80 countries and regions, which means they can apply for a visa online before they travel. The list of e-visa eligible countries and regions can be found here. The e-visa is valid for 30 days and allows a single entry. You can use the e-visa to enter Vietnam through 33 designated ports of entry, including 8 international airports, 16 land border crossings and 9 seaports. vietnam travel information
To apply for an e-visa, you need to visit the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department and fill out an online application form. You need to provide your personal and travel information, upload a digital photo and a copy of your passport, and pay a fee of $25 USD by credit card or debit card. You will receive an e-visa by email within three working days, which you need to print out and show at the immigration checkpoint when you arrive. vietnam travel information
Visa on Arrival
Vietnam also offers visa on arrival for most nationalities, but you need to obtain an approval letter online before you travel. You can apply for the approval letter through a reliable agency online, which will charge you a service fee of $6-$25 USD depending on the type and duration of your visa. You need to provide your personal and travel information and pay the fee online. You will receive the approval letter by email within two to three working days, which you need to print out and show at the visa counter when you arrive. You also need to fill out an application form, provide two passport-sized photos and pay a stamping fee of $25-$50 USD depending on the type and duration of your visa. The visa on arrival is valid for 15, 30 or 90 days depending on your choice. vietnam travel information
Alternatively, you can apply for a visa at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country before you travel, which might take longer and cost more than the online options.
COVID-19 Situation
Another important thing you need to know before traveling to Vietnam is the COVID-19 situation. Vietnam has been praised for its effective response to the pandemic, with low infection and death rates compared to other countries. However, Vietnam still has some restrictions and measures in place to prevent the spread of the virus and protect the public health. vietnam travel information
Entry Requirements
As of May 15, 2022, Vietnam has re-opened its borders to foreign travelers. However, entrance requirements still apply, including obtaining an appropriate visa before your travel. You no longer need to have a negative COVID-19 test result on arrival in Vietnam or present a COVID-19 vaccination certificate. However, you need to fill out a health declaration form online or on paper and undergo a health screening at the airport or border crossing. You also need to follow the local regulations and guidelines regarding COVID-19 prevention and control during your stay in Vietnam. vietnam travel information
Domestic Travel
Vietnam has lifted most of the domestic travel restrictions and resumed most of the transportation and tourism services. However, some provinces and cities might have different rules and regulations depending on the local COVID-19 situation. You need to check the latest information and updates from the local authorities and service providers before you travel within Vietnam. You also need to wear a mask, practice social distancing and follow the hygiene rules when you use public transportation or visit public places. vietnam travel information
Vaccination
Vietnam has started its COVID-19 vaccination campaign since March 2022, with priority given to frontline workers, high-risk groups and essential workers. The vaccines that are currently available in Vietnam are AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, Sinopharm and Sputnik V. The vaccination is free and voluntary for Vietnamese citizens and residents. Foreign travelers are not eligible for vaccination in Vietnam at the moment. vietnam travel information
Safety Tips
Vietnam is generally a safe and peaceful country to travel to, with low crime rates and friendly locals. However, there are some risks and challenges that you need to be aware of and prepared for. vietnam travel information
Scams and Theft
Vietnam is notorious for its scams and thefts, which can target unsuspecting travelers. You need to be wary of taxi drivers, cyclo drivers, street vendors, tour operators and other people who might try to rip you off or rob you. You need to always negotiate the price and check the meter before you get in a taxi or cyclo. You also need to avoid buying anything from street vendors or hawkers, as they might sell you fake or low-quality goods. You also need to keep your valuables in a safe place or on your person, and avoid flashing them in public. vietnam travel information
Some of the common scams and thefts that you might encounter in Vietnam are:
- The taxi scam: Some taxi drivers might use a rigged meter or take a longer route to charge you more than the normal fare. They might also claim that they don’t have change or give you counterfeit money as change. vietnam travel information
- The cyclo scam: Some cyclo drivers might agree on a price with you before the ride, but then demand more money at the end of the ride. They might also take you to the wrong destination or a commission-based shop or restaurant. vietnam travel information
- The shoe shine scam: Some shoe shiners might offer to shine your shoes for free or a low price, but then charge you a high price after they finish. They might also damage your shoes or swap them with a pair of old shoes. vietnam travel information
- The coconut scam: Some coconut sellers might offer you a coconut for free or a low price, but then charge you a high price after they cut it open. They might also cut open more coconuts than you asked for and charge you for all of them. vietnam travel information
- The tea ceremony scam: Some young women or students might approach you and invite you to join them for a tea ceremony or a cultural exchange. They might then take you to a tea house or a cafe, where you will be charged an exorbitant amount for the tea or coffee. vietnam travel information
- The pickpocketing and snatch theft: Some thieves might try to pickpocket you or snatch your bag, phone, camera or other valuables when you are walking on the street, riding on a motorbike or sitting in a cafe. They might work in pairs or groups, and use distractions or violence to carry out their crime. vietnam travel information
To avoid these scams and thefts, you need to be vigilant and cautious at all times. You need to research the normal prices and fares before you travel, and use reputable and reliable service providers. You need to politely decline any unsolicited offers or invitations from strangers, and walk away if they persist. You need to secure your belongings and keep them close to you, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or expensive items. vietnam travel information
Road Accidents
Vietnam has chaotic and congested traffic, which can lead to accidents and injuries. You need to be careful when you cross the road, ride a motorbike or bicycle, or use public transportation. You need to always wear a helmet and drive carefully if you rent a motorbike or bicycle. You need to also avoid traveling at night or in bad weather, as the roads can be dark and slippery. vietnam travel information
Some of the common road accidents that you might encounter in Vietnam are:
- The motorbike accident: Some motorbike drivers might drive recklessly, speed, run red lights, overtake, change lanes or turn without signaling. They might also drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or without a license or.
- insurance. They might also carry more than one passenger or cargo on their motorbike, or use their phone or headphones while driving. They might also ignore the traffic rules or signs, or the right of way of other vehicles or pedestrians. These behaviors can increase the risk of collisions and injuries for themselves and others.
- The bus accident: Some bus drivers might drive too fast, too slow, too close or too far from other vehicles. They might also brake suddenly, swerve, honk or flash their lights excessively. They might also drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or without a license or insurance. They might also overload their bus with passengers or luggage, or use their phone or headphones while driving. They might also ignore the traffic rules or signs, or the right of way of other vehicles or pedestrians. These behaviors can increase the risk of accidents and injuries for themselves and others. vietnam travel information
- The pedestrian accident: Some pedestrians might cross the road without looking, without using the crosswalk, without waiting for the green light, or against the traffic flow. They might also walk on the road instead of the sidewalk, or use their phone or headphones while walking. They might also jaywalk, run, jump or dart across the road. These behaviors can increase the risk of being hit and injured by a vehicle. vietnam travel information
To avoid these road accidents, you need to be alert and attentive at all times. You need to follow the traffic rules and signs, and respect the right of way of other vehicles and pedestrians. You need to also use common sense and courtesy when you drive or walk on the road.
Food Poisoning
Vietnam has delicious and diverse cuisine, but it can also cause food poisoning if you are not careful. You need to be selective and hygienic when you eat and drink in Vietnam. You need to always wash your hands before eating, and avoid eating raw or undercooked meat, seafood, eggs or dairy products. You need to also avoid drinking tap water or ice cubes, and stick to bottled water or boiled water. vietnam travel information
Some of the common food poisoning that you might encounter in Vietnam are:
- The bacterial infection: Some bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter or Shigella can contaminate the food or water and cause diarrhea, vomiting, fever, abdominal cramps or dehydration. They can be transmitted by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or by contact with infected people or animals.
- The parasitic infection: Some parasites such as Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Entamoeba or Ascaris can infect the food or water and cause diarrhea, nausea, bloating, gas, weight loss or malnutrition. They can be transmitted by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or by contact with infected people or animals.
- The viral infection: Some viruses such as Norovirus, Rotavirus, Hepatitis A or Hepatitis E can infect the food or water and cause diarrhea, vomiting, fever, headache, jaundice or liver damage. They can be transmitted by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or by contact with infected people or animals. vietnam travel information
To avoid these food poisoning, you need to be careful and cautious when you eat and drink in Vietnam. You need to choose clean and reputable restaurants and street stalls, and check the freshness and quality of the food and water. You need to also cook the food thoroughly and store it properly. You need to also wash the fruits and vegetables before eating them. You need to also get vaccinated for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E before you travel to Vietnam. vietnam travel information
Weather
Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate, which means it has hot and humid weather throughout the year. However, Vietnam also has a diverse geography and topography, which means it has different weather patterns and seasons in different regions. You need to check the weather forecast and plan your trip accordingly.
North Vietnam
North Vietnam has four seasons: spring (February to April), summer (May to August), autumn (September to November) and winter (December to January). The average temperature ranges from 15°C to 28°C, but it can drop below 10°C in the winter or rise above 35°C in the summer. The rainfall is moderate throughout the year, but it can be heavy in the summer due to the southwest monsoon. The best time to visit North Vietnam is in the spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and pleasant. vietnam travel information
Central Vietnam
Central Vietnam has two seasons: dry (January to August) and wet (September to December). The average temperature ranges from 22°C to 30°C, but it can drop below 15°C in the winter or rise above 40°C in the summer. The rainfall is low in the dry season, but it can be very high in the wet season due to the northeast monsoon. The best time to visit Central Vietnam is in the dry season, when the weather is sunny and dry.
South Vietnam
South Vietnam has two seasons: wet (May to November) and dry (December to April). The average temperature ranges from 25°C to 32°C, but it can drop below 20°C in the winter or rise above 35°C in the summer. The rainfall is high in the wet season, but it can be low in the dry season. The best time to visit South Vietnam is in the dry season, when the weather is warm and sunny.
Currency
The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND), which is divided into 10 hao or 100 xu. However, hao and xu are no longer used due to inflation. The exchange rate as of November 2022 is 1 USD = 23,000 VND. You can check the latest exchange rate here.
You can exchange your foreign currency for Vietnamese Dong at the airport, banks, hotels or authorized exchange bureaus. You can also withdraw Vietnamese Dong from ATMs, which are widely available in major cities and tourist areas. You can also use your credit card or debit card to pay for goods and services at some hotels, restaurants and shops, but you might be charged a fee or a higher exchange rate. vietnam travel information
You can also use US Dollars as a second currency in Vietnam, especially for large purchases such as hotels, tours or souvenirs. However, you need to make sure that your US Dollars are new, clean and undamaged, as some places might not accept old, dirty or torn bills. You also need to be careful with the exchange rate and the change when you use US Dollars, as some places might try to rip you off or give you counterfeit money. vietnam travel information
You need to avoid carrying large amounts of cash or expensive items, and keep them in a safe place or on your person. You also need to beware of touts and vendors who might try to overcharge you or sell you fake or low-quality goods. vietnam travel information
Transportation
Vietnam has various modes of transportation that you can use to get around the country. You can choose the one that suits your budget, preference and destination.
Air
Air travel is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between major cities and tourist areas in Vietnam. Vietnam has several domestic airlines that operate regular flights to various destinations, such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways and Pacific Airlines. You can book your flight online or through a travel agent, and check in online or at the airport. You need to have your passport and your ticket or confirmation code when you check in. You also need to follow the baggage allowance and the security rules when you fly. vietnam travel information
Train
Train travel is a scenic and comfortable way to travel between major cities and tourist areas in Vietnam. Vietnam has a railway network that covers most of the country, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City and from Lao Cai to Da Nang. You can choose from different types of trains, such as express, local, tourist or night trains. You can also choose from different classes of seats, such as hard seat, soft seat, hard sleeper or soft sleeper. You can book your train ticket online or at the train station, and show your passport and your ticket when you board. You also need to follow the baggage allowance and the safety rules when you travel by train. vietnam travel information
Bus
Bus travel is a cheap and convenient way to travel between major cities and tourist areas in Vietnam. Vietnam has a bus network that covers most of the country, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City and from Ha Long Bay to Mui Ne. You can choose from different types of buses, such as public, private, tourist or sleeper buses. You can also choose from different levels of comfort and service, such as standard, deluxe or VIP. You can book your bus ticket online or at the bus station, and show your passport and your ticket when you board. You also need to follow the baggage allowance and the safety rules when you travel by bus. vietnam travel information
Motorbike
Motorbike travel is a popular and adventurous way to travel around Vietnam. Vietnam has millions of motorbikes that dominate the roads and traffic. You can rent a motorbike from a rental shop or a hotel, and drive it yourself or hire a driver. You need to have a valid driver’s license, an international driving permit, a helmet and insurance when you rent a motorbike. You also need to follow the traffic rules and signs, and respect the right of way of other vehicles and pedestrians when you drive a motorbike. vietnam travel information
Bicycle
Bicycle travel is a fun and eco-friendly way to travel around Vietnam. Vietnam has many scenic routes and trails that are suitable for cycling. You can rent a bicycle from a rental shop or a hotel, and ride it yourself or join a tour. You need to have a helmet and a lock when you rent a bicycle. You also need to follow the traffic rules and signs, and respect the right of way of other vehicles and pedestrians when you ride a bicycle. vietnam travel information
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Conclusion
Vietnam is a wonderful country that offers a lot of attractions and activities for travelers. However, before you travel to Vietnam, you need to know some essential information that can help you plan your trip and enjoy your stay. In this blog post, we have provided you with everything you need to know before you go to Vietnam, such as visa requirements, COVID-19 situation, safety tips, weather, currency, transportation and more. We hope that this blog post has been useful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. We wish you a safe and happy trip to Vietnam. vietnam travel information
