Traveling to Vietnam: Useful Tips for a Better Experience

This is part of the Been There, Done That series, where our expert globetrotters travel the world to get the insights and information you need for a seamless travel experience.

Vietnam, a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, is a captivating destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience.

Most people use scooters to travel around cities in Vietnam. | Source: iVisa

From the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the serene landscapes of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam offers a diverse range of attractions and activities.

Keep reading to find my favorite tips for making your trip to this enchanting nation smooth and enjoyable.

1. Obtain your visa early

Travelers pass through immigration in Hanoi | Source: iVisa

Like many other countries, Vietnam has specific entry requirements for foreign visitors. To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is essential to understand and adhere to these requirements before embarking on your journey to Ho Chi Minh City.

• Visa application: To enter Vietnam, you must obtain a visa. The process typically takes at least two weeks, so applying well before your travel dates is advisable. Be sure to gather all necessary documents, including a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity, a completed visa application form, and proof of accommodation and transportation arrangements within Vietnam.

• Booking flights and accommodation: Before applying for your visa, you must have confirmed bookings for your flights in and out of Vietnam and accommodations for the duration of your stay. This information will be required as part of the visa application process.

• Print and bring required documents: Once your visa application has been accepted, print out the approved visa and any other relevant documents, such as your passport, flight itinerary, and accommodation confirmation. These documents will be checked at the airport before you are issued your boarding pass.

By following these steps and ensuring you have all the necessary documentation, you can help provide a hassle-free travel experience to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Once I had everything mentioned above in order, I found it relatively easy to get my visa.

2. Have cash handy

ATMs and money changers are readily available at the international airports in Vietnam and throughout the city. | Source: iVisa

Having cash on hand is essential when traveling in Vietnam. Many places, including those popular with tourists, like the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, only accept cash payments.

While prices in Vietnam are generally quite affordable, the amount of cash you'll need may vary depending on your dining preferences and shopping habits.

To ensure you have enough funds, it's a good idea to carry a reasonable amount of cash with you, anywhere from US$20-30 per day per person, which I needed.

You can quickly obtain cash at the airports upon arrival. However, if you need more money during your trip, ATMs are widely available in major cities, making it convenient to withdraw additional cash as required.

3. Crossing the road: Don’t stop

HaNoi and Ho Chi Minh City streets are often crowded. Pedestrians must cross in front of moving traffic. | Source: iVisa

In Vietnam, there are few crosswalks or stoplights. Traffic flows continuously, which can be intimidating for visitors. To cross the street, you must step out into the traffic and keep moving.

This can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially for newcomers. On one of my first days in Vietnam, an elderly gentleman helped me navigate the chaotic streets.

The key to safely crossing the road in Vietnam is to walk at a steady pace, even as cars and scooters approach. It's crucial to continue once you've started crossing, as this can confuse drivers and make the situation more dangerous.

Local tip: Asal resident advised maintaining a consistent speed makes you predictable to other road users, allowing them to adjust their course accordingly.

While it may feel counterintuitive, drivers in Vietnam are accustomed to this method of crossing and will skillfully maneuver around pedestrians. However, remaining alert and aware of your surroundings is essential to ensure a safe passage.

If you find yourself at a crosswalk with lights, which is most commonly found in the more touristy areas of Hanoi, follow the signs and proceed as usual.

4. Getting around: Use Grab

Vietnam's Scooters, restaurants, and other miscellaneous items frequently block sidewalks. | Source: iVisa

Vietnam isn't the most pedestrian-friendly place, as scooters, street stalls, and other obstacles often obstruct sidewalks.

This can make walking around the city challenging, and you may frequently walk in the street among the traffic as I did. The hot climate can make walking more than a block uncomfortable, as you're likely to work up a sweat.

Given these conditions, the most convenient and cost-effective way to get around Ho Chi Minh City is to use the Grab app. This app is Southeast Asia's answer to Uber and offers a safe and affordable means of transportation for exploring the city and other destinations in Vietnam.

5. Flying out of Vietnam: Get there super early

Lines often extend for hours for baggage check and immigration at the various international airports in Vietnam. | Source: iVisa

When departing Vietnam, all citizens, pass holders, and foreign nationals must speak with an immigration officer. This process can lead to long lines, particularly at exit immigration, with wait times stretching for hours.

When I departed Hanoi, I arrived early and waited in a very short line. Despite this, it took me over 30 minutes to get through immigration and security. Right before I boarded my plane at 7 am, the line was five times as long as when I arrived, meaning those in line likely waited over an hour to speak with an officer.

Arriving at the airport several hours before your scheduled departure time is crucial to avoid missing your international flight and ensuring a smooth departure.

While exit immigration lines can take up to five hours, a more realistic expectation is around two hours. Arriving well in advance will help alleviate stress and prevent potential issues related to Vietnam's strict visa requirements.

6. Embrace night culture

Cafes and restaurants in Vietnam are often open late into the evening | Source: iVisa

Vietnam is known for its warm and humid climate, with many establishments relying on fans rather than air conditioning. As a result, the country's vibrant culture truly comes alive in the early mornings and evenings.

You'll find that cafes remain open well into the night, church services commence at 7 p.m., and restaurants typically open for dinner around 6 p.m., with many closing by 10 p.m.

Given these unique circumstances, it is beneficial to tailor your activities to the evening hours when the temperature is more comfortable, and most places are open for business.

Exploring Vietnam's night culture can provide a refreshing and enjoyable experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and discover hidden gems that might not be as accessible or enjoyable during the day.

7. Experience Vietnam’s cafe culture

Travelers can take classes and enjoy egg coffee throughout Vietnam. | Source: iVisa

Vietnam is known for its coffee and cafe culture. I enjoyed exploring the cafes throughout Vietnam, with many establishments open late into the night.

Some signature Vietnamese coffees to try are:

• Egg Coffee: This unique Vietnamese beverage combines a whipped egg yolk with sweetened condensed milk to create a rich custard poured over strong coffee. Despite initial skepticism, I found the marriage of the custard's richness and the coffee's bitterness to be a delightful experience. I even took a class to make this iconic drink home. I learned that egg coffee was invented when Vietnam had a shortage of milk, but French expats still wanted something close to a cappuccino, so egg coffee was invented!

• Signature Pour Over: Vietnam is known for producing Robusta beans, which offer a more robust and intense flavor than Arabica beans. The higher caffeine content in Robusta beans adds to the overall strength of the coffee. To fully appreciate the unique taste, seek out top-notch coffee shops and cafes offering pour-over, V60, Aeropress, or French press options.

• Vietnamese Milk Coffee: Popularly known as Vietnamese coffee outside of Vietnam, this beverage features sweetened coffee made from Robusta beans. The strong coffee is poured over ice and mixed with sweetened condensed milk, creating a must-try experience.