Vietnam is one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia, attracting visitors to its lush woods, booming towns and beaches of golden sand. Time-honored traditions remain alive among the people, awaiting rapid modernization in Vietnam’s urban centres of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. Throughout the bumps and scrapes of civilization, there are numerous old houses and colonial buildings that have survived.
You can find Buddhist shrines next to towering skyscrapers, where vibrant celebrations and ceremonies dating back hundreds of years can be seen. There are luxurious resorts and fine-dining venues on long, sandy beaches, making them ideal romantic getaways, while large rice terraces on the hills allow for great hiking excursions.
KEY THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISIT
This list of Vietnam 's helpful tips and tricks is mainly for first-time travelers, but it will motivate everyone to fly comfortably and worry-free.
1. Sort out your Visa
First stuff first. The number of people arriving in Vietnam with no idea what they need to do with their VISA is astonishing. It can be a confusing operation for some people,i agree, but don’t get disappointed.
There are many businesses online which are doing this for you even with small charges and less commission. Overlook the lousy style, it’s legal. I used Vietnam Visa Pro. Upon arrival, check all of the documents three times to make sure you bring with you the pre-approval paperwork, photographs and cash for the visa-on-arrival.
2. Don’t underestimate the size of country
When we visit vietnam on internet, the area and population may seem as small and not much widespread .To give you an example, a train ride is 1700 + km long and takes approximately 35!) (hours between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The same distance in Asia from A to B takes much longer time, distance and as a result traveling cost. So schedule accordingly to ensure you don’t bite more you can chew.
3. Be smart about your itinerary
Forcing everything and the kitchen sink on your Vietnam travel itinerary is a typical rookie mistake. Enable at least 3 weeks if you intend to go all the way north to south. Anything less and you can rush and/or move you to ride a little fun.
4. Weather varies a lot
Northern Vietnam: Expect long, wet summers in Northern Vietnam and cool , dry winters up north. In winter, it can get very cold, particularly near the border with China, on the northern hemisphere, from September to November.
Central Vietnam: Between January and August, Central Vietnam experiences mild, dry weather when temperatures will reach the mid-thirties.
Southern Vietnam: It has a full tropical climate and only 2 known seasons, rainy and dry. Obviously , the best time to go is during the latter period, from December until April.
5. Get ready to haggle
The price of stuff is really cheap, but you can afford to pay something you can haggle with it. Set rates do not apply. At first, this can be overwhelming, but slowly you get used to it.
6. Hanoi is quaint than you think
Vietnam’s cultural , traditional and innovative side is more visible in Hanoi, where centuries-old rituals are still intact, amid the insane traffic and busy routines. The Old Quarter’s fascinating labyrinth of streets is the perfect spot to get lost and browse for outstanding food for local handicrafts or just do a good bit of people-watching.
Make sure you pick a hotel in this city that remembers a time when there is one sort of object ( e.g. silver, chicken, etc.) was specialised in each lane.
7. People are lovely
Most tourists believe the Vietnamese people are greedy and shady people who only want to profit from you. I see it as legitimate if you just stick to the tourist route. These visitors can sadly only understand the economic side of local residents who are trying to survive on.
8. Beaches are not
You’ll most likely be disappointed if you’ve been to the dreamy beaches in the Philippines or even to the islands in neighbouring Thailand. Even Vietnam’s allegedly best resort, Sao Beach on Phu Quoc Island.
9. Dress appropriately
Vietnam is certainly not a traditional republic when it comes to fashion. You don’t have to dress like a lady in Afghanistan, and hot weather even exposes some skin to locals. If you wear shorts, tops and flip-flops, it is great.
10. It’s a paradise for foodies
Food in Vietnam is special, lying on a delicate balance of sour, spicy, sweet and salty refined over centuries. I love tamarind, chilli peppers and plenty of fresh vegetables, which are used in virtually every meal.
Pho: The Vietnamese national salad. A hearty noodle & meat broth consumed mostly at brunch, with new herbs.
Bun cha: Pork and pasta, fried.
Goi cuon: A real favourite of mine. New spring rolls filled with pasta, seafood / crabs / crab and greens.
Cha ca: It features white fish sautéed in butter with dill and spring onions, one of Hanoi 's finest.
Nem Ran/Cha Gio This delicious fried spring roll includes different types of lean mince pork, sea crabs or shrimps that are unshelled, edible champagne and dried onion.
11. The traffic is really hectic
Saigon is the most concentrated motorcycle city in the country. In Hanoi, too, traffic is not safer. There is not always a junction, and I can’t remember seeing any pedestrian lights. It will take some time before you relax, so don’t worry.
In Vietnam, the easiest way to cross a road is to still hold a steady speed all the way across. Render your path and walking pace predictable.
12. It’s freaking cheap
Anything you buy in Vietnam is essentially a bargain. The best example is food. Sit-down meals will comfortably be had for less than $5 and street food treats for $0.20! It’s very popular to see backpackers on a budget of $30 per day, including lodging, transport and meals, to give you an idea of travel expenses.
However, package tours will easily make your stay more costly. At a haggling distance, the shopping malls and markets are still full of great offers. The discount here will focus largely on your negotiation skills.
13. Bargains to buy in Vietnam
Belts: Genuine leather belts, as well as faux leather ones, are common. Either of these should be under $10.
Clothing: Many multinational firms have their production plants in Vietnam, but you can find replicas of great quality here. The prices are at least one-third of the US / Europe prices.
Sportswear: It’s especially common for some reason. I purchased decent quality sportswear clothing from Nike and Under Armour (and I don’t even care whether or not they’re genuine).
Electronics and cell phone: You might get lucky with a couple of things, but I don’t personally think the chance is worth it.
Gadget accessories: Beginning at $1, handset covers, protectors and other accessories are commonly available.
Souvenirs: Coffee, tea and handicrafts that render cool parts of home furniture can be found at affordable prices in the streets and markets.
REASONS TO VISIT VIETNAM
There are many reasons to visit Vietnam and people who visit Vietnam will never forget this fascinating journey of Vietnam, including
1. Breathtaking Landscape
If you have the chance to explore the secret charm of Vietnam, the extreme beauty of some of the most famous World Heritage Sites, including Ha Long Bay, Phong Nha Ke ■■■■ National Park, Hoi An Ancient Area, will surprise you.
You would be even more shocked at some of the non-heritage pages. With several French-style villas, Dalat is picturesque; Sapa is misty and beautiful just as a girl wakes up in the morning; and the long coastline of Vietnam offers almost infinite Breathtaking sea views, leisurely and private sunbathing, or a quick walk along the beach.
2. Friendly and hospitable people
Most Paradise Travel customers give reviews on their experience of their journey, highlighting their deep impression of the friendliness and hospitality of Vietnamese people. Vietnam really has a valuable gem, according to travellers.
From north to south, you are warmly greeted by local residents, whether or not you are acquainted with them. In specific, ethnic ■■■■■■■■ individuals in Sapa still regard you as a friend, even though you are unknown.
3. Affordability
If you go to Vietnam, there is almost a position for any budget. On their list of destinations, many budget travellers prefer Vietnam. In most cities, there are plenty of hostels and guest houses at rates below US$ 30/ room/ night. And even high-end adventure travellers also love sampling the tasty and healthier local street food than in many other countries.
In fact, although Vietnam suffers from high inflation, it is still a more affordable destination than many other nations, with prices rising on a monthly basis.
4. Coffee
Caffeinate, the world’s finest coffee. Vietnam is the world’s 2nd leading producer of coffee and this stuff is fine, strong, rich, and grown 20 feet away in the coffee plantation. Enjoy a cup of black coffee or iced condensed milk coffee and watch life on a street corner go by — you’ll never forget Vietnam. Visit Café Mai (79 Le Van Huu, Hanoi) or Highland Coffee (26 Le Loi, Ho C) for anyone who would like to have a coffee at home.
5. Memorable travel experience
A special experience of touring needs to suit your tastes. Are you hunting for an adventure on the off-the-beaten-path? Want to be like the locals? To photograph the terraced fields, witness a home-stay here and admire the mountain scenery and lifestyle, trek to ethnic ■■■■■■■■ villages around Sapa.
When you are cruising the Thu Bon River in Hoi An, watch the sunrise or sunset. To feel the majestic elegance of thousands of islands and islets, paddle your kayak down Ha Long Bay. The superb services available here will add more pages to your travel diary, beyond the landscape and people.
6. Floating markets in the Mekong Dalta
Navigate via the floating Mekong Delta markets. Some of the most famous floating markets are located in the river town of Can Tho, but they can be found all along the Mekong. The Mekong floating markets are truly an opportunity to behold, as crowded, bustling, and messy as street markets.
CONCLUSION
Vietnam is a fascinating country to visit. It has many marvelous places and remarkable buildings. Who want to see real face of life, surely visit the vietnam but by knowing some basic tips and information to make it more enjoyable.i