Heading to Vietnam: Preparing for your trip
Vietnam attracts more and more tourists thanks to its beautiful landscapes, rich culture and delicious cuisine. However, before leaving for this captivating destination, it is crucial to prepare well. Here are some essentials to consider for a peaceful and memorable trip.
Cover your shoulders to enter a place of worship-Photo : Mr Linh's adventures
Before you go…
After deciding to travel to Vietnam, what is your choice? The diversity of this flagship destination in Southeast Asia is obvious. So preparing your luggage will be a crucial time. Waterproof windbreaker, swimsuit or wool? You will choose all three. Because of the cool mornings in Halong Bay, even in high season. The rest will be purely incidental, because everything is available in Vietnam.
In Rome, do like the Romans.... In Vietnam, we start the day very early in the morning. The Vietnamese are extremely early in the morning and we highly recommend that you take as much inspiration to escape completely, enjoy the freshness of the morning and start your day in a positive way. In addition, it is recommended to cover your shoulders to enter a place of worship, especially if you are a woman, and even more so if you are tattooed; avoid touching children’s heads; avoid showing too much demonstration in public; take off shoes when entering a house; tender the money with both hands and check the change returned; do not plant your chopsticks in a bowl of rice.
► Learn more about Vietnamese Etiquette
Administrative matters
Paperwork is an essential step in organizing any trip. As for Vietnam, the steps remain relatively simple and easy to carry out. First, you will need a passport that must be valid at least 6 months after the end of your stay.
Nationals of 9 European countries, such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway, are exempt from visa for any stay of less than 45 days (date of entry and exit included). A valid passport is required upon arrival as well as a return ticket reservation.
If you plan to stay in Vietnam for more than 45 days, it is imperative to have a visa in order to enter Vietnamese territory. Your classic visa can be obtained from your country of residence from embassies, consulates or similar services, or you can also apply for an electronic visa (e-visa). You can stay up to 90 days with both types of visa.
Regarding vaccines, the Vietnamese authorities are not requesting any vaccine, including the Covid-19 vaccine, for entry into Vietnam. When it comes to malaria, it is recommended to get vaccinated if you are on a tour that includes days of hiking in the forest and nights with the locals. Otherwise, an anti-mosquito product is largely adequate for you. Health and safety are major issues when traveling. Ask your doctor about the recommended vaccines for Vietnam.
It is advisable to take out an insurance contract that covers at least emergency medical costs and repatriation costs for insurance. However, it is important to remember that for a stay abroad that does not exceed a few weeks, you are already covered by buying your airline tickets with your credit card.
► Learn more on How to apply for the new e-visa Vietnam
The magical Halong bay-Photo : Mr Linh's adventures
Time difference and weather
The climate in Vietnam is a tropical climate with high heat and humidity. There is no ideal time to travel to Vietnam, while one region is cold, wet and rainy, while another part of the country can enjoy a sunny climate and pleasant temperatures. Overall, the North is temperate with four seasons, the South is tropical with a dry season and a wet season.
The time difference between Vietnam and Europe is 6 hours in winter (GMT +6) and 5 hours in summer (GMT +5).
► Read also When to travel to Vietnam?
Money and daily life
Vietnamese dong (VND) is the official currency. Vending machines can be found in major cities. As for payment methods, international credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, shops and restaurants. It should be noted, however, that Vietnamese banks apply an additional commission of 3%, which is added to the possible commission of your own bank, which can lead to an increase in the cost of services.
In airports or hotels, it is also possible to pay in euros (EUR) or US dollars (USD), but only tickets are accepted.
Cost of living: Vietnam is a rather affordable country. The budget amount will be influenced by your accommodation, transportation and activity options.
Vietnamese is the official language. Increasingly, English is used in tourist areas.
Vietnamese roads can be challenging-Photo : Mr Linh's adventures
Transportation and Travel
The transport network in Vietnam is well developed, offering a multitude of options for moving within the country. MICE/DMC agencies are available to assist you in arranging airport transfers, city transfers and guided tours. It is important to consider the availability of time for travel due to heavy traffic, especially in large cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Accommodation and Services
Vietnam offers a variety of accommodations that meet the requirements of business travelers. From luxury establishments to more affordable alternatives, you will discover establishments that meet your needs. MICE/DMC agencies can assist you in selecting the best accommodation according to your budget and preferences.
Bargaining at the market-Photo : Mr Linh's adventures
Conclusion
Vietnam presents an exciting combination of culture, scenery and business opportunities, making it a popular destination for business trips. By following these recommendations, you will be perfectly ready to fully enjoy your stay in Vietnam. Don’t forget to work closely with your MICE/DMC agency to offer tailor-made services that meet your specific needs.
Have a great trip and enjoy your experience in Vietnam!
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