You’ll find that even in remote areas of the country such as Sapa, Halong Bay, and Ninh Binh, the wifi signal is strong. But often you’ll need to pay to use them (generally 2,000 VND). Considering all the dramatic stories and reviews I’ve read, I consider myself lucky with the range of experiences I’ve had: Apart from being the business and finantial capital of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant place. And in the north, the temperatures can get quite cold during the winter months (December – February), with occasional snow in the mountains around Sapa. We basically have three weeks but we hope to be back in south east asia next year for 3 months and most will be in Hua hin thailand but we are looking for places to return to in Vietnam. Email me, and I email you my list of recommendation and that’s all. I had a blast touring Vietnam. Thank you for your feedback. Wow such an amazing post! Thanks for your advice, it has been great to plan our trip, much appreciated. You might argue card cloning attempts can happen anywhere – true that – but it had never happened to me so it’s a good idea to never leave your card out of sight in Vietnam. I’m planning a trip next March with my drone for a magazine feature, not sure if to have a guide for a week or go it alone? Domestic beer is generally less than $1 USD per can. I agree it can be a daunting and confusing process, but don’t overlook this. Simply download the app and find a driver anytime you need a ride. I couldn't recommend a trip to Vietnam any more. Same things have happened to other travelers in Vietnam. As a result of periods of European occupation, some words are extremely similar to French. 1. I have visited Vietnam a number of times and agree with just about everything you say. Basically everything that you buy in Vietnam will be a bargain. The general feedback is that luxury cruises in Halong are a fantastic experience; budget ones can be a bit a real nightmare. But not as much because of cars, more because of the thousands of motorbikes that dominate the roadways, weaving in and out of traffic. All nationalities outside of Southeast Asi require some type of visa or preapproval letter before arriving in Vietnam. Things You Should Know Before You Visit Vietnam – 46 Basics And Facts About Vietnam. 4. Just a heads up, you may find affiliate links in here for programs/products that I'm diggin' right now which means I get a commission for purchases made through these links. When visiting Vietnam, keep that in mind. It’s worth to splurge on a Halong Bay cruise. Beware of counterfeit tour agencies There are many nice Vietnamese and don’t let what I’m about to share deter you. I used a Uber, cheap and convenient! So if you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, here are 12 essential things you need to know before visiting. I never used Grab but Uber is a very good tip! We are planning to travel May 2021 – Covid permitting. Just curious. ... Have a go on a motorbike or scooter. If you’re afraid of peak tourist season though, book it online. Eating on the street is as authentic as it gets in Vietnam and a fantastic way to travel on a budget. Regardless, use caution and don’t expect your normal pedestrian rights from home to apply in Vietnam. And it’s so much cheaper! Enjoy Portugal! Hi there.. We are trying to decide how to get to Hoian from Hue the day after tomorrow. Best you can do is to be informed and prepared to get a good price. Where exactly are you going Fran? The bad news is that bank notes are enough of a headache. Vietnam is not by any means a conservative country in what it comes to clothing. In short, no moment when not being attacked from incessant motorcycles (except – equally bad – when in a taxi, when it’s imposs. Where will you be going? 12 things you need to know before going to Vietnam Hey, fellow traveler! Except when the government announces sharks have eaten underwater fiber-optic cables (yes, this is a thing), Internet connection in Vietnam is surprisingly fast. Thank you for passing by, where did you go in Vietnam? But in rural areas is pretty much the same! The fascinating maze of streets of the Old Quarter is the ideal place to get lost and shop for local handicrafts in great food or just do a fair bit of people-watching. Stupidly, we let the waiter take the card inside. Vietnam is a country like no other, and traveling Vietnam is a guaranteed adventure. Most businesses are privately owned and there is a strong sense of capitalism in the country. Nevertheless what I’ve seen and that is not enough to make me come back or even suggest anyone to go. Unfortunately, the visa process for Vietnam is made more confusing by the proliferation of travel agencies offering the pre-approval service and competing for your business online. Crossroads are not often and I can’t remember seeing any pedestrian lights. Here are 20 top things to know before travelling to Vietnam: 1 - Eat everything The Vietnamese food is delicious with many of the cities having an incredible street food scene with roadside stalls and hole in the wall restaurants that can get your taste buds tingling. And when travelling in Vietnam, you can try bargaining in the vendor shop. This list of useful tips and tricks of Vietnam is mostly for first-time visitors, but it can help anyone achieve a safe and worry-free travel. If you are planning a visit to Vietnam and have never been to SE Asia before, be prepared for a bit of culture shock. If you want to wear shorts, a shirt and flip-flops, that’s absolutely fine. I much prefer making my own itinerary at my own pace. You’ll be having the time of your life. Also the implementation of new traffic management systems, but all in all expect the unexpected. Concern levels drop! The second most important thing to know before going to Vietnam; you need a tourist visa. There are many ways of getting around in Vietnam, but here’s a short overview. Don’t get fooled! There are endless reports of travelers being treated as cattle, rushing from place to place in cramped vans and stopping by at their friends’ shops and restaurants along the way. If you’re unsure, start with small snacks before moving to full meals. Free-wheeling Ho Chi Minh City is typically the jumping off point for many travelers starting in the south and heading up through Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi or Ha Long Bay, or the grand finale city if you’re doing it the other way around. If you don’t mind eating on tiny plastic stools you can get a filling meal for around $2 USD. With this Vietnam travel blog I am giving you 20 essential things you need to know before your trip and that help you enjoying this beautiful country even more. of data. In case you’re wondering… The other 4 communist countries are China, Cuba, Laos, and North Korea. I know sounds scetchy but they were the sweetest and their families were the best. You can find all kinds of tours to some of the most popular places in Vietnam such as overnight stay in the Mekong Delta, a convenient Cu Chi Tunnels tour or a romantic cruise in Halong Bay. So to fully prepare you for your Vietnam adventure, here are 15 things to know before going to Vietnam!. We use the Chase card for booking hotels and tours and our Charles Schwab card for getting money out of the ATM when visiting Vietnam. Learn how to pronounce the national dish: ‘pho’ before you order it. Traffic in Hanoi is not any better too. We love the Charles Schwab debit card that offers zero international fees and refunds all of your ATM fees. I personally think it’s an unforgettable cuisine with some flavors I haven’t experienced anywhere else. The people are so lovely and friendly. 1. Good news: there are many options available at very affordable prices. My family has a flight to HCM the end of January and were planning on flying to Pho Quoc. I’ll be visiting Vietnam on February for 18 days.. Land in Hanoi and leave from Ho Chi Minh. Even at restaurants, shops, and some hotels you may have a challenging time communicating to place an order or ask how much something costs. Putting it nicely, beaches are not Vietnam‘s forte. 1 Fill out visa options and contact information. If you’re unsure what to wear, do as locals do. Only deliberately you could take it out. The first thing to do before you go to Vietnam and is the most important one. If you’re looking for an endless shopping scene, an ecletic music and art offer and sophisticated nightlife, well this city has stuff to keep you busy for days. Keep in mind it often takes longer than hailing a taxi, and the drivers occasionally cancel the ride, but it’s far easier than having to negotiate your taxi fare prior to departing. Be sure to bring US Dollars in reasonably good condition – bills with no rips or writing. 1. However and even though it was tiring after a few days, I found walking in Saigon around to be an unique experience/adventure by itself. Many Vietnamese in the south worked for the US military during the war and they were offered asylum in the US when the American troops finally pulled out of Saigon. Guides & Tips How To Renew Your Visa in Vietnam. Some basic words of Vietnamese can go a long way. To give you an idea, a train ride between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is 1700+km-long and takes roughly 35 (!) Essential things you need a tourist visa some words are extremely similar to French.. are... Before you go in Vietnam capitalism in the vendor shop of European occupation, some are... 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