Vietnam is a country with a rich history, delicious food, incredible landscapes and so much more. I had a lovely time in this country. I did a lot of research to know what to expect. That’s why I am telling you the essentials there is to know about Vietnam. I am giving you the information I wish I had found doing my research. I hope you will like this amazing country as much as I did!
- When you should go
- Money currency
- Respect the culture
- How to use your phone / SIM card
- Some facts
- Different accommodation options
- Insurance
- Renting a scooter
- Essential apps to have
When you should go
The best months to visit Vietnam are from November to April. Vietnam is a big country, so the temperature will vary depending on the region. It’s always colder in the north, so don’t be surprised. I visited Vietnam in April, and it was the perfect temperature to get a tan. I’m excluding Ho Chi Minh Ville where it reached 40 degrees some days. This temperature is too hot for me to lay down and get a tan. In Hanoi, it was around 25 degrees, which is perfect.
The high season for tourists is from mid-December to March. That means more people and higher prices. When I was there in April, there weren’t too many tourists.
If you prefer to visit during the low season (April to November), be ready for cloudy days and colder temperatures (especially in the north). July and August are busier than the other months in the low season because it’s the summer vacation in most countries. Although, there are still fewer tourists than during the high season.
Money currency
The Dong is the money currency in Vietnam. You can exchange your money at the airport or get it at almost every ATM with your bank card. For me, I would withdraw with my visa, so the only thing I had to make sure of was that there was the Visa logo on the machine. There is a 30,000 to 55,000 VND fee for every transaction at an ATM (1.50$ CAD to 3$ CAD). Since the fee is minimal, you can withdraw a smaller amount to ensure your money isn’t lost or stolen. However, I would prioritize card payment if your card doesn’t charge every transaction like me.
Respect the culture
You will probably be visiting temples during your trip to Vietnam. Maybe you are part of a religion, maybe you are not, but when you are visiting their sacred temple, fundamentally, you respect theirs.
What you should wear: Make sure your shoulders are covered as well as your legs. Shorts and skirts are most of the time accepted, but they need to be at least knee-length. Since it is very hot in Vietnam, I would wear shorts and a T-shirt. I always had a sarong (a long piece of cloth) with me to cover my legs when I visited a temple.
How to use your phone / SIM card
The most affordable and easy way to have access to your phone is certainly not by buying a phone package back home. Buy a Vietnamese SIM card! You can find them in almost every convenience store. You can buy them at the airport, but it is cheaper in the city. Just ask your taxi driver to please stop somewhere you can buy a sim card, and they will know where to bring you. You can also ask a staff member of your hotel or your hostel where to buy one. The price depends on where you get your sim card and how much internet you get, but I will tell you, it is always cheap.
Know that they should be installing it for you and remember to keep your SIM card from home!
Some facts
Here are some facts about Vietnam:
- Do you like coffee? You are in luck because it’s the second-largest coffee producer in the world.
- Having millions of motorbikes, it’s the main transportation in the country.
- Vietnam has a unique national sport only found there: foot badminton (Da cau).
- Vietnam’s national day is September 2, Independence Day.
- The Lotus flower is the country’s national flower.
Different accommodation options
Villas/Apartments: Renting a villa/apartment is definitely the most eye-pleasing option. You can find some crazy original stays! Most of the time it is equipped like an apartment, so you will have a fridge and a cooking space. It will be pricier, but you can save on eating out if you cook at your villa. It is a good option for families or if you are a big group of people. You can split the price, and it can be more fun than being all separate in hotel rooms.
Hotels: Hotels are a classic. There are plenty of them with a huge price range. You will be well welcomed and have access to services you don’t get in a villa. Some hotels have spas, some have yoga classes and so much more. Your room will get cleaned every day, and you will have access to room service. If you are an anxious person, hotels are your best option. You will definitely feel more secure since there is always someone working nearby.
Hostels: If you are a backpacker, this is the cheapest option for you. It is less luxurious, less comfortable, less a lot of things. But it is an amazing experience to live while you are young. You will have one bed in a shared room with others. This is the best way to meet people if you are traveling solo. Some hostels have group activities to help with that. You are young, your back is not broken yet, and you can sleep in a less comfortable space in exchange for living an incredible experience.
Insurance
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Renting a scooter
If you know how to ride a bike, motorcycle or scooter, name it whatever you want, this is your best option (also if you don’t know how but are not scared to learn like me). You can hop on them with a driver, but sometimes if you are going on a long day adventure your best option is to rent one yourself! This way you can go wherever you want, no need to wait for a driver.
In Vietnam, motorbikes are everywhere, but some areas have less than others. Be sure to go get yours early in the morning and if they have no more left, ask for the time another traveler is supposed to bring his bike back. Commonly, they are going to ask for you to leave your passport or an ID as a guarantee. Nothing bad ever happened to me, but I know it is scary to leave behind something so important. There are shops really controlled to rent bikes that could be safer for your IDs but more expensive than some locals renting bikes.
They don’t ask for a license, and you will most likely never get arrested. Ask for a helmet when you rent a bike because they might not give it if you don’t ask. They are not obligatory in Vietnam, but don’t search for trouble! Gaz is available everywhere. If you are small like me, ask for a Scoopy. They are the smallest.
A tip I can give you is to always make sure there is space in the seat so you can put things in it.
Essential apps to have
Transport: Having access to transport in Vietnam is so easy!
- Download Grab and Gojek.
You can always just download one, but sometimes Grab is cheaper or faster and vice versa. It works the same as Uber. You order your car or bike knowing already the price it will cost. You know when your driver will be there, and you have the option of paying cash or directly with your card on the app. I would always prefer paying cash. This way I could always round up the amount and leave a tip. They deserve it! You can even order food on Grab, just like Uber Eat!
Place to stay:
- Booking: You will find all three types of accommodation.
- Airbnb: You will find amazing and original villas.
- Hostelworld: This is an app for hostels only. You will find the best ones with an amazing rating system to help you make your choice. There are also group chats on the app with the people who will be staying at the same place as you.
