So, you’re planning on going to Vietnam? Excellent news!
There is so much to think about when visiting any new country, from making sure you’ve got the right visa to what to pack!
To help you focus on the excitement of bobbing along on a junk boat, cycling through national parks and relaxing on sandy beaches, our Vietnam Travel Specialists have offered their own personal advice for making your trip hassle-free by answering some of the most frequently asked questions from our travellers below.
Whilst we have done our best to cover as much as possible below, please feel free to get in touch if you find you’re still left looking for answers and we’ll gladly help!
Before departure
Your passport needs to be valid for six months after your planned departure from Malaysia. You can find out more information on entry requirements our Visa, Passport and Money Advic
If you are visiting Vietnam for 15 days or less and will not re-enter Vietnam within 30 days of your departure, you do not require a visa to enter the country as per the Vietnam Embassy guidance, if you hold a ‘British Citizen’ passport.
If you are visiting for 16 days or more or wish to re-enter Vietnam within 30 days of your departure, you will require a visa in advance of your travels. If you are re-entering, be sure to get a multi-entry visa. You can get an e-visa online before you travel.
For more advice, including combining your trip with Camboda , please check out our Visa & Passport page.
Yes, we would always recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance when travelling, especially overseas, that is suitable for your requirements and needs.
Because of the changing climate as you travel through Vietnam, you’ll want to bring along light/thin clothing as well as some warmer options for the evenings (especially in Sapa and the North in January/February). We recommend bringing layers of clothing that you can remove or add to depending on what you are doing and where you are.
Remember to dress modestly with your knees and the tops of your shoulders covered, particularly at religious sites. Always remove your shoes before entering temples: you’ll know where to put them when you find a sea of shoes!
As we’re not medically trained, unfortunately we are not able to provide you with any advice on vaccinations or medical care whilst you are away. However, the likelihood is that you will require some form of jabs.
The best thing to do is to chat to your travel GP, and they can also discuss with you any medications you are on, and can give you the ins and outs of the side effects that you can expect should you need any.
We also highly recommend using the Travel Health Pro website for the most up to date information and advice.
In terms of malaria, most of the coast of Vietnam is low to no risk, so you likely won’t need to take tablets, unless you are spending a prolonged time in high risk inland areas. In the end it is a personal preference as some people are simply diligent with bug spray while others get eaten alive and would worry less if they took the tablets.
Departure
We know heading off on holiday is always a little bit stressful, especially on the day you leave, so we would advise doing these things before you depart:
- Check you have all your necessary documentation, including your passport!
- Take a photo of your documents and email it to yourself and travelling partners. Having a copy on your phone always comes in handy too.
- Ensure you have all your chargers and converters for any phones, cameras, tablets you are taking. A portable battery pack is a handy item to have in your hand luggage.
- Take snacks and a big bottle of water for your flight.
- Get to the airport with plenty of time to spare, we advise arriving 3 hours prior to your flight departure.
- Pack a change of clothes in your hand luggage and take a photo of your checked bag in case it goes missing en route.
- Sit back and relax knowing we have your holiday sorted!
Arrival
Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. Here are a few key phrases to get you started:
Hello! – Xin Chào!
Goodbye! – Tam biêt
Thank you! – Cám on
How are you? – Có Khoẻ Không?
I’m fine, thank you – Khóe, cám on
Yes – Vâng
No – Không
My name is… – Tên tôôla …
I’m from… – Tôi dên tù …
I cannot eat… – Tôi không thể ăn …
I do not understand – Tôi không hiểu …
I’m vegan / vegetarian – Chay (Although this isn’t an exact translation, it actually means to ‘Eat Like a Buddhist’, which will be understood all around Vietnam and will get you by)
Vietnamese food is famous worldwide for its fresh flavours and even fresher ingredients. Dishes are packed with flavour from punchy fish sauce, soy sauce, fresh herbs, lemongrass, garlic, ginger and mint. The cuisine has a tapestry of influences: spices and curries were borrowed from Thailand and India; China inspired Vietnamese stir-fries and the French love of pastries and baguettes.
Keep an eye out for pho – a noodle soup that’s often eaten at breakfast. Bahn xeo (hearty pancakes filled with meat, veg and eggs) and gio cuon (spring rolls overflowing with fresh greens and minced pork or fish) are also worth a try. Delicious!
Learning the country’s cultural customs will help you to avoid embarrassing situations or accidentally offending people. Humility, restraint and modesty are all traits valued in Vietnam. Here are some of our top pointers:
- You’ll rarely see the Vietnamese lose their temper in public and you should never lose your temper in front of them. Not only is it frowned upon, but you’ll lose any chance of reaching a sensible solution.
- Leaving chopsticks sticking vertically out of a bowl of rice is associated with death as it resembles incense sticks burnt for the dead. If in doubt, just place them on a table or napkin when not in use.
- As in many other Asian countries, the Vietnamese tend to remove their shoes when coming indoors. It’s also considered rude to point your feet at people or sacred objects. Showing the soles are considered particularly rude.
- While Vietnam isn’t the most conservative country in Asia, it’s still best to dress a little more conservatively than you would at home. Carry a shawl around with you so you can cover your shoulders and knees, especially when visiting religious or important sites.
- The head symbolises the highest point and should not be patted or touched, especially in a condescending way. It’s also deemed respectful to doff your hat or nod your head slightly when passing important people, monks and elderly people.
Safety
In many ways, Vietnam is a very safe country to travel around. But just like anywhere else in the world, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and use your common sense, especially in overcrowded places and when using public transport.
It’s also best not to take valuables unless they are truly needed during your holiday. If you take a bag out, make sure it’s secure over your shoulder and be mindful of moped-borne snatch thieves.
We are contactable in the UK during office hours and our local partners in destination are available 24/7 for any support or help you might need. They are in the best position as they will be on the same timezone, they should be your first contact in a case of emergency.
Tips and practical information
American Dollars, all the way.
Whilst Vietnamese Dong is no longer a closed currency, you will likely pay a premium if you try and obtain some before you travel and with monetary exchange services everywhere in Vietnam, you can easily swap some Dollar for some Dong once you arrive. If you can though, avoid exchanging at airports as the rates are never as good. There are also ATMs absolutely everywhere in the main towns and cities so you can easily withdraw money as you go.
We recommend to take your US Dollars in small denominations so that you can use them in a pinch. Bringing a bunch of $1, $5 & $10 bills are great for tipping and entrance fees, as well as saving you having to find change for 80,000 Dong when you can just hand over $2!
As Vietnam is still so heavily dollarised, it is possible to pay in USD for many local goods and services – even if you may receive your change in Dong. Once you have been there for a few days you will get into the large denominations, and a currency converter app on your phone is a handy tool!
Although you’re not required to tip while in Vietnam, it is customary and is also very much appreciated. Whilst we of course pay our guides and drivers a fair wage, tips still make up a significant portion of the income of Vietnamese working in tourism. The amount you wish to tip is entirely up to you. As a guideline, if you have a guide for a day you would tip $5-10 USD or 100,000 dong per couple, for bell boys $1-2USD would be sufficient. Most restaurants that are not owned by the government charge a standard 10% service fee, so you won’t have to give an extra tip. If this isn’t included, then a 5–10% tip is greatly appreciated.