If this is your first trip to Vietnam, you’ll need to prepare a few entry requirements.
Located in Southeast Asia, Vietnam enjoys a prime geographical position and is known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and diverse cuisine.
The following guidelines will help you get ready for your trip and ensure a smooth, enjoyable visit.
- Prepare passport and Visa
- Prepare to check airline tickets
- Book a room
- Check the famous attractions
- Prepare cash to spend in Vietnam
- Roaming your phone and buying a SIM card
- Choose means of transportation in Vietnam
- Download the map application to your device
- Find places to eat in Vietnam
- Arrange comfortable clothes
- Conclusion
1. Prepare passport and visa
A valid passport and, in many cases, a visa are required to enter Vietnam.
Your passport should have at least six months of validity from the date you enter the country.
Visa rules depend on your nationality. Citizens of several Southeast Asian nations can enter Vietnam without a visa, while travelers from the US, Australia, Europe, and many other countries need to review Vietnam visa requirements before their trip.
2. Prepare to check airline tickets
Traveling to Vietnam by air is generally the most practical option, except for visitors coming from nearby countries such as Cambodia or Laos.
You can choose any airline that fits your needs; popular options include Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air. Some travelers prefer Vietjet Air for shorter routes and Vietnam Airlines for longer international flights.
Flight tickets can be booked online or through a travel agent in Vietnam. The agent may charge more, but they often provide additional support during the booking process.
3. Book a room
Choosing accommodation in Vietnam depends on your budget and travel style. Hotel rates are generally affordable, and many properties include breakfast, quite different from destinations like Singapore, where many travelers transit.
A 4-star hotel in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City typically ranges from 70 to 110 USD for two guests, while prices in other cities are often lower. Promotions and seasonal offers can further reduce costs.
Popular booking platforms include Agoda, Booking.com, and Hotels.com. Many travelers find Agoda convenient and competitive due to frequent discounts. Depending on the hotel’s policy, you can pay in advance or upon check-in.
Paying upfront can be a good option for short trips, helping you focus your remaining budget on exploring local culture, scenery, and cuisine.
Choosing an accommodation standard depends on your budget and preferences. Most hotels in Vietnam are not expensive, often including breakfast, which contrasts when comparing Vietnam with Singapore – a country where many flights transit from here.
4. Check the famous attractions
With its coastal location and diverse mountain landscapes, Vietnam offers a wide range of notable tourist destinations. Several spots are recognized internationally, including the Golden Bridge in Ba Na Hills, Ha Long Bay, and the caves of Phong Nha.
Preparing a list of attractions before your trip can save time and help you plan your schedule more efficiently. It also allows you to arrange routes that reduce backtracking.
For instance, a 2-day-1-night itinerary from Hanoi to Ninh Binh and then directly to Ha Long Bay can help you avoid returning to Hanoi, making the journey smoother and more time-efficient.
To create a suitable travel route, you can use Google Maps or contact Vietnamdrive for complimentary planning assistance.
5. Prepare cash to spend in Vietnam
ou can use credit cards to pay for high-end purchases in shopping centers or for services at most hotels. However, many small shops and street food stalls accept only cash or local bank transfers. The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnam Dong (VND).
It’s helpful to carry enough cash for daily expenses. You can exchange money at major banks in Vietnam or at foreign exchange counters in international airports such as Da Nang, Noi Bai, and Tan Son Nhat. If you cannot find an exchange counter, airport staff can guide you.
Your spending will vary depending on your travel style, but a typical estimate for two people is around 1,000,000 VND per day for meals and general sightseeing.
>> You may want to see how much money it costs to carry to Vietnam.
6. Roaming your phone and buying a SIM card
If you need to stay connected for work while traveling, you may use international roaming, but fees can be high. It’s best to check with your mobile carrier for detailed costs before departing.
Upon arrival at major Vietnamese airports, you will find SIM card counters offering packages with built-in data. Purchasing a local SIM requires presenting your passport, so keep it handy. Prices vary by provider; for example, Mobifone’s NA70 package costs 70,000 VND and includes 10 GB of data for 30 days.
7. Choose means of transportation in Vietnam
Traffic can be challenging for many first-time visitors to Vietnam, as road behavior and crossing patterns may differ from those in other countries. A simple way to learn how to cross the street safely is to observe locals or walk alongside them.
Common transportation options in Vietnam include:
- Taxis for short distances
- Flights for long routes, such as Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon to Da Nang
- Trains for intercity travel, for example between Hanoi and Hue, or Da Nang and Hue
- Private cars for sightseeing or business trips
Except for taxis, most other transportation options are best booked in advance.
Motorbikes are prominent vehicles on Vietnamese streets. However, we do not recommend using this type of vehicle.
8. Download the map application to your device
If you plan to explore on your own, downloading an offline map application is useful in case you lose internet access.
Roads between districts in Ho Chi Minh City and the streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter can be challenging to navigate. Daily car rental with a driver can make navigation easier, as the driver will handle directions for you.
In addition to using online maps, you can download Google Maps for offline use in selected areas.
9. Find places to eat in Vietnam
Vietnam offers hundreds of flavorful dishes, from street food to upscale cuisine. Food is easy to find, but if you have specific dietary needs, researching restaurants in advance can be helpful.
For example, when we work with Indian tourists, we often receive requests for Indian restaurants that serve vegetarian meals, but such options are limited in Vietnam. European dishes are also uncommon on the street and are usually available in 4-star hotel restaurants.
Planning your dining options ahead of time helps you avoid uncertainty during your trip and supports a more comfortable, healthy travel experience.
10. Arrange comfortable clothes
Vietnam generally has high average temperatures, but you may encounter snow in Vietnam during the winter months from December to February, mainly in the northern highlands. If you visit these areas at that time, bring one or two warm layers.
Most other regions are warm throughout the year, so light and comfortable clothing is suitable. Long pants or knee-length dresses are recommended for visiting temples and pagodas.
You may also want to learn more about the dos and don’ts in Vietnam.
In addition, pack a pair of walking or running shoes to explore the beautiful landscapes and vibrant daily life of Vietnam.
Conclusion
Preparing for a trip to Vietnam is not only about completing paperwork or booking services in advance; it is also a way to set the foundation for a more complete and comfortable journey.
When you understand a bit about the climate, travel habits, cuisine, and small details to keep in mind, you will find it easier to blend into the local lifestyle and enjoy every moment.
Vietnam offers an engaging mix of bustling cities and peaceful natural landscapes, as well as rustic dishes and refined experiences.
For more information, you can explore our Vietnam travel guide.
Good preparation from the start allows you to explore, observe, and appreciate the country in the most authentic way.
And whether you are visiting for leisure or work, Vietnam welcomes you with warmth and hospitality. If you need further support, we are always ready to accompany you.