BESTCITYTRIPS
Vietnam is an excellent choice for first-time backpackers and seasoned travelers alike. It’s a well-trodden stop along the so-called “Banana Pancake Trail”— the most popular backpacking route through Southeast Asia. Gorgeous scenery and beautiful beaches abound, and it’s easy enough to get by with just English (though learning a bit of Vietnamese is encouraged). Here are a few more key details to know as you prepare for your trip to Vietnam.
1. You Probably Need a Visa
Only about 25 countries’ citizens qualify for visa-free entry to Vietnam, including the UK and 10 other European countries. Others on the list include passport holders from Panama, Kyrgyzstan, Japan, Chile, and any Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) country. If you’re traveling from the U.S., Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, you’ll need a visa in advance. Citizens of 80 countries can easily apply for a Vietnam eVisa online for tourism, business, and transit purposes.
To enter Vietnam, along with your visa, you’ll need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. Your passport should also have at least two blank pages that immigration officers can stamp. Depending on your plans, you can get a single-entry visa valid for 30 days or a multiple-entry visa for 90 days. It should go without saying, but you won’t be approved for another eVisa if you’ve broken any criminal or immigration laws on past visits.
2. Be Familiar With the Local Etiquette
There are many sacred Buddhist and Hindu religious sites in Vietnam that are popular attractions for tourists. When visiting, wear loose-fitting, modest clothing, avoiding short-shorts and sleeveless tops. Take off your hat and shoes when entering a sacred site or temple, and remove your shoes before entering someone’s home. Never touch the top of a person’s head, and be careful not to disturb any altars in homes, shops, or sacred sites.
Crossing your fingers — as when wishing for good luck in the U.S. — is considered extremely rude in Vietnam. It’s actually a reference to female genitalia, and it is about as offensive as giving someone the middle finger back home. Generally speaking, you also shouldn’t point at a person, especially if they’re older than you. Instead, use your whole hand to signal something of interest. Never point the soles of your feet at any person or sacred object either.
3. Prepare for the Weather
Depending on where you go and when, you could be in for a very different climate. In Southern Vietnam, it’s consistently hot and dry or hot and rainy, depending on the month. In rainy seasons, afternoon downpours are normal, but tropical storms can put a damper on your plans. In the North, the climate is generally cooler, and winters can even see snowfall. Central Vietnam is generally sunny, except for November and December when it gets wet and cloudy.
As with any travel in Southeast Asia, bring waterproof and water-resistant items. Use a waterproof backpack and bring a raincoat and travel umbrella. This is especially true if you’re visiting anytime between April and October, the most common rainy season. Remember that rain brings mosquitoes, so bring bug spray or repellent-treated clothing. In most places, malaria isn’t a concern, but you may need antimalarial medications in certain areas.
4. Eat the Street Food
Vietnamese cuisine is known for being exceptionally healthy, delicious, and often cheap. There’s street food everywhere, and you’ll be missing out if you don’t try some of the local stalls. Understand local meal times: folks tend to eat early (similar to the U.S.): 11:30-1 for lunch and 6-8 for dinner. Outside of these hours, stalls might be harder to find and you might not always have your choice of high-quality options.
At food stalls, you eat before you pay, so place your order and then find a table or stool to sit down at. Rub your chopsticks and spoon with a napkin to clean them, then place them on a clean napkin on the table. There are often shared condiments like sauces, garlic chili, and toppings like herbs and greens on the table. These are free of charge and customization is encouraged; ask locals or servers if you’re not sure what pairs well with your dish.
5. Avoid PDA: Public Displays of Affection OR Anger
Holding hands in public is common, especially among teenagers, regardless of gender pairing. Hugs are fine too, but kissing and beyond may be discouraged or frowned upon in many public spaces. These rules are changing, and in larger cities like Hanoi and Saigon, you can quickly kiss your partner. In rural areas, however, it’s a social taboo, as is cheek-kissing or hugging someone of the opposite sex as greeting anywhere in the country.
Showing your anger is also considered extremely embarrassing, as Vietnamese culture is largely non-confrontational. If you get cut off in traffic, cut in a line for food, or even scammed, keep your voice low and never make a scene. Don’t criticize anyone or point out their flaws; in most cases, the best solution is to say nothing at all. If you do lose your temper, especially at another person, there’s a good chance they’ll react strongly — you could wind up in a fight.
Take Your Time and Enjoy
Vietnam can be a little polarizing: Some people are overwhelmed by the bustling cities, while others complain of scams and slow long-distance transport. Most backpackers and budget travelers find it very accessible, because of the clear tourist trail and wildly affordable prices. Generally speaking, people are friendly, and it’s safe for solo, female, and first-time travelers. The best way to experience Vietnam is with an open mind — and a very loose itinerary.
