Destination Guide

Vacation, Trips and Holidays in Vietnam

Posted on 14/04/202011/10/2024 by Sai Gon Web Co., Ltd

14
Apr

From iconic rice paddies and cascading mountains to historic towns, frantic cities, national parks, and tropical islands, Vietnam offers peace, vibrancy, and a winning blend of incredible experiences, charming people, heart-stopping scenery, exquisite cuisine, and remarkable hospitality. The cultural and geographical treasures of this captivating country intrigue, inviting travelers to an adventure of a lifetime. If you are planning a trip here or your next family vacation, this guide will give every detail you will ever need right on your plate.

When to Visit Vietnam?

Those that have been here finally come to terms with the fact that any time is a great time to visit Vietnam! However, it is best to bear in mind the climate variations between the north and the south, especially if you wish to travel the length of the country. Generally speaking, anywhere between October and December is an excellent time to visit the north part of the island as the weather is perfect at that time of the year. If heading south, then prefer the months from November to March. Now, if you want to be part of any festivities that may take place around here, such as the Vietnamese New Year celebration (called TET), which is the biggest open-air party you will ever join, then do come January. In this case, though, book your flight tickets and accommodation in advance as hotels are booked quickly while restaurants, shops, and transport are usually closed for the holiday. Finally, to avoid too much rain and too much heat, better not travel to northern Vietnam from June to August it is scorching hot (around 40^oC) with regular downpours on a daily basis. Also, stay away from the southern part of Vietnam between June and July as it is the season with the worst rains.

What is the Weather Like in Vietnam?

Vietnam is ruled by a tropical monsoon climate that diversifies every region on the island. For example, in southern Vietnam, the weather is hot year-round with rains coming between May and October while central Vietnam is hot and dry from January to August and rainy and warm between September and December. As for northern Vietnam, the weather is humid, hot, and rainy during May and October and dry and cold from November to April.

Visa Requirements

Depending on where you come from, you may or may not need a visa to enter Vietnam. You do NOT need a visa (and can apply for popular passport type with return tickets) if:

You live in a country member of the ASEAN, such as Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand (unless you visit Vietnam for more than 30 days or more than 21 if you are from the Philippines or 14 if you are from Myanmar or 15 if from Brunei).
You live in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, or Spain and are planning to stay in Vietnam for less than 15 days.
You are a passport holder from Russia, Japan, Korea, or the Scandinavian nations and you are going to stay in Vietnam for less than 15 days.
You are a citizen of France or Chile holding an official passport or valid diplomatic papers and will remain in the country for less than 90 days.
You are an APEC Business Travel Card holder from APEC member economies and will stay for less than 60 days.
Are Vietnamese or foreigner holding valid foreign passport and are entering the country via an international border to travel to Phu Quoc Island (as long as you don’t stay there for more than 15 days).

If you don’t belong in any of these categories, then you need to get a Vietnam entry visa before arriving here by visiting the Vietnamese Embassy in your country and providing information about your length of stay, among others. Alternatively, you can apply for an e-visa from https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/ or an invitation letter for a visa using a visa agency and receive your single-entry visa upon arrival after you show the letter, a passport photo, and your passport and pay the stamping fee at the airport. Note: It is a good idea to ensure you get a passport with a 6-month validity (at least).

What Languages Are Spoken in Vietnam?

Although the official language is, of course, Vietnamese, you may also hear many people (mainly older ones) speak French too (Vietnam was a French colony for many years). English is also widely spoken throughout the country, primarily the more developed and touristy areas. Don’t be surprised if you come across students in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi eager to speak to you to practice their English! Now, if you wish to have a conversation with a local of a rural or remote area, chances are it will be challenging as very few speak English.

How to Get Around Vietnam?

There are various ways to get from one region to another:

Train – The Vietnam railway line will take you from one end of the country to another. You may use the train to go to and from Hanoi, Danang, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, and Nha Trang. You may also travel north to Lao Cai for Sapa, or east from Hanoi to Haiphong for Halong Bay. If you want to move in luxury, use the Orient Express Trains that ride from Hanoi to Lao Cai. Generally, there are four classes in Vietnam Railways, soft sleepers, hard sleepers, soft seats, and hard seats. Most of the time, trains also have food service and air-condition, and you can book your tickets online, at the station or through your hotel.
Internal Flights – You will find several domestic flights going to and from Phu Quoc, Dalat, Hue, Nha Trang, Danang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi. The average flight time from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi is 2 hours (direct flight). Overall, the cost is meager, and the most popular airlines here are Vietnam Airlines, Air Asia, Vietjet, and Jet Star.
Boat – Taking the boat to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay will enable you to go past picturesque landscape as you go around the verdant Mekong Delta waterways. Or you can hop on a boat and go swimming or snorkeling at Phu Quoc, the Cham Islands, and Nha Trang, to name a few. Overnight cruises are also very common here.
Bus – The bus is the most cost-effective means of transport here. The bus network in Vietnam is quite extensive and you can purchase your tickets online, via your hotel or directly from the bus station. Pick any of the available ticket options, from fancy private tourist tickets to very cheap ones. If you are after extremely posh and comfortable bus rides, choose Mai Linh Express or The Sinh Tourist, as long as you are okay with the loud music and film playing on these buses. As for the most budget-friendly tickets, these belong to Open Tickets’ hop-on-hop-off buses. You can grab those from tour companies.
Motorbike – If you are an experienced driver, then do rent a bike. Otherwise, better avoid it as the traffic here can be overwhelming with very few bikers following traffic regulations. The roads are also challenging (most are narrow, dirt roads). To rent a motorcycle, you will need an International Driver’s Permit and insurance. Alternatively, you could co-ride with an experienced tour guide.

Are there any Health Concerns to Keep in Mind?

Before you travel to any foreign country, it is always advised to have a medical check-up and take out proper insurance. Provided that your routine boosters and vaccinations are all been taken care of on time, including measles-mumps-rubella and diphtheria-tetanus-polio, you will be fine. As an extra precaution, make sure you have also had vaccinations for Typhoid, Tetanus, and Hepatitis A. In the recommended list, one will probably find vaccinations against Japanese Encephalitis, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, and Rabies (if you are going to come into contact or work with animals). Finally, except for some rural areas and southern regions, Malaria is not at all common in Vietnam. What is present in the country, though, is Zika Virus and Dengue Fever so do take precautions to avoid bites (i.e., cover up in the evenings or use repellent, preferably with DEET) and seek medical help if you notice any symptoms, such as aching muscles, nausea, headache, or fever.

Vietnam Cuisine

Besides heart-stopping vistas and mind-blowing natural beauty, Vietnam is also renowned for its delicious food (see legendary fish sauce and top-quality locally-produced peppers) that surprises pleasantly with its price. The local cuisine is characterised by fresh spring rolls from locally-grown vegetables, meaty soups seasoned like there is no tomorrow, a beef noodle soup the locals call Pho, banana-flower salads, and French-influenced baguettes. If you head to the north, do not leave without having tasted some Bun Cha or a Banh Mi pork sandwich. And, you happen to be somewhere on the coast, ordering some seafood is a prerequisite, whether you are at a sea-side restaurant or a street market.

Vietnam Nightlife

The most action takes place in the big cities and the beachside towns. Hanoi is very famous for its lager-like draught (a locally-brewed type of beer) among the locals while the bars and clubs in Ho Chi Minh City (the Pham Ngu Lao district) are open until deep in the night. If you fancy a more relaxed nightlife scene, Phu Quoc is ideal. Plenty of beachfront clubs, vibrant nightclubs, restaurants that stay open until very late at night, wine lounges, and cocktail bars with elegant interiors will tick your boxes for a fun and laid back time out. If you are lucky, you may bump to a full-moon party or join the thrill of a sports event that becomes everybody’s business here! Or you could go straight to Duong Dong and buy some souvenirs and/or sample authentic local dishes at the Dinh Cau Night Market.

Main Highlights in Vietnam

The bustling capital of the country is Hanoi and like every other town of Northern Vietnam, it mesmerises with its French colonial architecture. Escape to Hoan Kiem Lake and watch the sun vanish behind the horizon (or do morning Yoga) or stroll the intricate streets of the Old Quarter. Also:

Traveling east will introduce you to the unique karst limestone landscape followed by the enchanting waters of Halong Bay.

As you move further north towards the border with Laos and China, you have rolling hills, lush valleys, imposing waterfalls, and beautiful rice terraces waiting for you around the town of Sapa.

Travelers to the central coast can expect pristine beaches with crystal clear waters and the charming town of Hoi An with its tree-lined streets and the fine shopping scene.

Follow the Perfume River as you move closer to inland, and it will lead you to the Imperial City, the former imperial capital of Hue, and the impressive Thien Mu Pagoda.

The coastal city of Nha Trang awaits further south, ready to accommodate your needs for a relaxing time. Offering great scuba diving, gorgeous sandy beaches, and an underwater world so enchanting; it will be hard to part.

Saigon, the largest city of Southern Vietnam, will greet you with historical landmarks and not only.

Not long after driving south, your eyes will land on the scenic Mekong Delta that the locals also call the rice bowl of Vietnam! Unsurpassable beauty and allure as you watch the floating markets.

Only a short flight separates you from the unbelievably romantic and idyllic beaches and landscapes of Phu Quoc Island overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.

Accommodation in Vietnam

Vietnam hosts a wide range of accommodation. You can find luxury hotels and chic resorts in the more central areas or on the coast offering accommodation at its finest. Others comprise an exceptional base from which to explore the most notable attractions and landmarks, including UNESCO World Heritage towns and sights. There are also options that provide further tranquillity along the coast or on the island of Phu Quoc, as well as lodgings cut to please those that wish for beachside retreats and bare-foot luxury, and stylish boutique hotels. Finally, some properties combine all that, such as La Veranda in Phu Quoc island that thrills with its colonial style and affluence. As for those into budget holidays, lodges and guesthouses are in abundance in Vietnam enabling them to explore the less-touristy regions and enjoy spellbinding views on the cheap.

Unique Must-Try Activities in Vietnam

When you are in Vietnam, you normally want to explore the gorgeous beaches and dive in the refreshing waters of the ocean. But, what if you wanted to get a different taste of what is available here? Here is a list of things that you could consider:

Journey like a local on the back of a Vespa.
Learn to fish like Vietnamese do.
Ride a buffalo cart through the central coast countryside.
Have morning Tai Chi.
Meet a Feng Shui master.
Trek from Sapa to Ta Giang Phinh.
Learn about the likes of Bahn tom and Cha Ca (deep-fried shrimp cakes and sautéed white fish respectively).
Attend a night market.
Drink tea at Hue city.
Dine in a romantic cave.
Go shopping at a floating market.
Join a local festival.

Vietnam is a blossoming flower, with many pedals that captivate and dazzle with their aromas and unique beauty. Grab this opportunity and see where this adventure will take you!

Find Out More

Transportation

I. HOW TO TRAVEL AROUND VIETNAM? Travelling inside Vietnam is quite easy. In most of the cities, there are local bus systems with one-way ticket of 7,000VND (about 0.3USD) for one person. Maps with bus routes can be easily found in every bookstore. The bus will follow a fixed route, thus it is necessary to check whether the bus is heading to your target destinations. Another popular means of transport is the “xe om”, which is simply the motorbike taxi. There are several “xe om” drivers who are sitting on their scooters and wearing helmets. Recently, two big “xe om” systems have been launched by Grab, which offer cheaper prices and better safety. If going with traditional “xe om” drivers, it is better to negotiate the fare beforehand to avoid being overcharged. On the contrary, if travelers use Grab services, they might get a great deal without having to bargain. Taxis are also plentiful in the cities. For the sake of safety, go with reputable taxi companies such as Mai Linh, Vinasun. Grab and Uber provide taxi services, too. Be careful when going with independent taxis because they often overcharge travelers, especially foreign tourists. Regarding traveling to other regions within Vietnam, three main options are available: flight, bus, and train. Vietnam has four domestic airlines: Vietnam Airlines, VASCO (a spin-off of Vietnam Airlines), VietJet Air, and Jetstar Pacific. Vietnam Airlines and VASCO are the most reputable agencies which are renowned for their service and timeliness. The other two are budget airlines offering cheaper tickets. However, their additional services and flight delays have been falling into disrepute. Another low-budget way to travel around Vietnam is by long-range buses. Sleeper buses are preferable for long journeys (4 hours and more), even though the seats are quite small for foreigners. It might be hard for taller passengers to stretch out completely. Buses are normally affordable, but some people recommend that travelers should not go at night due to road safety issues. The last option is going by train. Going by train takes the same amount of time as by buses. Trains provide more space and facilities than buses, and more importantly, it is safer to go by train. In addition to the ordinary tickets, some agencies provide privately-run sleeper-car attached to the train. There are luxury services, but it might cost a considerably high expense. Train tickets are sold at the railway stations, via travel agencies, or via your hotels. Visitors can also book the tickets online. Many adventurous travelers love to rent motorbikes for their trekking trips. They can freely go wherever and whenever they want. Some even choose to buy motorbikes and pass it on at the end of their journeys. Remember that a Vietnamese driving license is required if you want to ride a motorbike in this country. II. WHERE TO TRAVEL IN VIETNAM? Vietnam is a beautiful country which offers several interesting destinations for different groups of travelers. Followings are some most recommended tourist attractions in this S-shaped country. Halong Bay Recognized one of new Seven Wonders of the World, Halong Bay has proved itself as a wonderful destination for Vietnam tours. Halong Bay consists of thousands of majestic limestone islands and islets that are covered by turquoise sea water. Taking a Ha Long Bay trip, visitors will spend their time discovering the sheer beauty of narrow lagoon and grottoes while gliding on the blue ocean. You can go aboard on tourist boats to travel around the Bay. Not only can you watch the spectacular limestone and caves, you can also visit some floating villages such as Cua Van, Vung Vieng, and Cong Dam to see the life of people there. For more luxury trips, there are high-end cruises available for overnight tours on the Bay. You may catch the glorious sunset on the sea or watch the sparkling night sky while getting served with best services. Also, it is interesting to go kayaking around the Bay. With its significant geological value, Halong Bay has been listed as UNESCO World Natural Heritage for two times. Hanoi Of course, Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam cannot be missed in any Northern Vietnam destination lists. The beautiful and peaceful city with a thousand years of history possesses alluring beauty which has been highly appreciated by both local and foreign tourists. The thousand-year capital of Vietnam still well preserve some tangible and intangible value of a nation with long-lasting history. Here exists the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – the social and political center of Vietnam under Ly, Le, and Tran Dynasties. It was also where French Government worked during their conquest of Vietnam. Hence, travelers can see the cluster of Eastern and Western Cultures, especially through architecture here. Next to the citadel stands the mausoleum of Uncle Ho – the great leader of the country during Vietnam War, who has also inspired millions of people all over the world. Some famous relics like Hanoi Flag Tower, North Gate and D67 Tunnel and House are also situated in this area. There are many other worth-visiting places to explore in Hanoi such as Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, West Lake, and Duong Lam ancient village, where you can approach Hanoi’s culture and daily lives. Especially, the specialties in Hanoi Old Quarter will definitely amaze you. Sapa Located in the mountainous Northwest of Vietnam, Sapa is perhaps the most haunted destination for adventurous trips in northern Vietnam. The exquisite scene of the natural settings with dense jungle and the colorful rice terraces is an undeniable allure to travelers. Sapa is also home to many ethnic minority groups such as H’Mong, Tay, Dao, and Thai. Coming to Sapa, travelers can discover the incredibly beautiful landscapes as well as the culture of the tribal people. Visitors can try on the colorful traditional clothes, do farming in terraced rice fields, or participate in Bac Ha traditional market. Additionally, they can pay a visit to Fansipan Peak – the summit of Indochina at the height of 3143 meters, coming across jungles and climb up the mountain to get a unique wilderness experience while taking a bird’s eye view of the whole area. Not only does Sapa displays Vietnamese’s culture, the small town also shows the influences of the West. Travelling around Sapa town, visitors can easily find French-style villas and homes, as well as some modern public buildings. Ha Giang With rugged mountains, spectacular terrace fields, deep valleys, and dense forests, Ha Giang is an ideal place for northern Vietnam tours. The majestic landscapes flanked by high mountains (Tay Con Linh and Kieu Lien Thi), mighty rivers (Lo and Mein Rivers) and detailed with waterfalls, valleys, forests, and distinct limestone formations have made Ha Giang an irresistible destination for nature lovers. The province offers spectacular views that are exceptionally suitable for the intrepid escapade. Paying a visit to Ha Giang will enable travelers to experience as a local. You can stay with local people and trek through colorful terraced rice fields and villages of the ethnic minority in most isolated areas, where has not been influenced by mass tourism. Some must-stop tourist attractions in Ha Giang are Dong Van Rocky Plateau Geopark, the Palace of Vuong Family, Lung Cu Peak, Meo Vac, Khau Lai Love Market, Quan Ba Valley, and Happiness Road. Ninh Binh Located just about 3 hours driving from Hanoi, Ninh Binh Province is famous for its spectacular landscapes and cultural values. Trang An Landscape Complex has been recognized as the World’s Cultural and Natural Heritage. With marvelous limestone peaks and caves surrounded by rice paddies, Trang An is one of the best destinations in Vietnam for foreign travelers. In addition to tranquil landscapes, Trang An has high cultural values. Caves’ archaeological deposits represent human occupation and utilization lasting for more than 30,000 years. There also stands Hoa Lu Citadel – the capital of Vietnam under Dinh Dynasty. Many historical vestiges still remain today. Moreover, Bai Dinh Pagoda, the biggest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia with many world and regional records, is situated in this beautiful province. To explore the beauty of Ninh Binh travelers can pay a visit to Trang An, Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Bai Dinh pagoda, Hoa Lu Citadel, etc. These attractions are located closely and will offer you unforgettable experiences. Quang Binh Quang Binh is favored with marvelous landscapes. Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park is a renowned tourist attraction recognized by UNESCO as the World Natural Heritage. The complex of Phong Nha – Ke Bang consists of several marvelous caves and grottoes with fantastic stalactites and stalagmites such as Phong Nha, Tien Son, Toi, Thien Duong, and Thuy Cung. Son Doong – the world’s largest cave is also located in this region. With mysterious scenery insides, the caves and grottoes have attracted a huge number of local as well as foreign tourists. Quang Binh is also home to famous beaches such as Da Nhay and Nhat Le beaches – which are perfect for summer escape. Additionally, Quang Binh includes several historical and cultural relics such as Hoang Phuc pagoda, Dao Duy Tu rampart, and Dong Hoi citadel. The cultural archaeological site of Bau Tro, Phu Luu bronze Drum, which existed in the same era as Dong Son Drum is also found in this province. Hue Once the capital of Vietnam during Nguyen Dynasty, Hue remains its ancient looks and loyal customs. The complex of Hue Citadel and the Imperial Court Music have been recognized as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. The complex consists of the Imperial Citadel of Hue, royal tombs, and monuments of Nguyen dynasties such as Tu Duc, Minh Mang, and Khai Dinh. Moreover, Hue is the city of pagodas and temples. The most famous pagoda is called Thien Mu pagoda nestled to the north of the poetic Perfume River. Cuisine and costume are also the attractions of Hue. Visitors may have chances to sample the special delicacies in Hue and buy home some specialties as souvenirs such as Me Xung and Tom Chua. More interestingly, you might catch the sight of Hue’s girls in their traditional “Ao Dai” and “Non Bai Tho” who are cycling their bikes on their ways to school. The tranquil and peaceful atmosphere of Hue will definitely leave visitors in awe! Da Nang Da Nang is a dynamic city in Central Vietnam. The city is renowned for its modern lifestyle, cleanliness, and safety. Da Nang is among the most popular destinations in Vietnam thanks to its richness in natural landscapes as well as cultural values. Non Nuoc Beach in Da Nang is listed one of the most beautiful seashores in the world, which is indubitably suitable for swimming and sunbathing. Marble Mountains – the five limestone hills named after five elements of the ancient oriental philosophy, which are metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, is another attractive place to visit. These mountains are also home to several temples and pagodas in mysterious caves. Ba Na Hills – an amusement complex in Truong Son Mountain Range is a must-stop destination in the city. It used to be a resort founded by French colonizers in early 20th century with more than 200 Western-style villas, but only a few of them remains today. Ba Na attracts travelers with dense rainforests, waterfalls, and its bio-ecological diversity. Additionally, a notable attraction in Ba Na is the Southeast Asian’s biggest indoor amusement center. The Fantasy Park opens a lively and attractive entertainment world with many fascinating games for all ages. Also, Ba Na consists of many alluring places such as Le Jardin D’Amour Flower Garden, Debay Wine Cellar, Linh Ung Pagoda, and French Village. Hoi An Once the major trading port of Asia, the ancient town of Hoi An is the place where visitors can discover the long-lasting culture of Asia in general and Vietnam in particular. The foreigners came from all corners of the world but most of them were from China and Japan. Many have settled in permanently and etched their marks into the history of Hoi An. A tour to Hoi An will offer you an enlightening journey to the past. The well-preserved hundred-year-old houses and buildings enable travelers to take a closer look at the influences of Chinese, Japanese, French, and Spanish cultures in the region. Also, it is great to explore the cluster of different cultures via Hoi An festivals and cuisine. Taking a boat alongside the Thu Bon River, visiting significant historic vestiges, watching the colorful lanterns at night, or catering to the flocks of tourists on its narrow streets to sample the foods would bring about unforgettable moments. Nha Trang Nha Trang consists of one of the most famous Vietnamese seashores which has been listed as one of the best beaches in the world. Located in Southern Vietnam, Nha Trang is a dynamic city which stands by the sea. The city has several stunning white-sand beaches such as City Beach and Hon Chong Chenh. Not only can travelers dive into the cool turquoise sea water, sunbathe in the long sandbank, they can also participate in modern water sports such as wakeboarding, kite surfing, and banana boat rides. What’s more, in Hon Chong Chenh beach stands a rock formation that stretches towards the sea, which is an ideal place to take photos. Mui Ne Recently Mui Ne has attracted huge attraction from tourists thanks to its marvelous beaches and sand dunes. There exist enormous white and golden sand dunes sloping gently to the ocean – the exquisite scenery of natural settings that is rarely seen in tropical countries. It is regarded as “the little Sahara desert” of Vietnam. Additional to swimming and participating in water sports, travelers can have some other interesting outdoor activities in the dunes such as kite-flying, jeep-driving, and sled-riding. Also, watching the glorious sunset with lovers on the sand dunes is an exceptionally romantic experience. Ho Chi Minh City Regarded as the Pearl of the Orient, Ho Chi Minh City (also called “Saigon”) was the center of economics and entertainment of Indochina. It was named after the great leader of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Modern skyscrapers amidst Oriental-style pagodas and significant relics create a dynamic urban area in a very special sense. The architecture, along with the lifestyle of Saigon, is the reconciliation between American and Chinese influences, with many dots of modernity yet without losing traditional traits. The Independence Palace, which marks the reunification of the North and the South in 1975 and the end of Vietnam War, is a must-visit destination. Other relics such as Cu Chi tunnels, Dragon House Wharf, and Notre Dame Cathedral are also amazing to explore. Mekong Delta Nestled in the southernmost of the country, Vietnam’s Mekong Delta is considered the country’s breadbasket. This region provides more than half of Vietnam’s rice. It is also the land of tropical fruits. Coming to Mekong Delta, travelers can take on a boat gliding along Mekong River to come across enormous rice paddies and explore the life of friendly Southern people. You can also take time to visit the floating markets such as Cai Rang and Phong Dien to buy fresh flowers and fruits, or to listen to “Don Ca Tai Tu” – Southern Vietnam’s traditional music. Phu Quoc Island Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc – the biggest island in Vietnam has been increasingly popular with travelers. Phu Quoc Island is famous for its big tropical forests, beautiful white sand beaches, and colorful coral reefs. The island remains intact from human’s influences as more than 70% of it belongs to Phu Quoc National Reservation Park. Here travelers can spend your holidays on exploring the forests, the blue-green sea, or visiting the traditional villages. There are many stunning beaches in Phu Quoc such as Long Beach, Thom Beach, Sao Beach, and Ong Lang Beach. Some are perfect for swimming, while some are ideal for sightseeing. These are extraordinarily suitable for honeymoon or couple tours. Also, Phu Quoc is home to some specialties such as fish sauce, pepper, and pearl. Many fish sauce factories, pepper plantations, and pearl farms are available to visit. Plenty of hotels, resorts, restaurants, and café bars have been opened to serve the increasingly high number of both local and foreign tourists.

Vietnam Local Foods & Products

1. MUST-TRY DISHES IN VIETNAM Along with the breath-taking landscapes and valuable heritage sites, the cuisine is a distinctive feature of Vietnam. Followings are some distinctive delicacies of Vietnam that visitors should try. Pho, Bun Obviously, no one can ignore that famous dish when visiting Vietnam. “Pho” has been widely known as Vietnamese specialty. There are many of kinds of “Pho”, depending on which ingredients are added into. Travelers can find “Pho” anywhere, from street vendors to luxury restaurants. Just a small tip, the ones where locals gather the most are the places to sit down and take a try. The three most famous regions for “Pho” and “Bun” are Hanoi, Nam Dinh, Hue, and Saigon. The dishes from these places have different tastes, which will leave the customers in awe! Bun Cha This is absolutely a must-eat dish when taking a Vietnam street food tour. “Bun Cha” is the Vietnamese name of “grilled pork”, which contains two types of meat: minced pork patties and strips of meat. They are soaked into dipping soup made from fish sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and chilies. You can dress it up by adding whatever you want. There are also rice vermicelli and fresh herbs. The best way to eat is to dip all these things into the soup and take a full mouth of it. You can order some more spring rolls to make the dish better. “Bun Cha” is even more delicious when you eat at restaurants along the streets. Do not try to find a luxury restaurant, just stop where you can smell the smoky hazes from the grilling. The place with the best “Bun Cha” is Hanoi Old Quarter, where you can get a heavenly tasty dish with a reasonable price. Banh Cuon “Banh Cuon” is popular as a dish for breakfast and a midday snack. The dish is made of an exceptionally thin rolled rice sheet, filled with minced mushroom and ground pork meat. Fried onion and cilantro are added as toppings. Dipping it into light fish sauce can make it much tastier. “Banh Cuon” restaurants are easily found in every street or market in different parts of the country. Find where steams are coming up to get the fresh and hot dish, as the chefs usually make it right in front of the restaurants. Banh Mi Voted as one of the most delicious sandwiches in the world, “Banh Mi” is absolutely a cannot-miss dish for Vietnam Food Tour. “Banh Mi” first appeared during the French colonization. The French people made baguette and sandwiches for their own uses, then the Vietnamese created a new variant. It is a cluster of traditional and Western culture. “Banh Mi” is actually the baguette combined with pork, pate, and various vegetables. These things are put together, then creating a great flavor. Each region has its variant of Banh Mi. The two most famous ones are “Banh Mi Ha Noi” and “Banh Mi Hoi An”. In addition to the distinct flavor in each region, travelers can also vary their “banh mi” by adding different toppings. I’m sure that you cannot stand yourself from eating once you have tried it. Banh Xeo “Banh Xeo” is a crispy cake made of rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric. The cake is pan-fried with several ingredients such as pork slices, shrimps, sliced onions, bean sprouts, and mushrooms. The best taste can be achieved when you eat it with lettuce, herbs and sweet fermented peanut butter sauce. Sometimes people use rice paper to wrap “banh xeo” and all other additional ingredients to make it easier to eat. (http://armstrongpharmacy.com) It is absolutely a great appetizer that visitors should try when having food tours in Vietnam. Xoi Xeo “Xoi Xeo” is a mouth-watering street food that can be easily found in outdoor markets. The dish includes sticky rice and toppings of fried onion and “mung” bean. There are also other ingredients you can add to your dish such as “Cha Lua”, steamed chicken, “ruoc” – smashed and fried salted pork, eggs, and pork belly. It is not only a dish to eat at the restaurant but travelers can also take it away for their long journey. Almost every region has “Xoi Xeo”. It is a popular breakfast for all ages, hence the price is very cheap. You can buy one with only 5,000 VND. For the dishes with more toppings and ingredients, it may cost you about 15,000 – 25,000 VND. So cheap for a good dish, right? 2. VIETNAM SPECIALTIES AND PRODUCTS. In addition to the unique cuisine, Vietnam is also well-known as a country with lots of specialties and export products. Followings are some outstanding products of the S-shaped country. Rice Vietnam is an agricultural country with more than 70% of its people making their living by growing rice. The Red River Delta in the North and the Mekong Delta in the South is considered the two rice baskets placed at two ends of a pole. Not only growing rice for daily uses, Vietnamese farmers also export rice to other countries. Following Thailand, Vietnam is the 2nd largest rice-exporting country in the world. Coffee First introduced by the French in 1857, the coffee industry has increasingly developed and become a major economic product in Vietnam. Vietnam is the second largest producer in the world after Brazil, and most of the coffee comes from the plantations in Highland regions of Central Vietnam. Vietnamese coffee are renowned for its high-end quality. Two most famous brands of Vietnamese coffee are Trung Nguyen Coffee and VinaCafe. Pepper Vietnam is the World’s largest producer and exporter of peppers. Introduced by the French in the 17th century, pepper trees have now been planted in large scale in the South, especially in Central Highland provinces. Phu Quoc Island is another famous plantation of black pepper. Pepper is regarded as the “King of Spices” and used in daily dishes worldwide. Tea Northern Vietnam is home to the famous brand of tea: Thai Nguyen Tea. Enormous tea plantations are found in the northwest regions, mostly concentrating in Thai Nguyen and Moc Chau. Not only do tea plantations bring about a high volume of products, these are also interesting tourist attractions. Fish Seafood industry plays an important role in Vietnam’s economy. Fisheries exports account for a large proportion of the overall revenue. The main markets of Vietnam fish are the United States and Western countries. Textile Textile is a key economic sector of Vietnam. Though a small country, Vietnam is a big player in the textile industry. This sector provides jobs to more than 2 million employees. As Vietnam’s labor is very cheap, the textile products are also affordable, thus enabling the industry to gradually continue even in the struggling economic situation.

Visa to Vietnam

1. Customs regulations Thanks to the government’s policies to promote tourism, customs regulations are becoming far simpler. However, it is still necessary to pay attention to the basic information about essential documentation and things that you can and cannot bring along when arriving or leaving the country. Travelers can bring the maximum amount of the followings; if exceeding, you will have to declare your stuff and pay import taxes: – Cigarettes: 400 – Cigars: 100 – Tobacco: 100 gram – Liquor: 1.5 liters – Perfume and jewelries for personal use – Souvenirs and gift items valued under $ 300. There is no restriction on the amount of money, gold, or precious materials; however, large sums of foreign currency (US$5000 and greater) or gold (more than 300 gram) must be declared. Bear in your mind that you are not allowed to bring along the followings: – Weapon, ammunition, explosives and inflammable objects – Military technical equipment; drugs, opium and other narcotics – Anti-government literature; pornographic literature, etc. 2. Passports Passport must be valid for 6 months upon arrival in Vietnam. 3. Visas Getting visas in advance is required for some nationalities, but some don’t. Travelers with tourist visas can stay for 30 days. The standard length for people from visa-exempt countries (Norway, Finland, Japan, Korea, and ASEAN members) is 15 days. The validity of visas is short; hence, check your plans before applying for single or multiple visas. A single-entry visa (30 days of validity) costs , while a multiple-entry visa (90 days of validity) costs . (Modafinil) It is also easy to extend the visa in Vietnam. Types of Visas Visa on Arrival (VOA) It is the most preferred method for travelers coming by plane, as it is much cheaper, faster, and more convenient. The VOA is only available if you are heading to one of Vietnam’s five international airports (Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang, Hai Phong, and Can Tho). The procedure is very simple: fill in an online application form and pay the agency fee (about $20), then you will get a Visa on Arrival approval letter signed by Vietnamese Immigration via email. You need to print it out, show it on arrival in a separate queue at customs, and pay your visa stamping fee in US dollars. The costs for single-entry and multiple-entry stampings are $25 and $50. Visa via the Embassy or Consulate Visa can also be obtained via Vietnam’s Embassies and Consulates in other countries, but the process may be slower. It takes about a week to get a Vietnamese Visa in European countries. E-visas Since 2017, travelers are enabled to apply for visa online via the Vietnam Immigration Department. 40 nationalities are eligible to register. However, the E-visas are single-entry only, and cannot be extended. The cost is $25. You can check the latest conditions and apply at: https://immigration.gov.vn/ Visa exemption Citizens of certain countries which have exemption agreements with Vietnam may visit the country without visa for a period of time. Followings are the list of visa-exempted nations: Country Days Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia 30 Philippines 21 Japan, South Korea, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the UK 15 Myanmar, Brunei 14 4. Embassies and Consulates Regarding countries with no visa exemption agreements with Vietnam, travelers have to contact the Vietnam Embassies or Consulates in their countries to register or extend the visa. In case any problems occur, visitors should contact their country’s embassies and consulates in Vietnam to ask for support. There are 80 embassies in Hanoi, and 58 consulates and 3 representations in other cities. List of Embassies and Consulates EMBASSY & CONSULATE ADDRESSES CITY TELEPHONE WEBSITE Algerian Embassy 1 3 Phan Chu Trinh HN 84 4 38253865/39332151 American Embassy The American Center 1 st Floor, Rose Garden Tower, 170 Ngoc Khanh Street, HN 844-3850-5000 http://vietnam.usembassy.gov/ Argentinian Embassy 360 Kim Ma Street, Daeha Business Centre, BA Dinh District HN 84438315262 / 38315263 http://www.embargentina.org.vn Australian Consulate 5th Floor, The Landmark Building, 5B Ton Duc Thang, District 1 HCM 84-8 3521 8100 http://www.hcmc.vietnam.embassy.gov.au/ Australian Embassy 8 Dao Tan Street, Ba Dinh District HN 84-4 3774 0100 http://www.vietnam.embassy.gov.au/ Austrian Embassy Prime Center, 53 Quang Trung, 8. Floor, Hai Ba Trung District HN 84/4 3943 3050-3/3943 3051 http://www.aussenministerium.at/hanoi Bangladeshi Embassy Villa # D6B-05, Vuon Dao, Compound, Subway #675, Lac Long Quan Road, Tay Ho District HN 84-4-3771-6625,/3771-7829 Belarusian Embassy To Ngoc Van Road, 66, Tay Ho District, HN 84 4 37 19 29 74 http://www.vietnam.belembassy.org/ Belgian Embassy Ha Noi tower, 9th floor, 49 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem District HN 84 4 3 934.61.77/7884 4 3 934.61.79/80/81 http://www.diplomatie.be/hanoi Brazilian Embassy 14, THUY KHUE STREET – villa D-6/7, Tay Ho District HN 844 843-0817/2544 British Embassy 31 Hai Ba Trung Street, Central Building HN 84 4 936050084 4 9360550 / 46 www.uk-vietnam.org/ Bulgarian Embassy 5 Nui Truc Str,Van Phuc, PO.Box 10 HN 84 4 38-45-29-08 Cambodian Consulate No. 41, Phung Khac Khoan, HCM 848 829 2751 Chinese Consulate General 39 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 1 HCM 848-8292457 Chinese Embassy 46 Hoang Dieu Road HN 844 8453736 http://vn.china-embassy.org/eng/ Consulate General of Canada 9th Floor, The Metropolitan, 235 Dong Khoi Street, District 1 HCM 011 84 8 827-9899 https://www.international.gc.ca/ Consulate General of France 27 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, BP 307 – Q. 1 HCM [84] 8 35 20 68 00 www.consulfrance-hcm.org/ Consulate General of Indonesia 1 8, Phung Khac Khoan Street, D 1 HCM 84-8 825-1888, 825-1889 Consulate General of Malaysia 1 208 Me Linh Point Tower, No. 2, Ngo Duc Ke Street, Distric 1 HCM 84-8-829 9023 www.kln.gov.my/perwakilan/hochiminh Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany 1 26 Nguyen Dinh Chieu – Q. 3 HCM 84 8 38 29 19 67 www.ho-chi-minh-stadt.diplo.de/ Consulate General of the Lao PDR 93 Pasteur St, District l HCM 84 8 829-7667or 829-9275 Consulate General of the Lao PDR 1 2 Tran Quy-Cap Danang 84 51 821-208 Consulate General of the Netherlands Saigon Tower, suite 901 , 29 Le Duan Boulevard,, District 1 HCM 84 8 8235932/33 www. mfa.nl/hcm-en Consulate General of the Philippines 40-5 Pham Viet Chanh St., Ward 1 9, Binh Thanh District HCM 84 8 3518 0045 Consulate General of the United States 4 Le Duan Blvd., District 1 HCM 84-8-3520-4200 http://hochiminh.usconsulate.gov/contact.html Consulate of Iceland 18 Ngo Quyen, Hoan Kiem District, HN HN 84 4 936 6868 Consulate of Iceland 80 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Q1, Ho Chi Minh City HCM 84 8 38274 462 Consulate of the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos 40 Quang Trung Street HN 84-4 8252588 Consulate-General of Japan 13-17 Nguyen Hue, District 1 HCM 84-88225314 www.hcmcgi.vn.emb-iapan.go.ip/ Cuban Consulate Phung Khac Khoan Q 1,° No. 45 HCM 848 08 829 7350 Embassy of Brunei Darussalam Villa No 8 and 9, Van Phuc Diplomatik Quarter, 44/8 and 44/9 Van Bao Street , Ba Dinh District HN +84 4 943 5249 / +84 4 943 5250 Embassy of Cambodia 71A,Tran Hung Dao St HN 844 942 4789 / 942 4788 Embassy of Canada 31 Hung Vuong Street HN 84 4 734 5000 http://www.international.gc.ca/vietnam Embassy of Chile Suite 1201-1203, 1 2 th floor, 2 Ngo Quyen Street, Tung Shing Square Building, Hoan Kiem HN 84 4 9351147/84 4 9351148 Embassy of Cuba 65 A Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem B.P 79 HN 844 942 4775/884 942 5070-71 Embassy of Egypt 63 To Ngec, Quang An Ward Tay Ho HN 844 8294999 – 8294996 Embassy of Finland 31 Hai Ba Trung, Central Building HN 84 4 826 6788 Embassy of France 57 Tran Hung Dao – Hanoi HN [84] 4 944 57 00 www.ambafrance-vn.org/ Embassy of Greece 28 Thanh Nien Road , Ba Dinh, Hanoi HN 8443 7152254 Embassy of Hungary 360 Kim Ma Street, Daeha Business Center, 1 2th Floor HN 84 4-7715714 Embassy of Indonesia 50, Ngo Quyen Street HN 84-4 825-6316, 825-3353, 825-7969 /www.indonesia-hanoi.org.vn Embassy of Ireland Vincom City Towers [8F], 191 Ba Trieu Street,Hai Ba Trung District HN 84 4 3974 3291 www.em bassyofireland.vn Embassy of Israel 68 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Ba Dinh District HN 84-4-8433140/1/2 hanoi.mfa.gov.il Embassy of Japan 27 Lieu Giai , Ba Dinh District HN 84 4 3846-3000 www.vn.emb-iapan.go.ip/ Embassy of Malysia 43 – 45 Dien Bien Phu Street, Ba Dinh District HN 84-4-734 38 36 / 84-4-734 38 49 www.kln.gov.my/perwakilan/hanoi Embassy of Mexico 14 Thuy Khue T-1 1, Hanoi, HN 844 847-0948 www.sre.gob.mx/acerca/directorio/embaiadas/vietnam Embassy of Mongolia Van Phuc Diplomatic Quarter, Villa 6 Hanoi, Vietnam HN 84-4-38453009 http:// mongembhanoi.com/ Embassy of Morocco Chu Van An, Ba Dinh District HN 84 47 34 55 86 / 84 47 34 55 87 Embassy of Myanmar A-3 101-104, Vanphuc Diplomatic Quarters, Kim MA St. HN 84-4 845 3369, 823 2056 Embassy of New Zealand Level 5 63 Ly Thai To Street HN 84 4 824 1481 Embassy of Pakistan Villa 44/2, Van Bao Street, Van Phuc Diplomatic Compound HN 84-4 37262251 www.mofa.gov.pk/vietnam/default.aspx Embassy of Romania 5 Le Hong Phong Street HN 84 4 8452014 Embassy of Russia 191, La Thanh street, Hanoi, Vietnam HN 84 4 833-6991, 833-6992 www.vietnam.mid.ru Embassy of Singapore No. 41 & 43 Tran Phu Street HN 84-4-38489168 Main line www. mfa.gov.sg/hanoi Embassy of Slovakia 6B Le Hong Phong Str. HN 84-4 845 4334-5 www.mzv.sk/HANOI Embassy of South Africa 3rd Floor, Central Building, 31 Hai Ba Trung Street HN 84-4-9362000 /+84-4-9362003 Embassy of Spain 15th Fl. Dacha Business Center, 360 Kim Ma Str HN 84-4-771-5207 / +84-4-771-5209 Embassy of Sweden 2, Nui True Street, Khu Ba Dinh District HN 84 4 726 04 00 www.swedenabroad.com/hanoi Embassy of Thailand 63-65 Hoang Dieu Street HN 84-4 823-5092 to 93 Embassy of the Czech Republic 1 3 Chu Van An HN 84-4 38454131-2 http://www.mzv.cz/hanoi Embassy of the Lao PDR 22 Rue Tran Bing Trong HN 844 942 9746, 942 4576, 942 2735 Embassy of the Philippines 27-B Tran Hung Dao St. HN 844 943-7873/ 3849/ 4493 / 7948 / 9826 www.hanoipe.org Embassy of The Republic of Iraq HN 84 4 – 9424141 Embassy of The Republic of Korea 4 th Fl., Dae Ha Business Center,Kim Ma Street, Hanoi, HN 84-4 831 5111/6 Embassy of Turkey 4 Da Tuong Str., 4th Fl., North Star Bldg. HN 84-4 822-2460 Embassy of Ukraine 6, Le Hong Phong Street Ba Dinh District HN 84-4-37344484 /84-4-37344492 www.mfa.gov.ua/vietnam General Consulate of Singapore The Saigon Centre, Level 8, 65 Le Loi Boulevard, District 1 HCM 84-8 8225174 www. mfa.gov.sg/hochiminhcitv General Consulate of Ukraine 4/4 Hoang Viet Street, Tan Binh District HCM 84-8 8222490 German Embassy 29, Tran Phu HN www.hanoi.diplo.de/ Honorary Consulate General of Finland 203 Dong Khoi, Suite #206, 1 st District Ho Chi Minh City HCM 84 8 8272 029 Honorary Consulate General of India 55-Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street , District 3 HCM 84 8-38237047 Honorary Consulate of Sweden 8A/1 1 D1 Thai Van Lung, 5th Floor HCM 84 8 823 68 00-2 www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/5616/a/20794/l/en/pd/561 Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic 2 Pham Minh Duc, Ngo Quyen Dist., Hai Phong HaiPhong 8431/3836539 Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic 28 Mac Dinh Chi, Quan 1 HCM 848/38290585 Honoray Consulate of Chile 79/2/1 Phanke Binh, Dakao, Distrit. 1 HCM 84-8-9102108/84-8-9102903 Indian Embassy 58-60, Tran Hung Dao HN 84-4-8244989 Italian Embassy 9, Le Phung Hieu Street HN 84 4 825 6256 www.embitalyvietnam.org Palestine Embassy HN 840408522947 Polish Embassy in Vietnam 3 Chua Mot Cot HN 84.4.3845.2027 www.hanoi.polemb.net/ Royal Danish Consulate Genera 20 Phung Khac Khoan St. HCM 84.8.8228289 Royal Danish Embassy 19 Dien Bien Phu Street HN 84 4 8231888 http://www.ambhanoi.um.dk Royal Danish Embassy in Vietnam 19 Dien Bien Phu Street HN 84 4 823 18 88 Royal Netherlands Embassy Daeha Office Tower, 6th floor , 360 Kim Ma Street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi HN 84 4 8315650 www.netherlands-embassy.org.vn/ Royal Norwegian Consulate 21-23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Somerset Chancellor Court, 5th Floor HCM 84 8 3822 1696 www.norway.org.vn/Embassy/Consulate- HCMC/ Royal Norwegian Embassy 1 0th Floor, Block B, Vincom City Towers, 191 Ba Trieu Street HN 84 4 3974 8900 www.norway.org.vn/ Royal Thai Consulate-General 77 Tran Quoc Thao Street, District 3 HCM 848 932-7637-8 www.thaiconsulatehochiminh.com:8080/ Taipei Economic and Cultural Office 5th Floor HITC Building,239 Xuan Thuy Street, Cau Giay District HN 2-844-833-5501 www.teco.org.vn Taipei Economic and Cultural Office 336 Nguyen Tri Phuong St., Dist. 10 HCM 002-848 834-6264~7