I. Pre-trip Preparation
1. Visa and Entry
You can apply for an e-visa (single entry, 30 days) or a visa on arrival (requires prior approval). It is recommended to process at least 2 weeks in advance.
Carry your passport, visa, hotel reservation, and itinerary for inspection.
2. Currency Exchange
The main currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND), with 1 CNY ≈ 3,300 VND (subject to real-time exchange rates).
3. Best Travel Time
November to April of the following year: The north is cool, and the south is dry, suitable for traveling throughout the country.
Avoid the rainy season from May to October (central regions may be affected by typhoons).
—
II. Must-Visit Cities and Experiences
1. Hanoi —— Ancient Capital of a Thousand Years
Highlights: Old Quarter’s 36 Streets, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoan Kiem Lake, Train Street Coffee.
Cuisine: Pho Gà (Chicken Pho), Bún Chả (Grilled Pork with Noodles).
Tip: The weekend night market is lively, good for finding handicrafts.
·
2. Halong Bay —— Guilin on the Sea
Activities: Overnight cruise, explore caves, kayak, climb to the top of Ti Top Island for panoramic views.
Recommendation: Choose a small to medium-sized boutique cruise to avoid crowds.
·
3. Da Nang —— Oriental Hawaii
Must-visit: My Khe Beach (one of the world’s most beautiful beaches), Ba Na Hills (Golden Bridge, French Castle).
Nearby: Hue Imperial City (UNESCO Heritage Site), Hai Van Pass cycling.
·
4. Hoi An —— Lantern Town
Experiences: Night lantern boat, custom-made Ao Dai (traditional clothing), Japanese Covered Bridge.
Cuisine: Cao Lầu (Hoi An Noodles), White Rose Dumplings.
·
5. Nha Trang —— Diving Paradise
Activities: Four Islands Tour, Vinpearl Amusement Park, Mud Bath.
Tip: Avoid the peak season for Russian tourists (November to February).
·
6. Da Lat —— French-style Mountain City
Features: Crazy House, Xuan Huong Lake, Coffee Plantations.
Experience: Cycling to waterfalls, tasting Vietnamese specialty coffee.
·
7. Ho Chi Minh City —— Oriental Paris
Landmarks: Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, War Remnants Museum.
Nightlife: Enjoy drinks at bars on Bui Vien Street.
·
8. Mui Ne —— Desert and Sea
Activities: Sunrise jeep tour at White Sand Dunes, sandboarding at Red Sand Dunes, sunset at fishing villages.
—
III. Transportation Guide
Airplane: Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air cover major cities, with flight durations of 1-2 hours.
Train: North-South railway line (Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City), soft sleeper carriages are recommended.
Open Bus: The Sinh Tourist (New Cafe) and Futa buses are economical, and you can buy combined tickets.
Motorcycle: Renting costs about $10-15 per day, helmets required, safety precautions needed.
Grab: Preferred for taxi services, transparent pricing to prevent overcharging.
Cyclo (Tricycle): Good for short distances, negotiate prices beforehand.
—
IV. Vietnamese Cuisine
Beef Pho: Pho Thin in Hanoi is the most authentic.
Banh Mi: Madam Khanh in Hoi An has a great reputation.
Spring Rolls: Served with a delectable peanut sauce, these rolls are a refreshing and appetizing treat.
Iced Coffee: Crafted with rich, creamy condensed milk, this iced coffee is a sweet and indulgent delight.
Seafood Feast: Dive into a sumptuous array of freshly prepared seafood, straight from the bustling stalls in Nha Trang and Mui Ne.
Good tips! Make sure to also research local customs and basic Vietnamese phrases, it really enhances the experience. And double-check those exchange rates before traveling.