Essential 22 Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors to Vietnam: Avoid Common Pitfalls!
Just got back from Vietnam, and I have a few insights that I feel are essential to share with anyone planning a trip there. After all, who doesn’t dream of a seamless and joyful journey? So, here’s a handy guide packed with tips to help you avoid common pitfalls and navigate entry requirements smoothly. Make sure to bookmark this!
🌈Essential Materials for Entering Vietnam
1. **Passport**: Ensure it’s valid for more than 6 months and in good condition.
2. **Visa**: Opt for an e-visa to streamline the process and avoid any unexpected requests for tips. Check out the step-by-step application guide at the end of this post.
3. **ID Photos**: Have 2-inch white background photos ready, both in print and digital formats, as they are required for your visa application.
🌈Pitfall Avoidance Guide
🔸**Customs**: You might face unwarranted fees. Stay calm, ask for clarification, and present your visa and passport separately to avoid any bribery attempts.
🔸**Taxis**: Be cautious of drivers taking longer routes, fake meters, and unlicensed cabs. Stick to trusted services like Grab, Uber, or official taxis.
🔸**Shopping**: When buying local specialties, health supplements, or souvenirs, always confirm the units and prices before making a purchase. Pay only after the service is completed.
🌈🍽Food Exploration Spots:
①**Pham Ngu Lao Street🌃**: A lively landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, perfect for nightlife and a hub for backpackers from around the globe.
②**Ho Chi Minh Night Market🏮**: Dive into authentic snacks and vibrant local life. This late-night food haven is a must-visit!
③**Hoi An Ancient Town Night Market🏮**: Discover culinary treasures under the glow of lanterns.
It’s a delightful mix of traditional and innovative flavors, each bite a deep dive into Vietnamese culture.
④**Nha Trang Seafood Paradise🦞**: A seafood lover’s dream, where every household serves up delicious catches. Let your taste buds dance in the sea breeze!
🌈Travel Precautions
🚫**Village Entry**: If you see green branches hung at village entrances, it means entry is prohibited.
🚫**Street Offerings**: Be mindful of offerings placed on the street and avoid stepping on them.
🚫**Respect for Others**: Never step over someone sitting or lying down, as it is considered very disrespectful.
🚫**Shoe Etiquette**: Always remove your shoes when entering a house to show respect to your host.
🚫**Ethnic Minority Homes**: Do not enter the room where girls live.
🚫**Left Hand Use**: In southern Vietnam, use your left hand for greetings, eating, and giving items.
🚫**Foot Etiquette**: Avoid pointing with your feet and never sit with your feet directed at others.
🚫**Head Touching**: Refrain from touching other people’s heads, including children, as it is seen as disrespectful.
🌈Note: Many travelers are concerned about safety in Vietnam. From my personal experience, I found the locals to be incredibly friendly and welcoming. However, no matter where you go, it’s always wise to stay alert and cautious, and avoid 🙅♀engaging too much with strangers.
