5 Vietnam Travel Tips You Need to Know
1. Choose the right season to visit
Vietnam is a massive country spanning more than 1600 km from north to south. While the weather in Vietnam might not be at the top of your worry list, choosing the best time to visit Vietnam is an important part of planning the perfect trip.
The country has a tropical monsoon climate with high humidity throughout the year and rather unpredictable weather, including everything from typhoons to frequent downpours to relentless heat. Added to that, the temperature can vary drastically depending on where and when you visit.
With that said, though, if you are planning to see a bit of everything, the best time to visit Vietnam is either in spring (March – April) or autumn (September – December). During these months, expect pleasant temperatures throughout most of the country.
2. Know how to get in and out
As already mentioned, Vietnam is a huge country packed with loads of beautiful places to go, ancient landmarks to explore, and amazing things to do. Choosing where to arrive and depart is, therefore, another important Vietnam travel tip to keep in mind.
Three main international airports serve Vietnam: Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang International Airport. If you’re planning to see a bit of everything, the easiest would be to arrive in the south and depart in the north.
3. Know how to get around efficiently
Vietnam is one of the cheapest countries to visit in Asia and getting around is super easy and affordable. As a result, it’s a great destination for budget travelers and backpackers. With everything from trains to buses, Vietnam has a vast and efficient transport network that can literally connect you to all its corners.
Some of the best long-distance travel options include sleeper buses and overnight trains. These are especially ideal for travelers who want to cover large areas of land at dirt cheap prices.
While you’ll undoubtedly be saving money, you should know that traveling by train or bus is not for everyone. Journeys are long, and it’s not exactly the most sanitary way of traveling. If that’s not for you, flying is your best bet. Vietjet is the country’s top low-cost carrier, and local flights are cheap and plentiful.
4.Pack the right clothes
Knowing what to pack for a Vietnam trip is another important thing you need to know before visiting Vietnam.
Since the humidity is quite intense in Vietnam, it’s best to pack lightweight, breathable clothes made of linen or cotton that won’t leave you sweaty or weigh you down.
Unless you’re visiting during winter (mid-December – March), there’s really no need to pack a ton of warm clothing. Instead, opt for shorts, skirts, your favorite t’s, and summery dresses. With that said, it’s still a good idea to bring along one or two lightweight jackets, jeans, and long-sleeved shirts for the odd chilly day or if you intend to go hiking. No matter when you visit, though, don’t forget your raincoat!
Also, if you’re going to visit Vietnam’s incredible religious sites, remember to to pack accordingly. A simple sarong will do in most cases, but just make sure that you can cover your knees and shoulders.