All you need to know about travelling to Vietnam

Vietnam is a truly beautiful destination, where you can see incredible natural landscapes, experience a vibrant and fascinating culture and enjoy the sights and sounds of some of Asia’s most exciting cities. However, travelling somewhere so exotic can be a bit daunting, so we’ve put together some helpful information to prepare you for your holiday and ensure that you’re able to make the most of your time discovering Vietnam’s varied charms.

Do I need a visa to travel to Vietnam?

You’ll be pleased to hear that it all got a bit easier for Brits wanting to travel to Vietnam in July 2015. A visa exemption was put in place to help boost tourism to the country. Despite being stated as a temporary measure – of 12 months – it is likely to be extended to a more long-term solution.

This visa exemption is only valid for trips of 15 days or less and your passport must have at least six months left to run on it. Anyone wishing to leave Vietnam and return using the 15-day exemption, such as to visit Angkor in Cambodia, must do so within 30 days for it to be valid.

For longer multi-centre holidays in Vietnam, you can opt to arrange a visa from the UK consulate prior to travel or obtain a visa-on-arrival at your port of entry into Vietnam. The former option means you know you have the right documents prior to your trip. This is also a must if you intend to arrive in Vietnam via a land border, including Mekong River cruises, as the visa-on-arrival scheme is not valid for this type of travel.

Anyone flying into the major international airports in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Danang can get a visa-on-arrival. To do this you will need your passport, two passport photographs, a visa authorisation letter, which is obtained from an agent in advance, and the application form that is available at the desk. On top of this you will need to pay the visa on arrival fee in US dollars. It starts at $25 (£16.50) for one to three months on a single-entry basis and increases depending on the time and number of entries required.

Do I need any vaccinations before I travel?

There aren’t any mandatory vaccinations for travel to Vietnam (unless you’re coming from an area where Yellow Fever is present), but it’s still advisable to visit your GP around eight weeks before your trip to make sure your vaccinations are up to date.

It’s generally recommended that you are up to date with your cholera, diphtheria, hepatitis A and B, tetanus, tuberculosis and typhoid vaccines. There have also been recent measles outbreaks in Vietnam, so you should check that you’re appropriately protected from this too.

Do I need to take tablets for malaria?

There is a malaria risk in certain regions of the country, most notably Vietnam’s southern provinces (Tay Ninh, Lam Dong, Dac Lac, Gia Lai and Kon Tum), as well as in rural areas. Speaking to a health professional about your specific itinerary before you travel is the most sensible thing to do.

What currency is used in Vietnam and can I use my credit card?

The official currency is the Vietnam dong, although US dollars are widely accepted, particularly in the big cities. The further you go off the beaten tourist trail, though, the more you will need local currency so make sure you are prepared.

There are ATMs in all the major tourist destinations, which issue dong. There’s a single withdrawal limit of 2,000,000 dong, although you can make multiple withdrawals on the same day as long as your credit limit allows.

There is also a black market for money changing, which is technically illegal, and you often get worse exchange rates from these people than the banks.

Major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and JCB are accepted in the cities and tourist centres, but do be aware that commission is usually charged. Away from the main hubs, don’t expect to be able to pay on plastic and come with plenty of cash.

When is the best time to travel to Vietnam?

It’s difficult to give a definitive window for travelling to Vietnam, largely because the country’s climate is so varied. There are two main seasons in the country, each dictated by monsoons – one arrives from October and March, which makes the north of the country cool and wet, but the south dry and warm, and the other starts in April or May, lasting into October and typically bringing hot, humid weather across the nation (with the exception of the mountainous areas).

Where you want to travel may, therefore, dictate when you visit, as you’ll probably want to avoid the northern regions during the first of these monsoon periods. Here at eShores we’ve got great knowledge of Vietnam across our team, so ask us if you’re in any doubt about when to book your holiday for.

Is Vietnam safe?

Vietnam is generally a safe country to travel in and most visits are trouble free, with holidaymakers coming home with fantastic memories. That’s not to say you shouldn’t be vigilant though, with theft and pickpocketing things you should be aware of.

Make sure you keep your valuables in a safe place and know where they are at all times. Keep hold of your bag when you sit down at a restaurant, for example, and make sure you’re vigilant when you’re walking in crowds.

You are also likely to encounter beggars, particularly on the streets of the larger towns and cities. Don’t give them money or anything they can sell – it’s best to buy them food or drink if you really want to help them. There are also charitable organisations that help those living on the streets, so to make sure your money really does some good, look into making a donation to them instead.

Is the water safe to Drink?

Tap water in Vietnam is not suitable for drinking, so it is important to keep a small supply of bottled water on you and in your accommodation. When purchased, always check that the seal is unbroken to ensure it is safe to drink. Other water-related things to look out for are ice in drinks and fruit and vegetables that may have been washed in contaminated water.

What language do they speak in Vietnam?

Vietnamese is the official language, with various regional dialects present across the country. As few tourists speak these, French is a good alternative, as Vietnam was once under its colonial rule. More and more Vietnamese are learning English, but picking up a few key local phrases shows you are willing and will often help to ingratiate you with locals.

What plugs can I use?

Vietnam works on a 220-volt system and plugs have two round or flat pins to connect them with the supply. While some hotels will have adapters, not all accommodation will provide them, so purchase one before your trip – it will become your best friend.