Exploring Vietnam is one of the most fulfilling trips you will ever undertake. Blessed with an educative history, warm and welcoming people, an alluring landscape, a fascinating culture, award-winning cuisines, and magnificent beaches, you will keep begging for more. If you love swimming, kayaking, sledding, fishing, trying out new cuisines, scuba diving, or even surfing, Vietnam is the perfect destination. However, before you embark on your Vietnam travel, you need to get updated on how best to plan for your trip to avoid getting stuck and stressed in the country. In this article you will find out;
- A realistic travel budget
- When to go
- Where to explore, what to do and see (the top attractions in Vietnam)
- How to get around
- Safety precautions
1. An ideal Vietnam travel budget
Vietnam is relatively cheap with endless adventures. You should not break the bank to have a blast in this beautiful country. What you spend depends on what you choose to see, do, or eat, the means of transport you settle for, and where you decide to stay. If you don’t want to spend much, $25-$30 (for food, transportation, and accommodation) a day will do. You will stay at a hostel, eat at the local restaurants, and use public means of transport.
You can use private means of transportation, stay in an air-conditioned room, have your meals at sit-down restaurants, eat western meals, and engage in more fun activities for utmost $50. The more you spend, the more your trip will become exciting, and you will also experience maximum comfort.
2. When to go
The best period to visit Vietnam depends on weather, festivities, and the direction you want to explore. It is advisable to go from the end of winter to spring, and autumn (January-April) and (August-October) respectively.
You will learn more about Vietnamese culture during Tet, (the Lunar New year) which takes place in various countries in Asia. The locals leave the big cities to reunite with their families in the village and engage in many festivities. It is evident that prices will get hiked and if you are a backpack traveler, this is not the right time.
Northern Vietnam experiences relatively high temperatures and humidity which gets impacted by the presence of monsoons. Southeast Vietnam experiences rainy and dry seasons with higher temperatures than the other regions. The south-central Vietnam experiences hot and cold seasons but the effect of the hot, dry season is not as rampant as it is in the north (pack the right clothes for every season).
3. Where to explore, what to do and see (the top attractions in Vietnam)
- Visit the War Remnant Museum in Ho Chi Minh City and understand the country’s war history. You will get to see pictures, artifacts, and other materials which clearly explain the undertakings of the Vietnam War. Looking at the photographs can get heartbreaking, but it is a part of the history which should never get forgotten.
- Relax at the tidiest and well-preserved An Bang Beach in Hoi An. You can rent a sunbed at the bar-beachfront restaurant.
- Explore the captivating Mekong Delta the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam. Life revolves around the waters, and yes restaurants, markets, and houses float on the rivers dancing to the rhythm of the mighty Mekong. To get a taste of the village lifestyle and their culture, visit the Cai Rang floating market and see how the indigenous life flourishes on water.
4. How to get around
Getting around Vietnam is easy and cheap as motorbikes are the standard means of transport. However, there are other means you can use such as;
- Trains
- Buses
- Taxis (always demand to pay by the meter to avoid exploitation)
- Scooters, or
- A plane when you are going on a long journey
5. Safety measures you need to take when in Vietnam
Vietnam is a safe country, but you might experience some setbacks if you are not careful.
What you should do to have a stress-free trip
- Learn how to cross the roads, watch how the locals do it and learn from them.
- Beware of tour scams
- Do not leave your check-in bags unlocked
- Do not drink tap water as it could be contaminated
- Research about the basic Vietnamese rules and regulations to avoid getting into trouble with the authorities
Vietnam is a fascinating country to explore. Whatever you want to experience gets delivered to you effortlessly. The moment you land in this incredible country, you will love almost everything about it. You only need to plan well before your trip to avoid disappointments. Put these insights into use and enjoy your trip.
