Planning a trip to Vietnam can be both exciting and daunting, especially for first-time travelers. They can easily get overwhelmed by the thought of exploring this Asian country and don’t know where to start. No more worries, the following steps will help you pack, travel and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
1. Check the weather
The climate in Vietnam can be divided into three distinct climatic zones – North, South and Central. The climate in North Vietnam is humid and subtropical with a full four seasons, while South Vietnam enjoys a tropical climate all year round with only two seasons which are dry and rainy. Central Vietnam lies somewhere in between. As Vietnam is a long and narrow country, climate conditions vary considerably, with temperatures ranging between 20-35°C.
Many travellers choose to visit all three regions on their trip, so being aware of the temperature is key to ensuring you pack appropriately to enjoy each destination!
Early morning in Hanoi
2. Pack appropriate clothing
The Vietnamese are used to European styles and Western dress has been adopted. This means that tourists can dress as they would in the West when visiting restaurants or bars in the main cities. However, wear particularly conservative clothing if you visit a culturally sensitive area such as a temple or pagoda – generally, the less bare skin the better and specifically no shorts, short skirts, tops with low neck lines, or bare shoulders. Opt for long pants and a long-sleeved cotton shirt. Loose, natural fabrics all year, but warmer clothing is required in the highlands, and in the winter in north Vietnam. Rainwear is essential during the rainy season.
Foreigner visitors wearing the coat to Ngoc Son Temple
3. Prepare required documents
Vietnam is one of the world’s easiest countries to visit. Many tourists agree that compared to other countries, getting a Vietnam visa is easier than ordering a pizza. Foreigners can apply for a regular visa at the Embassy of Vietnam in their current living country, or they can obtain a visa on arrival if they’re not a big fan of bureaucracy, queues or red tape. Visa on arrival is more convenient and less time-consuming, but please notice that, it is only applicable for those who travel to Vietnam by air. If they plan to enter Vietnam by land or by sea, onboard a cruise ship, an evisa would be the best choice. Tourists can enjoy Vietnam visa waiver program if their country is in the visa exemption list.
4. Land and enjoy the journey. You made it!
Once your flight lands, collect your baggage and wait patiently to file in the isle and walk out of the plane. Follow the signs for baggage claim at the arrival airport. Wait until the conveyor starts moving and your bag arrives. For those who wish to expedite the arrival procedures and avoid excessively long queues at the landing visa counter, the Fast Track service will cover every little thing you need.
Finally, you can now tour and explore, and make the most out of your trip to Vietnam! Happy flying!
