Tourist Guide for Beginners to Vietnam

As a first-time visitor to the country, a traveller may not be aware of many essential points to keep in mind. That's why this tourist guide for beginners to Vietnam will help them learn about everything they should keep in mind for travelling to Vietnam and staying in Vietnam as well. 

Vietnam is considered as one of the most desired tourist destinations in the entire world. Especially for the travellers who are entering the country for the first time, the beauty of the incredible country will truly mesmerise them. With lip-smacking cuisines, mind-blowing sceneries, calming weather, amazing beaches and much more, Vietnam is truly a must visit country for every traveller out there! 

• Plan the travel: Vietnam is a vast and huge country which will require the traveller to plan their entire trip ahead of time and then only enter the country. The traveller should be sure about the spots and cities they wish to explore in the country in their travel plan. 
• Learn the basics of the local language: If a traveller is aware about the basics of the Vietnamese language, then they will be able to navigate through the country better. And will also be able to communicate with the locals better. 
• Get vaccinated: The traveller, who is visiting Vietnam from their country, is recommended to stay punctual with their vaccines and get the essential vaccinations before they enter the country. 
• Pack practical and the needful: Vietnam has tropical weather. That's why travellers to Vietnam should carry comfortable and breathable clothes. Plus, the shoes they are planning to use while exploring the country should also be comfortable. 
• Try the local food: Vietnam cuisine is one of the best cuisines in the entire world. For that purpose, each traveller is recommended to try the Vietnamese local cuisine while they are staying in the country. 

These tips will help the first-time visitor of Vietnam to explore the country better and also make the best memories as well! 

Vietnam Visa Online is an electronic travel authorization or travel permit to visit Vietnam for a period of time upto 30 days for travel or business purposes. International visitors must have a Vietnam Visa Online to be able to visit Vietnam . Foreign citizens can apply for an Vietnam Visa Application in a matter of minutes. Vietnam Visa Application process is automated, simple, and completely online.

About Vietnam

Vietnam is a mesmerising country located in Southeast Asia. This country gains a lot of recognition for its beautiful landscapes, stunning beaches, vast rice farms, advanced cities and much more. 

Even though Vietnam may be a small nation as compared to other Asian countries, it comprises a mind-blowing variety and diversity. The old ethnic minority groups, vast rice terraces, towering limestone karsts comprise the beautiful mountain north. 

Vietnam also gains a lot of recognition as the home to the most beautiful white sand beaches, tempting cuisine, towns with historical significance, and much more. The south of Vietnam is also as beautiful as the north with unimaginable islands, never-seen-before deltas and significance that is truly unique to the nation and its people! 

Welcome To Vietnam!

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Vietnam e-Visa (Vietnam Visa Online) is a required travel authorization for travelers visiting Vietnam for business, tourism or transit purposes. This online process for electronic Visa for Vietnam was implemented from 2017 by the Government of Vietnam, with the goal of enabling any of the future eligible travelers to apply for an e-Visa to Vietnam. Learn more at Online Vietnam Visa.

Why Choose Vietnam as A Travel Destination?

As discussed earlier, Vietnam is a pretty mesmerising and mind-blowing nation which should be visited at least once by every traveller in the world. In this post about a Tourist guide for beginners to Vietnam, we will be looking at the points why Vietnam should be on the bucket list as a travel location: 

1. Easy to travel: One of the best reasons why a traveller should prefer visiting Vietnam is the easy mode of travel in the country. With trains, buses, flights, taxis, etc available all the time, commuting becomes a piece of cake. It's super affordable too. 
2. Affordable: Not only the commuting medium, but Vietnam is also an extremely affordable country with low prices of goods and services, cheap hotels, cheap travel costs, affordable meals and drinks and much more. Vietnam is easily one of the most affordable Asian countries in the world. 
3. Beautiful: In Vietnam, a traveller will see nothing but beauty. The beauty of Vietnam is due to the beaches, mountains, forests, islands and much more. The best part of Vietnam is the natural beauty it offers! 
4. Friendly: Vietnam is a friendly and giving country. The visitors in Vietnam are treated well. This is why Vietnamese culture is praised all the time. The elderly are always respected in the country and the visitors will always be welcomed with a huge smile on the people's face. 
5. A foodies' paradise: Vietnam is a food paradise as it comprises some of the best culinary masterpieces in the entire Asia. Sweet, sour, tangy and spicy, travellers will find the cuisine of Vietnam to be in perfect balance all the time with the best ingredients and hygienic cooking process. 

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Citizens of 80 countries are eligible for Vietnam Visa Online. The Vietnam Visa eligbility must be met to obtain the visa to travel to Vietnam. A valid passport is required for entry into Vietnam. Learn more at Tourist Eligible Countries for Vietnam Visa.

What Is The Climate In Vietnam?

The climate of Vietnam is pretty pleasant with shifts from the rainy season to the summer season and the temperature will be ranging from 30° to 40°. It is a pretty hot and humid but comfortable country too. The best time to travel to Vietnam is during the months April to June. And September to November as well.This is because the climate is warm and pleasant. The prices of accommodations will also be affordable and economical. 

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Many people travel to Vietnam today for leisure, business, education, etc. People who visit Vietnam for the first time frequently wonder which port they can enter through. This article discusses every port of entry for foreigners into Vietnam. Learn more at Vietnam Ports of Entry.

What Are The Things To Keep In Mind While Entering Vietnam?

The Visa scenario is heavily dependent on the nationality of the traveller. It is also a constantly changing scenario. It is advisable for the travellers to check the Visa situation for their nationality and then apply for one. Usually, many countries are exempted from applying for a Vietnamese Visa if they wish to visit the country for a short period. 

The Visa exemptions are generally for fifteen days only. And a Tourist Visa will enable the traveller to stay in the country for a period of thrifty days upon each visit. If a traveller is planning to enter Vietnam from a foreign country, they will be required to hold a letter beforehand which can be easily gained from many services online and offline. 

The most popular kind of Visa, which is the Tourist Visa for Vietnam, is issued for the period of one month. The Visa will also enable the tourist to stay in the country for the period of three months if they apply accordingly. As an US applicant, a one year Tourist Visa can be gained. 

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A Vietnam tourist visa is something you should keep in mind if you are planning a vacation there because failing to obtain one could seriously jeopardize your trip. Learn more at Vietnam Tourist Visa.

Where Should the First-Time Travellers Go In Vietnam?

Sapa

Sapa is a mountainous region in Vietnam. This place is pretty advanced and developed as it comprises all the new aspects of the country. Modern hotels, English-speaking staff, modern architecture and infrastructure, etc are observed in Sapa of Vietnam. 

Halong Bay

Halong Bay is easily one of the most iconic regions in Vietnam. This place is composed of sparkling turquoise water. And karst limestone peaks. It is one of the most dramatic and attractive locations in Vietnam. 

The travellers are recommended to take a boat trip to this place. In Halong Bay, travellers are recommended to stay for at least two to three days. This will let them enjoy all the beautiful beaches, hidden grottoes, magical islands and much more. The trip to this place is affordable and does not cost a lot either. 

Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam. It is one of the most well-known cities in Vietnam especially among the foreigners and tourists. This city has touches and glimpses of the historical and cultural heritage of the ancient times. But along with that, travellers will also be able to explore many new and modern aspects of the vast nation such as the high-rise bindings, French colonial cafes and embassies and much more. 

A traveller is recommended to take a cooking class in Hanoi. This is because food is one of the best ways through which someone can understand the city in a better way. In the cooking class, the travellers will be enabled to learn how to make the staple dish of Vietnam which is Pho. Along with that, the travellers will be given an opportunity to learn other Vietnamese special dishes such as Ban Cha, Vietnamese coffee, spring rolls and much more. 

Hue

Hue is an imperial city in Vietnam. It is well-known for its historical buildings and tombs. Hue has been developing a lot in the recent years due to the decision of the Vietnamese Government for rejuvenation. And due to the increasing number of travellers and tourists entering the country. 

Hue is a city in Vietnam that is well-known for its cuisine. There are some world-class chefs that belong to Hue from Vietnam. The bold flavours, balanced textures and mind-blowing combination of meaty dishes is what makes the city well-known for its cuisine. 

Mui Ne

Mui Ne is situated in the Southern part of Vietnam. It is one of the best tourist attractions in Vietnam because of the sandy beaches, good weather, good sports, etc. Due to the proximity of this city to Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam, many travellers visit this city as a getaway with classy restaurants, bars, pubs and restaurants. 

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This article explores everything you need to know about the Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA). This includes what the Vietnam visa on arrival is, why you should consider getting it, is it safe to get one and much more. Learn more at Tourist Guide to Vietnam Visa on Arrival.

How To Travel Within Vietnam?

In this tourist guide for beginners to Vietnam, we will be taking a look at the mediums through which the travellers can travel within the country.

Vietnam is an easy place to get around. The quick and affordable public transportation enables travellers to travel to almost every corner of the country with the utmost comfort and convenience. Here are some of the most popular ways of travelling within Vietnam:

1. Planes: Vietnam comprises both international airports and domestic airports. This makes it easy for the travellers to travel to the different cities in Vietnam and travel to other countries from Vietnam as well. Flights are much cheaper in Vietnam as compared to any other Asian country. 
2. Buses: The network of buses in Vietnam is extensive and efficient. The bus travel is affordable even if the traveller chooses the fancy open buses. Or the quick and local public transportation buses. Long journeys are also made possible through the bus system in Vietnam at affordable rates. 
3. Trains: The Vietnamese train system is a retro one with utmost comfort and convenience. The travellers who travel in Vietnam through the trains can sit back and relax as they can enjoy the beautiful country and its scenery from the windows of the train. 

The trains which are known as the soft sleeper trains are the best option. This is because it provides a comfy bed to the traveller in which they can sleep, eat, play cards and much more for the entire journey. 

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When speaking of Vietnam, individuals from 80 counties can gain E-Visa for multiple purposes in Vietnam. Here is a detailed guide on the complete process of gaining a Vietnam visa online. Learn more at Vietnam Visa Online Overview.

What Are the Food and Drinks Of Vietnam?

The cuisine of Vietnam is top tier with the utmost levels of diversity and complexity. Travellers will be shocked to find the variety of noodles and rice dishes offered by Vietnam which will differ from city to city that the traveller decides to travel to. 

Vietnam may be a small country as compared to the other Asian countries, but this does not mean that there is no variety in the cuisine. In fact, Vietnamese cuisine is one of the most diverse cuisines in the entire planet all thanks to the thin and long shape of the country which creates an impact on the diversity of local food according to the climate and vegetation. 

Comforting soups and steps spiced up meaty dishes in the Northern area, high quality seafood of the south and some mouth-watering curries and spices is what makes the local food of Vietnam so tempting and delicious. 

The cuisine of the Central segment of Vietnam is influenced by the nearness to both the sea and the mountain regions. This means the food specialties will contain fresh and tender seafood which will be paired with delicious and mouth-watering spicy red chilli curries. 

The most common and the must-try dishes in Vietnam that should be tried by every traveller are as follows: 

1. Pho: Pho is one of the most popular foods in Vietnam. No matter what time it is in Vietnam, a traveller can expect huge groups of locals devouring this delicious dish that is available in almost all good restaurants in Vietnam. Pho is made from a salty broth. Thus, broth is made from chicken or beef bones and stock. Then it comprises roasted onions and aromatic spices such as: 1. Cardamom. 2. Star anise. 3. Bay leaves, etc. 

Then there is fresh rice noodles added to the broth with garnishings such as coriander leaves and fresh spring onion. This dish is best served piping hot and is a must have in the cold weather! 

2. Banh Xeo: This is also a popular Vietnamese delicacy. It is a crispy fried pancake dish. This dish is extremely popular among foreign travellers and tourists. Banh Xeo is such a popular dish due to which it is available in almost every good restaurant in Vietnam. 

Banh Xeo is also sold as a local street delicacy due to which travellers will be able to find them on the streets of Vietnam across the country by the street vendors. 

This dish is best served with pork, shrimp and bean sprouts. It is usually eaten as it is. Or can be enjoyed by wrapping it in rice paper and dipping it in a fresh and delicious sauce. 

3. Oc: Oc is a famous Vietnam delicacy that is usually enjoyed with chilled beers and the sweet company of good friends. Oc is a Vietnamese delicacy that refers to snails, crabs and oysters that are cooked in a variety of different ways that enhances the taste of the seafood. This dish is a typical weekend dish enjoyed mostly in the big cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. 

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Entry to Vietnam can be gained through an e-Visa. Vietnam e-Visa is an electronic or digital visa which is granted online by the Vietnam Immigration Department/Portal. Learn more at Vietnam Visa Application.

What Are the Additional Points A Traveller Must Keep In Mind While Travelling In Vietnam?

In this tourist guide for beginners to Vietnam, it is important for us to discuss some essential additional points to remember that are as follows: 

• Food: According to Vietnamese culture, it is extremely important to be seated on the dinner table only after the elder has been seated. The chopsticks that are being used to eat should be placed on the bowl of the rice once the person finishes their meal. The chopsticks should also be placed on the rice bowl between mouthfuls of food. 
• Shoes: The traveller who is travelling to Vietnam for the first time should keep in mind that they should remove their shoes or other footwear before they enter someone's home. This rule should also be followed when stepping in someone's office. The traveller should also keep in mind that they should not sit in a way that the souls of their feet are pointed towards religious images or sacred items. 

This tourist guide for beginners to Vietnam is pretty useful for all the first timers out there who have never visited Vietnam but are now planning to. Vietnam is a country that can be easily explored if the traveller keeps in mind some simple points which are mentioned above. 

The Vietnamese culture and tourism sector will always be the best part of the country for which the first timers will always want to keep visiting the country again and again each year. 

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Frequently Asked Questions about the Vietnam Visa. Get answers to the most common questions about the requirements, important information and documents required to travel to Vietnam. Learn more at Frequently Asked Questions for Vietnam E-Visa.

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Check your eligibility for Online Vietnam Visa and apply for Online Vietnam Visa four (4) - seven (7) days in advance of your flight. US citizens, British citizens, Australian citizens, French citizens, Spanish Citizens, Dutch Citizens and Italian citizens can apply online for Online Vietnam Visa. Should you need any help or require any clarifications you should contact our Vietnam Visa Help Desk for support and guidance.