Are you travelling to Vietnam for the first time? Well, that is marvellous news! Vietnam is one of the most exquisite countries in Southeast Asia. The country is known for its magnificent landscapes, mesmerising caves, bustling cities and rich and diverse culture.
Nevertheless, there are several things you must keep in mind when travelling to Vietnam for the first time. These things include the places you must visit, the best time to visit Vietnam and the importance of buying travel insurance for a Vietnam trip.
This blog has brought you a comprehensive guide on all the things to keep in mind as a first-time traveller to Vietnam.
How to Prepare for Your First Trip to Vietnam?
One of the crucial things that comes to your mind when visiting a country for the first time is to prepare for the trip. You must consider several things when you visit a country for the first time. Here is a list of factors and items to keep in mind while travelling for the first time to Vietnam with your family or solo.
1. Pick the Right Season to Visit
Due to its geographical location, the weather in Vietnam varies drastically between the north and the south. Usually, the best time to visit Vietnam is between March to April and September to December, as the climate is pleasant during these times.
2. Sort Out Your Visa Process
If you have plans to visit Vietnam, your first step must be to get a Vietnam visa. Sorting out the most crucial document for your international vacation will enable you to plan out your travel itinerary and arrange your logistics to ensure a smooth vacation.
3. Get Travel Insurance
It is not mandatory to get travel insurance for a Vietnam trip. You should buy travel insurance online to secure your holidays, irrespective of your travelling plans or style. It will help you in case of unforeseen situations during your trip, such as if any accident happens during adventure activities or if you fall ill due to weather conditions.
4. Plan Your Budget Carefully
One of the crucial things to keep in mind when preparing for your first trip to Vietnam is the budget. Do not make the mistake of thinking everything is cheap and affordable in the country. Though Vietnam is a value-for-money country, some things are expensive and cost you a fortune.
5. Pack the Right Things
The climate of Vietnam is humid, so you must pack breathable clothes so that you can relax and feel comfortable. You must carry a light scarf to cover your arms to protect them from direct sunlight. Moreover, it is preferable to carry clothes made of natural materials such as linen or cotton.
What are the Best Things to do in Vietnam?
Vietnam is a popular tourist destination among first-time international travellers, offering a diverse and rich culture, stunning landscapes and mouth-watering dishes. Here are the best things to do on your first Vietnam trip:
1. Explore Hanoi
Hanoi is the heart of Vietnam and is an important political and cultural centre of the country. The city has a history of more than 1000 years and consists of some must-visit places, such as the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, One-Pillar Pagoda and more. Moreover, as a first-time traveller, you can visit the history museum to learn about the Communist rule and French Colonialism.
Apart from these tourist places, you must try the delicious street foods to experience the local culture. You can also visit the charming Old Quarter, the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake and the Temple of Literature.
2. Tour the Mekong Delta
It is a 60,000-kilometre of interconnected waterways which covers three Vietnamese provinces. The area is filled with pagodas, small villages, orchards and mangroves. One of the best ways to experience this place is to take a bike or boat tour, where you can experience the culture of rural Vietnam.
One of the best things you can do in this place is to visit the Cai Rang floating market to try the local fruits and vegetables. You can also stroll around the Vinh Trang Pagoda to witness the mesmerising golden exterior and lush gardens.
3. Wander Around Ha Long Bay
The Ha Long Bay is home to more than 3,000 islands and is one of the tourist favourite destinations in Vietnam. It is situated around 2 hours from the capital city, Hanoi, and you can opt for multi-day boat cruises to explore the surroundings.
In addition, Ha Long Bay is surrounded by lush jungles and emerald waters, making it a must-visit place on your first trip to Vietnam. When you take the cruise, you can visit the floating markets, massive caves and majestic beaches. Moreover, you must opt for travel insurance for Vietnam, as it will act as financial security during emergencies when you go on a cruise.
4. Go on an Adventure in Sapa
Sapa is one of the premier trekking areas in North Vietnam and is popular among all kinds of travellers. The place is famous for its abundant vegetation, hill tribes, breathtaking mountains and majestic hiking trails. If you are looking for a place in Vietnam for outdoor recreation and extravagant scenery, Sapa is the place.
The 85% ethnic Vietnamese minority groups make this place rich in culture, as their houses are of unique styles and have different types of colourful traditional dresses. Moreover, when you visit this place, you can take a detour and visit the villages of Sin Chai, Cat Cat and Ta Van to witness the local lifestyle.
5. Hang Out in Hoi An
It is a small town near Da Nang City and is the best place to spend time away from the bustling city. Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can tour this town to explore the famous My Son Sanctuary. Apart from strolling the town, you must try the delicious and authentic Vietnamese cuisines.
In addition, you can take a short bike trip to explore the nearby areas of Hoi An, such as Tra Que and Cam Thanh. Visiting these villages will enable you to witness the lifestyle of the locals, and you can also experience the farmers' lifestyle, such as fishing, planting and cooking.
Final Word
Overall, Vietnam is a small and beautiful country situated in Southeast Asia, filled with mesmerising landscapes and majestic beaches. It is a perfect tourist destination for first-time travellers as it is blessed with mountains, jungles and forests. You can visit this country to try their mouth-watering local dishes and hike around the majestic trails.
Nevertheless, you must get travel insurance to secure your trip from unforeseen situations and enjoy a stress-free vacation.
