Visiting Vietnam
Table of Contents
Here are a couple of things you should know before visiting Vietnam this amazing place of beauty and history:
Visa
As a tourist, take good care of your visa and personal documentation. Do not forget your visa-on-arrival pre-approval paper. Collect all the information you need beforehand to avoid any mishaps within the airport or at a border station.
Beware of fraud
You can easily fall prey to lurking thieves and counterfeit tourist agencies willing to manipulate you. What’s more horrifying than muggers are criminals with business cards and a sweet smile to fool you.
Bargains
Bargaining can be difficult but not impossible if you’re a tough cookie. Many locals are keen to inflate their designated prices when they see a naïve tourist at their stall. Don’t hesitate to bargain and insist on your bargain.
15 is the new 50
The easiest trick in the book. Street sellers convincingly make you accept a deal for 15,000 Dong and when it comes to paying the price changes into 50,000 Dong. Be careful you too can fall for this.
Trains
If you prefer to go by train, try to buy the tickets yourself at the train station. A bit of hassle and pushing in the crowd could save you heartache.
Keep your things safe
Pick-pocketers and petty street muggers are common in Vietnam. Keep your money and gadgets and your visa and documents safe.
Breakfast in bed?
Say no to all those free breakfast accommodations at your hotel. Those sunny-side-up eggs with crispy bacon are far less impressive than the auspicious stalls of food present around every corner.
Late nights
The nightlife is a sleek escape, but you have to take note where curfews are observed. Except for bars and pubs, restaurants usually close down before 12, many before 10 pm.
Vegetarian
The best thing about being vegetarian is getting an ample amount of snacks and treats alongside meals every day. Vietnamese cuisine accommodates a vegetarian quite aptly.
Motorbiking
There is a certain thrill about motorbiking along the roads and highways of Vietnam. You can rent a cheap bike and go cruising. But be careful about traffic laws and accidents.
Tours
You can get yourself enrolled on tours and bus rides which will take you on a trip pf adventurous enlightenment around Vietnam. It is truly mesmerizing to see Vietnam from the eyes of the locals.
Food
The alluring smell of the aromatic herbs of Vietnam would get anyone drooling. Don’t forget to indulge in all the delights Vietnam has to offer from restaurants and street vendors.
Dressing
Be respectful about the modesty in Vietnam. You can be decent and stylish without dressing provocatively in a place like Vietnam.
Beaches
There is a high chance you will be visiting the beaches of Vietnam, choose your beaches careful to enhance your experience.
Tap water
Drink bottled or mineral water instead of tap water for hygienic purposes.
