Be advised that you need a Visa to enter Vietnam. Vietnam Visa on Arrival is the cheapest and fastest way to get it.
1. Transportation and Travel
- Bus travel is very cheap in Vietnam. As an example, the public bus around Ho Chi Min City will cost a maximum of $0.5 USD. The train is also another inexpensive way to travel with the 791km long train journey from Danang and to Hanoi costing $30 USD.
- If traveling long journeys, try to take the late night bus or train as this will save you the cost of a night’s accommodation.
- Clarkson may have done it, but he had a whole production crew and still ended up with a couple of broken ribs. Vietnam is not the place to learn to ride a motorbike. If you want to drive a motorbike, always wear a good helmet.
- When crossing the roads, only stop for cars and truck, for motorbike walk slowly and absolutely never step back - this will likely make it harder for the motorbike driver to avoid you.
- Always check your phones and luggage before stepping off a taxi and always hold on to your bag while riding a xe om
2. Eat and Accommodations
- Hostels start at $8 USD per night. Private rooms average about $20 USD for a double room.
- Blend with the local: if you see a crowd gather in front of the restaurant, the food is usually excellent, really cheap and you can watch it being cooked in front of you. Stick to the local food and you’ll save money. The street-side Pho, bread (banh mi), and bananas are your best deals. By eating at street stalls and markets can save you a lot of money. You can get a bowl of pho or a rice dish for $1,5 USD. Sit down in small restaurants are also inexpensive at around $2 - 4 USD.
- Try out the street foods in Vietnam: cakes, fruits, snacks which sell by a small stall and wandering seller. Other than that you must try: Pho, bun cha, bun oc, bun dau, banh cuon in Hanoi. My Quang, Cao Lau, com hen, bun bo hue in Central Vietnam and finally Hu Tieu in South Vietnam. There;s many other interesting dishes in Vietnam but the few above should not be missed.
- Vietnam has possibly the cheapest and best beer in the world but it pays not to overdo it. In Hanoi there is an official curfew on bars and nightclubs (11:00pm), which the police may turn up and enforce unless the owner has paid a suitable 'fee'. Hiding in the dark as the club pretends to be closed while a police car drives by can be amusing, but it sucks when half your group gets thrown out by the cops and can’t get back in.
3. Avoiding Scam
- For many, motorcycle taxis are the only way to truly see the thronging streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. However, although unlikely, scams can happen and your best protection is a decent knowledge of where you are going and points along the way. If you think you’re going the wrong way, simply tell your driver to pull over and flag down a new bike - those that stop should at least know the English names of the main tourist sights. Also, organise for a hotel pick-up from the airport - scam taxis are rife and, as my quickly lightened wallet can attest, far more expensive and stressful than the $5 you supposedly could save.
- Use Mai Linh Taxi for a reliable source of transportation.
- Always ask for the price before buying or using anything.
- Tourists tend to be charged more than locals for everything from cyclos to street food. Bargain harder than you would ordinarily, and don’t underestimate the value of walking away.
- Ignore the wandering seller if they are following you and show their product up your face, if they are still following you keep shake your head and say no.
- Always keep valuable assets in your bag, showing your money or phones means you will be marked as a valuable target for thieves.
- Make friend with the local, it would be the best if you have some Vietnamese friend to show you around the country.
4. Attraction and Activities
- Many of Vietnam’s attractions are based around its natural beauty and as such, cost very little. For organized excursions such as touring the Cu Chi tunnels you can expect to pay $5 USD. Halong Bay tours from Hanoi start at $50 USD for two-day trips and increase exponentially from there.
Visit the Heart of Vietnam - Hanoi combines French colonialism with Eastern influences. Enjoy an afternoon exploring the narrow streets of the Old Quarter or visit the countless temples and galleries dotted around this bustling city. Don’t miss the History Museum which showcases artifacts from Vietnam’s colorful history and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Cruise on Halong Bay - More than 3000 islands sit within the emerald green waters of Halong Bay, one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Cat Ba island has great for hiking and many tourists find themselves taking one of the cave tours. Tours here usually leave from Hanoi and last 2 or 3 days. Try to find a good operator as many oversell or lie about what their boats look like.
Time Travel in My Son - My Son is a set of Hindu ruins in Vietnam which date back to the Cham Empire. The Champas ruled over Central Vietnam from the 3rd to the 19th century. The temples here are of incredible historical importance, but they have been largely reclaimed by the surrounding jungle, and have fallen into a great state of disrepair. Don’t come here expecting something as marvelously preserved as Borobudur or Angkor Wat.
Relax in Hoi An - Hoi An is one of the most popular destinations for tourists traveling to the country. The place is packed with historical homes and buildings and quaint cafes. It’s small and great for walking, buying suits (they have a huge fashion and tailor market), eating, and relaxing by the river.
Take Photo of Vietnamese Pagoda - Vietnam’s most distinctive architecture can be been in the pagodas which are found all over the country. They are notable for their beautiful and intricate carvings. Pagodas are used as shrines and temples and are treasured by the Vietnamese people.
Dive in Nha Trang – This area is full of seaside resorts, and has a distinct urban feel. However, the beautiful sand and clear water make it a major spot for scuba diving in Vietnam.
5. Vietnam Etiquettes
- Respect your elders and address the eldest in a group first. Elderly people always have the right of way in Vietnamese society and should be treated with great respect.
- When giving or receiving business cards do so by holding it with both hands.
- Start with small talk and enquire about their families and personal life before discussing any business matter. The Vietnamese need to know more about you, in a casual way, before they discuss business.
- When dining with a Vietnamese family wait for head or the eldest to start eating first before you do. Vietnamese often serve you food into your rice bowl. This is an act of hospitality.
- Always take your shoes off when entering a Vietnamese home.
- Never, ever, show your anger. This causes astute embarrassment to yourself and your Vietnamese friends. Saving face is extremely important in Vietnamese society. If you are not happy with something discuss the issue in a calm and respectful manner. Showing anger or shouting will have the opposite effect to what you wish to achieve and will only reflect poorly upon you.
- Despite more modern times Vietnamese society, on the whole, is still quite reserved when it comes to showing affection for the opposite sex. Amorous liaisons in public are generally frowned upon and whilst a kiss or a hug with your partner is considered acceptable in the main cities of Hanoi and Saigon it is a social taboo elsewhere. When meeting with Vietnamese of the opposite sex a handshake is considered the standard greeting. A kiss on the cheek is not recommended practice and will only cause embarrassment.
- Tipping for service is not expected in Vietnam but is most certainly appreciated. A tip of one or two dollars for a meal or $1 to a cyclo driver can be a substantial bonus in a country where the annual average income is only $US500! You should tip at your own discretion however we recommend you allow $5 per day for your driver and guide.
Considering all the tips and advice, you are good to go on a trip in Vietnam! The most important part is stop worrying and enjoy your trip in Vietnam, it will be a memorable experience.
Source: internet
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