Welcome to my Vietnam page! Back in 2019, my friend, Candace, and I traveled to Vietnam and explored Hanoi and Bai Tu Long Bay while we were there.
Here are some of the travel tips we followed during our trip to Vietnam. Of course, this list is far from comprehensive, and I always recommend that you do your own research before traveling anywhere.
*P.S. this post contains some affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase.
Before Traveling to Vietnam
Here are some important things to look into before traveling to Vietnam:
Check out the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs website for any travel advisories, cautions, vaccinations, visa/document requirements, etc. for Vietnam.
A Vietnamese visa is required to enter the country. We purchased our e-Visas through the Vietnam Immigration Department, and the process was 100% online. Give yourself a few weeks to allow for processing time, and don’t forget to print it out after you’re approved. Visa on arrival is available for air travel only, but I recommend handling this before your trip if possible.
While You’re in Vietnam
Here are some key things to keep in mind while traveling in Vietnam:
Vietnam’s currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND), and you’ll want to have some on hand to pay for lunches, entrance fees, and tips. We got local currency out from ATMs using our debit cards once we arrived.
Don’t drink the water or brush your teeth with it. You’ll need to purchase water bottles throughout your trip, or some hotels might provide you with new ones each day.
Vietnam’s culture is conservative, so be sure to dress appropriately. You shouldn’t wear short shorts or low-cut or revealing tops or dresses. It’s also very hot and humid, so be sure to pack light, quick drying clothing.
Book any tours in advance to secure your spot and to select your pick-up time and location.
Tipping is not expected in Vietnam, but it’s always appreciated. We tipped with these guidelines in mind:
- Driver used for an entire day or excursion: 100,000 VND (~$5 USD) per day
- Guide used for an entire day or excursion: 250,000-500,000 VND (~$10-20 USD per day) depending on the quality of the service
- Restaurants: a 5-10% tip on the bill
Vietnam Packing List
My biggest tip for packing for Vietnam is to pack light! You don’t want to have to carry around a ton of luggage (or have the hotel staff or drivers lug it around for you).
Here are some of the things that we brought on our trip to Vietnam:
- HAOZI Universal Travel Adapter
- Medicine and feminine products (Vietnam may not have the ones that you’re accustomed to)
- Cross-body purse, money belt, secure, RFID blocking wallet, or travel fanny pack
- Loose trousers, like these Joob Joob Boho Pants or Urban CoCo Boho Joggers, and long, comfy dresses that cover your shoulders, like these:
- Comfortable walking shoes, like these Women’s Weekend – Marble White or NAOT Footwear Sabrina Women’s Sandal
- Waterproof hiking sandals if you plan to do any hiking in Vietnam
- TSA-approved luggage locks and Apple AirTags if you need to leave your luggage behind for excursions (or if you plan to check a bag on your flights)
Each day, you’ll want to carry water, snacks, bug repellent, tissues, sandwich baggies, hand sanitizer, lip balm, sunblock, a scarf like this Pashmina Shawl (in case you go inside any temples), and sunglasses. All of these should fit in or tied around a cross-body purse or fanny pack and will likely come in handy.
Our Vietnam Blog Posts
If you’re planning to visit Vietnam, you can find more details specifically about Hanoi and Bai Tu Long Bay in the following blog posts:
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How to Spend 3 Days in Hanoi + Helpful Tips for Visiting
After two action-packed days in Delhi, a day trip to see the Taj Mahal in Agra, and three days exploring Chiang Mai, Candace, and I made our way to Hanoi, Vietnam to continue our Southeast Asian adventure. The city of Hanoi is vibrant, bustling, and full of history, with ancient temples and French colonial buildings…
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An Amazing Overnight Cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay
In July 2019, my friend, Candace, and I planned an epic Asian adventure, which included visits to India, Thailand, and Vietnam. And, one of the highlights of our Vietnam itinerary was our Bai Tu Long Bay overnight cruise. Bai Tu Long Bay is a hidden gem located in the northeastern part of Vietnam, just a…
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How to Plan an Incredible 2-Week Southeast Asia Itinerary
Planning a trip to Southeast Asia this summer? We’ve got you covered with our epic 2-week Southeast Asia itinerary! After our time in Delhi and Agra, India, my friend, Candace, and I visited Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Bai Tu Long Bay, Khao Sok National Park, and Phuket over the course of two weeks and had an…
I would love to hear your tips for Vietnam. Feel free to leave your ideas in a comment below, and don’t forget to pin this post for future reference!
XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads