Essential information for your holiday to Vietnam

Trip to Vietnam: Essential Information to Prepare Your Holiday

Before setting off on your holiday, ensuring you have the right information and practical tips will make your travels through Vietnam more enjoyable and stress-free. With 20 years of experience guiding travelers across Asia, Shanti Travel brings you expert-packed advice for your trip to Vietnam so you’re ready for every situation you may encounter.

What to pack for your holiday to Vietnam?

While travelling in Vietnam, you may face very different climates, from tropical warmth to cool mountain breezes. To enjoy every region comfortably, thoughtful packing is essential:

• Southern and Central Vietnam (hot and humid year-round): Lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking clothing (cotton or linen) such as T-shirts, shorts, skirts, and light dresses are optimal. Sun protection is crucial—pack a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and UV-protective shirts, especially for major destinations like Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Nha Trang.

• Northern Vietnam (notably cooler from November to March): Be ready for cool mornings and chilly nights, especially in Sapa, Hanoi, and the highlands. Bring long-sleeved shirts, a fleece layer or lightweight jacket, and for remote mountain areas pack even warmer attire (thermals, gloves, hat, scarf—temperatures can dip below 10°C at night).

• Throughout Vietnam: Rain is always a possibility, particularly during the regional wet seasons. Compact raincoats or ponchos and quick-drying outfits are a must. Don’t forget swimwear for beach and riverside relaxation.

• Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes are indispensable for city touring and trekking, while sandals or flip-flops are ideal for the beach. If entering temples, easy-to-remove shoes are helpful.

• For sacred sites: Modest attire covering shoulders and knees is essential out of respect.

• Additional expert tips: A scarf or shawl for chilly, air-conditioned places, and smart casual outfits for evenings or special occasions will round out your travel wardrobe. Packing layers and weather-flexible items is key—Vietnam’s climate can surprise you even within the same region.

Healthcare Advice

Vietnam’s health landscape varies but manageable precautions can make the difference. While there is no compulsory vaccine for Vietnam, we advise:

• Vaccinations: Ensure routine immunizations (diphtheria, measles, influenza) are up to date. Hepatitis A & B, typhoid, and tetanus boosters are wise. For extended stays or rural travel, consider Japanese encephalitis and rabies vaccination.
• Mosquito-borne diseases: Especially in the Mekong Delta at dusk, dengue and malaria are risks. Use strong repellent, wear long, protective clothing, and sleep under nets if staying in rural areas. Malarone is the malaria prophylaxis physicians recommend for high-risk segments.
• Food & water safety: Only drink bottled or boiled water. Avoid raw food or non-reputable street food; thorough handwashing is a must.
• Medical kit essentials: Paracetamol, ibuprofen, throat lozenges, anti-diarrheals, oral rehydration salts, acidophilus (for gut health), basic first aid items, insect repellent, and any chronic prescriptions in original pharmacy packaging.
• Travel insurance: Medical expenses in Vietnam usually need to be paid up-front—comprehensive travel insurance is essential for peace of mind and to access quality care quickly.
• Know emergency contacts: The general health advice line is 1900 3228. Hospitals in major cities provide solid care, but rural facilities are basic—carry personal supplies.

Electricity

Vietnam’s electricity supply is typically 220V, 50Hz. Outlets most frequently accept Type A (two flat pins), Type C (two round pins), and occasionally Type D (three round pins). Type F and G appear in some hotels or modern buildings. To avoid compatibility issues:

• Carry a universal travel adapter (covering Types A, C, D, and optionally F/G).
• Voltage can sometimes drop to 110V in older buildings—always check device compatibility.
• Outlets often lack grounding, so high-power devices may not operate safely everywhere.

Internet

Staying connected is now straightforward in Vietnam. For the best experience, Shanti Travel recommends:

• Local SIM or eSIM: Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone offer excellent 4G/5G tourist plans. Viettel is tops for rural coverage, with packages available at airports and convenience stores (passport required).
• eSIMs: For newer devices, eSIM tech streamlines buying and switching plans, giving you multi-network coverage—very handy in rural spots or islands.
• Wi-Fi: Free in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants in cities, but speeds can drop in busy spots. Use public Wi-Fi carefully and prefer mobile data for privacy and speed, especially outside large cities.
• Rural tip: Service is generally reliable with Viettel but can fluctuate. Download maps offline for remote trekking and always have a powerbank handy.

Phone

• A local SIM is best for calls and data. Main providers—Viettel, Mobifone, Vinafone—offer prepaid packages from $2, easy to top up nationwide.
• Phones must be unlocked; basic local handsets are widely available from 400,000 VND.
• International calls are best made via apps like WhatsApp, Viber, or Skype using data or Wi-Fi.

Money

• Currency: The Vietnamese dong (VND) is king. Bills can be confusing due to similarities in appearance (e.g., 20,000 VND and 500,000 VND)—double-check denominations! Carry mostly small notes for markets and street stalls.
• ATMs: Found everywhere in cities—use only those inside bank branches or malls to avoid card skimming scams. Major banks (Vietcombank, BIDV, ACB) are the safest bet.
• Fees: Expect both local and home bank charges per withdrawal. Check limits and fees with your bank beforehand.
• Credit cards: Widely accepted in hotels and upscale restaurants, but cash is essential in markets and rural zones.
• Fake notes: Counterfeit VND can circulate. Get a feel for the texture and colors. Decline or carefully check damaged bills and exchange money only at banks or reputable offices.
• Digital wallets: Official Vietnamese apps like MoMo or VNPay are increasingly accepted for contactless payments but are most relevant to longer-stay travelers.

Time difference

UTC / GMT: +07:00 | Indochina Time (Asia/Ho Chi Minh City) Vietnam does not observe daylight savings time.

Passport and Visa

• Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival.
• Visa requirements: Most travelers need a visa, but some nationalities enjoy exemptions for stays from 14 up to 90 days (verify on official resources before travel). Always check the requirements for your nationality.
• E-visa: The most common option, valid for up to 90 days, applied for online in advance. Upload a passport scan, pay a $25 fee, and print your approval letter for entry (only valid at your declared port of arrival).
• Visa on arrival: Requires pre-approval; bring a printed approval letter, photos, and cash for the visa fee at select airports.
• Entry process: Ensure your passport details and application match exactly, carry your e-visa approval, and have proof of onward travel handy. Customs may inspect luggage for restricted or declared items (medications, currency, electronics).
• Insurance: Travel insurance covering medical care/evacuation is highly advised and sometimes requested.

For up-to-date regulations, consult the Vietnamese Immigration Department or Vietnamese Embassy websites. Recent policy updates (August 2025 onwards) may affect exemptions and processes—always check before departure!

Shopping

Vietnam’s bustling markets and roadside stalls are essential experiences—but shopping here is also an art. Negotiating is an everyday affair and part of the fun:

• Approach with a friendly attitude and a smile. Politeness opens doors!
• Start with an offer lower than your final target price; expect the vendor's counter-offer and enjoy the dance of bargaining.
• Observe and learn from Vietnamese shoppers: watch nonverbal cues and common phrases—they can give you an edge.
• Carry low denominations for smoother transactions; vendors prefer cash, especially in markets.
• Shop early in the morning for fresher items and better prices.
• Don’t be afraid to walk away if the price isn’t right—often, the vendor will call you back with a better deal.
• Bundle multiple items to negotiate additional discounts.
• For fixed-price stores, bargaining isn’t appropriate—always read the room.

Most importantly, see negotiation as a friendly interaction rather than a confrontation—it's a chance to connect and share a laugh with locals. Set aside luggage space for your treasures, from tailor-made ao dai to fragrant coffee and lacquerware!

A successful holiday to Vietnam requires a little preparation and an open attitude. With these expert tips from Shanti Travel, you’ll be ready to immerse yourself in all Vietnam has to offer, travel safe, and make lasting memories.