Is Vietnam safe?
Generally, it is very safe to travel in Vietnam. Of course, as with any tourist destination, pick-pocketing and bag snatches do occur, so be sure to leave your valuables (like your passport!) at the hotel. Use your phone sparingly when in public areas, and carry smaller notes with you. Going through these precautions and being vigilant can prevent you from becoming a target.
In the cities, look out for taxi scams and hassles, as they are more prevalent. To protect yourself from these scams, be sure to know your destination, and landmarks along the way. Agree on a price beforehand, and stick with the major taxi companies, like Mai Linh and Vinasun. In larger cities, you also have the option of using ride-sharing apps, like Uber or Grab.
The most common accidents that occur in Vietnam are motorcycle related. The roads in Vietnam are anarchic, so if you’re traveling on two wheels, make sure you are covered with the proper insurance.
Travelers should note that Vietnam has confirmed 16 cases of coronavirus as of March 2nd, 2020.
What is the weather like in Vietnam?
Since Vietnam is an elongated country, weather can vary depending on your location. In general, the country is hot and humid.
In the north, you can expect humid and hot summers with high rainfall between May to October. However, the north also experiences cool, dry winters between November to April.
The mountainous regions in the far north has frosty winters from December to January. The best time for adventure-seekers to trek would be during the drier seasons: September to November, and from March to May.
The central region experiences hot and dry weather from January to August. Pack your rain boots if you’re visiting between September and December — there is a high chance of heavy rainfall during this time.
Southern Vietnam has wet and dry seasons. The best time to visit would be during the dry season, when you don’t have to worry about the monsoons and floods that plague the months between May and August. The ideal months to visit would be from November to April.
As weather between regions vary, it is helpful to think of the country as three separate destinations when planning your travels.
When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
The most popular time to visit Vietnam runs from July through August. To avoid congested cities and attractions, April through June is the best time to visit Vietnam — especially if you want to take the time to explore all the regions.
Dos and Don’ts for travelers in Vietnam
Do’s
- When visiting a temple, do keep your shoulders and knees covered as a sign of respect
- Keep your bag on you and be wary, as snatches are quite common.
- Keep your accommodation details with you at all times — should you get lost, it’s much easier to find your way back
- Before getting into a taxi, negotiate and agree on a fixed price to avoid scams
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Keep hydrated! It’s humid in Vietnam, and the last thing you want is a heat stroke ruining your vacation
- Store some extra toilet paper with you — some public toilets may not have toilet paper available
- Do be aware of the privacy of local life. Filming is considered intrusive, especially in the villages. As a rule of thumb, always ask for permission first.
Don’ts
- Don’t stick your chopsticks into your rice bowl — this is considered unlucky and symbolizes death.
- Don’t bring up the “American War” with locals — for many people, the psychological and physical wounds are still fresh. Several Vietnamese have mixed emotions about the war.
- Don’t carry more cash than you need.
- Don’t use your own utensils to pick food up from the communal dish in the center of the table; use the serving spoon
How to get around in Vietnam
The great transportation infrastructure in Vietnam makes it easy to travel from coast to coast. Whether its by train, plane, or bus, you can find several options that will help you explore all the gems Vietnam has to offer. From budget airlines to overnight buses — take your pick!
For the more adventurous souls, motorbikes are also an option. They’re a great way to travel between destinations. However, it can be quite tricky to navigate the sea of traffic in the bigger cities, like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh.
For this reason, it’s better to save your motorbike riding for quieter areas, like Hoi An or Dalat. In order to avoid injuries, wear closed-toed shoes, keep your feet turned inward, and be aware of the burning exhaust pipe!
Currency and travel costs in Vietnam
While credit and debit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants, cash is king in Vietnam. The currency used is the Vietnamese dong (VND). Using the dong can be confusing at times, as the high conversion rate can throw many people off.
As of summer 2019, USD1 is VND23,289. When you arrive in Vietnam, take some time to familiarize yourself with the notes, as they can look very similar at first glance. You don’t want to accidentally hand a VND200,000 note instead of a VND10,000 note when you’re in a rush!
The costs for traveling Vietnam can vary. If you are a budget traveler, $30 will be enough for a day. However, if you indulge in luxurious hotels and gourmet meals, your budget will be closer to $100 a day.