Vietnam is a favorite destination among backpackers. For one, it’s a gorgeous country with so many things to offer. Moreover, Vietnam is a super-budget destination, and with only a few hundred dollars in your pocket, you could explore a lot of Vietnam’s amazing destinations. However, Vietnam can also be overwhelming especially for first-timers to the country, and if you don’t come prepared, you could end up missing out on the best things to experience in Vietnam. So here’s how to prepare for your Vietnam trip.

Get a Visa In Advance

Getting visa on arrival Vietnam at Noi Bai Int’l airport in Hanoi city

First things first – get a Vietnam visa. Citizens coming from most countries in Europe and those coming from the United States are required to get a visa before they can get into the country. If you want to know if you need a visa to Vietnam or not, check out Vietnam visa rules and requirements.

If you found out that you need a visa to the country, it’s a good idea to obtain your visa in advance. Queuing up for a visa on arrival at the airport is not always a pleasant experience. This is especially true if you’re arriving late at night and you’re having a jetlag. So to save yourself from all these hassles and inconveniences, you better apply for your visa in advance at evisa-vietnam.com. The process is pretty straightforward. You just have to fill out the form, make a payment and wait for your visa!

Which Airport you should Land

Getting visa on arrival at Tan Son Nhat Int’l Airport in Ho Chi Minh city

Vietnam has two International airports, the Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh and the Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi. Depending on where you’re going in the country, you’ll either land in any of these two airports.

If you want to start your Vietnam trip at the north and explore places like Hanoi and Halong Bay, then you should land at Noi Bai Airport. On the other hand, if you want to begin your journey at the south of the country, such as in Ho Chi Minh, then you should book a flight that goes to the Tan Son Nhat Airport.

Getting Around the Country

A tourist in Vietnamese hat looking the train in Vietnam

If you want to explore the country from north to south or vice versa, the best way to travel long distances is by plane. Otherwise, if you’re trying to save some money and you have ample time to spend to the country, then you can travel by train.

There are taxis at some of the major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, however, if you want to save on your transportation, consider renting a motorbike. It’s cheap and you’ll have the freedom to travel anywhere you want to. But remember that you can only drive in Vietnam if you have a valid International driving license.

Where to Stay

You’ll have lots of options for a comfortable accommodation in Vietnam. If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll find that there are plenty of affordable hotels and backpacker hostels that are within your budget. That is, if you don’t mind sharing the room with several other backpackers. If you want to have some privacy, book a private bathroom with toilet. This should cost you an average of $10 per night.

Homestays are also gaining popularity in Vietnam. It’s also cheaper and a great way to learn more about the culture since you get to live with a local.

Currency and Exchange Rate

USD and VND (Vietnam dong) bank note

One of the questions that you probably have is how much money you need to bring to Vietnam for your trip. Of course, this will depend on how long you plan on staying in the country and what are the things that you intend to do there.

To give you an idea, Vietnam’s official currency is dong (VN). 1 USD is around 22,000 VN. Dollars are also accepted in hotels, as well as in some shops and markets, although you could save some money if you’ll exchange your dollars for the local currency.

Currency rates fluctuate from time to time so before your trip, it is best to find out the currency exchange rates so you’ll have an idea on how much you should be given when exchanging your dollars.

Packing Tips

It’s highly recommended to visit Vietnam on a backpack instead of a suitcase especially if you’re staying on budget hotels. A lot of times, budget hotels in Vietnam don’t have any elevators, which can be a nightmare if your room happens to be on the highest floor!

Furthermore, most of the sidewalks in Vietnam are occupied with food stalls and scooters, so it can be difficult to walk while tugging your suitcase along. Moreover, if you have plans to travel all over the country in a train and bus, carrying a backpack makes getting on and off much easier.

It’s also a good idea to research the weather in Vietnam before your trip so you will know the type of clothes you need to pack. Nevertheless, if you ended up packing the wrong type of clothes, shopping for clothes in Vietnam should be cheap.

Vietnam is a truly wonderful country to visit. If you have plans to visit the country, you should start preparing as early as now!

Vietnam visa label with emblem in passport