From year to year, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. This country, not so long ago destroyed by the war, has a rich history and stunning natural beauty. The landscapes of Vietnam do not leave anyone indifferent. A huge selection of beaches and active entertainment allows everyone to find something for themselves. Rest in this exotic corner of the world can be an absolute pleasure. Why you are wasting your time take your Vietnam Visa in Hong Kong and visit the wonderful places in Vietnam.
To make the most of your trip, consider some important points.
- Language barrier
English is not very common here. Of course, there are many English-speaking people in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh, but there are only a few in the province. Residents of small towns are unlikely to be able to communicate with you or understand your questions. To solve this problem, before leaving, learn a few Vietnamese phrases – they will help in communicating with employees of local hotels, restaurants, gas stations, etc.
- Electricity, money, and Wi-Fi
The official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Some institutions accept US dollars as well as euros and rubles. In big cities, you can easily pay by card. But in remote regions of Vietnam, it can cause problems, and ATMs are not everywhere – it is advisable to have cash in local currency. You can exchange money in banks, jewelry stores, travel agencies and even in the markets.
In large hotels in Vietnam universally installed universal sockets suitable for switching on various electrical devices. When traveling to remote parts of the country, you should have a universal travel adapter with you.
A mobile connection in Vietnam is not satisfactory, and Wi-Fi zones are available in most restaurants and other public places.
- Weather surprises
In Vietnam, the tropical climate is hot and humid. In the rainy season, you can’t do without an umbrella and a raincoat. In order not to suffer from breathlessness for the rest of the time, it is better to choose loose clothes made of natural fabrics for the trip. Tourists will also need sunscreen and repellents – there are enough mosquitoes and other insects in Vietnam.
In Vietnam, the tropical climate has a high degree of heat.
- Road safety
Lots of cars hit and “commotion” on the streets. In general, traffic rules may seem too democratic, initially confusing tourists who visited this country for the first time. You should be careful at pedestrian crossings and move along pavements and curbs from the edge of the road. At the same time, it is not recommended to wave mobile phones, video cameras, and bags so as not to provoke thieves – in this country street crime is flourishing.
- Tips – at the customer’s request
In Vietnam, unlike most other countries, it is customary not to serve “tea” to service workers. A satisfied customer can thank the waiter in the restaurant, but only on his initiative – the service will not look surprised if you put the whole change in your pocket.
- Respect for the religious feelings of the local population
There are many temples in the country that you will want to see. At the same time, in order not to offend the feelings of residents, it is necessary to follow many simple rules. Take off your shoes before entering, and do not stand on the prayer mats inside. Do not come between praying people, stand between them and the Buddha statue, turn your back on the temples. Clothes should be chosen as simple, modest, covering the legs to the knees and arms.
- Paid wipes
An amazing moment of the Vietnamese service: in restaurants, visitors to the menu before ordering can bring free black or jasmine iced tea, but for all used napkins you will have to pay separately. The waiter will certainly convert them and put them on the bill – about 2-3 thousand VND (5-7 rubles) for each napkin.
- Increasing prices for tourists
This feature of local trade can be found not only in the markets but also in stores. Initially, the seller will inform the tourists about the cost of the goods, significantly exceeding the actual (sometimes – two to three times). Don’t get a wallet right away. The more actively you bargain, the more you save on your purchase.
- Customs difficulties
Get ready for a misunderstanding of customs. Check-in advance that all your documents are in order, in the event of any dispute, try to clarify as politely and reasonably as possible. Remember these visa regulations for entering Vietnam differ for citizens of different states. Russians do not need a visa – but only on the condition that the rest will not last more than 15 days.
- Individual room reservation
In Vietnam, they know and like to bargain. Therefore, fixed costs of living in a hotel or hostel, indicated on specialized websites, maybe deliberately inflated. When planning to check in to a specific hotel, find its website and ask for prices. Sometimes, much more favorable conditions can be achieved in personal communication with the owner. Besides, the prices of some hotels located in picturesque parts of the country far from the center may not be reflected on the Internet at all.
- Don’t flaunt your valuables
Vietnam is a safe country. Expensive things thrown away unattended, even for a few minutes, can easily change ownership. Do not leave wallets and purses on the tables in cafes. Do not wave your bags and cameras by the strap if you go near the edge of the road – a passing motorcyclist can snatch out of the hands of valuables.
If you want to hang a purse on a chair back in a restaurant, cut the strap on one of your legs. Keep your cell phone and money in your breast pocket and wrap the camera strap around your wrist – especially in busy and poor places. Don’t make close contact with strangers in the dark – even if they seem trustworthy.
- We encourage you to count your changes carefully.
Navigating the face value of unknown notes is quite difficult, often used by scammers. If you pay a bill in Vietnamese dong or change currency on the street, take your time to put money in your pocket – the amount may be several times less than expected. Count several times, including using a calculator.
- Watch out for street food.
In Vietnam, local delicacies that look very appetizing are sold on every corner. You dream of trying more authentic dishes, do not forget about the sanitary requirements. In the tropics, many foods spoil quickly, so the risk of food poisoning is very high.
- Book train tickets at the station
The railway connection in the country is well developed – it gives great opportunities to choose trips. Just don’t forget that hotel reservations will always cost more (hotel fees around VND 200,000). Tickets are best bought directly at the ticket office, at the station. It is indeed recommended to do it in advance.
