Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Vietnam

Hạ Long bay, Vietnam.
Hạ Long bay, Vietnam. Photo by Ammie Ngo on Unsplash

In recent decades, Vietnam has become a must-visit destination for many tourists. Fascinating history, diverse culture, great food, and stunning landscapes are just some of the things that attract millions of visitors from all over the world each year. If you want to become one of them, here are some things you need to know before boarding the plane.

You’ll Need to Get a Visa

Unlike some other Asian countries, Vietnam requires tourists and visitors to sort out their visas before arriving in the country. The process, however, is fairly simple thanks to the online visa approval process, e-Visa, which is available to citizens of more than 80 countries. Note that e-Visa only is single-entry and lasts 30 days.

Dollars Are Widely Acceptable

Cash is the preferred way of paying for services and goods in Vietnam. You can get the country’s currency Dong in exchange offices, banks, and even hotels, although the merchants will gladly accept dollars as a form of payment. The latter is especially useful if you are confused by the similarities between Dong denominations.

It’s Easy to Find Free Wi-Fi in Vietnam

This may surprise some people, but Vietnam has an excellent internet infrastructure. Wi-Fi is widely available for free in both major cities and less populated areas.

The Weather is Unpredictable

The weather you’ll face in Vietnam depends on the time of the year and the region you are visiting. However, most parts of the country usually have periods of sun and heat mixed with sudden rain. This is why you should always anticipate that the weather could change in an instant and pack accordingly.