One of Vietnam's biggest attractions is that despite being a relatively inexpensive country to explore, it's also one of the safest destinations in Southeast Asia.

 

In addition to its fascinating history and culture, Vietnam's natural beauty is reason enough for you to visit. As one of the most beautiful countries you can ever see, the country boasts so many amazing sights that nature has to offer; from beaches to rice terraces to mountains and breathtaking landscapes.

 

Mother Nature has been so generous to this land, blessing some of the most stunning landscapes you can imagine. Skipping the opportunity to visit Vietnam is really a big mistake.

 

 

Choosing a suitable time for your trip might be the first thing you think about when you have days off and plan your journey. In Vietnam, there are 3 main parts of the country: the North, the Center, and the South. The weather in these 3 areas is totally different. Therefore, the best time to have a Vietnam trip that could fully enjoy throughout is from December to April. Why?

 

• Avoid storms in July and August that affect your trip negatively (cancel or miss some excursions due to bad weather).
• Avoid the rainy season in the South (from May to October).
• Avoid superhot summer.
• Cold and dry in the North and Center, warm in the South.

 

So when to travel to Vietnam is a decision that lies with you, Vietnam Trust Car Rental will always be with you.

 

Vietnam - Places not to be missed when coming to Vietnam

 

With a country that is large more than 330,000 km2 with complicated terrain, there are so many destinations and attractions waiting for explorers. Below is the suggestion for first-time travelers:

 

The North of Vietnam 

 

Hanoi Capital - The capital of strong political platform

 

 

Being the heart of Vietnam, Hanoi is a city with more than 1000 years of history and an important culture and political center of the country. If anyone is fond of exploring deeper inside the authentic culture of Northern Vietnam and traveling back to the past of the country, Hanoi cannot be missed.

There are many attractions worth visiting in the Vietnam Capital: Hanoi Old Quarter, Sword (Hoan Kiem) Lake, Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Tran Quoc Pagoda, One Pillar Pagoda, and some ancient and handicraft villages in the urban area such as Duong Lam Ancient Village, Bat Trang Pottery Village, Dong Ho Painting Village, etc.

 

Ha Long Bay - Unesco: World Natural Heritage

 

This is the most beautiful place in Vietnam – a world-known UNESCO Heritage with a unique charm that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. Millions of tourists come to Vietnam each year just to admire the one and only landscape of a Wonder of the World here. The best way to explore Halong Bay and its beauty is by cruise. There are hundreds of cruises available from budget Halong cruises to 5-star cruises in Halong, always ready to serve tourists.

 

Ninh Binh - Location with the special of mystical cave

 

 

These years, the number of tourists who come to Ninh Binh has been increasing continuously. The most popular attraction here is Trang An which is known as “Halong Bay on land” with a stunning unique landscape just like the UNESCO heritage on the sea. For tourists who want some impressive selfie poses, Hang Mua (Dancing Cave) is the best choice for a trip to Ninh Binh.

After climbing about 400-500 steps, the top of Hang Mua welcomes you with the most magnificent view of Trang An from above. Believe it or not, a pose at Hang Mua peak can easily put your Instagram on heat!

 

Sapa -  The coldest land in Vietnam

 

The Northern mountainous area always challenges any tourists who seek an adventure here. For people who come to this area for the first time, Sapa is a good option as it can satisfy both leisure and adventure demands from tourists. For adventurers, there are many trekking routes available in Sapa from short to long, easy to difficult which lead through many beautiful viewpoints here and explore locals’ daily life in their villages like Cat Cat, Sin Chai, Ta Van, etc.

For anyone who seeks a leisure trip, there are diverse choices for high-end accommodations with the lovely precinct, swimming pool, and many fancy services. Booking a tour to visit Fansipan Peak which is called “The roof of Indochina” on a cable car is also an interesting option for leisure tourists. 

 

The Central of Vietnam

 

Hue - Cultural history of the largest place in Vietnam 

 

 

Hue was the Vietnam Capital for more than 100 years. Besides Hanoi in the North, Hue is also a big center of Vietnam's history, culture, and cuisine. As there are so many attractions, a Hue city tour seems like a good choice for first-time tourists to get through the main sites with a knowledgeable tour guide who knows clearly about the story behind each attraction.

Some main historical and cultural sites that can be suggested are Hue Citadel, some tombs of the late emperors (Khai Dinh, Tu Duc, etc.), and Dong Ba Market. Besides, if a classic city tour sounds a little bit boring, a cruise tour on Huong River to visit the attractions on the banks like Con Hen, Thien Mu Pagoda, etc. is also a good choice. 

 

Da Nang - Top 10 cleanest cities in the world

 

 

This place is exactly the right choice for a beach holiday with one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! As the top crowded city in Central Vietnam, Danang can satisfy the strictest guests. This city has one of the most beautiful beaches in the world – My Khe beach and promises to provide travelers the best sun, sand, and sea experience.

Besides, Da Nang is also suitable for any family holiday with Ba Na Hills complex that includes an amusement park, flower gardens, restaurants, hotel, and many good selfie points, especially the world-known Golden Bridge. Other worth-visiting attractions in this crowded city are Son Tra Peninsula, Marble Mountain (Ngu Hanh Son), Dragon Bridge, etc.

 

Hoi An - City of ancient architecture &  gorgeous lanterns

 

 

This small town stays nearby Da Nang City (just 45 minutes driving) and is the perfect place for a short tranquil time after spending a few days in the hustle-bustle Da Nang. Although it is not so big, this town includes many interesting attractions inside which can cost at least one day for a simple city tour in Hoi An such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Fujian Assembly Hall, many ancient houses, and long streets with colorful lanterns stores.

Besides, a Hoi An food tour is also a must-try experience as many local vendors are providing delicious authentic Vietnamese dishes. For nature lovers, a short biking trip in Hoi An to nearby villages such as Cam Thanh and Tra Que is also a good choice as this is the chance for tourists to see the locals’ daily life, experience the life of farmers (planting, fishing, cooking, etc.).

 

South of Vietnam

 

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) - The largest economic center in Vietnam

 

 

 

There is no doubt that Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) is the most hustle-bustle city in Vietnam as this is the most populated city and financial center of the country. Ho Chi Minh city can offer tourists many types of interesting activities from entertainment to relaxation.

With active travelers who want to enjoy as much as they can, food tours by foot, bike, or motorbike are always available, ready to help you travel throughout the city for the best local cuisine experience; besides, the nightlife in Saigon is the best in Vietnam with many bars, pubs, and local beer restaurants available in every corner of the city and the most crowded on is the Bui Vien Street where gathering most of the tourists here.

On the other hand, for some travelers who want a more relaxing trip, a Ho Chi Minh city tour through the main attractions here can be considered. Some attractions that should be visited are Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, China Town, etc. Besides, for travelers who have time, a half-day tour to Cu Chi Tunnels is also a good choice to know more about the wartime of Vietnam more interestingly.

 

Mekong Delta - Food with traditional flavors

 

 

Not so far from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in the Mekong Delta which is less crowded than the financial center but still attractive in its own way. Mekong Delta has a different lifestyle from other parts of Vietnam as people here live on the Mekong River, earn their living from it.

For travelers who are short of time, a full-day tour Mekong delta tour is enough to have a general view of this area. However, to explore deeper in the local culture here, 3 days trip to discover Mekong Delta will make sense.

Your journey may include some attractions such as Cai Rang floating market, fruit gardens, specialties factories (coconut candy, rice papers, etc.), paddy fields, and many villages by the river bank.

 

Phu Quoc Island - Island of gems

 

 

Phu Quoc is the biggest island in Vietnam and is called “Pearl Island”. This place is a new trend in Vietnam and very popular among leisure tourists who want a totally relaxing holiday with sun, sand, and sea. There are many resorts from budget to high-end ones to serve the needs of tourists, but normally, people choose to stay at resorts on Tran Hung Dao Road, near Duong Dong Town Center as it is so convenient to get to a good bar, pub, or restaurant here and most of these resorts have a private beach or near the beach.

Some suggested attractions here are Ho Quoc Pagoda, Phu Quoc Prison, Phu Quoc National Park, Sao Beach, Duong Dong Night Market, black pepper gardens, fish sauce factory, pearl farm, etc. and if it is a family holiday with kids, Vinpearl Land and Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc are the best choices! 

 

Money & Vietnamese currency that you need to know

 

The currency of Vietnam is Dong.

 

The newest update for the exchange rate is: 1 USD ~ 23,000 VND

Enter Vietnam, you can exchange money at the airport or banks. Please remember that after the payment, the note you received must remain intact, not torn, and too dim. Additionally, with your dollars, you have to make sure one more thing that there is no stain or text on it. The bank will not accept or exchange it with lower rates from the store or the hotel so you cannot make the payment with them.

 

 

In case you do not like using cash, you should still exchange a little because Vietnamese still preferred using cash, only restaurants, hotels, and modern convenience stores have the POS for people who pay by card, but you have to pay the bank fee is 3 - 3.5% for using the credit card.

Visa, Master Card is the most common type of card in Vietnam. In addition, you can use Amex or JCB. Maestro, Cirrus, and Plus will be more difficult to make the payment.

It is better if you can check with the seller before buying or using the service that they accept credit cards or not and the exchange rates they will use.

 

*NOTE & TIPS:

 

• You should ask for the price before buying anything or using any service (for example taxi, street food, drinks, etc.).
• One cup of local coffee has a price of 25.000 VND (about $1.2). One local meal (such as Banh Mi, Bun Cha, Banh Cuon, Pho, etc.) has a price of 40000 Dong (about $2). One meal in the restaurant has a price of 250000 per person (about $11).
•  

Passport & Vietnam Visa  that you need to know 

 

 

To enter Vietnam, you will need to bring your passport that is still valid for at least 03 months after the date you enter.

A valid visa is required for citizens from most foreign countries to come to Vietnam for any purpose. Residents of some countries who have a visa exemption agreement with Vietnam do not need to get a visa to Vietnam for a certain period and with specific purposes. And also not all travelers who require a visa to Vietnam are supported with the visa on arrival. Hence, make sure whether you need a visa to Vietnam or not and are supported with the visa on arrival.

Nowadays, there are two available ways to obtain a visa to Vietnam: apply for the visa at a Vietnam Embassy or apply for Visa on arrival. Of course, a visa on arrival is more convenient and less time-consuming, but please notice that it is only applicable for those who travel to Vietnam by air. By applying for a Vietnam visa online, you can receive your Approval Letter before you leave home, which will simplify your arrival and save time.

 

What to bring to Vietnam for the first time?