Vietnam is one of those countries that are too often overlooked as a tourist destination and it should be on everyone’s bucket list. It’s a country of beautiful nature, rich culture and history, and great cuisine. The best way to experience Vietnam is to rent a vehicle and drive through the country yourself. This will make you more comfortable and allow you to set up your own schedule and pay attention to the sites that interest you. It requires a bit of preparation to do so, but it’s very much worth your while.
Visit at The Right Season
Seasons tend to change rather rapidly in Vietnam and the weather can get quite harsh during the summer and winter. There are monsoons and the temperatures may be a bit too much if you’re a westerner and aren’t used to the heat.
The best time to visit is therefore early spring and early autumn. This is true for the whole country even though there are big differences between the north and south in terms of temperature and wildlife. Heavy rain can still surprise you, regardless of when you book your flight.
Don’t Forget the Proper Documents
There are a few documents you’ll need to get in order to legally travel to Vietnam. For most nationalities, this means you’ll need to get a Visa through the Vietnamese embassy in your country. It’s possible to do so online by providing certain documents.
You’ll also need an international driving permit issued by the International Drivers Association if you plan to drive on your own or rent a car while in Vietnam. It’s the easiest way to get around and it allows you to do so on your own schedule and your own terms.
Plan How to Get in and Out
Vietnam is a huge country and you can spend months travelling across it with your car while having a full itinerary at all times. However, it only has three major airports that can be used to fly in and out of most countries in the world. This is therefore something to include in your plans.
It’s best to make a plan as to where you plan to leave your car and when you plan to leave the country since it takes some time to reach the airport from which you can go home directly. There are smaller airports, however, that can take you to China.
Travel Insurance
Vietnam is a relatively peaceful country and chances are you won’t need to face any crime at all. However, there’s always a chance for that when visiting a large city and the weather can cause harm to your property as well.
It’s, therefore, a good idea to have a travel insurance policy before you go. Make sure to go into details as to what the policy covers and what your deductibles will be since all of these issues matter and add to your cost.
Get a Local Sim Card
Depending on how long you plan to stay in Vietnam you may need to get a local SIM card. This will make it easier to get around and use local services, without the additional charge that comes with using a foreign one. You can easily grab the card at the airport as soon as you arrive.
All of the major services that you would need as a tourist, such as maps or restaurant reviews can be downloaded and used in Vietnam, so you don’t need to worry about it even if you don’t speak the language (as is the case with most tourists).
Bring Along Some Cash
For the most part, you’ll be able to use debit and other payment cards in Vietnam since most restaurants and shops accept them. However, it’s still a good idea to have some cash with you so you can tip or use the services in establishments that don’t accept cards.
It’s best to use the exchange at the airport or at a bank that you know and trust. Chances are the rate will be the same regardless of where you do it and there are some small fees involved as well, but they are usually less than what you would pay when using a debit card.
Vietnam is an amazing country and you’ll have fun visiting it regardless of your interest and background. Chances are that one trip won’t be enough and you’ll keep coming back to the country in order to learn and see all that it has to offer.
