Vietnam Travel Looks Complicated… Until You Get There
Vietnam Travel Looks Complicated… Until You Get There
Vietnam can look complicated when you're planning your first trip.
There's a different language.
A different currency.
A new transport system.
Questions about hotels, food, immigration, mobile data and getting around.
Before you leave India, it can feel like there is a lot to figure out.
But after six trips to Vietnam, I've found something quite different.
Once you're actually there, Vietnam is much easier than it looks.
Before You Fly
I don't try to prepare for every possible situation.
I simply make sure a few basics are ready.
Visa and hotel confirmation
Have your visa documents ready and keep your hotel confirmation accessible, either printed or on your phone.
Some US dollars
I like to carry some US dollars as a backup.
You don't need to carry a huge amount of cash, but having some currency with you when you arrive is useful.
Install Grab
Grab is one of the most useful apps for getting around Vietnam.
You can use it for bikes and cars, depending on what you need.
Having the app installed before you arrive means you're not trying to figure it out after landing.
Make sure your mobile data works
I wouldn't depend completely on airport Wi-Fi.
Having working mobile data makes everything easier — Grab, maps, translation and communication.
Download Vietnamese on Google Translate
Google Translate becomes particularly useful when there is a language barrier.
Download Vietnamese for offline use before you travel.
That way, you have a backup even if your connection isn't working.
Arriving in Vietnam - Vietnam travel
The first thing that can make Vietnam feel complicated is simply arriving in a new country.
Immigration can take some time.
In my experience, Ho Chi Minh City can have longer queues, while Hanoi has generally been quicker for me.
But once you're through immigration and have your luggage, things start becoming much easier.
Vietnam travel - Getting Around Is Easier Than You Think
One of the things I like about travelling in Vietnam is how easy it can be to move around.
If you're close enough, walk.
For shorter distances, a Grab bike can be very convenient.
For longer distances, use a Grab car or taxi.
You don't need to understand the entire transport system before you arrive.
Start with the basics and learn as you go.
What If Your Hotel Room Isn't Ready?
This is another thing that can surprise travellers arriving early.
If you arrive before the hotel's normal check-in time, your room may not be ready.
That doesn't necessarily mean there is a problem with the hotel.
Early check-in isn't always available.
If the room isn't ready, leave your luggage at the hotel if they can store it and go out.
Have breakfast.
Find a coffee.
Walk around.
Start exploring.
Vietnam starts early, so there are plenty of things you can do.
Vietnam Starts Early
One of the things I enjoy about Vietnam is the morning atmosphere.
In Hanoi, I particularly enjoy the Hoan Kiem area early in the day.
People are already out.
There is street food.
There are cafés.
There is movement everywhere.
You don't have to wait until 10 or 11 in the morning for the city to start.
Some places are active surprisingly early.
Don't Worry About Food
If you're worried about finding something to eat, don't be.
Vietnam has an enormous range of food.
Banh mi.
Street food.
Small local restaurants.
Larger restaurants.
And plenty of choices in the cities.
If you're looking for something specific, search Google or use Grab.
You don't have to know every Vietnamese dish before you arrive.
Keep Some Cash With You
I still recommend carrying some local cash.
Cards are useful, but cash can make smaller purchases easier.
And as I mentioned in my previous practical Vietnam video, don't assume every business will handle card payments in exactly the same way.
Having some cash simply gives you another option.
Small Problems Will Happen
This is probably the most important point.
Something will eventually go slightly wrong.
A Grab driver may not find you immediately.
A restaurant menu may need translation.
Someone may not understand what you're saying.
Your hotel room may not be ready.
That's travel.
It doesn't mean the country is difficult.
Slow down.
Use your translator.
Explain what you need.
And don't get frustrated over a small problem.
Six Trips and I've Never Had a Problem With People
I've now been to Vietnam six times.
Hotels.
Grab.
Restaurants.
Shopping.
Even business dealings.
I've found people respectful and helpful.
And one of the things I particularly like is the simple friendliness you can encounter in everyday interactions.
Even a “Namaste” can sometimes receive a “Namaste” right back.
That tells you something about the experience I have had there.
Vietnam Is Easier Once You're There
So yes, prepare before you go.
Have your documents.
Install Grab.
Have mobile data.
Download translation.
Keep some cash.
Know where you're staying.
But don't spend your entire trip worrying about what might go wrong.
Because once you arrive, you may discover something:
Vietnam isn't complicated at all.
Be respectful.
Smile.
Take things as they come.
And give yourself some time to simply experience the country.
That's what Vietnam Beyond Tourism is about.
Not just showing you where to go.
But helping you understand what travelling through Vietnam actually feels like.
More practical Vietnam planning:
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