VIETLAND HOLIDAYS

Warnings & Things to Watch Out For

1. Scams & Overcharging

• Be cautious of taxi scams—use reputable apps like Grab or Mai Linh/Vinasun taxis.
• Avoid vendors who aggressively sell goods or tours with misleading prices.
• Count your change carefully, especially in markets and small shops.

• Traffic can be chaotic, especially in big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Look both ways before crossing and walk at a steady pace—motorbikes will move around you.
• Avoid renting motorbikes unless you're experienced, as road rules are loosely followed.

• Keep your bag zipped and wear it across your body. Be especially careful in crowded areas and when using your phone near roads (snatch thefts from motorbikes are common).

• Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Hue, Hoi An) has a typhoon season (September–November).
• Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay) can be cold in winter (December–February), so pack accordingly.
• Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta) is hot year-round with a rainy season (May–October).

• Street food is delicious but choose busy stalls where locals eat.
• Avoid tap water—stick to bottled or filtered water.
• Be cautious with ice in drinks (most tourist areas use safe ice, but check).

• Dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas, and inside Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum —cover shoulders and knees.
• Avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics and the Vietnam War in depth.
• Always ask permission before taking photos of locals, especially in rural areas.

• Many nationalities need a visa before arrival; check Vietnam’s e-visa system online.
• Your passport should have at least six months’ validity from the date of entry.

Things to Do & Travel Tips

1. Must-Visit Places
   
   • North: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa (mountains & trekking), Ninh Binh.
   • Central: Hoi An (ancient town), Hue (imperial city), Da Nang (beaches & Ba Na Hills).
   • South: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc Island, Cu Chi Tunnels.
2. Transport Tips

• Domestic flights are the fastest way to travel long distances.
• Overnight trains and sleeper buses are affordable
• Grab (ride-hailing app) is reliable for short distances instead of taxis.

• Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup)
• Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich)
• Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles, Hanoi specialty)
• Cao Lau (Hoi An noodle dish)
• Egg Coffee (Hanoi specialty)

• Bargain in local markets (except in malls and fixed-price stores).
• Check for quality before buying silk, coffee, or souvenirs.

• The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the main currency; cash is preferred in small towns.
• ATMs are widely available but use ones attached to banks.
• Some places accept USD, but it's best to pay in VND.