Vacation, Trips and Holidays in Vietnam

14
Nov

From iconic rice paddies and cascading mountains to historic towns, frantic cities, national parks, and tropical islands, Vietnam offers peace, vibrancy, and a winning blend of incredible experiences, charming people, heart-stopping scenery, exquisite cuisine, and remarkable hospitality. The cultural and geographical treasures of this captivating country intrigue, inviting travelers to an adventure of a lifetime. If you are planning a trip here or your next family vacation, this guide will give every detail you will ever need right on your plate.

When to Visit Vietnam?

Those that have been here finally come to terms with the fact that any time is a great time to visit Vietnam! However, it is best to bear in mind the climate variations between the north and the south, especially if you wish to travel the length of the country.
Generally speaking, anywhere between October and December is an excellent time to visit the north part of the island as the weather is perfect at that time of the year. If heading south, then prefer the months from November to March. Now, if you want to be part of any festivities that may take place around here, such as the Vietnamese New Year celebration (called TET), which is the biggest open-air party you will ever join, then do come January. In this case, though, book your flight tickets and accommodation in advance as hotels are booked quickly while restaurants, shops, and transport are usually closed for the holiday. Finally, to avoid too much rain and too much heat, better not travel to northern Vietnam from June to August it is scorching hot (around 40^oC) with regular downpours on a daily basis. Also, stay away from the southern part of Vietnam between June and July as it is the season with the worst rains.

What is the Weather Like in Vietnam?

Vietnam is ruled by a tropical monsoon climate that diversifies every region on the island. For example, in southern Vietnam, the weather is hot year-round with rains coming between May and October while central Vietnam is hot and dry from January to August and rainy and warm between September and December. As for northern Vietnam, the weather is humid, hot, and rainy during May and October and dry and cold from November to April.

Visa Requirements

Depending on where you come from, you may or may not need a visa to enter Vietnam. You do NOT need a visa (and can apply for popular passport type with return tickets) if:

You live in a country member of the ASEAN, such as Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand (unless you visit Vietnam for more than 30 days or more than 21 if you are from the Philippines or 14 if you are from Myanmar or 15 if from Brunei).
You live in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, or Spain and are planning to stay in Vietnam for less than 15 days.
You are a passport holder from Russia, Japan, Korea, or the Scandinavian nations and you are going to stay in Vietnam for less than 15 days.
You are a citizen of France or Chile holding an official passport or valid diplomatic papers and will remain in the country for less than 90 days.
You are an APEC Business Travel Card holder from APEC member economies and will stay for less than 60 days.
Are Vietnamese or foreigner holding valid foreign passport and are entering the country via an international border to travel to Phu Quoc Island (as long as you don’t stay there for more than 15 days).

If you don’t belong in any of these categories, then you need to get a Vietnam entry visa before arriving here by visiting the Vietnamese Embassy in your country and providing information about your length of stay, among others. Alternatively, you can apply for an e-visa from https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/ or an invitation letter for a visa using a visa agency and receive your single-entry visa upon arrival after you show the letter, a passport photo, and your passport and pay the stamping fee at the airport.
Note: It is a good idea to ensure you get a passport with a 6-month validity (at least).

What Languages Are Spoken in Vietnam?

Although the official language is, of course, Vietnamese, you may also hear many people (mainly older ones) speak French too (Vietnam was a French colony for many years). English is also widely spoken throughout the country, primarily the more developed and touristy areas. Don’t be surprised if you come across students in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi eager to speak to you to practice their English! Now, if you wish to have a conversation with a local of a rural or remote area, chances are it will be challenging as very few speak English.

How to Get Around Vietnam?

There are various ways to get from one region to another:

Train – The Vietnam railway line will take you from one end of the country to another. You may use the train to go to and from Hanoi, Danang, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, and Nha Trang. You may also travel north to Lao Cai for Sapa, or east from Hanoi to Haiphong for Halong Bay. If you want to move in luxury, use the Orient Express Trains that ride from Hanoi to Lao Cai. Generally, there are four classes in Vietnam Railways, soft sleepers, hard sleepers, soft seats, and hard seats. Most of the time, trains also have food service and air-condition, and you can book your tickets online, at the station or through your hotel.
Internal Flights – You will find several domestic flights going to and from Phu Quoc, Dalat, Hue, Nha Trang, Danang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi. The average flight time from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi is 2 hours (direct flight). Overall, the cost is meager, and the most popular airlines here are Vietnam Airlines, Air Asia, Vietjet, and Jet Star.
Boat – Taking the boat to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay will enable you to go past picturesque landscape as you go around the verdant Mekong Delta waterways. Or you can hop on a boat and go swimming or snorkeling at Phu Quoc, the Cham Islands, and Nha Trang, to name a few. Overnight cruises are also very common here.
Bus – The bus is the most cost-effective means of transport here. The bus network in Vietnam is quite extensive and you can purchase your tickets online, via your hotel or directly from the bus station. Pick any of the available ticket options, from fancy private tourist tickets to very cheap ones. If you are after extremely posh and comfortable bus rides, choose Mai Linh Express or The Sinh Tourist, as long as you are okay with the loud music and film playing on these buses. As for the most budget-friendly tickets, these belong to Open Tickets’ hop-on-hop-off buses. You can grab those from tour companies.
Motorbike – If you are an experienced driver, then do rent a bike. Otherwise, better avoid it as the traffic here can be overwhelming with very few bikers following traffic regulations. The roads are also challenging (most are narrow, dirt roads). To rent a motorcycle, you will need an International Driver’s Permit and insurance. Alternatively, you could co-ride with an experienced tour guide.

Are there any Health Concerns to Keep in Mind?

Before you travel to any foreign country, it is always advised to have a medical check-up and take out proper insurance. Provided that your routine boosters and vaccinations are all been taken care of on time, including measles-mumps-rubella and diphtheria-tetanus-polio, you will be fine.
As an extra precaution, make sure you have also had vaccinations for Typhoid, Tetanus, and Hepatitis A. In the recommended list, one will probably find vaccinations against Japanese Encephalitis, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, and Rabies (if you are going to come into contact or work with animals).
Finally, except for some rural areas and southern regions, Malaria is not at all common in Vietnam. What is present in the country, though, is Zika Virus and Dengue Fever so do take precautions to avoid bites (i.e., cover up in the evenings or use repellent, preferably with DEET) and seek medical help if you notice any symptoms, such as aching muscles, nausea, headache, or fever.

Vietnam Cuisine

Besides heart-stopping vistas and mind-blowing natural beauty, Vietnam is also renowned for its delicious food (see legendary fish sauce and top-quality locally-produced peppers) that surprises pleasantly with its price. The local cuisine is characterised by fresh spring rolls from locally-grown vegetables, meaty soups seasoned like there is no tomorrow, a beef noodle soup the locals call Pho, banana-flower salads, and French-influenced baguettes. If you head to the north, do not leave without having tasted some Bun Cha or a Banh Mi pork sandwich. And, you happen to be somewhere on the coast, ordering some seafood is a prerequisite, whether you are at a sea-side restaurant or a street market.

Vietnam Nightlife

The most action takes place in the big cities and the beachside towns. Hanoi is very famous for its lager-like draught (a locally-brewed type of beer) among the locals while the bars and clubs in Ho Chi Minh City (the Pham Ngu Lao district) are open until deep in the night. If you fancy a more relaxed nightlife scene, Phu Quoc is ideal. Plenty of beachfront clubs, vibrant nightclubs, restaurants that stay open until very late at night, wine lounges, and cocktail bars with elegant interiors will tick your boxes for a fun and laid back time out. If you are lucky, you may bump to a full-moon party or join the thrill of a sports event that becomes everybody’s business here! Or you could go straight to Duong Dong and buy some souvenirs and/or sample authentic local dishes at the Dinh Cau Night Market.

Main Highlights in Vietnam

The bustling capital of the country is Hanoi and like every other town of Northern Vietnam, it mesmerises with its French colonial architecture. Escape to Hoan Kiem Lake and watch the sun vanish behind the horizon (or do morning Yoga) or stroll the intricate streets of the Old Quarter. Also:

Traveling east will introduce you to the unique karst limestone landscape followed by the enchanting waters of Halong Bay.

As you move further north towards the border with Laos and China, you have rolling hills, lush valleys, imposing waterfalls, and beautiful rice terraces waiting for you around the town of Sapa.

Travelers to the central coast can expect pristine beaches with crystal clear waters and the charming town of Hoi An with its tree-lined streets and the fine shopping scene.

Follow the Perfume River as you move closer to inland, and it will lead you to the Imperial City, the former imperial capital of Hue, and the impressive Thien Mu Pagoda.

The coastal city of Nha Trang awaits further south, ready to accommodate your needs for a relaxing time. Offering great scuba diving, gorgeous sandy beaches, and an underwater world so enchanting; it will be hard to part.

Saigon, the largest city of Southern Vietnam, will greet you with historical landmarks and not only.

Not long after driving south, your eyes will land on the scenic Mekong Delta that the locals also call the rice bowl of Vietnam! Unsurpassable beauty and allure as you watch the floating markets.

Only a short flight separates you from the unbelievably romantic and idyllic beaches and landscapes of Phu Quoc Island overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.

Accommodation in Vietnam

Vietnam hosts a wide range of accommodation. You can find luxury hotels and chic resorts in the more central areas or on the coast offering accommodation at its finest. Others comprise an exceptional base from which to explore the most notable attractions and landmarks, including UNESCO World Heritage towns and sights. There are also options that provide further tranquillity along the coast or on the island of Phu Quoc, as well as lodgings cut to please those that wish for beachside retreats and bare-foot luxury, and stylish boutique hotels. Finally, some properties combine all that, such as La Veranda in Phu Quoc island that thrills with its colonial style and affluence. As for those into budget holidays, lodges and guesthouses are in abundance in Vietnam enabling them to explore the less-touristy regions and enjoy spellbinding views on the cheap.

Unique Must-Try Activities in Vietnam

When you are in Vietnam, you normally want to explore the gorgeous beaches and dive in the refreshing waters of the ocean. But, what if you wanted to get a different taste of what is available here? Here is a list of things that you could consider:

Journey like a local on the back of a Vespa.
Learn to fish like Vietnamese do.
Ride a buffalo cart through the central coast countryside.
Have morning Tai Chi.
Meet a Feng Shui master.
Trek from Sapa to Ta Giang Phinh.
Learn about the likes of Bahn tom and Cha Ca (deep-fried shrimp cakes and sautéed white fish respectively).
Attend a night market.
Drink tea at Hue city.
Dine in a romantic cave.
Go shopping at a floating market.
Join a local festival.

Vietnam is a blossoming flower, with many pedals that captivate and dazzle with their aromas and unique beauty. Grab this opportunity and see where this adventure will take you!

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Things to do in Phu Quoc

In addition to the pretty Phu Quoc beaches, a wonderful combination of history, culture, and nature await on the island of Phu Quoc. History buffs will enjoy visiting the French-built “Coconut Prison” in the south of the island, near the port of An Thoi, which also housed political prisoners of the South Vietnamese government in the 1960s and 1970s. Several structures have been rebuilt including jail cells, a kitchen, watchtower and escape tunnel. There is also a gallery on-site with original artifacts and graphic recreations of prison life. Nature lovers will want to head south along Long Beach to visit the Pearl Museum and various pearl farms to see how oysters are seeded with pearls and turned into exquisite jewelry or stroll through the many pepper plantations to see one of the island’s most famous products. North of the island is the expansive Phu Quoc National Park, ideal for leisurely hikes and walks. On the water, Phu Quoc snorkeling, diving, kayaking and island hopping tours are easily booked through your hotel or local travel agencies. Cheap day trips combining bus transport to the port of An Thoi in the island’s south with boat trips for snorkeling, lunch, a visit to a pearl farm and picturesque Bai Sao (Star Beach) which many consider the best beach in Phu Quoc, are especially popular. More exclusive boat trips can be arranged, visiting some of the pristine islands in the An Thoi archipelago to the south or the remote islands to the north, along with fishing, snorkeling and picnics on the beach. Diving in Phu Quoc is also good during the dry season. To get off the beaten path, visitors can head up to the island’s north shore and visit the sleepy fishing village of Ganh Dau where racks of silvery fish can be seen drying in the sun while the womenfolk mend fishing nets. You can also arrange to see other Phu Quoc specialties including a small factory that makes sim wine from the fruit of the rose myrtle tree, or a camp for Phu Quoc Ridgeback dogs, native to the island, where they are trained to race and climb fences.

Beaches on Phu Quoc Island

With 150 km of coastline, there’s sure to be a beach for everyone on idyllic Phu Quoc. Note: The word “bãi” (pronounced: bahy) means “beach” in Vietnamese. Long Beach (Bãi Trường, pronounced “bahy troo-uhng” ) starts just south of the main town of Duong Dong. Stretching approximately 20 km down the southwestern coast of Phu Quoc almost to the port of An Thoi, the jumping off point for island and snorkeling tours, Long Beach starts off busy towards the hotels and resorts of Duong Dong with plenty of Phu Quoc attractions and activities, ranging from cafes, restaurants and bars to locals walking by with freshly cut fruit and offers of beachside massages and even body hair removal by threading! The further down you go, the less developed the beach becomes, with many a quiet spot, backed by palm trees, to claim for your own. Insider tip: The closer you are to town, the busier the beach, making Long Beach a fun place to hang out with groups of friends. The many restaurants and shops means there’s plenty to do with the family when you’ve had enough of lounging on the beach. The further south you go, the less developed the beach becomes, ideal for couples looking to get away from the crowds. Sao Beach (Bãi Sao, pronounced “bahy sou”), towards the southeast of the island, is considered the best beach in Phu Quoc with clear, turquoise water and a beautiful stretch of fine, powdery sand, all backed by palm trees and forested mountains. There are only a few local guesthouses here which means the beach is one of the top Phu Quoc attractions, especially for day trippers. A host of seafood restaurants line the beach and provide beach chairs and umbrellas for rent as well as showering and changing facilities. With its shallow, clear waters, Sao Beach is excellent for families with small children. Insider tip: To avoid the crowds, plan on arriving early before the tours turn up by mid- afternoon, usually after a morning of snorkeling or sightseeing. Or simply head towards the northern (and prettiest) end of the beach, home to the Paradiso Beach Club, a haven of tranquility separated from the masses by an undeveloped stretch of beach. The beach club has a highly-rated restaurant serving up freshly prepared local and international favorites. Vong Beach (Bãi Vòng, pronounced “bahy vohm”) may be the first beach ferry-goers see as it’s located where most of the passenger boats from Rach Gia and Ha Tien arrive from the Vietnamese mainland, the least expensive way of getting to Phu Quoc. While pretty to look at from the sea, the beach itself is dominated by the port and is therefore not a popular spot for swimming or sunning. Thom Beach (Bãi Thơm, pronounced “bahy tuhm”) is located at the far northeast section of the island. Difficult to get to because the only road leading there is through the densely forested interior, its remoteness, rather than its beauty, makes it a draw for those willing to brave the rough roads on a Phu Quoc day trip. With only a few local eateries in the area and not much else in the way of amenities, Thom Beach is best for adventurers and nature lovers looking to get off the beaten path. Rach Tram Beach (Bãi Rạch Tràm, pronounced “bahy ruht truhm”) and Rach Vem Beach (Bãi Rach Vẹm pronounced “bahy ruht vem”) are the next Phu Quoc beaches you would encounter if continuing on a counter-clockwise loop from equally remote Thom Beach. These beaches are wild and pretty with few tourists and fewer amenities other than the small local cafes encountered at the rustic fishing villages along the way. This pair of rustic beaches are ideal for those looking for a Robinson Crusoe, “swept away” feel. Insider tip: Bring your own beach mat and towel along with some drinks and snacks and make a day of it. Ganh Dau Beach (Bãi Gành Dầu, pronounced “bahy guhn zou”) is at the very north of the island and is famous for its beautiful views, including of the nearby Cambodian mainland. Multiple roads lead to the general vicinity, included paved roads along the western coast as well as dirt roads through the national park. Once there, you’ll find wonderfully clear water, all backed by coconut trees, making it a contender for the best beach in Phu Quoc’s northern end. The shallow, calm waters makes Ganh Dau excellent for swimming and for families, especially if arriving by car. Insider tip: There is a handful of resorts and guesthouses on Ganh Dau Beach, making it a popular lunch spot for locals who rarely swim. Plan to arrive at around lunch and spend the afternoon on the beach, as some of the guesthouses will allow visiting diners to use their facilities including hammocks and showers. Dai Beach (Bãi Dài, pronounced “bahy zahy”) is at the northwest of the island. Previously undeveloped, in recent years, this pretty stretch has been taken over by the Vinpearl Group and now is the site of a massive resort complex which includes a safari, golf course, amusement park, casino and hotel. Just south of Dai Beach on the way back to Duong Dong town lies three relatively quiet beaches: Vung Bau Beach (Bãi Vũng Bầu, pronounced “bahy vom boh”), Cua Can Beach (Bãi Cửa Cạn, pronounced “bahy koo kan”), and Ong Lang Beach (Bãi Ông Lang, pronounced “bahy ohm lang”). Cua Can Beach is where the Cua Can River empties out into the sea and is home to a small fishing village. Some of these beaches have more rustic, eco-friendly accommodations for those looking to get away from it all. Insider tip: Ideal for those with a moderate sense of adventure, these beaches are easily accessible by motorbike along paved roads just 15 minutes or so from the main town of Duong Dong. Have a drink at one of the many resorts on Ong Lang Beach and enjoy the included beach access.

BAI SAO BEACH

Sao Beach is one of the most beautiful tropical sandy beaches in Phu Quoc that is very famous for swimming, sunbathing, and doing other activities as well. The beach attracts many tourists due to its wonderful natural scenery, crystal clear waters, and white-sand shores. It is truly a must-visit place for tourists when coming to Phu Quoc Island. WHERE IS BAI SAO BEACH? Bai Sao Beach is nestled on the coast of An Thoi Town, which is about 25 km from the center of Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang Province in the southwestern region of Vietnam. This is one of the most worth-visit beaches in Phu Quoc, with a smooth sandy shore and clear blue seawater. Setting foot on Bai Sao Beach, you will be amazed by the unspoiled beauty of the beach and the gorgeous landscape around. The beach stretches over 7 km with a white smooth sandy shore where it is defined as the whitest and cleanest sand on the island. Unfortunately, due to its reputation, there is a lot of trash in the southern part of Sao Beach. The seawater is calm, warm, and extremely blue. The further you go, the bluer the ocean becomes. [gap height="40px"] [ux_image id="4220" image_size="original"] [gap height="40px"] WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BAI SAO BEACH? Of course, the best thing to see here is the beauty of the beach. According to local people, the origin of the name Bai Sao is that there are tens of thousands of starfishes moving into the shores and under the water surface every night when dusk falls. Bai Sao Beach promises to bring the most memorable things to do in Phu Quoc. Coming to the beach, you can wander around the beach on the white smooth sandy shore and look for the crabs, snails, and other crustaceans. In the northern and southern tip of the beach, the local people created some small trails to get into the pristine forests. It is not a bad idea to explore the tropical jungle to admire the huge trees and listen to the songs of many kinds of wild birds. If you want to snorkel or dive, you can go to the sea area near the rocks in the Long Beach resort. It is the best place to see the heart of the ocean, where the reef is very flourished and home to many fish and shellfish. If you are having a day trip to Sao beach, you can relax on one of the many beach chairs and high-quality loungers which are available at the Parasido Restaurant, ordering a cup of soft drink or wine and viewing the seascape is such a fancy moment Sao Beach brings to you. [gap height="40px"] [row] [col span="4" span__sm="12" align="center"] [ux_image id="4227" image_size="large" height="141.5%"] [/col] [col span="8" span__sm="12" align="center"] [ux_image id="4219"] [/col] [/row] Besides the beach bars made of palm leaves scattered on the beach, you can go for a meal at the open restaurants. The beach restaurants around the beach are quite more expensive than anywhere else because of their prominent location. You can order a lime soda which is very sweet and cool, but the price is only 32,000 VND. It would help if you also tried sugarcane juice 'nuoc mia' for only 10,000 VND / glass. Hiring a jet ski to ride is a good thing we highly recommend; it costs 450,000 VND for 10 minutes. You can ride one of these inflatable bananas that get pulled by a motorboat or try water skiing at the cost of 700,000 VND for 10 minutes. Moreover, near the cape, you can see anchoring fishing boats of the fishermen that combine with the gorgeous view of the sunrise to create a picturesque painting seducing your eyes. [gap height="40px"] [row] [col span="4" span__sm="12"] [ux_image id="4240"] [/col] [col span="4" span__sm="12"] [ux_image id="4242"] [/col] [col span="4" span__sm="12"] [ux_image id="4241" height="125.5%"] [/col] [/row] FEELINGS OF TOURISTS ABOUT SAO BEACH Bai Sao beach leaves in the heart of tourists a lot of impressions. Stanislava Kunovska, a Russian tourist, said that: “Such a nice white sandy beach! Bai Sao beach is sheltered, with not many waves, clear water, but it is fairly shallow for quite a way out. Beware, they charge for everything here. It was 20,000 VND for a shower, 30,000 VND for a locker, 80,000 VND for a lounge chair, and the food here is also quite expensive. Bring your lunch if you can”. It shows a case that the quality of service here is not too good. The garbage is a problem on the beach, because of many tourists rushing onto the beach, they fairly throw out the rubbish on the ground. That causes the pollution and loss score in tourist’s mind.