Key Tips for a Smooth trip to Vietnam
Remember that as a traveler, you play a role in representing your home country. We suggest embracing this opportunity to showcase its positive aspects.
Documents Required at the Immigration Counter (Airport)
Ensure you have the following documents ready for a smooth entry into Vietnam:
- Passport Size Photograph: 4x6 cm with plain white background
- A Passport with at least 6 months of validity from the date of travel
- E-Visa printed on A4 paper
- Return flight ticket
To Apply for E-Visa Document should be in correct form as mentioned below
Clear Scanned Copy of Passport Front Page in JPG/JPEG/PNG file format
No Fingers - No Folded Page- No Corner Cut- No Blur
Passport Size Photograph:
- Size 4x6 cm with plain white background
- Original Clicked Photograph Softcopy Required
- Full Face (70% Coverage)
No Click of Photo of a Photograph
Note: Original Documents will be required at the time of Immigration.
Currency in Vietnam- Cash is the King
- Indian Rupees are not accepted in Vietnam.
- Cash is widely used, with Vietnamese Dong (VND) being the official currency
- Carry USD: It is recommended to bring $300-$400 USD in cash, which can be exchanged for VND at forex shops at Airport in Vietnam for more favourable rates
- Current rates: 1 INR = ~300 VND, 1 USD = ~25,000 VND.
- Cards: International debit and credit cards are widely accepted; however, it's advisable to carry cash, as some places may not accept cards.
- Currency Calculation Tip: Example: 100,000 VND ≈ ₹350 (remove 3 zeros and multiply by 3.5)
Tipping: Tipping is mandatory in Vietnam. For the convenience of our travelers, TripHawker pays the tips in advance to the guide and driver, so you don’t need to pay anything extra.
Network Connectivity
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the airport upon landing, useful for contacting your driver.
- Wi-Fi at Hanoi Airport: Free Wifi NoiBai Airport
- You can purchase a Local Tourist SIM card at the airport or local telecom shop from the market.
- Local Sim Card Cost is approx. INR 600 to INR 800 with decent amount of data
- Viettel and Vinaphone offer good network coverage and data plans.
- Your Indian network will not work in Vietnam without an International roaming pack.
- You can also take an international roaming recharge if you want to use your Indian mobile network.
- WhatsApp works seamlessly for communication.
Weather
In February, Vietnam marks the dry season in most parts of the country, though weather conditions vary by region.
What to Pack
General
- Sunscreen, hat/suncap, and sunglasses for all regions.
- Wearing comfortable walking or sports shoes is essential for day tours in Vietnam, as they require a fair amount of walking.
- Flip-flops for casual wear and beach visits
- Universal International travel adapter with all pins (Type A, C, F)
- Day backpack for daily essentials
- Power bank for charging devices on the go
- Toothpaste & Toothbrush
- Lip Balm & Moisturiser
- Body Spray
- Power Bank & Bluetooth Speaker
- Small umbrella for unexpected rain or sun protection
- Raincoat or poncho (just in case)
Clothes
For Northern Vietnam (Hanoi & Halong Bay):
- Warm clothing: lightweight jackets, sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, jeans
- Swimsuit and shorts for Halong Bay, if you’d like to swim
- In evening and morning it may get colder in Hanoi
For Central Vietnam ( Hoi An & Da Nang):
- Regular summer clothes like T-shirts, shorts, skirts, and dresses
- Lightweight jacket or sweater for Ba Na Hills because its windy
For Southern Vietnam ( Ho Chi Minh City):
- Comfortable clothing for warmer southern regions.
- Not jackets required in Ho Chi Minh City
Note: Stay informed about weather changes; check closer to your travel date for accurate forecasts, as conditions may vary.
Please take off your hats and sunglasses while going inside any religious place.
General Hotel Rules & Information in Vietnam
- Passport is accepted as ID proof(s) for Check In
- Languages Spoken by Staff: English and Vietnamese
- Standard Check In Time: 02:00 PM
- Standard Check Out Time: 11:00 AM
- Standard Breakfast Timing: 06:30 AM to 10:00 AM
- Minibar: Items in the minibar are chargeable and must be paid directly at the hotel reception.
- Smoking Policy: Smoking is strictly prohibited in rooms as it may trigger the fire alarm. Designated smoking areas are available outside.
Note: These are general guidelines to give a rough idea to the travellers, and may vary by hotel. Kindly confirm specific timings at the reception upon check-in.
Meals
- Breakfast: Served at the hotel as per the chef’s special.
- At Halong Bay Cruise: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch with vegetarian options available.
- We recommend trying Vietnamese dishes for an authentic experience. However, if you're not accustomed to the cuisine, carrying some vegetarian snacks is advisable.
- Indian Snacks are generally not available in Vietnam. While some Indian grocery stores exist, they often charge up to three times the MRP. If you prefer specific snacks, especially as a vegetarian, it's best to bring them from home.
- Tea Lovers: Vietnamese tea differs from Indian chai. If you enjoy Indian-style tea, consider carrying instant tea premix for convenience.
Vietnamese Cuisine
- Phở Chay – Vietnamese noodle soup with a flavorful broth (Vegetarian)
- Bánh Mì – A popular Vietnamese sandwich with a crispy baguette and various fillings
- Egg Coffee – A unique Vietnamese coffee topped with a creamy egg foam
- Coconut Milk Coffee – A rich and aromatic coffee blended with coconut milk
- Gỏi Cuốn Chay – Fresh vegetarian spring rolls wrapped in rice paper (Vegetarian)
- Bánh Xèo Chay – Crispy Vietnamese pancakes with a vegetarian filling (Vegetarian)
- Lotus Tea & Jasmine Tea – Traditional herbal teas enjoyed across Vietnam
- Rượu Gạo (Rice Wine) – A traditional fermented rice alcohol popular in Vietnam
Indian Restaurants in Vietnam
Indian cuisine is widely available in Vietnam. Here are some recommended Indian restaurants in major cities:
Hanoi
- Tadka Indian Restaurant Hanoi
- RK Spice
- Hill Top Curry
- Grills & Gravy
Da Nang
- Dhaba 28
- Mumtaz Indian Aroma
- Indian Ganga Restaurant
- Veda’s Kitchen
Ho Chi Minh City
- Delhi Darbar Indian Restaurant
- Baba’s Kitchen
- Shri Natraj Indian Cuisine
The average cost of a meal at an Indian restaurant in Vietnam ranges between 200,000 VND to 300,000 VND per person. Prices may vary depending on the restaurant and the dishes ordered.
Note: Availability of Indian cuisine may vary by location. It's advisable to check the operating hours before visiting.
Basic Tips for a Smooth Trip to Vietnam
- Be Punctual: Group tours follow a strict schedule, often starting early. Plan accordingly to avoid delays.
- Time Zone: Vietnam follows GMT +7:00, which is 1 hour 30 minutes ahead of India (e.g., 12:00 PM IST = 1:30 PM VST).
- Water Safety: Do not drink tap water; always opt for bottled mineral water.
- Shopping & Bargaining: Vietnam does not have an MRP system. Bargaining is common—start at 50-70% of the quoted price.
- Google Translate: Download the Vietnamese language pack offline for seamless communication.
- Smoking: Smoking is not allowed in many public places. Always check designated smoking areas.
- Public Toilets: Washroom facilities are available at tourist attractions, restaurants, and designated rest stops during day tours.
- Photography Etiquette: Avoid taking photos of locals without their permission to respect their privacy.
Basic Cultural Etiquette in Vietnam:
- Respect Local Guides: Follow their instructions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
- Dress Modestly at Temples & Pagodas: Wear appropriate clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
- Carry a Scarf/Shawl: Useful for covering shoulders when visiting religious sites.
- Remove Shoes: Before entering homes, temples, or pagodas, it is customary to take off footwear.
- Bargain Politely: While negotiating in local markets is common, always do so with respect and a smile.
Transportation During Leisure Time
-
Grab App: Vietnam’s equivalent of Uber, offering affordable and reliable transport for local travel.
Basic Greetings in Vietnamese Language
While Vietnamese is the official language, English is commonly spoken in tourist areas. Here are some basic phrases to help you communicate:
Hello – Xin chào (Sin chow)
Thank You – Cảm ơn (Gahm uhn)
Goodbye – Tạm biệt (Tarm byet)
