VIETNAM TRAVEL GUIDE 🇻🇳 - 16 Things You MUST KNOW Before Your Visit

Traveling in Vietnam has been nothing but an adventure. Exploring from Ho Chi Minh City all the way up north to Sa Pa, Ha Long Bay & Ninh Binh, here are my top 16 Vietnam travel tips that you should know before your visit!
On the blog: gracefkim.com/...
Skip to part:
1. Visa Required (0:35)
2. Start from the north (2:14)
3. Prepare for traffic & honking (2:55)
4. Beware of your phone when walking (3:48)
5. Easy to use transportation (4:07)
6. Plan travels in advance (5:07)
7. Have enough cash (5:41)
8. Learn basics of language (7:00)
9. Limited convenient stores (8:33)
10. Friendliest people (9:03)
11. Huge coffee culture (10:46)
12. Amazing food (11:40)
13. Pay for parking (12:43)
14. Rainy season (13:14)
15. Don’t rush travel (13:59)
16. Cat Ba Island (15:01)
Hope this list helps planning your Vietnam trip. Safe & happy travels 🖤
#vietnamtravel #travelvietnam #vietnam
_______________________________________________________________________
Instagram: / gracefkim
Sign up for the BEST travel credit cards: bit.ly/3FPlLwx
Support my travels directly: buymeacoffee.c...
Where I get my Music: share.epidemic...
International health insurance: bit.ly/3NIAQBP
My online VPN service: bit.ly/3QQRsuw
My Shop: www.amazon.com...
How it all started: gracefkim.com/...
Photography Gear:
Sony a7c: amzn.to/3fnQ2pm
Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8: amzn.to/33wx518
Rode VideoMic Pro+: amzn.to/3id88Ln
Mavic 2 Pro: amzn.to/3ykgvvK
Link Referrals
Mary-Line 2 (Ho Chi Minh): bit.ly/3B81BvY
An Hotel (Hanoi): bit.ly/3gWM0Zq
Charles Schwab Debit Card: bit.ly/3gOsiex
------------------------------------------------------------
Advertising Disclosure: Grace Kim may earn a small affiliate commission when purchasing products from clicking on the links.

[@__breathofair___7510]

From my experience back in May, visa on arrival was no longer a thing and you either need to get an evisa or have a visa exemption sticker in your passport. I spoke with the customs officer at the airport and he said they got rid of it due to Covid. Plan appropriately and don’t get denied boarding for your flight like I did 😢

[@gracefkim]

This is SUPER valuable information - thanks for the update. I was there in April and it seems like they tightened rules within a month!

[@Creees]

Dont worry its not much longer when the 3 month visas are back

[@wellgreatengineeringltd3884]

Vietnam, Lived Saigon for a year. lived in DaNang for a Month. I really preferred Da Nang. It really depends on what you want to do. I went there to play golf flying from Hong Kong to Da Nang. Golf is kind of expensive. Caddies are Mandatory as well as Carts. The weather in Da Nang is nice. Went into the mountains to old French City from before the War. Very nice. Went to Hue to see the Fortress there. If you are into the war stuff, Not a lot is left from those days. Most areas you would not know there was a war there. I used private drivers to go everywhere. One course I played was right on the South China Sea. Beautiful courses. Getting a Visa was arranged thru the Golf Course App. And was picked up the day we arrived. Hotels were clean and eating was what ever you wanted. Local, Chinese, Western. Walked at night and never had any issues the times I was there. Never look like you are lost. Always walk at a good pace and know where you are going. Enjoyed my visits to Vietnam.

[@markbrazil4408]

Nice to see you on KZbin again. I’ve now been in Vietnam for 3 months and I never want to leave! Peace!❤

[@gracefkim]

Glad to be here and same! Love the country

[@springroll703]

Vietnam is amazing. Friendly people, delicious food, cheap living cost and best of all BEST COFFEE IN DA WORLD

[@Evanwill89]

Thanks for the video Grace.. another Asian American from NJ here traveling through Asia right now! I’m on my 4th month and already did Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Philippines, South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, and Taiwan.. now I’m off to Europe for 2 weeks before back in NJ. Your videos helped me a lot before I started to travel.. ✌️

[@gracefkim]

Yess enjoy the rest of your time away! Thanks for the support 🙌

[@StilettoLafleur]

Great video & so detailed. Thanks for sharing!

[@mixtereE]

A helpful and well made video. I viewed about 20 vietnam videos and you cover some not-mentioned things. thanks Grace

[@emersondasilva-pr8jn]

Thank you for the videos 🙏🏼✨ I will be in Vietnam next month.. you made my life easier 😅

[@atnb8148]

Northern Vietnam has 4 seasons: spring summer autumn winter and in winter some places have snow. South Vietnam has two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. At this time, the South will have a lot of rain and the North will have quite heavy showers

[@thuymientran6676]

Here’s another tip when going through Immigration upon entering VN: please to keep your boarding pass from your last leg handle, as the officer would want to see that, along with your passport & visa. I’ve learned this my experience, and I’ve seen travelers fumbling and desperately looking for their boarding pass. If you have it on your phone, then you’re good. 👍 You’re welcome, and have fun here when you come visit.

[@cameron1988]

great video Grace! looking forward to my solo VN trip next year. More content on Vietnam please!

[@paramedicinparadise9795]

I was looking for a video like this about Vietnam. Off to travel Asia in a few months and find these tips and ideas vids very helpful. Safe travels Grace 👍

[@gracefkim]

Super super glad this helped then 🙏

[@avuky191]

In my opinion, after Vietnam War, the Southern part was left behind by the U.S. (technically abandoned). People in the south are always eager to see foreigners, kind of missing an old friend, though once betrayed. Coffee shop is where friends and family member meet up for a chat or sport game, or after a meal.

[@gracemarierivera]

I'd say, if you don't have that much of time and want a more relaxed time, fly in to Hanoi instead of busy Saigon. A very different vibe from Saigon. A bit safer and no pick pockets. It's a walking friendly place especially if you stay by the Old Quarter. Lots of quaint coffee shops, nicer and calmer locals, colder weather, much more chill. :) From Hanoi, take a 6-hour sleeper bus to Sapa. Should not miss Sapa! I really wish I had at least a week in Sapa! Sooooo beautiful and serene! The sunset at the mountain is spectacular!

[@bley8]

Agree that nvn has fewer pickpocket,crimes than svn specifically Saigon area as there is many more ppl . that's the only good thing i can say about nvn bc we as the Republic of sVN people can never forget nor forgive those ppl.

[@hozebaba55]

Good one, thanks. I will be there in December, excited 😊

[@russelllim1031]

HCM city is in the south. It used to be called Saigon, the capital of Siuth VIetnam then.

[@dominichill1492]

WOW! These are some great tips Thank you for sharing them with us.

[@nfamus601]

I've been to Thailand, Japan and Hong Kong before. I'm a little anxious about traveling to Vietnam to visit a friend. I thank you for the tips. I hope it will be ok. I don't want any problems. ❤

[@liveandlearnwithmike]

I will be staying in Vietnam for 60 days i cant wait! 2023

[@AlexYem]

This was so helpful! Solo traveling there in Feb and would love another vid on the best spots to visit.

[@mattwinick7659]

Great video Grace!!! Enjoyed watching the video talking about Vietnam! Like learning about your perspective on traveling to Vietnam. The IG pictures of Vietnam look amazing!!!

[@Walts-Travel]

It was still raining till I left Dec 1st. Ho Chi Minh City was great. I spent 30 days there and I wish I had longer.

[@gracefkim]

Oh wow! The rain is so unpredictable

[@Walts-Travel]

@@gracefkim it rained for like 3 days straight. Now it's raining like crazy in Chaing Mia. The locals say it's global warming. South Thailand (islands) are getting hammered.

[@michellesinger]

Thanks i just showed my childhood bully this video and he just got a full on panic attack because he has ptsd from the war thanks!

[@kushal809]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@PandaZ0812]

Btw, Saigon is in the south of Vietnam. It is around 150kms from Mekong delta which is the bottom part of Vietnam. Danang, Hoi An, And Hue are around central, and Hanoi is in the North. Also, you are right when you say that going North to South is better, cuz Saigon is basically a business Center. There are some things to see like Cu Chi Tunnels and the war museum, but tbh all the sightseeing is in the north to central like Hanoi and Danang

[@brookgeraghty]

Nice job Grace!! Your videos are outstanding!

[@kahyl43]

Hi Grace! Loved the video. Really, really considering a solo travel to Vietnam in the future. How much would you have to budget to go there, all expense wise? And if you don't mind sharing, how much did you end up spending altogher? Thank you!

[@monishavarma]

Please make more videos on Best places to visit in Vietnam

[@Mr.DJones]

Thank you for your time and posting. I'll be going to VN in October for about 6-8 weeks. If I like it and everything works out, I'll move there, I've already retired. It's just me and I'm a guy so I don't really need anything. ;) I tried Ecuador... Nope. Australia... Nope. Looked into Portugal... Nope. I'll start in Hanoi and work my way down to Nha Trang. Not really interested in HCMC. You are the first to mention the VN visa starting on the filing date. Thank you. And the hotel people most likely were really nice to you because you were really nice to them. That. Is what I am looking for. Thank you again. ")

[@michaellefevers4248]

I was in Da Nang, Hue and Hoi An last year. SO much of your video I learned myself for the first time! 🤣. Grab is great and so are "Limo Buses". I stayed at hotel in Da Nang, and a homestay in Hue. Both amazing. And yes Google Translate was phenomenal. I had a 45 minute Grab driver conversation that was seamless. One thing I didn't have then but do now is a drone. I would love to go back soon and continue the adventure! I did have ATM cash problems with a particular local bank at all their locations, but eventually was able to try a different bank with no issues. Awesome video.! Last thing, the people are incredibly and genuinely nice people. Cafe Sua Da all day every day!!

[@kushal809]

Awesome video 🔥🔥

[@johncho4630]

Thanks for the tips Grace. I’m in Vietnam now and used your vlogs throughout. Cheers!

[@gracefkim]

So happy to hear - enjoy your time :)

[@SnapshotTechTips]

Thanks for sharing and your experiences

[@christofdagreat]

Thank you for all the videos! It is really helping me to plan/shape my 4 weeks in Vietnam this spring. I have travelled Philippines twice, and I have been wanting to see Vietnam for a few years. One big question I have, is where is the better location to stay between Da Nang and Hoi An? I noticed you took a day trip from Da Nang in another one of the videos. What made you stay in Da Nang vs Hoi An if I may ask? Thank you!

[@gracefkim]

great- glad this video helped!! they are only 1 hour away via motorbike. no specified reason!

[@thuymientran6676]

I traveled to DN for a staycation with my daughter while she was here visiting me from the USA. We stayed for a few days in Hoi An, just so we can have a room to come in for a rest, as it’s so hot this time of year. It was well worth it. Plus, we had a few clothing items custom tailored, so the fittings themselves were well worth the stay as well. I chose a homestay where my host had her tailoring shop right downstairs. I plan to return & stay a bit longer, if that helps. Harmony Homestay: 03 Phan Boi Chau. And no, i do not receive any kickback to mention them on here. 😏🙃 wishing you a very enjoyable trip when you get to VN.

[@thebradelonge5758]

​@@thuymientran6676How much was your tailored outfit? Suits?

[@brianfleury5935]

The honking in India is worse. They drive with their ears. I loved driving around Hyderabad as a passenger of course. It was like being in a MarioKart game.

[@Food4thought1234]

Thanks. I forgot about the Visa. I think I’ll pass for now LOL

[@lovetobake6]

Loved all your videos

[@janeynget3059]

I applied for my Vietnamese visa from the U.S. a few days before I left on my trip. It said normally takes 3 days to process. Their website is a pain in the you know what. It kept crashing. I kept trying and finally reached out to their customer support. They sent me another link to finish the payment part. I went to Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. Laos and Cambodia has an option to apply for visa on arrival and thought it would arrive by the time I needed to go. I bought a flight from Siem Reap to Da Nang and they wouldn’t let me board and my ticket was non- 0:05 refundable. It just arrived today, almost two weeks later with continuous inquiries about my visa status. Do give yourself ample time and they do push you to pay almost 4 times the cost to expedite. Thank you for your video as I am getting myself prepared for any scam I need to know before my travel there.

[@TETRARCHFREAK]

I'd like to go to Vietnam someday Grace looks like a cool place to visit. Good info 👍🆒😎 I'm going to put an emergency contingency device on my phone if the wrong person touches it LoL boom 💥🤣😆

[@gracefkim]

It’s an amazing place to visit, hope you can 🙌

[@scotty2221]

Hey there! I'm 40yr old live in USA St. Louis, MO! Love your vids! Heading to Vietnam for the first time ever November 28th this year! Because of your vids! I've always wanted to go but, that was just talk. Your vids helped me pull the trigger. If you ever looking for a partner in crime/travel buddy hit me up! I love travel and have the flexibility to do it finally! Ireland, Iceland and New Zealand are next on my list.

[@AyeCarumba221]

Hey we just got back from Vietnam. You should watch Lloyd and Mandy travel vlog. We very much enjoyed their advice.

[@Mr.DJones]

PS. As of today (July 3, 2024), the VN visa is for 90 days only; multiple is US$50 or single entry is US$25. You must leave the country to get a new visa (eVisa). I have heard a 'small' rumor, that VN is developing a retirement visa. :)

[@virtualhawaii6987]

All the info was so helpful. I am visiting Vietnam soon for the first time in my life and I am so excited!

[@thomasbradley6990]

Thanks great video. I plan on doing 6 months in southeast Asia as well thanks for the tips

[@hoa-mpls2422]

I’m going to VN in January. Your video is very informative. Thanks!

[@sonniegee2879]

cool love it been on my travels for over 20 years lets go

[@molonlabe9602]

A visa is for entry only. Once you enter, you're granted permission to stay. If you want to stay longer, you extend your permission to stay, not your "visa". Schwab bank is absolutely the best.

[@paulho5673]

Did you do the ha giang loop. I’m gonna visit Vietnam this year woo woo

[@Avidgolfer1347]

In Vietnam now thanks for the tips grace grateful Aussie 😊

[@marccolomayt82094]

Nice Vietnam!!! 😍💖💖💖💖💖

[@professionalcommenter5]

You’re awesome Grace Kim

[@anonymousperson2345]

Thank you so much for all the helpful tips 😊😇👍❤

[@sammatsusaka823]

Nice video and pictures! Do you really need a VISA for less than 30 days?

[@charlesmassaquoi6717]

Malaysian food is good👍🏽

[@aracelylicona9462]

Thank you for the tips😊

[@gracefkim]

My pleasure 😇

[@kennyyuen1600]

Thanks for the video! Were you able to get a sim card at the airport ? Our flight gets in at 11pm in Hanoi and im worried about not having data for a grab car and whatnot

[@rogermckenzie588]

Great information thx

[@bley8]

There is much more tourists entering vn now than before the damn shut down. much more ppl at TSN saigon airport any time of day. that land has something that attracts ppl than other lands.

[@djsweetdaddy3215]

I could also use a travel buddy!!!! I am ready to go back to Vietnam, been there several times, but not in a few years. Just got back from Costa Rica. It was OK but not near as fun as Vietnam. FYI I think we live pretty close. I’m in New Jersey. HMU 😊

[@Livingwildlife]

😎😊.. embassy just next to my door ✌️

[@xthinguyen8590]

Thank you for all the amazing tips! I’ll be there in less than two weeks traveling from North to South. Is Hanoi that cold during December?

[@gracefkim]

Nah, sweater weather in the evening… unless that is too cold for some 😅

[@educationmatter788]

⭐⭐ Wonderful vlog love vietnam🇻🇳 from India 🇮🇳.Please visit india 🇮🇳 ✝❤🧡💚💜. World's most favorable and beautiful tourist destination. You will have more fun in India 🇮🇳🇮🇳 .I hope that you will also tour India soon. There are many such places in India too which are full of natural beauty.India is known in the world for its hospitality.😍😊🤩

[@Nhivlogs_]

Yup it’s really long to wait for the visa and it doesn’t say I can only stay there for 30 days I can stay there for any days I. Want

[@greenmachatea]

Lol at the koreans are everywhere. I’m not koreans but yes i’ve seen also a lot of koreans in Laos 🇱🇦 and Thailand 🇹🇭. I guess Koreans like that part of Asia. Can’t wait to meet koreans again, but in Vietnam this time.

[@manuelsemente]

Great video

[@gracefkim]

thanks manuel!

[@anoncal]

Im going to vietnam in april 2023

[@allthingsreview777]

I thought November was dry season? Thanks

[@justcookwithsha]

Hi sis.. Nice to meet u 😃😃

[@ESL-O.G.]

American in Hanoi, checking in

[@user-et8mi8wk2o]

hello, i am quite interested in your video. Moreover, also want to learn Korean.

[@joanfelix8362]

Việt Nam love you😘

[@sailslikeagirl3154]

We are just of to Asia. For three months and I am taking my drone. Vietnam looks to be very strict on flying, it said you need to apply for a permit every day you fly. How did you get around this? Any advice welcome please

[@quy1981vlog1]

helo you cảnh quá tuyệt vời you😊😊😊

[@benhogan4739]

Hahaha…gotta point out…she says start from the north, many others recommend start from the south. Ask yourself, what is your itinerary? Don’t let a KZbinr decide for you. 😂😂😂 Be that adult in the 21st century. 😆

[@bongangwenya8064]

Thank you for the tips. I’m planning my trip and going there in 4 months. Just questions. 1. Do you need an international drivers licence to drive there or your country licence is enough? 2 is it better to exchange your country currency for Vietnam dong or withdraw cash in the atms? 3 is it easy and cheaper to get data SIM card there or best to get e-sim? Thank you in advance ❤

[@gracefkim]

Hi that’s so exciting!! Vietnam was my favorite place 1. To rent a motorbike, just your passport 2. I would withdraw cash at the atms! 3. I’ve always got a data SIM. but e-sim should work just fine! Hope this helps!

[@nguyenthanhchungnguyen9850]

Với tình cảm bạn dành cho VN thì không lý do gì bạn có thêm một luot thich và dk của tôi

[@PrincessMeganElsa]

I was Born in Vietnam ♥️♥️♥️

[@marwansahij9475]

Thank you for great video . Do you need an international drivers license to rent and drive motorbike in Vietnam ?

[@mr.g1683]

Did you use cash for all purchases? Do hotels, Taxi, bus, restaurant, gyms, etc all accept cash as US$

[@doodahgurlie]

You should always carry Vietnamese dong bills on your person (exchange at airport, banks, jewelry shop or just get cash from the ATM machine). Grab app can be used for transportation in the bigger cities and such and I believe that can link to your credit card or bank. Use 12go asia for booking things like events as well as other popular apps for hotels and such. Unless you're going to an expensive restaurant in the bigger city, then your Visa/MC cards and such won't be accepted. So just carry cash (use Charles Schwab to avoid ATM fees and such).

[@om12345k]

japanese encephalitis vaccine yes or no?

[@antoniomorais1503]

Hello. Which hotel do you recommend in Phu Quoc near to night activities, grocery stores and if possible near to Nice beach ?

[@Skater21Loverboyz]

Saigon (aka Ho Chi Minh City) is in the South! not central

[@vincenthang3665]

I got a question. Can you bring a drone into Vietnam? Do you have any issue?

[@lawrencekristensen7890]

Do you have to pay for evias? I came across a website where I had to pay an amount. I am going to travel here in December to Vietnam for the first time and I have traveled to other Asian countries where visas can be filled out on the plane. I will be there for 3 weeks in total.

[@cookingclips4901]

I was wondering to go to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thialand, Malaysia how many vaccines do you need to take. Do you need a vaccine for every place that you go to in Asia. Do you recommend taking the vaccines for the various diseases that you may encounter. Thanks

[@gracefkim]

No, I did not get any additional vaccine shots besides the Covid ones!

[@cookingclips4901]

@@gracefkim were you not worried about getting hep A, typhoid or yellow fever. I'm just trying to get educated with all the vaccines and i would only be going for 2 weeks so i don't know what to do as i'm not a big fan of vaccines. But want to keep myself safe.

[@miemie7683]

Not sure if you have gone on your trip yet but our family received typhoid prescription from the family doctor, and we also packed anti-diarrhea pills just in case when we were in Thailand last summer.

[@dmorgan3244]

HCM City is in the south not in the center.

[@M.C1107]

I'm a little confused by what you said... to my understanding you didn't arrive as thought you did, therefore your visa started on your actual date if Arrival?? I'll plan on applying for my evisa 3 wks prior to my arrival, so would my date of applying be the start date?

[@tranhoainam7272]

Thats right

[@mikedelta987]

Any tips on cell service?

[@Skater21Loverboyz]

buy a sim card when you get to the airport!

[@crestiluna7321]

Hello, may i inquire if my country of origin is not part of the 80 countries qualified for e visa, what other options do i have to get a tourist visa?

[@wellgreatengineeringltd3884]

You can get a working Visa, just arrange thru a English School or other school there. Lots of contacts mainly in Da Nang now. Need to be a native speaker.

[@zacharywilson3808]

Ho Chi Minh City is central Vietnam, eh?

[@ValkerieN]

Not

[@Skater21Loverboyz]

south!

[@ben_castle]

So brave for a girl to go solo in remote areas in Vietnam. There are of course bad people in every corner in the world.

[@eeltrohs2247]

This was helpful overall. Very nice. But, why interject the word "damn" in your sentences? It just detracts from what you are saying.

[@BrianMax]

Have you visited Jakarta? Between Jakarta and HCMC, which do you think has the worst traffic?

[@gracefkim]

Never been to Jakarta!

[@tranhoainam7272]

Jarkarta. Cos it has a lot of cars while VN has a lot of bikes.

[@BrianMax]

@@tranhoainam7272 That was my experience too, but I didn't know if it was because I visited Saigon a week before Tet and saw Jakarta on a typical week. Friday afternoon in Jakarta was the worst.

[@anhping]

Ho chi Minh city is the south already not the central

[@skyejohn870]

In which month this u visit ?

[@Krewfan_golfball]

Me nói o dau k đi theo vết rạn nứt từ ô mà

[@Charlie-hd4uy]

You said - "It's time to find a partner to do this traveling life with" Where/How do I apply? :)

[@gracefkim]

😅😅😅

[@thanhseven90]

❤

[@alisaskribner7634]

Hi:) Planning to visit with 2 kids. Love your video! By any chance can I connect you by Facebook? If by any chance you are in Korea, you’re so welcome to visit us, we live near Camp Humphreys, it’s an hour away from Seoul

[@beeplusdee928]

I’m from Singapore, seems visa is not required for Singaporeans?

[@gracemarierivera]

Nope, you don't need one. :)

[@beeplusdee928]

Oh, I see, many thanks for this info! 🙏😊

[@msamme5691]

How about Philippines. Do we need to get visa?

[@msamme5691]

Thanks for the info

[@grdpder]

Need a travel partner. I'm down Grace...lol