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Home | Elegant Traveller | A First-time Visitor's Guide to Vietnam

Elegant Traveller

A First-time Visitor's Guide to Vietnam

schedule9 Minute Read

01-Mar-2023 Amy Siwek

A First-time Visitor's Guide to Vietnam

Discover some of the most important things to know before travelling to Vietnam.

Vietnam might be the ultimate hidden gem of Asia Visually it's beautiful, with rolling hills, unique islands and wonderful beaches. It's got bustling metropolises, a rich historical and cultural past and present and some fantastic resorts and hotels just waiting to be explored.

For those who have booked their first luxury holiday to Vietnam or are looking for that final nudge to do so, we've compiled some of the essential tips for first-time visitors. So, read on to learn what you need to know before departing for your first Vietnamese adventure.

You Might Need A Visa To Travel To Vietnam

Like many countries worldwide, travellers need a visa to enter Vietnam. However, if you have a UK passport, you can spend up to 15 days in Vietnam visa-free! This makes even an in-depth two-week trip easy to organise.

For those who want to spend longer in the country, it's easy to apply for an e-visa which can grant you access for up to 30 days. You can get an e-visa online in as little as three working days. If you're planning a trip of over 30 days in beautiful Vietnam (lucky you!), you'll need to organise a visa letter.

Those who don't hold a UK passport should look at the visa requirements that will apply to them before travelling.
Mu Cang Chai rice fields, North Vietnam
Mu Cang Chai rice fields, North Vietnam

Learn How To Cross The Roads The Local Way

You might think you know traffic, but rush hour in any major city in Vietnam can take it to a whole other level. From the outside, looking in, you'll see a cacophony of cars and scooters weaving in and out of one another and horns sounding. However, there is a method to the madness, and those within the traffic will know what they're doing.

Crossing the road during rush hour can take some getting used to. Struggling with a road crossing is almost a rite of passage for visitors to Vietnam, but that doesn't mean it's easy. The best way to cross the road in Vietnam is to step into the traffic (making sure you aren't stepping IN FRONT of anything) and slowly and evenly make your way across the road. Some hold their arm in the air to make themselves better seen. This might seem counter-intuitive, but spend some time watching the street, and you'll see how it's done. If in doubt, you could always ask a local if they'd be kind enough to help you across.
Hat merchant on a bike in Hanoi, Vietnam
Hat merchant on a bike in Hanoi, Vietnam
Busy Street in Vietnam
Busy Street in Vietnam

It's The Ultimate Place To Unwind

If you're looking for the ultimate place to enjoy a luxury spa break, Vietnam could be the location for you. Managing to merge luxury and wellness into one, there is a great range of hotels and resorts that can help you truly disconnect from the day-to-day and experience holiday bliss.

Take Six Senses Ninh Van Bay for example. With an on-site spa, Yogic wellness programs, a fitness centre, an outdoor jungle gym training circuit and more, it's the perfect place to shift all of your focus to you. Only accessible by boat, you'll feel like you're a million miles away from real life during your stay here.

Alternatively, Amanoi by Aman offers a remote getaway within the mountains of the Nui Chua National Park. The Amna Spa overlooks a stunning lotus-filled lake and features a range of treatment rooms and suites perfect for unlocking your inner calm. Plus, their own private beach sits only a five-minute buggy ride away for the ultimate romantic excursion.
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Halong Bay, Vietnam

Make Sure To Sample The Local Cuisine

Vietnamese food is exceptional, and it's a bit of an underrated gem in the Asian culinary scene. Packed with vibrant colours and even more vibrant flavours, Vietnamese cuisine is exciting and not to be missed. Championing fresh vegetables and local spices, even if you are already a lover of Vietnamese food, trying it in its home country takes the experience to another level.

There are some dishes you may have already heard of, from the globally popular Pho (something many don't realise has its origins in Vietnam) to Bánh Mì (one of the world's best sandwiches). But, we implore you to go further into the scene than that, trying the likes of Cá Kho T? (caramelised and braised catfish) or Cà Phê Trung (a unique egg coffee) and more locally beloved foods.
Constructing a Vietnamese Banh Mi
Constructing a Vietnamese Banh Mi
Traditional Vietnamese street food
Traditional Vietnamese street food

Explore As Much Of The Country As Possible

Like many places, Vietnam does not have a singular identity, and as you move around the country, you'll uncover some of its exceptional features. From amazing cities like the capital Hanoi to beautiful national parks and seascapes, Vietnam has a lot to offer, and for those making the trip, seeing it all should be the goal.

We know how much work it takes to organise an itinerary that gets you under the skin of another country whilst keeping luxury at the forefront, so our travel experts have done the work for you and created some incredible options. With curated itineraries allowing you to see the best of a destination, you'll be able to enjoy a luxury holiday where everything is taken care of for you, from accommodation to cultural experiences and more.
Discover our Vietnam luxury itinerary holidays below:

The view over Hanoi, Vietnam
The view over Hanoi, Vietnam

Tips for first-time visitors to Vietnam:

  • You might need a visa to travel to Vietnam
  • Learn how to cross the roads the local way
  • It's the ultimate place to unwind
  • Make sure to sample the local cuisine
  • Explore as much of the country as possible

Vietnam is a great country that'll offer travellers the trip of a lifetime. With these tips, you'll be able to make your voyage here run smoothly and be able to make the most of your trip. Still not booked? Take a look at our offers for luxury holidays in Vietnam today.
If you're looking for more travel advice, check out our online luxury travel blog for more articles to help you make the most of your next trip.
Amy  Siwek

Amy Siwek

Marketing Assistant

With a genuine love for all things travel, I love exploring new destinations and discovering something new, gaining a wealth of experience in luxury holidays along the way.

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