Why visit Vietnam
Still think Vietnam is a bloody mess? Whatever the American films have taught you about Vietnam, forget it. Although there are still some traces of its brutal past, the country has been shedding its old look, transforming into a burgeoning, pulsating and colorful destination that can surpass or compete with its peers. And just like its Southeast Asian neighbors, Vietnam does have the qualities of a remarkable and affordable tourist wonderland.
With a plethora of budget-friendly inns, hostels and hostels, Vietnam is extremely affordable, even for the kuripot Pinoy traveler. What’s more, it has a world-famous cuisine and a wondrous mash-up of culture, man-made spectacles and natural highlights. Whether you’re an adventurer, foodie or history buff, you’ll definitely find your bliss in Vietnam.
When is the best time to visit Vietnam
There’s really not a bad or right time to hit Vietnam since it’s a year-round destination where you’ll experience both rain and sunshine in varying quantities. Also, even though the country is typically humid and warm, the weather can significantly vary from one region to another with the country’s immense length. But, in general, the best times to visit Vietnam are spring (February to April) and autumn (August to October). Not only are the temperatures moderate during these months, but rainfall is lighter as well.
Do I need to secure a visit to enter the country?
Vietnam is visa-free to all Philippine passport holders, allowing you to explore and stay in the country for 21 days. Still, you need to undergo a short interview with the immigration officer and present your supporting documents at the immigration center. For those traveling for the first time, it may take you a while to get through the counter, so be sure to check-in early. For the most part, these are the documents that the airport’s immigration officer will ask from you.
- PRC ID/Proof of employment
- Leave form (for employees)
- Credit card or debit card (if you have any)
- Proof of your hotel accommodations (confirmation receipt of your hotel or hostel accommodations)
- Show money (at least PHP 12,000 or VND 5,400,000)
- A valid passport (should be at least 6 months after your departure date)
- Back-and-forth airline tickets
How to get into Vietnam
There are regular direct flights from Manila to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh via Philippine Airlines 593, Philippines Airlines 597, Philippines Airlines 591, Cebu Pacific 751 and Cebu Pacific 744.
Download the Skyscanner mobile app, to find the best rates and schedules to Vietnam from Manila.
- Flight time from Manila to Hanoi: 3 hours and 15 minutes
- Flight time from Manila to Ho Chi Minh: 2 hours and 40 minutes
Typical costs in Vietnam
Transportation – Bus travel is fairly cheap in this Southeast Asian hub. In Ho Chi Minh City, for instance, it will only cost you around VND 3,000 to 10,000 (PHP 7 to 20) per ride on a public bus. While a little uncomfortable, overnight buses will cost you VND 100,000 to 500,000 (PHP 222 to 1,113) and can take you to a lot of Vietnamese cities. As an added bonus, these buses will save you a night of paying for a hotel or hostel.Train is an inexpensive alternative too, with the 791-kilometer-long train ride to Hanoi to Da Nang costing around VND 750,000 (PHP 1,670). As for air travel, there are low-cost airlines that let you quickly hop around the country for as low as VND 400,000 (PHP 890).
Food – You can enjoy a rice dish or a bowl of pho for just VND 20,000 (PHP 44). Likewise, most sit-down restaurants are inexpensive, with prices for a meal ranging from VND 45,000 to 95,000 (PHP 100 to 211). For those who are planning to cook their own meals, you should expect to shell out around VND 500,000 (PHP 1,113) a week. On average, a liter of water costs VND 15,000 (PHP 33) at convenience stores.
Accommodation – For the most basic accommodations, costs for hotels in Vietnam start around VND 100, 000 (PHP 222) a night. For a much nicer place, expect to pay almost double. In Vietnam, a private double room will cost at least VND 425,000 (PHP 946) per night. Though once scare, hostels in Vietnam are popping up all over to accommodate those who are on a tight budget. Normally, hostels will offer free Wi-Fi access, and may even include free breakfast as well as beer during the specific hours of the day.
Things to do in Vietnam – Most of the country’s attractions are based around its enthralling natural beauty, meaning you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a blast here. For organized trips like tours to Cu Chi Tunnels, you need to pay somewhere between VND 100,000 to 200,000 (PHP 222 to 445). In addition, 2-day tours to Halong Bay via Hanoi will cost VND 850,000 (PHP 1,892)
Estimated daily budget in Vietnam – VND 680,000 to 900,000 (PHP 1,500 to 2,000) per person
Other Vietnam travel tips
- Eat street food – It’s utterly delicious, cheap and surprisingly clean.
- Late-night travel – For long journeys, take the “sleeper” trains or buses because it can save you the cost of a night’s accommodation.
- Don’t hesitate to ask – Vietnamese are amazingly sweet and hospitable, especially those who are outside the tourist industry.
- Bargain hard – Usually, tourists are charged more than locals for almost everything, from cycles to street food and clothes. So, bargain hard, and don’t hesitate to walk away, if you think the price is too steep.
- Watch your belongings – Although petty theft isn’t prevalent, there are some greasy fingers in Vietnam who’ll take advantage of distracted and naïve tourists.
- There are curfews – Even in big cities like Saigon and Hanoi, there are many establishments and even hotels that close early (11:00 PM).
- Crossing a street can be scary – With its speedy bikes and frenzied traffic, crossing a street in a big Vietnamese can be scary at first. Trust us, it will take some before you feel comfortable doing it.
- Avoid tap water – It’s not safe to drink, and even the Vietnamese won’t use it for food and cooking.
What to do in Vietnam
- Explore My Son
- Cruise Halong Bay
- Wander around Hoi An
- Hiking in Sapa
- Take the Mekong Delta tour
- Get lost in Hanoi
- Unwind in Hue
- Caving in Phong Nha-Ke Bang
- Be adventurous in Mui Ne
- Explore Saigon
- Drop by Cuc Phuong National Park
- Crawl through the extensive Cu Chi Tunnels
- Find adventure or relax in Dalat
- Admire the striking pagodas of Vietnam
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