That Perfect Asian Experience.
Vietnam is a country that’s still relatively unknown to many tourists. It is a country of adventure, culture, and beauty. It’s the perfect destination for anyone who wants to explore Asia without the hassle of flying all the way to China or India. And yet it still borders China, Laos, and Cambodia if you get the urge to cross borders and discover the differences.
It offers many different types of tourism, from the mountains and beaches to foodies heaven. You can start your day in Vietnam over a steaming bowl of Pho before wading through the markets with the locals who are buying their daily supplies. Almost every district has one major market or “cho” where the local inhabitants do their food shopping for the day. A bustling, shoulder-rubbing experience that proves people have forgotten about Covid perhaps more than they should have.
Work or Play in Vietnam.
Or are you planning to do a bit of both? Vietnam, like a lot of Asia, has become a hot spot for backpackers who beef up their travel funds by teaching English. However, things have changed, and not just because of the pandemic. Even prior to the lockdown there was a push by the Government to get better-qualified teachers into the Vietnamese Education system.
And now with the doors slowly creaking or in some cases cast aside quickly, open, there are many deals on offer for both the dedicated traveler, part-time tourist, digital nomad, or ESL teacher to take advantage of.
But first things first, let us look at the safety factor of traveling around this slightly pungent country. Has covid been entirely eradicated and what are the new visa and covid regulations.
The New Visa and Covid Regulations.
While Covid has not been eradicated it is under control with new cases dropping to under 100 in many localities on May 21, with a total of 1,457 new cases recorded in the past 24 hours from 4 pm May 20 to 4 pm May 21, according to the Ministry of Health ( Vietnam ).
On the streets, it is now common to see a lot if not most people walking around without masks, but that depends on what district you are in and if you are in a business building or not. People are becoming much more tolerant of others not wearing masks. Maybe it is complacency, but I do feel safer than I did 9 months ago.
The Visa Process.
The visa process can be confusing if you are not sure what you need to do and when. The best way to avoid any problems is by getting your visa before you go on your trip. You will also need a valid passport with at least six months left before it expires
There are some countries that have visa exemptions, and these countries are. From Vietnam visas.
| Chile | 90 days | For tourist visas only |
| Panama | 90 days | For tourist visas only |
| Cambodia | 30 days | |
| Indonesia | 30 days | |
| Kyrgyzstan | 30 days | |
| Laos | 30 days | |
| Malaysia | 30 days | |
| Singapore | 30 days | |
| Thailand | 30 days | |
| Philippines | 21 days | |
| Brunei | 14 days | |
| Myanmar | 14 days | |
| Belarus | 15 days | · The 30-day interval between 02 stays with visa exemption has been removed in accordance with the new law on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam which takes effect on July 1, 2020. |
| Denmark | 15 days | |
| Finland | 15 days | |
| France | 15 days | |
| Germany | 15 days | |
| Italy | 15 days | |
| Japan | 15 days | |
| Norway | 15 days | |
| Russia | 15 days | |
| South Korea | 15 days | |
| Spain | 15 days | |
| Sweden | 15 days | |
| United Kingdom (Not applicable to BNO) | 15 days |
These are the Countries requiring Visas.
If you are coming to work as an ESL teacher you will need a business visa.
| Countries | Tourist visa | Business visa | Visa on arrival |
| Australia | Required | Required | Eligible |
| Canada | Required | Required | Eligible |
| China | Required | Required | Eligible |
| France | Not required (15 days) | Not required (15 days) | Eligible |
| Germany | Not required (15 days) | Not required (15 days) | Eligible |
| Hong Kong | Required | Required | Eligible |
| India | Required | Required | Eligible |
| Japan | Not required (15 days) | Not required (15 days) | Eligible |
| Netherlands | Required | Required | Eligible |
| New Zealand | Required | Required | Eligible |
| Poland | Required | Required | Eligible |
| Singapore | Not required (30 days) | Not required (30 days) | Eligible |
| South Africa | Required | Required | Eligible |
| South Korea | Not required (15 days) | Not required (15 days) | Eligible |
| Switzerland | Required | Required | Eligible |
| Taiwan | Required | Required | Eligible |
| Thailand | Not required (30 days) | Not required (30 days) | Eligible |
| United Arab Emirates | Required | Required | Eligible |
| United Kingdom | Not required (15 days) | Not required (15 days) | Eligible |
| United States | Required | Required | Eligible |
The following is a short, clear checklist of documents required for a Vietnam visa application. It applies to those who are not exempted from Vietnam visas.
Documents required for getting a Vietnam visa include:
1. Passport: valid for at least 6 months following your arrival date to Vietnam and have at least 2 blank pages for immigration stamps. A temporary passport maybe not accepted.
2. Visa Approval Letter: required if you want to get a Vietnam visa on arrival at Vietnam international airports.
3. Photo: two (2) passport-sized photos (4×6 cm) and must be taken recently without glass-wear.
4. Visa application form: Immigration entry and exit application form for Vietnam visa on arrival.
5. Vietnam Visa Stamping Fee: paid in cash upon arrival (for Vietnam visa on arrival)
Notes:
- Travelers who transit through Vietnam airport should check the airlines for Vietnam visa requirements;
- Travelers directly visiting Phu Quoc Island, either by boat or airplane from a country other than Vietnam, and staying for less than 30 days are not required to have a Vietnam visa.
- In case you are granted visa-free access to Vietnam, you just need a passport with at least 6 months of validity following your date of entry into Vietnam.
- The visa approval letter is valid at the airport only. So if travelers enter Vietnam by land or cruise, they can apply for a Vietnam visa via the local embassy.
Source; Vietnam Visa.
The Best Destinations in Vietnam.
From Hanoi in the north to Phu Quoc island in the south of Vietnam, you will be inspired and enthralled every step of the way. It has become common practice for tourists to travel from South to North, although in my opinion, I think going from North to South is better.
There are many sights and places you can stop off and see and I will cover some of these. But I will show you how you can organize your own holiday and stop off at some more obscure places. Do not think you will get to see all of Vietnam in 4 weeks. I have been here 15 years and still discovering new places in this amazing country.
Three Regions.
Vietnam is typically classified into 3 regions. The North, Central, and the South. Each of these regions has its own climate and with coastal influences and Mountainous regions you can break these down again into sub-climates.
To find out more about when the best time to come, click on “Is Vietnams rainy Season a bad time to visit?”
The Cities of Vietnam.
The ten biggest cities of Vietnam population-wise are listed below, however, in my opinion, not all are equally deserving of your time. And there are some smaller cities and regional centers that are well worth a visit for various reasons.
| Rank | Biggest Cities in Vietnam | Population |
| 1 | Ho Chi Minh City | 8,244,400 |
| 2 | Ha Noi | 7,379,300 |
| 3 | Hai Phong | 1,946,000 |
| 4 | Can Tho | 1,238,300 |
| 5 | Bien Hoa | 1,104,495 |
| 6 | Da Nang | 1,007,700 |
| 7 | Vung Tau | 450,000 |
| 8 | Nha Trang | 392,279 |
| 9 | Buon Ma Thuot | 340,000 |
| 10 | Hue | 333,715 |
Choices.
Depending on the length of time you have would define your choice in what you see. The cities I would make an effort to see would be;
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is the most developed and the most bustling seemingly dis-organized city, yet it all comes together in a perfect mix of food, nightlife, and shopping. Although Saigon is not rich in natural resources, it has a wide range of street food and nightlife activities to choose from. If you can drag yourself away from the beaches or mountains, you will have a ball.
If you want to learn something new, there are a number of museums and galleries distributed across the city that you may visit while also seeing the city.
Hanoi.
It is always worth visiting the capital city of any country and when I was in Hanoi a few years ago staying in the French Quarter the architecture amazed me. There was a saying in Vietnam, Same same but different and it would apply here perfectly.
There are never-ending streets that crisscross and take you from back lanes, through markets, moving from silk street to funeral street. Cotton street to chicken street. Appliance street to noodle street. And then a “bia hoi” stall where you can relax with locals on plastic stools slurping down. 25-cent beers and restoring some semblance of sanity to your day.
Hue.
The best time to visit the imperial city is in March. Hue has a reputation for great cuisine, which dates back to when it was Vietnam’s capital and its imperial courts were brimming with refined fare.
Hue is also known for its lush streets lined with mossy pagodas, art déco palaces, and vibrant marketplaces. The Perfume River runs through the entire picture, providing a relaxed rhythm that the rest of the city is pleased to follow. A slightly calmer and more easygoing city to visit.
DaNang
March to May and September to October are the best times to visit Da Nang. Personally, I prefer Nha Trang to Da Nang but chose Da Nang as it is close to Hoi An and My Son Sanctuary.
Da Nang is a coastal sea paradise. It has some of the most beautiful and secluded beaches around which are hardly ever busy. It is worth the time taken to stop over with spectacular mountain temples, nice bars and restaurants.
You can also take a motorbike and go for a road trip around Son Tra Peninsula, then set out to conquer the Hai Van Pass or simply walk the majestic Golden Bridge.
Da Nang represents “boom time” in Vietnam and it has become a gleaming, modern tourist magnet, complete with condos, theme parks, and brand-new resorts. But the city’s earlier charm is still present, including laid-back, friendly locals and incredible street eats.
Hoi An
November to February is tourist season in Hoi An and it won’t be long until it becomes a tourist mecca all year round again.
Hoi An, also known as the Ancient Town, boasts hundreds of years of cultural exchange between China, Japan, and Vietnam. This small town will captivate you with its bustling lifestyle and historic architecture.
The speed and quality with which you can have garments created and shipped are still extraordinary but they are no longer as inexpensive as they once were.
Hoi An is also known for its wonderful cafes and restaurants, many of which have tranquil views. Even for a local, the town’s specialties are one-of-a-kind, and choosing between the delicious meals will be difficult.
My Son Sanctuary
During the 4th to 13th century, a unique culture came to Vietnam from India. Commonly referred to as “Champa culture” the remaining temples, in various states of decay, are well worth a visit. And you can easily spend a day walking around the ruins of the once political and religious capital of the Champa kingdom.
You will also get some fantastic photo opportunities. Find out more about “My Son at UNESCO“
Dalat
I have to add at least one city from the more mountainous regions and I would choose Dalat.
Dalat is a small city in Vietnam’s Central Highlands surrounded by mountains and waterfalls, calm lakes, pine forests, and lush agriculture. The area’s 4,900-foot elevation ensures pleasant spring-like weather all year.
It’s dubbed as “the Flower City,” and you’ll see flowers almost everywhere—on practically every street and in every city park. Outside of town, flower fields spread for miles, bursting with the vibrant colors of lilies, chrysanthemums, and roses.
There is a population of just over 400,000. And the lifestyle is much more relaxed and the weather more accommodating in this “Little Paris of Vietnam”.
There are so many more places to see in Vietnam that I could continue to write for another 2 days and still not cover everything. But as a start, whether you are here as a tourist, digital nomad or ESL teacher there is a lot to do.
Getting Around Vietnam.
Ever since I arrived in Vietnam there is only one booking agency I have used for my trips in Vietnam and around Asia. And that company is Booking dot com.
I have used them for short trips from Ho Chi Minh city to Vung Tau and also longer trips to Thailand. I have never had any problems in 15 years and strongly recommend them.
Yes, I make a commission from them but this does not influence the rate that you pay, also I sometimes get discounts because of my relationship with booking dot Com which I pass along to my readers.
So, if you would like to see what discounts you can get from, whom I believe, are the best in the industry, please click on the booking dot com logo.
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