This is a basic travel guide for those interested in traveling to and around Vietnam. We all do research with hope that we can find the right answers for our "anticipated" travel plans. Hopefully, I can ease the stress by sharing some trips and recommendations for travels to Vietnam, specifically Ho Chi Mihn City and Ha Noi. I've included MY experiences and routes of travels during my vacation to the country.
VISA REQUIREMENTS:
First thing's first! Check to see if you need a visa to get into Vietnam based on your nationality. As a US citizen, you will need a visa. There are 2 easy options (in my opinion) that you can do if you are unable to get to a Vietnamese Embassy.
1. E-Visa: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/trang-chu-ttdt
If you're planning a single-entry trip to Vietnam for less than 1 month, this option is perfect. You'll just have to complete the online information, pay a $25 fee and wait to receive your document(s) through e-mail. Once you get it through the mail, print it off and have readily available for the immigration officer. (I'd advise you to do more research, as I don't have first-hand experience with this option.)
2. Visa On Arrival (VOA): https://vietnamvisacenter.org/
My trip required a multiple-entry visa. The e-visa doesn't allow for multiple entries, so I had to go through a service and apply for a Visa on Arrival. My trip "required" a 1-month, multiple-entry visa. The service was really quick and I didn't have any problems. I completed the online application, paid a "service" fee and waited for my email confirmation. I received my information within the 3 days I requested. I printed off two copies all the documents they sent me, filled out the VOA application. (I suggest completing that application before departing for Vietnam as you can avoid wasting more time filling out the paper-work upon arrival and having a longer waiting period.) Also, have the the payment in US dollars. They will also inform you of the other necessary items you need to have/bring.
*Triple-check to ensure that all the information that you input is correct for any option chosen.
TRAVELING IN HO CHI MINH CITY (SAIGON)
Depending on the number of days you'll be staying in the city, I highly suggest staying in the "down-town" area. It's easy to walk to places. During the duration of my trip, I walked everywhere. I went during the Lunar New Year, so the area was pretty quiet and "empty." Fortunately, places were open, and they weren't packed with tourist (except the pagoda).
Since the Cu Chi Tunnels are about 1.2 hours out, I got a tour package that covered that, the museums and places in the city. I felt it was worth the "convenience" fee, being pick-up/dropped-off at my hotel, free water, entrance fees and lunch.
So with an All-Day City Tour, you can possibly see the War Remnants Museum, the Jade Emperor Pagoda (Ngoc Hoang Pagoda), the Reunification Palace, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, have lunch and visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. I think it's worth the tour to learn about the history of the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective and get to experience how the Viet Cong lived, fought and tried to survive in the Cu Chi Tunnels. You can find plenty of souvenirs, food and "goods" at majority of these locations.
I would also suggest stopping through the Ben Thanh Market. Go when they first open, as they are willing to really negotiate with you.
Saigon City Hall/Saigon Square (Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee) is a nice area for high-end shopping, eating, drinking tea/coffee and relaxing.
If you're into skyscrapers (like me), then you should visit the Saigon Skydeck, which is located at the Bitexco Financial Tower. The cost is 200.000VND (approx. USD $8.70)
For the party people and night-owls, go to Bui Vien Walking Street. This area is extremely lively at night. You can get cheap foods and beverages along the street. (Don't reserve hotels in this area if you want peace and quiet at night.)
My last recommendation is from hear-say. I wanted to go, but didn't have the time to experience it. The over-night tour to Mekong Delta is a highly recommended tour from other tourist and locals. There is a day trip, but I've heard you'll get the "full" experience with the over-night tour.
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| Cu Chi Tunnels |
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| War Remnants Museum |
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| Reunification Palace |
During your stay in Ha Noi, I highly suggest staying in the Old Quarter of Ha Noi. I believe many of the "attractions" are walking distance from that area. For tours, I guess one could find a "Day Tour" or do the "Hop On/Off" tour bus. I didn't do that in this area. I felt like I saw more by just walking around and through neighborhoods. When site-seeing on your own, do check the operation hours of the places you go. Some places aren't open on select weekdays, and some places are closed during certain hours.
The only tour I suggest doing is either a Full-Day or 2-Day trip to Ha Long Bay. Ha Long Bay is a nice area that can be done in one day. I chose the 6-hour boat tour (Full-Day).
A MUST SEE/EXPERIENCE of Ha Noi is the Street Train. This area is located in/near the Old Quarter. You can put 'Hanoi Street Train' in maps, and it should pop up. I will say, please be aware of the actual train times. I read articles about the times the trains ran, and it wasn't true. I found the accurate time frame(s) from the locals that have business around the tracks. Also, while you're there waiting for the train... stop at SPOT 09 CAFE. The Pho was great, as well as the snacks, and the owner(s) are very nice. Tell them I sent you!
TRAVELING IN VIETNAM
Train
If you have a lot of free time and not pressed on "convenience," I suggest you try the train. I've heard it's an experience in itself. It's cheap, but it's a very long ride. From Saigon to Ha Noi (South to North), it is about 36 hours. I did research and found a website that was really helpful. (Trains in Vietnam)
Plane
I'm all about convenience, so I took flights during my trip. I believe the "cheap" option is VietJet. I had no problems with them, but when I flew Vietnam Airlines by a way of Angkor Air, I got the snacks and refreshments free. I can't comment on the other airlines, but you can definitely compare the airlines. Also, if you plan on fly from Vietnam to a neighboring country, check which airlines go to those countries for a reasonable price. Note: When booking flights with connections, at least have a 3 hour gap to ensure that you make your flight; delays happen.
Vietnam Airlines
VietJet Air
JetStar Pacific
Bamboo Airways
*These are just local Vietnamese Airlines, preferably for domestic travels. Skyscanner can show you more/good deals.*
Bus
There are "inter-city" buses that are available to travel by; even to Cambodia. The buses are cheap. You can talk with your hotel for tickets. I'd highly suggest extensive research, looking at other travelers' experiences and reviews with this option.
Car/Tuk-Tuk
For getting around within cities, there are tuk-tuks available and cars. Travelers recommend downloading the Grab App as it is a way people get around in the country. If you're not traveling to far from your area, you should experience a tuk-tuk, but do negotiate/know what price they are asking for before getting on/in their ride.
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