Vietnam (Vietnam) has a long and narrow land and can be divided into North Vietnam , Central Vietnam and South Vietnam. Different regions have different natural beauty and rich cultural characteristics. In recent years, it has become popular with tourists from all over the world because of its magnificent natural landscape, rich delicacies and low prices, such as Halong Bay and Hanoi in North Vietnam, Da Nang and Hoi An and Hue in Central Vietnam, and Hue in South Vietnam. Cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, and Mui Ne are all popular tourist cities.
It is actually not difficult at all to travel to Vietnam independently. This article directly helps you sort out the travel guide for independent travel in Vietnam. After reading this, you can be ready to go!
Climate
Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate with high annual average temperature and high humidity. The seasons of the year can be clearly divided into three seasons, mainly divided into dry and cool season, dry and hot season and rainy season. The country is long and narrow, and the climate varies slightly from north to south. The rainy season is from May to October, with the highest rainfall from June to August. The dry and cool season is from November to January, and the hot and dry season is from February to April. The best tourist season in Vietnam is from November to April when avoiding the rainy season! However, it should be noted that the climate in China and Vietnam is opposite to that of other regions. October to February is the rainy season, and November to December is considered the off-season for tourism.
Exchange currency
The currency used in Vietnam is Vietnamese dong (VND). Because the currency is very valuable (everyone in Vietnam can become a millionaire), the denominations of banknotes range from 5 million to 100 VND (Vietnam no longer uses coins. , banknotes with denominations below 5.000 are no longer issued but can still be used), but the most commonly used ones are 100.000 to 10.000. Because banknotes below 1.000 yuan are not in circulation, many stores will give candies instead of change!
I would like to explain that the amount indicated above is not wrong! The punctuation mark for indicating amounts in Vietnam is different from the general custom. Generally, commas "," are used, but in Vietnam, decimal points "." are used. And when bargaining locally, they usually skip the last three zeros and start directly with __K (10 = 10.000), for example: one hundred, which means 100K (100.000) VND, which is 100,000 Vietnamese Dong.
In addition to using Vietnamese dong, many places in Vietnam also accept US dollars, and some stores also provide credit card services. As for which currency is more cost-effective to use? It is recommended that you convert the exchange rate to before making payment, and then decide whether to use US dollars or Vietnamese dong.
For currency exchange, you can choose to bring U.S. dollars to the local area to exchange. In addition to the poor exchange rates at airports and hotels, you can also exchange currency at local banks, exchange offices, gold stores and banks (with Money Exchange or listed exchange rate lists). As for the exchange rate, you need to compare prices. If you are exchanging U.S. dollars for Vietnamese dong, it is recommended to use the exchange rate of hundreds of dollars.
Traffic
Traffic in Vietnam is very crowded and messy. You can hear the sound of horns coming and going from time to time on the roadside, and few people obey the traffic rules. When you get there, be very careful whether you are crossing the road or driving. , so it is not recommended to rent a car locally. If you are traveling in big cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, you can choose to walk to urban attractions. If you want to go further, it is recommended to choose the following transportation methods:
Taxi/Grab
Taking a taxi in Vietnam is very cheap, with an average of about 1 kilometer. 10,000 VND, it is recommended to use Grab APP to call a taxi. If you want to hail a car on the road, it is recommended to choose a large car dealer: MAILINH (green) or VINASUN (white), and tell the driver "By Meter" before getting in the car.
Motorcycles
A new way of sightseeing has recently emerged in Ho Chi Minh City, which is motorcycle tour guides. Locals (young women wearing traditional clothes) ride motorcycles and act as guides to take foreign tourists around Ho Chi Minh City, visit private attractions, or recommend food. .
Recommended attractions in the city
Ho Chi Minh City
Formerly known as Saigon (Saigon), it is the largest city in Vietnam. Because it is the earliest colony of France, its architecture, food, and culture are deeply influenced by France. French style can be seen everywhere in the urban area. The architecture and culture are integrated into the local area, and it is also known as the Little Paris of the East.
Recommended attractions: Dong Khoi Street, Nguyen Hue Street, Coffee Apartment, Saigon Opera House, Red Church, City Hall, Pink Church, Vinh Long Floating Market, Cu Chi Tunnels
Must-see performance AO show
Also known as the Vietnamese version of Cirque du Soleil , the performance combines traditional Vietnamese elements - bamboo baskets and bamboo basket boats, and adds modern dance and sound and light visual effects. It perfectly combines Vietnamese traditional music with the performers, allowing the audience to deeply experience Vietnamese culture while enjoying the performance. And style.
Da Nang
Da Nang was selected as one of the 50 places you must visit in life by National Geographic magazine. It is a very popular tourist city in recent years. Da Nang is not highly developed. Here you can enjoy the blue sea, blue sky and white sand beach. , you can also go to the nearby Hoi An Ancient City and Hue Imperial City to experience different history and culture.
Recommended attractions: Hoi An Ancient City, My Son Holy Land, Hue Imperial City, Ba Na Mountain, Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park (Paradise Cave, Black Cave)
Hanoi
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, formerly known as Thang Long City, which can be seen in Hanoi The coexistence of ancient streets, French buildings, temples and churches. Hanoi is not far from Halong Bay, one of the Seven Wonders of the New World. It takes four hours by car to get there. If you plan to visit North Vietnam, you can arrange the two places together.
Recommended attractions: Ha Long Bay, Sapa Terraces, Hoan Kiem Lake (Hoo Stove Prison), Water Puppet Theater
Must-eat food
Vietnamese Pho
The most famous food in Vietnam is Vietnamese Pho. Each family has its own unique soup. It can be paired with beef, pork, chicken, etc., and it comes with green vegetables, which can be added to the soup by yourself. You can eat delicious Pho all over Vietnam. As for which one is the best, you have to go to the local area to find the restaurant that best suits your taste.
Vietnamese French bread
Vietnam, which was once colonized by France, has developed French bread with its own characteristics. After baking the French bread until it is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it is then stuffed with ingredients such as pork, cucumber, and coriander. It is often eaten on the streets of Vietnam. You can see stalls selling French bread everywhere!
Vietnamese spring rolls
Vietnamese spring rolls are made of glutinous rice and wrapped with bean sprouts, pork, shrimp, green onions, vermicelli, eggs and other fillings. There are two ways to eat them, you can eat them raw or deep-fried, and they are served with the boss's own The prepared chili dipping sauce is spicy and fragrant. It can be said to be Vietnam's national snack.
White Rose & High Floor
The must-eat food in Hoi An is White Rose and High Floor. The appearance of White Rose is a bit like wontons or wontons. It is made of glutinous rice wrapped with shrimps or minced meat, and sprinkled with scallions. Crispy and can be eaten with sauce.
Gao Lou Noodles, also known as Hoi An dry noodles, are filled with barbecued pork, fried pork skin, and mixed with a special sauce. The texture of the noodles is a bit like rice mesh.
Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnam’s coffee is also very famous. Many people who visit Vietnam will buy coffee and take it home. The local way of drinking in Vietnam is to put coffee powder into a filter pot, then pour hot water and let it drip slowly. When drinking, you will add condensed milk and ice cubes. Therefore, Vietnamese coffee tastes sweet, not bitter, and has a rich milky aroma. .
Tax Refund
Foreign tourists can apply for a refund of the 8.5% consumption tax if they purchase more than 2 million VND on the same day and in the same store certified for tax refund.
Process:
1. When shopping in a store with a VAT stamp and spending more than 2 million VND, ask the clerk for a tax refund invoice . You can handle it by providing your passport number when shopping.
2. Before checking in at the airport and checking in luggage, you must take your shopping invoice and tax refund form to the customs for stamping.
If you have received the tax refund outside the airport, you only need to wrap the stamped tax refund form and invoice in the envelope of the tax refund company and put it in the mailbox. If you have not received your tax refund yet, you must go to the tax refund window after the security check with your stamped invoice and tax refund form to collect your money.
3. Go to the airline counter to check in and check in your luggage.
Notes
Time difference: one hour behind China.
Tip: In order to make travel more enjoyable and smooth, it is recommended to tip when traveling! Basically, you can give 1 USD or 10.000 to 20.000VND for carrying luggage, bedside tips, etc. You can also give the driver a round amount (no change) when taking a taxi.
Voltage and socket: The voltage is 220V, and the socket has double round heads. Most hotel sockets are universal sockets. If you are worried, you can still bring an adapter. As for the transformer, general 3C chargers (mobile phones, tablets, cameras) support international voltage (110V ~ 240V). For safety, it is recommended to use the original charging or certified plug!
If you want to get a glimpse of the beauty of Vietnam, you must visit the place in person, whether you want to appreciate the miraculous craftsmanship of nature, feel the historical heritage of the ancient city of Hoi An, or walk on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy the romance of Paris. For style, just choose to visit Vietnam!
