Finally, after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, life is coming back to normal. During that uncertain time, there were many entry restrictions, and some countries even banned foreign citizens from traveling completely. As a result, a lot of people had to cancel or postpone their traveling plans.
Lately, due to the vaccine that significantly decreased the infection rate, governments lifted its numerous restrictions, and the Vietnam government is not an exception. It dropped COVID-19 testing requirements and suspended the medical declaration requirement for all international arrivals.
Now that coronavirus restrictions won’t interfere, you can resume your traveling plans and start considering your post-pandemic Vietnam itinerary. We are eager to help you with some tips and ideas!
Get an online visa
In order to save a significant amount of time and money, go for an electronic visa. A Vietnam eVisa is an online single-entry document allowing travelers to enter Vietnam for tourism, business, or transit purposes for up to 30 days.
The application process is simple, and you can complete it on any device with internet access. Just fill out the form putting some personal and travel information, pay the visa costs through any available payment method, and get your travel permit delivered to your e-mail address.
The processing time may take up to 5 business days, and the validity period is 30 days.
Make sure all the information you provided is correct, and don’t forget to take a printed copy of your visa and valid passport with you.
Know more about transport
All big cities in Vietnam have official taxi companies that are cheap, use a fair meter system, and don’t make you wait for a long time.
Also, there are some self-employed taxi drivers who park around places popular among tourists trying to give them a ride. Such taxi drivers often attempt to do a scam by rigging the meter to go up too fast, so we’d recommend you to choose the official companies.
When traveling from one city to another, the sleeper buses are the best option. You can book them from any booking office/travel agent. They are very clean, have a bathroom and big seats that allow you to extend your legs fully and so have a proper rest.
Book Accommodation
If it’s your first travel to Vietnam, you may experience a slight shock. There is little tourist information you can encounter on the streets, so you can get confused.
It’s better to book your accommodation beforehand, from home. At least for the first several nights. This way, you will feel more secure and won’t spoil your trip by worrying about finding a hotel.
In Vietnam, you may find both luxurious hotels and basic hostels. Of course, a hotel is a more expensive option for people who want the most comfortable conditions. But don’t get scared by hostels – they are actually a very nice option as well. They are clean and very cheap, have a good location, and the staff is usually very friendly and welcoming. Many hostels offer separate private rooms with air conditioning, but if you are going with friends, choose shared dorms – they are extremely cheap.
Consider a two-week itinerary from the South to the North
The first option for the Vietnam itinerary takes around two weeks, and you go from the South to the North of Vietnam.
Your start point is Ho Chi Minh, and you stay there for two days. It is a busy city, where you learn more about the country’s history in the Cu Chi Tunnels and the War Remenants museum.
Your next destination for the following two days is Dalat. It is a stunning mountainous town, where you can try various adventurous activities, for example, canoeing.
In Hoi An you stay a little bit longer, for three days. It is a big city, so you need more time to enjoy its beautiful architecture and relax on the wonderful beaches.
Don’t stay in Phong Nha for more than two days, as this is a really tiny village, but don’t miss it either! There you will be able to see the largest caves in the world.
In Hanoi you can stay longer, for three days, to relax and explore the city without a hurry. Go for a walk across charming parks, buy souvenirs at local markets and try its delicious food.
The last stop of this itinerary is Sapa. This is an astonishing mountainous land where you can go hiking for 2-3 days (or as long as you want).
Take a one-week North Vietnam itinerary
You don’t have much time but want to visit several cities in Vietnam? No problem, you can still explore this country. Pick one part of Vietnam for your first trip, for example, North.
Start in Hanoi, the city we mentioned before. It’s the capital of Vietnam, so feel its culture and try local dishes like Bun Cha.
Spend the following two-three days at Halong Bay. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and a must-see place in the country. Take a boat tour to explore the limestone islands, caves, and rock formations.
Return to Hanoi, spend several days in the mountain lodges of Sapa, and head to Hue. It is an old imperial city with towering walls and big gates. There you can dive into history and learn more about the last Emperor.
Head to Hoi An to spend the last days of your trip relaxing on the fantastic beaches, enjoying the breathtaking night view with lights on the water, and buying local food at markets.
Have you already decided which itinerary you prefer? Or do you want to create your own on the basis of these two? Hope you’ve taken some notes and will be able to make your Vietnam dream a reality very soon!
