Shore excursions are one of the most captivating gateways to experiencing the true essence of Vietnam. However, there are crucial things to know before traveling to Vietnam. Especially if it is first time, understanding the nuances of Vietnam shore excursions can significantly enhance your travel experience.
Information about Vietnam You Should Know
General information:
- Capital: Hanoi
- Area: 331,690 km²
- Population: 101.112 million (2024)
- Timezone: UTC +7
- Currency: Vietnam Dong (VND)
- Language: Vietnamese
Navigating Vietnam’s captivating coastline via cruise ship offers a unique perspective, but maximizing your shore excursions requires a touch of insider knowledge. Vietnam, nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, invites you to explore its diverse beauty. Stretching along over 3,000 kilometers of stunning coastline, this captivating country boasts over 125 pristine beaches and some of the world’s most spectacular bays.
For the first time traveling to Vietnam, cruise passengers can explore ancient temples, wander through imperial cities, and immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Vietnamese traditions. Bordering China, Laos, and Cambodia, Vietnam is your gateway to the best of Southeast Asia.
The genuine hospitality of the Vietnamese people creates an unforgettable welcome. Their remarkable resilience and dedication to preserving their rich traditions make Vietnam a truly captivating destination. Beyond the warm embrace of its people, Vietnam tantalizes taste buds with its vibrant and diverse cuisine, a paradise for food lovers. Consistently recognized for its safety and affordability, Vietnam offers a journey of discovery that will resonate long after you depart.
15+ Essential Things to Know Before Traveling to Vietnam
Before embarking on your Vietnam shore excursions, it’s essential to equip yourself with some key insights to ensure a smooth and enriching experience. This comprehensive guide will delve into 15+ essential things to know before going to Vietnam in order to help you prepare for your Vietnamese adventure.
1. Be Ready for Vietnam’s Climate Spectrum
When considering things to know before traveling to Vietnam, understanding its diverse climate is crucial. As this Southeast Asian nation spans various geographical zones, cruise passengers should prepare for significant regional weather variations. This country experiences hot, humid weather for most of the year. You might encounter intense heat, refreshing mountain air, or sudden downpours. Planning your wardrobe with these possibilities in mind will ensure a more pleasant and comfortable journey.
2. Prepare Accordingly for Sudden Rains
One of the most important Vietnam things to know is varying degrees of rainfall throughout the year, with distinct wet seasons in different regions. If you travel to Vietnam shore excursions from May to October, packing a lightweight raincoat or poncho is essential. It is also good to remember that many times the rain showers are short lived. So having a plan to enjoy some indoor activities, like visiting museums, or enjoying a Vietnamese coffee at a local cafe, is a good way to enjoy the rainy times.
3. Update Your Vaccinations Before Going to Vietnam
Adding to the list of what to know before going to Vietnam, consult your doctor or a travel health specialist to determine the recommended vaccinations and boosters for your specific itinerary. Common recommendations often include vaccinations for hepatitis A and typhoid, both transmitted through contaminated food and water. By taking this proactive step, you’re safeguarding your health and minimizing the risk of contracting preventable diseases, allowing you to fully enjoy your Vietnamese shore excursions.
4. Spend Ample Time in Vietnam
To truly appreciate the richness and diversity of Vietnam, it’s essential to give Vietnam the time it deserves. This isn’t a country to be rushed through. A rushed itinerary will only scratch the surface, leaving you yearning for more. When considering things to know about Vietnam before travelling, allocate sufficient time to immerse yourself in the local culture, savor the delicious cuisine, and explore the hidden gems that lie beyond the typical tourist trails. If you don’t know how to arrange itinerary, we are willing to help
5. Book Ahead for Tet Holiday and Peak Time
Book ahead for Tet and holiday peaks essential advice for anyone planning to travel to Vietnam for the first time. To avoid disappointment and secure your preferred travel arrangements, it’s crucial to make reservations well in advance. Also, when considering things to know before traveling to Vietnam, especially during Tet and peak holiday periods, be prepared for potential price increases and be flexible with your travel dates if possible.
6. Bargain fairly
Bargain is a crucial skill for travelers in Vietnam, and understanding the nuances of this practice is one of the essential things to know before visiting Vietnam. While haggling is common in markets and with street vendors, it’s important to approach it with respect and a sense of fairness. Begin by politely inquiring about the price, and then offer a lower, but reasonable, counteroffer. Remember that a small difference in price can be significant to a local vendor, so prioritize a fair deal over squeezing every last penny.
7. Learn to Use Your Chopsticks Right
Learning to use chopsticks correctly can significantly enhance your dining experience, especially when enjoying Vietnam shore excursions. While it might seem daunting at first, mastering this skill is achievable with a bit of practice and patience. Additionally, familiarizing yourself with common chopstick etiquette, as well as other things to know before going to Vietnam, will help you navigate dining situations and cultural interactions with confidence.
8. Eat like a local
To truly experience Vietnam, ditch the tourist traps and eat like a local. From steaming bowls of pho in Hanoi to fresh seafood along the coastal towns, Vietnamese cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors. Be prepared for regional variations—southern dishes often incorporate coconut milk and a sweeter profile, while northern fare leans towards subtle, savory notes. Another notable thing to know before traveling to Vietnam, don’t be afraid to try street food; it’s where the heart of Vietnamese culinary culture resides.
9. Be a respectful photographer
To truly capture the essence of Vietnam through your lens, you must be a respectful photographer. As part of the things to know about Vietnam before travelling, it’s crucial to understand that not every moment or person is a suitable subject for photography. Always ask for permission before taking photos of individuals, especially in rural areas or religious settings. When photographing people, please engage with them respectfully, show genuine interest in their culture, and offer to share the photos if possible.
10. Respect religious spaces
When traveling to Vietnam, demonstrating respect for religious spaces is paramount. Vietnam is home to a diverse array of faiths, including Buddhism, Catholicism, and various indigenous beliefs, each with its own sacred sites. Understanding and adhering to the customs and traditions associated with these spaces, as part of what to know before going to Vietnam, not only shows cultural sensitivity but also allows for a more meaningful and enriching travel experience.
11. Learn some basic Vietnamese
Before embarking on your Vietnamese adventure, taking the time to learn some basic Vietnamese phrases can significantly enhance your experience. Learn basic phrases like “xin chào” (hello) and “cảm ơn” (thank you) will open doors to more meaningful interactions with locals. This effort demonstrates respect for the culture and can transform your trip from a tourist visit to a more immersive journey.
12. Prepare cash before traveling to Vietnam
When planning a trip to Vietnam, preparing cash beforehand is essential. While credit cards are becoming more widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas, cash remains the dominant form of payment, especially in local markets, smaller shops, and rural areas. Moreover, exchanging currency before your trip or upon arrival at the cruise ports can often yield better exchange rates than relying on local exchange booths or ATMs in tourist hotspots.
In essence, preparing for a trip to Vietnam involves more than just packing your bags. It’s about embracing the vibrant culture, understanding the nuances of local customs, and anticipating the unique experiences that await. By being mindful of the things to know before traveling to Vietnam, you’ll not only minimize potential culture shock but also maximize your enjoyment, fostering deeper connections with the people and places you encounter.
