At any time of the year, the S-shaped land stripe presents great destinations to tourists from all over the world. This is certainly a big reason for the steady increase in the number of foreign visitors visiting Vietnam.
One of the most popular forms of travel these days, especially enjoyed by young travelers, is backpacking, to explore, adventure, and satisfy one’s passion for travel. So what is the best time to go to Vietnam? From north to south, which are the favorite places?
The following article will give you a head start in your preparations for your travels through Vietnam. Check it out!
By Ruud – flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Best time to visit Vietnam
The reason for traveling in the right time is because each land, one destination has the characteristics which cannot be found in anywhere else. And with travel enthusiasts, the fun of being in a certain season of the land is really great.
In Vietnam, there are two distinct climatic zones. The Northern region has four seasons and the Southern region has two seasons: dry and rainy. From September to January, it is the ideal time to come to the South, while Spring and Autumn are the perfect periods to visit the North.
Visa preparation
By Ruud – flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Except the visitors who are exempted from the Vietnam visa, normally, for foreign visitors, there are three ways to apply for a Vietnam visa:
– Go to the embassy: This means that tourists will directly submit the visa application at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in abroad. Visa procedures will be completed before the flight of visitors to Vietnam.
– Electronic visa application: This is a form of applying for Vietnam visa online. Electronic visas are valid in 30 days for tourist purpose, single entry and are only available to citizens of Azerbaijan, Argentina, Armenia, Ireland, Poland, Belarus, Bulgaria, Brunei, Korea, Germany, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Cuba, Denmark, Timor Leste, Hungary, Greece, Italy, Kazakhstan, Russia, UK, Luxembourg, Myanmar, Mongolia, Japan, Panama, Peru, Finland Spain, Sweden, Uruguay, Venezuela, Norway, and Slovakia.
– Visa on arrival: This is the latest form of visa application in Vietnam, applicable to travelers entering the country by air. Especially in this form, the visa will be stamped directly to your passport, after you arrive in Vietnam airport. Please carefully check out Vietnam visa for US citizens requirements before your trip!
Currency Exchange
Vietnam accepts payment both in Vietnam Dong and USD. But for convenience, you should still prepare a little money in Vietnam Dong. You can exchange money at airports, banks and gold shops. Be sure to check the exchange rates on the Internet before changing money.
Top most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam
1. Sapa
If you have to use some short words to describe Sapa, they only can be beautiful, mysterious and fresh. Sapa is located in the northwest of Vietnam, in the upland district of Lao Cai province. The land is blessed with the majestic mountains and forests, because all hills and mountains are covered in the white mist. The air is extremely cool and purely fresh. If you come to Sapa during the blooming season, you must be as surprised as you are in a paradise.
By Casablanca1911 – Own work, CC BY 3.0, Link
Being quiet, humble but challenging is the highlight in Sapa. In here, you also understand more about the culture of many ethnic groups and have the opportunity to enjoy some specialties which are very strange and very tasty.
2. Halong Bay
Halong Bay is the most famous place in Vietnam, because it is recognized as a world cultural heritage. Coming to Halong, you will feel the beautiful creation and the talent of nature which turns thousands of silent stone into the great sculptures.
3. Phong Nha – Ke Bang
UNESCO was recognized Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park as a World Natural Heritage Site in 2003. It is also proud to be the cave chosen by the Royal Family Association as the most beautiful cave in the world.
It is a pity that if you are an explorer, but do not come here. Its natural scenery and more decent still are being studied by scientists because the cave still contains many mysteries.
By Kris Martyn – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
4. Da Nang – Hoi An
To the central area, Da Nang-Hoi An is the most famous places. Da Nang has a rapid development, so you can stay in modern resorts, five-star hotel on the beautiful Da Nang coast.
In Da Nang, you cannot miss the ancient town of Hoi An. It can be said that no matter how busy the life is, the ancient town of Hoi An is still peaceful with the slow pace of life. It’s great if you want to go back to childhood.
By Bùi Thụy Đào Nguyên – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
5. The Imperial Citadel of Hue
Hue is known as the gentle land by the appearance of a long dress, conical hat, beautiful girls, civilization, and the beautiful scenery. If you come to Hue, do not forget to visit the Imperial Citadel of Hue. This place bears many important historical stamps. You will also discover many things here, especially Hue cuisine.
By Jean-Pierre Dalbéra – Flickr: La porte du midi (Cité impériale, Hué), CC BY 2.0, Link
6. Phan Thiet
Referring to Phan Thiet – Mui Ne, people will think of a picture of a sunny land and many romantic beaches with the long white sand which is easy to conquer anyone who has ever come. You do not hesitate to visit one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. In here, there are also many luxury resorts, suitable for your family vacation.
By Isderion – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, Link
7. Nha Trang
Nha Trang is also beautiful beach with the blue sea and white sand beach as well as the extremely clean environment. Foreign tourists always choose Nha Trang as the leading tourist destination. The hotels and restaurants are high-class and modern. Not only that, you can also visit the island offshore, which is very interesting.
By kenner116 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/kenner116/5860365204/, CC BY 2.0, Link
8. Da Lat
Da Lat city is the place, if you set foot here, will certainly exclaimed for its dreamy beauty: The white mist and cool forest pine forest. In Da Lat, there are no traffic lights. The life is really slow and peaceful. Up there, you only wish you could stay there longer, because the air is fresh and cool and the fruit and vegetables are extremely fresh. It’s a pity if you do not come here.
By Roy Kim – originally posted to Flickr as dalat, vietnam, CC BY 2.0, Link
Above is all the information we want to share with you about packing a road trip around Vietnam. Have a nice trip!