Vietnam – a country that wears its incredible history, eclectic cultures & jaw-dropping landscapes with pride. It’s got a pull on tourists who are looking for a holiday that’s both exhilarating and deeply relaxing. You can find that sort of balance in the frenetic city life of Hanoi and the calm, majestic bay of Ha Long – but there are loads of other places to explore too. To make the most of this incredible place, the first thing you need to sort out is a Vietnam visa – get that done and you can rest easy knowing that your trip is off to a good start.
Getting a visa for Vietnam is your key to experiencing the country’s genuinely unique blend of old and new. You’ll find yourself wandering through streets aglow with lanterns, temple hopping, and visiting rural villages – basically, getting to see the real heart of Vietnam. But the good news is – it’s not that hard to plan a trip to Vietnam that’s perfect for you. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, indulge in all the delicious food you can find, or simply unwind and recharge, Vietnam has got you covered.
Types of Vietnam Visa
- Tourist Visa – Your go-to choice for anyone looking to get a taste of Vietnam’s best bits – whether it’s rolling countryside, bustling cities, or serene beaches. This visa is usually valid for anything from 15 to 30 days, depending on your nationality and the type of travel documents you hold.
- Business Visa – This one is for work-related trips or those all-important business deals. The length of stay & details can all vary depending on what brought you to Vietnam in the first place
- E-Visa – For those who need something a bit more hassle-free, the e-Visa is a great option to consider. You can get one online (if you’re eligible) & get up to 30 days inside Vietnam – just be aware it’s a single-entry visa.
working out which visa you need to put in for is pretty important – sort that out & you’ll have no dramas when you arrive in Vietnam. Get it wrong & you may be in for a world of hassle.
Vietnam Visa Application Process
Getting a Vietnam Visa – Made a Bit Easier
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process
- Working Out Which Visa You Need: Before you start, you need to figure out whether you’re after a tourist, business, or e-visa – it depends on what you’re doing when you get to Vietnam.
- Gathering the Essential Documents: You’ll probably need a passport that’s got at least six months to go, some recent snaps & a properly filled-in application form. For e-visas, you’ll actually be able to just scan them in online & submit them that way.
- Getting Your Application In: Depending on what kind of visa you’re after, you’ll probably have to pop into a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. With e-visa,s however, you can do it all online
- Paying the Visa Fees: Visa costs vary depending on how long you’re planning on staying & the type of visa you’re after – you can usually pay online for e-visas.
- Getting Your New Visa: Once they’ve given it the stamp of approval, either you’ll be able to pick it up at the embassy, or it’ll be waiting for you digitally for e-visas.
Doing everything right should make the whole process run a lot more smoothly for you – just make sure to keep an eye on the clock & you should be good to go.
Must-Visit Destinations in Vietnam
Vietnam – a country that embodies the extremes of busy streets and quiet villages. Here are some of the highlights :
- Hanoi: The capital city is a really interesting mix of old French colonial architecture and the genuine, down-to-earth culture of the Vietnamese people. The old quarter is a real eye-opener – its busy streets and markets give you a real sense of the energy & vitality of the place.
- Ha Long Bay: Those stunning emerald waters & towering limestone islands are the kind of things you just have to see if you’re a nature buff.
- Hoi An: The place is famous for its lovely lanterns in the streets, its old architecture, and the fact that it just feels so relaxing by the river. It’s a perfect place to take it easy.
- Ho Chi Minh City: This is a city that really knows how to live – it’s got markets that are bursting with energy, historical landmarks to visit, and a nightlife that goes on all night.
- Sapa: If you head north to the highlands, Sapa will give you a taste of the breathtaking rice terraces and the really interesting ethnic minorities that call the place home.
Vietnam really has a lot to offer, both in terms of adventure & cultural experiences, which is probably why so many people find it an absolutely ideal destination for their travels.
Things to Do in Vietnam
Vietnam – A Playground for Adventuresome Travelers
Vietnam is a playground that’s tailor-made for anyone who loves getting out there and trying new things. Here’s what you can expect to get up to:
- Getting Your Food Fix: Vietnamese food is a real treat – and you should definitely give some of those famous dishes like pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls a go. You can do this on a street food tour in most of the major cities, and that’s a really authentic way to experience the local flavors.
- Immerse yourself in Culture: Catch some of the traditional performances happening all over the country – and then pay a visit to some of the ancient pagodas that are still standing. You can even try getting to know some of the local artisans & get a real feel for how rich Vietnam’s cultural heritage is
- Get Out into the Wild: There are loads of things to do in the great outdoors in Vietnam – like trekking through the hills up in Sapa, or exploring all the caves in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, or just hiring a bike and cycling through the Mekong Delta – it’s all totally unforgettable
- Take it Easy in the Sun: If you’re more of a ‘relaxation’ type, then you should definitely head to one of the coastal towns like Da Nang or Nha Trang – they’ve got some of the most stunning beaches and some top-notch resorts for you to kick back in
Whether you’re after adventure, culture, or just a nice long holiday, Vietnam’s pretty much got something for everyone.
Travel Tips for a Seamless Trip
- Plan Ahead: Get your Vietnam Visa sorted early so you don’t end up in a bind at the last minute – trust us, it’s not fun.
- Currency: The local cash is Vietnamese Dong (VND), and yes, credit cards do work in the bigger cities, but if you’re heading to a small town, cash is still the way to go.
- Local Etiquette: When visiting temples, just be decent and show some respect, you know, the usual stuff.
- Transportation: Motorbikes are the way to go for getting around, but taxis and ride-hailing apps are pretty handy if you want to give your legs a break.
Planning is key to really making the most out of your time over here and being able to soak up all the unique culture that Vietnam has to offer.
Final Thoughts
A trip to Vietnam is a real journey through time, culture, and, just wow, the landscapes. As long as you’ve got a valid Vietnam Visa, you’re in – it opens up all the amazing lantern-lit streets, ancient temples, and markets that put Vietnam on the map. Every little corner of Vietnam has a story to tell – whether it’s the peace of the countryside or the buzzing energy of the cities.
If you’re planning your next adventure to Vietnam, then a resource like OneVasco can be a godsend for getting to grips with visa requirements and all the other travel bits and bobs. Having it all sorted in advance lets you focus on the fun stuff – trying all the amazing food, getting immersed in the culture, and making the most of the trip.
