Suggestions (Vietnam) > the flying duo

Following are some of our suggestions for a trip to Vietnam. These are based entirely on our experiences and may vary for you. Nevertheless, these suggestions might come in very handy while planning the trip. So, do not forget to give it a glance.

Best time to visit:

After all the brain wracking, it is finally concluded that February is the best time if you want to travel throughout Vietnam in one go. Or else if you visit region wise, then:

North: October to November is the most comfortable season. You might get occasional showers but there is almost very little rain and it is cooler comparatively. Although it might get very humid after a rain spell but the temperature will sbe moderate.
Central: February to August – The Central part is the most affected by rains. The only way to explore everything in this region is to visit it when there are no rains.
South: December to January– This region of Vietnam is hot no matter when you visit. The temperatures remain above 30 and the there is no respite from the sun. Still, December to January offers you lesser temperatures and no rains so you may make the most of your trip.

Where to go

Avoid trying to cover everything in a short span of time. A crammed trip will make it hectic and less fun.
Stick to major parts only. Choose the best option depending on your constraints and preferences.
Vietnam is a wonder. It is okay if you miss some parts, you can always come back later.
Try to give only one day to the local tours and choose outstation trip for more content.
Always ask around 2-3 tour operators before finalizing on one. That way you get a fair idea of the actual cost. Bargain for your tours. It may save you some extra dollars.

You may skip Ho Chi Minh City. It does not have many exquisite places to visit. The most important attraction here are the Chu Chi tunnels. Apart from it, there is not much to explore here. Even the markets are more expensive than Hanoi.
Instead of Ho Chi Minh City, you may include Da Lat or Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park in Son Trach near Hue.
Stick to most travelled itineraries. There are many places to visit in Vietnam. If you want to cover them all, the weather will cause problems as Vietnam has different weather in its three parts at the same time. You will have more luggage and exploring everything will take at least two weeks up to a month.

Accommodation

We have already mentioned the best areas to stay in different cities here. The reasons are also mentioned in the article.
All the hotels provide for the basic toiletries, so you do not need to necessarily carry them unless you are on some special medicated ones.
General stores like Circle K and Mini Mart are available everywhere.
Do check with the hotel is if they provide elevator services. Holding tax in Vietnam works in such a way that almost all the hotels have a narrow exterior with longer hallways and tall buildings with multiple floors. Climbing up and down so many flights of stairs will not be convenient.

Transportation

Vietnam is big. Travelling from one city to another might be of 200km- 700km.
Choose the mode of transport best suited to your budget and time. Buses and trains both are good.
If your itinerary includes only major cities only like ours did, stick to flights.
Most of the places will have to be covered by buses or taxis mandatorily as they do not have airports. In such cases, you can arrive to the nearest airport or directly take the bus to that destination. For example, to explore Hoi An, Hue or My Son you will have to take a bus or taxi from Da Nang.
Our suggestions for local transportation in Vietnam is that hiring a motorbike is the best option. Or you may take public transport like the city bus. They are comfortable, convenient and not crowded. Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City offer good public transportation.

Food

Purchase water from the Circle K and Mini Mart only. 1 litre bottle costs you around 5,000-7,000 VND depending on the brand. Roadside vendors sell water at double the price. Better to keep your own refillable bottle and get it filled at your hotel reception or restaurant. It will save you a lot of money.
Food can be an issue in Vietnam. If you want to try some local food, you are safe with Banh Mi and Pho. In our suggestions regarding food in Vietnam, avoid something unfamiliar.
Before trying something new, ask someone who understands English about the ingredients to be on the safe side. Vietnamese food is completely different from Indian food.
You may try seafood in Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh. Stay away from dried shrimps. It may make you nauseous.
You can have two meals local and one meal Indian to cut down the expenses.
If possible, you may live on fruits also. We almost had fruits for snacks everyday.
Coconut is a good option for breakfast. Coconut water on empty stomach and the good carbs from coconut will provide you energy for sightseeing.

Tips

Most important suggestions before going to Vietnam is to know that English is not widely understood there. You will find very few people who speak or understand English. Notwithstanding, this is improving with more tourism.
Language is such a problem that it takes several minutes using gestures and photos and google translate to make someone understand what you want to order or where you want to go or what you are saying.
Buy a local sim card first thing after landing. You may also get a SIM card delivered at the airport through Klook. To check out Klook visit their website here.
Literacy in Vietnam is a staggering 97.75%. Use google translate exceedingly to read the menu or communicate anywhere. Even Vietnamese people do it all the time.