Mi Bella Mondo

    EXPLORE VIETNAM

    Your Comprehensive Destination Guide

    At a Glance

    Total area: 331,210 square kilometers (127,882 square miles)

    Capital: Hanoi

    Religion: Predominantly Buddhism, with influences of Confucianism and Taoism; also Catholic and indigenous faiths

    Population: Approximately 100 million

    Language: Vietnamese (official), English widely spoken in major cities and tourist areas

    Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)

    Banking Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 am–5:00 pm; some banks open on Saturday mornings

    Telephone/Communication: The country code is +84; excellent mobile coverage and good internet availability in cities and tourist destinations

    Climate: Tropical in the south, monsoonal in the north, with distinct wet and dry seasons

     

    VAT in Vietnam

     

    Vietnam offers a VAT refund scheme for eligible purchases made by foreign tourists when leaving the country.

    Who Qualifies?

    • Non-residents who depart Vietnam within 60 days after making purchases are eligible.
    • Travelers must depart via an international airport with designated VAT refund counters (e.g., Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Phu Quoc).

    What Purchases Qualify?

    • Goods purchased at registered VAT refund retailers that display a “VAT Refund for Tourists” sign qualify for the refund.
    • The total purchase must be at least VND 2 million (~USD 80) at one store daily.
    • Items must be unused and taken out of the country.

    How to Claim:

    • Ask for a VAT refund invoice at the time of purchase.
    • Present your passport, VAT invoices, and unused purchased goods.
    • Before you check in, you’ll need your boarding pass at the Customs Inspection Desk.
    • After customs approval, go to the VAT Refund Counter to receive your refund.

    Refund Method:

    • Depending on the airport and refund provider, you can receive your refund in Vietnamese Dong, cash, or through a bank transfer.
    • A small processing fee (typically around 15% of the VAT amount) may be deducted.

     

    Travel Requirements

    Entry & Visa

    Visa Requirement: U.S. citizens must obtain a visa to enter Vietnam.

    E-Visa Options: Vietnam offers electronic visas (e-visas) for U.S. citizens, valid for up to 90 days with options for single or multiple entries.

    Application Process: E-visas can be applied for online through the official

    Processing Time & Fees:

    • Processing Time: Typically 3–5 working days.
    • Fees: Approximately USD 25 for single-entry and USD 50 for multiple-entry visas.
    • Visa on Arrival: Available but requires a pre-approval letter obtained before travel.

    Entry Requirements

    Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay and have at least two blank pages.

    Currency Declarations: If you bring more than USD 5,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency, you must declare it upon entry.

    Health & Vaccination

    COVID-19: No COVID-19 vaccination or testing is required for entry into Vietnam.

    Other Vaccinations: While not mandatory, the CDC and WHO recommend vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis, and Rabies, especially if you plan to visit rural areas or stay for extended periods.

    Travel Insurance: Not required but strongly recommended to cover potential medical expenses, including COVID-19 treatment.

    Airport & Border Entry

    E-Visa Entry Points: Ensure you enter Vietnam through designated ports that accept e-visas. Major international airports like Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), and Da Nang are among the accepted entry points.

    Additional Tips

    Visa Validity: The visa’s validity period includes entry and exit dates. Ensure your travel dates align with your visa’s validity.

    Stay Duration: Overstaying your visa can result in fines or other penalties. Always adhere to the permitted duration of stay.

    Local Laws & Customs: Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs to ensure a respectful and lawful visit.

    Getting there from the US

    • Direct flights to Hanoi (Noi Bai International Airport – HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat International Airport – SGN) from cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco (often with a stopover)
    • Flight time is approximately 15-18 hours, depending on the route

    Travel Safety Tips

     
    Before You Go:

    Research your destination. Learn about local laws, customs, the political climate, and areas to avoid. Check travel advisories on official government sites (like the U.S. State Department or CDC).

    Make copies of important documents. Photocopy your passport, visa, ID, and travel insurance. Keep a set with you and another in your luggage (or store it digitally in a secure app or cloud).

    Get travel insurance. It should cover health emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and any adventurous activities you plan to do.

    Register with your embassy. U.S. citizens can enroll in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) to receive travel updates and emergency contact support.

    Packing & Essentials

    Carry a first aid kit. Include basic supplies, personal medications, and treatment for common travel issues like food poisoning or insect bites.

    Use RFID-blocking wallets. Keep your passport or card data safe from digital theft.

    Pack a power bank and universal adapter. This is especially helpful when on long tours or in places with limited outlets.

    At the Airport & In Transit

    Be vigilant about your luggage. This is particularly important in crowded or high-traffic areas. Use luggage locks and ID tags.

    Avoid showing off valuables: Discreetly store phones, jewelry, and cash to avoid becoming a target.

    While Exploring

    Stay alert in crowded places: Pickpocketing is common in tourist areas, public transport, and markets. Use anti-theft backpacks or crossbody bags.

    Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas. If needed, use rideshare apps or hotel-arranged transport.

    Trust your instincts: If something feels off, leave. Don’t feel bad about saying no to overly persistent vendors, “too good to be true” offers, or strangers demanding your attention.

    Limit alcohol: Stay in control of your surroundings. Only accept drinks you’ve seen poured or opened.

    Watch out for common scams.  Fake ticket sellers, so-called “helpful” strangers, or false claims that an attraction is “closed” may lead you to overpriced or counterfeit services.

    At Your Accommodation

    Use the hotel safe. Lock up passports, extra cash, and expensive electronics when you’re out.

    Check for emergency exits. Identify fire exits and hotel security features on your first night.

    Don’t share your room number. This is particularly crucial in public areas or when interacting with unfamiliar individuals.

    Digital Safety

    Avoid public Wi-Fi for banking. Use a VPN or your phone’s hotspot when handling sensitive information.

    Share your itinerary with someone you trust. Let friends or family know your travel plans and check in regularly.

    Bonus Tips

    Learn basic local phrases: Knowing how to say “help,” “hospital,” or “I’m lost” can be invaluable.

    Stay hydrated & rest: Fatigue makes you more vulnerable to accidents and bad decisions.

    Download offline maps & safety apps: Apps like Google Maps (offline mode), Maps.me, or safety check-in tools like Life360 or SmartTraveler can be incredibly helpful.

    Fun Facts!

    • Vietnam is a country, not a war. Many people still associate the name with the Vietnam War, but it’s a land of vibrant culture, resilient people, and a deep history going back thousands of years.

    • Over 50 ethnic groups live in Vietnam. While the majority are Kinh (Vietnamese), 53 recognized minority groups exist, each with its traditions and languages.

    • Tet (Lunar New Year) is the biggest holiday. Families clean their homes to sweep away bad luck and welcome the new year with offerings, fireworks, and ancestor worship.

    • The Vietnamese language uses the Latin alphabet — Unlike many Asian languages, Vietnamese writing uses Roman letters with diacritical marks, thanks to 17th-century French missionaries.

    • Vietnamese coffee is legendary — Often served iced with sweetened condensed milk (cà phê sữa đá), Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee exporter.

    • Pho is not just a soup; it’s a way of life. People often enjoy this aromatic noodle soup for breakfast, with slight variations between the North’s lighter, simpler broth and the South’s sweeter, more topping-rich version.

    • Street food culture thrives—Vietnam has some of the best street food in the world, from banh mi sandwiches to goi cuon (fresh spring rolls).

    • They eat with chopsticks… and spoons. Unlike in China or Japan, where chopsticks are mostly used, spoons are commonly used with soups and rice dishes.

    • The country is shaped like an ”S”—Vietnam stretches along the eastern coast of the Indochinese Peninsula with over 2,000 miles of coastline.

    • Ha Long Bay has over 1,600 limestone islands. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose name means “Descending Dragon Bay,” and it is steeped in myth.

    • Son Doong, discovered in 2009, is the world’s largest cave; it is big enough to fit a 40-story skyscraper and has its own ecosystem.

    • Motorbikes rule the roads—over 45 million motorbikes in Vietnam! Crossing the street is an art—stroll and let the traffic flow around you.

    • They love karaoke — It’s a beloved pastime in cities and villages. Don’t be surprised if you hear someone belting out ballads late at night!

    • Ho Chi Minh is still revered — His embalmed body is on display in Hanoi’s mausoleum, and no one is allowed to talk or take pictures inside.

    • Plastic chairs are part of the charm—the tiny plastic stools you see in street cafés are iconic and surprisingly comfortable!

    Top Places to Visit in Vietnam

    Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)—The Dynamic Southern Metropolis

    Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam, is a bustling urban center that blends colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers, and a vibrant street life.

    • Visit the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace for history.
    • Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels outside the city to glimpse the Vietnam War.
    • Shop and eat at Ben Thanh Market and Bui Vien Street (backpacker hub).
    • Sample local dishes: Pho (noodle soup), Banh Mi sandwiches, and fresh spring rolls.
    Nha Trang—Beach and Island Paradise

    This coastal city is renowned for its sandy beaches, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife.

    • Relax on Nha Trang Beach or take a boat tour to nearby islands like Hon Mun for snorkeling.
    • Visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers, ancient Hindu temple ruins.
    • Enjoy mud baths and hot springs for a unique wellness experience.
    Hoi An—Ancient Town of Lanterns and Heritage

    A UNESCO-listed town known for well-preserved architecture and charming streets.

    • Wander the atmospheric Old Town, especially when lanterns light the streets at night.
    • Tailor-make clothing in one of the many local shops.
    • Take a cooking class to learn authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
    • Relax at nearby An Bang Beach.
    Hanoi—The Capital with Old-World Charm

    A city where colonial French architecture meets traditional Vietnamese culture.

    • Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and the Ngoc Son Temple.
    • Explore the Old Quarter’s maze of narrow streets and street food stalls.
    • See the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature.
    • Try local specialties like Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles) and Egg Coffee.
    Da Nang – Coastal City with Modern Energy

    A fast-growing city with beaches, bridges, and proximity to heritage sites.

    • Relax on My Khe Beach, known for its white sand and clear water.
    • Visit the Dragon Bridge, which breathes fire on weekends.
    • Explore the Marble Mountains, limestone,, and marble hills with caves and pagodas.
    • Use Da Nang as a base to visit Hoi An and the ancient capital Hue.
    Dalat—The City of Eternal Spring

    Da Nang is a mountain town renowned for its cool climate, pine forests, and French colonial villas.

    • Explore the flower gardens and Valley of Love.
    • Visit Elephant Falls and Prenn Waterfall nearby.
    • Enjoy outdoor activities like canyoning, hiking, and lake boating.
    • Sample fresh strawberries and local coffee.
    Hue—The Imperial City

    Explore the rich history and royal relics of Vietnam’s former imperial capital, Da Nang.

    • Explore the vast Citadel and Forbidden Purple City.
    • Visit royal tombs of Nguyen emperors along the Perfume River.
    • Take a dragon boat cruise on the river.
    • Try traditional royal cuisine in local restaurants.

    Vietnam is a land of contrasts — from misty mountains and ancient temples to bustling cities and peaceful rice paddies. Its rich history, flavorful cuisine, and resilient spirit create a journey that’s as soulful as it is scenic. It’s a place that stays with you long after you’ve left.

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