1. Requirements on epidemic prevention and control for people on entry:

• Regarding testing, people entering by air: must have negative test results for SARS-CoV-2 (except for children under 2 years old) before leaving the country within 72 hours if using RT method -PCR/RT-LAMP or within 24 hours if the rapid antigen test method for SARS-CoV-2 virus is used and certified by the competent authority of the country performing the test.
• For people entering by other routes (road, waterway, railway) must have the same test as required at the point above. In case there is no negative test result for SARS-CoV-2 as specified at point a) above, a SARS-CoV-2 test must be performed within the first 24 hours (by RT-PCR/RT method). -LAMP or rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2 virus) since entry. If the test results are negative, they are allowed to leave the accommodation and take measures to prevent and control the epidemic as prescribed. If the test result is positive, it must be reported immediately to the local health authority for instructions on timely handling.
• Children under 2 years old who are not required to be tested for SARS-CoV-2, have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 or have never been infected with SARS-CoV-2 are allowed to enter and participate in activities outside the accommodation with their parents.

2. For the medical declaration and medical quarantine at the border gate:

• People on entry must make a medical declaration before entering and use the medical declaration application (PC-COVID) during their stay in Vietnam according to regulations.
• At the border gate if you have symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection (fever; cough; sore throat; runny nose, stuffy nose; body aches, fatigue, chills; decrease or loss of taste; decrease or loss of sense of smell; pain); , headache; diarrhea; difficulty breathing; respiratory infection…) should immediately notify the health agency at the border gate to take medical measures as prescribed.
• Monitor health and apply preventive measures against COVID-19:
• Within 10 days from the date of entry: self-monitor, if there are symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection (fever; cough; sore throat; runny nose, stuffy nose; body aches, fatigue, chills; decreased or lost taste; decreased or lost sense of smell; pain, headache; diarrhea; difficulty breathing; respiratory inflammation…) must immediately notify the nearest medical authority for instructions. , timely management; take preventive measures: regularly wear a mask, disinfect hands with an antiseptic solution.

For those who have not tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 before leaving the country: during the process of moving from the entry border to the place of residence, do not stop and park along the way; Avoid close contact with people around.

Cambodia Entry Policy for International Tourists valid from Mar 17, 2022

Cambodia government has made the following decisions valid from 17 Mar 2022:

1. All travelers, who are coming to Cambodia are not required to provide a PCR Test result within 72 hours of their arrival.
2. No longer required to do Antigen Rapid Test upon arrival.
3. Visa on arrival once again available for all international travelers, including by air, sea and land.

Despite the change of requirements as stated in point 1 and 2 above, the Ministry of Health encourages all passengers to do self-test. In addition, all passengers must present a Covid-19 vaccination certificate upon arrival in Cambodia.

Passengers who have not been vaccinated with Covid-19 will need to do 14 days quarantine.

Vietnam Entry Policy for International Tourists valid from May 15, 2022

In light of the recent COVID-19 outbreak, Vietnam has imposed several travel restrictions on those entering the country. As of May 15, 2022, Vietnam had confirmed 10,695,036 cases of COVID-19 with 43,065 deaths, though 9,349,592 of the patients, had recovered.

Those planning to travel to Vietnam should be aware of the latest restrictions currently in place:

1. Vietnam dropped COVID-19 testing requirements for all international arrivals from May 15 as per Official Dispatch No. 416/CD-TTg after a significant decrease in the number of cases.
2. Vietnam suspended the medical declaration requirement for all international arrivals from April 27 as COVID-19 cases dropped nationwide. Medical declarations for domestic travel have also been suspended.
3. Tourists entering Vietnam should also have medical or travel insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment with a minimum liability of US$10,000.
4. The e-visa government website link is now open for visa submissions.
5. Vietnam’s government on March 15 agreed to resume its visa exemption policy for 13 countries for up to 15 days regardless of the purpose of entry. This applies to citizens of Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the UK. The visa exemption policy had been in place prior to the pandemic. Further details on entry procedures are awaited from the government.

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1. Vietnam Itinerary 10 days

With 10 days, you only can enjoy highlights of Vietnam including most of the best destinations. We suggest 2 itineraries as starting in Hanoi or Saigon – 2 most starting points for Vietnam trip.

Vietnam trip from Hanoi to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) in 10 days

The first day is arrival in Hanoi, you should relax after a long flight.

The second day is for Hanoi city discovery to know about this ancient city.

The third day, you should visit Halong Bay – the most famous world natural heritage in Vietnam.

The forth day is for Halong Bay cruise and transfer back to Hanoi.

The fifth day, you will take flight from Hanoi to Hue in the morning and explore Hue city in the afternoon.

The sixth day, you have time to visit the rest of Hue in the morning and then transfer to Hoi An.

The seventh day, you have a whole day to visit Hoi An.

The eighth day is for transfer from Hoi An to Da Nang and take flight to Ho Chi Minh in the morning. Visit Ho Chi Minh City as highlight in the afternoon.

The ninth day, you have whole day to visit Mekong Delta and transfer back to Ho Chi Minh.

The last day is for departure of Vietnam.

Itinerary for Vietnam trip from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) to Hanoi in 10 days

The itinerary in 10 days to start from Saigon is the reverse of the itinerary start from Hanoi. The first day is your arrival in Saigon. From Day 2 to Day 3 is to visit Saigon city and Mekong Delta life. And then from day 4 to day 6, you will visit the Central of Vietnam including Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An. The last days from day 7 to day 10, you will experience Hanoi and Halong Bay before departure.

Other suggested itinerary for Vietnam in 10 days:

1. Vietnam Highlight – 10 days
2. Wonderful Vietnam – 11 days
3. Vietnam Culinary Tour – 9 days

2. Suggestion for Vietnam Itinerary 2 weeks

With 2 weeks in Vietnam, you have more time to discover in comparison with 10 days as above. You should add more destinations to 10 days itinerary such as Sapa, Phong Nha National Park, Ninh Binh or Mai Chau. If you love beach, you can add Nha Trang, Mui Ne or Phu Quoc island in 3 or 4 days free on beach.

The trip start in Saigon and end in Hanoi

The first day to the forth day, you have 4 days to discover Saigon city, Cu Chi tunnels and Mekong Delta. With Mekong Delta trip, you should spend 2 days and stay overnight in Can Tho. Moreover, experience of early floating markets in Can Tho if one of the best choice for Mekong trip.

Continuously, from the fifth day to ninth day is to experience Hoi An, Hue and Da Nang. Moreover, you should spend 3 nights in Hoi An and 2 nights in Hue because there are so many activities you should experience there.

The last 6 days is for northern Vietnam including Hanoi, Halong Bay and Sapa. In distribution of time, you should spend one day in Hanoi, 2 days in Halong Bay with overnight cruise. Additionally, you should spend 3 days for Sapa  to experience Sapa Trekking and Sapa markets.

For the itinerary start in Hanoi and end in Saigon

With the reverse of the trip starts in Saigon and end in Hanoi. Therefore, the ideas for this itinerary is the same with the above but change of order in arrangement.

Additionally, there are other suggestion for you:

1. Vietnam Experience – 15 days
2. Best Vietnam Tour – 15 days
3. Vietnam Photo Tour – 14 days

3. Some ideas for Vietnam Itinerary 3 weeks

Ideally, you have enough time to discover deeply local life and Vietnamese culture in 3 weeks. With 3-week length of time, you will experience deeply in 3 areas of Vietnam including north, south and central. Furthermore, you can discover northwest or northeast of Vietnam as adventurers.

For 3 weeks in Vietnam starting in Hanoi

At the beginning, you should spend 4 days for Hanoi (2 nights) and Halong Bay (2 nights). Accordingly, 3 days 2 nights trip in Halong Bay will give you the best enjoyment and discovery of the world natural heritage.

Secondly, you should explore northwest or northeast of Vietnam in 6 days. Because you will have deep understanding about local minority life and culture in Vietnam. People who live thousand years in the area and so called ancient Vietnamese.

Thirdly, you will spend 3 days in Hoi An and 2 days in Hue to discover the central of Hoi An. If you like to find out Phong Nha – Ke Bang with majestic caves such as Son Doong or Tu Lan. You could spend 3 – 4 days in Quang Binh.

And then, spending from 3 to 4 days on beach is a good choice. There is some famous beach like paradise you consider Nha Trang, Mui Ne, Phu Quoc or Con Dao island.

The last 4 days is for Saigon and Mekong Delta with overnight in Can Tho or Chau Doc.

Vietnam in 3 weeks starting in Ho Chi Minh

Starting in Saigon is the reverse of starting in Hanoi. You only need to change the order of destinations and sites.

More suggested itineraries in Vietnam for 3 weeks:

1. Incredible Vietnam – 21 days
2. Vietnam Family Vacation – 20 days
3. Vietnam Heritage Tour – 15 days

4. Vietnam Itinerary 4 weeks

With 4 weeks in Vietnam, you have various choice and options to discover deeply the S-shape country. This could be combination between the above 3 weeks itinerary and one week central highland trip. The central highland of Vietnam is located between the south and central area. With height of 500 – 600 m above sea level, this area is so comfortable for holidays. Because climate is cool all year round. Moreover, it’s suitable for adventurers with climbing, cycling, trekking activities.

Besides, you could spend more time on beach with diving and cruising activities in Con Dao, Nha Trang or Phu Quoc. Other options are caves discovery in Quang Binh, Mekong river cruise, local culture in the north…

Suggested itinerary for Vietnam itinerary 4 weeks: Vietnam in Depth – 28 days

Please refer here for more suggested itineraries in Vietnam.

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Below is some travel advice and tips to keep safety when traveling in Vietnam.

Snatch and Run – Is Vietnam safe to visit?

In some big cities in Vietnam such as Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. Snatch and run evils is a big problem with tourists. Therefore, you should not bring valuable items when walking on streets in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. Instead of that you should bring shoulder bag or hip pocket, items is hard to be snatched. Necklaces is not advisable.

Advice: Do not show valuable items on the street like necklaces, pockets, high-price handbag, smartphone…

Cheating – Is Vietnam safe for tourists?

Taxi and cyclo

Many tourists meet cheating service when they use free taxi and cycls in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Popular way of cheat is to call much higher true price for stretch of road or time to use. For example, for the distance from Hanoi Old Quarter to Temple of Literature costs only 50,000 VND (~2.5 USD). But they call 500,000 VND (~25 USD). In addition, they take advantage of unfamiliar from foreign people when using Vietnamese dong to be unclear with value to take more money.

The solution is to use brand named taxi such as Taxi group in Hanoi or Vina Sun in Ho Chi Minh. Another good way is to use technology taxi through apps with regard to Grab or Be.

Bargain

When shopping on streets in Vietnam, foreign tourists usually meet difficulty to find the correct price. Because salesmen probably call higher price than true cost they want to buy. Normally, true price is less than 30 – 50% to called price.

Traffic – Is Vietnam safe to visit?

Roads and transportation culture in Vietnam usually impress first-time travelers. Especially Western tourists who have standard traffic in their countries. Because cars, motorbikes and bicycles use the same road and mostly the same lane. Traffic in Vietnam look like chaos from the high. But this is Vietnamese cultural traffic. It even make some tourists even feel fantastic. Funny Vietnamese traffic slogan is “the rule is no rule”. That means people still travel in order even no rule apply.

But going away from bustling cities, travelers immediately meet beautiful roads with lack of vehicles. When travelling in rural area in Vietnam, tourists will meet two-side rice field roads. Where Vietnamese farmers do their job daily on rice fields. Specially, traveling in the mountainous area like Northeast or Northwest of Vietnam. Whereas travelers feel surprised with terrace fields.

Be careful when crossing the streets in Vietnam. Looking carefully two sides and walk on lanes for walkers.

Driving motorbike for first-used travelers is not advisable.

Is Vietnam safe to travel alone?

Travel alone in Vietnam is absolutely safe. As long as you prepare enough belongings and got a bit knowledge about Vietnam conditions.

Woman solo traveler

More and more female travelers come to Vietnam. They usually book airfares and hotels yourself, and book day tours when reach to Vietnam. The advice is you should book tours before arrival. Group tours is the best choice for female solo travel.

Men solo traveler

Men have various choice for travel style in Vietnam. Some of them choose even biking or motorbiking across the country. One man and one motorbike travel day by day is also very interesting with some people. The advice is to get help from experienced person to make a good plan according to travel style.

Travel Advice and Tips for safety in Vietnam

• Buying travel insurance before the trip
• Have a good plan with help from experienced persons
• Have backups of important documents like passports, visas or IDs in case of losing
• Book group tours with escorted experienced tour guide is a good choice
• Prepare necessary items: cash, credit cards, light weigh clothes (in summer), warm clothes (in winter), appropriate shoes for activities (trekking, cycling, walking), inspect repellent, medications, adaptors, small dayback, water bottle, helmet (for cycling or motorbiking), vaccinations…

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Hanoi to Sapa by train

The main mean of transport for Hanoi to Sapa is train before Hanoi – Lao Cai highway has been launched. From Hanoi, train starts in Hanoi train station and takes about 10 hours to arrive in Lao Cai train station. From Lao Cai, you need to transfer by bus or private car to Sapa with 45 minutes. Train from Hanoi to Lao Cai usually spends overnight from transfer, depart at late evening and arrive in early morning. Therefore, if you use train for this route you will spend one night on train and save one night room for hotel. Because this is a long way train so tourists commonly book soft bed cabin to keep healthy feeling to sleep during the route by sleeping after starting of train and wake up before arrival.

For booking train tickets for Hanoi to Sapa or vice versa, travelers frequently book through travel agents because there are various train suppliers in this route. Ticket price varies from low to high standard with added value such as private cabin, soft sleeper bed, mineral water and snack or even dinner during train. There are several good suppliers you should consider to booking including King Express, Livitrans, Victoria Express, TSC…

Other way to book tickets is through website of Vietnam Railway Corporation with address vetau.com.vn. But you must book early to reserve seats because train suppliers usually set their service on train mostly.

Booking train Hanoi to Sapa, you should book return ticket because it hardly reserve tickets for Sapa to Hanoi if you book it after the trip Hanoi to Sapa.

Hanoi to Sapa by train in Hanoi

Hanoi to Sapa by road

Bus from Hanoi to Sapa

Currently, there are many choices for you to use sharing bus to Sapa.  Bus to Sapa usually depart in Hanoi in the late evening or early morning, stop en route for short relax. It takes around 5 hours to arrive in Sapa.

Ticket for Hanoi to Sapa bus or vice versa is around 10 US$ per way.

There are several bus providers you can consider to serve for international visitors including Good Morning Sapa, King Express… These buses will stop 1 or 2 points in the road for short relax.

Private vehicle from Hanoi to Sapa

If you want a private air and condition, you could choose private vehicles. This kind of transport is suitable with small group to be transferred by 7 seats SUV or 16 sears minibus, group varies from 2 to 10 persons.

With private vehicle, you have your own arrange to depart, stop and arrival time. You can spend the whole day for transfer or combine with another sight seeings en route such as Hanoi, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Lao Cai.

This mean of transport also serve you overnight to save the time according to visitors’ interest.

Hanoi to Sapa by road

Hanoi to Sapa by helicopter

Other expensive and high standard mean of transport for this route is helicopter. This transport is suitable with business trip or luxury travelers because it is very expensive and need to apply permission from government for transfer.

Transfer by helicopter is so good for sight seeing and photograph because the flight is not too high from land and take the route over rice fields, mountainous area, people life…

At this time, there is only Vietnam Helicopter Corporation provides this service. Flights is operated by professional pilots and EC 130 helicopter version, fee for this service varies from US$8,000 – 10,000 per way.

Helicopter service for the road from Hanoi to Sapa

Vietnam Great Tours provide booking service for almost of transport above with reasonable price. If you need more detail please contact us to receive advice from our experts. Or you could refer here for more advice of other normal routes in Vietnam:

• Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh
• Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Please refer to our packages with the road Hanoi to Sapa as below:

• Vietnam Experience Tour
• Best Vietnam Tour
• Incredible Vietnam Tour
• Colour Vietnam Tour
• The hidden charm of Vietnam Tour
• Best of Northern Vietnam Tour

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Vietnam train travel guide

If you travel from the north to south of Vietnam and need to choose between train and bus, the better choice is going by train. Traveling by train is both safe and convenient because you may choose sleeper bed or seats, free to enjoy meals or going toilets, easy to view landscape through window. Moreover, train way usually go through forests, mountains and beaches so it is very good for sightseeing. The bad point is only trains in Vietnam still was used for a long time and railways system is very old. Therefore, it is noisy and slow if you compare it to trains in the developed countries.

Booking train tickets

You should book train tickets as early as possible and consider to choose kind of ticket. Vietnam train commonly is divided in to 4 categories: Soft sleeper, hard sleeper, soft seat, hard seats. For sleeper tickets, you base yourself on your group to choose 4 or 6 sleepers cabin, suitable for small group or family. Today, train booking system is very convenient for travelers, you might book through ticket agents. travel agents or online train booking system at http://vetau.com.vn

Luggage on train

Vietnam trains do not limit the luggage weight but you should use light luggage if possible, because you have to walk a long way from train station to your cabin. Wearing comfortable clothes, individual and important things should be bear on hands, luggage should be placed under sleeper beds or cargo hold. You should take care of valuable items because of dense crowd in the station and thieves.

Food and beverage

There are small restaurants in the train, and you can buy snack meals, mineral water, noodle soup. You should bring fruit, mineral water and towels if you have a long trip.

Popular routes for Vietnam train travel

Hanoi to Sapa train

Traveling from Hanoi to Sapa by train is the way chosen by many tourists. Road to Sapa looks dangerous, sinuous and sloping so train is a good mean of transport to travel Sapa safely.

Train to Sapa departs at night: the earliest train departs at 19:40, the latest train departs at 23:00. It usually takes 8 hours for Hanoi to Sapa route.

There are several choices for train tickets to Sapa: hard seat, soft seat, hard bed and soft bed. Foreign travelers usually book soft beds for their trip because they can sleep during the trip and feel comfortable next morning, soft sleeper bed is placed in 6 or 4 beds cabin.

Train ticket cost for Hanoi to Sapa or vice versa varies from 8 to 30 USD per way. There are several good train you can use such as King Express, Sapaly, Fanxipan, Livitrans..

Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh train

Train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh is the busiest trail way in Vietnam. There are about 10 trains per day from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh and vice versa, departure time varies from 6:00 to 22:00.

The train goes through Vietnam and stop in around 20 destinations from north to south and vice versa. Consequently, you have various choice for stop to discover each destinations through Vietnam.

The fastest train has the code SE1 takes about 32 hours for the route from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh. This is quite slow to other train in your country but reality in Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh to Phan Thiet train

After launching new travel train from Ho Chi Minh to Phan Thiet with train code SPT2 & 4, traveling by train to Phan Thiet from Ho Chi Minh is one of the best choice. You get away from noisy and crowded roads and feel safer to use train.

Today, it takes 4 hours for Ho Chi Minh to Phan Thiet train. Booking tickets is very easy through online system.

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Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh by road

There two main ways from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City which are going by Ho Chi Minh Trail road and National Highway No. 1. National Highway No. 1 is the main road for trade and transportation to travel through main city and town; Ho Chi Minh Trail road is a new highway and longer than National Highway No. 1 to pass through forest, off the beaten track area, this road is compatible with motorbike tours and travelers who want to discover Vietnam in different style.

How many kilometers from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh

From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh, you need to travel around 1,730 km with various choice for roads. The best choice is combination between National Highway No. 1, Ho Chi Minh Highway and other roads such as province ways, coastal ways…

If you go by bus, you should choose reliable bus team such as Open bus, Hoang Long Express or Mai Linh. It takes 36 – 38 hours for the road Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh and bus ticket cost varies from 30 to 45 USD according to bus quality. In fact, travelers usually divide this road to stages to book bus ticket like Hanoi – Quang Binh, Quang Binh – Hue or Da Nang, Da Nang – Nha Trang and Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh.

The best way to travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh by road

Stage 1: From Hanoi to Quang Binh

You start from Hanoi center to drive along Phap Van – Cau Gie highway. At the end of this highway, you turn right and drive along National Highway No. 10 to Ninh Binh city and continue to Tam Diem. Transfer along National Highway No. 1; you pass across Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh and arrive in Quang Binh

If you go by motorbike, you are not allowed to drive in the highway. You should drive along Giai Phong road and continue to Phu Ly (Ha Nam province) and to Ninh Binh city and go along National Highway No. 1 as the above.

Stage 2: From Quang Binh to Khanh Hoa

Start from Quang Binh, you continue driving along National Highway No. 1 to go through Hue, drive across Hai Van pass to reach Da Nang. Driving continuously about 205 km, you will arrive in Quang Ngai and then Binh Dinh province. For this route, you can choose coastal roads from Quang Binh to Hue and Da Nang and stop in Nhat Le beach, Cua Tung beach, Lang Co beach and Da Nang beach, Quy Nho beach, Hoi An beach…

After Binh Dinh province, you will reach Tuy Hoa (Phu Yen province) to meet wonderful beaches and landscapes along the road. Passing Phu Yen you will arrive in Khanh Hoa with famous Nha Trang beach city.

Stage 3: From Khanh Hoa to Ho Chi Minh

In Khanh Hoa, you might have some rest day to enjoy beautiful Nha Trang beach city before keeping the itinerary. Transfer along National Highway, you will pass Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan. Binh Thuan owns Phan Thiet and Mui Ne beaches, sand dunes might attract your foot and really not able to leave this place.

From Binh Thuan, you drive along National Highway No. 1 to turn to Ho Xuan Huong road to reach Long Khanh city – Dong Nai province. Driving continuously about 7 km, you will meet Ho Chi Minh – Long Thanh – Dau Giay Highway to reach Ho Chi Minh City

On the other way, from Da Nang you might turn to central highland provinces to go along these lands to reach Ho Chi Minh.

Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh by flight

There so many choice from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh by flights, nearly 30 flights everyday from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh and vice versa are operating by 3 major airlines named Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air and Jestar Pacific. These 3 airway companies occupy Vietnam flights and compete to make cheaper and more convenient for passengers who travel Vietnam.

If you have time, you might book very cheap ticket for flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh, even 1 USD but it’s not easy for newbie. It takes around 2 hours for flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh not included airport transfer and check in, check out time. Going by plane is the fastest way and the most comfortable way for this route.

Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh by train

If you want to travel Vietnam by train, it may be a good choice. Because there are various train depart daily from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh and vice versa. Consequently, you can choose the time and kind of train to suit you best. Additionally, Vietnam Railway Corporation have just launched new 5 star train for this route. It is called SE5 (Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh) and SE6 (Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi).

Traveling by train, you are able to leave train in many stop along Vietnam and continue train at the other time. Moreover, if you travel for a long time you should choose soft bed ticket, and soft seat ticket for a short time or short road. Train ticket varies from US$15 for hard seat to US$75 for soft sleeper bed. It really depends on what route of train you go.

Ticket booking

You should book tickets as soon as possible, one soft sleeper cabin has 4 to 6 beds. It is very suitable for small group or family. This kind of travel has fun while keeping safe for luggage

Luggage

You need to walk a long way from station gate to train cabin so you should bring a light and convenient luggage. Comfortable clothe is advised when to travel by train. Important individual baggage should be in hand, luggage is placed under beds or cargo hold.

Food and beverage

There is a restaurant on train, they serve fast food such as noodle soup, steamed rice, bread, soft drink… If you have a long trip, please bring fruit, mineral water.

Some suggested itinerary for Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh you might be interested as below:

• Hanoi to Hoi An
• Hanoi to Halong Bay
• Halong Bay to Hanoi
• Hue to Hoi An
• Hanoi to Sapa
• Da Nang to Hoi An
• Hoi An to Hue

The post Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh – Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh trip – Hanoi to Saigon appeared first on Vietnam Tours - Indochina Tours.

Halong Bay

Located in the western Gulf of Token, Halong Bay includes sea and islands area belongs to Halong City, Cam Pha city and a prat of Van Don district, Quang Ninh province. Halong Bay owns the 120 km length of coast, 1,553 km² square area and 1,969 islands, most of them is limestone. In there, core of the bay has 335 km square area that assembles 775 islands densely.

Not only beautiful through landscape with multiple wonderful islands on the above of water level, but also Halong Bay brings to visitors peaceful feeling to mix with scenery here. Halong Bay was rated as one of the best 29 bays in the world, and officially recognized as one of the seven world natural wonders by New Open World organization.

For more details of Halong Bay, please click here.

Sapa

Sapa is a mountainous town in the northwest of Vietnam where to owns wonderful terrace rice fields, spread up as steps to the sky. Sapa charms almost travelers who visited here with superb and romantic natural landscape, mysterious loving market-days, special and various cuisine.

In 2009, Travel and Leisure magazine (USA) chose terrace rice fields in Sapa as one of the most 7 beautiful and grandiose terrace fields in the world and Asia. In December 2011, Lonely Planet travel magazine introduced Sapa as “one of the best 10 destinations for trekking and hiking” land.

The best time to visit terrace fields in Sapa is September and October because this time falls in harvest season, all fields have golden skin that attract almost visitors even the hardest feeling.

Hanoi

Hanoi is the most beautiful in autumn, it is possible to enjoy romantic space and cool climate. In autumn, Hanoi shows its own characters as the old quarter standing alone between modern life. Color of life style and character of scenery in Hanoi will make you interesting and unforgettable.

Additionally, you should spend the time to visit famous sites in Hanoi if you step foots here: Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake), Long Bien bridge, the Old Quarter, Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh mausoleum…

Walking across the streets or sipping a cup of coffee is also a good pleasure in Hanoi.

Please refer here for more detail: Hanoi Travel Guide

Hoi An – Best places to visit in Vietnam

Hoi An city is located in the north of Thu Bon river, 25 km far away from Da Nang city to the southeast, and 50 km from Tam Ky city to the northeast. From XVI and XVII century, this place was famous with the name Faifoo where is connection and trade center for businessman from Japan, China, Portugal, Italy… and Southeast Asia countries.

Today, Hoi An still reserves the whole original heritages and intangible culture that express in habits and customs, religious activities, traditional arts, cultural festivals, traditional trading villages… Beside that, culinary culture in Hoi An is also a special thing visitors usually remind when to come here.

Please refer here for more detail: Hoi An Travel Guide

Mekong Delta – Best places to visit Vietnam

Mekong Delta places in the southern pole of Vietnam and is also called Western area in the south. Going to here, travelers think instantly about busy floating markets, cruising through mangrove forest by boat; visiting local gardens, fishing lakes… This is features of the southern Vietnam and and ideal place for international travelers to experience daily local life.

Going to Mekong Delta, you do not forget to enjoy local products such as fish, fruits, bee’s honey… Discovery of green rivers and enjoy local food like grilled snake-head fish, sponge cake, coconut will be very interesting.

Mui Ne – Best places to visit in Vietnam

Mui Ne owns beautiful beaches spread out nearly endless with various amusing activities. Resorts on beach is invested modernly more and more, big and convenient roads which bring good feeling to travelers.

Especially, tourists do not forget to visit famous sandy fields named Bau Trang widen vastly, you are surely in love with this unique beautiful landscape in Vietnam.

Phu Quoc – Best places to visit Vietnam

Phu Quoc is called Pearl island in Vietnam, it attracts visitors by white sandy beaches like paradise, luxurious and comfortable resorts; newly invested highways around island, cable cars system to the sea… Today, Phu Quoc owns an international airports to make easy travel for foreign travelers and airlines to take or operate flights to here.

Da Lat – Best places to visit in Vietnam

Cool and fresh air all year round joins with wonderful landscapes from foggy valleys, green pine forests and colored flowers make Da Lat became summer holidays place for royal family in the past. Da Lat has cool climate like European countries, temperature varies from 16 to 30 degree Celsius, the climate is ideal for flowers and temperate plants. Today, this beautiful city in Lam Vien highland becomes a favorite destination for people who want to escape hot weather in the southern Vietnam.

Hue – Best places to visit Vietnam

Located in two sides of Huong river (Perfume river), Hue is the world cultural heritage belongs to Thua Thien – Hue province. Hue owns high valuable historic heritages such as Hue Imperial Citadel, Minh Mang Mausoleum, Tu Duc Mausoleum, Thien Mu Pagoda, Temple of Literature and National Hue school… Traveling to Hue is a chance to contemplate landscapes like Ngu Binh mountain, Thuan An beach, Lang Co beach and Tam Giang Lagoon. Hue royal music and song is also a feature of culture in Hue. Every year, Hue Festival is organized and attracts a lot of travelers.

Nha Trang – Best places to visit in Vietnam

Nha Trang beach city is metropolis of Khanh Hoa province, belongs to the coastal central south of Vietnam. This city is located in the seashore of Nha Trang Bay and center places on the coast. The best and longest road is Tran Phu with length of 7 km where to be concentrated by main buildings and projects. Nha Trang was well-known as tourist attraction for domestic and international travelers. Today, there are a lot of resorts and hotels from standard to luxury are built or constructing to serve for tourists. Visit Nha Trang, you not only enjoy beautiful beach but also you have a chance to experience various travel style here. From relax on beach to boat trip for discovery of islands, from snorkeling and diving to biking travel is being provided by local travel agent. Additionally, Vin Pearl land is one the biggest amusement part located in Vin Pearl island to be a good experience along with the longest sea cable car system from mainland to the island.

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This policy does not apply for tourists come to Vietnam by sea cruise or classified as no needed visa visitors such as diplomatic staffs or diplomatic passport holders. According to Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this policy set up for purpose to promote tourism between Vietnam and United State of America, increase number of US to Vietnam respectively.

Vietnam visa requirements for US citizens

According to Vietnamese Immigration Bureau, US citizens need the following documents to apply for visa to Vietnam:

• Passport is still valid in one year
• Invitation or guarantee letter from recognized organizations or companies in Vietnam

Vietnam visa for US citizens procedure

US citizens must fill in Visa Application Form with full information and send it to Vietnamese Embassy or Consulates in US, accompanied with invitation letter and scanned copy of US passport.

If there’s no Embassy or Consulate of Vietnam in your territory, you must send these documents by post and wait for reply from them.

If US citizens apply Vietnam visa through organizations in Vietnam such as travel agents, tour operators or recognized bodies; they have to prepare the following documents:

• Scanned copy of passport from applicant
• Visa application form to clarify purpose to go to Vietnam

Where to apply Vietnam visa for US citizens

There are three Vietnamese government bodies US citizens are able to apply visa as below:

• Vietnamese Embassy in US, located in 1233 20th St NW, Suite 400 – Washington, DC 20036. Website: http://vietnamembassy-usa.org
• Vietnamese General Consulate in US, located in 1700 California St, Suite 580 San Francisco, CA 94109. Website: http://www.vietnamconsulate-sf.org/en/
• Vietnam Immigration Department, located in 44 – 46 Tran Phu street, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi, Vietnam. Website: http://vnimm.gov.vn/

The best way to take Vietnam visa for US citizens

US citizens should apply visa through travel agency or tour operator in Vietnam if you go to Vietnam for travel purpose. If you go to Vietnam for business or investment please contact to your partner or authorized organizations to issue guarantee letter for you.

All documents you need is traveler’s scanned copy of passport who need to take visa to Vietnam, travel agent in Vietnam will apply Vietnam visa to Vietnam Immigration Bureau and issue Visa approval letter for you, this procedure usually lasts in one week. Finally, you hold the letter to take visa on arrival in the airport, all international airports in Vietnam have rights to issue visa on arrival. For the list of international airports in Vietnam, please refer to Vietnam Airport.

If you make visa through agent as service, they usually charge you from 5 to 10 USD per visa approval letter and this fee does not include stamping fee in the airport.

Online application of Vietnam visa for US citizens

US citizens could apply Vietnam visa online through Vietnamese Immigration website by going to Online Form. Please note choose English version in the top right, fill in all information in the form.

You need to prepare passport photo with 4 x 6 dimension to upload. After completion of the form, you need to wait for the result.

You need to wait for 3 days to receive result from the embassy, usually result is accepted and you will receive it in the embassy or by post.

For online application, the stamping fee included in visa fee so you do not need to pay it in the airport upon arrival in Vietnam.

During Covid pandemic, you may need more time to receive result from Vietnam Immigration and may ask to provide more documents such as tour booking, airfare, Covid test…

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International tourists, especially from Europe, America, Australia and countries far away from Vietnam, should spend first day to relax after a long flights even multiple transit points to reach Vietnam. In Vietnam, there are 2 busy international airports named Noi Bai International Aiport in Hanoi and Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, most of international flights will arrive in these 2 airports. Currently, there is several abroad flights depart and arrive in Da Nang airports but not too many.

Vietnam itinerary 2 weeks suggestion start from Hanoi

If your flight arrive in Hanoi that means your tour will start in Hanoi – capital city of Vietnam; center of politic, economic, culture, tourism. Hanoi is ideal for starting point, special for tourists focus on cultural or classic travel.

Vietnam 2 week itinerary in the north of Vietnam

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi. Accordingly, you should spend this day for relax and recovery of health to discover Vietnam in the following days.

Day 2: If you want to discover Hanoi, you should spend the whole day to visit famous sight seeings in Hanoi. For example Ho Chi Minh Complex, Temple of Literature, Thang Long Citadel, Tran Quoc pagoda, Bat Trang ceramic village, Ngoc Son temple, Ethnology Museum… Additionally, experience cyclo tours in the Old Quarter and Water Puppet Show is also a common choice for travelers.

Day 3 and 4: You should spend for Halong Bay tour, a must-see destinations in Vietnam, common choice is 2 days/ 1 night and sleep on the cruise to discover this World Nature Heritage at night. For deep discovery, you can spend 3 days/ 2 nights for Halong Bay or combination with Cat Ba island.

Day 5 – 7: Use these days for Sapa trip. From Hanoi to Sapa your have 2 choices, using train or car/bus/minibus. Today, Hanoi – Lao Cai highway was launched so going by car is very fast and convenience but using train is also an unique experience for train in Vietnam.

Day 8: Take flight or train to Hue. If you use flight you need a half day to reach Hue including airport transfer, if you use train you need the whole day.

Vietnam itinerary for 2 weeks in the central Vietnam

9^th day: Spend the whole day to discover Hue including Imperial Citadel, Tombs of Nguyen Kings, Thien Mu pagoda…

10^th day: Transfer from Hue to Hoi An ancient town with stop in Da Nang.

11^st day: Discovery of Hoi An. There multiple choices of tours here with various travel style including classic, cultural, adventure, boat trip, beach…

Vietnam itinerary in 2 weeks in the southern Vietnam

12^rd day: Take flight to Ho Chi Minh City and discover Ho Chi Minh (also called Saigon) in a half day.

13^th day: This day spend for Mekong Delta by exploration of floating markets and experience local life in the south of Vietnam.

Day 14: You should spend it for shopping and preparation for flights back to your home country.

Vietnam itinerary 2 weeks start from Ho Chi Minh

Originally, Ho Chi Minh City is called old name as Saigon also, the biggest and most dynamic city of Vietnam; center of economic, culture and education. Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh city is the busiest airport in Vietnam. Start the trip in Saigon is in reverse to start from Hanoi with Vietnam itinerary 2 weeks could be advised as below.

Vietnam itinerary 2 weeks in the south of Vietnam

The first day: Arrive in Saigon, spend the first day for relax after a long flight.

The second day: Use this day to explore Saigon by half day Saigon city tour and going to Cu Chi tunnels – one of the most interesting site for tourists in Vietnam.

Day 3 – 4: You should spend 2 days for Mekong Delta from Saigon, overnight in Can Tho city to experience Cai Rang floating market in early morning might be unforgettable moments.

Vietnam 2 week itinerary in the central area of Vietnam

The fifth day: Take flight to Hue or Da Nang to explore central area of Vietnam. Spend a half day for Hue Imperial Citadel or Hoi An ancient town.

The sixth day: Spend for Hue or Hoi An as the whole day.

The seventh day: Transfer from Hue to Hoi An via Da Nang or vice versa.

The eight day: This day should be free in Hoi An or Hue.

Vietnam in 2 weeks itinerary in the northern Vietnam

The ninth day: Take the flight to Hanoi and starting Hanoi city tour in a half day.

Day 10 – 11: Spend these days for Halong Bay, the must-see destination in the north of Vietnam for everyone.

Day 11 – 13: Spend for Sapa trip or Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, Ba Be Lake and other famous destinations in the northern Vietnam.

The last day: Departure of Vietnam.

The above suggestions is basic itinerary and frequently use for classic or cultural tours, if you like adventure or beach the itinerary should be added various options. Please contact us for more details. Moreover, you could refer here for more Vietnam Itinerary suggestions.

There are several Vietnam itinerary 2 weeks in detail in Vietnam Tours category you could take a look for reference:

• Vietnam Experience – 15 days
• Best Vietnam Tour – 15 days
• Cultural Vietnam Tour – 14 days
• Vietnam Photography Tour – 14 days

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Vietnam beaches in the south

Phu Quoc beaches

Phu Quoc island is called pearl island in Vietnam because it owns many beautiful beaches like paradise, for example Truong beach, Dai beach, Sao beach, Khem beach, Ong Lang beach, Thom beach, Ganh Dau beach…

Phu Quoc is the biggest island in Vietnam and also in Gulf of Thailand including 22 islands, total area is 589.23 km2 nearly Singapore area.

Today, Phu Quoc becomes one of the most interesting place for beaches and relax, attracts more and more visitors from both domestic and international. It also has many high standard hotel and resorts as international level through investment from Vietnamese and international investors.

To go to Phu Quoc, you can choose flights or ferry. There is a lot of flights to and from Phu Quoc and mostly from Ho Chi Minh City. If you go by road, you should start in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and go by bus or car to Kien Giang, take ferry or speed boat to Phu Quoc.

Nha Trang beaches

Nha Trang is well-known with Vietnamese and foreigners also, this place develop for tourism many years ago, from Vietnam War time. Today, Nha Trang beaches still one of the best choice for travelers who like to relax on beaches. There’s various choice for hotels and resorts here from low standard to luxury and easy to book. But Nha Trang is quite commercialized for fastidious travelers after sudden increase of visitors from China and Russia.

Phan Thiet – Mui Ne beaches

Beaches in Phan Thiet is one the best Vietnam beaches, Mui Ne is a district of Phan Thiet city and the core of travel industry here, beaches in Mui Ne and Phan Thiet like Nha Trang beaches but they are less touristic, especially Phan Thiet possesses so marvelous sand dunes and it is a chance for photographers experience here.

Phu Yen beaches

Beaches in Phu Yen province is emerging as the most beautiful and neglected beaches in Vietnam. Phu Yen means peace and harmony, next to Binh Dinh province in the north and Khanh Hoa with Nha Trang beaches in the south. Phu Yen attract visitors by off the beaten track and beautiful beaches, peaceful atmosphere and life. There are must-see beaches in there such as Tuy Hoa beach, Long Thuy beach, Bau beach, Mon beach and other site-seeings include Vung Ro bay, Ghenh Da Dia (the Sea Cliff of Stone Plates)…

At present, Vietnam has flights to depart daily from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Yen. It makes easy for travelers who want to discover beautiful beaches here.

Quy Nhon beaches

Quy Nhon is the metropolis of Binh Dinh province, is so called not only city of poetry but also famous for beautiful city of beaches. If you come here, you seem to stray into paradise with many attractive and neglected beaches. There are some of famous and wonderful beaches you can not skip like Trung (Eggs) beach, Ky Co beach, Xep beach, Kho island, Dai beach, Bang beach..

Additionally, travel service price here is very reasonable, especially for international tourists. Around 20 USD/room/night for 3 star hotels standard, from 5 to 10 USD for meals with seafood and multiple dishes. There is daily flights to Quy Nhon from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh, please contact us for more details.

Vietnam beaches in the central

Hoi An beaches

Hoi An not only owns cultural heritages like Hoi An ancient town or My Son Sanctuary, but also has beautiful beaches for example An Bang beach, Cua Dai beach or Cham island. Among them, An Bang beach stand in the top of 25 beaches in Asia voted by Tripadvisor users. Hoi An travel is a great combination between culture and beach.

Da Nang beaches

Da Nang is located next to Hoi An and also a nice city of beaches. My Khe beach was chosen by Forbes magazine as one of the most beautiful beach in the world with 90 meters coastal line, white sands and blue sea, there are so many luxury and high standard hotels and resorts there to serve even hardest tourists. Additionally Non Nuoc beach, Bac My An beach, Nam O beach, Xuan Thieu beach, Son Tra peninsular are also a good choice to discover.

Nhat Le beach

Nhat Le located in Dong Hoi city – Quang Binh province, affected by tropical monsoon, climate here is divided into 2 seasons: dry and wet. Coming to Nhat Le beach, you will experience beautiful beaches with nice views, golden sands, sapphire blue water sea and still off the beaten. Moreover, you can combine with other travel style in Quang Binh by adventure travel with Phong Nha caves, Son Doong or Tu Lan, En caves, Phong Nha Ke Bang national reserves…

Vietnam beaches in the north

Cua Lo beach

Cua Lo is well-known beach in the north of Vietnam, located in Cua Lo county town – Nghe An province, far from Vinh city 16 km to the northeast. Cua Lo beach has 10 km coastal line with soft slope, white sand as smooth as silk, clean water sea and high salty level. Therefore, Cua Lo is an ideal beach in the northern Vietnam, specially if you go by road from Hanoi or Ninh Binh.

Sam Son beach

Sam Son beach is located in Thanh Hoa province, 170 km far from Hanoi. This is very nice place for Hanoi and northern Vietnam people to spend weekend holidays here, specially in summer. Sam Son also has delicious seafood and is the main seafood provider for Hanoi and other big cities in the north of Vietnam. Coming to here, you not only enjoy beach but also can discover other attractions such as Truong Lac mountain, Ho Dynasty citadel – the world cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO…

Do Son beaches

Located in Hai Phong city and 130 km from Hanoi, you can reach here only around 1.5 hours by car through Hanoi Hai Phong highway. In Do Son, you can experience not only beach, gambling is also good choice here for international visitors, it is not imposing like Ma Cao or Marina Bay in Singapore but a nice place to spend free time at night.

For more information, please refer to:

• Vietnam Beaches Vacation
• Best time to visit Vietnam
• Vietnam Tours 2017
• Holidays in Vietnam

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