Vietnam Travel Essentials: Here is Your Ultimate Vietnam Travel Checklist (with a Free Printable)
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You’re going to Vietnam! Excellent!
Vietnam has a lot to offer, from the busy city streets of Ho Chi Minh City, to the rice paddies of northern areas, or the beaches of Phu Quoc, it quite literally has something for everyone. And, It’s been getting more and more popular every year.
Planning a Vietnam trip can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time visiting a new country
I’ve been telling friends and family members and strangers on the internet what to do in Vietnam for the last decade. Making Vietnam vacation plans is my favorite thing to do, and I’m good at it! I also realize just how handy a straightforward guide could be, especially for newcomers.
Whether it’s your first trip or you’re coming back for more, flip through this guide to make sure you don’t miss out on anything cool. I’ve got everything covered – from the pre trip planning all the way to ending you’re trip. I want to make sure your visit to Vietnam is as awesome as it should be!
If you want all of this in a downloadable checklist –> Get it here
This is a giant list of 42 steps for planning your trip to Vietnam. Use the table of contents below to pick and choose what works best for you.
Before Booking Your Trip
1. Check Visa Requirements
Most people need a visa to get into Vietnam. If you are from one of these ASEAN or European countries, then you are visa-exempt. This means you DO NOT need to apply for a visa ahead of time, you can just show up.
ASEAN Countries: Citizens from most ASEAN countries can enter Vietnam without a visa for varying periods ranging from 14 to 30 days. For example, Thai and Singaporean citizens can stay visa-free for up to 30 days. Here is a list of Visa Exemptions for ASEAN Countries.
European Countries: Travelers from certain European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, can enter without a visa for stays of up to 15 days. Here is a list of Visa Exemptions for European Countries.
Luckily, for most of us that do need a visa, you can apply for an e-visa and get it approved in just a few days.
If you are from one of these 80 countries, you can get this e-visa through an online application process. This is your easiest way to get a visa. It is valid for a maximum of 90 days, and you can get a single entry or multiple entry option.
- Single Entry = $25
- Multiple Entry = $50
I have a whole article that outlines the visa process, including what to do if you need an emergency visa. Read it here
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2. Check Your Passport
Make sure you have a valid passport with at least six months remaining before it expires on your date of arrival in Vietnam, otherwise, you risk not being allowed to enter Vietnam on arrival. You also need at least 2 full blank pages free in your passport. If you don’t have either of those things, get a new passport ASAP.
3. Set Flight Alerts
If you have specific dates, or if your schedule is more flexible, set up flight alerts in Google. You should also sign up for a flight deal service such as Going or X, to get updates on flight deals to Vietnam.
5. Book Travel Insurance for Vietnam
Look into your travel insurance options for Vietnam. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, pregnancy or other reasons which could make it difficult to get travel insurance, the sooner you do it, the better.
Travel insurance is essential for a long trip, especially in countries with humid weather where risks of dengue fever, insect bites, or unexpected illnesses can be higher. My recommended travel insurance providers are as follows:
I recommend that you check out Travel Insurance Master, which provides comparisons of a large selection of travel insurance products to help you find the one which suits you best.
I have a full article breaking down and reviewing the best options for travel insurance to Vietnam. Read it here
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5. Get Inspired → Read Books, Watch Movies, Read Articles
Nothing quite like reading a book or watching a movie about a place you are going to visit, or have visited. Before you set foot in Vietnam, immerse yourself in its stories. Read some books and watch some movies that capture the essence of Vietnam’s culture and history.
For a start, books like “The Quiet American” by Graham Greene or “The Mountains Sing” give you a taste of Vietnam’s complex past and present.
Movies like “The Scent of Green Papaya” and “Indochine” offer visual feasts that bring the scenery and spirit of Vietnam to life.
Don’t stop at just books and films—read articles and travel blogs that highlight must-see spots. These will help you with the next step of your pre departure plan!
6. Make a General Itinerary Outline
This is the most fun part – time to start planning!
- Get Ideas → Use Pinterest, Instagram, blogs, and books to start getting some ideas of what you will want to do/see. If this trip is far in the future, just creating a Pinterest board, an Instagram saved album, or a Google Doc with links to websites is a good start!
- Consider the time of year you are going and how the weather may (or may not) affect your travel plans.
- Look at some of the example itineraries I have on Gone to Vietnam
7. Start Learning some Basic Vietnamese
Use an app like DuoLingo to start learning some basic Vietnamese. This isn’t a necessary step, but just knowing a few important things like numbers, food, haggling keywords, and directions can go a long way. Here are a few Youtube Videos that are entertaining and helpful to learn some key phrases:
Ready to Book Your Trip to Vietnam
You have checked your passport and visa requirements, pinterest-ed to your heart’s desire, watched Forrest Gump again, and saved countless reels on Instagram. You have requested time off from work, and all systems are go.
Now you are ready to book your trip. Here are the things you need to do during this phase of your trip planning.
8. Book Flights
Since you hopefully set some flight alerts while you were in the pre-planning stages of your trip, you have an idea of the best time for you to fly. Getting to Vietnam isn’t super easy, and for a lot of travelers this will be a long journey. If you are coming from the US, anticipate anywhere from 18-36 hours of travel to get to Vietnam (depending on where you are coming from and your budget).
Everyone books flights differently, so I am not going to tell you how to go about doing that. If you want to see the way I book flights – you can check that article out here.
My go-to ways to book flights:
- Search using Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kiwi
- Book direct with the airline
Once you have your international flights set, go ahead and book any domestic flights. The domestic airlines in Vietnam are:
- Vietnam Airlines
- VietJet
- Bamboo Airlines
Most domestic flights are affordable, you might be surprised to see that a flight from Hanoi to Da Nang only costs $40! This means if you are short on time, you can fly between cities and not have to worry about buses or trains.
9. Apply for Your Vietnam Visa
Once you have your flights set, you can now apply for your visa. Visas typically get approved within 3-5 days, but the sooner it is sorted the better!
Click here to apply for your Vietnam E-Visa (this is the OFFICIAL government website)
10. Plan Your Vietnam Itinerary
Take that initial brainstorming list and start to make some concrete plans. I have tons of ideas on how to structure your time in Vietnam. This whole page is dedicated to different length itineraries + itineraries for different interests.
For me, this is the most fun part of travel planning, but I get that it isn’t the most fun for a lot of people. That is why I have many ways I can help and support you in this! Click any of the links below to learn more:
- Vietnam Travel Planning Guide
- Hanoi Itineraries
- Custom Vietnam Itinerary Planning Services
11. Book Your Accommodation for Vietnam
Truth be told, I have never, ever had a problem booking accommodation in Vietnam. I often find myself deciding to fly to Da Nang for the weekend and booking a hotel the day of. That said, it is smart to book your hotels once you have your flights and your itinerary set. Prices will likely be cheaper than waiting until the last minute.
If you are traveling at a peak time for Vietnamese holidays, it is definitely smart to book as early as possible. Or if you have your eye set on a particular hotel – The Intercontinental Da Nang, perhaps – then book early!
If you book a cancel-able hotel, then you can always change if you change your mind or itinerary!
I book all of my Vietnam accommodation on Booking.com
12. Book Travel Insurance for Vietnam
Time to book your travel insurance. Do this when you book your flights, as your policy will give you coverage in case you need to cancel your flights. My recommended travel insurance providers are as follows:
I recommend that you check out Travel Insurance Master, which provides comparisons of a large selection of travel insurance products to help you find the one which suits you best.
I have a full article breaking down and reviewing the best options for travel insurance to Vietnam. Read it here.
13. Review Vaccination Requirements
Now is a good time to review your vaccination status, and get any boosters and other recommended vaccinations for your trip. Some vaccinations can require multiple injections to complete the vaccination program so do this early. The US Center for Disease Control has a list of recommended vaccinations for Vietnam
** Note —> I am not one to get unnecessary vaccines. However, I do recommend you make sure you have the important ones. I once got bit by a cat here and didn’t have the rabies vaccine so had to go to the hospital every week for 5 weeks to get rabies shots. Not fun.
One Month Prior to Departure
The logistics are now set. You know when you are arriving and leaving. You have a general itinerary (or perhaps you had me plan your trip). Your visa is sorted. Your accommodations are booked. Now it is the waiting game until about a month before you depart.
14. Book Tours
If you are planning on going on any tours or have any specific experiences you want, now is the time to book them. I typically use Get Your Guide to book any tours.
15. Book Transportation Between Cities/Airport
If your itinerary includes any transportation between cities that does not involve flying (those should be booked already) now is the time to sort your transport. Pre-planning an airport transfer for your arrival is always a nice welcome. Here are some resources below on sorting out your transportation options:
16. Read Government Travel Advisories and Register for Updates
Read your government travel advisories for Vietnam, and subscribe to receive updates. If you are a US Citizen this is the STEP program, it just alerts the government that you are traveling in Vietnam and will send you any necessary updates.
I also will say to pay attention to these, but realize these government alerts err on the side of extra cautiousness. For example, the Canada travel advisory says to take extra precaution in Vietnam due to petty crime. But this is literally the case anywhere.
Here are the links to the Vietnam travel advisories from the USA, Canada, UK and Australia. For other countries, search on Google to find your own government information.
17. Review Vietnam Packing List
Check out this post for what to pack when you come to Vietnam. One month prior is not exactly packing time, yet. But it is a good idea to see if there is anything you need to purchase before you start packing.
18. Get a Good Suitcase & Packing Cubes
Packing all of the essentials is good only if they make it to your destination! I highly recommend using hard case luggage. More secure and can take a beating! I also recommend using packing cubes to organize your stuff. Make sure to have good luggage to get you and your belongings all the way.
19. Sort out any Prescription Medications
If you take any medication, make sure you have enough to bring with you for the duration of your trip. Use this month prior to departure to get any necessary refills. This goes for contact lenses also!
Two Weeks Prior
Now it is getting close, and it is time to start getting even more excited. With two weeks to go until wheels up to Vietnam, it’s time to start honing in on the little details of what you need.
These final bits and pieces can be done anytime in the final two weeks to your trip. I find that I tend to leave things until the last minute, then spend my last day before my trip scrambling to get stuff done. Don’t be me! Use this checklist to help you plan correctly.
21. Finalize Your Phone Data Options
While there is decent WiFi in most places around Vietnam, it is best to have a connection. Use this time to review and decide if you are going to use your existing phone plan’s international roaming plan (it might be expensive!) or if you will get a local sim card.
I fully recommend getting an eSIM card that way you are off the ground and running immediately upon arrival. Airlao is my go-to esim provider always, but you can also order through Klook, which often has flash deals.
Here’s a complete guide to the best Vietnamese SIM cards for your trip to Vietnam.
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22. Review Flight Details
Review your flight details, as they might have changed since you booked! Set up any flight alerts/emails/texts so you are always informed. You can use a separate app/service to organize all of your tickets and bookings. Lots of people like to use Tripit. I just use my Google Calendar.
I would also download the airline’s mobile app. Often you can track your bags and get real time updates through this.
23. Plan Airport Pick-up/Drop Off from Home
It seems trivial, but figure out how you are going to get from your house to the airport on either end of your trip. Are you going to have a friend/family member drive you? Are you going to call an uber? Are you driving yourself and park at the airport?
I would weigh all of the options and make a budget plan to see which one makes the most sense for you!
24. Load Vietnam Apps onto Your Phone
Put all of the apps you might want to use while in Vietnam onto your phone. Here is a detailed article on the most useful apps to have when traveling in Vietnam.
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25. Contact Your Bank/Credit Cards
Let your bank and credit card companies know that you will be traveling in Vietnam. This will avoid any surprising credit card holds once you get to Vietnam.
1 Week – Days to Go
The final bits and pieces need to get done before you hit the road! I recommend NOT saving everything until the last minute. Use this final week to make sure you are totally set for your trip!
26. Pack
You’ve already reviewed the packing list, and you know what you’re bringing. Now it is time to put it all together. I recommend using packing cubes to organize your clothes. Make sure you check the weather – don’t show up in northern Vietnam in January with shorts and t-shirts!
- Vietnam Weather
- Vietnam Packing List
27. Finalize Any Bookings
Double check all of your bookings – hotels, transportation, activities, etc. Make sure the dates are set and no schedules have been changed.
28. Take Photos of Documents & Baggage
Take pictures of any important documents. I always have a picture of my passport, driver’s license, and visa saved on my phone. I also always take a picture of my luggage, just in case it gets lost.
29. Get Cash
If you managed to get your hands on some Vietnamese money before entering the country – awesome! It isn’t necessary though, as there will be ATMs as soon as you land. I always make sure I have some cash with me (typically USD or euros). Something that can be exchanged easily, just in case!
Important Logistics that Often Get Overlooked
You’re fully prepped and ready to go to Vietnam. Now, a few things to get done before you leave. These are some tips that you can follow no matter where you are going on vacation.
30. Hold Your Mail
Contact your local postal service and put your mail on hold so it isn’t piling up in your mailbox.
31. Set an Email Auto Responder
You’re going on vacation! If you can ignore work emails – set up a responder email so you’re not worried about checking work emails.
32. Share Your Itinerary
Give someone at home your itinerary and the names of the hotels you are staying at. It is just nice for others to know where and what you are doing. This is particularly important if you’re traveling on your own.
33. Make a Plane Plan
Make sure you have things to do on the airplane – for most of us, it’s a long haul to get to Vietnam! Load up your devices with movies/books/podcasts. Bring food if you don’t want to eat the plane food. Think about how and when you are going to sleep.
34. Turn on Find My Friends App
If traveling with friends, turn on the Find My Friends App and share your location with each other. Particularly helpful if you all lose each other!
Tips for the Plane
Flying to Vietnam is likely going to be a long haul flight for many of you. Just a couple of practical tips for the many hours you will be spending on planes and in airports. Some of these tips might seem like common sense, but if you have never been on a long flight before…you might not know!
35. Wear Comfy, Breathable Clothing
You want to wear clothes that you can sleep in and move around in. Now is not the time for heels and a cute jumpsuit. Clothing with tags, zippers, or outfits that are too tight or loose will not be enjoyable to hang out in all day. I also recommend bringing an extra pair of clothing. Just in case bags get lost, or you want to refresh yourself.
36. Consider Wearing Compression Socks
If you are someone that has poor circulation, or have ever had an issue with blood clots then compression socks are necessary. If that isn’t you, you might still want to wear some! I always wear compression socks on flights that are 8+ hours long. I find that it lessens the swelling in my legs, and makes me just feel better when I get off the plane.
37. Bring Something Warm
Planes can get cold. Make sure you have a long sleeve shirt or sweatshirt. Even if it is summer where you are going/coming from! This can also double as a pillow.
38. Bring Things to Do
Yes, your flight will have a tv loaded with movies, but maybe you don’t want to watch movies the whole time or maybe you won’t like anything! Load your own ipad/computer with movies (if you don’t think you’ll like what’s on the plane), get books on your kindle, download podcasts and music on your phone, etc.
39. Bring a Water Bottle
This is on your packing list anyway, but have a travel water bottle you can fill after security in the airport. The plane will have water to give you, but it is always nice to have your own.
40. Hydrate
Drink a lot of water, but not so much that you have to pee every hour. Yes, getting up to pee and walking around is good, but you don’t want to be climbing over your seat mates 10 times during the flight because you have to go to the bathroom!
41. Move Your Body
Get up and move every few hours. The more you move the better to keep that blood flowing, however I am someone that doesn’t love doing this. I am a window seat gal and I don’t like climbing over people. I will get up a couple of times, but I will do some seat yoga in my seat to make sure my body is moving.
42. Make a Plane Plan
This is my most important piece of advice. Make a plan for how you are going to spend the time on the plane. This often makes things go by more quickly. I typically fly from Vietnam to the USA via Tokyo. And know that my longest flight will be 12 hours. I arrange my plan like so:
- Hours 0 – 3: Eat the meal served + Watch a movie
- Hours 3 – 10: Sleep (I take a sleeping pill and sleep for a solid 7 hours)
- Hours 10 – 12: Eat the meal served + read
Your schedule might look different depending on how you are able to sleep or not on a plane. Maybe you want to use the whole time to get work done or have a movie marathon or talk to your travel partner. Up to you! But make a plan!
If you follow the steps on this checklist, you will be as prepared as possible for your trip to Vietnam!
Obviously, things might happen that you don’t anticipate. Or maybe a few of the steps don’t apply to you. Use what is helpful, and you will be as set as possible!
Vietnam is an amazing place to visit, I wish you the best!
