Essential Tips and Guidance for Exploring Vietnam While Backpacking
Vietnam, the 'land of the ascending dragon', is a captivating destination that offers a rich cultural experience, stunning landscapes, and delectable cuisine. Here's a guide for UK travelers to help navigate the essentials of visiting this Southeast Asian gem.
Visa Information
Under the current visa exemption policy, effective from March 15, 2025, through March 14, 2028, travelers from the UK can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days (source: 1). This visa-free entry applies to all passport types and covers tourism, business, or family visits, with no mandatory waiting period between multiple visa-free visits.
For stays longer than 45 days, UK nationals need to apply for an electronic visa (e-visa), which allows stays of up to 90 days and can be single or multiple entry. The e-visa application is done online through Vietnam's official portals: https://evisa.gov.vn or https://thithucdientu.gov.vn (source: 2).
Weather and Climate
Vietnam has three different weather systems, each with distinct seasons. The Mountainous Far North (Sapa) experiences cold winters, with December and January being particularly chilly. Rainy season occurs from April to September. The dry season runs from November to April/May, with the end of the season being slightly hotter and more humid.
North Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh) experiences cool and dry weather from November to April, while May to October is hot and humid with the highest rainfall. In contrast, South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc) has relatively constant high temperatures throughout the year, with the dry season running from November to April/May. October to November is typhoon season, and the rest of the year is rainy season, with June to August being the wettest months.
Exploring Vietnam's Culinary Delights
Food enthusiasts will find plenty to savour in Vietnam. The Hanoi Night Lights and Food Tour and the Hoi An Motorbike Food Tour are highly recommended for an immersive culinary experience (source: 3).
Practical Tips
- Tipping isn't expected in Vietnam but is appreciated, with a rough guide provided for tips in hotels, restaurants, guides, taxis, and bars.
- The currency in Vietnam is Dong (VND), with Visa cards widely accepted and most ATMs offering free withdrawals.
- The most common electricity voltage in Vietnam is 220V, 50 cycles, with plug types A, C, and G in use, but Type C (European two-prong plug style) being the most common. A World Adapter with USB from SKROSS is recommended for flexibility when traveling to Vietnam.
Notable Attractions
Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the northeast of the country, is a must-see, with thousands of towering limestone islands in the emerald waters. Sapa, in the far north of Vietnam, is a must for nature-loving backpackers, with opportunities for hiking amongst rice terraces and homestays in Hmong villages.
During the Vietnamese New Year's festival of Tet, transport and hotels can be sold out weeks in advance, prices rise, and it seems the whole country is on the move. Visitors should plan accordingly if they wish to experience this vibrant celebration.
This policy aims to facilitate tourism, business, and family visits while providing flexible options for longer stays (source: 1). Enjoy your journey through Vietnam, the 'land of the ascending dragon'!
- For UK travelers heading to Vietnam, visas are no longer required for stays up to 45 days, making it easier to explore this Southeast Asian destination from March 15, 2025, to March 14, 2028, without a visa (source: 1).
- For stays exceeding 45 days,apply for an electronic visa (e-visa) via Vietnam's official portals: https://evisa.gov.vn or https://thithucdientu.gov.vn (source: 2).
- While in Vietnam, immerse yourself in its captivating culture by navigating the rich culinary offerings, with guided tours in Hanoi and Hoi An providing unforgettable experiences (source: 3).
- As a helpful tip, you may find that tipping isn't expected but is appreciated, and a rough guide for tipping in hotels, restaurants, guides, taxis, and bars is available (source: discussed earlier).
- When planning a trip to Vietnam, be aware that during the Vietnamese New Year's festival of Tet, transportation and hotels can get booked out weeks in advance, so adjust your travel dates accordingly to fully embrace this vibrant celebration (source: 1).
