“How to Prepare Your Trip to Vietnam”

1. Flight and Transportation Budget

I knew that one of the biggest expenses would be the plane ticket. After doing several comparisons on sites like Skyscanner and Google Flights, I finally found a return flight to Hanoi for around €600 from Paris, but it can vary between €500 and €900, depending on the season and the airlines.

Once I arrived in Hanoi, I had to find a means of local transportation. I quickly discovered that Grab (an Uber-like application) was extremely affordable and convenient. A trip within the city costs between €1 and €3, and for longer distances, it is also possible to rent scooters for around €6-10 per day.

2. Visa: How to get it?

Getting my visa for Vietnam was relatively simple. I opted for the electronic visa (e-visa), which costs around €23 for a 30-day period, renewable. I applied online on the official website of the Vietnamese government and received my visa by email in less than 3 days. It is also possible to obtain a visa for a longer period or for multiple entries via embassies.

3. Must-Sees in Hanoi

My first month in Hanoi was dedicated to discovering the city's must-sees. Here are my favorites:

• The Old Quarter (Hoàn Kiếm): Getting lost in the alleys of the Old Quarter is an experience in itself. I loved strolling around Hoàn Kiếm Lake, where locals come to do tai chi in the morning.

• The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: A moving visit and a dive into the history of Vietnam. Be careful to follow a few simple rules: correct dress (covered shoulders and knees, tank tops, shorts and skirts above the knee are not allowed), arms at your sides (no hands in pockets), no large bags or cameras, silence...

• The Temple of Literature: A calm place full of history, one of the oldest and most beautiful temples in Hanoï.

4. Eating Out: Where to Eat?

Vietnam is a culinary paradise, and eating out here is cheap. Here are my favorite experiences:

• Street stalls: For only €1-2, you can enjoy a pho (noodle soup) or a banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich). Each street corner has its own culinary charm.

• Local restaurants: A full meal with starter, main course and drink costs between €3-10 in simple but delicious restaurants.

• Dining in more upscale restaurants: If you want to try more refined cuisine, Hanoi's high-end restaurants offer meals around €20-30.

5. Drink and Party

Hanoi has a vibrant nightlife:

• Bia Hoi Corner (in the Old Quarter) is the perfect place to drink a local beer for less than €0.50 a glass! The atmosphere is very friendly, especially in the evening.

• Rooftop cocktail bars are also a great option to enjoy spectacular views of the city, with cocktails around €5-7.

• Hanoi's party scene is lively, but it calms down relatively early, as the authorities often close bars around midnight, especially in residential areas.

6. Shopping: What to Bring Back from Vietnam?

Shopping in Hanoi is an adventure. Here’s what I learned while exploring the local markets and shops:

• Dong Xuan Market: Great for buying cheap souvenirs like lanterns, silk, and traditional clothing.

• Silk: A must-visit is Van Phuc Village, a few kilometers outside of Hanoi, for high-quality silk.

• Handicrafts: Vietnam is known for its lacquerware and wood carvings.

7. Outdoors and Nature

Hanoi offers many outdoor getaways to recharge your batteries:

• West Lake: One of my favorite places for a leisurely stroll or bike ride.

• Ba Vi Park: About 60 km from Hanoi, this is a perfect getaway for a hike in the mountains, with stunning views of the surrounding nature.

8. Architecture and Cultura

Visits The colonial architecture and temples of Hanoi fascinated me:

• The Temple of Literature is a jewel of ancient architecture. It was Vietnam's first university and a place of great spirituality.

• Saint-Joseph Cathedral: Inspired by Notre-Dame de Paris, this cathedral stands majestically in the Old Quarter. The Ho

• Chi Minh Battery House: A unique historical place that reflects the simplicity of the president's life.

9. Museums and Art Galleries

Vietnam has a rich history and a vibrant art scene:

• The Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts: I discovered superb collections of traditional Vietnamese art.

• The Military History Museum: Fascinating for understanding the tumultuous history of Vietnam, especially through the War of Independence.

10. Temples, Sanctuaries and Palaces

I often found myself exploring the city's peaceful temples and shrines. Must-see places include:

• The One Pillar Pagoda: One of the country's most iconic pagodas, which appears to float above water.

• Tran Quoc Pagoda: Located on a small island in the middle of the West Lake, it is one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam.

11. Traveling with Children

Hanoi is a family-friendly city. Here’s what I learned from talking to local and expat families:

• The Hanoi Botanical Garden: A beautiful green space where children can run and play.

• Ho Tay AmusementPark: A small amusement park on the banks of the West Lake, with rides and games for children.

12. Free Visits and Activities

Even on a small budget, there is plenty to do for free in Hanoi:

• Hoàn Kiếm Lake: I love coming here early in the morning, when the locals do tai chi. Walking around the lake is one of my favorite activities.

• Local markets: Strolling through the markets is always an enriching experience, and it costs nothing to observe daily life. Exploring the temples: Many temples are free or require a small voluntary donation.

13. The Basics

Beforeleaving, I had to prepare myself to immerse myself in Vietnamese life:

• Money: Vietnam operates in Vietnamese dong (VND). I often had to withdraw money because small businesses don't accept cards.

• Phone and Internet: I bought a local SIM card for around €5 with 10 GB of internet.

14. The Neighborhoods of Hanoi

Each district of Hanoi has its own atmosphere. Here are the ones I explored in depth:

• Hoan Kiem: The historic heart with the Old Quarter, perfect for getting lost in the alleys. Tay Ho (West Lake): Expatriate neighborhood, quieter and greener, with many restaurants and cafes by the lake.

• Ba Dinh: The government district, where the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and many embassies are located.

FAQ: How to properly prepare for your trip to Vietnam?

Before departure

What documents are required to travel to Vietnam?

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months after the expected return date.

• Visa: Mandatory for stays of more than 15 days. Find out about the formalities in force at the Vietnamese embassy in your country.

• Travel insurance: Covers medical expenses, repatriation and loss of baggage.

When is the best time to visit Vietnam?

The dry season, from November to April, is generally preferred to avoid monsoons and enjoy a pleasant climate. However, each region has its own climatic specificities.

What vaccinations are recommended?

It is advisable to consult your doctor to find out the recommended vaccinations according to your itinerary. Hepatitis A is often recommended.

On site

How to get around Vietnam?

• Plane: For long distances between major cities.

• Train: Comfortable and economical for longer journeys.

• Bus: Cheaper, but longer.

• Motorbike: Very popular, but requires good driving skills and proper insurance.

What is the local currency?

The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the official currency. It is advisable to exchange money upon arrival in Vietnam to get a better rate.

What are the must-see places to visit in Vietnam?

• Hanoi: The historic capital with its old town and Hoan Kiem Lake.

• Halong Bay: A landscape of thousands of limestone islands.

• Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam's most dynamic city with its many museums and pagodas.

• Hoi An: An ancient port city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Sapa: A mountainous region with rice terraces and ethnic villages.