Is Vietnam friendly to foreigners?

Is Vietnam a good place to visit for foreigners?

Vietnam? Safe? Well, safer than juggling chainsaws, probably. Though crossing the street can feel like a sport.

Seriously, Vietnam is a fantastic place to visit. The food alone is worth risking mild traffic-induced heart palpitations for. Pho-get about it!

It’s brimming with culture, looks gorgeous (Halong Bay? Come on!), and is generally welcoming. Watch your pockets, though, like anywhere.

Think of it as a sensory explosion wrapped in a history lesson, seasoned with delicious weirdness.

• Safety: Low crime rates, but petty theft happens. Keep your wits about you, like you would…anywhere with tempting wallets.
• Culture: Temples, markets, motorbikes. Oh my! It’s a feast for the eyes and soul, seriously.
• Food: Prepare for a food coma. Banh mi, pho, spring rolls…my diet wept bitter tears of envy.
• Scenery: From rice paddies to beaches, it’s postcard-perfect, seriously beautiful.
• Cost: Budget-friendly. Your wallet will thank you (unless you buy all the silk scarves like me).
• Language: English isn’t everywhere, so learn a few phrases. “Xin chào” goes a long way! Trust me.
• Transportation: Motorbikes are the lifeblood, but maybe start with a taxi. Unless you have a death wish.
• Visas: Check the requirements. Bureaucracy, hooray!
• Health: Tap water? Avoid. Mosquitoes? Prepare for war. Basic precautions, people!

Seriously though, I went in ’23 with my sister (the one who always packs extra socks) and we had a blast. Just…be smart. It’s not rocket science. Oh, and bring bug spray. Lots of it.

Do I need arrival card for Vietnam?

Nope. You’ll need an arrival card. Think of it as Vietnam’s quirky welcome mat – you gotta sign it. It’s not a complicated beast, more like filling out a slightly bossy postcard.

• Passport: Bring it. Duh.
• Visa: Check visa requirements before booking that ridiculously overpriced flight.
• Arrival Card: Complete this. Seriously. It’s less fun than a root canal, but way less painful.

Failing to fill this out is about as smart as wearing socks with sandals. Your entry into this beautiful nation will become a bureaucratic opera of epic proportions. Trust me, I’ve seen it. It’s less romantic than a Bollywood movie. And considerably less enjoyable. Forget your arrival card? Prepare for a delightful game of border-agent-patience-testing. Don’t be that guy.

This year, they’re all over the digital arrival card. Don’t get caught off guard. The forms are pretty straightforward, but the actual process is a bit like navigating a confusing, but very pretty, maze. It adds spice, doesn’t it? My last trip was in April 2023, and even my meticulously planned travels felt a tad chaotic. But hey, adds character, right?

Do I need to carry my passport in Vietnam?

Okay, so like, Vietnam, right? Passport. Yeah, you need it.

I learned that the hard way. Hoi An, 2024, super humid.

I thought “nah, I’m just popping out for banh mi.”

Big mistake. Cop stopped me. Asked for ID. Uh oh.

Had to go back to the hotel. Huge hassle.

Sweating like crazy, explaining myself. Never again!

Seriously, just keep it on you.

• Carry a copy just in case, maybe on your phone.
• Hotel safe is a good option when you’re chilling.
• Separate your documents – passport, visa, driving license. Spread the risk.

And seriously, don’t be like me. Just take the passport. Is worth it.