Vietnam travel guide

【 Latest Vietnam Travel Guide 】What to Expect When Traveling to Vietnam for the Spring Festival

Vietnam travel guide – Spring Festival is the golden period for many people to choose to travel. So, Vietnam is famous for its charming natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and delicious local cuisine. And has become the preferred destination for more and more travelers. Whether you are planning to spend the holiday with your family or looking for a unique cultural experience. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive guide to traveling to Vietnam during the Spring Festival in 2025. Thus, helping you to easily plan an unforgettable trip to Vietnam.

In the following content, we will introduce in detail the Vietnam visa application process, air ticket selection recommendations, local SIM card purchase guide, popular tourist routes, must-visit attractions, food experiences, shopping guides, and accommodation options. In addition, we will also share the precautions during the Spring Festival to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Let’s start this wonderful trip to Vietnam together!

Vietnam Travel Guide – Application Visa

Applying for a Vietnam visa is an important part of your travel preparation. To ensure that your journey goes smoothly, we strongly recommend that you start processing visa matters at least two weeks in advance. The following are several common visa application methods:

Vietnam E-visa:

  • Applicable to tourists from most countries
  • The application process is simple and is usually completed within 3-5 working days. You can apply on the official website or designated third-party platforms.
  • It is recommended to save the electronic and printed versions for future use

Vietnam Visa on arrival (VOA)

  • You need to obtain a visa approval letter in advance
  • After arriving at the Vietnam airport, apply for a visa with the approval letter and required documents
  • Suitable for travelers with tight schedules
  • Note that you may need to pay additional visa fees

Apply for Vietnam e-visa/visa on arrival combo online: https://www.vietnam-visa.in/apply-vietnam-visa/

Vietnam Travel Guide of Apply Embassy Visa 

  • Suitable for travelers with long-term stays or special purposes
  • You need to go to the local embassy or consulate in Vietnam in person to apply for it
  • The processing time is longer, but the visa types are more diverse

It is worth noting that if you plan to travel to Vietnam during the Spring Festival. This is recommended to start preparing for the visa application at least one month in advance. This is because the number of visa applications may surge during the festival and the processing time may be extended. In addition, in an emergency, you may also consider applying for an emergency visa on arrival service, but this may incur additional fees.

No matter which method you choose. Please make sure to read and comply with all application requirements carefully and prepare all required documents to avoid unnecessary delays or visa rejection risks.

Vietnam SIM Card Purchasing Guide

The best Vietnam travel guide for during your trip, having a local SIM card will allow you to easily access the Internet, navigate, and stay in touch with your family and friends. Here is a detailed guide on buying and using SIM cards in Vietnam:

Purchase locations:

  • Airports: most convenient but prices may be higher
  • City mobile phone stores: affordable, but language skills required
  • Convenience stores: limited selection, but simple purchase process
  • Online booking: order in advance and pick up upon arrival, saving time and effort

Major telecom operators:

  • Viettel: widest coverage, best signal
  • Vinaphone: Moderate price, stable service
  • Mobifone: Suitable for short-term travel, with packages for tourists

Package options:

  • Data package: Suitable for tourists who mainly need to access the Internet
  • Call + data package: Suitable for tourists who need to make local calls
  • Tourism package: Usually includes a certain amount of data and call time, suitable for short-term travel

Purchase process:

  • Prepare a passport: You need to show a valid passport when purchasing a SIM card
  • Choose a package: Choose according to your needs Suitable packages
  • Activate SIM card: The store staff will usually help you complete the activation and setup process
  • Test: Make sure the SIM card is working properly before leaving the store

Vietnam travel guide – Tips for use:

  • Make sure your phone is unlocked to use SIM cards from other operators
  • Record important service numbers, such as customer service hotlines and balance inquiry numbers
  • Learn how to check remaining data and package expiration dates
  • Be aware of roaming charges, especially in border areas

Recharge methods:

  • Convenience stores: Available Buy a recharge card or recharge directly
  • Recharge online: Recharge through the operator’s official website or APP
  • Automatic recharge machines: Can be found in some locations in major cities

Special notes:

  • During the Spring Festival, the network in some popular tourist areas may be crowded, affecting the usage experience
  • Consider purchasing a backup power supply to ensure all-weather use
  • In remote areas, signal coverage may not be as good as in urban areas

Buying a suitable SIM card can greatly enhance your travel experience in Vietnam. Choose the most suitable package and operator based on your specific needs and itinerary. Remember that during the Spring Festival, the network in some popular attractions may be crowded, and it is recommended to download offline maps and important information in advance in case of emergency.

Recommended popular tourist routes in Vietnam

Vietnam has rich and diverse tourism resources, from the beautiful mountains and rivers in the north to the tropical scenery in the south, each region has its own unique charm. Here are some popular routes suitable for traveling during the Spring Festival:

Northern Highlights Tour (7-10 days):

  • Hanoi: Explore the history and culture of the thousand-year-old capital
  • Halong Bay: Enjoy the magnificent scenery of the world’s natural heritage
  • Sapa: Experience the culture of northern Vietnam and the beauty of terraced fields

Suggested itinerary:

  • Day 1-3: Hanoi city sightseeing
  • Day 4-5: Halong Bay cruise
  • Day 6-7: Sapa hiking and cultural experience
  • Day 8-10: Return to Hanoi, in-depth sightseeing or shopping

Central Cultural Tour (5-7 days):

  • Da Nang City: Modern coastal city
  • Hoi An: Ancient world cultural heritage town
  • Hue City: The last dynasty of Vietnam The capital of Vietnam

Recommended itinerary:

  • Day 1-2: Sightseeing in Da Nang and relaxing on the beach
  • Day 3-4: In-depth tour of Hoi An Ancient Town
  • Day 5-6: Hue Imperial City and surrounding attractions
  • Day 7: Return to Da Nang

Southern leisure trip (6-8 days):

  • Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam’s largest city, full of vitality
  • Mui Ne: A famous seaside resort
  • Da Lat City: A highland city is known as “Little Paris”

Recommended itinerary:

  • Day 1-3: Sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City
  • Day 4-5: Mui Ne beach resort
  • Day 6-7: Sightseeing in Da Lat
  • Day 8: Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam travel guide – Mekong Delta trip (3-4 days):

  • Can be used as a base for the Ho Chi Minh City Extension of the Chi Minh City itinerary
  • Experience the unique floating market culture
  • Explore tropical orchards and traditional villages

Suggested itinerary:

  • Day 1: Depart from Ho Chi Minh City and visit the floating market
  • Days 2-3: Go deep into the Mekong Delta and experience local life
  • Day 4: Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam Panoramic Tour (14-16 days):

  • Combining the essence of the above routes
  • Travel across Vietnam from north to south and experience diverse scenery and culture

Suggested itinerary:

  • Days 1-4: Hanoi and surrounding areas
  • Days 5-6: Halong Bay
  • Days 7-9: Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue
  • Days 10-12: Ho Chi Minh City
  • Days 13-14: Mui Ne or Mekong Delta
  • Day 15-16: Return to Ho Chi Minh City and prepare for the return trip

When choosing these routes during the Spring Festival, you need to pay attention to the following points:

  • Book in advance: Spring Festival is the peak travel season in Vietnam. It is recommended to book flights and accommodation 3-6 months in advance.
  • Flexible arrangements: Consider possible weather changes and traffic flow, and maintain a certain degree of flexibility in the itinerary
  • Respect local customs: During the Spring Festival, some attractions may have special opening hours or activities.
  • Transportation preparation: Traffic may be more crowded during the Spring Festival. It is recommended to reserve sufficient time.

No matter which route you choose, you can experience the unique cultural charm and natural scenery of Vietnam. Depending on your interests and time arrangements, choose the most suitable route, I believe that your Spring Festival trip will be full of unforgettable memories.

Vietnamese Food Experience Guide

Vietnamese food is famous for its freshness, healthiness, and unique flavor. If you visit Vietnam during the Spring Festival. You will have the opportunity to taste a variety of traditional foods and festive specialties. Here is a detailed guide to experience Vietnamese food:

Pho:

  • One of Vietnam’s most famous dishes
  • Features: Light soup base with fresh rice noodles, meat and herbs
  • Recommended places to try:
    • Hanoi: Pho Gia Truyen
    • Ho Chi Minh City: Pho Hoa Pasteur

Spring Roll (Goi Cuon):

  • Fresh rice paper rolls with shrimp, pork, vegetables, and rice noodles
  • Features: Refreshing and delicious, served with special sauce
  • Recommended places to try:
    • Hoi An: Morning Glory Restaurant
    • Hanoi: Quan An Ngon

French Bread (Banh Mi):

  • A unique sandwich that combines French bread with local Vietnamese ingredients
  • Features: Crispy bread on the outside and soft bread on the inside, with a variety of meats, vegetables and seasonings
  • Recommended places to try:
    • Ho Chi Minh City: Banh Mi Huynh Hoa
    • Hoi An: Madam Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen

Vietnamese Coffee (Ca Phe):

  • Unique and rich flavor, often with condensed milk
  • Features: Slowly dripped using a special filter
  • Recommended places to try:
    • Hanoi: Giang Cafe (the origin of egg coffee)
    • Da Nang: Hoi An Roastery

Vietnam travel guide – Some Note

Some restaurants may be closed during the Spring Festival, so it is recommended to check the business hours in advance. Popular restaurants may need to be booked in advance, especially during the Spring Festival

When trying street food, choose stalls with better hygiene conditions. There may be special holiday menus during the Spring Festival, so you may want to try them. Vietnamese food is rich and diverse, and each region has its own unique flavor. I hope this food guide can help you fully enjoy Vietnam’s food culture during the Spring Festival and leave unforgettable taste buds memories.

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