First Trip to Vietnam: What to Prepare Before You Go

Start with how many days you plan to stay and whether you will leave Vietnam and return. Vietnam e-Visa official portal states that Vietnam e-visa is issued electronically by the Immigration Department, is valid for a maximum of 90 days, and can be single or multiple entry. Vietnam.travel official e-visa guide also says e-visa is available to citizens of all countries and territories and lists eligible air, land, and sea entry points.

If you are a Russian citizen visiting as a tourist for a shorter stay, check the visa-free scenario separately. The Russian-language VietnamSpot visa-free Vietnam guide guide is useful for understanding the 45-day visa-free entry for Russians, but final decisions should be based on official Vietnamese rules, your airline, and your exact passport. Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Georgia, and other CIS passports may have different rules, so do not copy the Russian scenario.

Vietnam Immigration e-visa application instructions describes the e-visa process: upload passport data page and portrait, pay the fee, then check the result with registration code, email, and date of birth. It also gives a processing reference of 3 working days, fees of $25 for single-entry and $50 for multiple-entry, and warns that missing, incorrect, or unclear information can prevent acceptance.

For a first trip, do not apply at the last minute. Errors in name, passport number, dates, entry point, or single versus multiple entry can ruin the flight. Save the visa PDF on your phone and cloud, print a copy, and check the entry port: Cam Ranh, Da Nang, Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Phu Quoc, or another point should match the route.

GOV.UK Vietnam entry requirements gives a useful universal checklist even for non-UK travelers: passport validity at least 6 months after arrival, at least 2 blank pages, same passport for entry and exit, and checking the stamp and exit date at border control. This matters especially for dual nationals and travelers with connections.

For the first arrival, have confirmed accommodation for at least 1-2 nights and the address in Vietnamese. Do not assume a driver, immigration officer, or SIM counter will understand the Russian or English name of an apartment. Save the address as text, map pin, accommodation phone number, and booking screenshot.

If you arrive in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi and then take a domestic flight, keep a time buffer. GOV.UK Vietnam entry requirements notes that when transferring from an international flight to a domestic flight in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you must go through immigration and enter Vietnam even if your final destination is elsewhere. That means passport control, baggage, re-check-in, and possibly a terminal change.

For Nha Trang, remember that the airport is Cam Ranh, not the city center. For Da Nang, the airport is close to the city, but going straight to Hoi An is a separate transfer. Late arrival with luggage is not the moment to figure transport out from scratch.

Cards work in hotels, malls, larger restaurants, and apps, but small cafes, markets, taxis, laundry, bike rental, and local services often work better with VND cash. For a first trip you do not need a suitcase of cash; you need a reserve: card, some USD/EUR or another liquid currency, a small VND amount after arrival, and a plan for more cash.

GOV.UK Vietnam entry requirements gives cash declaration thresholds: more than 15 million VND or 5,000 USD, or the equivalent in another currency, must be declared. If you bring a larger amount for a long trip, treatment, or relocation, check the rules before travel and do not hide money to move faster.

For Russian and some Russian-speaking travelers, bank cards need special attention. Before departure, check whether your card works abroad, whether you have a backup payment method, whether cash withdrawal is possible, which bank charges fees, and whether your bank may block foreign transactions. Do not arrive with one card and no cash reserve.

Your first exchange does not need the perfect rate. It needs to give you enough VND for SIM, taxi, water, food, and small expenses. Do larger exchange calmly after check-in, checking rate, notes, and fees. With VND notes, pay attention to 10,000, 100,000, 200,000, and 500,000: first-time visitors often misread the zeros.

You need mobile data immediately: to book a ride, message accommodation, open a map, show e-visa, translate an address, and contact insurance. You can set up eSIM before arrival or buy a SIM at the airport or in the city, but do not leave this unplanned if arriving late.

Before flying, install at least: Google Maps or another map app, translator with Vietnamese offline pack, Grab, Xanh SM, Maxim or inDrive, banking app, insurance app, and the messenger you use with accommodation. For Nha Trang or Da Nang, save the first accommodation address and route.

Create an offline folder: passport, e-visa or entry basis, insurance, flights, accommodation booking, addresses, contacts, prescription copy, bank contacts, and card notes without full card numbers. Do not keep everything only on one unlocked phone.

Vietnam insurance should cover the real trip, not just generic “medical expenses abroad”: private clinics, hospitalization, evacuation, scooter or motorbike as driver or passenger, activities, chronic conditions, alcohol exclusions, and 24/7 insurer contact.

CDC Vietnam traveler health view recommends checking vaccines and considering risks such as dengue, measles, heat, insect bites, food, and water; Vietnam.travel health and safety also mentions traveller’s diarrhoea and basic preparation. This does not make Vietnam dangerous, but insurance and a small medical kit should be ready before departure.

If you bring prescription medication, keep it in hand luggage with packaging and a prescription or note. GOV.UK Vietnam entry requirements says prescription medication should be carried with a copy of the prescription, and a customs declaration may be needed if total import value exceeds 100 USD. Check controlled medications before travel.

Vietnam.travel weather and climate explains the key point: Vietnam does not have one countrywide season; weather differs strongly by region. For a first trip, “good season in Vietnam” means little without the city and month.

Nha Trang often works for beach trips in months when northern or central cities may be less ideal, but September to December can bring rain and sea conditions. Da Nang and Hoi An are sensitive to the central rainy season, Hanoi can be unexpectedly cool in winter, and Ho Chi Minh City is hot most of the year with a wet season. Do not pack only beach clothes if your route includes the north or mountains.

A practical set: light clothes, raincoat or compact umbrella, shoes that work on wet sidewalks, sunscreen, hat, light layer for buses/flights/air conditioning, and one first-day outfit in hand luggage.

Arrival day should not be a quest. A good maximum after landing: immigration, baggage, mobile data, small VND amount, transport to accommodation, check-in, water, food, and a short walk nearby. Do not stack a long tour, large currency exchange, bike purchase, several agent meetings, and a night transfer on day one.

For the airport, decide before landing: app ride, official taxi, hotel pickup, or private transfer. If the flight is late, you travel with children or luggage, or this is your first Vietnam trip, an arranged car reduces risk. This matters especially for Cam Ranh - Nha Trang and Da Nang - Hoi An.

GOV.UK Vietnam safety and security recommends pre-arranged transport or official taxi hailing apps such as Grab and XanhSM; the habit is useful for everyone. Do not get into a car just because someone at arrivals says your hotel name unless you match license plate, name, phone, and fare.