Before you get to Vietnam theres a few things you’ll need to consider.

Visa

First of all you may want to decide how long are you planning to stay there. No matter the length of stay, to enter Vietnam its a bit more complicated then its neighbouring countries as you will require a Visa. The process for Vietnam is a bit more complicated than other countries in Southeast Asia however here are you options broken down in simple terms:

1)Your home country’s Vietnam Embassy

This is a great option if you like to be super organised and have everything stamped and sorted before you touchdown in Vietnam. All you need to do is follow the instruction on the Vietnam Foreign affairs website and send your passport to your local Vietnamese embassy and within a few days they’ve done the rest. Its very simple, but also the priciest option.

2) A foreign country’s Vietnam Embassy

Similarly you can follow this same process at a foreign embassy . Its like for like, but of course is only convenient if you are already travelling neighbouring countries. However this option is cheaper then sorting your visa out in your home country.

3) An online visa on arrival.

Getting a Vietnam visa online is the most popular of the 3 options mainly because its the cheapest. Completing the process online means you’ll get an electronic VOA and receive your visa at immigration when you arrive. Its quick and fairly simple however you need to be careful about what agencies you use to do so as it can be corrupt and it also means you can only enter by flying. But, of course you don’t have to part from your passport which is always great!

Insurance

It’s absolutely necessary. Vietnam is a madness! Its absolutely chaotic at times, and you’ll often find yourself on the back of a motorbike with all you luggage and two other people. as well as adventurous travel arrangement, Its common to hear a lot of stories of theft and pickpocketing in Vietnam. We had a couple of experiences of Vietnamese Hospitals, which although best avoided are sometimes a necessary visit. Pharmacies cant be trusted so if you really need medication be prepared for a pricey exchange   after a doctor consultation and prescription.