Travel tips for traveling to Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi in Vietnam:
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Travel Tips:
1. Visa - go to the link below to apply for a Visa online. For the photo you need to get an actual TWO copies taken at a store like CVS/Costco HOWEVER tell them not to cut it because the photo required for the Visa is a different size from a passport. Check out the Visa approval letter for instructions.
https://www.myvietnamvisa.com
2. Immigration - for either Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi airports head towards immigration but before you get in line there's a separate area to get your actual Visa. Remember you only have an approval letter and not a Visa. You will need to give them your passport, letter and fee to be paid in US Dollars (the amount should be in your email or letter). Once you get your Visa head towards immigration as usual.
3. SIM cards - if your phone doesn't seem to work then I suggest you get a SIM card, granted your phone is unlocked. There are a lot of booths everywhere selling these. I got unlimited data for about a week for $9 USD. Other quick tip, bring a small paperclip with you so you can switch the SIM card back later for when you leave Vietnam.
4. Currency - you will need to exchange for local currency. I recommend using ATMs instead of the currency exchange for better rates. If there are multiple ATMs check out the fee for each before withdrawing.
5. How to get around - if you can't walk somewhere Uber was available at both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh.
6. Where to stay - stay near night market. Check out below.
Ho Chi Minh - I stayed at Majestic Saigon - was about 15 min walk to night market
http://majesticsaigon.com
Hanoi - I stayed at Emerald Waters - location, quality, and service was great. Within the old quarter and within walking distance of shops and street food.
http://www.hanoiemeraldwatershotel.com
7. Crossing the streets - look both ways, be careful, be confident, and just go for it!
8. Be mindful of travel times - streets are very congested and a lot of traffic so make sure to allot extra travel time.
9. Street food and night market - see below. Note Hanoi night market is only Friday-Sunday but there are tons of street food all over the city either way.
Ho Chi Minh - Ben Thanh market was where I went. Lots of shops and street food. Try the grilled seafood!
https://goo.gl/maps/GezKMRL14vo
Hanoi - I didn't go to the night market but just walk around the Old Quarter near St. Joseph's cathedral below on Nha Chung street.
https://goo.gl/maps/g5mp3mXQi622
10. Halong Bay - there are a lot of tours available and I booked through Viator. Personally I think one night was enough on a cruise. I booked on V'Spirit Overnight Halong Bay Cruise. Note that while food is included in the cost, drinks are NOT, and this includes water and tea.
**Airport Lounge Tips
Ho Chi Minh - Priority Pass lounge is available at the international terminal. After security make a left and head towards gate 10-14. You will see an unassuming sliding door next to a small pop-up shop that will lead stairs. Head downstairs. It's called the Orchid Lounge. I did not check out the lounge in the domestic terminal but it looks like there's one.
Hanoi - there are no lounges available for Priority Pass or Amex.
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This video was shot on a GoPro Hero 6 Black
Follow me on Instagram to stay up to date on my adventures:
https://www.instagram.com/rhanzpants/
