• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Go to Expat Living Hong Kong
GET OUR NEWSLETTER

Expat Living Singapore HomepageExpat Living Singapore

Moving to Singapore and not sure where to start? Expat Living is the essential lifestyle guide to living in Singapore.

Menu
  • Living in Singapore
      • Living here
      • Neighbourhood Guides
      • Schools
      • Property
      • Work And Business
      • Finance
      • For Guys
      • Environment
        • Niki LaudaWho we said goodbye to in 2019
        • innisfree pore clay mask korean skincareWhere to buy top Korean beauty products
        • Fraser Place Robertson Walk, Singapore_Facade (night)A guide to serviced apartments
        • shutterstock_740262025Books that are perfect gifts
      • View all
    Close
  • Things To Do
      • EL Events
      • Calendar
      • Competitions
      • Noticeboard
        • Running events in SingaporeMarathons & running events – are you ready?
        • Green Day bandGuess who’s coming to Singapore?
        • Santa - cluny courtThings to do: What’s on this week
        • chijmes christmas fairChristmas fun for the family!
      • View all
    Close
  • Kids
      • Enrichment
      • Kids Things To Do
      • Mums & Babies
      • Schools
      • Tots & Toddlers
      • Tweens & Teens
        • chijmes christmas fairChristmas fun for the family!
        • OWIS Children playing and having funA new play-based, inquiry-led preschool
        • SjII12 incredible high school trips
        • Dover Court dancersMusic & performing arts for your kids
      • View all
    Close
  • Homes
      • Home Decor
      • Readers’ Homes
      • Furniture
        • where to get furniture painted professionally singaporeGive your furniture a fresh look
        • Where to buy carpetRugs and carpets – who bought what?
        • designer furniture trendsDesigner Furniture Trends for 2020
        • To be calmHome news: Décor, furniture and more!
      • View all
    Close
  • Travel
      • Asia
      • Australia & New Zealand
      • Rest Of World
      • News
      • Travel Offers
        • island resortsReviewed: Eco-friendly island resorts
        • Sri LankaPlanning a trip to Sri Lanka?
        • Smokin pinepleTravel news: Places to stay and play
        • CrowneBest hotels for a staycation in Singapore
      • View all
    Close
  • Wine & Dine
      • Asian Cuisine
      • Western Cuisine
      • Bars & Clubs
      • Groceries & Speciality Services
      • Recipes & Classes
        • Grand Hyatt ChristmasThe ultimate guide to Christmas dining
        • Flower power close upNew bars and nightspots to try!
        • ginger cookiesChristmas recipes we love
        • Peppercorn Beef TenderloinPeppercorn tenderloin with horseradish sauce
      • View all
    Close
  • Style & Beauty
      • Fashion
      • Hair & Beauty
      • Beauty Offers
        • Where to get a blow dry in SingaporeWhere to get a blow dry
        • innisfree pore clay mask korean skincareWhere to buy top Korean beauty products
        • GrouppicturesPerfect party dresses for Christmas
        • christmas gift sets beauty products skincare makeupThe ultimate beauty gift guide
      • View all
    Close
  • Health & Fitness
      • Dental
      • Fitness
      • Medical
      • Wellness
        • Running events in SingaporeMarathons & running events – are you ready?
        • Family sitting at windowIs it time to renew your health insurance?
        • SANTA FUN RUNHealth News: What’s up!
        • thyroidThyroid problems explained
      • View all
    Close
  • Shop
    • PRINT MAGAZINE
    • DIGITAL MAGAZINE
    • BOOKS
    • Close
Home » Travel » Everything you need to know about Vietnam!

Everything you need to know about Vietnam!

11th June 2019 by Michaela Bisset 5 Min Read

Vietnam is a must-see and perfect for a family holiday, with popular destinations including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Sapa, Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang and the Mekong Delta. Before you head off, do a bit of research and learn the do’s and don’ts from various sources – our guide below should help you plan your trip!

The basics

Population: 97 million
Capital: Hanoi
Religion: Vietnam is a multi-religious state. The majority of Vietnamese identify with Buddhism, but Taoism, Confucianism and Catholicism are also practiced.
Emergency numbers: 113 (police), 114 (fire), 115 (ambulance)

Vietnam

Fact file

  • Approximately 40 percent of all Vietnamese, or more than 30 million people, share the same family name, Nguyen.
  • Through history, Hanoi has had at least five different names including Long Biên, Tong Bình Long Đo and Đai La.
  • Vietnam is the largest exporter of cashews in the world, and the second largest exporter of rice.
  • Instead of bells, traditional gongs are used to call Vietnamese children to school.
  • Vietnamese cuisine is a mixture of Chinese and Thai styles and is considered one of the healthiest cuisines in the world.
  • The Vietnamese language has six different tones.

The key dates

  • 16 February: Tet Nguyen Dan. Also known as the Vietnamese New Year or Tet. Celebrations usually go on for three to six days. The dates vary from year to year.
  • 30 April: Victory Day. Celebrates the fall of Saigon and the reunification of Vietnam in the year of 1975.

The hot spots

Popular destinations include Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Sapa, Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang and the Mekong Delta. Among the eight World Heritage Sites are Halong Bay and the monuments of Hué Monuments. Here are some itinerary ideas:

  • Mekong Delta: Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho – Cu Chi Tunnels – Ben Tre
  • Beaches: Mui Ne – Nha Trang – Hoi An – Da Nang
  • The North: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Sapa

How to stay healthy

  • Typhoons and heavy rain during the wet season (JuneDecember) can cause flooding and landslides.
  • Traffic accidents are very common. Buckle up, if you can, and tell your driver to slow down if necessary.
  • Choose street-food vendors as wisely as you can – there have been cases recently of travellers falling ill from contaminated food.

While you’re there, please don’t…

  • Give handkerchiefs, black items or yellow flowers as a gift.
  • Take pictures of military installations, buildings or personnel. This is considered a breach of national security. • sit with your feet pointing towards people.

Before you go, read …

  • Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War by Karl Marlantes – published in 2010, this has been described as the first “great” novel about the Vietnam War.
  • Catfish and Mandala by Andrew X Pham – the author left Vietnam as a “boat person” and grew up in California. This book is about his return to his home country.

Before you go, watch …

  • Cyclo (Xich lo) – from the Vietnamese director of The Scent of Green Papaya, a film about an 18-year-old bicycle-taxi driver trying to make a living.
  • The Quiet American – it’s a pale imitation of Graham Greene’s famous book, but there are some great scenes of Vietnam. And it has Michael Caine in it.

They said it

“Rice and fish are as inseparable as mother and child.” – Vietnamese proverb

“If you look deeply into the palm of your hand, you will see your parents and all generations of your ancestors. All of them are alive in this moment. Each is present in your body. You are the continuation of each of these people.” – Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh

“If necessity is the mother of invention, then the Vietnamese should win top prize …” – journalist Jane Lasky

Hoi An Vietnam

Important questions 

Do I need a visa?

Most ASEAN (and Scandinavian) passport holders do not require a visa for a short visit to Vietnam. Other nationalities can download an application form from vietnamembassysingapore.org/en. Arrangements can also be made to collect a visa on arrival at major ports of entry; see vietnamvisa.govt.vn.

How long will it take me to get there?

Between 2 and 3.5 hours from Singapore. Vietnam is 7 hours ahead of GMT and 1 hour behind Singapore.

What’s the money situation?

The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong (VND); be prepared to feel a little like a faux millionaire – you’ll receive more than 16,000 dong for a single Singapore dollar. ATM withdrawals are available in major cities and tourist destinations, and US dollars are widely accepted, as are credit cards.

When’s the best time to visit?

Opposing monsoon seasons in the north and south mean that seasonal changes are different around Vietnam. It is always high season somewhere in Vietnam, and the tropical south is always warm. Head to the north between May and October and the south between November and February. The popular central beaches can be wet between December and February

What’s the lingo?

The official language is Vietnamese, and French and English are also spoken. Here are some phrases to get you started:

Hello     Chào
What is your name?      Ban tên gì?
My name is __      Tôi tên là __
How much?      Bao nhiêu
Thank you      Cam on ban
Yes      Vâng
No, thank you      Không cam on ban

Is there anything I should know about meeting the locals?

Vietnamese show respect with a slight bow when greeting elders.

What’s a must-try dish?

Pho, an aromatic noodle soup with chicken or beef and herbs, or a bánh mì (baguette) filled with various cuts of pork, pâté and vegetables.

What should I buy as a souvenir?

Non la (palm-leaf conical hat), the traditional symbol of Vietnamese people.

A hotel recommendation

Vietnam

Travelling to the hill town of Da Lat? You may feel self-conscious checking in to a place called the Palace Luxury Hotel, but the rooms are only S$200 or so a night. And worth every cent. Perched just above the lake, this French-built palace opened in 1922, and today the 45 rooms and suites are a flashback to a bygone era, from the chandeliers to the claw-foot baths and working fireplaces. For more information go to their website royaldl.com.

Haven’t got your travel fix yet? Read more in our Travel section!

This article first appeared in the Travel Guide 2017 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy of any of our Guides or subscribe to the monthly magazine so you never miss an issue!

Categories: Asia Travel Tags: Asia Asia Holiday Asia Travel Living In Singapore Moving To Singapore Vietnam

About Michaela Bisset

Michaela is the youngest member of the Expat Living team and therefore the best one. She's London born but Singapore grown. Third culture kid. She’s always on the lookout for the best drinking deals and latest vegetarian bites.

You May Also Like

island resorts

Reviewed: Eco-friendly island resorts

Thailand Villa Blue villa

Where to stay in Thailand

Stradbroke Island beach

5 Straddie Island Highlights

Primary Sidebar

Editor's Picks

Thailand

Best short breaks from Singapore

Where to live in Singapore

The expat’s guide to where to live in Singapore

Best facial in Singapore

Best Facials Singapore: We review facial treatments!

ust Anthony best furniture store

Best furniture shops in Singapore

Haw Par Villa - things to do

35 Cool & Fun Things To Do In Singapore

Champagne Brunch in Singapore

Best Brunch Places In Singapore: Champagne Sunday Brunches

What's On

IN Exhibition 2019/20

IN Exhibition 2019/20

D9 Festive Logcakes

Holly Jolly Hilton Christmas

Peter Pan in Serangoon Gardens Wild Rice

Peter Pan in Serangoon Gardens

DIY Sock Doll Workshop

DIY Sock Doll Workshop

Tennis Clinic

AWA Team Tennis ladies

AWA Team Tennis 2019/20

Follow us @expatlivingsg

This week we made our own scents! We’ve been smelling great ever since 💅Head down to Duxton to make your own @maison21g - Rebecca
This year we say farewell to one of Singapore’s iconic structures, with the Sentosa Merlion ceasing operations in late October. Here are some facts and figures about the huge sculpture. 25 - It's age; the Merlion was built in 1995, designed and sculpted by Australian artist James Martin. 37 - Metres in Height. The huge structure included two observation decks – one at the mouth and one at the top of the head. 320 - Scales on the Merlion, each shaped like an octagon, or the Taoist bagua symbol. 4 - The number of teeth, thought to represent Singapore’s four ethnic groups – Malay, Chinese, Indian and Eurasia. 6 - Remaining number of Merlions in Singapore (including a pair of 3m Merlion statues on Mount Faber, along with the famous 8.6m original statue at Merlion Park). 90 - Cost, in millions of dollars, of the new “Sentosa Sensoryscape” project that will take over the Merlion’s spot, including a linkway between Resorts World Sentosa and the beaches to the south.
🎄Read the latest edition for free! We've got amazing prizes, Christmas gift ideas, festive dining options and more. Click here to start reading expatliving.sg/digital
GIVEAWAY ALERT! We're gifting a gelish mani + pedi (worth $140) at @trimmingssg to two lucky winners 💅🏼 To enter, tag three friends in the comment section. Good luck! Ends Thursday 12pm 💕
Christmas at Chijmes #expatlivingsg #TheSeasonofJoyCapitolSG #TheSeasonofJoyCHIJMES*
Christmas market at Capitol Kempinski #expatlivingsg #TheSeasonofJoyCapitolSG
Have you seen our festive shoot? 👀 Get a copy of the December issue and flip to page 172 for the full scoop!
Lunch with Dr. Sylvia Ramirez was amazing and extremely informative. Thank you @cutislaserclinics for educating us! Food and venue by @10scotts.sg & @grandhyattsing- Susan #expatlivingevents #drsylviaramirez #cutis #beauty #agegracefully
Congratulations @escentialssg on the opening of your new store at ION #expatlivingsg #escentialssg
Creative and beautiful- 2 words that sums up our morning with Originals and Flower Addict. Thank you all for coming, enjoy your gorgeous wreaths and Merry Christmas- Susan #expatlivingevents @originalsfurniture @floweraddictsg #christmaswreath #expatliving #singapore #originalfurniture #floweraddict #creativereaders
Thanks Canadian International School for sharing your thoughts about how our kids can develop GRIT and how to cope with the pressure of school- Susan #expatlingevents #expatlife #schoolpressure #GRIT #cis @cissingapore
Big personal thrill today to meet Dr. Jane Goodall who is here in Singapore. Loved hearing her chimp call! -Melinda @janegoodallinst
Had an amazing walk this Tuesday at Sentosa - big thanks to everyone for joining us! Check out our What’s On page for more walks
I’m on my way! ✈️ This month was all about Thailand - see where we recommended 🇹🇭
Are you as cool as Kev? Absolutely not. Check out his amazing cars and more in our home showcase.
Lovely walk yesterday! Thank you everyone for joining me - I am looking forward to the next one - Rebecca #walking #Sentosa #junglewalks
Watching Football and drinking beer! #quorn Battle of the Reds. SG #liverpool and #manchesterunited #nationalstadium The oldies still have it!
Tomorrow, Singapore-based charity, LOVE, NILS will hold their annual ‘anti-gala,’ to raise money to support children suffering from cancer, and their caregivers. To learn how you can help (and find out about the inspiring of founder, Lesli), visit @lovenils1 #lovenils #singaporecharity #expatlivingsg
Three more days to the Boutique Fairs! This is one event you don't want to miss this year – happening 15 to 17 November. @boutiquefairssg #boutiquefairssg #shopping #igsg
These sculptures are on the boardwalk to #Sentosa. I didn’t realise there were travellators all the way from #Vivocity to #universalstudios Amazing! #singapore🇸🇬 iRebecca
Doing a recee for next Saturday’s #walk - the sea looks lovely - only seen 6 #plastic bottles so far:(
Melinda heads to a wet market! (Full video on IGTV Or YouTube) Did you know: The term “wet markets” came into common usage in the early 1970s when the Singapore government used the term to distinguish these markets from air-conditioned “supermarkets” that had become popular with the opening of Fitzpatrick’s supermarket in Orchard Road in 1958.
Singapore Slings are an iconic part of the Lion City’s history since 1915. But which one is best? Watch (swipe) and find out if the one where they all began is tops. Watch the full video on IGTV or our YouTube! Did you know it was illegal for women to drink alcohol then? The creator Ngiam Tong Boon created the Sling so women could hide the fact that they were drinking in public. #singaporesling #expatliving #reviewcrew #igsg #longbar @raffleshotelsingapore
Incredibly fun day flying kites with the USA Girl Scouts at Marina Barrage. Love that place! - Melinda
  • Competitions
  • Noticeboard
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • advertise
  • Contact
  • Privacy

© 2019 Expat Living Singapore, All Rights Reserved.