All great advice Mari; being married to a Vietnamese lady I can vouch for everything you have said. The only thing I would add is that you can also change most major currencies at many jewellers throughout VN.
Hi! I'm visiting Vietnam next week, i loved your video, and I wanted to know what's the best way to book a hostel on the go? We didn't book any accomodation yet and we thought about getting it once we were there, is it ok?
This is so awesome! Thanks for the tips Mari. I have a similar trip planned this yr, Hanoi >Sapa >HaLong bay >Hue > HCMC> Bali! Any tips for a good homestay in Sapa?
Awesome! Sorry, I don't have a good recommendation, but I would say check out Ta Van too! It's a nice little village to stay in near Sapa. Enjoy your trip!
Mari Johnson, I'll add Ta Van on the list! I didn't make any concrete plans, most travellers, including you, recommended to keep the plan flexible! Super excited for the food and scenery!
Very helpful. Thank you. I'm a solo traveler and have traveled a good bit. I leave for Vietnam in a month. I love how you brought up you're in their country. Don't expect them to change for your ways. So true. Thanks again.
I was in Vietnam two years ago (2015). I got lucky I met some people online who came to the airport in HCM City to meet me. Then the next day they came meet me at my hotel to take me around being it was the weekend. Getting the visa is kind of tricky. I read that some companies that offer those letters are not legit. The US government had filed a complaint to the Vietnamese government about that. People show up with the letter and it is not genuine. I wrote the Vietnam embassy by email to ask them what the price is for the visa but they never responded. Being I live in NYC I decided to visit their consulate by the United Nations. They charged me a shocking price of $100 for the visa. The price varies. In the video it is $25. Other people got it for different prices. Even when I went to their consulate they had business cards on the counter of companies that issue those letters for the visa. I think, being rent is so expensive on the east side of Manhattan where their office is located, they charge premium price for the visa. I would recommend doing a search online to find a reputable company that will not rip you off or issue a phony letter. Well I hope there are more video on Vietnam. I visit the Cui Chi tunnels that were important factors in the Vietnam war. I did not venture too far from HCM City being I was only a few days arriving on a Friday. Food is cheap. Check out Ben Than Market in HCM City if you can. Don't be surprised if one of the ladies in there block you from leaving until you buy a souvenir. Don't worry the prices are reasonable so just buy something and don't be cheap.
I have watched and read alot of tips and have to say this straight forward and very informative video i the best for anyone looking to travel in Vietnam. Great video :)
Me and my daughter (18) went to Da Nang City and Hoi An. It was very safe. She was able to go out alone. We are Americans living in Hong Kong, and some of her clothing was just too skimpy for Vietnam. She was asked to put a scarf over one off the shoulder cropped top and also propositioned by a man driving by. Just wear a little more clothes than like you would in California. Have fun!
Hello! Loved the video! I was wondering what you'd recommend seeing/going for a total of 10-14 days In the beginning of November of this year. I know it's kind of a weird season but I need to fill up 2 weeks between India and Thailand due to my visa restrictions (less than 60 India and less than 30 Thailand. I'm up for seeing pretty much anything, very experienced hiker and in good shape (can handle the tougher day Trekks if required) Let me know! Thankkkkkkks
It is good to know that you can get a tourist visa for Vietnam in Cambodia if you want to cross the border by land. If I go to Cambodia first, I know that I can get my Vietnam tourist visa at the Vietnam Consulate in Phnom Pehn with the U.S passport.
Thank you ,you gave us a very very good tip thank again keep it comming,I do share this link to my friends who are to old to work and to young to collect social security benefit...Bewell
I went to Hanoi during November and the weather was so nice and cool! The hotel I stayed at had a better currency exchange rate (US dollar to dong) than the banks in the area of the opera house.
We got our Visas from Vietnam embassy, in Perth Western Australia. They took our passport and we picked it up 2 days later. I believe it is the same at any Vietnam embassy around the world
You were lucky being close to the embassy . I posted mine , via courier . Was expensive . I will get at airport there in future , just allow a little time .
Re: Travel insurance - just an additional tip - if you don't have an international drivers permit that's approved for driving a motor bike, your travel insurance probably wont cover you if you get into a motorbike accident. It's easy to get an international drivers permit, but if you're not licensed to drive a motorbike in your home country, you won't be legally licensed to drive a motorbike elsewhere and your insurance will deny the claim if you're in an accident. I know lots of people drive motorbikes and think it's OK because the rental place didn't ask for a license, or they think it's not a big deal because even if you get pulled over you just have to pay a "fine" to the police. But in the eyes of your travel insurance you're not legally driving, and they will deny your claim if you're in an accident.
you didn't touch on scammers, I just got back from ho chi minh city n it's full of crooks, the vietnamese love money n will try to take as much from you as possible, here's the best tip - avoid anyone who approaches you, just keep walking
It's just common sense. Don't still with valuables in dark streets where there's nobody. Though I have to agree HCMC is the worst place for scammers and robberies.
Withdrawing money is simple at ATM. Different ATM's charge different transaction fee so give it a try. In most ATM's you can only withdraw 2 million dongs at a time which is around $100 USD. If you find "Military Bank" or MB ATM's then use those as they allow us to withdraw up to 5 million.
I am going to travel SEAsia by myself and I want to bring my laptop with me but I am worried I won't be able to leave it in hostels and carrying it around is a bit of a hassle as well.. I wonder if there are any safe places probably in hostels to keep it there while i am away or you wouldn't recommend?
There are locks for laptops. It won't stop a determined thief with a cable cutter but it would slow down someone who happens to come upon your laptop. I bought one myself. toward the back of your laptop there should be a groove where you can attach it. Mine is a combination lock.
Anyone going in October? Lets meet up. I'm single, straight, normal and nerdy but super cool. Mari hope this is ok to post, you're way more popular. Mari Meet me up there (lol jk, sorry Mari's boyfriend, no disrespect). I'm Vietnamese and 1st time back since uhhh ummmm a very long time, so I'm excited. South to North - look out!
we move to Vietnam Friday so this is very helpful! thank you!
So many helpful tips and advice! Thanks for the reminder to treat people respectfully.
I love the way you say "so", very cute !
Here's a tip for everyone. Watch Mari's vlogs! Quality content :D
I am Vietnamese living in Canada. Going back to my country this July. If you need anything, text me so i can help you out if i can ;)
Perfect timing, I am planning for my Vietnam trip now! :)
Ooh, exciting!!
All great advice Mari; being married to a Vietnamese lady I can vouch for everything you have said. The only thing I would add is that you can also change most major currencies at many jewellers throughout VN.
Hi! I'm visiting Vietnam next week, i loved your video, and I wanted to know what's the best way to book a hostel on the go? We didn't book any accomodation yet and we thought about getting it once we were there, is it ok?
It's really easy to book as you go! I usually use something like hostelworld.com to look at reviews, then book directly with the hostel when I can :)
@@mari.johnson Thanks you!!
This is so awesome! Thanks for the tips Mari. I have a similar trip planned this yr, Hanoi >Sapa >HaLong bay >Hue > HCMC> Bali! Any tips for a good homestay in Sapa?
Awesome! Sorry, I don't have a good recommendation, but I would say check out Ta Van too! It's a nice little village to stay in near Sapa. Enjoy your trip!
Mari Johnson, I'll add Ta Van on the list! I didn't make any concrete plans, most travellers, including you, recommended to keep the plan flexible! Super excited for the food and scenery!
Casey Cam Mao's! She was amazing. I booked it at Lily's travel agency which is near the cathedral in old town
Check out Su Linh Sapa . She's on Trip Advisor.
We just arrived to Hanoi last night! As always, thanks for your awesome tips! xoxo Amanda
Woohoo! I loved that crazy city!! Looks like you're having some good times over there!
I like your blog. Inspire me to make travel vids more. I traveling in Vietnam right now and I filming about this amazing country
Very helpful. Thank you. I'm a solo traveler and have traveled a good bit. I leave for Vietnam in a month. I love how you brought up you're in their country. Don't expect them to change for your ways. So true. Thanks again.
Have a great time!!
Austin Hunter Hi Austin I'm heading to Vietnam soon. How has your trip been? Tips?
I've considered teaching english in Vietnam. what do you think? any tips?
Thank you so much for your típ! I really love all of your comments about Vietnam!
I am very interested in travel to Vietnam and hearing your comments is very helpful. Thank you 😊
I was in Vietnam two years ago (2015). I got lucky I met some people online who came to the airport in HCM City to meet me. Then the next day they came meet me at my hotel to take me around being it was the weekend. Getting the visa is kind of tricky. I read that some companies that offer those letters are not legit. The US government had filed a complaint to the Vietnamese government about that. People show up with the letter and it is not genuine. I wrote the Vietnam embassy by email to ask them what the price is for the visa but they never responded. Being I live in NYC I decided to visit their consulate by the United Nations. They charged me a shocking price of $100 for the visa. The price varies. In the video it is $25. Other people got it for different prices. Even when I went to their consulate they had business cards on the counter of companies that issue those letters for the visa. I think, being rent is so expensive on the east side of Manhattan where their office is located, they charge premium price for the visa. I would recommend doing a search online to find a reputable company that will not rip you off or issue a phony letter. Well I hope there are more video on Vietnam. I visit the Cui Chi tunnels that were important factors in the Vietnam war. I did not venture too far from HCM City being I was only a few days arriving on a Friday. Food is cheap. Check out Ben Than Market in HCM City if you can. Don't be surprised if one of the ladies in there block you from leaving until you buy a souvenir. Don't worry the prices are reasonable so just buy something and don't be cheap.
I have watched and read alot of tips and have to say this straight forward and very informative video i the best for anyone looking to travel in Vietnam. Great video :)
Cheers Chris! Happy to help!
nice information
Was it only a month? Felt like it was longer that!👍
Thank you for so many tips .Is there any problems or things I should know to travel as a girl? (I'm still 18)
Nothing in particular, but here's a video that you might like if you haven't seen it yet :) ua-cam.com/video/zhUL8a5nqt0/v-deo.html
Me and my daughter (18) went to Da Nang City and Hoi An. It was very safe. She was able to go out alone. We are Americans living in Hong Kong, and some of her clothing was just too skimpy for Vietnam. She was asked to put a scarf over one off the shoulder cropped top and also propositioned by a man driving by. Just wear a little more clothes than like you would in California. Have fun!
Did you go to Truc Bach lake where John McCain landed after being shot down in 1967 ? And Ha Noi's Hilton where John McCain spent 5 years there?
Tnx, really helpfull
That was super super helpful.
I am myself planning a backpacking trip to Vietnam and these tips helped me a lot.
Bookmarking the link.
Happy to hear it! Enjoy your travels!
Mari Johnson Thanks Mari. Once I do that, I will let you know personally how it all went. Thanks again.
Hello! Loved the video! I was wondering what you'd recommend seeing/going for a total of 10-14 days In the beginning of November of this year. I know it's kind of a weird season but I need to fill up 2 weeks between India and Thailand due to my visa restrictions (less than 60 India and less than 30 Thailand.
I'm up for seeing pretty much anything, very experienced hiker and in good shape (can handle the tougher day Trekks if required)
Let me know! Thankkkkkkks
Do you think £1500 ($1900) will be enough for 7 weeks in South East Asia?
What about theft? Did you have any experience with that because I see a TONNE of people saying they got something stolen like a phone or camera :\
It is good to know that you can get a tourist visa for Vietnam in Cambodia if you want to cross the border by land. If I go to Cambodia first, I know that I can get my Vietnam tourist visa at the Vietnam Consulate in Phnom Pehn with the U.S passport.
During my 2 trips so far , of a total of 6 weeks , only saw one small m/bike incident and one guy who got strapped up after an accident .
Thank you ,you gave us a very very good tip thank again keep it comming,I do share this link to my friends who are to old to work and to young to collect social security benefit...Bewell
Applied for Visa (3 month) at Vietnam Embassy, DC......had it in hand in eight days!!
Going to Vietnam in May to volunteer somewhere I can be of service. Any suggestions. For Da Nang?
Awesome advice! I hope to get over there in 2018.
Mari! Love the video and tips :) We were recently in Vietnam and had an amazing time. Bahn Mi and Phó for life!
Lots of good tips
Happy to help!
lol
Good practical advice, thanks! Being respectful towards people always reaps great rewards.
If you're back in California can you show us some cool spots, please ?
Mari , love the look of the jug ? To the side of you . Is it from your travels ? Looks old ?
I went to Hanoi during November and the weather was so nice and cool! The hotel I stayed at had a better currency exchange rate (US dollar to dong) than the banks in the area of the opera house.
is it really hot? I went during the decemeber january period and it was cold! had to wear a few layers
good tips thank you, I just came back from Malaysia and Singapore 😊
Wonderful tips ! I'll be in Hanoi next week . Will remember your views ;-) Thank U !!
Wow I didn’t know I needed that recommendation letter is that still necessary?
Super helpful and you're a gorgeous creature. Also you posted this on my birthday which is cool. Thanks for the info!
Can you speak Vietnamese? Do you like Vietnamese guy? lol!
Can u plz tell me what will be cost of living there for 1 week
We got our Visas from Vietnam embassy, in Perth Western Australia. They took our passport and we picked it up 2 days later. I believe it is the same at any Vietnam embassy around the world
You were lucky being close to the embassy . I posted mine , via courier . Was expensive . I will get at airport there in future , just allow a little time .
Headed there soon
Re: Travel insurance - just an additional tip - if you don't have an international drivers permit that's approved for driving a motor bike, your travel insurance probably wont cover you if you get into a motorbike accident.
It's easy to get an international drivers permit, but if you're not licensed to drive a motorbike in your home country, you won't be legally licensed to drive a motorbike elsewhere and your insurance will deny the claim if you're in an accident.
I know lots of people drive motorbikes and think it's OK because the rental place didn't ask for a license, or they think it's not a big deal because even if you get pulled over you just have to pay a "fine" to the police. But in the eyes of your travel insurance you're not legally driving, and they will deny your claim if you're in an accident.
Good tip!
Very helpful tips. Thanks for sharing.
is it safe to wander around Vietnam alone without anxiety or something?
Never once felt unsafe .
Meet up in Vietnam Jan 21 to Feb 14? =)
Great video!!!! Thanks for the advice!
The Uber thing on bikes is called Grab, its very useful because you will get over charged with average taxi services
There is also Uber with taxi & bikes Dario. Grab is another company which provides the same service.
wow you seems to know a lot about viet nam i'm thinking about going viet nam a lone i may need your helf in the future
Thanks for your review about my country
Yes it is an amazing country
Thank you for your tips!
Had mine in 30 minutes at the dutch ambase
you didn't touch on scammers, I just got back from ho chi minh city n it's full of crooks, the vietnamese love money n will try to take as much from you as possible, here's the best tip - avoid anyone who approaches you, just keep walking
It's just common sense. Don't still with valuables in dark streets where there's nobody. Though I have to agree HCMC is the worst place for scammers and robberies.
love your attitude and honesty
Thanks for the tips, Vietnam is my BF's #1 bucket list location. This is so helpful.
No prob! Cheers :)
I'm in Hanoi and love it! Good tips Mari
Great video. Do you remember what website you used to get your visa on arrival letter?
I used one of the ones that Lonely Planet recommends, because there were so many to choose from!
Cool! On Vietnam, Can you tell me about about banks, withdrawals, transfer/depositing money from US? I'm trying not to carry so much cash. Thanks!
Hey Tommy! This video might be useful to you! ua-cam.com/video/l_zoIyXW7II/v-deo.html
Withdrawing money is simple at ATM. Different ATM's charge different transaction fee so give it a try. In most ATM's you can only withdraw 2 million dongs at a time which is around $100 USD. If you find "Military Bank" or MB ATM's then use those as they allow us to withdraw up to 5 million.
Harish Chouhan Thx Harish!
Hi thank u for the information
thank you ,your fantastic
Is there any signal for cellphone in halong bay mari?
In some places there is, but very slow net speed. I'd say don't depend on it.
….I need backpacking tips in Vietnam...!!!
…$ 934 for a month of great travel..???.....uncanny.....
I am going to travel SEAsia by myself and I want to bring my laptop with me but I am worried I won't be able to leave it in hostels and carrying it around is a bit of a hassle as well.. I wonder if there are any safe places probably in hostels to keep it there while i am away or you wouldn't recommend?
There are locks for laptops. It won't stop a determined thief with a cable cutter but it would slow down someone who happens to come upon your laptop. I bought one myself. toward the back of your laptop there should be a groove where you can attach it. Mine is a combination lock.
Most hostels have lockers to keep your valuables in. When picking out a hostel, just make sure it has lockers and you'll be good!
locket is a must :) Thank you!
Will keep that in my mind , thank you :)
Joyful trip
you are gorgeous.
did you travel there solo? I'm looking into booking a trip as a solo female, US traveler. Kinda nervous
Yep! There are so many solo female travelers now! I have a video about that if you're interested 😊
Im so encouraged to hear that. I'm travelling there solo and Im nervous about being alone.
That was one of the best review I found on Vietnam. Thanks !
Pretty helpful
Did you get your sim card at the airport?
I did! I talk about it in this video ua-cam.com/video/0372HEq5FyQ/v-deo.html
Very helpful
Good video
Awwww thanks!
Love your energy and positive vibes!!
Cheers Roy!
Still thinking if I should go to Vietnam or Thailand...
Melissa I went to Thailand last year loved it will be going to Vietnam in January can’t wait
I decided to go to Thailand for six weeks in March. So excited!!
Can I ask how much u spent in Vietnam for a month? I would love to go but don’t know how much to budget
Un país muy peligroso si ere de
USA, no lo recomiendo amenos que quieres qué te asarten y si no hablas el idioma lo siento por ti.
Anyone going in October? Lets meet up. I'm single, straight, normal and nerdy but super cool. Mari hope this is ok to post, you're way more popular. Mari Meet me up there (lol jk, sorry Mari's boyfriend, no disrespect). I'm Vietnamese and 1st time back since uhhh ummmm a very long time, so I'm excited. South to North - look out!
those eyes.
The way you express yourself is so engaging, thank you for the video :)