Could you provide tips on how to best experience the Tet celebrations in Vietnam?
Planning a trip to Vietnam from Australia? If so, you’ve come to the right place. This country is renowned for its deep history, exquisite cuisine, vibrant nightlife, rich culture, and astounding landscapes.
While many tourists are flying to Vietnam from Melbourne, it is still a very well-kept gem that will be explored more in this article. For all you should keep in mind before packing your bags for the country, keep reading!
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Flying to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) from Melbourne Airport
Vietnam is becoming a popular destination for Aussies, and popular destinations sometimes have more competitive airline ticket prices, and HCMC is one of them. To find the most budget-friendly price, book yourflight to Vietnam from Melbourne Airport if possible at least 47 days or 1 ½ months in advance. Several airlines offer direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City from Melbourne, such as Jetstar, Vietnam Airlines, and Vietjet, for as little as $513.00 for a 2-week trip in December 2023. To search and compare rates, use flight aggregator platforms like Momodo or Skyscanner, as they will allow you to see an overview of affordable rates from various airlines and flight booking engines, for particular dates. Always double-check the flight itinerary, as some low rates can come with extensive layovers.
Soon after your plane ticket is handled, you should take a look at the Melbourne Airport’s parking service in case you plan to drive to the airport and keep it there when you fly from Melbourne to Saigon. Use Flyparks and compare airport car parks near Melbourne Airport, as well as all around Australia. It provides secure car parking options and affordable airport parking rates. Moreover, you can filter your search results to include particular car park features and read the feedback from past clients. We recommend booking the airport parking service at least one month in advance to get the best deal.
Traveling in Peak Months
The best months to travel to Vietnam from Melbourne are November to April, and in particular, December to February as the country will not be in the dry season. Dry season consists of warm days in which humidity is low, and the evenings are cool, especially in Halong Bay or Hanoi where many people fly to after spending a few days in Ho Chi Minh City. Another great season to visit Vietnam is during the ‘hot season’ or the months of May and August. While the rainy season begins towards the end of August (and the heat reaches its peak), it is ideal to visit the beautiful beaches in Vietnam during these months. Don’t forget to pack loose and lightweight clothing.
Though in October and November, the weather is supportive for visiting Ho Chi Minh and its surroundings, Central Vietnam is characterized by heavy rainfall and high uncertainty of weather conditions. If you are a hater of bad weather, you should be more careful considering making a plan. Here’s a friendly reminder: Vietnam is an elongated country, therefore, some cities in the North might have different types of weather from those in the Central and South. We suggest you do a little bit of research on your destination before getting on the plane.
>> Find out the Best time to visit Vietnam
Acquiring your Travel Visa
If you are an Australian, you will need to acquire a visa before your trip. The process is very simple, there are just a few things to keep in mind:
- Be sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure date to the country
- Make sure there are 2 blank pages on your passport
- Have a soft copy of your portrait & personal page of your passport in JPEG format
- An active email address
- A debit/credit card
A simple entry visa is $25, while a multiple one will cost you $50. If you plan to stay in the country for the entire trip, choose a single entry. However, if you want to travel across countries and get back to Vietnam or fly home from an airport within those countries, choose a multiple-entry visa. It takes about 5 – 7 business days to process your visa, then you will receive an e-visa letter or confirmation. You can apply for and purchase your E-Visa at the Vietnam Portal of Immigration.
Getting Around Ho Chi Minh City
Motorbike or Scooter
As soon as you arrive in Vietnam, you will see that everyone (and we mean EVERYONE) rides motorbikes/scooters around. If you have any experience with this vehicle, and feel safe about it, you can rent on your own at many shops around the city. You MUST wear a helmet and know the traffic patterns & laws! If you are not comfortable with it, you can order a motorcycle taxi driver through apps like Grab or GoViet.Taxi or Riding Hailing Service
If a scooter is not your cup of tea, you can book a taxi with Vinasun or Mai Linh, which are reputable Vietnamese taxi companies, or select the car service on Grab or GoViet.Cyclo & Traditional Motorbike taxi (Xe Om)
Cyclo is a 3-wheeled bicycle taxi in which the bicycle driver pedals from behind. It is a much slower and more traditional way to see Ho Chi Minh City. Xe Om, on the other hand, is a motorbike taxi service that you can get without an app because they are all over the streets across the city, and all you have to do is wave at them. You should ask for the price before getting on a Xe Om.
Public Bus
The city buses in HCMC are quite useful & extensive. While they may not be the easiest way to get around if you don’t understand Vietnamese, you can always use your smartphone to type in the destination and use the public transportation option. You should then be presented with the route, what bus stops to go to, and what buses to take. Make sure to keep your belongings safe while using the public bus.
Travel on foot
Walking is going to be the easiest and most flexible way to get around the city. Always look up how far a distance is on the map feature on your smartphone to see if it’s walkable.
Best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City
War Remnants Museum - This is a must-see museum for anyone visiting the city. It explores the history of the wars from a Vietnamese perspective and allows you a look into the Indochina War and the Vietnam War. While the feeling of somber doesn’t quite encapsulate the feeling you experience whilst there well enough, it should be on your list of where to visit.
Binh Tay Market (Cho Lon) - The Binh Tay Market is a great place to indulge in Vietnamese cuisine and gather souvenirs to bring back to your loved ones. As one of the oldest Vietnamese markets, you are also stepping into a piece of history dating back to 1928 when it was a hub for commercial trading.
- Nguyen Thuong Hien is another great foodie destination and street to explore!
Pham Ngu Lao Street: If you want to experience the nightlife of HCMC, make sure to visit this vibrant backpacker street and revel in the sights & sounds of HCMC.
Jade Emperor Pagoda (Phuoc Hai Tu): As a famous Taoist pagoda, the temple is free to visit but is a place of worship, so it is recommended you dress in modest clothing that covers your knees and shoulders to pay respect.
Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater: A great stop to witness the traditional art of water puppetry, which dates back centuries in Vietnamese culture.
Mekong Delta Trip - While the Mekong Delta is not in Ho Chi Minh City, staying in the city makes it perfect to escape for a two-day trip so that you can get a feel for rural Vietnamese life. Go with a Mekong Delta Cruise if you can, so you don’t miss out on anything, as local guides organize the tour and include all the must-see and do activities.
There is an array of other places to visit in and around the city, but some of the best-kept gems are experienced by stumbling upon them on foot, and by asking locals as you go, so we will leave that to you! There are activities and places to see that will keep you occupied for weeks. All in all, Ho Chi Minh City, and Vietnam is going to be one of the most remarkable places you will ever visit. So…Soak it all in!
See more on this topic:
>> Ho Chi Minh City nightlife - the best of it
>> Fantastic Ho Chi Minh City Tour Full Day - 01 Day
