THE VPV VOYAGE PREPARATION CHECKLIST

A Guide for First-Time Travelers to Vietnam

Ensuring a smooth, high-end experience begins long before you land at Noi Bai or Tan Son Nhat. Use this checklist to verify your readiness for an effortless Vietnamese odyssey.

1. Documentation & Entry Requirements

• Passport Validity: Ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry and at least 2 blank pages. Vietnam is strict regarding passport condition; ensure there are no significant tears or water damage.

• E-visa Verification: Double-check that your E-visa details (Passport Number, Name, and Entry Date) match your passport exactly.

  • VPV Note: In 2026, Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) has introduced a Digital Arrival Card. While not yet mandatory nationwide, we recommend completing it online 24 hours prior to landing to bypass queues.

• Physical Backups: we recommend carrying one physical color photocopy of your passport and visa, kept separate from your original documents.

2. Health & Dietary Safety

• The VPV Allergy Card: If you have severe allergies (especially to peanuts, shellfish, or MSG), carry a “Chef Card” (or Ällergy card) in Vietnamese.

  • Essential Phrase: “Tôi bị dị ứng nặng với lạc (đậu phộng)” — I am severely allergic to peanuts.

• Water Protocol: Even in 5-star resorts, stick to bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth. 

• Vaccinations: Ensure you are up to date on routine boosters. For 2026, no specific new mandates are in place, but Hepatitis A and Typhoid remain recommended for food enthusiasts.

3. The “Concierge Eye”: What to Watch Out For

Vietnam is exceptionally safe, but “Luxury Vigilance” is still advised:

• Transport Authenticity: Only use app-based hailing (Grab) or our pre-arranged VPV private drivers. Beware of “mimic” taxis that use colors similar to reputable brands but have altered logos.

• Mobile Security: In bustling areas like Saigon’s District 1 or Hanoi’s Old Quarter, avoid holding your phone loosely near the roadside. “Snatch-and-grab” incidents by passing motorbikes are rare but possible.

• The “Closed Attraction” Ruse: If a local tells you a temple or site is “closed for a festival” and offers to take you elsewhere, politely decline. Trust only your VPV guide’s schedule.

4. Cultural Etiquette & Connection

A few words in the local tongue go a long way in opening doors to authentic experiences. Vietnamese is a tonal language; a smile while speaking helps convey your intent perfectly.

English	Vietnamese	Phonetic (Approx.)
Hello	Xin Chào	Seen Chow
Thank You	Cảm ơn	Gahm Un
Yes	Vâng	Vung
No	Không	Khome
The bill, please	Tính tiền	Ting Teen
Very Delicious	Rất ngon	Rut Ngon