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.