Travel guide in Vietnam for the British tourist

Over 15.4 million people visited Vietnam in 2018 alone, while more than 280,000 British nationals visit every year. Serious trouble is very rare. Nevertheless, to ensure safe and stress-free travel, please consider the following advice.
Keep your passport on your person at all times. Carrying ID is mandatory, for locals and foreigners alike. As with traveling to any country, keep your personal belongings safe and do not attract unwarranted attention with cash or valuables. Higher prices, taxis, and hotels, for foreigners, are a relatively common occurrence. If you do choose to travel by taxi, negotiate the price before traveling.
Between May and November, there is some risk of bad weather, especially in coastal areas. In case you require assistance should an emergency arise, our Vietnam offices and the UK support line are available 24 hours a day.
As always, when traveling to tropical destinations make sure your vaccinations are up to date as prescribed by your GP. It is also advised to consult a medical professional approximately six weeks before travel. Fit for Travel website is extremely useful to consult for the latest medical suggestions. Strong insect repellent is advised. While insect bites can cause Dengue fever, it is uncommon in Vietnam.

Greetings are no different to western countries, there are no cultural formalities that as a foreigner you would be expected to know or practice.
Vietnamese dress conservatively. Despite the heat, it’s best not to show off too much skin. If you do, especially girls, you’ll only draw stares from the locals.
Dress well when visiting pagodas. No shorts or tatty beer t-shirts. Shoes are fine, and rarely will you have to remove them. If unsure, just follow what the locals do.
Drink plenty of bottled water, especially when walking around sightseeing. No need to carry huge bottles around with you, a vendor is never far away and no doubt they will find you before you find them.
Keep your cash, credit cards, airline tickets and other valuables in a safe place.
Travel with recommended tour agencies. Even if you plan to buy tickets when in the country, research your journey a little first on the Internet. 

DON'TS

Wear a lot of jewelry or take a bag with you. Violent crime is highly unusual in Vietnam, but petty crime is more apparent. If you have a bag or tout a digital camera around your neck, you are a potential target.
When taking a ride by motorbike taxi (xe om) make sure your bag, if any, is not on display or easy to grab. Bag snatches, although still rare, are probably the most likely crime a tourist would encounter, and it raises the probability immensely if you are tailing a camera or a laptop in the wind.
Don’t wear singlets, shorts, skirts or dresses, or revealing clothes to temples or pagodas.
Physical displays of affection between lovers in public are frowned upon. That’s why you may come across couples holding hands but not hugging or kissing.
Losing your temper in Vietnam means a loss of face. Keep a cool head and remain polite, you’ll have a greater chance of getting what you want.
Remember, this is Vietnam, a developing country, and things don’t quite work as you are maybe used to. Don’t be paranoid about your safety, just be aware of your surroundings.
The attention to the above issues will help British tourists have a comfortable trip.

Instructions for applying for a visa in Vietnam for British tourists

The United Kingdom is in the exemption list for the visa to Vietnam within 15 days. Therefore:
- If you stay in Vietnam less than 15 days, visa to Vietnam is NOT required
- If you stay in Vietnam for more than 15 days, visa to Vietnam is required
The British can choose one of the following two ways to apply for a Vietnam visa
Apply online for a Vietnam visa on arrival
Visit the website www.visa-vietnam.org.vn and take 4 steps to apply for a visa:
01. Apply Online
02. Payment
03. Get Approval Letter
04. Get Visa
With only 3 minutes on the internet, British tourists will have a Vietnamese visa. This is the fastest, most economical and safest way.

Apply for Vietnam visa directly at the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate
For those who want to get a Vietnam visa beforehand or want to travel to Vietnam by land or sea, the British can go to the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate nearest your location to apply for the visa.
The address of the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate in the United Kingdom for your information:

Embassy of Vietnam in London, United Kingdom
Address: 12-14 Victoria Rd., London W8-5rd, UK
Phone: (4420) 79371912
Fax: (44020) 7565385
Email: embassy@vietnamembassy.org.uk
Office hour: Monday - Friday: Morning: 9.00a.m - 11.30a.m Afternoon: 13.00p.m - 17.00 p.m
or
Consulate General of Vietnam in London, United Kingdom
Address: 12-14 Victoria Rd., London W8-5rd, UK
Phone: (4420) 79371912
Fax: (44020) 7565385
Email: embassy@vietnamembassy.org.uk

Notes:

• Visa on arrival is available for Air travelers. Those arriving by land or cruise are required to contact the local Vietnam embassy to get a full Vietnam visa before departure.
• Visa on arrival must be picked up at Vietnam airports after landing. See detailed visa on arrival procedures at Vietnam airports.
• To fasten and smooth out your process of getting visa stamped at Vietnam airports; consider using our Airport services here.