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You have filled your travel itinerary with day by day excursions. You have booked your flights. Your visa is a go. Now, the only task left to tackle is filling up your luggage with everything you will need while exploring the Kingdom. Whether you are travelling for one week or one year, there are several things you will need to be sure to stow away before boarding your red eye. Here, a complete guide on what to pack for Thailand. © Courtesy of Kelly IversonEssential Things to Pack When travell

One of top Vietnam travels tips [https://local-insider.com/vietnam-travel-tips-15-things-you-need-to-know/] is understand the weather and make sure you know the best time to visit Vietnam and don't get caught out by the rainy season.In Vietnam, the weather varies across the country. The northern and highland regions exhibit more seasonal trends than the likes of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and the south. If you are coming here for the first time, best time to go is from January to MarchThe infograph

Learning a new language is no easy task. When the new language is Thai, the difficult task seemingly transforms into an impossible feat. Thai grammar is relatively simple. The language is tonal, however (of which there are five). The meaning of every word depends on how it is said. Regardless of how easy or difficult learning a language can be, every traveller should memorise a handful of Thai words before venturing to the Kingdom. Luckily for you, we compiled 100 of the most basic Thai phrases

The Mekong Delta a.k.a the rice bowl of Vietnam is one of the most fascinating places to see in Vietnam. With nothing but river behind you and nothing but the river in front of you, these tours are amazing. It's pretty easy to book a Mekong Delta day tour from Ho Chi Minh city [https://inspitrip.com/ho-chi-minh-city/the-best-non-touristy-mekong-delta-tours-780431] , usually, you get a bus to the region you choose and from there hop on a boat or a bike and get ready to explore.The Mekong Delta i

The Land of Smiles never ceases to amaze all those who visit. From its incredible history to its diverse landscaping and more, Thailand's got all other countries beat in regards to being unique. Here, 30 interesting facts about Thailand that you need to know so that you can enjoy top local things to do in Bangkok [https://local-insider.com/top-local-things-to-do-in-bangkok/]. 1. In Thailand, someone’s head is the most sacred part of their body. Touching someone else’s head is disrespectful. In

Delving into the world of floating markets in Vietnam is an unparalleled experience for travelers who truly want to explore and feel the vibrant atmosphere here. Floating markets have existed for hundreds of years and have become a vital part of the local life in the Mekong Delta. Known for its complex river system, the Mekong Delta [https://inspitrip.com/search?text=mekong%20delta&utm_source=572&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=ENblog] waterway seems to never sleep with hundreds of boats floati

The Land of Smiles has three distinct climates. The cool season lures in millions of tourists each year. The rainy season seems to scare them away. However, Thailand’s sun-ridden beaches are a noteworthy reason to visit. But there are many pros to travelling to the Kingdom during the rainy season too. Here, everything you need to know about raining season in Thailand. Breaking Down the Seasons: When is the Raining Season in Thailand? From about November to March, Thailand sees little rainfall

A typical Thailand power outlet includes 2 slots with a grounding hole. Thailand voltage is 220 Volts at 50Hz. Any device with the below plugs will fit in most Thai electrical outlets: 2 vertical pins (Type A), 2 round pins (Type C & F), 2 vertical pins with an earth pin (Type B)

From the grandeur of Ha Long Bay to the wonder that is the Cu Chi Tunnels, two weeks in Vietnam gives you a real taster of what the country has to offer.At Inspitrip, we've mapped a 14-day itinerary for you. This itinerary focuses mostly on the North Vietnam as two weeks perhaps is not enough to cover the entire country. If you want to spend more time here, check our comprehensive guide on how to travel Vietnam in 30 days.If you are Vietnam  first time travellers, check our comprehensive Vietnam

Hoi An is a historic city in Vietnam that has been largely untouched by the development of the rest of the world. The way of life here has not changed for many years, so you will feel yourself travelling back in time, as you absorb the beauty and culture of this city.  This charming old town is well-known for its beautiful beaches, distinct architecture, amazing traditional Vietnamese food [https://local-insider.com/10-delicious-traditional-vietnamese-food-you-must-try-while-in-vietnam/] and ta

I am often asked which area is the best to book hotels in Ho Chi Minh city by friends and family members from overseas. Staying here for more than 2 years across 4 different districts, I have gained good insights on the best place to stay in Saigon.  It is a big city with different districts having different vibes, depending on what you want to see and how long you stay, this guide will outline some of the best options for you. District 1 - the best place to stay if it is your first time visiti

Think of Hanoi, and the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake spring to mind. But isn’t it Hanoi all about? There are, in fact, many Hanoi-s. There is a Hanoi, both monumental and orderly at Ba Dinh Square. The intimate, disorderly Hanoi just lurks around local markets. And there are the decades-old houses with its ancient charm and a distinctively nostalgic ambiance. I grew up in Hanoi and below is my list of 20 things to do in Hanoi that I believe will let you discover the cities multiple personaliti

As the biggest city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon) offers a range of different experiences and attractions, more than you can cover in one day, but if you are visiting Saigon and stuck for time this guide has been assembled to make sure you get the most out of your day. This guide has incorporated all the main attractions of the city [https://local-insider.com/a-guide-to-discover-ho-chi-minh-city-saigon-vietnam/] with a few quirky adventures that take you to some of the more secluded ar

"Is Vietnam safe?" - I have been asked this question a lot since I moved to Vietnam. Having lived in Vietnam for many years without any safety concerns, I can confirm that Vietnam is definitely a safe country to visit. However, there are certain factors to consider when travelling here, and taking a few precautions can certainly help to ensure your safety. Below are 15 safety concerns frequently asked by those coming to Vietnam. 1. Is the level of petty crime high? Yes, but only in big cities.

Traveling to the wrong place during Vietnam raining season can really dampen your experiences. It is possible to get stuck in a storm or a flood, which is definitely something you would want to avoid. Here is all you need to know about the weather and best things to do in Vietnam during this time of the year. When is the raining season in Vietnam? Vietnam has 2 distinct seasons, dry and raining season (monsoon season). Vietnam raining season starts from around end of May to end of October, heav

If you want to see how much Hanoi has changed in the last few years, don’t forget its coffee scene. From egg coffee to Vietnamese-style Affogato, in the years coffee first emerged as a serious business in Hanoi, people only stopped by old-time shops for traditional tastes like Dinh or Giang cafe. Until recently, the customers have started to demand more than just the quality of what’s inside the cup: nice view, cheerful staff, sophisticated décor, friendly ambiance and good music. This, together

Knowing basic Vietnamese phrases is undoubtedly a privilege for travelers. The closer you get to the locals, the more you are unlocked from the country's hidden gems, hospitality, and also discounts.

Whether you travel to Vietnam or live and work here, you should not miss these amazing Vietnam experiences.

Hoi An food is one of the best in Vietnam and we have narrowed down on two traditional dishes that can only be found here. The flavours and the taste can't be found elsewhere in Vietnam, making them legendary around food critics. So, before you set off to try these dishes, here is a quick breakdown of exactly what they are: Chicken rice Chicken rice (Com Ga) is the traditional and famous dish of Hoi An. All the chicken is free range and is steamed cooked then eaten with yellow rice made from ch

Top things to do in Ho Chi Minh city [https://inspitrip.com/search?text=ho%20chi%20minh&utm_source=2202&utm_medium=button&utm_campaign=ENblog] Explore now! [https://inspitrip.com/search?text=ho%20chi%20minh&utm_source=2202&utm_medium=button&utm_campaign=ENblog] Saigon was a hotbed of activity throughout the Vietnam War. All of the photos featured in this article were taken in Saigon, 3 have won the Pulitzer prize for photography. The city and its surrounding areas are dotted with locations that

Getting to know the locals can really enrich your experience, especially when travelling by yourself. I found this is particularly important when travelling Vietnam alone. Vietnam has much of its best parts hidden away from the tourist traps and having a local friend can be an invaluable source of information as they can advise you where to go and what to do. I have lived in Saigon on and off for almost 2 years and these are my 7 tips to meet the local people who will help you uncover the countr

Plugs type A (two flat vertical pins), type C and type F (two round pins) fit most Vietnam electrical outlets. If your power plug has 3 pins, you might need an adapter as most electrical outlets here do not include a grounding hole. The electricity supply in Vietnam is 220 Volts at 50 Hz.

Teaching English in Vietnam is an easy-to-get job. Vietnamese parents are extremely eager to ensure their children are fluent in English. The adults themselves are also always on the lookout for native speakers to tutor them. As a whole, the country understands that learning English is important in today's society. They know it can open doors in both education and employment. Due to this, it is not uncommon for an English teacher to have quite a few options available to them, each allowing them

A corner of Dong Khoi street in the heart of Saigon.Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon) is one of the most vibrant cities in South East Asia and Vietnam’s largest commercial hub. Saigon is famous for its hustle and bustle lifestyle, exciting nightlife, amazing coffee and food culture. If you are travelling to Vietnam for the first time [https://local-insider.com/vietnam-travel-tips-15-things-you-need-to-know/] and looking for things to do in Saigon, following this guide will give you the best experien

The best time to visit Vietnam is from the end of Winter to Spring (January to April) and Autumn (August to October). Most visitors plan to travel across the country, making the best time to visit more complex than first assumed. You can expect several different climate regions across the 1,000km length of Vietnam, and we have found a very handy guide of what to expect [http://thehungrysuitcase.com/25-things-to-know-before-traveling-in-vietnam/] if you travel to Vietnam the first time. Visiting

“No Pho [https://local-insider.com/10-delicious-traditional-vietnamese-food-you-must-try-while-in-vietnam/] , no Banh Mi [https://local-insider.com/10-delicious-traditional-vietnamese-food-you-must-try-while-in-vietnam/] ” - My rule when it comes to discovering what to eat in Hanoi.Once upon a time, you would look to a banh mi or pho for a cheap and basic eat. Now they are stuffed with an odd fusion of ingredients with higher prices to match. As their quality declined, other foods; from rice pap

I have to be honest, I was a little scared when I first arrived in Vietnam. I belong to the slightly older generation who never got the chance to take off and travel the world in our youth. The most exotic place I had visited before was Dubai where finding the local experiences and culture sometimes proved difficult. When my daughter packed her bags and moved to Ho Chi Minh City, I knew this would be my chance to see a bit more of the world. My husband and I decided to take leave and visit our d