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As a safe and hospitable country with bustling shopping districts, diverse entertainment services, and convenient transportation systems, it's no wonder Singapore is a preferred destination for many young travelers. In this article, Vntrip.vn compiles essential solo travel experiences in Singapore, providing you with all the necessary information before embarking on your journey to explore this beautiful island nation.
Best Time to Visit Singapore
Singapore, a beautiful tourist island, is an ideal destination for travelers worldwide. You can visit Singapore at any time of the year, but for the most memorable and complete experience, consider going during the following times:
- Taipusam, a fascinating festival for Hindus, takes place around February each year.
- Singapore Food Festival occurs in April. This is an ideal time for travelers who want to explore and discover the distinctive culinary culture of the country.
- The biggest sale season of the year is in June. Numerous fashion brands in the busiest shopping centers will simultaneously offer discounts during this period. Shopping enthusiasts, don't miss this unparalleled opportunity.
- July and August are the least crowded months in Singapore. If you want to travel to Singapore independently at a lower cost, these months are highly suitable.
Transportation to Singapore
Currently, there are many direct flights from Vietnam to Singapore that you can choose from, such as Cathay Pacific Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Jetstar, Tiger Airways… It's advisable to purchase tickets about 3 to 4 months before departure and keep an eye on the discount sessions offered by airlines. The average price for a round-trip flight to Singapore is around 2-3 million VND.
You can also save money on airfare by booking night flights as they tend to be much cheaper. Remember: the earlier you book, the cheaper the price, and the more cost-effective your independent trip to Singapore will be.
The main airport in Singapore is Changi Airport. Currently, the order of terminals where airlines land is as follows:
- Terminal 1: Jetstar Pacific.
- Terminal 2: Tigerair.
- Terminal 3: Vietjet Air, Vietnam Airlines.
To move between terminals, you can use the Skytrain (Changi Airport Skytrain), which operates from 5 am to 2:30 am the next day. The service is free, and the travel time between terminals is about 90 seconds.
Immigration process in Singapore
First-time travelers to Singapore often worry about immigration procedures. As part of the ASEAN bloc, similar to Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, etc., Singapore grants visa-free entry to Vietnamese tourists. However, you need to have a passport valid for at least 6 months and a maximum stay of 30 days. Specific considerations for immigration:
Departure notes
- Be at the airport for check-in procedures at least 2 hours before departure.
- Note the regulations regarding carry-on baggage and weight, depending on the airline and ticket price.
- Do not carry more than 7,000 USD from Vietnam and 2,000 SGD when leaving Singapore.
- Avoid bringing sharp metal objects such as knives, scissors, forks, and spoons. Refrain from buying similar items or violent toys for children in Vietnam.
- Do not carry water or liquids on the plane.
Immigration notes
- Prepare all necessary documents: Passport, round-trip flight ticket (printed from email), hotel information.
- Immigration form: Clearly state your duration of stay in Singapore and your hotel details, as customs will inquire about these details.
- Lastly, proceed through customs. Dress modestly, especially for female travelers. Answer customs questions confidently, thoroughly, and accurately.
Getting around in Singapore
In Singapore, there are three common public transportation modes: taxi, bus, and subway (MRT). From the airport, you can travel to your hotel using all three modes. Taxis are the fastest but also the most expensive in Singapore. Buses are cheaper, but their operations differ significantly from Vietnam. According to Vntrip.vn's self-guided Singapore travel experience, it's best to use the MRT, as it is the cheapest, safest, fastest, and most convenient mode of transportation in Singapore.
To use the MRT, you can either buy a single journey ticket or purchase an EZ Card for multiple uses. An EZ Card costs around 150,000 VND, including a card balance of around 100,000 VND. Singapore's MRT is the most modern in the world and covers most famous destinations. There are three main lines named after the train's direction: Red Line (North South), Purple Line (North East), Green Line (East West). The MRT stops operating at 23:00, and buses run 24 hours, so be mindful to avoid missing the last train and having to use a taxi.
Three crucial notes when using the MRT:
- Station Names: Comprise the abbreviated name of the line and the station number. For example, the station you start from is Little India (NE7), and the station you need to get off is Newton (NS21). Remember this to avoid boarding the wrong line.
- Direction Names: Displayed directly on the train body.
- Interchange Stations: Some stations serve as interchange stations between different lines, so pay close attention.
Famous tourist destinations in Singapore
Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands at night (photo collection)
The first must-visit destination in Singapore is Marina Bay Sands. It is a business and resort complex located on the Marina Bay waterfront. The area includes three towers, each 55 stories high, a shopping center with 300 stores, and a modern casino covering 15,000 m2. Marina Bay Sands is a popular tourist attraction in Singapore chosen by many visitors.
Merlion Park
Merlion – the lion-fish sculpture is a symbol and soul of Singapore (photo collection)
Merlion Park is one of the most attractive free tourist destinations in Singapore. It is also a favorite spot for Vietnamese tourists who want to take souvenir photos. The park features the famous Merlion, a lion-fish hybrid, known worldwide. It is a distinctive symbol when referring to this country.
Gardens By The Bay
Gardens By The Bay – illuminated super tree grove with skywalk (photo collection)
A must-visit iconic site for every traveler exploring Singapore independently is Gardens by the Bay. It includes a collection of super trees with unique and eye-catching designs that light up every night. Along with that, there is the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest with an artificial waterfall and various plant species from around the world. Additionally, you have the opportunity to stroll on the OCBC Skyway, explore the conservatories, and admire the panoramic view of the enchanting Gardens by the Bay. Especially, if you time it right in the evening, you can enjoy the super trees and the sound and light show at Marina Bay.
Orchard Road
Orchard Road – upscale shopping paradise (photo collection)
Are you a shopping enthusiast? Do you want to enjoy the atmosphere of vibrant and trendy fashion streets? Orchard Road in Singapore is undoubtedly the travel destination that will captivate you. It is the largest shopping street in Singapore with numerous department stores and shops of all sizes.
Sentosa Island
Sentosa Island - Picturesque paradise (photo collection)
As the fourth-largest island in Singapore, Sentosa Island offers a wide range of recreational, sightseeing, and entertainment services. It truly stands as Singapore's resort paradise. Sentosa Island is a must-visit travel destination when you come to Singapore. You can spend a day enjoying the attractions on this dreamy island.
Universal Studios
The famous Universal globe known worldwide (photo collection)
Whether traveling solo or with family and friends, a visit to Universal Studios is a must. It's one of the top-loved destinations and amusement parks in Asia. The park recreates the sets of the most famous and hottest Hollywood films. It's also a favorite check-in spot for tourists.
Chinatown and Little India
One corner of Chinatown (photo collection)
Chinatown is the home of the Chinese community in Singapore. It's a place with many shops selling handicrafts, gold and jade jewelry, reflecting the cultural traditions of the Chinese people.
Vibrant Little India Street (photo collection)
Little India is the residence of the Indian community in Singapore. Known for spice shops, sari clothing, electronics, and Bollywood music stores. The shops on this street are painted in various colors, looking eye-catching and attracting a large number of tourists when traveling to Singapore.
Kampong Glam
Kampong Glam – Famous Arab Quarter (photo collection)
Kampong Glam is a remarkably vibrant and famous Arab quarter for Singaporean tourists. The most notable feature on this street is the fascinating Moroccan-style lanterns. Additionally, there are two renowned mosques, Sultan’s and Hajjah Fatimah, that visitors can explore.
Clarke Quay
Clarke Quay – Vibrant Nightlife Spot (photo collection)
If you're traveling to Singapore independently and haven't experienced the lively atmosphere of late-night restaurants and bars at Clarke Quay, your trip will be incomplete. As the sun sets, Clarke Quay and the riverside area of Singapore transform into an entirely new atmosphere – lively, dynamic, and full of life. If you're a young traveler looking for exciting nightlife experiences, this is a must-visit destination.
Pulau Ubin Island
Pulau Ubin Island - Dreamy Escape (photo collection)
Another intriguing spot in Singapore that few know about is Pulau Ubin Island. Just a short boat ride from the city, the island presents an entirely different face of Singapore with its unusually tranquil pace of life. If you've experienced the vibrant atmosphere at famous tourist destinations, escape to the dreamy Pulau Ubin Island for a relaxing break.
S.E.A Aquarium
S.E.A Aquarium, the largest in Southeast Asia (photo collection)
This is the largest aquarium park in Southeast Asia. S.E.A Aquarium has a capacity of over 45 million liters of water, providing a home for more than 100,000 diverse marine creatures. S.E.A Aquarium is undoubtedly a highly enticing attraction you shouldn't miss when choosing Singapore as a stop for your travel journey.
Culinary Delights in Singapore
Singaporean cuisine is delicious and diverse, rivaling any other nation. The specialties of Singapore mainly blend the cultures of China and Malaysia. Some must-try dishes when traveling to Singapore include Chili Crab, Frog Porridge, Laksa, and Kaya Toast.
- Chili Crab: A top-notch and iconic Singaporean dish. Fresh crab steamed or stir-fried in a delightful tomato and chili sauce, perfectly seasoned, often served with crispy fried buns.
- Frog Porridge: White porridge and frog, each prepared separately and then combined in a clay pot. The white porridge, made from roasted rice, is served with lightly fried and seasoned frog meat, Kung Pao sauce, and chili. Frog Porridge is a culinary pride of Singapore.
- Laksa: A representative dish blending the flavors of Chinese and Malaysian cuisines. Coconut milk + curry spices are cooked together to make the broth, and the filling can include shrimp, clams, tofu, eggs, etc., served with rice noodles.
- Kaya Toast: It would be a miss not to try Kaya Toast, a beloved Singaporean breakfast. Crispy toasted bread is generously spread with cold butter and rich kaya, a traditional jam made from coconut and eggs.
What to buy as souvenirs in Singapore?
If you want to bring back gifts for friends or family after your Singapore trip, consider items like: Souvenirs featuring the iconic Merlion, Fashionable clothing and accessories, Confectionery, Cosmetics, Decorative items, Kaya jam, Bak Kwa (dried meat), Laksa sauce...
Important tips when visiting Singapore
– Most attractions in Singapore are free to enter; however, some may require tickets. It's advisable for tourists to research before visiting.
– When traveling in Singapore, use your right hand for greetings or when eating Indian or Malaysian dishes; it's an important cultural note to remember.
– If you make a purchase exceeding 100 SGD, you can request a tax invoice and go through the process to claim a 7% refund at the designated tax refund area at the airport.
– Avoid chewing gum or smoking in public areas. Eating on the subway is strictly prohibited, and violators may face hefty fines.
– Souvenirs at tourist attractions tend to be pricy. Negotiating prices may be possible in some places.
– Changi Airport is quite expansive, with 3 terminals, so make sure to know which terminal you'll be flying from for convenience. If you have time, you can explore Terminal 2, where the dining and shopping options are livelier.
– Shops in Singapore typically open quite late, with shopping malls usually around 10 am. If you plan to shop, be mindful of the opening times, or if you see something you like, it's best to buy it then and there to avoid the hassle of returning later.
Following the detailed travel tips from Vntrip.vn, we wish you a delightful and memorable journey in Singapore!
