Travel Experience in Singapore Self-Travel Latest 2023

What’s interesting about traveling to Singapore? What are the latest travel policies for Singapore? Don't forget to pocket the freshest travel experiences for Singapore.
Traveling to Singapore independently is a "common dream" of many tourists, especially as this famous island nation begins to welcome international visitors back. Singapore is honored to be in the top 10 most visited cities in the world for many consecutive years, where the beauty is a harmonious blend of major cultures: Malaysian, Indian, Chinese, Arab, and British - creating a unique city-country of Singapore.
Although it is the smallest country in Southeast Asia, Singapore has everything to meet the sightseeing needs of tourists: a green - clean - beautiful environment, state-of-the-art infrastructure, rich diverse culture, distinctive cuisine, a plethora of gigantic shopping centers, vibrant nightlife, a public transportation system that is both cheap and convenient, and many other attractive things.

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Whether it's your first time in Singapore or you've returned many times, you'll still feel amazed by the constant changes designed to provide the freshest experiences for tourists. Accordingly, this article also updates comprehensive travel experiences in Singapore to make your trip more complete.

Independent Travel in Singapore - Frequently Asked Questions​

What do first-time travelers to Singapore need to prepare? Let's refer to the necessary information so you are ready for a trip full of wonderful memories in Singapore!

Where is Singapore?​

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If you are new to Singapore, you might be wondering how a city of modest size can be one of the youngest and most successful countries in the world, right? Singapore is a sunny tropical island in Southeast Asia, located off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. When looking at the map, you can easily see Singapore sitting between Malaysia and Indonesia.
Singapore is home to four major communities: predominantly Chinese, followed by Malays, Indians, and Eurasian folks. The name Singapore comes from the word “Singapura” in Malay: “singa” means “lion” and “Pura” means “city.” For this reason, Singapore is also called the Lion City.

What is the Best Time to Travel to Singapore?​

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Although Singapore is a year-round destination with a characteristic hot and humid climate, the best time to visit is from December to June. Particularly, from February to April is Singapore’s dry season with the least rainfall, the lowest humidity, and the most sunshine.
Additionally, if you want to visit the most beautiful beaches and islands in Singapore, the period from June to August will offer the best experiences. For shopping enthusiasts, you should make a trip to Singapore in the 6 weeks when the annual mega discount event, The Great Singapore Sale, is taking place, or during Christmas and New Year.

Do You Need a Visa to Visit Singapore?​

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According to the bilateral visa exemption agreement applied since 2003, Vietnamese and Singaporean citizens with regular passports can enter and exit between Singapore and Vietnam without needing a visa.
However, this regulation only applies to stays of less than 30 days. If you plan to travel to Singapore for more than 30 days, you will still need to apply for a Singapore visa.

Traveling to Singapore Independently - Popular Transportation Options​

One of the best things about traveling in Singapore is that you don’t have to worry about how to get around the city. Singapore’s modern public transportation system will easily take you to most attractions.

1. Exploring Singapore by MRT​

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The MRT system is probably the most effective and preferred mode of transportation in Singapore. You can use one of the following travel cards:

• Singapore Tourist Pass (STP): a type of EZ-Link card pre-loaded to allow unlimited travel in one day (S$10), two days (S$16) or three days (S$20).
• Mastercard issued abroad and contactless Visa cards issued outside Singapore for public transport fares in Singapore.
• Smartcard (EZ-Link/Nets FlashPay): a pre-loaded card (S$12) for your use while commuting and at street food areas or convenience stores.

2. Traveling in Singapore by Bus​

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Buses are also a cost-effective and quick option comparably to trains. Traveling by bus, you can comfortably enjoy the lush scenery and stunning architecture of the city. Singapore's bus system has a wide network covering most famous tourist spots.
Similar to trains, you can buy bus tickets in Singapore using STP, contactless Mastercard/Visa, or EZ-Link/Nets FlashPay. In addition to public buses, you definitely won't want to miss the day or night city tour on the fun double-decker Big Bus!

3. Visiting Singapore by Taxi​

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In places where buses or trains do not come close, don’t worry, taxis are available! Taxi fares in Singapore are calculated based on distance but may have surcharges depending on time, location, and the taxi company. Remember to ask for an estimated fare beforehand and keep the receipt after your journey ends.

4. Exploring Singapore by Bicycle​

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Cycling around the sunny island is also a wonderful way to relax, enjoy the green space, and exercise. Singapore prides itself on having a cycling path network connecting everywhere, and you can rent a bike or join a cycling tour to explore the city while enjoying convenient street food.
In addition to bikes, Segway scooters or Vespa sidecars are also environmentally friendly forms of transportation that are well-loved by tourists.

Estimated Costs for Independent Travel in Singapore​

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Traveling should be more enjoyable than worrying! To have a memorable trip to Singapore with family and friends, you can refer to the cost estimates based on the information from this article, such as:

• A 4-day, 3-night trip to Singapore can cost as low as 10,000,000 VND/person.
• A 3-day, 2-night trip to Singapore can cost as low as 11,017,352 VND/person.

With great prices and a clear itinerary, you can freely explore Singapore and capture cheerful moments with your family.

What to Prepare for an Independent Trip to Singapore?​

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What should you prepare and keep in mind when traveling to Singapore? Let's take a look at the necessary information to ensure a smooth and convenient trip to Singapore!

1. Personal Identification Documents​

You don’t need a visa to enter Singapore but you must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months. Of course, a round-trip air ticket is essential!

2. Cash and ATM Cards​

Singapore uses the Singapore Dollar (SGD). You can exchange money at Vietnamese banks or at the airport. To be more convenient, you should bring an international debit card or Visa/Mastercard credit card for shopping and payments in Singapore.

3. Appropriate Clothing​

The weather in Singapore is generally hot and humid year-round, so you should wear comfortable, light clothing, and don’t forget a pair of comfortable walking shoes. Note that female travelers arriving at Changi International Airport should dress neatly and modestly to avoid issues upon entry due to inappropriate attire.

4. Book Hotels in Advance​

Upon entering Changi Airport, customs officers will ask about your purpose of visiting Singapore, where you will stay, or the address of your hotel. Therefore, if you don’t have a specific address, you may encounter difficulties during entry or even be denied entry.
Thus, checking the list of hotels in Singapore, resorts, or hostels/homestays in Singapore is very necessary; most importantly, book through Klook and apply discount codes to get the best possible deals.
After completing the customs procedures, let Klook drivers quickly pick you up at Changi International Airport and take you to anywhere in the city in a private vehicle or shuttle without wasting time waiting for a taxi.

5. Other Essential Items and Amenities​

There are some "small but mighty" items, such as a 4G SIM card or a 4G WIFI device that will help you upload travel photos without interruptions, and connect with family and friends back home more easily. Additionally, travelers should carry a power bank and a three-pin electric plug for easily charging devices brought from Vietnam.
Electronic devices: phone, power bank, socket, etc. Since power outlets in Singapore usually have three pins, you may want to bring a socket from Vietnam for convenient charging of your phone, camera, and other devices.

Cheap Travel to Singapore - Tips for Saving on Flights to Singapore!​

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To have a fun and budget-friendly trip to Singapore, let’s start with flight tickets. But how to hunt for cheap flights to Singapore? According to many travelers' experiences, you should start looking for tickets at least 1 month in advance, avoiding last-minute purchases since prices tend to be high close to the departure date. Early booking gives you a better chance of finding round-trip tickets to Singapore for less than 2,000,000 VND.
Additionally, regularly check the direct ticket sales pages of some low-cost airlines flying to Singapore like: Scoot, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, subscribe for email promotions, or contact nearby ticket agencies to catch the best deals.

What to Do in Singapore? Famous Tourist Attractions in Singapore​

Singapore is seen as a playground for the wealthy, with a powerful lion symbolizing prosperity. But Singapore is not only about glitzy shopping malls, luxurious restaurants, hotels, or modern amusement parks, it also has a treasure trove of culture, history, and nature reserves friendly to everyone.
With Klook Singapore Pass "power cards," you can visit up to 5 tourist destinations, or 4 amusement parks or 4 famous wild parks in Singapore at incredible savings!

1. Marina Bay Sands Singapore​

• Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956

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Located by Marina Bay, Marina Bay Sands is a quintessential tourist destination in Singapore that almost all visitors check in. Marina Bay Sands is a shopping, resort, and casino complex comprising three magnificent towers rising 55 stories, connected by the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck shaped like a ship. From the SkyPark, you can see the innovative Helix Bridge, the Marina Bay Cruise Center, the massive Gardens by the Bay, and the ArtScience Museum - the lotus flower by Marina Bay Sands. Since its public unveiling in 2010, the luxury and grandeur of Marina Bay Sands have showcased Singapore's style and status to the world.

2. Singapore Flyer​

• Address: 30 Raffles Ave, Singapore 039803

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If you haven't been dazzled enough at Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck, enjoy the stunning skyline at the Singapore Flyer, even having a romantic dinner with your other half from a height of 165m in the VIP cabin of the Singapore Flyer. Located in the heart of Marina Bay, the Singapore Flyer is the largest observation wheel in Asia, allowing you to see the whole city, and parts of Malaysia and Indonesia on clear days.

3. Chinatown​

• Address: 2 Banda St, Singapore 059962 (Chinatown Visitors Centre)

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Chinatown was once a hub for Chinese immigrants in Singapore and is now a favorite among tourists for its blend of the new and the old, tradition and modernity.
The dazzling atmosphere rich in cultural identity, with shops illuminated by lanterns alongside vibrant murals, and age-old spiritual establishments, has inspired tourists here to capture beautiful moments for postcards sent worldwide. We should stop by this area once or several times, using different perspectives to explore the memories of Chinatown.

4. Orchard Road​

• Address: 437 Orchard Road, Singapore 238878 (Orchard MRT)

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There’s a funny saying: No one will blame you if you come to Singapore and do nothing but shop! Indeed, the greenest and cleanest city in the world not only attracts tourists for sightseeing and relaxation but also for shopping. Orchard Road is the most prominent name in Singapore's shopping paradise, featuring luxury brands, fine dining, and endless entertainment. What more could you expect from a street with 22 shopping malls, 6 large and small department stores, hundreds of restaurants and eateries, alongside entertainment spots for all ages!

5. Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders​

• Address: 80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826

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Rated by TripAdvisor as the best zoo in Asia and the 4th best in the world, the Singapore Zoo is an impressive destination with many well-cared-for animals in living spaces resembling their natural habitats.
To get closer to wildlife, you can visit the Night Safari, River Wonders... - all part of the Mandai Wildlife Group, located at the same address. Simply purchase a ticket package from Klook to explore the miniature wilderness world in Singapore with your family.

What to Eat in Singapore? Unmissable Singapore Dishes​

Singapore’s multicultural and rich heritage has given birth to an array of dishes, each with its unique flavors and tastes. Interestingly, although Singapore is known for being an expensive country, this doesn’t mean that you have to spend a lot of money to enjoy meals here.

1. Hainanese Chicken Rice​

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If you happen to see a stall hanging a row of juicy, appetizing chickens, it means you’ve found one of the most beloved and famous specialties in Singapore: Hainanese chicken rice, also known as Singapore chicken rice. This delicious dish is available at both affordable food courts and elegant restaurants.

2. Chili Crab​

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Chili crab is one of Singapore's greatest culinary creations, topping the list of all crab dishes. Chili crab is a perfect blend of rich sauce soaking into the juicy crab meat that's sautéed. Most seafood restaurants in Singapore serve this dish, ensuring everyone loves it.

3. Fish Head Curry​

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Fish head curry is a Singapore dish combining Indian and Chinese cuisines. Red snapper heads are simmered in curry with vegetables like okra and eggplant. This spicy and rich dish is often served with rice or bread to enhance its flavors.

4. Laksa​

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Laksa coconut noodle originates from the Peranakan people - Chinese residing along the Malacca Strait, prominent in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.
There are many versions of laksa in Singapore, but Katong laksa is the most popular and palatable. Katong laksa features eye-catching orange-red color accompanied by coconut milk flavor and dried shrimp, with its main ingredients being noodles and seafood such as clams, shrimp, and fish cake.

5. Bak Kut Teh​

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Bak Kut Teh is a nutritious soup made from delicious pork ribs, simmered with distinctive spices and herbs, creating a rich and appealing flavor. This soup is often served with pork ribs, greens, and braised tofu. Singaporeans typically enjoy Bak Kut Teh for a light breakfast.
Don’t forget to check out the list of fine dining restaurants in Singapore to ensure you don’t miss memorable culinary experiences here. Of course, Klook Vietnam is also offering many dining deals in Singapore for you to consider, helping you save costs while enjoying the best culinary selections in the Lion Island Nation.

Traveling to Singapore - Popular Singapore Hotels​

Do you know how to choose a place to stay in Singapore that fits your budget while still providing a dream-like vacation experience? From luxury hotels to budget hostels with unique designs, Singapore always has a wonderful resting place just for you and your family.

1. D’Resort @ Downtown East​

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• Address: 1 Pasir Ris Cl, Singapore 519599
• Reference price: from 2,032,000 VND/night

D’Resort @ Downtown East is Singapore's first water theme resort, and a perfect oasis for families wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

2. Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa Singapore​

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• Address: 101 Siloso Rd, Singapore 098970
• Reference price: from 4,318,000 VND/night

Located on the beautiful Sentosa island, Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa Singapore is the only beachfront resort in Singapore, specially designed for families looking for sunny experiences in a tranquil setting.

3. Hotel Fort Canning​

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• Address: 11 Canning Walk, Singapore 178881
• Reference price: from 5,600,000 VND/night

Hotel Fort Canning offers a romantic colonial-style atmosphere and is located very close to one of Singapore's historical sites: Fort Canning Park.

4. The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore​

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• Address: 7 Raffles Ave, Singapore 039799
• Reference price: from 10,127,000 VND/night

An absolute luxurious stay with views over the entire city from family suites is waiting for you at The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore. Additionally, children have the opportunity to experience exciting glamping activities with the Ritz Kids Night Safari service.

5. Village Hotel Changi​

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• Address: 1 Netheravon Road, Singapore 508502
• Reference price: from 2,849,000 VND/night

Village Hotel Changi will be a great choice for those wanting to get closer to nature, a hotel surrounded by lush greenery, just a short boat ride away from the Pulau Ubin conservation island.

Update on Singapore's Travel Policies for 2023​

With the recovery of the tourism industry in 2022, Singapore quickly joined the ranks of countries reopening to welcome international tourists. Once again, travelers can explore the Lion City to discover numerous "hidden gems."
According to the latest information, travelers who haven’t been vaccinated against Covid-19 can still enter Singapore without presenting any documents. This is one of the latest changes in Covid-19 prevention regulations in the Lion Republic.
Accordingly, from February 13, Singapore no longer applies any quarantine measures for travelers. People do not need to present vaccination proof or purchase travel insurance related to Covid-19. Those who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated do not need to undergo testing before arrival.

A Few Considerations When Traveling Independently to Singapore​

Although Singapore's travel regulations are gradually loosening, entry conditions may still change. Therefore, please contact the Singapore Embassy in Vietnam or check with the official website of Singapore's Immigration Authority before planning your trip!
Most importantly: All information in this article is only accurate at the time of writing. Entry regulations and guidelines may change frequently. Therefore, regularly update the latest information on official electronic pages to be best prepared for your trip!

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Singapore remains an attractive destination for Vietnamese tourists. We can't stop dreaming of carefree shopping on Orchard Road or "chilling" at Haji Lane. It's better to be cautious. Before packing your bags for the Lion City, make sure to prepare well with knowledge of Singapore's travel policies as well as shopping, entertainment, and recreation locations.