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Nowadays, many travelers choose self-guided travel to Dubai to enjoy a personalized exploration journey. Dubai is not only famous for its luxurious and modern appearance but also offers a wealth of fascinating cultural experiences. Traveling independently allows you to save costs while having the freedom to explore this extravagant city at your own pace. Let’s explore the details with iVISA so you can gather more information for your upcoming travel plans to this country.
Why Choose Self-Guided Travel to Dubai?
Self-guided travel to Dubai has become increasingly popular compared to all-inclusive tours. Instead of relying on a fixed itinerary, you can freely choose destinations, visiting times, and follow your personal interests.
Additionally, it is an opportunity to explore the local culture in depth, enjoy street food, wander through traditional markets, and immerse yourself in the daily life of the residents.
Self-guided travel is suitable for:
- Young travelers seeking new experiences and unique “check-in” spots.
- Couples or small families who want a flexible itinerary.
- Experienced international travelers who prefer autonomy.
Essential Preparations Before Traveling to Dubai
A complete trip always starts with careful preparation. For a self-guided Dubai trip, thorough planning helps you stay in control, have a comfortable experience, save costs, and gain more inspiration.
Ideal Time to Visit Dubai and Save Costs
Dubai has a desert climate, with summer (May–September) temperatures exceeding 40°C, making it extremely hot. The best time to visit Dubai is during the winter months from November to March, when the weather is pleasant (20–28°C)., convenient for outdoor sightseeing. However, this is also the peak travel season, with higher ticket and hotel prices. To save money, you can choose April or October – the transitional period with more reasonable costs, while still being able to visit most famous attractions.
Dubai Visa Procedures for Vietnamese Travelers
Travelers often ask: “Do I need a visa for self-guided travel to Dubai, and how do I apply?” In fact, a tourist visa Dubai is mandatory for entry. To save time on paperwork, consider iVISA’s visa service, which provides comprehensive support from A to Z for Dubai tourist visas.
Dubai Visa Fees (including VAT) via iVISA:
- 30-day single-entry visa: 4,093,200 VND
- 60-day tourist visa: 5,281,200 VND
- 60-day multiple-entry tourist visa: 7,441,200 VND
Booking Flights and Accommodation to Fit Your Budget
When planning self-guided travel to Dubai, the two largest expenses are flights and accommodation. Costs vary depending on the airline, booking time, and location of the stay.
| Category | Reference Cost |
| Flight |
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| Accommodation |
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Self-Guided Dubai Itinerary
Wondering how many days are enough to fully explore Dubai? A self-guided itinerary can range from 3 days for a short trip to 7 days for a more relaxed experience. Even with limited time, you can see the highlights. With more days, you can expand your itinerary to both sightsee and enjoy leisurely activities.
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
| Day 1: Vietnam → Dubai | – Fly from Vietnam to Dubai | – Complete immigration procedures and transfer to the hotel- Check in at the hotel | – Have a light snack nearby- Rest and relax to prepare for the next day |
| Day 2: Downtown Dubai | – Have breakfast at the hotel- Visit Burj Khalifa and Wings of Mexico Statue | – Explore Dubai Mall: Aquarium, Ice Rink, Waterfall | – Watch the Dubai Fountain show and have dinner near Burj Lake |
| Day 3: Dubai Frame & Old Town | – Have breakfast- Visit Dubai Frame and Al Bastakiya | – Take an Abra boat ride across Dubai Creek, shop at Gold Souk and Spice Souk | – Dinner at Al Seef Street, stroll around Old Town |
| Day 4: Palm Jumeirah & Miracle Garden | – Have breakfast- Visit Dubai Miracle Garden and Jumeirah Mosque | – Visit The View at The Palm, Atlantis Aquaventure/Dolphin Bay | – Relax at JBR Beach, have dinner at Madinat Jumeirah |
| Day 5: Desert Safari | – Have breakfast- Depart for the desert tour: dune bashing and camel riding | – Take photos and enjoy the desert sunset | – BBQ dinner with traditional dance show, optional overnight stay in the desert |
| Day 6: Abu Dhabi | – Travel to Abu Dhabi (1.5–2 hours)- Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque | – Visit Louvre Abu Dhabi, stroll along Corniche | – Dinner by the seaside, return to Dubai |
| Last Day: Dubai → Vietnam | – Fly from Dubai to Vietnam | – Rest on the plane | – Arrive in Vietnam, end of the journey |
This is the itinerary suggested by iVISA to help you make the most of your experience and gain more travel insights while exploring Dubai.
Effective and Safe Transportation in Dubai
Metro – Modern and Affordable
For convenient and cost-effective travel, the metro is the recommended option. Ticket prices range from 3–8 AED. Simply purchase a Nol card, top it up, and tap when traveling.
Dubai Taxi – Comfortable and Convenient
Taxis are available 24/7. The starting fare is around 12 AED, plus 2 AED/km. Taxis are ideal for families or travelers with luggage, providing safety and convenience.
Dubai Bus – Cheap and Local Experience
At only 3–5 AED per ride, buses are the cheapest option. The network covers the entire city, from downtown to Jumeirah and Deira. Modern buses stop frequently, suitable for those who want to travel while observing city life.
Self-Drive – Full Control of Your Journey
For flexibility, renting a car is ideal. Costs are around 120 AED/day, excluding fuel and insurance. With a car, you can drive to the desert safari or Abu Dhabi in a single day. Suitable for groups or families, but strict adherence to traffic laws is necessary.
Ride-Hailing Apps – Modern and Fast
Apps like Uber and Careem allow quick booking, fare estimation, and online payment. Prices are usually similar to taxis, but more convenient.
Appropriate Clothing for Traveling to Dubai
Respecting Culture and Dress Code
Dubai is modern yet retains Islamic traditions. Women should avoid short skirts or sleeveless tops, wearing long pants or knee-length skirts instead. Men should avoid tank tops or shorts above the knee, choosing T-shirts and long pants. Appropriate attire ensures comfort and avoids unnecessary trouble.
Suggested Clothing
In summer, wear lightweight cotton, sunglasses, and wide-brim hats. Winter (Nov–Mar) is milder, requiring only light jackets and long pants. When visiting mosques, women must wear long sleeves, long pants or skirts, and cover their head; men should dress modestly. At beaches, swimsuits are allowed but wear cover-ups outside the beach area.
Shopping and Souvenirs in Dubai
Dubai is a shopping paradise with both luxury brands and traditional Arabian markets. Shopping is not only for acquiring goods but also for exploring local culture.
Typical Souvenirs for Self-Guided Dubai Travel
- Gold and Jewelry: Sparkling under desert sunlight, earning Dubai the title “City of Gold.”
- Perfume: Unique scents from traditional Dubai markets.
- Spices and Dried Dates: Full of traditional flavors, evoking lively streets and markets.
- Handwoven Rugs: Soft textures showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.
These souvenirs are valuable keepsakes and a way to share Dubai’s memories with loved ones.
Popular Shopping Spots in Dubai
| Place | Address | Description |
| Dubai Mall | Downtown Dubai, Dubai | The world’s largest shopping center, featuring luxury brands. |
| Gold Souk | Deira, Dubai | Traditional gold market with dazzling jewelry. |
| Spice Souk | Deira, Dubai | A wide variety of Middle Eastern spices. |
| Textile Souk | Bur Dubai, Dubai | Diverse scarves and hand-embroidered fabrics reflecting local culture. |
Optimizing Your Dubai Trip: Self-Guided or Package Tour?
Dubai remains a dream destination for many due to its luxury and modernity while preserving cultural identity. A common question is whether to choose self-guided travel or an all-inclusive tour.
Self-guided travel offers autonomy and flexibility in every choice. Travelers can book flights, select hotels, and build itineraries according to personal preferences. However, it requires careful preparation and cost management.
All-inclusive tours provide convenience and safety, especially suitable for first-time visitors or those unfamiliar with foreign languages. The company handles everything from A–Z. The drawback is a fixed schedule that is difficult to adjust.
Quick Q&A About Self-Guided Dubai Travel
What to do if a Dubai tourist visa is rejected?
If the visa is denied, you cannot appeal as the decision is solely at the discretion of Dubai authorities. The only option is to submit a new application.
Can I get a refund if the visa is not approved?
No. The visa fee is non-refundable. Therefore, before planning your self-guided Dubai trip and budgeting, prepare documents carefully or use reputable services like iVISA to increase approval chances.
How to extend a Dubai tourist visa?
Tourists can extend online via the official system. After accessing the website, select “Visa Services” and follow instructions. Ensure accurate information to avoid errors.
How long before departure should I apply for a Dubai visa?
Visa applications should be submitted at least 14 days before departure. Early submission ensures timely processing and allows more preparation for accommodation and budgeting. For a faster and smoother process, consider using Dubai tourist visa iVISA’s support.
Are you ready to explore Dubai on your own this season? Self-guided travel takes you through the luxury, vibrancy, and unique culture of this Middle Eastern city. Plan carefully and start your adventure now!
iVISA Property & Citizenship
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