vietnam travel plan

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Vietnam Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 29, 2024

Most people either love or hate traveling in Vietnam. When I first went, there was a negative attitude towards foreign travelers (for good reason), lots of scams, and just not a lot of good vibes. But, since that trip many years ago, the country has changed a lot: it’s embraced tourism, people have opened up more, there’s fewer scams, and Ho Chi Minh City has even become a hub for digital nomads.

From exploring the Old Quarter of Hanoi to the delicious food and fancy garments of Hoi An , Vietnam has a lot to see and do so take your time. Don’t rush your trip.

This budget travel guide to Vietnam can help you plan your trip and ensure you make the most of your visit.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Vietnam

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in vietnam.

1. Tour the Mekong Delta

The delta is a 60,000-kilometer (37,000-mile) long web of interconnected waterways, which spans three Vietnamese provinces and has been used since the 4th century BCE. What I love about this area is it’s filled with small villages, pagodas, mangroves, and orchards. The best way to experience the area is to go on a boat or bike tour, where you’ll experience rural Vietnamese culture. Some of favorite things include the Cai Rang floating market for the colorful fruits and veggies and vibrant atmosphere; Vinh Trang Pagoda for its impressive golden exterior and lush gardens; and the incredible Sadec Flower Village that is stunning and serene, even if you’re not a flower enthusiast. Spend a few days really getting to know the region outside the hustle and bustle of the cities. Day trips on the river start at around 575,000 VND per person.

2. Wander Hanoi

Vietnam’s capital dates to the 3rd century BCE when it was the capital of the ancient nation of Au Lac. I love to wander around the narrow streets of the Old Quarter. It’s a great place to get a feel for the city as there are tons of vendors, smells of street food, people watching, and bustle. Some of my favorite places to visit include the One-Pillar Pagoda, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, and the Hanoi Water Puppet Theater. Be sure to check out the history museum to learn about French colonialism and Communist rule (from the Vietnamese perspective) as well as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Hanoi is also a good base for doing multi-day tours to Ha Long Bay.

3. Explore Ha Long Bay

This iconic region is home to more than 3,000 islands and is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. The towering limestone islands are covered in lush jungles and surrounded by calm emerald waters. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s located 2-3 hours from Hanoi and travelers can take multi-day boat cruises around the islands (most are 2-5 days). During the cruise, you’ll visit floating markets, incredible beaches, massive caves, and either sleep onboard your boat or on one of the many islands. Just keep in mind that this area is super popular and is often overcrowded. Cheap tours start around 1,200,000 VND while a mid-range tour costs around 3,000,000-4,500,000 VND. Just remember that you get what you pay for and the cheaper boats might be a bit run down.

4. Hang out in Hoi An

Hoi An was a thriving port city between the 15th and 19th centuries and the architecture is incredibly well preserved (the entire Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site). It was easily my favorite place in Vietnam because I loved walking around, taking a thrilling sidecar trip in the countryside, and of course, Vietnamese cooking classes, which are great because you learn to prepare fresh fish caught right there. This place is famous for its tailors so if you’re looking to buy some custom made clothes at an inexpensive price, this is the spot to do it in. They will even ship it back to your home country.

5. Get adventurous in Sapa

This is northern Vietnam’s premier trekking area and it’s hugely popular with all sorts of travelers. Sapa is famous for its hill tribes, lush vegetation, beautiful hiking trails, and breathtaking mountains. If you’re looking to experience the scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities Vietnam has to offer, this is the place. This area is rich in culture because it is comprised of 85% ethnic Vietnamese minority groups that have different colorful traditional dress and unique styles of houses. To avoid the tourists, come during the off-season or take longer hikes to parts the crowds don’t go to.

Other Things to See and Do

1. take a free walking tour.

The first thing I do when I visit a new destination is take a free walking tour. It’s the best way to get the lay of the land, see the main sights, and connect with a local guide who can answer all my questions. Both Hanoi and HCMH (the two largest and most popular cities in the country) have a few free tours available that cover the main highlights and are a great primer to the country (Hanoi Free Walking Tours and Saigon Free Day Tours are two companies worth checking out). Just remember to tip your guide at the end!

2. Crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels

This extensive network of tunnels spans nearly 310 miles (500 kilometers). It was utilized by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Tours involve a description of the tunnels, after which tourists are allowed to crawl about the maze and fire AK47s at shooting targets. It’s a sobering experience and not one meant for anyone claustrophobic. However, if you want to better understand the terror of the Vietnam War, this is a must-visit. Admission is around 100,000 VND per person.

3. Relax or find adventure in Dalat

Dalat is nestled in the hills of the Central Highlands and is popular with tourists who want to relax in the mountain air and those who want to participate in a host of adventure sports (such as rock climbing, ziplining, and rappelling). The hills around Dalat are filled with traditional tribal villages, which you can tour as well. Expect to pay around 2,000,000 VND per person for a full day of ziplining and rappelling around waterfalls.

4. Visit Cuc Phuong National Park

South of Hanoi lies Vietnam’s first National Park, Cuc Phuong. Covering 222 square kilometers (85 square miles), this place is home to over 2,000 species of trees and some truly rare wildlife including the Clouded Leopard, Delacour’s Langur and Owston’s Civet. It was my favorite park in all of Vietnam and the only place I didn’t find hordes of tourists. The entrance fee is 50,000 VND.

5. Explore Ho Chi Minh City

Also known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest city and is definitely worth exploring. Ho Chi Minh is the place to really gain an understanding of French colonialism as well as the US headquarters there during the Vietnam War, which you can learn more about at the War Remnants Museum. Like most cities in Vietnam, you’ll be met with the roar of motorbikes speeding through colonial streets. I loved Ben Thanh Market, which is a must-see for amazing food and there is a great buzz of activity within the place. Don’t miss your chance to get the best Pho soup in Ho Chi Minh, that means some of the best is right on the side of the street.

6. Get active in Mui Ne

Despite being a fishing village, Mui Ne has a significant tourism scene due to its popularity as a wind- and kite-surfing destination. The best highlight for me aside from the beach was riding on the rolling sand dunes similar in size to the Saharan ones and also the Jeep Tour to the Fairy Stream through a canyon, which is not something you get to do very often! Also, don’t miss the 9th-century Po Shanu Cham Towers with beautiful views of the Phan Thiet coastal town. Mui Ne is definitely worth checking out for a day or two when you’re passing by on the bus because it has a nice chill vibe to it, friendly people, and beautiful sunsets.

7. See My Son

My Son is a set of Hindu ruins in Vietnam that date back to the Cham Empire. The Champas ruled over Central Vietnam from the 3rd to the 19th century. The temples here are of incredible historical importance, but they have been largely reclaimed by the surrounding jungle, and have fallen into a great state of disrepair. Don’t come here expecting something as marvelously preserved as Borobudur or Angkor Wat. The entrance fee is 150,000 VND.

8. Visit the caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang

Hang Son Doong is reputed to be the world’s largest cave and is located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. It was discovered by a local in 1990, and “rediscovered” by a British caving team in 2009. You can arrange trips to see this stunning cave in all its glory with stalactites and stalagmites, an inner cave forest, and even cave pearls. You’ll be blown away by its beauty. Entrance to the caves is around 150,000 VND per person.

9. Check out the rice terraces

Outside of connections to the Vietnam War, the stereotypical image of Vietnam is of the many rice paddies. You can find these in the Muong Hoa Valley. If you’ve never visited rice terraces, you should make a point to see them in Vietnam. Visit them to learn about rice production and take stunning photographs of the unbelievable Vietnamese countryside. Expect tours to cost around 600,000 VND per person.

10. Relax in Hue

Hue is generally passed by, making it a bit of a quieter stop along the tourist trail. Stroll along the beautiful Perfume River and into the Imperial Citadel. Don’t miss the Tu Hieu Pagoda and the Tombs of the Emperors, which mostly date from the 19th and 20th centuries. Some of the main tombs to see are the Tomb of Minh Mang, the Tomb of Tu Duc, and the Tomb of Khai Dinh.

11. Take a cooking class

Vietnamese food is delicious and the best way to learn about these incredible dishes is to take a cooking class. You’ll not only learn how to make some of these tasty meals but you’ll get to interact with a local chef who can teach you about their history and cultural significance. Many cooking classes also include a visit to the local market where you’ll shop for ingredients. Prices vary but expect to pay at least 800,000 VND per person.

12. Tour the former DMZ

The Vietnamese Demilitarized zone was the dividing line between the Communist north and anti-Communist south during the Vietnam War. It was in use from 1954 to 1976. These days, you can take a tour of the DMZ from Hue and learn about the conflict from expert guides who were actually involved in the war (or survived it as civilians). You’ll see secret tunnels, learn about military surveillance, and get insight about the conflict from a perspective not often shown in the media. Full-day tours from Hue start around 2,500,000 VND.

13. Buy a motorbike

If you’re an adventurous traveler, buy a motorbike and drive the length of the country. This is considered the best way to travel Vietnam by veteran backpackers who like to get off the beaten path. You can buy bikes in Hanoi or HCMC at either end of the country and then make your way to the opposite end, stopping along the way over the course of a few weeks. While it’s not for everyone, this mode of travel offers the most freedom as you’ll be able to visit a lot of places that the buses and trains don’t stop at. You can buy a bike for as little as 4,800,000 VND, and then you can sell it once your trip is done to recoup some of the cost. There are always backpackers looking to buy a bike in HCMC and Hanoi.

14. Sample the local coffee

Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee producer (after Brazil) exporting a whopping 1.5 million tons of it per year (after rice, it’s their biggest export). Even if you don’t drink coffee (I don’t), trying fresh coffee here is a must. Whether you just hop arounds cafes, do a tasting experience in Hanoi of HCMC, or head out to one of the many coffee plantations, learning about this vital crop (and also sampling it fresh) is an experience not to be missed. Expect a half-day plantation tour (with lots of samples) to cost around 700,000 VND.

For more information on specific cities in Vietnam, check out the following guides:

• Hanoi Travel Guide
• Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide
• Hoi An Travel Guide
• Nha Trang Travel Guide

Vietnam Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostels start at around 100,000 VND per night for a dorm room. These can be a bit rustic and no-frills. For a hostel with more amenities, such as free breakfast or a a free happy hour (as well as improved cleanliness), expect to pay double. Private rooms cost at least 350,890-425,000 VND per night for a double room. Most hostels include free Wi-Fi, and many also include free breakfast or free beer during certain hours of the day. Self-catering facilities are not very common since eating out is so cheap.

For those traveling with a tent, wild camping is not legal in Vietnam. While it is still possible to do as enforcement is sparse (especially if you’re sleeping in a hammock), I also wouldn’t recommend it. Insects and animals can be an issue, there are lots of landmines still undiscovered out in the brush, and robbery can occur. Stay safe and stick to hostels.

For a budget hotel with a double bed, expect to pay around 225,000 VND per night. This usually includes free Wi-Fi and free breakfast.

On Airbnb, a private room costs at least 325,000 VND per night. For an entire home or apartment, prices begin around 600,000 VND. Prices double when not booked in advance so plan accordingly

Food – Vietnamese cuisine is fresh, flavorful, and uses a lot of herbs and vegetables. Rice and noodle dishes are common as are various soups such as the iconic pho (a beef noodle soup). Wonton soup, meat curry, fresh French bread (known as bahn me , and grilled fish are just some of the popular dishes you’ll encounter. Standard ingredients include fish sauce, lemongrass, chili, lime, Thai basil, and mint.

You can get a bowl of pho or a rice dish for 20,000 VND. Street food is the cheapest and the most delicious food option in the country.

Most sit-down restaurants are also inexpensive at around 45,000-95,000 VND. The fancier (and more touristy) the restaurant, the more expensive.

Western food is also more expensive, usually around 110,000 VND for a fast food meal, so skip it if you’re on a budget.

If you want to splash out on a fancy three-course meal, expect to spend around 250,000 VND.

A liter of water at a convenience store is about 15,000 VND, while beer or soda is about 20,000-35,000 VND.

For those looking to cook their own meals, expect to pay at least 400,000 VND per week for basic groceries. Be sure to shop at the local markets to get the cheapest and freshest food. That being said, food is so cheap in the country that it’s simply easier – and cheaper – to just eat street food, especially as most hostels and hotels don’t have shared kitchens.

Backpacking Vietnam Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, you can visit Vietnam for 600,000 VND per day. This budget covers a stay in a large hostel dorm, eating street food for all of your meals, limiting your drinking, taking the bus, and doing free activities in each destination. If you plan on drinking, add another 20,000-40,000 VND to your daily budget.

A mid-range budget of about 1,125,000 VND per day covers staying in a cheap hotel, eating street food and at the occasional sit-down restaurant, enjoying a few more drinks, taking the occasional taxi to get around, and doing more paid activities such as museum visits and water upper shows.

On an upscale budget of 2,460,000 VND, you can stay in a nice hotel, eat out for all your meals anywhere you want, enjoy lots of drinks, and more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want, including a multi-day trip to Ha Long Bay. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

Vietnam Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Vietnam is a very affordable country. In fact, it’s one of the cheapest in Southeast Asia. Even with the explosion of tourism in the last few years, it still remains very affordable. You’ll be hard pressed to spend money if you’re sticking to non-Western food, cocktails, and hotels. However, if you’re looking to travel even cheaper and save some money, here are some tips:

• Eat delicious street food – The street food here is excellent and cheap, and you can watch it being cooked in front of you. Stick to the local food and you’ll save money. The street-side pho, bread, sandwiches, donuts, and bananas are your best deals.
• Late-night travel – If traveling on long journeys, try to take the late-night “sleeper” buses or trains as these will save you the cost of a night’s accommodation. Depending on the company, you may even have a chance to comfortably lie flat as you ride through the dark countryside to your next destination.
• Take the tourist bus – It is actually cheaper to take the tourist bus around the country than taking local transportation because of the “tourist” price you get at the bus station. Tickets from one end of the country to another are very affordable.
• Fly for cheap – Vietnam’s low-cost airlines VietJet and FlyVietnam are extremely inexpensive. This is a great option for people with limited time to explore different regions of Vietnam. Both airlines frequently offer special deals and at the time of writing this, Hanoi to Da Nang is just 820,000 VND!
• Bargain hard – Tourists tend to be charged more than locals for everything from cyclos (a three-wheel bicycle taxi) to clothes to street food. Bargain harder than you would ordinarily, and don’t underestimate the value of walking away.
• Avoid paying tourist prices – Before you leave the hostel, ask them to estimate how much what you want to do should cost. How much should a ride to the museum cost? How much should I pay to have a gown like this made? They will be able to give you bargaining guidelines.
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water in Hanoi is not safe to drink. To save money and reduce your plastic use, bring a reusable water bottle with you. LifeStraw make a reusable bottle with a built-in filter so you can be sure your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Vietnam

To help you save money on accommodation, here’s a list of my recommended hostels and budget hotels in Vietnam:

• Mad Monkey (Hoi An)
• Hoi An Golden Holiday Hotel (Hoi An)
• Little Hanoi Hostel (Hanoi)
• San Palace Hotel & Spa (Hanoi)
• Hanoi House Hostel & Travel (Hanoi)
• Ccasa Hostel & Coffee Bar (Nha Trang)
• The Hideout (HCMC)
• Orchid’s Saigon Hotel (HCMC)

How to Get Around Vietnam

Public transportation – Larger cities in Vietnam (such as Hanoi and HCMC) have reliable and safe public transportation. In Hanoi, there are buses that cover most of the city and generally have stops near all the major tourist sites. Tickets are paid for in cash on the bus and generally cost 7,000-15,000 VND depending on how far you go. HCMC also has a large network of buses, with tickets costing up to 10,000 VND (again, depending on how far you travel).

Cyclos (a bicycle rickshaw) is one of the cheapest ways to get around. A short ride costs as little as 12,000 VND, while a longer night ride costs upwards of 40,000 VND. A more popular option is the ze om , a motorbike taxi that has fares starting from 15,000 VND. You’ll have to hold on tight though (and make sure you wear a helmet as accidents are common).

Train – A lot of people love taking the train in Vietnam because it’s safe, affordable, and comfortable and, although some routes might be slow, you’ll get some amazing views of the Vietnamese countryside. The rail network also covers most of the country, so you can get just about everywhere you want to go (except the Central Highlands and the Mekong Delta). You can use the website Baolau to research train schedules and book your tickets. A train journey between Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi (which spans the entire length of the country) starts at 1,000,000 VND for a soft seat (not a berth). The journey takes three days. Hanoi to Hue costs around 600,000 VND and takes around 13 hours while HCMC to Nha Trang costs around 500,000 VND and takes 8 hours.

Bus – It’s easy to find long-distance hop on, hop off bus tours running the length of Vietnam. You can hop on or off at any stop along the way. They cater to tourists, but locals actually use this service too since it’s super affordable. Prices depend on route and operator but generally, Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh is between 815,000-1,600,000 VND.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Flying – Flying domestically in Vietnam is a good idea if you’re looking to fit a lot into a shorter trip. For example, a flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City takes two hours while the train ride would take at least 30 hours. One-way flights around the country start at around 590,000 VND.

Car rental – Vietnam is very easy to navigate by bus, so I don’t really suggest renting a car here — especially because traffic in the cities is very hectic and accidents are common. That said, car rentals are affordable, costing around 500,000 VND per day. An IDP (International Driving Permit) is required. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Vietnam

In the southern part of Vietnam, the dry season lasts from December to late April/May while the rainy season occurs from May to the end of November. The rainy season usually just means brief heavy downpours in the afternoon, although sometimes the Mekong Delta will flood. The dry season is the best time to visit but keep in mind that it’s winter up north and it’s going to be a lot colder in the north than the south. Rainy season isn’t that bad either but, like the name implies, it rains a lot.

May through November is still a good time to visit. Temperatures rarely dip below 20°C (68°F), but they can sometimes get as high as 40°C (104°F) in the hottest months (March to the end of May). The south especially gets very hot and humid during this time but it’s perfect beach weather!

Along the central coast, the rainfall pattern differs quite a bit. In the northern part of the region (like Hué and Da Nang), the rain lasts from September to February. February to May is the best time to visit this area. Temperatures soar from June to August, often in the high 30s°C (80s°F).

In Northern Vietnam, the weather is most pleasant from October to December.

The weather in Vietnam varies so much per region so it’s hard to pick the best time to go. But generally, it’s recommended to visit sometime between September-December and March-April if you’re hoping to get an overall experience in the country.

How to Stay Safe in Vietnam

Vietnam is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel. Violent crime is really, really rare. Petty theft is the most likely thing to happen to you here. Always keep your valuables secure when out and about just to be safe. Lock your windows and use common safety sense, especially in bars at night and in touristy areas.

Traffic in the major cities (specifically Hanoi) is super hectic and there are virtually no rules of the road. There are also millions of motorbikes and scooters here (literally). For that reason, take extra caution when crossing the street. It’s best to just walk as directly and calmly as possible and let the traffic weave around you. If you’re not comfortable doing that alone, follow locals when they cross.

If renting a bike or riding on the back of one, make sure you always wear a helmet. Accidents are incredibly common here, both in the traffic-heavy cities but also in rural areas where roads can be less than optimal.

There are some common scams in Vietnam, such as the motorbike scam where vendors try to charge you for pre-existing damage to your bike rental. When renting anything, take photos and videos beforehand just in case.

Be sure to always count your change. The money is similar looking here so oftentimes people will “mistakenly” give you the wrong change hoping you won’t notice that the 200,000 VND bill you just got is actually only 20,000. Always count your change here!

Most scams here are really just people trying to try to nickel and dime you and try to get you to spend extra money since they know, as a tourist, you have more than they do. You can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Use common sense when using dating apps while traveling and meet in public places.

Street food here is very safe, but whenever you’re not sure of where to eat simply find somewhere where there are locals eating. If it’s good (and safe) enough for them, you should be fine. Avoid meat that looks uncooked or that has been out in the sun too long. Always wash your hands before and after eating just to be safe.

If you experience an emergency, dial 113 for assistance.

Be sure to make copies of your important documents in case of theft.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Vietnam Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Vietnam Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Vietnam travel and continue planning your trip:

Is Southeast Asia Safe for Travelers?

Biking the Mekong Delta in Vietnam

Why I’ll Never Return to Vietnam

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Live fully in Vietnam

Vietnam opens its door widely to welcome visitors all around the world! Starting from 15th August 2023, Vietnam extends e-visa validity to 90 days and unilateral visa exemption will be valid in 45 days! We are more than happy to welcome you all here and admire our stunning landscapes, free your soul on white sandy beaches, experience our unique and beautiful culture and meet the people in the most friendly country. Particularly, to indulge in our scrumptious cuisine at Michelin rated restaurants or to join us in outstanding mega culture, music, sports and tourism events! Let’s live to the fullest in Vietnam!

City Breaks

Can Tho: A glimpse of river and garden

Virtual travel to Trang An Landscape Complex

Go green in Co To

Local unpacked: One of a kind cuisine of Ha Giang karst plateau

Special daily tours at the Grand Prix of Binh Dinh 2024

10 Tourist spots not to be missed in Ho Chi Minh City

Ru Cha Mangrove Forest: A sleeping beauty of Hue

Lost in green wonderland in Tra Su Cajuput Forest

The infinity waters of Quang Lang Beach

Halong Bay - Cat Ba inter-provincial World Heritage Site: Trending destination in Vietnam

Nha Trang Best Beaches for a Sustainable Vacation

Explore the food of Hoi An

Comfort Meets Culture at Hanoi's Luxury Hotels

Outdoor & Recreational

Binh Dinh - a hot spot for festival goers in 2024

Enjoy the "Fast & Furious" F1H2O World Championship in Binh Dinh

Check out upcoming events in Vietnam

must-see sites

Take a 360-degree tour of some of the country's most compelling natural wonders and cultural attractions right here.

travel tips

Prepare for your trip with these practical articles

Vietnam through the lens of international news

Find out the reasons why Vietnam is worth to visit

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable….

- TasteAtlas

Full article  

Booking.com

Spring has finally arrived, bringing with it the perfect opportunity to venture out and explore the world.

- Booking.com

Travel Weekly

Visiting the South-East Asian country reminds Thompson Travel’s Sharon Thompson of the wonders of travel…

- Travel Weekly

Conde Nast Traveler

To get you started on your next fairy tale adventure, we’ve rounded up 50 of the most beautiful small towns in the world.

- Conde Nast Traveler

share your story

Tag your best #LiveFullyinVietnam moments on Instagram

SHARE YOUR STORY

Create an account

Already have an account? Click here to sign in

By clicking submit, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

Sign in with your social accounts

Sign in with your email

Forgot password? Click here to get it back

Don't have an account? Sign up here

Forgot Password

The entered email has subscribed for Vietnam Tourism monthly newsletter

Update May 10, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

Travel Advisory July 24, 2023

Vietnam - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.                    Exercise normal precautions in Vietnam.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Vietnam.

 If you decide to travel to Vietnam:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .   
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Vietnam.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .    

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must have six months’ validity remaining.

One visa page required for entry stamp.

Not required.

None. However, Vietnamese Dong in excess of VND 15,000,000 or foreign currency in excess of 5,000 U.S. dollars or equivalent must be declared.

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Hanoi - Consular Annex 170 Ngoc Khanh Ba Dinh District Hanoi, Vietnam Telephone:   From outside Vietnam: +84-24-3850-5000 From the U.S.: 011-84-24-3850-5000 From landline within Hanoi: 3850-5000 From mobile or landline within Vietnam: 024-3850-5000

Emergency:   From outside Vietnam: +84-24-3850-5000 or +84-24-3850-5105 From the U.S.: 011-84-24-3850-5000 From landline within Hanoi: 3850-5000 or 3850-5105 From mobile or landline within Vietnam: 024-3850-5000 or 024-3850-5105 Fax: (+84-24) 3850-5010 Email:   [email protected] Facebook

U.S. Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City 4 Le Duan, District 1 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Telephone: From outside Vietnam: +84-28-3520-4200 From the U.S.: 011-84-28-3520-4200 From landline within Ho Chi Minh City: 3520-4200 From mobile or landline within Vietnam: 028-3520-4200

Emergency: From outside Vietnam: +84-28-3520-4200 From the U.S.: 011-84-28-3520-4200 From landline within Ho Chi Minh City: 3520-4200 From mobile or landline within Vietnam: 028-3520-4200 Fax: (+84-8) 3520-4244 Email: Contact Us Here

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS WITHIN VIETNAM

Police: 113 Fire brigade: 114 Ambulance: 115

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Entry Requirements:  You must have a valid passport and a visa (or pre-approval for a visa on arrival) to enter Vietnam. Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your planned stay, and you must have at least one blank visa page (not including the endorsement page). Visit  Mission Vietnam’s website  for the most current information. If you arrive in Vietnam without an appropriate visa (which could be an e-visa) or pre-approval for a visa on arrival, you will be denied entry . The U.S. Mission to Vietnam cannot assist U.S. citizens who arrive in Vietnam without required visas. U.S.-Vietnam dual nationals should consult the Department of State’s information page for Travelers with Dual Nationality and the Embassy of Vietnam for travel requirements. You must enter and exit Vietnam on the same passport. If using a Vietnamese passport to enter and exit the country, your passport must have at least six months’ validity from your return date to the United States.

Visas:   The Government of Vietnam requires a “visa sponsor” for all visa categories, except for E-visa. A visa sponsor is a local business or travel agent to apply for a pre-approval letter with a Vietnamese Immigration Office in Vietnam on behalf of the traveler. Only on receipt of the pre-approval letter can a foreigner apply for an appropriate visa at a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate abroad, or for a visa on arrival. For more information about this process, please visit the website of the Vietnamese Embassy here . When you apply for a visa to enter Vietnam, be sure to request the visa category that corresponds to your purpose of travel. Please refer to  Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website  for information detailing visa categories. If you plan to work in Vietnam, you must obtain a work permit  before  applying for your visa. If you change the purpose of your visit after you have received your visa, you must obtain a new visa outside of Vietnam appropriate for your new activities before beginning those activities. Under local immigration law, employment-based visas are based on a petition from a specific employer, and workers may be unable to switch jobs without securing a new visa. In addition, employers may prevent the departure of contracted employees from Vietnam if they violate contract terms. Before accepting employment in Vietnam, make sure you understand the conditions of contracts and employment-based visas.

Note that travelers with a U.S. APEC Business Travel Card will still need a valid visa to enter Vietnam.  The United States is a transitional member of APEC and does not reciprocate with other economies regarding full pre-clearance benefits to applicants.  As such, no countries are listed on the back of U.S. APEC Business Travel Cards and card holders are required to present any travel or identity documentation, such as a passport and visa (where applicable), required by Vietnam. If a  U.S. APEC Business Travel Card  holder does not conform to Vietnam’s entry requirements, the card holder may be refused entry.

Please consult  Mission Vietnam’s website  for more information.

Please note that Vietnam requires a valid visa, residence card, or approval from the Immigration Department to leave the country. Immigration officials will apply a fee to replace lost/stolen visas or will assess a fine for any visa overstays. The Government of Vietnam has recently increased the penalties for visa overstays, and fines can be substantial. In addition, the processing of exit visas for cases involving visa overstays can take one to two weeks, and longer for more complex cases.

If your U.S. passport is lost or stolen in Vietnam, you will need both a replacement passport and a replacement Vietnamese visa to legally remain in or depart Vietnam. The U.S. Embassy in Hanoi and the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City can usually issue you a limited validity replacement passport in as little as one business day for emergency purposes; however, the Vietnamese government requires three to five working days to issue a replacement visa. For lost and stolen passports, immigration officials will also request a police report. You must file a report of a lost or stolen passport with the police in the location where the loss or theft of your passport occurred, or authorities may refuse to accept the report. The U.S. Embassy and the Consulate General cannot expedite the replacement of your Vietnamese visa.

If you plan to travel from Vietnam to Laos by land, you should request that an adhesive visa be affixed to your passport instead of a detachable one. Lao immigration officials require proof that travelers have departed Vietnam, something that can only be shown with an adhesive visa. Vietnamese officials remove detachable visas from passports when travelers depart Vietnam, leaving travelers with no proof of their Vietnam departure. This situation can result in Lao officials requiring travelers to return to Vietnam.  

Pre-approval for Visa on Arrival:   The Government of Vietnam has authorized some businesses and travel agencies to arrange for pre-approval for a “visa on arrival” at the airport. On a receipt of a pre-approval letter, travelers may then travel to Vietnam and apply for a visa upon landing to Vietnam. Please be advised that you should not travel to Vietnam without having been issued a pre-approval letter as it may result in a denial of entry by immigration authorities. To avoid having to rearrange your travel date, please do not make travel arrangement before you receive your pre-approval letter.

E-visa:  U.S. citizens can apply online for an E-visa on the  Vietnam Immigration website . The E-visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days, single or multiple entry, and does not allow for renewal or extension from within the country.   The E-visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days, single or multiple entry, and does not allow for renewal or extension from within the country. An E-visa is usually processed within three to five working days after the Vietnam Immigration Department receives the completed application and E-visa fee. E-visa holders must present the printed E-visa and valid passport at the port of entry. Prior to your travel with an E-visa to Vietnam, we recommend travelers to carefully check their E-visa to make sure all information is correct, and that you will enter/exit Vietnam through a port of entry that you had selected at the time of application. An error on E-visa, including minor differences between the information on the application and the biographical information on the passport, may result in a denial of entry by immigration authorities. The U.S. Embassy and Consulate General are unable to change the information on your E-visa or help expedite the process as Vietnamese E-visa is under the sole jurisdiction of the Vietnamese government. 

Certificate of Visa Exemption:  Vietnamese nationals residing abroad indefinitely, their spouses, and their children may apply for a Certificate of Visa Exemption. The certificate has a maximum validity of five years, during which time the holder can enter Vietnam and stay for up to six months without applying for a visa. More information can be found on the  Vietnam Embassy website .

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Vietnam. 

Immunization information for travelers can be found on the  Centers for Disease and Control’s website .

Information about  dual nationality  or the  prevention of international child abduction  can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our  Customs Information page . 

Safety and Security

The Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens overseas always maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness while traveling internationally. Please visit  www.travel.state.gov  for up-to-date information. 

Messages regarding weather-related events are posted  here  and on the Embassy/Consulate General  website . 

While in Vietnam you are subject to Vietnamese laws. U.S. citizenship will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be arrested, expelled, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Vietnamese authorities routinely do not provide timely notification of the arrest of a U.S. citizen to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General or approval for consular officials to visit U.S. citizens. The delays for both – particularly for access – can take several weeks. Note that if you enter Vietnam with a non-U.S. passport, the Government of Vietnam has different notification and access responsibilities for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General. See our  webpage  for further information. 

Small-scale, peaceful protests occasionally occur in Vietnam’s major cities, but large-scale demonstrations are rare. As in any country, you should avoid large protests, as they can become violent with little or no warning. 

The Government of Vietnam may not allow or authorize travel to certain areas of the country that are deemed sensitive. Check with local authorities before visiting border areas to see if you need to obtain a travel permit issued by local authorities. U.S. citizens have been detained after traveling in areas close to the Vietnamese borders with the People’s Republic of China, Cambodia, and Laos. These areas are not always marked, and there are no warnings about prohibited travel.

Safety standards in Vietnam are not at the same level as those in the United States and vary greatly from company to company and province to province. This is especially true for fire safety codes. Travelers should be aware that many buildings, including hotels, shops, and restaurants, have limited or no fire safety equipment or emergency exits. Ground and water transportation also lack safety regulations. 

Travelers to Vietnam should have no expectation of privacy and should safeguard all personal documents and electronic devices. Exercise caution when discussing sensitive or proprietary information.

Crime:  Crime in Vietnam is rated high. Exercise vigilance and the same commonsense security precautions you would in any major metropolitan city in the United States.  

Violent crime against foreigners is rare; however, petty crimes, such as theft, bag grabs, and pickpocketing occur regularly, especially in crowded areas and tourist locations. Typically, there is a rise in petty crime during the Christmas and Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday seasons, including during the day and in well-lit areas. Motorcyclists are known to snatch bags, cameras, cell phones, and other valuables from individuals riding or walking on the street.   If you are targeted by thieves, do not resist, and report the incident immediately to local police and to the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi or the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. Keep a tight hold on bags as you enter and exit vehicles and as you walk around. Hold tightly to cell phones when using them outside and lock and stow phones until you actually need to use them.

Some U.S. citizens have reported threats of death or physical injury connected to business-related disputes. You should report such threats to local authorities and if you feel unsafe, you should depart the country. 

Keep your passport and other important valuables in your hotel in a safe or another secured location at all times and carry both photo and digital copies of your passport. You should immediately report the loss or theft of your U.S. passport to the local police and the U.S. Embassy or the U.S. Consulate General. See section on “Visas” for information on what to do if your passport/visa are lost or stolen.

Sexual Assault:  Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Sexual assault, harassment and rape do occur. To minimize the risk avoid travelling alone, especially at night; remain particularly vigilant in less populous areas; and be careful when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances. Local authorities may not always respond adequately to reports of sexual violence and harassment. If you are the victim of a sexual assault, you should report it immediately to local authorities and to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum, or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Male violence against women and sexual harassment is often ignored by the police. In areas foreigners frequent, women have reported harassment and assault such as men exposing themselves, asking for sexual favors, and groping.

Drugs:  Recreational drugs available in Vietnam can be extremely dangerous and can result in death. Drugs sold in Vietnam may be fake, synthetic, or laced with toxic ingredients undetectable to the buyer. This includes nitrous oxide balloons widely available in nightlife establishments. You should also avoid purchasing liquor or cigarettes from street vendors or strangers, as the authenticity of the contents cannot be assured. 

Victims of Crime:   U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General for assistance. Vietnam’s local equivalent of an emergency line is 113. Local police will issue a report of a crime, but generally will only initiate investigations for crimes they determine serious, which do not always equate with U.S. standards. Investigations can take several months or even years to complete.

In the event you are a victim of a crime, local police will issue a crime report in Vietnamese, but generally will only initiate investigations for crimes they determine serious. While the overall situation is improving, some police have asked for bribes, ostensibly to support local police efforts or to facilitate investigation of a crime. If you are involved in a situation where a police officer is soliciting money, contact American Citizen Services at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

We can: 

• Help you find appropriate medical care. 
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police. 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. 
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States. 
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited support in cases of destitution.
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
• Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy or Consulate General for assistance .  Note that local authorities take a different attitude towards domestic violence cases and are hesitant to get involved in cases involving foreigners. Vietnam has very limited infrastructure to support victims of domestic violence.

Tourism:   The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:   You are subject to Vietnamese laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Vietnam are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines, or even the death penalty. Police periodically raid nightlife establishments suspected of engaging in the drug trade and during these raids will subject all patrons present to drug testing at the police station. A positive result, regardless of whether drugs were consumed in Vietnam or before entry, may result in criminal charges.

In Vietnam, you may be taken in for questioning if you do not have proper ID, such as a passport or a copy of your visa. Driving under the influence of alcohol resulting in a fatal accident could lead to immediate imprisonment. If you break local laws in Vietnam, your U.S. passport  will not  help you avoid arrest or prosecution. Note that the Vietnamese legal system allows for lengthy criminal investigation periods that can lead to prolonged pre-trial detention; some investigations can last years without any explanation.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. You can be  prosecuted in the United States  for engaging in sexual conduct with children or for using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country regardless of the legality of these activities under the host country’s laws.

Arrest Notification in Vietnam:    If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General immediately. There are often delays in notification by the Vietnamese authorities to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General and officials have been known to delay consular access to prisoners for several weeks. 

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or forfeit them upon return to the United States. See the  U.S. Department of Justice website  for more information.  

Gambling:  Gambling is highly regulated by the government and persons or businesses running games or gambling halls are required to be licensed. The Government of Vietnam pursues cases of running or playing in unlicensed games aggressively. There are currently U.S. citizens serving jail sentences of three to five years because of illegal gambling.

Dual Nationality:  Dual nationality is accepted by the Vietnamese government in some, but not all, circumstances. However, dual nationals should be aware that Vietnam recognizes their Vietnamese citizenship as primary before others. In such cases, the U.S. Embassy and Consulate General may be limited in the consular services we are able to provide. U.S. citizens who also hold Vietnamese citizenship and are currently residing in Vietnam may wish to contact local authorities and/or seek competent legal advice on how local laws may affect their status. For detailed information on Vietnamese nationality law and other legal issues visit the  Embassy of Vietnam website . 

Work Authorization:  The Government of Vietnam maintains strict laws with respect to foreign workers. U.S. citizens planning to work in Vietnam should make sure that they are in full compliance with Vietnamese regulations. Penalties can be severe and include deportation, fines, or detention. Vietnam immigration law allows for companies sponsoring foreign employees to exercise control over their employees’ visas, including prohibiting their exit from the country if they have any outstanding debts.

Teaching English:  We advise those considering accepting an English teaching job in Vietnam to carefully review the terms of the contract regarding working and living conditions and to ask for multiple references from persons familiar with the institution, especially former U.S. citizen employees, before committing to contracts. Some U.S. citizens have reported their employers have reneged on contract terms, including offering significantly lower salaries than agreed or seizing their passports, and employers have caused complications with the exit visa process for employees who quit, complicating the exit visas required to depart the country. 

Hotels:  Hotels in Vietnam require you to present your passport (and visas, if issued separately) upon check-in so that your stay can be registered with local police. Every guest in a hotel room or private residence must be registered, regardless of nationality. If you stay at a private residence (i.e., at the residence of family or friends), you must comply with registration requirements by visiting the local police station and registering your stay within 24 hours. Some provinces allow registration online.

Exports:  Vietnamese law prohibits the export of antiques. However, these laws are vague and unevenly enforced. Customs authorities may inspect and seize your antiques without compensating you, and the determination of what is an “antique” can be arbitrary. If you purchase non-antique items of value, you should retain receipts and confirmation from shop owners and/or the Ministry of Culture and the Customs Department to prevent seizure when you leave the country.  

Imports:  Vietnamese authorities have seized documents, audio and video tapes, compact discs, literature, and personal letters they deem to be pornographic or political in nature or intended for religious or political proselytizing. It is illegal to import weapons, ammunition, explosives, military equipment and tools (including uniforms), narcotics, drugs, toxic chemicals, pornographic and subversive materials, firecrackers, or children's toys that have "negative effects on personality development, social order, and security."    For up-to-date information on Vietnam Customs information, please visit the  Vietnam Customs website .

Freedom of Expression:   The Government of Vietnam maintains strict control over all forms of political speech, particularly dissent or speech it deems as critical of the government and/or party. U.S. citizens have been detained, tried, and convicted for political activities (including criticizing the government or its domestic/foreign policies or advocating alternatives to Communist Party rule), possession of political material, and non-sanctioned religious activities (including proselytizing). Authorities have also detained U.S. citizens for posting messages on blogs or online chatrooms that are perceived to be political or critical of the government. U.S. citizens of Vietnamese descent should be especially careful with their online postings. Review the latest version of the  Vietnam Human Rights Report  for the latest information on Freedom of Expression in Vietnam.

Association with Groups:   Persons whom the Government of Vietnam perceives to be associated with dissident or political groups may be denied entry to Vietnam, prevented from departing, detained, interrogated, placed under surveillance, or even tried and convicted. Note that if arrested, you could be subject to lengthy detention without access to an attorney or family members. U.S. citizens of Vietnamese descent should be especially careful about associating with dissident groups. U.S. citizen travelers have been summoned by immigration or local security officials for reasons that are unclear or not explicitly related to any suspected or alleged violation of law. We recommend that U.S. citizens finding themselves in this situation contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General immediately for further information and/or assistance.

Photography: Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest may result in questioning by authorities, fines, or delayed travel. You should be cautious when traveling near military bases and avoid photography in these areas.     Disputes: The Vietnamese government has occasionally seized the passports and blocked the departure of foreigners involved in commercial disputes. U.S. citizens whose passports have been seized by Vietnamese authorities should contact the Embassy or Consulate General for assistance . 

Civil Procedures:  Civil procedures in Vietnam, such as marriage, divorce, documenting the birth of a child, and issuance of death certificates, are highly bureaucratic and can be slow. Local authorities may refuse a request to include a non-Vietnamese name on a birth certificate. In addition, for those wishing to get married in Vietnam, you will need a notarized affidavit of single status. Please contact the  Vietnamese Embassy in Washington, D.C. , or the  Vietnamese Consulate General in San Francisco  or  Houston  concerning documentary requirements for these services. Enforcement of civil orders is frequently difficult or non-existent. 

Women Travelers:   See our travel tips for  Women Travelers . 

LGBTQI+ Rights:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or in attending LGBTIQ+ events in Vietnam. See   our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report   for further details.

Accessibility: Most public places and public transportation are  not  accessible to persons with disabilities. Sidewalks, curb ramps, restrooms, road crossings, and tourist areas are not equipped to assist such individuals. New, modern buildings and facilities in larger urban cities are regularly built with ramps and accessible entryways. 

Students: See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Medical facilities in Vietnam, including emergency response services, frequently do not meet international standards and may lack medicine and supplies. We strongly recommend travelers purchase medical evacuation insurance before visiting Vietnam.

• Medical personnel generally speak little or no English. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services. You may obtain lists of local English-speaking physicians from the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi or the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City from our  website . 
• International health clinics in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can treat minor illnesses and injuries, but more serious problems often require medical evacuation to other cities in the region. 
• Although you can purchase many prescription and non-prescription medications at pharmacies, some common U.S. medications may not be available. You should bring adequate supplies of medications for the duration of your stay in Vietnam and ensure with the Ministry of Health that the medicine you need is allowed to enter Vietnam. You should carry a copy of your prescription if carrying medicine in a travel case or container.
• We strongly recommend travelers purchase medical evacuation insurance before visiting Vietnam. 
• Travelers to Vietnam are at risk of the following diseases: Tuberculosis, Dengue Fever, Zika, Avian Influenza (H5N1), and HIV. You can find detailed information on vaccinations and other health precautions on the  CDC website .  

We do not pay medical bills. The U.S. government cannot pay medical bills and does not provide medical assistance. Also, be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept upfront payments. See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. If covered by TriCare, check the TriCare website ( https://www.tricare.mil/ ) for additional information about overseas coverage. 

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation as it can cost many thousands of dollars. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 

It is extremely important  that travelers have sufficient funds and/or insurance to cover any potential medical costs.  Frequently hospitals will hold onto a patient’s passport as collateral for payment, and patients may have difficulty getting their passport back without paying their medical bills in full.  Patients who do not pay their medical bills in full also run the risk of being barred from departing the country.  

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Air quality: Air pollution is a significant problem in Vietnam’s major cities, and you should consult your doctor prior to travel and consider the impact that seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you. To obtain information on the air quality in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, please follow the link to the Environmental Protection Agency’s  AirNow website . Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City’s Air Quality Index (AQI) can be observed either by clicking on the Vietnam location on the map, or by selecting Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City in the “Select a City” option on the upper right part of the page. The page provides AQI over the last 24-hour period as well as pollutant concentration and a downloadable historical document. 

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Traffic in Vietnam is dangerous, chaotic, and undisciplined. Road conditions are poor; traffic accidents are the leading cause of death, severe injury, and emergency evacuation of foreigners in Vietnam. Long-distance buses and trains do not meet U.S. safety standards. Buses and trucks are often overloaded and travel at high speeds with little regard to other modes of road transportation.  

Traffic Laws:  Driving in Vietnam is not comparable to driving in other countries. Vietnamese drivers routinely ignore traffic laws, causing traffic fatalities on a daily basis. We strongly discourage you from operating a motorcycle or scooter in Vietnam. Vietnamese drivers and pedestrians may not behave in a manner to which Americans are accustomed. If you do choose to operate a motorcycle or scooter in Vietnam, wear a helmet and  always  yield to larger vehicles. Motor bike fatalities are a leading cause of death or serious injury among foreign nationals visiting or living in Vietnam, with several fatalities having occurred on major roads and rural routes within the past year. If you are the victim of a serious motor bike accident in Vietnam, the prognosis for full recovery and survival is low due to Vietnam’s poor medical infrastructure. A motorbike license is required to operate a motorcycle or scooter in Vietnam. Motor scooter drivers without a license can be held criminally liable for injuries to or death of a victim in an accident, and you may be held in custody for an extended period of time without the ability to speak to family or a lawyer during the investigation. 

Pedestrians should always look carefully  in both directions  before crossing streets, even when using a marked crosswalk with a green “walk” light illuminated or when crossing what is believed to be a one-way street. When walking on sidewalks, be mindful of scooters that may be behind you. Vietnamese commonly drive their scooters against traffic and on sidewalks. 

Because the United States is not a party to the Convention on Road Traffic, international driving permits and U.S. drivers’ licenses are  not valid  in Vietnam. Foreigners renting vehicles risk fines, prosecution, and/or imprisonment for driving without a Vietnamese license endorsed for the appropriate vehicle. If you wish to drive in Vietnam, contact the Provincial Public Transportation Service of the Vietnamese Department of Communications and Transport to obtain a Vietnamese driver’s license. Note that you may be required to take a medical examination as part of the driver license application process. 

For more information, please refer to Vietnam’s national tourism office website.

Public Transportation:

Bus System:  While Vietnam does have an extensive bus system, buses can be overcrowded and are often driven with little or no regard for passenger safety. 

For-hire vehicles:   Major taxi companies tend to be reliable. Occasionally boutique taxi companies have rigged meters, particularly on routes to and from the international airports. Exercise caution in choosing ground transportation upon arrival at the airport in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Some travelers have reported being robbed by drivers who greeted them upon arrival with a placard showing the traveler's name. If you are expecting to be picked up, ask the company for the driver’s name, phone number, and license plate number before you travel. Areas outside of large cities typically have only rudimentary public transportation and often do not have metered taxis. Travelers are advised to use caution in these situations. 

We strongly discourage the use of motorcycle taxis (known as “xe om”). Motorcycle taxis are unregulated and unsafe, and the helmets provided to riders offer little to no protection against injury in the case of an accident. 

Smartphone-based for-hire vehicle services:  GrabTaxi and local taxi companies are readily available, accessible via Smartphone apps, and routinely utilized by foreigners and locals. 

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Vietnam’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Vietnam should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) broadcast warnings website  portal.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Vietnam . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, vietnam map, learn about your destination, enroll in step.

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

• 2 Weeks for Couple
• 2 Weeks for Family
• Thailand Lantern Festival
• Indonesia(Bali)
• South Korea
• China (HK, Taiwan)
• Itinerary Ideas
• Asia Highlights Travel Reviews
• Thailand Travel Reviews
• Vietnam Travel Reviews
• Cambodia Travel Reviews
• Japan Travel Reviews
• Myanmar Travel Reviews
• China Travel Reviews

7 Days in Vietnam: 6 Best Itinerary Ideas for First Timers, Families and Couples

Seven days in Vietnam may seem like too short a time, but if you are looking to do a quick vacation, get ready to be surprised at how many exciting one-week Vietnam trips you can do!

Vietnam is a long country, from north to south. While your 7-day itinerary could involve multiple regions, we recommend that you focus on one or two regions , especially if you dislike moving from one place to another during a short trip.

In this article, we've rounded up the most popular one-week Vietnam itineraries, from bucket-list-city combinations like Hanoi and Ho Chin Minh to must-visit destinations like Halong Bay and lesser-visited places like the stunningly beautiful Sapa.

Excited? Let's get started in discovering the very best 7-day Vietnam trip itineraries!

• Itinerary 1: Vietnam Highlights Tour from North to South
• Itinerary 2: The Best of Northern Vietnam
• Itinerary 3: North and Central Vietnam
• Itinerary 4: Central Vietnam
• Itinerary 5: Southern Vietnam City and Beach Holiday
• Itinerary 6: From Southern Vietnam to North Cambodia

How Much Does One Week in Vietnam Cost?

7-day vietnam itinerary 1: vietnam highlights tour from north to south.

It is possible to visit Vietnam from north to south in 7 days, but it would be a tight schedule . It is important to plan your itinerary carefully and prioritize which destinations and attractions you want to see. A private tour is the best way to make the most of your time .

In your 7 days, we suggest visiting the three iconic cities and their surroundings, Hanoi and Halong Bay in the north , Hoi An in the central , and Ho Chin Minh City and the Mekong Delta in the south . This would allow you to experience the best of Vietnam's culture, history, natural beauty, and cuisine in just 7 days.

Here is a sample itinerary for inspiration:

• Day 1: Hanoi arrival, city sightseeing
• Day 2: Hanoi – Halong Bay, overnight cruise on Halong Bay
• Day 3: Halong Bay - Hanoi, Hanoi – Hoi An
• Day 4: Hoi An sightseeing
• Day 5: Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh
• Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City sightseeing, the Cu Chi Tunnels
• Day 7: Day trip to the Mekong Delta, HCMC departure

On this tour, you would start in Hanoi , exploring the city's rich history and culture. Then, you'd take an overnight trip to Halong Bay to see the stunning natural beauty of the area. While your time is limited, allowing a night to cruise on the bay is highly recommended considering the 2–3 hours' drive to get there, and it is a perfect place to relax for couples or families.

You would then travel to Hoi An , a charming ancient town in central Vietnam, and spend a whole day exploring the town's beautiful architecture, delicious food, etc. Many interesting activities for couples and families can be personalized based on your interests, such as an evening foodie tour, a cooking class, lantern-making, and/or a farming/fishing experience.

Finally, you would end your trip in Ho Chi Minh City , experiencing the bustling city's historic landmarks, vibrant nightlife, and the Vietnam War's legacy — the Cu Chi Tunnels. You would take a day trip to the Mekong Delta to see fertile farmland, handicrafts, and floating markets before departing from Ho Chi Minh City.

Visiting Vietnam in seven days is doable, but it may be too much of a rush, especially if you're traveling with kids. We recommend that you plan a trip of at least 10 days to do the above more comfortably . Our popular 10-day itinerary has been enjoyed by many first-timers. Contact us to have us personalize a tour for you.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

7-Day Vietnam Itinerary 2: The Best of Northern Vietnam

Northern Vietnam has to be one of the most beautiful regions in the country. With ancient temples, its dramatic seascape, and idyllic countryside, this region is truly breathtaking.

A seven-day trip covering northern Vietnam is recommended for culture and nature lovers . You can choose between a more leisurely tour around Hanoi or add Sapa, a mountainous town a little further north to your itinerary.

Option 1: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Mai Chau – Halong Bay Journey

Our popular Northern Vietnam itinerary would take you on a journey through some of the region's most popular destinations, including Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, and Halong Bay. You'd explore the bustling streets of Hanoi, visit ancient temples and pagodas, marvel at the stunning limestone cliffs and rice paddies of Ninh Binh, have a valley cycling tour in Mai Chau, and enjoy a cruise on the emerald waters of Halong Bay.

Here is a sample itinerary for reference:

• Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
• Day 2: Hanoi city sightseeing
• Day 3: A day tour to immerse yourself in the idyllic countryside of Ninh Binh
• Day 4: Unveil Vietnam's hill tribe culture with a valley cycling tour in Mai Chau.
• Day 5: Discover a H'mong Village during a mountain walk.
• Day 6: A visual feast on a Halong Bay cruise
• Day 7: Halong Bay to Hanoi and departure

See the detailed itinerary or contact us and we'll tailor-make a tour for you .

Option 2: Hanoi–Sapa–Halong Adventure

If you're looking for a more-adventurous experience and to get more of a taste of minority culture in Northern Vietnam, you should definitely consider visiting Sapa. In Sapa, you can trek round its rice terraces and mountains, visit local villages, and learn about the local culture and traditions.

This itinerary is suitable for couples and families who enjoy outdoor activities and cultural experiences.

• Day 3: Uncover the lifestyle of the Black H'mong with a half-day trekking tour in Sapa.
• Day 4: Discover the fairy-tale Love Waterfall, Scenic Heaven's Gate, and Mount Fansipan.
• Day 5: Drive from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay.

7-Day Vietnam Itinerary 3: North and Central Vietnam

If you don't want to spend your full week in northern Vietnam, then a 7-day itinerary covering North Vietnam and Central Vietnam is a great option. This itinerary will take you on a journey through some of the most popular destinations in northern and central Vietnam.

You'll explore the bustling streets of Hanoi , enjoy a cruise on the emerald waters of Halong Bay , and stroll through the charming ancient town of Hoi An .

The tour is relatively slow-paced , perfect for families with children or retired couples.

Here is a sample itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi
• Day 2: Hanoi city sightseeing and a street food tour
• Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay, overnight cruising on Halong Bay
• Day 4: Halong Bay – Hoi An
• Day 5: Hoi An sightseeing
• Day 6: Enjoy a free day in Hoi An or experience more activities like a farming or fishing experience, or a cooking class.
• Day 7: End of trip, depart Vietnam

Let us know your ideal tour length and interests, and we'll design a tour for you .

7-Day Vietnam Itinerary 4: Central Vietnam

This itinerary focuses on the central region of Vietnam. During your one-week trip, you'd explore the charming ancient town of Hoi An , visit the imperial city of Hue , and enjoy the beautiful beaches of Da Nang .

You'd have the opportunity to take a sunset cruise, enjoy candlelit dinners, and stroll through ancient streets, making it a perfect romantic getaway for couples .

For families, there are plenty of family-friendly activities such as making lanterns, farming/fishing experiences, and trekking in a nature reserve. You'll also have the chance to try delicious Vietnamese cuisine. Time on a tropical beach would top it off nicely.

Suggested itinerary at a glance:

• Day 1: Da Nang arrival and city tour
• Day 2: Da Nang – Hoi An
• Day 3: Hoi An – My Son Sanctuary day trip
• Day 4: Hoi An – Hue
• Day 5: Hue – Bach Ma National Park day trip
• Day 6: Hue – Da Nang
• Day 7: Da Nang departure

Let us tailor-make your trip today and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

7-Day Vietnam Itinerary 5: Southern Vietnam City and Beach Holiday

With its vibrant city, lovely villages, stunning beaches, and incredible food, it's easy to love the south of Vietnam. A trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc Island with a journey into the Mekong Delta will show you the best the region has to offer.

This is a relaxing tour, suitable for families and retired couples who want to enjoy a leisurely vacation .

• Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City arrival
• Day 2: A half-day Ho Chi Minh City tour and the Cu Chi Tunnels
• Day 3: Discover the Mekong Delta.
• Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City – Phu Quoc Island
• Days 5–6: Relax on the beach
• Day 7: Phu Quoc Island – Ho Chi Minh City, departure

Does this itinerary meet your needs? If not, please contact us for customization .

7-Day Vietnam Itinerary 6: From Southern Vietnam to North Cambodia

If you don't want to limit your vacation to South Vietnam, you could easily have a tour that combines the best of southern Vietnam and northern Cambodia.

Our popular tour would allow you to uncover the charm of Ho Chi Minh City and unveil the Mekong Delta's lifestyle during your stay in South Vietnam. Then, you'd explore the heart and soul of Cambodia by visiting Angkor Wat and more highlights in Siem Reap.

• Day 2: A half-day Ho Chi Minh City tour plus the Cu Chi Tunnels
• Day 3: Discovering the Mekong Delta
• Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City and flight to Siem Reap
• Day 5: A full day to explore the mysterious Angkor temples
• Day 6: Get to know Cambodia more at Banteay Srei, the Landmine Museum, and Tonle Sap Lake.
• Day 7: Siem Reap Departure

See the detailed itinerary or contact us for a tour tailor-made for you .

Vietnam is a very affordable country. It offers a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, attractions, and tours, at prices that can match different levels of spending.

The costs vary based on different standards and needs. For a private tour, the cost per person for one week in Vietnam ranges from about 1,000 to 2,000 USD (medium budget to luxury).

• For a medium budget, touring Vietnam typically costs around US$ 200-250 per day per person (including airfares within Vietnam, 4- or 5-star hotels, attractions, guides, and transfers).
• For a higher budget of US$250-350 per day per person , more comfort can be enjoyed (including airfares within Vietnam, 5-star or higher hotels, attractions, guides, and transfers).

Tour Vietnam with Us

At Asia Highlights we have lots of experience with creating the perfect trip for any traveler, especially for couples and families. We understand what makes traveling special and are dedicated to providing a personalized and fulfilling experience.

Get a wonderful Vietnam vacation simply by sending us a message . Or check out our sample itineraries for inspiration:

Why Asia Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)

• Save Your Time:
• Less research, more enjoyment!
• Real-time 1V1 expert planning
• Maximize Your Flexibility:
• Personal local guide and ride
• Explore at your own pace
• Celebrate Your Journeys:
• Specially-crafted family adventures
• Celebrate milestones with style!

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.

More Travel Ideas and Inspiration

Sign up to our newsletter.

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Why Asia Highlights

Where can we take you today.

• Middle East
• African Safari
• Travel Agents
• Loyalty Program
• Our Differences
• Privacy Policy

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China

A two week Vietnam itinerary

A detailed guide for a two week trip in Vietnam, including my suggestions for accommodation, transport and activities. Plan your whole Vietnam holiday from right here!

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade.

Updated: April 12, 2024

Each day of the two week Vietnam itinerary

Jump down to a particular day - or keep reading for my complete itinerary for two weeks in Vietnam.

• Day 1-2: Hanoi • Day 3-4: Ha Long Bay • Day 5: Ninh Binh • Day 6-7: Phong Nha Ke Bang • Day 8: Hue • Day 9-10: Hoi An • Day 11-12: Nha Trang • Day 13-14: Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam has one big advantage for travellers trying to work out an itinerary – it’s long and narrow.

It pretty much means you do one of two things. You either go up the country or you go down it.

Of course, you need to decide where you want to stop along the way and how long you’ll spend in each place. But it’s not like you have to sit there with a map calculating the most efficient route to get between the best places to visit in Vietnam.

Ancient cities, beautiful beaches, enormous caves, charming towns, modern history – and lots of amazing food and drink. Vietnam has so much to see and it can be hard to work out how to make the most of your stay.

I’ve spent a fair amount of time in the country recently and want to use everything I’ve learned to put together an itinerary for travelling in Vietnam for you.

How long should you spend in Vietnam?

If you can, spend two weeks in Vietnam, which is just the right amount of time to cover the whole country and see the highlights. Any shorter than that, it might be better just to focus on either the north or the south and explore that region properly.

Where should you go with two weeks in Vietnam?

With a two-week itinerary in Vietnam, you can go from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, stopping along the way at Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Phong Nha, Hue, Hoi An, and Nha Trang.

How much will you spend in two weeks in Vietnam?

Travelling in Vietnam is very cheap and you don’t have to spend too much. If you’re travelling independently with public transport and budget hotels, it will cost around US$750 in total. Backpackers will be able to do it even cheaper, while luxury hotels and private transfers could increase the trip to around US$3000.

For this itinerary, I’ve chosen to do a two-week plan because that’s the average duration that people travel in Vietnam. If you’re going for a shorter period, then skip a couple of the things I recommend. If you’re going for longer, I’ve suggested a few extra options.

You might also prefer not to do some of the overnight travel I suggest and use your extra days for bus and train trips (that’s the way I tend to do it).

Should you travel north or south in Vietnam?

The first decision for a Vietnam itinerary is north or south?

I suggest travelling from the north to the south for two reasons. Firstly, most tourists actually go the other way so it means you’re going to find it easier to get bus and train tickets with less competition.

Secondly, if you’re continuing your travels in Asia, you have a lot more options leaving from Ho Chi Minh City in the south (by land or boat into Cambodia and then Thailand, for instance).

Flights are generally much cheaper to/from HCMC so that’s a consideration. But you can always get your international return flights into HCMC and then get a cheap domestic flight up to Hanoi for the day you arrive.

You can see my proposed route in this map:

In this two week Vietnam itinerary, I have tried to be quite specific with my recommendations. However, they are all based on things running smoothly, and that doesn’t always happen in Vietnam unfortunately.

A note about the specific transport recommendations – the timetables can change, and there are some special private trains I haven’t included here. I would recommend booking transport online with 12Go because it has the latest correct details (and you can even choose your seats).

Be prepared to go with the flow, make your own decisions based on your interests, and enjoy your travels!

Let’s get straight into some sightseeing in Hanoi. Vietnam’s capital has quite a few sights but the main ones can be covered within a day (or two half days).

I would suggest heading first to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum because there can often be a queue, so the earlier you get there, the better.

With the rest of the day, there are some more places you can visit. I would suggest choosing from the Vietnam Military History Museum, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison and the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum.

If you would prefer someone to show you around, I have some suggestions for local tours:

If you would prefer to explore by yourself, I’ve put together a guide with some tips on what to see in Hanoi.

In the evening, my favourite spot in Hanoi is an area known as ‘Bia Hoi Corner’. It’s at the corner of Luong Ngoc Quyen, Ta Hien and Dinh Liet ( see it on a map here ).

You can join the locals who sit on tiny plastic stools on the footpath and drink glasses of fresh beer for about 5000 VND (US$0.20). You can also order snacks or meals. It’s not the most comfortable place in the city but it’s the most fun!

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN HANOI

You’ll find most of the hotels around the Old Quarter or French Quarter, which puts you right in the centre of the action!

For a budget hostel in Hanoi, I would recommend  Luxury Backpackers , which has great beds.

There are also lots of quite similar cheap hotels. A comfortable option is  Golden Moon Suite Hotel .

For a really trendy hotel, you should try  The Chi Boutique Hotel .

And if you want to really splurge, I think the nicest luxury hotel in the city is the  Sofitel Legend Metropole .

Hanoi is not the kind of city you should do in a rush, which is why I have a second day here in the itinerary. There are a few options I would suggest for how to fill the day.

One option is to take it easy and see a few of the sights that you skipped on the first day but spend the rest of the time hanging out in the cafes and restaurants of the French Quarter.

There is heaps of amazing food in Hanoi so another great idea is to do a food tour. It will also give you a good sense of how street food works before you start travelling through the rest of the country. Here are a few great options that I would recommend:

For something a bit different, there’s a great photography tour along the local rail tracks . Or you could be a bit more adventurous with this bike tour of nearby countryside and villages .

OPTIONAL: SAPA

Before I move on to day 3, this is the point where I’ll mention the first of the optional extras that I haven’t included in this two week Vietnam itinerary.

Hanoi is the city you would use as the base to head northwest into the Sapa region. Sapa is famous for its jungle trekking and ethnic minority cultures – although there is a fair amount of development now and you have to go even deeper to get authentic experiences.

To get to Sapa, you can take the train from Hanoi to Lao Cai. The trip takes about 8 hours.

You can organise treks and homestay experiences in Hanoi in advance or plan everything when you get there. Here are a few options that will arrange everything for you from Hanoi.:

Once you are finished in Sapa, you will be able to come back to Hanoi and continue with my suggested itinerary.

Ha Long Bay

You really can’t go to Vietnam without visiting Ha Long Bay.

Unfortunately it is quite crowded with tourists and boats and there are concerns about the way the environment is being protected – but it’s still a natural wonder that is not worth missing out on.

There are dozens of tour operators and hundreds of places that will sell you a place on them. The choice can be overwhelming – particularly when there are some shady deals that sometimes occur, where you can think you’re buying one thing and end up with another.

If you want to try your luck and buy a deal at one of the shops in Hanoi, you may get a good trip for a cheap price, but it’s hard to guarantee exactly what you’ll end up with. I would recommend booking in advance and there are some decent options here:

Unless you have a solid suggestion from someone else, I would suggest booking with one of the international companies that will give you security of purchase, so you can follow up if you don’t get what you expected.

You can go as a day trip but that is far too rushed. My suggestion for this itinerary would be to do one night in Ha Long Bay, staying on board one of the junk boats. The good news is that’s the standard way that people visit the region so there are lots of tours.

Most trips will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi and drop you back to Hanoi the next day, which makes things very convenient.

Most of this day will be spent in Ha Long Bay and then arriving back in Hanoi in the late afternoon.

The choice you need to make is whether you want to stay the night in Hanoi or get the train straight to the next destination. I’ll give you the details of both options in the next section.

Today I would suggest exploring the area of Ninh Binh, about 100 kilometres south of Hanoi. It has beautiful landscapes of karst limestone mountains with rivers winding between them.

To save a bit of time, you can travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh the evening before, after getting back from Ha Long Bay. You should be able to get the 19:20 train, which arrives at 21:31 (as a backup, there’s a 21:20 train that arrives at 23:33).

If you choose to travel in the morning instead, you can do the 06:10 that arrives at 08:30 (the next option doesn’t leave until 15:30). I recommend booking train tickets in advance here .

Once you get to Ninh Binh, there are two potential areas to explore – Trang An and Tam Coc.

Both are alike and both are beautiful. They look a bit like Ha Long Bay… but without the bay. The karst limestone mountains rise up from rice paddies and riverbanks.

If you only want to visit one, I would suggest Trang An. It’s quite nice to borrow a bike from your accommodation and cycle there.

Once you arrive, you’ll buy a ticket for a boat ride. The boats are small (maximum four people) and they’re rowed by hand (or foot) by your guide.

The trip along the river takes up to three hours and you’ll go through caves and see some great sights. The experience at Tam Coc is very similar.

You have another choice here. Do you stay the night in Ninh Binh or get an overnight bus or train to the next stop, Phong Nha?

I’m going to suggest an itinerary where you do the travelling the next day. It gets a bit too tiring if you’re always travelling overnight with no rest.

However, if you go overnight, you can get the train from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi that leaves at 21:55, or 23:36 and then get the local bus from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha. Book tickets in advance here .

There are also sleeper buses – I would suggest asking a local hotel or tour operator for the times.

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN NINH BINH

There’s not a huge amount of accommodation in Ninh Binh, but you will find something for any style of travel.

My favourite place in Ninh Binh is definitely the relaxed  Nguyen Shack  with its charming bungalows.

For a comfortable budget hotel, you can try  Nam Hoa Hotel right near Tam Coc.

A lovely homestay option with amazing views is the  Limestone View Homestay .

And for a stunning luxury resort, you can’t go past  Emeralda Resort  and its pool!

Phong Nha Ke Bang

If you’ve travelled overnight, you will have arrived early. If you want to be a day ahead, skip to my suggestions for Day 7.

Otherwise, have a rest day and enjoy the countryside around Phong Nha. You should be able to hire a bike from your hotel.

If you stayed in Ninh Binh, you’ll need to get to Phong Nha. The train leaves at 08:26 to Dong Hoi and then you’ll get the local bus from there.  Book tickets in advance here .

There may also be direct tourist buses in the morning from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha. I would suggest asking your accommodation to see what the options are. Either way, you’ll spend most of the day on the road and be ready to rest when you arrive.

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN PHONG NHA

Most of the basic accommodation is on the main road in town, while the more interesting options are a bit harder to reach.

For a good backpacker option, I would recommend staying at the friendly  Nguyen Shack .

A good choice for a budget hotel in a convenient location is the  Thanh Phat .

And for a lovely experience a bit out of town,  Jungle Boss Homestay  will look after you.

And for something a bit more luxurious, you can try the Victory Road Villas .

The reason you’ve come to Phong Nha is to see the caves. Did you know that the world’s largest cave is here? It’s so large that you could fly a Boeing 747 through it!

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to see this cave. Only a tiny number of people are allowed in each year and it’s super expensive and there’s a long wait. But the caves you can see are still very impressive.

All of the hotels and tour operators in town offer a fairly similar range of options for tours around the area. You can choose which one is best for you – I would suggest making sure that Paradise Cave is included (it’s the highlight).

It could be a good idea to book ahead and have something locked in, so  this tour is a good option .

This evening I suggest you stay in Phong Nha but be prepared for possibly a very early start.

There are a few ways to get to the next stop, the city of Hue. Ask at your hotel for the direct tourist bus options – there may be one at about 4 am that will get you into the city at about 8 am.

Otherwise, there are trains from Dong Hoi at 02:30, 05:41, or 07:05. Keep in mind that the first local bus from Phong Nha to Dong Hoi leaves at 05:30 and takes about 90 minutes so you’ll need to find another way to the station if you want one of the early trains.

If you get the 07:55 train, you’ll arrive in Hue at about 10:45, which I think is perfect.  You can book your train tickets in advance here .

Hue is an old centre of power and was effectively the capital of Vietnam for almost 150 years from the start of the 1800s.

The main sight in Hue is the Imperial City , which is the enormous compound where the emperors lived and ruled their lands. It will take you several hours to walk through it and see everything.

If you’re interested in getting a guide to show you through the Imperial City, which will certainly give you a much better understanding of the site and the history, I would suggest this half-day tour , if you arrive in time.

Other than the Imperial City, there are just a few other things to see and do in Hue. You can explore the city’s sights and try some of the delicious food. There are some good options here:

You might also be interested in checking out an old abandoned water park which is pretty creepy… but cool.

Although the next stop, Hoi An, isn’t too far away, I would probably stay in Hue for the night. After an early start this morning, it would be nice to be able to have a hotel to leave luggage in the morning and have a rest in the afternoon.

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN HUE

Many tourists pass through Hue quickly but it actually has some spectacular accommodation options if you want to relax.

For a good backpacker option, I would suggest staying at  Why Not? . (Yes, that’s its real name.)

A good choice for a budget hotel in a great location is the  Four Seasons Hotel .

For a relaxing eco-resort,  Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa  is wonderful.

And for luxury by the beach, try  Ana Mandara Hue Beach Resort .

In the morning, it’s time to head to Hoi An.

You will either need to get the train to Da Nang (leaving at 08:45) and then the local bus to Hoi An (the local yellow bus costs about 20,000 VND (US$0.80)) or you can find a direct tourist bus. Book train tickets or check bus options here .

Hoi An is a magical city and one of the most beautiful spots in Vietnam. It was a trading port from the 15 th century to the 19 th century and the architecture and layout from that period has been well-preserved.

Be warned – it’s crowded – but it’s still a wonderful place to explore.

My suggestion for the day would be to just wander around the city and explore the streets and the shops. Make sure you cross over the river with small bridges to the islands, which can be a little more relaxed.

If, however, you would like a guided tour or an expert to give you an insight into Hoi An, I would recommend one of the following experiences:

If you would like to do something a little more cultural, there are lots of options. You can go on a local fishing experience , do some underwater walking , learn about the rice farms , or make traditional lanterns .

There’s also a beach in Hoi An, which has some lovely seafood restaurants. It is a nice place to visit around sunset, if you have time, and you can cycle there from the main part of town.

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN HOI AN

Hoi An is such a tourist town these days that there is a huge range of accommodation, so you’ll find whatever you’re looking for.

There are lots of cheap hostels in town but  The Destination Hostel  has great location and atmosphere.

There are also lots of budget hotels but one of the nicest is  Hoi An Heritage Homestay .

For lovely relaxed villas, you should try  Cozy Hoian Boutique Villas .

And for the best in town, you need to check out  Hotel Royal Hoi An MGallery .

On your second day in Hoi An, I would highly recommend taking a tour to My Son in the morning. My Son is an ancient complex of temples built by the Champa people over a thousand years between the 4 th and 14 th centuries.

It’s the closest thing that the Vietnamese have to Angkor and it’s pretty spectacular, even if much of it has been destroyed.

You’ll find lots of hotels and tour operators offering trips to My Son from Hoi An. It might be easier just to shop around yourself because they’re all quite similar, even if they have different prices.

However, if you would like to make a booking in advance, here are some options:

You should get back in the afternoon and have time to hang out in one of the Hoi An bars or cafes for the afternoon.

In the evening, though, I would recommend getting on an overnight bus or train for your next stop, Nha Trang.

For the train, you’ll need to get the local bus to Danang and then the train leaving at 23:25 will get you to Nha Trang at 09:38.  Book train tickets or check bus options here .

Nha Trang is one of Vietnam’s famous beach resorts. Don’t imagine a quiet tropical getaway, though. This is a beach with plenty of development and a fair bit of partying.

I’ll be honest – it’s not my favourite part of Vietnam and you may want to skip it if you’re making some alterations to this two-week itinerary.

I’ve really suggested it because it’s a convenient place to break up the trip from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City and the beach offers something a little different to the other destinations.

If you’re keen to hit the bars, then you may like it here. If you want to sunbake, you’ll probably like it here. If you just want a day to chill, then you can do that here too.

There are no particular things I would suggest doing here. As I say, it’s really just a day at the beach. So enjoy!

If you completely hate the idea of Nha Trang, you can just push through to Ho Chi Minh City and have an extra day there or do one of the extra options I’ve included along the way (Dalat would be a good choice here!).

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN NHA TRANG

The biggest range of accommodation is right in the centre of town, near the beach, but there are a few gems further out of Nha Trang.

If you’re looking for a clean and friendly backpacker place,  Dhome Nha Trang  is your best option.

There are so many hotels and the prices change a lot with the seasons.  Seaway Hotel  often has great deals.

I think the most stylish hotel in town is the InterContinental Nha Trang .

But if you want even more luxury, your best bet is the  Mia Resort Nha Trang .

OPTIONAL: DALAT

With my suggested itinerary, I’m going to take you straight to Ho Chi Minh City next. However, you can do a detour and go inland, through a city called Dalat.

It’s not one of the usual tourist stops in Vietnam but it does offer something different. It’s a charming alpine city with a relaxed atmosphere and a few things to see, including the Crazy House .

There are also some great hiking and other adventure activities you can do in the surrounding area.

If you do have a spare day or want to skip Nha Trang and see something different, it’s worth considering.

It’s quite a long way from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City so you need to make a decision about whether you spend all night or all day travelling. In this itinerary, I’m choosing to spend the day on the road because the last leg was overnight.

So I would recommend getting the train from Nha Trang at 09:45, which gets you into HCMC at 18:10.

If you choose to travel overnight, the train leaves Nha Trang at either 21:41 (arriving 05:45) or at 22:44 (arriving 06:50). This gives you an extra day, which you could use to relax or maybe consider the extra option to Can Tho that I’ll mention at the end.

To book your tickets in advance, click here .

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

I have allocated two days in Saigon and it’s such a big city that you may find that’s not nearly enough. But having said that, it doesn’t have as many obvious ‘sights’ as Hanoi.

The best way to spend your time here will be to explore and immerse yourself in the culture.

I would suggest using this first day to orientate yourself and see what sights exist. These include the Reunification Palace, Ben Thanh Market, War Remnants Museum, the Museum of Vietnamese History, the Ho Chi Minh Museum, and the City Hall (from the outside).

If you’re interested in a tour to see the main sights and learn a bit of the history of Ho Chi Minh City, then I would recommend these options:

You’ll notice that there are a lot of trendy cafes and restaurants in central Ho Chi Minh City. For better or worse, there are some big changes going on.

I have included some recommendations for places to eat and drink in my post about the city.

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Ho Chi Minh City is super busy but accommodation around District 1 will save you a lot of transport hassle.

For a modern and quiet hostel, I would suggest the awesome Tam Social Enterprise Hostel .

A comfortable budget option is  Tripwriter Hotel … and I like the name!

For a stylish design hotel, you should try  Cinnamon Boutique Hotel .

And if you want to splurge, I think one of the coolest hotels is  The Myst Dong Khoi .

Ho Chi Minh City is enormous and by your second day, you’ll probably come to realise how overwhelming it can be. I don’t always use guides or do local tours when I travel but this is one of those cities where you’ll get so much more out of your stay if you do.

I have mentioned a couple of tours in the previous day’s information that show you the sights so you may want to consider one of them if you didn’t end up seeing much.

There are also some great food tours – most are in the evening. I would recommend this easy walking food tour  or this food tour by motorbike  (you’ll just be the passenger).

Ho Chi Minh City is also the staging point for day trips to see the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta (which is better to do for more than a day trip, but I know you might be running out of time by now). If you’re interested, you could have a look at these options:

Make sure you do leave yourself enough time to explore this fascinating city, though!

OPTIONAL: MEKONG DELTA

If you have a bit of extra time, I would suggest heading into the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City and seeing a bit of this beautiful part of the country. Things are very relaxed around the Mekong and there’s a different atmosphere to all the places so far.

One of the easiest places to use as your base for accommodation is Can Tho . From there, you can do boat trips or head by bus to some of the other smaller towns in the region.

And that’s it! A very comprehensive guide for how to spend two weeks in Vietnam. I hope you have found it useful.

Please let me know in the comments below if you have any more questions or any suggestions you would like to add for other travellers. In the meantime, have a great trip!

More stories about Vietnam

• The best places to visit in Vietnam
• A two-week itinerary for Vietnam
• The best things to do in Hanoi
• How to choose a Ha Long Bay tour
• What to do in Ho Chi Minh City
• Things to see in Hoi An
• A tour to the My Son ruins
• Visiting the Imperial City of Hue
• The enormous caves of Phong Nha
• All the World Heritage Sites in Vietnam

64 thoughts on “A two week Vietnam itinerary”

The pictures are so stunning. What a lovely place Vietnam is. Thanks a ton for sharing such useful information.

Hey we are starting your 2 week itinerary today, Hanoi all the way to the south of Vietnam!! Thank you for the detail looking forward to it! What is the name of the abandoned water park that you saw? I’d love to see it, sounds cool. Thank you

Wow! the nature looks at its best. Amazing captures. Loved it!

Great trip! So stunning pictures you shared. It looks so awesome. Thanks.

Hi! I am Julia, being a newbie to blogging I mostly visit blogs listed at ShoutmeLoud and link of your blog timetravelturtle, I’ve seen there. So visited here and found you have a really cool blog. You look so professional and highly educated to blogging. Can you share some useful tips to successful blogging? Thanks

I have been searching all day for an itinary that suits us and I have just found it! So well written and hitting all the spots we are wanting to encorporate! Thank you!

Amazing! Pictures are looking Awesome and Vietnam is really a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing this.

My pleasure, Viren. Vietnam is beautiful and I hope you found the article useful.

This is awesome! I plan on using this guide! Thank you so much! How much (total) either in USD or VND should I consider on bringing with me?

Thanks for the post. I really enjoyed it and it seems very straightforward and practical. I’m thinking about visiting Vietnam. Your info is helpful. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for such a well-written blog and listed links, I will be traveling from India to Vietnam in Feb end and will be using most of your suggestions.

Thanks thanks thanks for such rich information! This is exactly what I was searching for!

My pleasure. I hope it helps with your trip!

Oh Michael, this itinerary is pure gold! I love the photos you took, they are so VIETNAM! Awesome to see you also went to the water park, it’s so cool. By now it is a real must do, I think! I wrote a piece as well for things to do in Vietnam, hope it’s cool to share it here: hostelgeeks.com/24-things-to-do-vietnam-travel-tips/

Thanks, Matt. I appreciate the kind words. I hope you enjoyed your trip to Vietnam as well!

I did a pretty similar trip to this, but over a month and in reverse. My favourite spots were Hue and Hoi An, and a little random place just outside of Nha Trang called ‘Marble Mountain’. The last one in particular seems rarely mentioned, but it was such a great find for us. We saw it on the road from Hoi An to Nha Trang (by motorcycle) because there was an elevator built on the side of one of the large rock formations. The entire time we were there it felt a bit like a dream, but there were the most amazing caves there, enormous caverns like you wouldn’t believe! Thank for sharing this, there are a few places on here I missed I’d like to check out next time I make it to Vietnam!

Vietnam is the best place to visit with Family in the world and I would like to travel here. Thanks for Sharing ! Nice Information

Thanks very much!!

haha you dont like Nha Trang too. Yes, I agree. In my choice I would prefer Dalat than Nha Trang, for the diversity of the trip. I can have great beach in Hoian, but Dalat with hills and flowers are more differently attractive. You must see it next time.

I guess different people like different places. But, certainly, Nha Trang is not the kind of place I would go back to. My biggest issue is that it doesn’t seem as local or authentic as some of the other places I visited. Dalat and Hoi An are great options – but I also really like places like Ninh Binh and Trang An.

Your are really blessed and marvelous. Everything covered so simply. This gives me the confidence to plan the tour myself

planning to visit Vietnam in november for 10—15 days

Were domestic flights options instead of taking a train, i want to do a similar trip but i dont travel so well on buses or trains

Yes, domestic flights will be possible for some of the sections I have suggested. I actually think this website is a good way to compare all the different options: https://www.baolau.com/?source=turtle

Great post, Really enjoyed the photography. Actually I am running a travel agency in kerala, India. I loved Your post, and planning to add vietnam to my list. Thanks a lot for sharing this post.

Good post, have been searching all day for an itinerary that suits us and I have just found it! So well written and hitting all the spots we are wanting to incorporate! Thank you!

Hello do you know that you can increase your conversion ratio couple of times and earn extra cash every day. There is awesome landing pages tool. It is very easy even for noobs, if you are interested simply search in gooogle: pandatsor’s tools

Vietnam is one of the cheapest place in the world. You can enjoy your holiday with delicious local foods and luxuries hotels. the places that you have mentioned is best sightseeing in vietnam. thanks for your kind information.

I need help to plan a 14 nights 15 days Vietnam trip

We need 4 & 5 star stay

We r vegetarian Indians

2 ladies age 57 and 65 ..travelling from 16th Feb to 2nd march

Your suggestions ate noted in detail

Just want to know if Sapa we need to do a 2 days 1 night trip ?

Can we rent a car n go Ninh Binh to phong nha ?

Can we take a car phong nha to Hue ?

Is it expensive to rent a car with driver cum guide for 4 to 5 days n go from place to place n stay n do sightseeing ?

Danang Stay overnight or a day or half day is good enough ?

Hanoi to ninh Binh to phong nha to Hue to Hoi an to Nha Trang n danang to Ho chi Minh …6 days can we keep private car n driver cum guide?

Thank you for the great guide! I just spent about two weeks in Vietnam and I found it extremely useful.

Vietnam is the best place to visit with Family in the world and I would like to travel here. Thanks for Sharing ! Nice Information thanks so much….

So impressed with your site and ever so helpful as I prepare to become a third time traveller to Vietnam but a now confident to dump the tours and plan my own traveller to Vietnam thanks to you.

Awesome blog! you have made a incredible experience of vietnam. thanks for the itinerray it will help me when i visit vietnam.

Indeed… Vietnam is quite famous over tv’s I personally haven’t get a chance to explore the place, thanks for sharing your trip I can learn something out of it 🙂

This is a very detailed itinerary, the best I’ve ever read. Vietnam is a beautiful place, thanks for the great work.

It all looks good but what will the average 15 or 10 days cost for three woman sharring

Do you think this would work in reverse? Starting in saigon and finishing in hanoi

Oh, yes, definitely. I haven’t done the logistics of the transport to see whether you’re better off doing day or overnight trips for the different legs, but there’s no particular reason why you can’t go in that direction.

Wow! This article is very helpful. You’ve done a great deal of help and saved time to those intending to visit Vietnam for the first time. Thanks for that!

amazing cave! How much cost of this?

I like that place in VIETNAM ..it is a clean place…full of fresh vegetables and fruits…like it.

20 cents for a glass of fresh beer… yeah, I’m thinking I need to get back to Vietnam ASAP.

I’m really thankful. Thanks for sharing this itinary! It’s really useful for travellers. Vietnam seems amazing 🙂 I wanna be there soon!

Thanks for Butting this together

I want to know as a packpackers how much could 1 person do this trip, and eating and drinking during the day what are the costs of eating the local food, as im trying to make a budget, I will prod do hostels for most of my trip and some 2 star 3 star hotels

I’ve only visited Hoi An, Hue, and HCMC and they were beautiful. I would definitely want to visit Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Nha Trang too if given the chance! Thanks for the informative guide and lovely photos.

Thanks for the detailed itinerary! Would love to visit Hanoi, Halong Bay and Sapa and this guide will come in useful then.

Thanks for the amazing post…..keep sharing.

I always loved to be there in Vietnam. One of my favorite countries in the world.

I am always proud to be Vietnamese, thank you for the beautiful photos of my country

Ohh thats amazing guide.. A well written travel guide.. Our office team was planning for such a tour idea.. We are gonna to plan this for our coming office tour.. Thanks for this amazing travel guide..

Hi There, I love your ideas, we will be travelling with children who are used to travelling all over Europe, however this will be our first trip to Vietnam. Ages 11,12,13,and 15 do you think this trip would suit?

I had visited Trang An during my visit to Hanoi a couple of years back. Manybloggers suggest that Tam Coc is quite touristy, and I so agreed with them after I visited Tam Coc to see how it looks like. Trang An was far more peaceful and serene, just perfect for beautiful morning boat ride.

Oh man ! I love this article and the way you describe all the things here. Also there’s a website which i usually used to shop, because the have discounts and coupons in apparel and clothing kinda stuff, you guys should definitely check this out. https://www.mysavinghub.com/store/mack-weldon-coupons

Thanks this was so helpful in so many ways,hoping to visit in August,we have 17 days all together to travel to vietnam and back home to England.so fly to the North and head back home from the south?

Absolutely breathtaking images have been captured. Vietnam is a beautiful country. Many thanks for providing us with this valuable data.

What a beautiful country, what a beautiful images! Thanks for sharing it. Also I have also written a good information about Types of car oil, do have a visit here.

Hi, awesome itinerary. Can you recommend the best time of year to go if we follow your itinerary. Going next year 2024. Thanks Wendy

I’ve always been interested in Vietnam’s history, so I appreciate the emphasis on visiting sites like the Cu Chi Tunnels and the War Remnants Museum. It’s important to learn about the country’s past and how it has shaped the present.

Such great! & an informative article amazing post and great content. Thanks

thats a great article. its usefull for us thankew.

Temu launched in 2022 to offer Chinese-manufactured products to American consumers

Great Post Thanks for this information.

Love this post

Next summer vacation I am planning to visit Vietnam

Hey 🙂 This guide is fantastic … Thanks for sharing all your travel tips!

Leave a comment Cancel reply

In vietnam, i recommend:.

🏨 Hotels: Booking.com 👩‍🏫 Tours: GetYourGuide 🚌 Bus & train: 12Go

Find me on the socials:

Subscribe for news and deals:.

top stories:

How To Plan An Awesome Trip To Vietnam

Are you traveling to Vietnam soon? Does travel planning take so much of your time and effort?

Our Vietnam Travel Planner will guide you step-by-step on how to plan a trip to Vietnam. This article will be useful whether it’s your first time visiting Vietnam or the 10th time.

1. How Long Do You Plan to Visit Vietnam?

First, decide how many days you have for your trip to Vietnam.

If you only have a few days, you might want to focus on one area, like Hanoi or Ho Ho Chi Minh .

With two weeks in Vietnam or more, you could travel from the north to the south of Vietnam, seeing different places.

Note : Check out the most beautiful places in Vietnam for your Vietnam itinerary.

2. Think About Your Budget

Vietnam is great for any budget. Keeping your budget in mind helps you choose where to stay, what to eat, and what to do without overspending.

If you’re looking to save, street food and hostels are your friends. For a bit more comfort, there are mid-range hotels and restaurants.

And if you’re splurging, luxury resorts and fine dining can be found, especially in bigger cities and tourist spots.

Don’t forget to budget for activities, like tours and entrance fees to attractions.

3. Who Are You Going With?

Do you travel with your partner, friends, or family? Or are you traveling solo to Vietnam? The people you travel with can affect your plans, like where you stay and what activities you pick.

Solo travelers might enjoy the freedom of a motorbike journey or join group tours to meet others.

Couples can look for romantic getaways in places like Ha Long Bay.

Families might prefer destinations with a mix of culture and relaxation, like Da Nang and its nearby beaches.

4. What Do You Want to Do?

What are you looking forward to in Vietnam? Whether it’s exploring cities, relaxing on beaches, or hiking in nature, knowing what you like helps you pick your spots.

• Are you into history? Don’t miss the ancient town of Hoi An and the imperial city of Hue.
• Love nature? The mountains of Ha Giang and the caves in Phong Nha are must-sees.
• Beach lover? Nha Trang and Phu Quoc have beautiful sandy shores.

My rule of thumb is to select a few key places to visit in Vietnam. It’s tempting to see everything, but traveling takes time.

For a first trip, major spots like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An can give you a taste of what Vietnam has to offer.

5. Look Up the Weather

Vietnam’s weather varies from north to south.

The north has four seasons, while the south is warmer year-round. The central coast has a rainy season from September to December.

Check the weather for the places you want to visit to decide the best time to visit Vietnam .

Generally, spring (March-April) and autumn (September-October) are good times to visit most of Vietnam.

6. Check Your Passport and Visa

Make sure your passport doesn’t expire within six months of your planned return date.

For visas, you may get an e-visa online or a visa exemption, but it depends on your nationality.

Check out my Vietnam visa guide for more information. The rules can change, so it’s good to check the latest info.

7. Book Your Flights

Start looking for flights early to snag the best deals. Websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights can help you compare prices.

Consider flying into one city and out of another if you’re planning to cover a lot of ground, like flying into Hanoi and out of Ho Chi Minh City, to save time and backtracking.

For domestic flights, Vietnam Airlines , Jetstar, and Vietjet offer frequent and affordable flights between major cities and tourist destinations.

Vietjet Air and Jetstar usually have a promotion, and the price is lower than Vietnam Airlines. However, it’s common that your flights may get delayed around 30 minutes or more with them.

8. Book Your Accommodations

Vietnam offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury resorts.

Booking.com and Agoda are great for finding deals and reading reviews. Consider location, price, and amenities like free breakfast or a pool, especially in hot climates.

For popular destinations or during peak travel seasons, it’s wise to book your accommodations in advance. This makes sure you get the best selection and prices.

For off-the-beaten-path adventures, you might have more flexibility with booking on the go.

Tips : How to book the best accommodation .

9. Plan How You’ll Get Around Vietnam

Vietnam is well-connected by a network of buses, trains, and domestic flights.

The train journey along the coast from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is scenic and offers sleeper options.

Buses are economical and reach most destinations. Consider renting a motorbike for local explorations if you’re comfortable riding.

And if you’re short on time but want to see both ends of the country, consider booking a domestic flight.

Renting motorbikes is popular among travelers for the freedom it offers, especially in rural areas. Make sure you’re aware of the local traffic laws and have the necessary driving permits.

I recommend using 12go or Baolau to book trains, buses, and ferries while traveling in Vietnam.

10. Book travel tours

As Vietnam is relatively cheap, you can find budget-friendly tours starting at $15. Luxurious tours such as Ha Long Bay Deluxe Cruise can cost $50 or more.

If you’re interested in visiting islands in Vietnam, booking a tour may be the best idea because it’s difficult and expensive to rent a boat on your own.

Also, taking a tour will be a great option if you travel alone and want a companion.

Here are some recommended tours:

• Ha Long Bay Deluxe Cruise from Ha Noi
• Cu Chi Tunnels Half-day tour from Saigon
• Ba Na Hills day trip from Da Nang
• Hoa Lu – Tam Coc day trip from Ha Noi
• Can Gio tour

11. Buy a SIM card

Although you can find free Wi-Fi in public places such as coffee shops and shopping malls in big cities, buying a SIM card or eSIM is more convenient when traveling to Vietnam.

This gives you access to mobile data at affordable rates, making it easier to navigate, translate, and stay in touch.

Some stands at the airport offer SIM cards, but ordering one online is much more convenient.

12. Pack your luggage

What to pack for Vietnam? Vietnam’s diverse climate means packing can be tricky.

Lightweight and breathable clothes are best for the south, while the north may require layers, especially if you’re visiting in winter.

Don’t forget a good pair of walking shoes, as you’ll likely do a lot of walking. Rain gear can be essential, depending on the season.

You can easily buy sun cream, shampoo, toothbrushes, and toothpaste in Vietnam at convenience stores, so you don’t need to pack them.

If you need any specific medicine, bring them along. For women, it can be challenging to buy tampons or menstrual cups in Vietnam.

• Vaccinations: Check with your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip about recommended vaccinations for Vietnam, such as Hepatitis A and Typhoid.
• Travel Insurance: Always get travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Vietnam is generally safe, but it’s better to be prepared for any situation, including theft or accidents, especially if you plan on riding motorbikes.

14. Prepare money

In Vietnam, Cash is a King. The Vietnamese currency is Vietnam Dong (VND).

Depending on your budget and travel style, the amount of money needed for your Vietnam trip may vary.

There are several ATMs and banks in big cities, so withdrawing some cash will not be a big issue. You can also exchange your currency for VND Dong at the banks or jewelry shops.

15. Cultural Insights and Interactions

• Learning the Language: Picking up a few Vietnamese phrases can go a long way in connecting with locals. Simple greetings, thank yous, and numbers can improve your market experiences and daily interactions.
• Respect the Culture: Don’t forget to show respect at religious or historical sites by dressing modestly and following any posted guidelines.
• Connect with Locals: Consider homestays, local-guided tours, or cooking classes to gain deeper insights into Vietnamese life and culture.

16. Food and Drink

Vietnamese cuisine is a highlight of any visit. Don’t miss trying Pho , Banh mi , and fresh spring rolls.

Each region has its specialties, like bun cha in Hanoi or Cao Lau in Hoi An . Street food tours can be a great way to taste a variety of dishes.

So, where to eat? You should look for busy places with lots of locals — a sign of good food.

Apps like TripAdvisor and Google Maps can help you find highly-rated eateries. Don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path for authentic culinary experiences.

17. Check your travel documents

Before departure, you should recheck all your travel documents: passport, visa, insuranc e, and other required travel documents such as booking confirmation.

We recommend storing those documents as PDF files on your USB, laptop or Drive so you can access them remotely.

Also, it would be best to recheck your flight schedule to ensure it departs on time.

18. Prepare for your flight

Airsickness is a real problem for some people. It can make you feel nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and dizziness.

If you have airsickness, you should eat a light meal before boarding, use anti-nausea drugs or natural remedies, and choose the right seat.

When on the plane, you should avoid reading or staring at the electronic screen for a long because it may worsen the symptoms.

Also, buying a soft travel pillow for neck support is a good idea if it’s a long flight from your departure destination to Vietnam.

Now you’re ready for your trip to Vietnam! If you have any questions, feel free to comment below, and we will answer.

Ha is an avid traveler and writer with a background in marketing & hospitality. She's lived in a few countries and traveled to more than 30. When she's not traveling or writing, Ha loves trying new recipes.

Similar Posts

Ho Chi Minh to Con Dao Vietnam: Transport & Ticket Guide

With beautiful scenery and historical sites, Con Dao is an interesting destination to visit in Vietnam. How to get from…

Sapa to Cat Ba Vietnam: Transport Guide

How to travel from Sapa to Cat Ba island, Vietnam? Cat Ba island is a great destination to visit after…

Explore 200-Year-Old Tan Ky Old House In Hoi An Vietnam

Tan Ky old house is an interesting stop to see the ancient features of Hoi An town, Vietnam. This house…

10 Best Beaches In Vietnam You’ll Love

Vietnam is a beach lovers’ paradise with a tropical climate and an entire coastline of over 3000 km. The beaches…

Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich): A Delicious Mix Of Flavors

Whether you’re planning a trip to Vietnam or stumbling upon a Vietnamese eatery in your own neighborhood, don’t miss the…

10 Things Not To Do On Tet Holiday In Vietnam

What not to do on Tet holiday in Vietnam? On the first day of the Tet holiday, Vietnamese people avoid…

14 Comments

I have been planning a trip to Vietnam and this is exactly what I was looking for. I think 3 week is too less for Vietnam. I would need at least 2 weeks here. I am a budget traveler, so I will most likely stay in a hostel. I agree with your idea of flexible schedule, it gives freedom to stay more at place you love.

I have been planning a 1 week trip to Vietnam and this is exactly what I was looking for. I am a budget traveler, so I will most likely stay in a hostel. I agree with your idea of flexible schedule. i thing i am stay 4 days at Hanoi and 3 days at Ho chi min city…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Vietnam Travel Guide: A Complete 3-Week Itinerary

Travel through Vietnam! An enormous country, home to tropical forests, limestone cliffs, and exhilarating mountain roads. Away from the wonderful nature, are cities full of culture and fascinating history. And perhaps best of all, eat your way through delicious street food in one of the most flavorsome countries in the world! Discover Vietnam in this 3 or 4 week Vietnam route.

Vietnam Travel Route (3 or 4 weeks)

Traveling in Vietnam is mostly done by bus or train as there are limited direct flights between places. Three weeks is a good amount of time to travel in Vietnam.

If going as far as Ho Chi Minh, allow another week (4 weeks in total) to see the beauty of far southern islands like Phu Quoc or the extraordinary maze-like rivers of the Mekong Delta.

Also read: Best Things to do in Vietnam

Day 1 – 3: Hanoi

Start your Vietnam route in the buzzing capital of Hanoi ! This ancient city, centered around the misty Hoan Kiem Lake, is home to the best street food on the planet.

Spend at least two days here soaking up the sights, sounds, and flavors of this beautifully chaotic city. Get ready to get lost among the beautiful web of narrow streets with French-style buildings, and bravely attempt to cross the manic roads!

There is an international airport here that serves the rest of the world, as well as domestic flights to other parts of Vietnam . Because of this, it’s a good place to start on your Vietnam travels.

Where to Stay in Hanoi

The quality of guesthouses and hotels in Hanoi is extremely high for the money you’ll pay. Situate yourself in the Old Quarter or near Hoan Kiem Lake so that you can see all the things to do in Hanoi on foot.

Hotels in Hanoi 😴

Day 4 – 6: Sapa

Experience trekking in the wonderful, rolling rice hills of Sapa ! The luscious, green north of Vietnam is an absolute must-see on any Vietnam route.

Hike through the beautiful nature among mountains, paddies, and tribal villages, and stay with a local family to experience their way of living. Between May and September, see the rice fields at their greenest! Note : You will have to go back to Hanoi after Sapa before departing for Ha Long Bay.

Read more: Trek at the rice terraces of Sapa, Vietnam

Getting from Hanoi to Sapa

Bus: Regular direct buses depart Hanoi, taking 6 hours. This is the cheapest and quickest option. Get your bus or train tickets here.

Train: Both day trains and sleeper trains run from Hanoi to Lao Cai (8 hours). From there, take a minivan in 1 hour to Sapa.

Day 7 – 9: Ha Long Bay

Enjoy sailing across the peaceful emerald waters of Ha Long Bay among limestone karsts and floating villages. From Hanoi, book an incredible cruise to either Ha Long or Lan Ha Bay.

These cruises normally include a return transfer from Hanoi and come in a variety of options. For example, a day cruise or a 2 night/3 day cruise. To properly enjoy the beauty of this magical part of Vietnam, spend 2 nights here relaxing and exploring your Vietnam route.  Find a tour online .

Tip: Take the return transfer back to Hanoi from Ha Long Bay. You may need to spend one more night in Hanoi before continuing on the rest of the journey.

Day 10 – 12: Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh province is the natural paradise of Vietnam, home to charming villages, stunning rice fields, rivers, and the limestone mountains of Tam Coc. Enjoy a relaxing few days of seeing the beauty and tranquility of nature. Whether it be spotting wildlife or exploring the mountaintop temples, caves, and shrines, there is something every traveler will love.

Read: Tam Coc, the natural paradise of Vietnam

Where to Stay in Tam Coc

Experience charming wooden bungalows, lotus ponds, and gardens filled with organically grown vegetables – there’s plenty to choose from in the Ninh Binh region.

Hotels in Tam Coc 😴

Getting from Hanoi to Ninh Binh/Tam Coc

By car: Tam Coc is a 2 – 2.5-hour drive from Hanoi. Some guesthouses will offer a return journey to Hanoi for an extra fee.

Bus: Buses run regularly from Hanoi.

Train: There is a direct train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. From Ninh Binh, you can reach Tam Coc in a 10-minute taxi ride.

Book your transportation tickets online

Day 13 – 15: Phong Nha

Explore the spectacular area of Phong Nha, known as the ‘adventure capital of Asia’, and for good reason! There are hundreds of mammoth caves here, nestled between limestone mountains and wide winding rivers. Because of this, travelers can enjoy trekking, climbing, or abseiling through tunnels and rivers.

The most extraordinary of all the caves is Son Doong, big enough to fit in city skyscrapers. To reach this cave is a 4-day trek, with a long waitlist, so make sure to plan ahead if you want to incorporate this into your Vietnam travels. Many others, which are just as impressive, such as Hang En, can be visited in a day trek.

Note: During the rainy season of July- December (especially in the later months) many of the caves become inaccessible.

Getting from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha

Bus: To get to Phong Nha from Ninh Binh, there is a direct overnight bus (7 hours). This is the most efficient and direct option.

Train: There are also trains from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi (8 hours). From Dong Hoi, it is a 1-hour taxi to Phong Nha.

Plane: To fly, go back to Hanoi and take a 1-hour domestic flight to Dong Hoi. From here, take the 1-hour taxi to Phong Nha.

Travel Insurance Don't forget a travel insurance for your Vietnam trip! Heymondo covers medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more, with 24/7 worldwide assistance and medical chat. As a Salt in our Hair reader, we've got you 5% off! Check Heymondo here

Day 16 – 17: Hue

Hue is a lovely little city to spend a night and soak up the remarkable culture of Vietnam. It used to be the capital of Vietnam, a royal city on the banks of the wide Perfume River.

As such, it’s filled with ancient tombs, beautiful pagodas, and, most famously, the walled imperial city. Spend a few hours wandering around the ancient Imperial City, surrounded by a moat, and gain a glimpse into the royal history of emperors in Vietnam.

Because of its war-torn past, Hue is also home to many war/history museums, which are fascinating to visit. A cultural gem on your Vietnam route!

Tip: Try the legendary ‘Bun Bo Hue’, iconic of the city.

Getting from Phong Nha to Hue

Bus: From Phong Nha, take a direct bus to Hue. It can be done in 3 hours for as little as 6 USD!

Day Trip: Hai Van Pass to Danang

On your way from Hue to Hoi An , make a stop for the afternoon in Danang. To do this, hire a motorbike and ride the famous, exhilarating Hai Van Pass. This meandering road (20 km) worms through the hills and coastline 500 m above sea level! Because of its height, this is easily one of the most beautiful ways to see this part of the country. Make a stop in Danang to see the golden bridge or the weird and wonderful Ba Na hills.

Note: If motorbiking isn’t really your thing, Danang is reachable by train from Hue. It’s a beautiful journey along the coast, known as one of the best train rides in Vietnam!

Day 18 – 20: Hoi An (end of 3-week route)

Arrive in beautiful, colorful Hoi An! Discover lantern-lit streets and French-style architecture while taking romantic river strolls or relaxing bike rides.

This UNESCO world heritage site offers countless things to do, such as a ride in the traditional basket boats, as well as some of the best food you’ll experience while traveling in Vietnam. Try the famous Banh Mi sandwich here! Hoi An is also the final stop of a 3-week route, and you can fly out from the nearby Danang airport.

Read more: Ultimate Guide to visiting Hoi An

Where to Stay in Hoi An

Depending on what kind of trip you want, you can stay either by the beach or situate yourself more centrally by the old town. It’s best to stay just outside of the old town, as the accommodation will be cheaper and both the beach and the old town will still be easy to reach.

Hotels in Hoi An 😴

Getting from Hue to Hoi An

From Hue, make your way to Hoi An either by motorbike, public transport or minivan. Book your transport here .

Day 21 – 23: Dalat (start of 4-week route) 

Dalat is the perfect place to see Vietnam’s nature at its finest. The green mountain town is situated in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. This is a region home to dense tropical forests, roaring waterfalls, and countless species of wildlife.

Spend time here spotting animals, taking the famous Da Lat cable car, or riding one of the many legendary motorbike journeys in the area. Because of its high location, there are nice mild temperatures all year round, so it’s a great spot to cool off from the heat of the lowlands. 

Tip: Da Lat has an amazing coffee scene! Try a cup of the delicious brew here.

Where to Stay in Da Lat

Stay in a beautiful villa overlooking the city and the surrounding green scenery, or opt for a comfortable hostel with a smaller budget.

Hotels in Dalat 😴

Getting from Hoi An to Dalat

Bus: If heading straight to Dalat from Hoi An, take an overnight bus of 13/14 hours. 

Train:   Overnight train from Danang to Nha Trang (10 hours). From here, take the bus to Dalat in 4 hours.

Plane: Danang to Dalat is a 1.5-hour flight (more expensive than other ways of travel).

Day 24 – 25: Mui Ne

Mui Ne is famous for its relaxed beach vibe, but most importantly for its extraordinary white and red sand dunes! Visit the red sand dunes at sunset to see the fiery colors of the sun blend into the red of the sand.

Alternatively, visit the white sand dunes for adventurous activities like quad biking or sand dune sledding. This is a must-do on any Vietnam travel route!

Getting from Dalat to Mui Ne

Bus: Visit in a 4-hour bus ride from Dalat.

Day 26 – 28: Ho Chi Minh

Spend a few days in the sprawling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh! Formerly known as Saigon, this fantastic city is very modern, with broad tree-lined avenues, bright city lights, and skyscrapers. Get to know the various districts, eat incredible food, and make sure to visit the highly informative war museums. This is a must-visit when traveling in Vietnam!

Make sure to take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels: a huge network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong soldiers in the war. Join a tour that gives you the opportunity to crawl through the tunnels yourself for a true-to-life experience.

Getting from Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh

Bus: 5-6 hours.

Train : 4-5 hours train from Phan Thiet (a 30 min drive from Mui Ne) that takes you directly to Ho Chi Minh.

Day 29 Onwards: Phu Quoc (Optional)

If you have time, visit the beautiful island of Phu Quoc , in the far southwest of Vietnam. This island is a true paradise of secluded white sand bays fringed by clear, emerald waters and hanging palm trees.

Head to the north of the island to explore the Phu Quoc National Park. Here you will find perfectly preserved nature, mountains, and dense forest that’s home to an abundance of incredible wildlife. Phu Quoc is definitely a perfect spot to relax, swing in a hammock, and enjoy the peace of nature after your adventurous Vietnam travels.

Where to Stay on Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc is one of the few islands that Vietnam has. It’s not new to tourists, so it is popular, but it’s luckily still not developed enough to be crowded. There’s a variety of accommodations on the island, from budget guesthouses and homestays to luxury hotels. 

Hotels in Phu Quoc 😴

Getting from Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc

Bus + Boat: It is possible to take the bus to Rach Gia or Ha Tien (ferry piers) in 7-8 hours. From here, take the ferry to Phu Quoc in 2.5- 3 hours. 

Plane: There is a direct 1-hour flight from Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc. This is a little more expensive, but it’s the most efficient way of travel.

Tip: If heading to Phu Quoc it’s worth taking some time to visit other places in the Mekong Delta region. This stunning area of natural beauty is home to a network of rivers, fantastic floating markets, rice paddies, and forests.

Alternative Vietnam Route Options

If your time in Vietnam is limited, spend 3 weeks up until Hoi An and save the south for another trip! If you have more than one month, spend more time in the Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc. Remote places like Sapa and Dalat, which take more time to get to, can be removed from the Vietnam route if time is tight.

What’s Vietnamese food like?

Vietnamese food is one of the healthiest cuisines in the world! The fresh, salty, sweet, and sour Vietnamese flavors mixed with herbs and spices bring beautiful harmony to your taste buds. Most dishes are not spicy, but chili flakes are always served on the table separately.

Costs of Traveling in Vietnam

Travel in Vietnam is exceptionally affordable! Delicious food can be bought from street vendors at a very cheap price, and there are very well-priced hotels and guesthouses throughout the country.

Travel is very cheap by bus, but extend your budget if you want to take domestic flights as these can be more expensive. Expect to travel on a budget of 10-20 USD per person and 20-50 USD per person for a bit more comfort.

Travel on a budget in Vietnam, from $110 − $240 USD weekly per person, mid-range $280 − $830 USD, and high-end from $750 − $1250 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $6 − $100 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $5 − $20 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $5 − $15 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $20 − $30 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $2 − $30 USD
• Activities: $1 − $10 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

How to Get Around in Vietnam

Vietnam’s infrastructure is varied. Although the roads are generally good, the traffic can be bad, so it’s good to always allow for delays when using public transport.

The main way to travel in Vietnam is by bus, and although this is slower, there are excellent sleeper buses which means you don’t have to take days off the itinerary. Good train routes operate down the coast of Vietnam, which also offer sleeper services.

Vietnam has a handful of domestic airports, but if you want to travel to more remote places, prepare to take the bus! ( Find cheap flight tickets )

Via this website you can easily book your busses and trains online

Best Time to Visit Vietnam

The climate of Vietnam is different from north to south. In the north, the weather is very seasonal, with hot, humid, and rainy summers and cold, dry winters. In the south, it is hot throughout the year, with the drier months between November to April and the wetter months between May and October. 

Avoid visiting Vietnam during public holidays like TET, as prices will be much higher. It’s also good to note that most shops will be closed and transport services will be greatly reduced.

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Vietnam?

Yes! Apply for an electronic visa online before traveling to Vietnam. The e-visa costs 25 USD and is valid for 30 days of travel. It takes 3 days to be approved but allows for more time just in case of delays or problems with the application. For a 90-day visa, apply beforehand using a reputable agency or by visiting the Vietnamese embassy in your home country.

Easily order your Vietnam visa here

Note: As of 2023, citizens of 25 countries can travel to Vietnam without having to apply for a visa and can stay in the country for 14 to 45 days (depending on nationality). Make sure to check beforehand if you’re country is on the exemption list and what conditions apply.

Safety in Vietnam

Vietnam is a very safe country to travel through. Even so, always keep your belongings with you, and be wary of pickpockets and scams. If traveling by motorbike, be very wary of the chaotic traffic on the roads, always wear a helmet, and make sure you have insurance.

Here’s how to:   find the right travel insurance

By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support. ♥️

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to Vietnam via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go

10 Best Things to Do on Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

8 best things to do in mui ne, vietnam, best things to do in ninh binh & tam coc (vietnam).

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

Thank you so much for this helpful content! It helped and inspired me a lot for my travels to Vietnam 🙏🏼 Just one little remark as it has changed on August 15 2023: a lot of European countries don’t require a visa anymore for a stay up to 45 days :)

Hi Lisa, thanks so much for pointing that out! We’ll update the guide :)

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  Notify me when new comments are added.

TRAVEL to VIETNAM – Tips and Information Guide (2024 Edition)

Everything you need to know about travel to Vietnam in our comprehensive 2024 Vietnam travel guide.

We get it. You’re wondering what the absolute best destination to travel in Southeast Asia is.

You’ve spent hours researching.

Talked to friends.

Scoured the internet for blogs.

Watched YouTube videos.

And you’ve finally realised something.

Without a doubt, Vietnam is the place for you.

And trust us, as a couple that have travelled the world for over a decade, we think you’ve made the right decision.

There’s a reason Vietnam is our all-time favourite country…

From the tropical coral reefs of Nha Trang to the northern mountains of Sa Pa, travel to Vietnam is one of the most adventurous yet culturally empowering experiences you can have.

One moment you will find yourself haggling for  banh mi  deep within Saigon and later that day you could be watching a breathtaking sunset from the Mekong Delta.

Vietnam is more than a country. It’s an experience.

You’ll find yourself immersed among street food vendors cooking up exotic cuisines such as  pho  along streets with stores selling suits and ties.

Or you’ll be cruising the waters of Halong Bay while monkeys jump from island to island.

Or you might find yourself trekking to the highest peak in Vietnam, Fansipan soaring to over 3,100 metres!

Not into adventure activities? Homestays are the perfect way to spend your day as the monsoon rains fall across the endless snaking rivers of the Mekong.

Vietnamese hospitality is unrivalled and is something that you should experience once in your life, so what are you waiting for? Say good morning Vietnam! And go get lost!

So we’ve convinced you to travel to Vietnam? Awesome!

Now check out the basic information about the country in our Vietnam travel guide.

25 BEST Things to Do in Hue, Vietnam (2024 Edition)

The perfect vietnam itinerary for 1, 2, or 3 weeks, canyoning in dalat – what it is really like, travelling in vietnam: at a glance.

Here are the basics about travel to Vietnam.

OTHER MAIN CITIES:

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Da Nang, Hue

Vietnamese Dong (see  current exchange rate ). 1USD approximately = 23,000 dong. 1 beer = 30,000 dong ($1.30USD)

ENTRY / VISA:

Travellers from most countries in the world are required to have visas. In most cases these can be obtained upon arrival for either 3 or 6 months. For information about your specific visa requirements click  here.

Vietnam is fairly safe for travellers. Petty theft tends to be the biggest concern and always be on the lookout for taxi scams. Also of concern are minor auto/motorbike accidents. This is one place it’s great to have travel insurance when visiting.

ELECTRICITY:

220 Volt at 50Hz. Power plugs – Type A: 2 vertical pins, Type C: 2 round pins, Type F (also known as Schuko plug): 2 round pins (Be sure to get your  universal travel adapter  before you leave)

TRANSPORTATION:

Intercity travel is possible by plane, train and bus. Within cities, towns and villages you can expect to get around on bicycle rickshaws, motorbike taxes, taxis and bus.

Don’t Forget to Pack the Most Important Thing: Travel Insurance !

TOP 5 TRAVEL EXPERIENCES IN VIETNAM

With so much to see and do in Vietnam, it really is hard to pick the top experiences.

However, we think that to truly appreciate Vietnam you need to plan to do these 5 activities during your visit.

Take the Overnight Train from Hanoi to Sapa

Said to be one of the most eye-opening train rides in the world, as you pass through lush forests, rice paddy fields on your way to the Vietnamese – Chinese border.

Book your  train ticket here .

Hike Through the Rice Terraces of Sapa

Explore the area with the local hill tribes. Stay with them during your trek. And enjoy the beautiful terraced countryside for which Sapa is known.

Here’s our full post about  trekking in Sapa .

Cruise the Mekong Delta

Probably one of the ‘must do’s of Vietnam.’ The Mekong Delta is full of hidden gems including floating markets, friendly locals and late afternoon storms.

Book a multiday  tour of the Mekong Delta

Go Caving in Phong Nha

Caves there can fit a 747 plane in it. They are massive and spectacular. This is an adventure you will never forget.

Book your  Phong Nha cave tour

Ride a Motorcycle

Yes, that’s right! Hiring a motorcycle or scooter is a must. But maybe do it out on the country roads. Opt for the famous ride to the mountain village of Dalat, or pretty much anywhere throughout the country.

Read about how to ride through the famous  Hai Van Pass

Other Things to do in Vietnam

Learn to cook Vietnamese food . Eating delicious Vietnamese food is one thing. Eating it after you’ve  learned to prepare it  is another!

Scuba dive  in Nha Trang. You may not think of Vietnam as a big scuba location, but there is  some great diving  to be had in Nha Trang.

Go canyoning  in Dalat. Rappel, slide, jump and  climb your way through canyons  in this gorgeous place!

Explore the Marble Mountains  in Da Nang.  These beautiful mountains  have been mined for marble for years and have incredible views and temples to visit along the way.

Sandboard down the sand dunes  in Mui Ne. It’s like snowboarding, but down massive sand dunes! Enjoy this rush!

Visit the Giants Causeway  in Ghan Da Dia. Half the world away from the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, be amazed at  this unique geologic structure .

Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels  outside of Ho Chi Minh City. No trip to HCMC is complete without  touring these historic tunnels  that were used during the war.

Conquer the Hoi An Pass on a motorbike . This is known as one of the most beautiful sections of highway in the world. Enjoy!

Explore the world’s biggest cave . We have a special connection with  Hang Son Doong  as it is where we were engaged. Make your own special moment too!

Climb the highest mountain in Indochina  in Sapa. Fansipan is over 3,000m above sea level and  offers incredible views  along the way to the top!

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE  OTHER AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN   VIETNAM

READ MORE...

A First-Timer’s Guide to Trekking in Sapa

The 11 Best Things to Do in Da Nang, Vietnam (2024 Guide)

33 BEST Things to Do in Vietnam (Epic 2024 Guide)

10 BEST Things to Do in Ninh Binh, Vietnam (2024 Guide)

Scuba Diving In Nha Trang – Is It Worth It?

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN VIETNAM

There are plenty of amazing places to visit in Vietnam. Depending on your interests, trip duration and time of year you will find plenty of things to do during any length of stay. 

When slurping a bowl of pho in a local market or exploring an ancient temple, it’s easy to feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine in Ho Chi Minh City.

A collection of over 3,000 limestone islands providing endless kayaking opportunities. Take the time to relax aboard a boat or venture to Cat Ba National Park for mystical waterfalls!

Book your  tour of Halong Bay

The capital of Vietnam is also one of the most ancient capitals in the world. The history of Hanoi is rich, devastating and full of legends. This mystical city is also known for its cuisine, silk, buzzing nightlife as well as cultural diversity.

Plan your 3-day  Hanoi itinerary

My Son Temple

Ancient temples dating back 1,000 years give a culture understanding into Vietnam’s past all while showing the scars of the war.

Book an early morning  tour of My Son

For more information on specific things to do in the top places to visit in Vietnam, reference our following city travel guides: 

Ho Chi Minh City:

*  Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary *  Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City

*  Hanoi Itinerary * Day Trips From Hanoi

Dalat Hoi An

Da Nang Hue Ninh Binh

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE OTHER AWESOME PLACES TO VISIT IN VIETNAM. 

BEST VIETNAM TRAVEL ITINERARY

We’ve put together a few Vietnam itineraries that are sure to leave you wanting for nothing at the end of your visit. 

There are so many amazing things to do in Vietnam that planning an itinerary for your travel can be a little overwhelming. 

Even though the country is one united nation, you can think of it geographically as being divided into a northern and southern region.

So depending on how much time you have, you may want to explore the northern region, southern region or the entire country.

Of course, no one-size-fits-all plan will suffice. But if we were to head back to Vietnam these are the top places and things that we would want to do! 

1-Week Vietnam Travel Itinerary Highlights

Most people spend at least a month went hey travel to Vietnam. But if you had just one week, or were willing to split a few weeks between the northern and southern regions, this is how we’d spend our time! 

Northern Vietnam

• Fly into Hanoi
• 2 nights – Hanoi
• 2 nights –  Halong Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay
• 2 nights  – Sapa
• Alternative to Sapa  –  2 night in Hue
• Fly out of Hanoi

Central Vietnam

• Fly into Hanoi or HCMC. Get a local flight down to Dong Hoi
• 3 nights  – Phong Nha
• 2 nights  – Hue
• 2-3  nights  – Hoi An
• Fly out of Da Nang to either Hanoi or HCMC to leave

South Vietnam

• Fly into Ho Chi Minh City
• 2 nights  – Ho Chi Minh City
• 2 nights –  Mekong Delta
• 2 nights –  Dalat
• 1 night –  Mui Ne
• Fly out of Ho Chi Minh City

READ MORE: Check out this post for more details on our  Vietnam travel itinerary . 

VIETNAM TRIP PLANNING

Best time to visit vietnam.

The best time to travel to Vietnam really depends on what you are looking for in terms of weather, scenery and budget.

Peak season occurs from mid-December through to February. But expect prices to double during this time. The low season is perfect for those on a budget.

• Low Season –  April to June, September to November
• Shoulder Season –  December to March
• High Season –  July & August

Northern Vietnam  –  The best months to travel Northern Vietnam are April to May or September to October. There are mostly sunny days and the rain has stopped.

The weather gets really cold from December to March and is not suited for hiking or sailing a junk boat in Halong Bay that time of year.

Central Vietnam –  The best months for travel to Central Vietnam are January to June. There are heavy rains in October and November and the really hot months are from May to August.

Southern Vietnam  –  The best months to explore Southern Vietnam are January to April where conditions are beautiful.

You really can travel the south at any time of the year. Just note that from May to November there are afternoon downpours.

VIETNAM TRAVEL BUDGET GUIDELINE

Vietnam is a cheap country to travel if you want it to be, this all depends on what your budget is like. Our advice is always over-budget when making plans, and if you come home with money, it can go towards your next trip. All prices below are in USD per day.

Budgeting Tips

To make your money go further here are a few tips: 

• Eat street food as often as possible. You can usually fill up for $1-2USD.
• Travel in groups when possible. Staying in hostels will lead to making friends. And with friends, you can split transportation costs and barter on other expenses.
• Negotiate taxi fares before taking the ride. Vietnamese taxi drivers are notorious for flexible fares that tend to fall int heir favor. Don’t be afraid of a little negotiation.
• Drink  bia hoi . Sure it’s not the more delightful beer. But it is shipped in fresh each day, it’s cheap and it’s what the local drink.
• Take in the sights for free. Do a little research and walk the streets on your own. You’ll also find there are a number of free tours and other opportunities if you ask around.
• Sleep on overnight busses for longer trips. Combine the transportation and accommodation line items of your budget and save a few dollars.

But there are a few things you should know about the different budgets at which you can choose to travel.

Note: Budgets shown as Single Traveller / Couples per day. 

Budget Traveller ($35 Single / $50 Couples)

If you are on a backpacker budget and planning on staying in dorm rooms, getting street food, drinking a few nights of the week, I would budget for about $35 a day.

A single hostel bed can be $5-$8 per person. A budget basic private room is $15-$20. A street food meal can be $1-$2. A bottle of beer is about $1- $1.50 and a  bia hoi  is $0.20 per cup. This is not the nicest beer. But it is passable and you get to make new friends when drinking it.

Walking or taking public transport will keep your budget down. There are many free things to do, you just need to think outside the box.

Mid-Range Traveller ($100 Single / $120 Couple)

If you have a little more cash in your budget your travels in Vietnam will become a lot more comfortable.

A nicer hotel is definitely affordable.

There are restaurants where you will pay more than the street food price. But the food is definitely of nicer quality (most of the time). The local beer can get a little too much sometimes so you will be able to enjoy an international beer or wine.

For the attractions you are most interested in, get a guide and learn more about the history of the country. You’ll be able to commit much more of your budget to do things rather than cutting corners just to stay alive.

Luxury Traveller ($90+ Single / $120+ Couple)

You don’t have to have that much more to enjoy a luxury trip to Vietnam. With a few more dollars in your budget, a nicer hotel is definitely affordable. Eat and drink anything you would like at virtually any restaurant.

You can hire transportation without having to haggle. And you can pretty much do any tour you would like to do when visiting any part of Vietnam.

GETTING TO AND AROUND VIETNAM

Entry requirements.

Most travellers are required to have visas when travelling to Vietnam, which can typically be arranged upon arrival. You are typically allowed to stay for 3 – 6 months, depending on nationality.

For information about your specific visa requirements click  here

Additionally, Vietnam has introduced an electronic visa (e-visa), which costs $25 USD and is granted for single entry visits for up to 30 days.

You no longer will have to apply through an agent to get an invitation letter or queue at the airport immigration for hours waiting to receive your visa upon arrival.

Apply in advance  here .

Once you are approved, all you need to do is print the visa out and present it on entry to Vietnam. Don’t lose this e- visa print out as you will need this during your travels in Vietnam.

Hotels will ask for it on check-in at the accommodation and travel agents may ask for it if you are booking flights.

Also, print out your  travel insurance  as well. Immigration will ask for this also as they want to know you are covered if you fall ill or get injured during your stay.

Getting to Vietnam

There are a number of different ways to travel to Vietnam, depending on where you are coming from and how you like to get around with transport.

There are a lot of different airlines that fly to Vietnam from all over the world. There are two major international airports in Vietnam: Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City in the south and Noi Bai Airpot (HAN) in Hanoi in the north.

Direct flights to Vietnam from Australia, Europe and North America are still limited, but it is improving. You will most likely have to book a flight with a stopover in either Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul or Singapore.

There are many domestic airports scattered among the country. Vietnam Airlines is Vietnam’s national carrier. We have flown with them several times and they are amazing.

You can cross into Vietnam by train from China, all the way from Beijing to Ping Xian. This is the Dong Dang Crossing which is 160km from Hanoi.

After you have crossed the border hop on a train to Hanoi. Don’t buy the direct ticket from Beijing to Hanoi. It works out cheaper to buy your ticket from Beijing to Ping Xian then cross the border and purchase another ticket from Dong Dang to Hanoi.

If you do the train trip from Beijing through to Hanoi, it will take 36 hours so it is best to book a sleeper. Make sure you have your visa organised before getting to the border.

You can bring your own food and drinks for the train or purchase them from the cafeteria on board. There are squat toilets on board and areas to store your luggage.

You can get to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City through either the Cambodia, Laos or China borders. There is a route from Vientiane (Laos) to Hanoi, and one from Siem Reap or Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City.

Most travel agents in Vientiane, Siem Reap or Phnom Penh will sell the tickets or at your accommodation. You can also get a minivan from Guangzhou through to Hanoi.

Make sure you have your visa ready. The border crossings by land may not be set up as well as others.

If you want to book any of your bus trips online rather than trying to deal with travel agencies in the country, you can do so on the popular website  Bookaway .

Getting Around Vietnam

Getting around Vietnam is surprisingly easy. Public transport goes everywhere, and there are plenty of moto-taxis that are happy to take you to the places that public transport won’t reach.

Travelling by Air

The fastest way to get around the country, of course, is by air. There are many domestic airports all over the country and you can fly in from major cities.

You can get cheap flights within the country through VietJet Air and Vietnam Airlines. For the best deals head directly on the airline’s website.

Travelling by Taxi, Tuk Tuk Or Mototaxi

When you are in the cities and town catching a taxi, tuk-tuk or moto-taxi can be the best way to get around. For taxi companies, look for the biggest and most reputable companies as you can be ripped off.

For the tuk-tuks, ask your accommodation the average price to your destination so you can agree on a price with the driver.

We recommend Uber and Grab (car or motorbike) which you can use an app and get the price.

Travelling by Bus

It is possible and advisable to travel by bus throughout Vietnam. Busses inside of cities can be complicated and should be a last resort.

However, when travelling long distances in Vietnam busses are a great option. This is especially true if you take night busses and sleep during the ride.

Travelling by Motorbike

We think travelling by motorbike is the best way to see Vietnam if you have the time. Buy your own motorbike and ride the length of the country. Or you can choose one area and explore Northern Vietnam or South Vietnam.

Here’s our post to help guide you on  how to buy a motorbike in Vietnam .

Travelling by Train

Taking the train is a great way to get around the country. They are great for overnight journeys as the trains have bed cabins.

In Vietnam, there are many places with roadwork that can last for years. So trains can be the best way to go.

APPS AND TECHNOLOGY

We know you’ll absolutely love travelling in Vietnam. But technology has made it easier, more affordable and safer to travel than ever.

Here are a few apps we think you should definitely acquaint yourself with prior to your travels:

Grab  – Use this app to catch a ride from any metro area in Vietnam.

XE Currency  – Transfer, monitor and calculate currency as the need arises. This app may not be totally necessary as you are typically tied into rates the banks charge for services. But it is handy to have around. 

Express VPN  – This will protect your sensitive information wherever you travel – not just in [Country]. Be sure to have this to keep your online information secure as you travel. 

iTranslate  – Even if you don’t know more than a handful of Vietnamese words, iTranslate will help you communicate as you travel in Vietnam. 

WiFi Finder  – With this app, you no longer have to guess whether the next place on your itinerary has WiFi or scramble across town looking for hot spots.

BEST THINGS TO EAT IN VIETNAM

When you travel to a foreign country one of the new and most exciting things you will experience is the food. There are so many amazing food choices in Vietnam, and Vietnamese food is delicious.

Here are a few of our favourites.

Goi Cuon:  This is a rice paper packed with greens, coriander and various combinations of minced or shredded pork, shrimp or crab. It will be served with a sweet and sour sauce or a delicious homemade peanut sauce.

Sometimes to make the experience even better, you get to hand roll them yourself. This was our favourite dish.

Banh Mi:  With this one, it will be different in every corner of Vietnam. This is a baguette sandwich that is filled with meat, greens, pata, pickled vegetables, soy sauce, cilantro and sometimes an omelet.

The meat filling will be roasted pork belly, grilled pork loin, barbecue pork, boiled chicken, or a fried egg.

Pho (pronounced ‘fur’):  This flat rice noodle soup is either light beef or chicken broth flavoured with coriander and ginger with spring onions and bits of meat (chicken, pork or beef).

It is a dish you can have any time of the day and is delicious, but it can be hit and miss in some places. If you have an average one, please do try it again. We ate pho a lot for breakfast and never got sick of it.

Bun Cha:  This is a Hanoi specialty and it is deliciously addictive. Bun Cha is served with grilled fatty pork over a plate of white rice noodles. It will be served with a sauce.

It will all be served separately and you combined everything together. You can ask for some little fried spring rolls on top too. It is so delicious!

Coa Lau:  Hoi An is the best (and only authentic) place to try this one. as the noodles are made using water from a special well in town.

It is chewy rice flour noodles with Chinese barbecue pork, bean sprouts, croutons and fresh herbs in a delicious pork-based gravy.

PLACES TO STAY IN VIETNAM

There are accommodation options for all budgets in Vietnam. You can stay in a shared dorm for $5 USD per night, or a luxury hotel for over $300 USD.

The accommodation standards can vary in each destination.

For example, we got a really nice hotel in the middle of nowhere when we were on our bike for $12 a night. But we would not find a place like this in Hanoi, Hoi An, HCMC or Hue for less than $25.

NOTE –  In Vietnam, the accommodation will keep your passport for the duration of your stay. This is to do with the government. Officials will randomly come around and check hotels and hostels.

If they do not have the ID or passport of every person staying there, the accommodation will be fined. The accommodation will keep your passport in a safe. If you are unsure just ask, “do you lock my passport up?”

Types of Accommodations

Vietnam is wildly popular among backpackers. Because the costs are generally incredibly low, budget travellers flock to the country.

This means that there are lots of great hostel options when looking for accommodations in Vietnam.

Whether you are busy spending all your time exploring and are just looking for a cheap place to crash for the night or want to make friends along the way, you will find most of what you are looking for in a variety of hostels throughout Vietnam.

Because costs are generally lower in Vietnam than in most parts of the world your quality of life can go up quite a bit when you travel to Vietnam.

One way you can upgrade your travel experience is by booking rooms in hotels instead of beds in hostels. For a few dollars more you’ll get vastly more space and privacy.

In some towns and villages, hotels are your only option.

But generally, these are very reasonably priced. You can expect to spend USD$20-30 for a decent hotel room in most cities, towns and villages across Vietnam.

Another good option in recent years is AirBnB, and there are more and more amazing places popping up to stay in Vietnam for very affordable prices every day.

As is typical in many destinations where Airbnb accommodations are available, you’ll likely find great value and a little more personal space with an Airbnb stay. 

If you’re looking for an awesome place to stay, we personally love using Airbnb. If you’ve never used the platform before,  sign up using this link to get USD$35 off your first booking .

Our Favorite Places to Stay in Vietnam

We travelled from the south to the north and stayed in many different places. Here are a few accommodation options we highly recommend.

VIETNAM TRAVEL TIPS

The Vietnamese people are friendly, welcoming and hospitable towards travellers. It is a great destination to travel to in Southeast Asia.

The people are very respectful and would like the same back from you. Here are a few things that you should know before going to Vietnam.

GENERAL VIETNAM TRAVEL TIPS 

While we have  many basic travel tips  we suggest you use when travelling to Vietnam, there are also plenty of Vietnam-specific tips that will make your visit the best it can be. 

Here are a few we recommend you consider as you plan your trip to visit Vietnam: 

Please show respect to their religious beliefs and their cultures . You are travelling to someone else’s country. They have different religious beliefs and cultures in your home. Please respect them.

Watch your belongings.  Vietnam is a safe country but unfortunately, there still is petty theft. Whether you are at a restaurant or on a bus always watch your belongings.

Beware of the counterfeit tour agencies . Unfortunately, there are plenty of these around, especially in the main tourist areas. Book through the main owner or operator or any of  these tours that we recommend .

Do not drink the tap water.  The locals don’t even drink the water. There is bottled water available everywhere. Popular tourist restaurants will usually have on their menu that they wash their salad and veggies in sterilised water and make tea, coffee and soup from that too.

Carry toilet paper everywhere . There are toilets available in restaurants or in public but there may not be toilet paper. Most of the time you have to pay for the public toilet and they may give you some toilet paper, but don’t count on it. Always have your stash.

Toilet paper goes in the bin . DO NOT put the toilet paper in the toilet. Please put it into the bin provided. Vietnam’s sewerage systems are not built for much more than human waste so toilet paper and other items will just clog up your toilet.

Embrace the “bum gun “. Next to every toilet in Vietnam, there is a water hose. This is not to wash down the floor. This is to clean yourself up after you do your business. Don’t be disgusted by this. Embrace it.

Vietnam is bigger than you think . This country is huge and many people underestimate it. Vietnam is about 1,650 kilometres long from north to south. The distance on buses and trains is long so be prepared.

Take note of the Vietnamese money . It will be a new currency for you so do take a look at it before you go out spending. There are more zeros in it than you might be used to (1USD = 23,000 Dong)

Always take photos when you rent a scooter . Renting a scooter in Vietnam is something everyone does. It is a great way to get around and see all the attractions. But where you rent it from can get you into trouble. Whenever you rent a scooter take photos of the bike or else might end up with a crazy expensive bill.

Always wear a helmet. Always . Please wear a helmet. The roads are crazier here than they are in your country. The rules are different and road conditions are not the best. A quality helmet could save your life in an accident.

Make sure you have travel insurance . We tell people who are going travelling, “if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.” You do not know what is going to happen while you are away and knowing you are covered will put your mind at ease.

Be confident when crossing the road . The roads in Vietnam are crazy. Crossing the road can be daunting but you need to be confident. Do not walk backward or hesitate. Walk slowly and watch the traffic coming towards you. They will all move around you.

Take your shoes off before entering a temple or a person’s home . It is a custom that stems back to ancient times and a big part comes back to cleanliness. The ground is used for chatting, dining and even sleeping.

Cover your shoulders and knees when entering a temple . This is common in most religious sites. There are always signs suggesting visitors dress ‘appropriately.’ Shoulders and knees should be covered. If it is a hot day and a t-shirt is too sticky, carry a scarf for when you visit to cover your shoulders.

Keep a low profile . Do not be loud, raise your voice in aggression or show off. Do not show dramatic affection publicly like kissing. Save it for the hotel room

Ask for permission before taking a photo of someone . This is polite and ensures you are not intruding on them. The people are not there for your entertainment. If they say no, smile and thank them anyway.

Do not take photos of anything to do with the government or military.  This is a big NO in any country and can end up with you in jail.

Do not touch someone on the head . The head is the most important part of the body. Touching someone’s head who you don’t know is like saying you are more important than they are.

Place your chopsticks across the top of the bowl when finished . Don’t have your chopsticks hanging out of the bowl, and don’t point them at anyone when they are resting on the plate.

VIETNAM PACKING LIST

We always travel with a  core packing list  wherever we go. And when it comes to Vietnam, many factors will affect what else you need to bring along with you. 

Check out our  travel essentials  and be sure to add any of the other additional items listed below. 

Important Note!  Before you book any international trip, we honestly recommend getting travel insurance. You never know when things will go wrong, and medical bills can add up quickly if you get sick or injure yourself overseas.

Our personal recommendation based on our own experience is  World Nomads .

TRAVEL INSURANCE. SIMPLE & FLEXIBLE.

Which countries or regions are you traveling to, what’s your country of residence, enter traveler’s age, staying safe in vietnam.

Vietnam is extremely safe, apart from the one major danger which is the roads. They are crazy, even more so if you try to ride 10’000km around the country on motorbikes as we did!

Aside from that, common sense will keep you safe.

Here are a few reminders of what common sense when travelling in Vietnam means:

As you saw above, Vietnam is extremely safe. We did not feel unsafe once in the 7 months we were there (excluding the roads).

This doesn’t mean you can completely let your guard down though, and petty theft does happen in this country, although it’s not common.

Some tips for protecting your things:

In other words, use common sense and you’ll be fine.

STAYING CONNECTED IN VIETNAM

Staying connected with friends and family (and work) when travelling in Vietnam is important. But if you don’t know how to connect you can find yourself greatly inconvenienced or spending too much money.

We feel like your money will go a lot further if you consider a few options. 

Purchase a SIM Card

Picking up a SIM card has become the quickest and typically most affordable way to stay connected in Vietnam or any country for that matter.

If you have an unlocked phone you can use a 4G SIM card to connect to the cellular networks in Vietnam. From there you can cast a hot spot if you need to crank out some work on your computer or want to connect a tablet.

This 3G/4G SIM card  is a great and affordable option for a SIM card if you are flying into Vietnam.

Rent a Portable WiFi Device

Alternatively to a SIM card, particularly if you don’t have an unlocked phone, you can rent a portable WiFi device during your travel to Vietnam.

This device  will be delivered to you when you arrive in Vietnam and will provide 4G service for less than USD$5 per day.

You’ll be able to connect anywhere you can find service across the country, which will be most of the places you are likely to travel in Vietnam.

Access Free WiFI

Free is always best, if it is convenient. And there are plenty of places throughout Vietnam that will provide free WiFi in public spaces or at restaurants, cafes and hostels and hotels.

We recommend using the  WiFi Finder  app, which will help you locate WiFi anywhere you travel in Vietnam.

BE A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER IN VIETNAM

We absolutely love Vietnam. And we love the idea that it will remain a beautiful and friendly place for travellers for years to come.

Here are a few tips specific to travel to Vietnam that will promote sustainable tourism in the country:

Use your own energy to get around.  Walk or cycle through town as much as possible. Taking a cyclo-taxi is a close alternative if you don’t have the energy to propel yourself through the city. But this reduces the impact of taxis, busses and other forms of automotive transportation.

Mind your plastic . Plastic is everywhere in Vietnam. But using your own reusable bag for groceries and other shopping, carrying a reusable water bottle and having your own straw are just 3 of the many simple ways you can reduce the amount of plastic you use.

Shop local . Visiting the markets will be one of your top experiences when travelling to Vietnam. Support local vendors as often as possible, including in taking tours when available.

Be mindful of wildlife . Wildlife in the wild is great. But be mindful not to provoke, feed or otherwise molest wildlife. And never purchase any item made of or involving rare or endangered species.

Attempt to communicate in Vietnamese . You’re probably not going to be fluent as soon as you arrive in the country. But knowing a few phrases and doing your best to communicate with locals will show respect and earn trust and make your experience richer.

KEY VIETNAMESE TRAVEL PHRASES

You don’t have to be fluent in Vietnamese to have a great time when you travel to Vietnam. But it does help to know a few key phrases.

This will not only assist you in your travels but it will also show respect to the local Vietnamese people that you are doing your best to assimilate into their culture. 

BOOKS TO READ ABOUT VIETNAM

Maybe you already know everything about Vietnam. Chances are you don’t!

But even if you are well-read, here are a few suggestions that might be worth your time while you’re on the plane to Vietnam. 

The Quiet American  (Graham Greene) – Originally published in 1956 and adapted for film twice, this story by Greene became an instant classic. Greene fictionalizes life in 1950s Vietnam as told by a British correspondent trying to understand the roots of the rising conflict set to occur.

At Home In The World  (Thich Nhat Hanh) – World renown Vietnamese monk, Hanh reflects on lessons and stories in life from the Buddhist perspective.

Vietnam: Rising Dragon  (Bill Hayton) – A piece of nonfiction that looks back on the Vietnam of old and attempts to projects its place in the future of Southeast Asia.

The Sympathizer  (Viet Thanh Nguyen) – The Pulitzer Prize-winning book, allegedly influenced by  The Quiet American , is told through the eyes of a double-agent during the Vietnam War who struggles to understand the minds and hearts of men engaged in war.

DISCLAIMER:  Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Table of Contents

Read our vietnam posts, 20 amazing things to do in hoi an, vietnam (2024 guide), 14 incredible things to do in dalat, vietnam (2024 guide), the perfect 3 days in hanoi itinerary [2024 guide], 25 amazing things to do in hanoi, vietnam (2024 guide), the perfect 3 days in ho chi minh city itinerary [2024], the 8 best day trips from ho chi minh city (2024 guide), caves, zip lines and deep mud in phong nha, ganh da dia – vietnam’s own ‘giant’s causeway’, ba be national park – the lake, trekking and happy water, motorbiking the road from dalat to nha trang in vietnam, riding sea to sky: hue to hoi an by motorbike, getting a chinese visa in hanoi, vietnam.

Vietnam travel guide

This Vietnam Travel Guide is a comprehensive resource that offers essential information for travelers exploring this diverse country. It includes details on popular destinations, practicalities such as visas, currency, and language, as well as transportation options like taxis, buses, trains, and domestic flights. The guide also provides insights into the weather patterns month by month, allowing you to plan your trips accordingly. Furthermore, it offers cultural background and inspiration.

Destinations

Essential guide, getting around, vietnam weather by month.

• Inspiration

Vietnam is a country with a countless of destinations to explore, and this Vietnam travel guide highlights some of the most popular ones.

North Vietnam

Hanoi , the capital city of Vietnam, is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and bustling street life. Visitors come to explore its charming Old Quarter, taste delicious street food, and visit iconic attractions like Hoan Kiem Lake and the Temple of Literature.

Sapa , located in the northwest of Vietnam, is renowned for its stunning terraced rice fields and ethnic minority hill tribes. Travelers flock to Sapa to trek through breathtaking landscapes, experience the unique culture of local communities, and witness the beauty of the Fansipan Mountain, known as the “Roof of Indochina.”

3. Halong Bay

Halong Bay , a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty. Travelers visit this iconic destination to cruise along the emerald waters, marvel at the limestone karsts and islets, and explore hidden caves and floating fishing villages.

4. Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh , often referred to as the “Halong Bay on land,” captivates visitors with its stunning karst landscapes, ancient temples, and picturesque countryside. Travelers come to Ninh Binh to take boat rides through the Trang An Complex, explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, and enjoy the tranquility of the rural scenery.

5. Ha Giang

Ha Giang , located in the far north of Vietnam, offers adventurous travelers an off-the-beaten-path experience. Known for its dramatic mountains, winding roads, and ethnic minority communities, Ha Giang attracts visitors seeking epic motorbike journeys, trekking adventures, and cultural immersion in remote and pristine landscapes.

6. Mai Chau

Mai Chau , nestled in the peaceful valley of Hoa Binh Province, offers a serene escape from bustling cities. This rural destination is famous for its picturesque landscapes, traditional stilt houses, and warm hospitality of the Thai ethnic minority. Visitors can cycle through scenic villages, participate in local homestays, and enjoy traditional dance performances.

Central Vietnam

7. phong nha.

Phong Nha , is a paradise for nature and adventure enthusiasts. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its magnificent cave systems, including the world’s largest cave, Son Doong. You can explore the stunning underground wonders, go trekking in the lush jungle of the national park and kayak over the Son River.

Hue , the former imperial capital of Vietnam, is renowned for its historical significance and majestic citadel. Visitors come to Hue to explore its UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Imperial City and the royal tombs, and to experience the city’s rich cultural heritage, traditional music, and delicious royal cuisine.

Da Nang , a coastal city in central Vietnam, is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, stunning bridges, and modern skyline. Travelers visit Da Nang to relax on its pristine shores, explore iconic attractions such as the Marble Mountains and the Dragon Bridge, and indulge in delicious seafood.

Hoi An , a charming ancient town, enchants visitors with its well-preserved historic architecture, lantern-lit streets, and vibrant riverside atmosphere. People flock to Hoi An to wander through its atmospheric alleys, shop for tailored clothing, immerse themselves in its lantern festival, and savor local delicacies

11. Nha Trang

Nha Trang, a coastal resort city, is famous for its turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant underwater world. Travelers visit Nha Trang to relax on its idyllic beaches, enjoy water sports and island-hopping tours, and experience its lively nightlife and seafood dining scene.

Dalat , situated in the Central Highlands, is known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its pleasant climate and picturesque landscapes. Visitors come to Dalat to escape the heat, explore its French colonial architecture, visit flower gardens and waterfalls, and engage in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and canyoning amidst its natural beauty.

South Vietnam

13. ho chi minh city.

Ho Chi Minh City , the bustling metropolis of Vietnam, offers a captivating blend of modernity and history. Visitors are drawn to Ho Chi Minh City to explore its iconic landmarks like the Independence Palace and Notre-Dame Cathedral, indulge in vibrant street food, experience the vibrant nightlife, and immerse themselves in the city’s rich history and culture.

14. Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta , a vast maze of rivers, canals, and lush green fields, is a unique region known as the “Rice Bowl” of Vietnam. Travelers venture to the Mekong Delta to cruise along its waterways, visit floating markets, witness traditional village life, and taste the fresh tropical fruits and local delicacies unique to this region.

15. Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc , a tropical paradise island, is renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning coral reefs. Visitors flock to Phu Quoc to relax on its picturesque beaches, explore its national parks, indulge in water activities such as snorkeling and diving, and savor the island’s fresh seafood.

16. Con Dao

Con Dao , a secluded archipelago, offers unspoiled natural beauty and a rich historical background. Travelers seek out Con Dao for its pristine beaches, lush forests, and diverse marine life, as well as to discover its haunting history at the former prison complex, Con Dao Prison. The island provides a tranquil retreat for relaxation, outdoor activities, and exploring its captivating landscapes.

Mui Ne , a coastal town, is renowned for its stunning sand dunes, vibrant kite-surfing scene, and serene fishing villages. Visitors come to Mui Ne to witness the dramatic landscapes of the Red and White Sand Dunes, engage in water sports, taste fresh seafood, and enjoy the laid-back beach atmosphere and stunning sunsets.

Off the beaten track destinations

Explore the off the beaten track destinations in Vietnam: Cao Bang , home to the stunning Ban Gioc Waterfall ; Mu Cang Chai , renowned for its breathtaking terraced rice fields; Quy Nhon , a tranquil beach town; Kon Tum, where you can discover the mountains and ethnic minorities of the central highlands. Experience the unspoiled beauty of Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay , the lesser-known siblings of Halong Bay. Visit Cat Ba, the largest island in the bay, and uncover the hidden gem of Ba Be Lake , the largest natural lake nestled in the jungle.

Health & Safety

When traveling to Vietnam, it’s important to be aware of certain health and safety considerations.

Mosquitoes are prevalent, especially in certain regions, so it’s advisable to use mosquito repellent and take precautions to prevent mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever or malaria.

Road safety can be a concern, with chaotic traffic and different driving habits, so it’s recommended to exercise caution and use designated pedestrian crossings.

It’s advisable to avoid drinking tap water and instead opt for bottled or filtered water to prevent waterborne illnesses.

Additionally, practicing good food safety by eating freshly cooked or hot meals, avoiding street food stalls with questionable hygiene practices, and practicing proper hand hygiene can help prevent food-related illnesses.

It’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or travel health clinic before your trip for personalized advice on vaccinations and health preparations.

Vietnam is generally a safe destination for travelers, with a low rate of crime targeting foreign visitors; however, it’s important to remain vigilant and take precautions against petty theft, such as keeping a close eye on personal belongings and being aware of common scams.

Money & budget

Vietnam’s official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND), and it’s advisable to carry local currency for most transactions as other currencies are not accepted. Banks and authorized currency exchange offices are the best places to exchange foreign currencies, but interestingly, gold jewelry shops often offer competitive exchange rates.

The average cost of a trip to Vietnam varies depending on your travel style. For budget travelers, a weekly average budget can range from $150 to $300, including accommodation, meals, transportation, and some sightseeing. Midrange travelers can expect to spend around $300 to $700 per week, while luxury travelers may have a budget of $700 and above per week.

In Vietnam, there is no tipping culture , and service charges are usually included in the bill. However, it’s appreciated to give small tips for exceptional service. ATMs are widely available throughout the country, but it’s important to note that there may be limits on the amount you can withdraw per transaction. Additionally, many local shops and restaurants may not accept card payments, so it’s advisable to carry enough cash for smaller purchases.

Internet & calling

Vietnam has a widespread availability of Wi-Fi networks, ranging from local restaurants and coffee shops to upscale resorts. As a customer, you can typically access these Wi-Fi networks for free.

However, to ensure a reliable internet connection and avoid dependence on Wi-Fi, it is recommended to buy a Vietnamese SIM card . SIM cards are affordable and convenient, allowing you to have internet access for various purposes such as navigating with Google Maps, using Google Translate, booking taxis through ride-hailing apps, or checking reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor. While there are several providers to choose from, Viettel is generally considered the best option for its coverage and reliability.

Electricity & socket adapters

The voltage in Vietnam is typically 220V, and the sockets commonly used have 2 pins , accommodating both flat and round pins. If your devices use a different type of plug, you can either bring a travel adapter with you or easily purchase one in Vietnam at one of the many convenient stores available.

Traveling to Vietnam

Before traveling to Vietnam, it is essential to check the visa requirements for your country. While a few countries, including 11 European countries, are eligible for visa-free entry , allowing a maximum stay of 15 days, those wishing to stay longer or coming from other countries such as the US, Australia, Canada, or New Zealand, must arrange a valid visa before their trip.

For most travelers, the e-visa is the recommended option, which can be easily obtained through the official website of the Vietnamese immigration. The e-visa process typically takes 3 to 4 working days, costs 25 USD, and allows a stay of up to 30 days in Vietnam.

Arrival options

Unlike major hub cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur, Vietnam doesn’t have as many international direct flights from the US, Australia, and Europe, often requiring a transit. It’s important to note that even when boarding your flight to Vietnam, you need to show a valid visa.

In addition to flights, Vietnam can be accessed by land borders from countries such as Cambodia, Laos, and China. Another option is entering Vietnam via a seaport. Fortunately, all of these entry options, including land and seaports, are possible with an e-visa.

Long distance

1. domestic flights.

Domestic flights in Vietnam are a great option for traveling within the country, offering convenience and affordability. With tickets that can be as cheap as $40 USD, it’s an excellent alternative to avoid long journeys by bus. Vietnam has three major airlines, namely Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways, providing extensive coverage to numerous domestic airports across the country, totaling around 21 airports.

2. Bus travel

Bus travel in Vietnam is a popular and extensive mode of transportation, with a network that connects every corner of the country. It is known for being very affordable, making it an economical choice for budget-conscious travelers. There are various options available, including day buses and sleeper buses, with different classes such as smaller limousine buses, VIP sleeper buses, normal sleeper buses, and mini vans. Opting for the luxury options may provide a more comfortable and enjoyable experience without a significant increase in cost.

3. Train travel

Train travel in Vietnam offers a unique and nostalgic experience, allowing you to soak in the scenic beauty of the country at a more relaxed pace. While trains may be slower compared to buses, they are generally considered a safer mode of transportation. Depending on your preference and budget, trains offer various options including hard seat, soft seat, and different cabin configurations such as 4 berth and 6 berth cabins. For popular routes like Sapa to Hanoi, there are tourist trains available, providing additional comfort for the journey.

4. Private transfers

Private transfers in Vietnam offer convenience and flexibility for travelers, as foreign tourists are not permitted to drive cars themselves. Renting a car with a driver allows for comfortable and hassle-free transportation, whether for airport transfers or exploring different destinations. Moreover, private transfers can be customized to include stops along the way, giving you the opportunity to create your own personalized tour or embark on a multi-day trip to discover the diverse landscapes of Vietnam.

Short distance

5. public transportation.

While public transportation options like the metro and buses exist in Vietnam, they are often underutilized by tourists. The metro system is still in its early stages of development, and communication barriers can make it difficult to navigate public bus routes. However, the biggest reason not to use public transportation in Vietnam is the way better alternative of using taxis.

Taxis in Vietnam are an affordable and convenient mode of transportation, offering door-to-door service for travelers. Additionally, taxi apps like Grab have gained popularity, providing an effortless way to book a taxi and communicate your destination, effectively overcoming any language barriers you may encounter.

Walking in Vietnam’s cities can be challenging as sidewalks are often in poor condition and occupied by parked motorbikes, forcing pedestrians to walk on the main road. Crossing roads can also be a daunting task, unless you come across a traffic light. Generally, Vietnam is not considered pedestrian-friendly in urban areas.

However, outside the cities, there are excellent opportunities for trekking in Vietnam , allowing you to explore beautiful landscapes, such as rice fields, jungles, and smaller villages.

Other options for getting around

Apart from practical transportation options, there are leisurely alternatives for getting around in Vietnam. Cycling is a fantastic way to explore the peaceful cities and picturesque countryside, offering a closer connection to the surroundings.

Cyclo rides provide a unique and authentic local experience, allowing you to leisurely explore the streets and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Boats and cruises are popular for discovering the rivers, canals, and stunning landscapes of the Mekong Delta and the famous Halong Bay.

Best time to visit Vietnam

Vietnam experiences three distinct weather regions due to its elongated shape. Each region has its own best time to visit , making it somewhat challenging to pinpoint a single ideal time. However, if you’re looking for a period that aligns with all three regions, the best time to visit is generally from January to May, with March being particularly favorable.

Northern Vietnam : In the north, the weather is divided into four seasons. From January to March, it is often chilly with occasional fog in Hanoi and Halong Bay. Spring (April and May) brings pleasant temperatures and blooming flowers. Summer (June to August) is hot and humid, while autumn (September to December) offers cooler temperatures and clearer skies.

Central Vietnam : Central Vietnam has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to August, the weather is relatively dry, making it a good time to visit cities like Hue and Hoi An. However, be aware of potential typhoons from August to November. The region also experiences high temperatures in the summer months.

Southern Vietnam : Southern Vietnam has a tropical climate with two main seasons – dry and wet. From November to April, the dry season prevails, characterized by lower humidity and pleasant temperatures. May to October is the wet season, with frequent rainfall and higher temperatures. Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta are popular destinations in this region.

Vietnam by month

With so many incredible destinations to choose from in Vietnam, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. Here are some inspiring recommendations to help you plan your trip:

• For the best rice fields , consider visiting Sapa, which is easily accessible and boasts vast landscapes. Alternatively, Pu Luong offers smaller, less touristy rice fields but requires a bit more effort to reach.
• When it comes to beautiful beaches , Phu Quoc is renowned for its stunning shores. Along the central coast, you’ll also find picturesque beaches in Hoi An, Quy Nhon, Phu Yen, and Nha Trang.
• Seeking adventure? Embark on a thrilling motorbike journey in Ha Giang, explore captivating caves in Phong Nha on caving expeditions, or try canyoning in the scenic town of Dalat.
• Vietnam is home to some of the most beautiful cities , including the charming ancient town of Hoi An, the bustling capital city of Hanoi, the historic city of Hue, and the picturesque hill station of Dalat.
• If trekking is your passion, head to Sapa, Ha Giang, Pu Luong, or other mountainous regions for unforgettable hiking experiences amidst breathtaking landscapes.
• For nature enthusiasts, Ha Giang, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, and Ban Gioc Waterfall offer spectacular natural wonders to explore and admire.

For more inspiration and detailed information about these and other remarkable destinations in Vietnam, you can check out our Vietnam inspiration list .

Vietnamese culture

To fully immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture, here are some helpful tips to enhance your experience:

• Embrace Vietnam’s culinary pride by indulging in local cuisine. Take a street food tour or join a cooking class to discover the diverse flavors and ingredients that make Vietnamese food so renowned.
• Vietnam is home to 54 ethnic groups , each with its own unique traditions. Learn from them by visiting ethnic markets, staying at homestays, and exploring villages to gain insights into their customs, arts, and way of life.
• Gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s history by learning about the Vietnam War . Visit significant sites such as the Cu Chi Tunnels and the War Remnants Museum , which provide valuable perspectives on the country’s past.
• When visiting temples and pagodas, dress appropriately by covering your shoulders, wearing modest clothing, and removing your shoes as a sign of respect.
• Make an effort to learn some basic Vietnamese phrases . While many Vietnamese may not speak fluent English, they appreciate and welcome your attempts to communicate in their language.
• Celebrate special events with the locals, such as Tet (Lunar New Year), Mid-Autumn Festival , or National Day . Participate in traditional festivities, enjoy local customs, and savor the festive atmosphere.
• When entering someone’s home or certain establishments, it is customary to remove your shoes as a gesture of cleanliness and respect.
• Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, as it shows respect for their privacy and personal space.
• Avoid any disrespectful actions towards the national flag or the country’s leaders. Show reverence and sensitivity towards symbols of national importance.
• Explore traditional craft villages to witness artisans practicing age-old crafts, such as pottery, silk weaving, or wood carving. This provides an opportunity to appreciate Vietnam’s rich artistic heritage.
• Join locals for a casual beer-drinking experience on the street. Sidewalk stalls offer a social and lively atmosphere where you can engage with Vietnamese people and soak up the local culture.
• Experience the warmth of Vietnamese hospitality by joining a family dinner. Embrace the tradition of sharing abundant food and engaging in lively conversations, creating lasting memories of authentic Vietnamese hospitality.
• Ho Chi Minh City
• Mekong Delta
• Language & travel dictionary
• Electricity
• Internet & calling
• Best travel time & weather
• Hoe does it work?
• Visa on Arrival
• Visa at embassy
• Holidays & Events
• People & minorities
• Flights to Vietnam
• Domestic flights
• Motorbike buy/rent
• Train travel
• 15 most beautiful destinations
• 20 best things to do
• 10 best off the beaten track
• 10 most stunning beaches
• 10 best rice fields places
• 10 best adventures
• 10 cultural experience
• All travel inspiration
• Package trips
• Custom made trip

• Destination Guide
• Essential Guide
• Getting Around
• Vietnam Month by Month
• Vietnam blog
• Travel tips
• Custom Made Trip
• Day- & Multiple Day tours
• Holiday Packages
• Local Meo Vac Homestay
• Local Dong Van Homestay
• Our Team & Company
• Our Customers & Reviews

Copyright © 2023 Local Vietnam

Start typing and press enter to search

Free ebook vietnam travel guide​.

23 things to know before visiting Vietnam

Aug 7, 2023 • 10 min read

Read on for all the key things to know before you visit Vietnam © Elizaveta Galitckaia / Shutterstock

Adventures abound in Vietnam . You can climb the heights and scuba dive the lows, immerse yourself in culture or just kick back on the sand, confident in the knowledge that a fantastic meal is waiting for you at the end of the day. But there are things to know before you go, to avoid pitfalls in paradise. These are our top tips. 

1. Pack for the climate

Perhaps the most important consideration when planning a trip to Vietnam is the weather. The south of the country sits firmly in the humid tropics, but the climate becomes increasingly temperate as you head north, and the highlands around Sapa can be downright chilly in winter. If you plan to visit both halves of the country, bring some clothes for the cooler highlands as well as the steamy Mekong Delta . 

2. Be rain ready

Vietnam is soaked by the southwest monsoon from May to September and the northeast monsoon from October to April, so check the weather in the areas you plan to visit. Trekking in the northwest and boat trips in Halong Bay , for example, can be a soggy experience in July and August, but this is a great – if popular – time to bask on the central beaches. Even in the rainy season, it doesn’t rain all day, every day, so bring a raincoat or umbrella and make the best of the smaller crowds and lower prices. 

3. Investigate the visa options

There are numerous ways to arrange the paperwork for a visit to Vietnam, some cheaper and quicker than others. You may not need a visa at all for a short trip, and electronic visas and visas on arrival are available for many nationalities – much less hassle than going to the embassy in person. Read up on the visa requirements before you book your flights, to avoid paying more than you need to, or getting held up by red tape. 

4. Get your jabs

As with anywhere in the tropics, there are tropical illnesses to be aware of in Vietnam. See your doctor at least a month before you travel to get up to date with vaccinations, and arrange anti-malarial medication if you plan to visit rural areas. 

Mosquitoes can also carry dengue fever, so bring repellent. On arrival, avoid drinking tap water and use antibacterial hand gel to reduce the risk of stomach bugs; a medical face mask can reduce the risk of respiratory infections and help with pollution in big cities.  

5. Book ahead for Tet and the holiday peak 

Booking transport, accommodation and tours ahead of time is not essential, but it’s a good way to avoid disappointment if you come at a busy time , such as July and August on the central coast. If you plan to be in Vietnam during the Tet (Lunar New Year) festival in late January or early February, having transport and accommodation in place before you arrive is a very sensible precaution. 

There is a caveat, however – book directly with operators where possible. If you go through an agency, you’ll pay more, and some travelers have reported not getting the services and standards they were expecting when booking through third parties. 

6. Factor sleeper buses and trains into your itinerary

Domestic flights in Vietnam are inexpensive but there are less polluting alternatives. When planning long-distance travel , don’t overlook the country’s overnight trains and buses – you’ll save the cost of a night’s accommodation and cover big distances, without eating into your sightseeing time. Reserve a fully horizontal berth for a more comfortable night’s sleep – both buses and trains have them. The booking site 12Go Asia is a good place to start investigating the options. 

7. Give Vietnam the time it deserves

Vietnam measures 1650km (1025 miles) from the Chinese border in the north to the Mekong Delta in the south, so you’ll need plenty of time to get from A to B. Road and rail transport can be slow, and there are lots of places where you’ll want to stop as you travel between the major hubs. If you only have a short time, focus your itinerary on a small area – Hanoi and around, say, or Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and the Delta. 

8. Respect religious spaces 

When visiting Buddhist, Hindu, Confucian and Taoist temples, churches and other religious buildings, dress respectfully – it’s best to cover your legs and upper arms, and you may need to take off your shoes and hat to enter. Never touch anyone on the head, and avoid pointing the soles of your feet towards another person or any Buddhist statues – both signs of disrespect in Buddhist culture. 

9. Don’t lose face 

As in many other parts of Asia, Vietnamese culture places considerable emphasis on "saving face" – in other words, avoiding situations that might cause individual or collective loss of dignity and respect. Public outbursts and arguments can cause everyone involved to lose face, so keep a sense of perspective, and try not to get angry when confronted by inconveniences as you travel. 

10. Do right with your chopsticks 

There are several taboos associated with using chopsticks. Leaving your sticks sticking upright in a bowl of food is considered unlucky, as it resembles offerings of incense sticks made for the dead. Using chopsticks of uneven length is also frowned on, as is tapping your bowl with your sticks (associated with beggars requesting alms). If you eat in a group, use clean chopsticks (or the reverse ends of your own chopsticks) to pass food to others.

11. Eat like a local

Food is practically a religion in Vietnam, but locals focus their energy on the evening meal, where multiple dishes are shared between diners, with the whole family getting involved. Rather than ordering a single main course, choose a spread of dishes for the table and sample a rich mix of flavors and textures. If you need a boost between meals, street food snacks can be found everywhere, or just grab a nutritious sinh tố  (fruit shake) or a cup of local drip-brewed ca phe (coffee).  

12. Don’t go overboard with displays of affection

Public displays of affection are not a big part of Vietnamese culture, for couples of all orientations. Kissing, hugging and even holding hands in public can raise eyebrows, so tone down the romantic gestures while you’re in the country. On the plus side,  despite lingering legal inequality, LGBTIQ+ couples generally face few problems in Vietnam, and Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) both have lively scenes. 

13. Be a respectful photographer

Always ask before taking photographs of people, particularly in minority villages. Many people find it intrusive, and by asking first, you’ll know if people are comfortable being included in your travel photos. In tribal areas, some villagers ask for payment for photos, which is fair enough... how would you feel if strangers kept sticking a long lens into your front porch? 

14. Don’t get dragged into Vietnamese politics

Another time to think twice before pulling out your camera is during public demonstrations and political rallies. Critics of the government can face harsh punishments – demonstrations in 2018 against laws allowing the authorities to monitor online communications led to over 100 arrests. Play it safe – steer clear of political gatherings and avoid conversations about politics with local people. 

15. Be a fair bargainer

Haggling is a fact of life in Vietnam, particularly at markets and souvenir shops, and you may pay over the odds if you accept the first price suggested. However, bargaining should never be a confrontational process – treat it as a game and counter the starting price with a lower counter offer, and see how the seller responds. With a bit of back and forth, you should reach a mutually acceptable price – and if you don’t, you can always decline politely and try another vendor. There’s little point haggling over tiny sums of money – if you pay 5000 dong (US$0.20) over the going rate, consider that you can probably afford it.

16. Know your loos

Western-style sit-down toilets are increasingly common in Vietnam, but you’ll often have to pay to use public loos, and paper is rarely provided. Carry your own, or use the hose or water jug provided. Bring antibacterial hand gel or soap; many bathrooms only provide running water.  

17. Don’t let touts take you for a ride 

Commission-seeking middle men (and middle women) pop up almost anywhere tourists gather, and Vietnam has its share. Be wary of touts who encourage visitors to use certain tour agencies, hotels, shops and transport companies in touristy parts of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An. If you use their services, you’ll pay more to cover their fee.

18. Avoid the sex tourism industry

Sex tourism is an unwelcome legacy of the American War, but it’s usually easy to spot – and avoid – places where the sex trade takes place. Be wary of bars, karaoke lounges and massage parlors with scantily clad staff and lots of pink or red neon. Note that some hotels refuse to allow foreign men to share rooms with Vietnamese women – which can lead to headaches for genuine couples with an Asian partner. 

19. Give drugs a pass

Illegal drugs aren’t hard to find on the traveler circuit in Vietnam, but the penalties, if you’re caught by the police, can be severe – even for possession of small amounts. Many travelers have ended up in Vietnamese jails for drug offenses, and the death penalty can be applied in drug cases. If you are inclined to toke while you travel, it’s only a short hop to Thailand , where the consumption of marijuana in food and drinks has been decriminalized for now.  

20. Shop responsibly 

Vietnam has some wonderful crafts and art forms that make for great souvenirs, but stick to modern pieces; it’s illegal to take antiques out of the country. Also be watchful for souvenirs made from animal parts, such as shell, horn, bone, teeth and feathers. Such items are usually taken from wild animals, and you could fall foul of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) . 

21. Be smart about crime, not anxious

Opportunistic crime can occasionally be a problem, particularly in crowded cities where pickpockets and bag-snatchers on motorcycles take advantage of the unwary, but this isn’t a problem unique to Vietnam. Activate your big city precautions, and watch your belongings on busy public transport or in bars and cafes (using a phone or laptop at an outside table is unwise). Handbags with a single strap are a popular target for ride-by bag snatchers – a daypack or messenger bag is a better option.  

22. Be wary of American War ordnance

Horrifying volumes of munitions were dropped over Vietnam during the American War, and unexploded ordnance continues to kill and maim people every year. Well-traveled areas are usually safe, but be cautious about stepping off roads and paths in rural areas. Don’t climb into bomb craters and never touch old explosive devices – they can remain deadly for decades. 

23. Be typhoon smart

Vietnam is hit by periodic typhoons between May and November, with the biggest risk of storms from August to September. If you travel during the typhoon season, monitor local weather reports, and head inland from the coast if a direct hit by a big storm is predicted. In the event of flooding, contact your embassy or consulate and follow advice from the local authorities. 

Explore related stories

Festivals & Events

Apr 8, 2024 • 6 min read

With three seasons – hot, rainy and (comparatively) cool – Bangkok offers very different experiences throughout the year. Here's the best time to visit.

Mar 14, 2024 • 10 min read

Feb 24, 2024 • 8 min read

Feb 23, 2024 • 7 min read

Feb 22, 2024 • 5 min read

Feb 3, 2024 • 7 min read

Jan 17, 2024 • 6 min read

Jan 17, 2024 • 8 min read

Jan 11, 2024 • 4 min read

Jan 5, 2024 • 20 min read

• Be Inspired
• Destinations
• Things to do
• Eat & Drink

Destinations:  17

Travel time (hr):  75+

Transportation costs (USD):  200+

Total cost (USD):  950+

Itinerary details

Things to do : War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Skydeck, Bui Vien Street, Cu Chi Tunnels.

Ho Chi Minh City → Phu Quoc :

• Transportation: Plane (Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Pacific Airlines, and Bamboo Airways)
• Flying time: 1 hr 5 min
• Airfare: 800,000 – 1,200,000 VND

Things to do : Long Beach, Star Beach, Hon Thom, Phu Quoc Prison, Phu Quoc Night Market, Vinpearl Safari.

Phu Quoc → Ha Tien :

• Transportation: Ferry (Superdong)
• Travel time: 1 hr 15 min
• Fare: 185,000 VND

Things to do : Phu Dung Pagoda, Da Dung Mountain, Mac Family Temple, Ha Tien Night Market.

Ha Tien → Can Tho :

• Transportation: Bus (Tan Nien)
• Travel time: 5 hr
• Fare: 130,000 VND

Things to do : Cai Rang Floating Market, Ong Temple, Binh Thuy Ancient House, Muoi Cuong Cocoa Farm.

Can Tho → Mui Ne :

• Transportation: Bus (Lien Hung)
• Travel time: 10 hr 30 min
• Fare: 400,000 VND

Things to do : Mui Ne Beach, Ta Cu Mountain, Sand Dunes, Po Shanu Cham Towers.

Mui Ne → Dalat :

• Transportation: Bus (An Phu Bus)
• Travel time: 3 h 45 min
• Fare: 150,000 VND

Things to do : Xuan Huong Lake, Dalat Railway Station, Chicken Church, Linh Phuoc Pagoda, Dalat Night Market.

Dalat  →  Nha Trang :

• Transportation: Bus (Phuong Trang, The Sinh Bus)
• Travel time: 3 hr
• Fare: 250,000 VND

Things to do : Nha Trang Beach, Vinpearl Land, Po Nagar Cham Towers, Dam Market.

Nha Trang   →   Quy Nhon :

• Transportation: Bus (Thanh Thuy)
• Fare: 200,000 VND

Things to do : Ky Co, Eo Gio, Twin Towers, Queen’s Beach.

Quy Nhon  →  Da Nang :

• Transportation: Bus (Phuong Trang, Lien Hung)
• Travel time: 6 hr 30 min

Things to do : My Khe Beach, Ba Na Hills, Marble Mountains, Museum of Cham Sculpture.

Da Nang  →  Hoi An :

• Transportation: Bus (01)
• Travel time: 45 min
• Fare: 30,000 VND

Things to do : Hoi An Ancient Town, An Bang Beach, Bay Mau Coconut Forest.

Hoi An  →  Hue :

• Transportation: Bus (Hanh Cafe, The Sinh Bus)
• Travel time: 3 hr 45 min
• Fare: 180,000 VND

Things to do : The Imperial Citadel of Hue, Thien Mu Pagoda, Khai Dinh Tomb, Tu Duc Tomb, Dong Ba Market.

Hue  →  Quang Binh :

• Transportation: Bus (Camel Travel)
• Travel time: 4 hr

Things to do : Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, Paradise Cave, Nhat Le Beach.

Quang Binh  →  Ninh Binh :

• Transportation: Train (Dong Hoi – Ninh Binh)
• Travel time: 8 hr
• Fare: 300,000 VND

Things to do : Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Mua Cave, Trang An Landscape Complex, Bai Dinh Pagoda.

Ninh Binh → Cat Ba Island :

• Transportation: Bus (Cat Ba Express)
• Fare: 280,000 VND

Cat Ba Island

Things to do : Lan Ha Bay, Monkey Island, Cat Ba National Park.

Cat Ba Island → Ha Long Bay :

• Transportation: Ferry (Cat Ba – Tuan Chau)
• Fare: 80,000 VND

Ha Long Bay

Things to do : Ha Long Bay, Tuan Chau Island, Bai Chay Beach.

Ha Long Bay → Hanoi :

• Transportation: Bus (Trung Thanh Limousine)
• Travel time: 1 hr 30 min
• Fare: 260,000 VND

Things to do : Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Old Quarter, Temple of Literature, Dong Xuan Market, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Hanoi → Sapa :

• Transportation: Bus (Fansipan Express Bus)
• Travel time: 6 hr 10 min

Things to do : Sapa Stone Church, Ham Rong Mountain, Cat Cat Village, Ta Van Village.

Sapa → Hanoi : Bus (Fansipan Express Bus)

You take bus number 86 (35,000 VND) to Noi Bai International Airport from Hanoi city center, ending your 1-month itinerary in Vietnam.

A few notes

• The USD to VND exchange rate in 2023 is around 1 USD ≈ 23,500 VND.
• A month is a perfect duration to visit a majority of the renowned destinations in Vietnam, and it is also the maximum permissible length of stay for a Vietnam  Vietnam E-Visa .
• For train travel, we recommend booking tickets on the official website of the Vietnam Railway Corporation: dsvn.vn .
• The above recommendations for tours, hotels, bus operators, and airlines were selected based on suitability, without any advertising or affiliate marketing, so you can rest assured of these suggestions.

1 month in Vietnam costs

If you’re planning a 1-month trip to Vietnam, it’s helpful to have an estimated budget in mind. On average, many tourists spend around $950 on their trip. Here’s a breakdown of estimated fixed costs to help you plan:

• Transportation costs are approximately $200.
• Accommodation in a private hotel or homestay will cost around $15 to $20 per night. For solo travelers, hostels can be a more affordable option, with prices starting at around $5 per night.
• Food costs are typically around $15 per person per day.
• Admission to monuments, museums, and attractions costs around $1 – $5.

Other itineraries

Related Articles

• Customized Tour

South Vietnam Itinerary: Where to go?

South Vietnam, where to see the beauty of modernity, excitement, yet tranquility and mystery. It is home to the most vibrant and largest metropolis of Vietnam – Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), a region of lush rice fields and tropical fruits – Mekong Delta and many untouched tropical beaches on paradise island – Phu Quoc. Other than that, historical landmarks, diverse culture, meandering waterways, floating markets and friendly local people… are what you can experience here. Let’s explore highlights of South Vietnam through Vietnam Travel’s suggested following itinerary which help you plan your Vietnam trip perfectly.

Table of Contents

1. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), 1-2 days

2. dalat, 2-3 days, 3. ben tre/ my tho day trip, 4. can tho, 1 night, 5. chau doc, 1 night, 6. phu quoc island, 3 – 7 days.

Being the Vietnam’s largest and most exciting metropolis with a prominent history going back hundreds of years, Saigon is very hectic, crowded, noisy, yet historic and interesting. Thanks to the country’s largest international airport – Tan Son Nhat, this city is usually a starting point of Southern Vietnam journey. You should spend a day to visit all key sites in the city such as War Remnants Museum, former Presidential Palace, Saigon Municipal Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office… If you are into learning about local daily life and bustling atmosphere, don’t forget to visit China Town (also called Cho Lon) and Ben Thanh Market for modern fashions, jewelry, CDs, luggage, and an array of local products. Fine Art Museum is also a must-see place, located in a beautiful colonial house combining French and Chinese styles; it presents a large collection of fine artworks from paintings to historical objects.

Sparkling view of Ho Chi Minh City by night

It is recommended to explore a famous historic monument – Cu Chi Tunnels on the second day, just 70km from Saigon city center. Cu Chi Tunnels was used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War (or “American War” as it’s referred to here) as protection against American air raids. Those inclined are invited to crawl through selections of the tunnels to better understand what life was like for the Vietnamese soldiers during wartime. This tour just takes you a half day, so you can combine this day with a cooking class in Saigon to know more about Vietnamese cuisine. At night, you can taste some traditional foods of Saigon and wander around Bui Vien Walking Street with a lot of bars and nightclubs to discover the city’s nightlife.

Just one hour flight from Saigon, you reach Dalat where you can feel 4 seasons in a day. This small city is an ideal escape from the heat of Saigon nearby and features on a series of green pine-covered hills, a silent small lake in the center, a set of flower gardens and French-style architecture.

Panoramic view of Tuyen Lam lake in Dalat

Some famous places you cannot leave off when visiting Da Lat are Thien Vien Truc Lam – the largest Zen Monastery of Vietnam, Tuyen Lam Lake, the art deco former summer residence of Bao Dai – the last Emperor of Vietnam, Lat village – home to a number of distinct ethnic minority groups with varying traditions and beliefs… There is a big market centrally located where you can find a lot of local specialties and see the local’s daily life in a slow pace, in contrast with busy life in big cities.

Boat – a popular mean of transportation in Mekong Delta

From Saigon, you can take a day trip to My Tho or nearby Ben Tre with 2 hour driving. You have chance to visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, an ancient Southern gem with the combination of Asian and European architecture including Renaissance period and Romanesque. Take a boat trip on Mekong river for a glimpse at the delta scenery, visit fruit orchards, coconut groves, traditional workshops, and home-made products are must-do activities here to experience the unique lifestyle of the Mekong Delta. Besides, you may want to explore Vietnam’s “rice bowl” by cycling through the lush countryside and peaceful villages, meet the local people working on their water rice fields and learn about their local life.

Lying by the mighty Hau River, the southernmost tributary of the mother river Mekong, Can Tho is a delightful gateway to Mekong Delta. It is well-known for the busy floating market, called Cai Rang . The market begins in early morning, from 5am until midday but it is best to be here before 8am to see the busiest moments of the market on a motorized boat, a popular vehicle of Mekong Delta region. You then have chance to visit famous fruit orchards and sample the fresh, exotic fruit, venture deeper into the country-side, passing traditional houses made of wood and palm leaves as you observe the activities of the local people.

Tourists trying local fruits on a boat in Cai Rang floating market, Can Tho

You can spend this afternoon to discover unknown sights of interest and dive into Can Tho’s exciting historic turns such as Can Tho Grand Prison, Quang Duc Pagoda – a new Khmer temple, the Ancient House of Binh Thuy to see how the upper-class of the Mekong Delta lived in the 19th and early 20th centuries. From Can Tho, you can drive to Chau Doc continuing your journey or back to Saigon.

Chau Doc is located in the northwest part of the Mekong Delta, close to the river border of Vietnam and Cambodia, about 250km west of Saigon and 120km from Can Tho. This little town is known for its beautiful scenery, cultural diversity and a transit point to Cambodia via Vinh Xuong river border crossing and Tinh Bien international border gate.

People using motorboat to explore Tra Su Forest

Tourists who continue the trip to Phnom Penh should spend at least one night in Chau Doc. A day in Chau Doc will give you a chance to visit some famous attractions here including Sam Mountain – an important pilgrimage site, Tra Su Cajuput Forest – a sanctuary of flora and fauna, Forbidden Mountain… The diverse cuisine mixing of Khmer and Vietnamese is what you should not miss when coming here. Some specialties are beef sausage, steamed palm sugar rice cake, Indica salad…

Phu Quoc is often chosen to be the ending point for relaxation after a long journey throughout Vietnam. The island is famous for its stunning beaches, untouched natural environment, the easy going and relaxed atmosphere and friendly locals. You can either lie on the beach, chill out at your resort or take part in a lot of interesting activities here such as swimming, sun bathing, boat-sailing, snorkeling, scuba-diving, etc. For those who are looking for something more adventurous, a walk along a park trail or motorbike ride in Phu Quoc National Park will give you memorable experience.

Snorkeling to admire marine life is a worthy experience in Phu Quoc island

Phu Quoc Island can be reached by speedboat in around 2-3 hours from the towns of Ha Tien and Rach Gia in the Mekong Delta, or by direct flight from Can Tho or Ho Chi Minh City. It is suggested to book flight/ speedboat ticket and accommodation well in advance during peak periods, from November to April.

To get some ideas about South Vietnam Itinerary, let check out our following sample tours: Biking Mekong Delta – Snorkeling Phu Quoc – 6 days : Saigon – Mekong Delta – Can Tho – Chau Doc – Phu Quoc Island Mekong Delta Excursion – 3 days : Saigon – Mekong Delta – Can Tho Saigon to Phu Quoc via Mekong Delta – 7 days: Saigon – Mekong Delta – Can Tho – Rach Gia – Phu Quoc Island Saigon Discovery and Beach Relaxation – 6 days: Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels – Mui Ne Southern Flavors – 6 days: Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels – Mekong Delta – Can Tho

Please be noted that our tours are private and customized based on travelers’ interests and budget, contact us for further information and assistance.

Related Posts

Places to visit in South Vietnam

Things to Do in Phu Quoc Island

The best things to do in Can Tho

Things to do in HCM city

Mekong Delta Floating Markets – A Unique Cultural Experience

Top Luxury Mekong River Cruises

Leave a comment cancel comment, request a free quote, thank you we have received your travel request. you will receive an email shortly. please check your email and verify the information. your request will be processed after your confirmation..

You have chosen a tour duration longer than 20 days. Please specify the exact number of days you want to travel in the message box below, so that we can have enough information and make a program for you. Thank you for your cooperation.

You have selected a number of travellers greater than 20. Please let us know the exact number of people in your group in the message box below so that we can quote you accurately. Thank you for your cooperation.

You have selected a number of travellers and duration greater than 20. Please let us know the exact number of people in your group and the exact number of days in the message box below so that we can quote you accurately. Thank you for your cooperation.

• Vietnam Travel Guides
• Travel Planning
• Festivals & Events
• Food & Drinks
• Tourist Maps
• Travel Blog
• Travel News

Our Recommendations

Guideline to get Vietnam E-visa

Vietnam Weather: General information & Best Time to Visit

50 Things You should Know before Traveling to Vietnam

Best Vietnam Private Tours you should know before traveling

Info for travelers on Covid-19 in Vietnam: Entry requirements & Restrictions

You May Also Like

Binh Thuan Tourism Guide 2024

Conquering Ma Pi Leng Pass (Ha Giang): Things to know

How to get to Hue from Hanoi

Discover Danang, Vietnam

Weather of March in Vietnam

The Complete Nam Dinh Travel Guide

25 Best Things to Do in Hanoi – Top Sightseeing & Activities

Things to do in Hoi An

Cat Ba Island: A Complete Travel Guide

Golden Bridge Da Nang: A Walk in the Clouds in Vietnam

The Ultimate Guide To Saving Money While Traveling In Vietnam

• Last updated May 13, 2024
• Difficulty Advanced

• Category Travel

Looking to explore the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Vietnam but worried about breaking the bank? Look no further than The Ultimate Guide to Saving Money While Traveling in Vietnam. This comprehensive guide is your go-to resource for discovering the best money-saving tips and tricks to make your adventure in Vietnam not only affordable but also unforgettable. From budget-friendly accommodation options to insider insights on local street food gems, this guide is jam-packed with valuable information that will help you make the most of your budget while immersing yourself in the wonders of Vietnam. So, embark on your wallet-friendly journey and make memories that will last a lifetime with the help of this ultimate guide.

What You'll Learn

Research and book budget accommodations in vietnam, utilize public transportation and avoid expensive taxis, eat at local street food stalls for affordable meals, take advantage of free or low-cost attractions and activities.

When planning a trip to Vietnam, one of the best ways to save money is by booking budget accommodations. Vietnam offers a wide range of affordable options, including hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels. By researching and booking budget accommodations in advance, you can significantly reduce your travel expenses without sacrificing comfort.

To begin your search for budget accommodations in Vietnam, start by using online booking platforms such as Booking.com, Agoda, or Hostelworld. These platforms allow you to compare prices, read reviews, and make reservations directly.

When researching budget accommodations in Vietnam, pay attention to the following factors:

• Location: Choose accommodations that are located centrally or close to public transportation. This will not only save you money on transportation costs but also allow you to easily explore the city's attractions.
• Price: Set a budget for your accommodations and filter your search results accordingly. Look for discounted rates or special offers that can help you save even more money.
• Amenities: Consider the amenities that are important to you. For example, if you need Wi-Fi, air conditioning, or a private bathroom, make sure the accommodation you choose offers these amenities.
• Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to get an idea of the accommodation's cleanliness, safety, and customer service. Look for reviews that specifically mention the affordability of the place.

Once you have narrowed down your options, it's time to make a reservation. When booking budget accommodations in Vietnam, keep the following tips in mind:

• Book in advance: Popular budget accommodations tend to fill up quickly, so it's best to book as early as possible to secure your preferred choice.
• Contact the accommodation directly: If you have any specific questions or requests, don't hesitate to reach out to the accommodation directly. They may be able to offer additional discounts or provide useful information about the area.
• Read the fine print: Before confirming your reservation, carefully review the booking terms and conditions. Pay attention to cancellation policies, additional fees, and any other important information.
• Consider alternative options: In addition to traditional accommodations, consider alternative options such as homestays or couchsurfing. These options can provide a unique cultural experience and often come at a lower cost.

By researching and booking budget accommodations in Vietnam, you can stretch your travel budget and have more money to spend on exploring the country's vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning landscapes. So, start your research early, compare prices, and make an informed decision that suits your budget and preferences. Happy travels!

Tips for Keeping Your White Roots Covered While Traveling

You may want to see also

When traveling in Vietnam, transportation can quickly become a major expense. Taxis can be quite pricey, especially for long distances, and can eat up a significant portion of your travel budget. One way to save money on transportation in Vietnam is to utilize public transportation instead of taking expensive taxis. Here are some tips on how to make the most of public transportation and save money while traveling in Vietnam.

• Use the bus system: Vietnam has a well-developed bus system that covers most cities and provinces. Buses are an affordable and convenient way to get around. You can easily find bus stops and routes by using Google Maps or by asking locals for help. Bus tickets are usually quite cheap, and you can save even more money by purchasing a prepaid bus card, which often offers discounted fares.
• Take the train: If you plan to travel long distances within Vietnam, taking the train is a cost-effective option. Vietnam's railway system connects major cities and tourist destinations, and the trains are relatively comfortable and efficient. Train tickets are generally cheaper than flights or taxis, especially if you book in advance. You can also choose from different seating classes to suit your budget and comfort level.
• Rent a motorbike: Renting a motorbike is a popular and budget-friendly option for exploring Vietnam. Many tourist areas and cities offer motorbike rental services, and the rates are usually reasonable. Riding a motorbike gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and can be a more economical alternative to taxis. However, remember to always wear a helmet and drive responsibly to ensure your safety.
• Share rides with others: Another way to save money on transportation in Vietnam is by sharing rides with other travelers. Apps like Grab and GoViet offer ride-sharing services similar to Uber and Lyft, allowing you to split the cost of a ride with fellow travelers heading in the same direction. This can significantly reduce your transportation expenses, especially for longer trips or when traveling in a group.
• Walk or cycle: When exploring cities or smaller towns, consider walking or cycling instead of using any form of public transportation. Many cities in Vietnam have pedestrian-friendly areas and bike rental services that make it easy to get around on foot or by bike. Not only will you save money, but you will also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and discover hidden gems along the way.

By utilizing public transportation and avoiding expensive taxis, you can save a significant amount of money while traveling in Vietnam. Whether it's taking the bus, train, renting a motorbike, sharing rides, or simply walking, there are plenty of budget-friendly transportation options available. Plan ahead, research your options, and make the most of the affordable and convenient public transportation system in Vietnam to stretch your travel budget further.

Understanding the Size Limit of BestCrypt Traveler Container: A Comprehensive Guide

When traveling in Vietnam, one of the best ways to save money on meals is to eat at local street food stalls. Not only are these meals more affordable compared to restaurants, but they also provide an authentic culinary experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture. Here are some tips for finding and enjoying delicious and affordable street food in Vietnam.

• Research and ask for recommendations: Before you arrive in Vietnam, do some research on popular street food areas or specific dishes you want to try. Websites, travel blogs, and forums are great resources for finding recommendations. You can also ask locals or fellow travelers for their favorite street food stalls in the area you are visiting.
• Look for busy stalls: One sign of a good street food stall is the number of locals dining there. If you see a stall with a long line or a crowded seating area, it's a good indicator that the food is popular and delicious. Locals often know the best places to eat, so follow their lead.
• Practice food safety: While street food in Vietnam is generally safe to eat, it's still important to practice food safety precautions. Look for stalls that have good hygiene practices, such as stall owners wearing gloves or using utensils to handle food. Avoid stalls with poorly stored ingredients or visibly unclean surfaces.
• Try popular street food dishes: Vietnam is known for its delectable street food, so be sure to try some of the most popular dishes. Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and banh xeo (Vietnamese pancake) are just a few examples of must-try street food dishes. These dishes are not only delicious but also affordable.
• Be adventurous: Don't be afraid to try unfamiliar dishes or ingredients. Vietnam is a diverse country with a wide variety of street food options, so step out of your comfort zone and try something new. You may discover a hidden gem that becomes your new favorite dish.
• Watch your budget: Even though street food in Vietnam is generally inexpensive, it's still important to be mindful of your budget. One way to do this is to set a daily food budget and stick to it. By doing so, you can enjoy the street food experience without overspending.
• Embrace the street food culture: Eating at street food stalls is not just about the food; it's also about the experience. Street food stalls in Vietnam often have a vibrant and bustling atmosphere, so take your time to soak it all in. Sit on tiny plastic stools, chat with locals, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the streets while savoring your meal.

By following these tips, you can save money while enjoying delicious and authentic street food in Vietnam. Remember to do your research, practice food safety, and be open to trying new dishes. Eating at local street food stalls is not only a budget-friendly option but also an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Top Destinations to Visit in China in August

To save money while traveling in Vietnam, it's important to take advantage of free or low-cost attractions and activities. Fortunately, this beautiful country offers plenty of options for budget-conscious travelers. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your trip without breaking the bank:

• Explore the natural wonders: Vietnam is blessed with stunning landscapes that won't cost you a dime to enjoy. From the majestic limestone karsts of Halong Bay to the pristine beaches of Phu Quoc, there are plenty of natural attractions to explore. Take the time to go hiking in the national parks, visit waterfalls, or simply relax by the seaside. These activities not only offer breathtaking views but also allow you to experience the beauty of Vietnam without spending a fortune.
• Visit temples and pagodas: Vietnam is a country rich in culture and spirituality. There are countless temples and pagodas scattered throughout the country, many of which are open to the public for free or for a small donation. Explore the ancient capital of Hue to discover its impressive imperial temples, or visit the beautiful Perfume Pagoda near Hanoi. Immerse yourself in the tranquility and spirituality of these places without spending a fortune.
• Wander through local markets: Vietnam is famous for its colorful and bustling markets, where you can find everything from fresh produce to handicrafts. Exploring these markets not only gives you a taste of local life but also offers you the chance to shop for souvenirs or try local street food. Hanoi's Dong Xuan Market and Ho Chi Minh City's Ben Thanh Market are two popular options, but don't hesitate to venture into smaller, local markets for an even more authentic experience.
• Take advantage of free city tours: Many cities in Vietnam offer free walking tours led by local volunteers. These tours give you the opportunity to discover the city's main attractions, learn about its history and culture, and even get insider tips from knowledgeable locals. Look for information online or visit tourism information centers to find out if there are any free tours available in the city you're visiting.
• Enjoy street food: Vietnamese street food is not only delicious but also incredibly affordable. Instead of dining in expensive restaurants, opt for local street vendors and food stalls. Try iconic dishes like pho, banh mi, or fresh spring rolls, and you'll get a taste of Vietnam's culinary delights without spending a lot of money. Eating street food also allows you to immerse yourself in the vibrant street culture and interact with the friendly locals.
• Stay in budget accommodations: Vietnam offers a wide range of budget-friendly accommodations, from guesthouses and homestays to hostels and budget hotels. These options are not only cheaper than luxury resorts but also provide a more authentic experience. Look for accommodations in local neighborhoods instead of touristy areas, and consider staying in family-run establishments to support local businesses and have a more personal touch to your stay.

Remember, traveling in Vietnam doesn't have to be expensive. By taking advantage of the country's free or low-cost attractions, you can have an incredible experience without breaking the bank. So go ahead, explore the natural wonders, visit temples, wander through markets, enjoy street food, and stay in budget accommodations. Your wallet will thank you, and you'll create memories to last a lifetime.

The Ultimate Guide on How to Travel from London to Paris by Ferry

Frequently asked questions.

One of the best ways to save money on accommodation in Vietnam is by staying in budget guesthouses or hostels. These are often cheaper than hotels and still provide basic amenities. Another option is to use online booking platforms to find competitive rates and discounts on hotels, guesthouses, or homestays.

To save money on transportation in Vietnam, consider using local buses or trains instead of private taxis or tour services. Public transportation is significantly cheaper and allows you to experience the local atmosphere. Additionally, renting a motorcycle or bicycle can be a cost-effective way to explore smaller towns or rural areas.

Absolutely! One way to save money on food in Vietnam is to eat at local street food stalls or small local restaurants. These establishments often offer delicious and affordable meals. Avoiding tourist-oriented restaurants or areas can also help cut down costs. Additionally, consider trying local specialties, such as banh mi or pho, which are usually more affordable than international cuisine.

To save money on tourist attractions and activities in Vietnam, research and prioritize the ones that interest you the most. Look for free or low-cost alternatives, such as visiting public parks, exploring local markets, or attending cultural festivals. Additionally, consider booking tours or activities through local operators instead of international travel agencies, as they often offer more affordable options.

Some general tips to save money while traveling in Vietnam include negotiating prices, especially when shopping at local markets, avoiding unnecessary souvenirs, bargaining for transportation fares, and exchanging currency at reputable places to ensure you get the best rates. Additionally, drinking bottled water instead of buying beverages from restaurants can also help save money.

• Naim Haliti Author Editor Reviewer Traveller

• Pop Panupong Author Reviewer Traveller

It is awesome. Thank you for your feedback!

We are sorry. Plesae let us know what went wrong?

We will update our content. Thank you for your feedback!

Leave a comment

Travel photos, related posts.

Traveling to Canada on a US H4 Visa: What You Need to Know

• Mar 19, 2024

Understanding the Limitations of Traveler's Checks

• May 11, 2024

Is It Possible to Travel to Florida During Shelter in Place?

• May 13, 2024

Discover the Best Ways to Connect with Solo Travelers in Berlin

• May 08, 2024

The Compact Power of the Chi Travel-Sized Hair Dryer: Small in Size, Big in Performance

Is a Visa Infinite Hotels Booking Considered a Travel Credit?

• Apr 13, 2024

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

• Travel Products

Yes, You Can Pack for a 2-week Trip in a Single Carry-on — Here’s How I Did It for Vietnam

Plus, the 15 travel essentials I reached for every day.

Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millan

Packing in a single carry-on for a two-week trip is not for the faint of heart — especially when the destination has seven distinct climate regions. That’s exactly the case in Vietnam, where I just traveled more than 1,000 miles from top to bottom, experiencing bustling cities, rice terrace-laced mountains, and white sand beaches, with 50- to 95-degree Fahrenheit days along the way. Even for a travel editor, it was an epic packing challenge — but I’m here to tell you that it is possible .

Here’s the secret: pack versatile pieces from your travel capsule wardrobe that you can mix and match for multiple situations and be willing to wash your clothes in the sink as you go. Above all, let the activities on your itinerary inform your choices (the more practical and minimalist, the better). While most of my trip was low-key — as in I ate at hole-in-the-wall street vendors and got sweaty on five-hour bus transfers to the Mekong Delta — this was not a backpacker trip where I could re-wear the same sweats every day; I stayed in five-star hotels like Travel + Leisure reader-favorite Capella Hanoi and InterContinental Danang and ate at Michelin-starred restaurants like Anan and Koki, too — so I really needed a wardrobe that could cover all of the bases and then some. 

Aside from comfortable shoes and a basic black dress that could be dressed up or down, I found that a rain jacket and ripstop joggers were absolute essentials in this country. Whether I was trekking in Sa Pa, beaching it in Phú Quốc, or strolling lantern-lit Hội An, I kept reaching for the same 15 items from my trusty Away Bigger Carry-on — a suitcase that was just large enough to pack it all in. Read on to find out what else I wore on repeat, starting at $13.

Ripstop, Quick-dry Joggers

If you’ve got adventure activities on the itinerary like I did —  kayaking Hạ Long Bay, hiking in Sa Pa, and floating down the Mekong Delta included — you’ll thank yourself for packing durable pants. There are two pairs that I reached for time and again on this trip: my Vuori Ripstop Joggers that were sturdy enough for all-day adventures in the elements, impervious to scratches from brushing up against palm leaves but still seriously lightweight and comfy enough for a flight, with five pockets to boot. I was sold the minute I read this review on Vuori’s site: “I love these pants so much. I have them in three different colors, and I do everything from hiking to ranch work in them. I highly recommend them forever and always.”

The second pair? These quick-drying UPF 50 Baleaf joggers that earned me a compliment from my tour guide in the Mekong Delta — she said they were the perfect lightweight material to wick sweat in the humid, 95-degree Fahrenheit heat. They’ll be my go-to hiking pants for summer.

Comfortable Sneakers

There’s just no getting around the need for comfortable walking shoes on any and every trip. Since my vacation was mostly adventure-based, I opted for classic athletic running shoes that I knew would carry me through any situation. I especially love these Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles , not just for their super comfy foam footbeds, but also because they have a water-repellent coating that stands up to street puddles in Hanoi, drizzly days at sea in Hạ Long Bay, and in Sa Pa’s soggy rice terraces — and they kept my toes dry (note: they’re not waterproof. It rained so much in Sapa that our tour guide suggested we borrow the hotel’s rain boots on the wettest day of our trek, but for just walking around the mountainside property , these were ideal).

Long Raincoat

The rainy season in northern Vietnam is from July to September, and Sa Pa’s mountains average 137 foggy days per year — so there’s a lot of precipitation to go around. It rained the entire first week of my trip while I visited Hanoi, Sa Pa, and Hạ Long Bay. Sometimes, that’s just how the cookie crumbles, which is why I’m so glad that I packed a raincoat for trekking through the area’s small towns and rice terraces and for drizzly kayaking. 

This Amazon one is similar to mine (and only $45!), as is this top-rated REI raincoat that’s a bit more technical. I love that it has a hood and cinches at the waist for a flattering fit but also goes over the butt, so most of you is covered. Even when it wasn’t raining, I used my raincoat as a windbreaker on a chilly day in Ba Na Hills, and to cut the breeze on deck as we cruised Hạ Long Bay. I wore it on the plane to avoid taking up space in my carry-on, and I’m glad I had it to keep me warm in the blasting AC.

Kayla Becker

Crossbody Belt Bag

If you ask me, a bag that you can access quickly, keeps your valuables close to your chest, and keeps you hands-free is essential for any destination, not just Vietnam. For this trip, I packed my go-to Nomatic RFID-blocking belt bag (which is so sturdy and useful that even my husband always tries to steal it from me). But I also have and love this $38 Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag , as well as this $13 version from Amazon-loved brand Ododos . What can I say, I find these bags so functional that I have a growing collection of them. And believe me, when you’re haggling at the Hoi An night market for beautiful lanterns and lacquerware, the last thing you want to worry about is searching for your wallet in a backpack, which is better for hiking days when there aren’t so many crowds.

Wide-leg Linen Pants

It wasn’t all rain clouds on this trip, especially once we flew south to Ho Chi Minh City, where we were greeted with 90-degree Fahrenheit heat. I bought these super-soft Tencell lyocell Allison Wide-leg Pants from Marine Layer specifically because they were breezy but also cropped, so I wouldn’t have to worry about getting the bottoms dirty or wet in the city. Plus, black goes with everything and hides stains and wrinkles. Since they were breathable and light as a feather, they kept me cool on sweltering days by the hotel pool. But I found that they were so versatile that I wore them almost every day of the second week, including to the beaches in Da Nang and Phú Quốc. They’re kind of pricey but, in my opinion, well worth the money. For something a little more affordable, I’m also into these linen pants from Quince , which were recommended by a fellow T+L writer who just returned from Southeast Asia.

Basic Cotton Tanks

Arguably the best purchase I made before my trip was this two-pack of tanks, both of which are now a permanent part of my travel capsule wardrobe . I wore them almost every day (don’t worry, I washed them in the sink!) whether it was under a button-down for a little extra insulation on chilly days in Hanoi, over a bathing suit on the beach in Phú Quốc, or as a top in the steamy Mekong Delta when it was so hot that I couldn’t fathom wearing another layer. They have a close ribbed fit, scoop neckline, and most importantly, they’re breathable. Amazon shoppers seem to agree, saying they’ve held up everywhere from the Central American rainforest to Disney World . I also absolutely love the high-neck fit of this one , which I bought to pair with my beach sarong on Phú Quốc Island.

Polarized Sunglasses

In addition to my favorite SPF and a travel-size bug spray with DEET (I prefer non-chemical sprays, but the travel medicine clinic advised me to pack a powerful, effective spray to prevent mosquito-borne diseases), eye protection is essential in Vietnam, and let’s be real, everywhere! I opted for a cheap but still stylish pair like these $15 Sojos sunglasses at Amazon so I wouldn’t feel bad if they fell to the bottom of the Saigon River. Ultimately, they were so sturdy that they made it back home in one piece. Several Amazon shoppers attest that they’re “ perfect for traveling .”

Linen Jumpsuit

Although this was largely an active itinerary, I mixed in a few Michelin-starred restaurants along the way considering they were so affordable here. I’m talking $15-per-person-affordable for multiple courses at Hanoi’s atmospheric teahouse, Tầm Vị. For these special nights out, I wanted to pack something nicer but still breathable for the heat. This is a newer version of the Mango one I bought a few summers ago, but I won’t retire it until it gives up on me. I wore it to Anan in Saigon, and it even matched the walls, painted with tropical leaves, and to a rooftop bar in Ho Chi Minh City, where it popped against the skyscrapers glowing with neon lights.

Quick-dry Black Dress

When you’re in a paddle boat on the Mekong Delta or a walking tour in steamy Saigon and air-conditioning is just a distant memory, you won’t want to wear more clothes than you have to. That’s why I packed this travel writer wardrobe hack : the sporty, quick-dry Columbia Freezer Dress that’s made with cooling technology. It felt light as a feather but still wicked sweat and had UPF 30 sun protection. For breezy days, I layered my oversized white button-down over it. And with the collar, I felt like I could get away with visiting a nice restaurant or museum in it.

Swimsuit and Cover-up

A quick flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Phú Quốc Island put us right on one of the most picturesque beaches that I’ve ever seen. For this part of the itinerary, where we stayed at JW Marriott Phu Quoc , I packed this orange Agua Bendita Lavanda sarong wrap, which has come in handy on all my beach trips from Hawaii to Vietnam — and the color really popped against the white sand. It was a splurge, but I recently came across this dead ringer at Amazon that’s practically a steal since it comes with a bathing suit and matching cover-up for $34. I love sarong-style cover-ups like this because they look elegant enough to wear straight from the beach to a restaurant, as I did at the Long Bar at InterContinental Danang .

Water-resistant Hiking Sandals

Because I didn’t want to ruin my go-to leather Birkenstock sandals, I knew that I needed to buy a water-resistant pair for this trip. So, I became a first-time Teva Original Universal sandals owner, and I’m now fully converted. These were not only super comfy for walking around the beaches and hiking trails, but they also stayed molded to my feet and were easy to spray down when they got sandy or muddy. The rubber EVA soles were supportive and cushy — what more could you ask for in a pair of versatile black sandals?

White Button-down Shirt

I visited more than nine towns in the 1,000-plus miles that I crossed between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, each one widely ranging in temperature. And yet, I wore this shirt at every single stop of the trip. It worked as a temple-appropriate top on a walking tour of Hanoi, as a beach cover-up in Danang, as a layer over my black dress for dinner in Ho Chi Minh City — the list goes on. Amazon shoppers rave about how “ comfortable and versatile ” it is and that it “ travels great ,” too.

Packable Puffer Jacket

Word to the wise: Don’t be like me and underestimate how cold it can be in Hanoi and mountainous regions like Sa Pa and Ba Na Hills. It was spring when I visited, and the lows hovered around 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. I braved it for about a day before I broke down and bought this Ultra-Light Down Jacket from the nearest Uniqlo in Hanoi, and I ended up wearing it all over the temperate northern region. But truthfully, since I got home to Boston, I can’t stop wearing it here either. It packs down into practically nothing and has its own carrying case, so it’s a mainstay in my suitcase now, just in case.

Compression Socks

The flight from Ho Chi Minh City to London Heathrow was 13 hours, the longest flight I’ve been on in a while. Since my legs and feet start to swell on flights like this, I made sure to wear my nylon Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks . I got the recommendation from my sister, who swore by them when she was pregnant. I’m not the only one who thinks that they’re a game-changer for in-flight comfort — this 26-week pregnant traveler , who flew internationally, and this jet-setter, who wore them for 15-plus hours , agree.

Lightweight Mom Jeans

Abercrombie & Fitch

Yes, I am one of those few travelers who still packs jeans on trips because of their versatility — but only if they’re super comfortable and lightweight. I wore this flattering Abercrombie & Fitch High-rise Mom Jean pair way more often than I was expecting on this trip, especially in the north on chilly days. The best part about these on-trend jeans is that they pair with anything in any season, from white sneakers and a chunky sweater to sandals and a tank — that, and the fact that they get plenty of use year-round at home, too.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Shop More T+L-Approved Picks

Related Articles

Vietnam Travel Tips - What to Know Before Visiting Vietnam

I f you’re planning to travel Vietnam, there are a few things you need to be aware of. As a first time visitor it can be stressful not to know what to expect. There were a few things I wish I’d known before I went. So if you’re going to Vietnam, check out my top Vietnam travel tips to help you prepare!

1. Get Your Visa in Advance

If you’re visiting Vietnam, you’re going to need a visa to enter. Fortunately, it’s fairly simple to get and you can do it before your trip. In fact, airlines won’t even let you fly to Vietnam if you don’t have your visa ready. One person in our group had the wrong date (1 day later) on her visa and had to stay in the airport and buy a new flight. So make sure you get dates and airports right when you apply.

Also, be sure your application name matches your passport. I forgot to enter my middle name on my visa and had to redo it after it got rejected for not matching my passport.

You can apply for the Vietnam e visa here .

It looks a little sketchy, but I promised it worked. The cost of the Vietnam visa is $25 for single entry . After your application is approved, your visa will be emailed to you.

When you arrive at the airport in Vietnam, there will be a line to show your passport and visa. You can save it on your phone or print it out. I did both, just to be safe, but showed them my paper visa.

2. Go at the right time

Ok, there’s no wrong time to to Vietnam, but you might want to go at the time that’s right for you ! I went to Vietnam in January and February and our weather was fantastic. Hot in Hoi An, warm in Hanoi, and warm in Halong Bay, but chilly at night. We were also there during Tet (Lunar New Year), Vietnam’s most important celebration, so it was incredible to see all the decorations and preparation for the New Year! Here are some weather guidelines for each area of Vietnam.

North Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa)

• Best Time to visit Northern Vietnam : September to November (Autumn) and March to April (Spring)
• Why? : The weather is pleasant with moderate temperatures and less rain, making it ideal for exploring the bustling streets of Hanoi, cruising through Ha Long Bay, or trekking in Sapa.

Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An)

• Best Time to visit Central Vietnam : January to August
• Why? : Central Vietnam has warm weather during these months, perfect for visiting the ancient town of Hoi An, the beaches of Da Nang, or the historical sites in Hue. The rainy season starts in September and can bring heavy downpours and occasional typhoons, especially in October and November.

South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta)

• Best Time to Visit South Vietnam : December to April (Dry season)
• Why? : The weather is warm and dry, ideal for exploring the vibrant life in Ho Chi Minh City or venturing into the Mekong Delta. The rainy season from May to November can see short, heavy showers, but travel is still possible during these months.

3. Visit More than One City

Vietnam is probably a lot bigger than you realize. And it’s very long, so destinations are quite spread out. Many people make the mistake of only visiting one large city in Vietnam and not doing any day trips or visiting another area of Vietnam. It is very affordable to get around Vietnam and you can get a cheap flight within the country, so it’s worth seeing more than one destination in the country.

major cities

4. Download the Grabb App

If you plan to get around by car in Vietnam, you should download the Grabb App. It’s like UBER or Lyft for Asia and it works really well. I used it all over Vietnam and Thailand without any issue. If you’re not in the mood to barter with taxi drivers or don’t have a lot of cash, this is a good way to go. It felt safer and easier to do this.

5. Pack Layers

The weather in Vietnam is really varied. When you look at a map you can see why…it’s a very LONG country at over 1,000 miles long! So the weather in Northern vietnam and Southern Vietnam can be very different. We spent a few days in Hoi An, a few days in Hanoi, and a few days in Halong Bay, and the weather on the Bay was much cooler than the rest of our trip.

I packed sun dresses, pants, and jackets and I was glad to have them all! Just be sure to check the weather of each destination in Vietnam. Trips are always better when you have the right clothes!

6. Bring an Extra Bag for Souvenirs

I’m not normally a huge shopper when I travel, but there were some great things I wanted to bring home in Vietnam. Luckily I had this great packable duffel that has been with me on many trips! It is HUGE and holds so much and is super sturdy!

Some things that I purchased in Vietnam:

• Lanterns – So many lanterns! One that I made in this class , and a bunch more that I purchased from a local shop.
• Silk Paintings – Probably my most favorite souvenir from Vietnam was the silk painting I purchased from a man disabled from the effects of Agent Orange, a chemical used to clear vegetation during the Vietnam War. Vietnam is famous for its silk paintings, which are embroidered on fabric and absolutely beautiful! They come in all sizes and different levels of detail made by local people. They can be anywhere from $5 USD to $500 USD depending on where you buy yours, how detailed it is, and how long it took to create. They are stunning though!
• Custom Clothing – Hoi An in particular is famous for its custom clothing tailors. You can get just about anything sewn to your liking while you’re there. Some tailors specialize in suits and some specialize in formal ware. Check reviews on Google before picking your tailor. We chose Rosa Tailor, mostly because she was across the street from our hotel and had a 5-star review on Google! I had two custom linen sets and two custom skirts made in just a few hours. It was so much fun to experience it and I love my clothes!

7. Have Cash on Hand

When traveling Vietnam, be sure to get cash out when you get to Vietnam or bring Vietnamese Dong from your bank with you. We needed a lot of cash in Vietnam. A few places took cards, but mostly it was cash only, especially in the local markets and for street food. I think I took about $300 Vietnam Dong out at the ATM and that lasted me about a week.

8. Drink Safe Water and Eat Safe Food

Food and water safety are always a concern of mine when traveling. And while I want to try all of the delicious food at the street food stalls and experience the local culture through food, I also don’t want to be sick for the rest of my trip (been there, done that)!

Try not to eat any raw vegetables fruit with a skin that could have been washed in contaminated water. Examples are lettuce, raw carrots, apples, etc. Peeled fruit and cooked vegetables are usually safe.

A good way to experience Vietnamese food is to take a cooking class from a reputable company where you have control over how the food is prepared and the water being used. Most classes will cater to a western audience and understand water concerns. Here is a list of good cooking classes.

• Hoi An Cooking Class https://www.getyourguide.com/hoi-an-l831/hoi-an-tra-que-herb-village-cooking-class-t518142/?partner_id=67O18VU&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=VietnamTips
• Hanoi Cooking Class https://www.getyourguide.com/hanoi-l205/hanoi-traditional-cooking-class-learning-5-famous-dishes-t563666/?partner_id=67O18VU&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=VietnamTips
• Ho Chi Minh Cooking Class https://www.getyourguide.com/ho-chi-minh-city-l272/4-course-hands-on-vietnamese-cooking-lesson-in-small-group-t125720/?partner_id=67O18VU&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=VietnamTips

Another concern is water. This is probably one of the most important Vietnam travel tips. Don’t drink the tap water! Water can be tricky in Vietnam. You should avoid drinking tap water. Either only use sealed drinking water or bring a good filter water bottle. This is the one I use.

Despite all your best efforts, you may still get sick. I recommend asking your doctor for any meds that might help with bacterial sickness in case you do get sick. I take prescribed antibiotics with me whenever I travel, but my doctor travels to India frequently and gets it! Another option is to see a travel nurse, although any time I go they seem to go overboard and end up scaring me with all the possibilities of my inevitable death!

I also highly recommend getting travel insurance for your trip, because you never know!

9. Be Prepared for Some Hard History

Americans visiting Vietnam should be aware of the country’s complex and difficult history.

When traveling to Vietnam, be prepared to face some hard history. Visiting Vietnam as an American can be a deeply moving and eye-opening experience, given the country’s complex past, particularly concerning the Vietnam War (known in Vietnam as the American War or the Vietnam American War). This period from the late 1950s to 1975 left indelible marks on both nations, shaping their histories, cultures, and peoples in profound ways.

The hardest part for me was seeing victims of Agent Orange, which was a chemical used during the war to clear the jungle vegetation. This chemical affected the genetics of people living in Vietnam, and in turn their children who wouldn’t be born for years to come. I think we will see these lasting effects for a while. It was hard to see this, knowing that my country was part of the cause, but they were all very friendly and welcoming to us as Americans.

10. Book Activities Before You Go

My last Vietnam travel tip is to book ahead. While some people can visit Vietnam and wing their activities, I like to have things planned and scheduled, I like to arrange trips to nearby places, and some tours do book up during busier times, so I think it’s a good idea to have at least a few things planned and booked ahead of time, especially for your first time visit to Vietnam. Here are some of the activities I recommend planning ahead for to avoid unnecessary stress:

• Hoi An Jeep Tour
• Lantern Making Class
• Ninh Binh Day Tour
• Ho Chi Minh Cooking Class

Frequently Asked Questions

1. can americans visit vietnam.

Of course! Americans are welcome in Vietnam with a visa. There are some hard things to see from the war, but its part of both of our histories. I found everyone to be friendly and welcoming towards us as Americans.

2. Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?

Yes, you need to apply for an e-visa before visiting Vietnam. I suggest applying at least 2 weeks before. Be sure to put your correct name, entry date, and port of entry on your application.

3. Can I use US dollars in Vietnam?

While some hotels, restaurants, and shops in tourist areas might accept US dollars, it’s more common to use Vietnamese Dong (VND) for everyday transactions. It’s advisable to carry local currency, especially when traveling outside major cities or shopping at local markets.

4. What is the etiquette for visiting temples and religious sites?

Dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees) and remove your shoes before entering temples or pagodas. It’s also respectful to avoid loud voices and keep a serene demeanor.

I hope these Vietnam travel tips have been helpful for you. Don’t stress too much about the differences. Vietnam is a beautiful and very welcoming country and you’re going to have the best time!

The post Vietnam Travel Tips – What to Know Before Visiting Vietnam appeared first on Wanderlust Crew .

Change location

• UK / International
• Call toll-free tomorrow from 9am EDT 617-223-4521 617-223-4120 or
• REQUEST A QUOTE

Mekong Home

Mekong Delta, Vietnam

• Alternatives

Mekong Home is a small family run lodge in the heart of 'coconut country', Ben Tre province. Comprising ten air-conditioned bungalows formed around a tropical water garden and coconut trees, the property is homely and charming. Access to the lodge is via a village pathway, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the surrounding hamlet.

The open kitchen and restaurant are the focal point of the property and guests are greeted here with fresh coconut drinks straight from the garden. Charming wooden furniture contrast the grey, concrete floors and Mekong handicraft items are dotted throughout. Cycling and boat excursions are available to experience while staying at the lodge and there is also a sunset bar from which to enjoy river life and Mekong skies.

An ideal base to escape the city and relax in peaceful surrounds. Mekong Home also boasts several activities designed to immerse visitors into rural Vietnamese life.

OUR RATING: Simple

Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Vietnam specialists

• 617-223-4521 617-223-4120
• Make an inquiry

Photos of Mekong Home

Rooms are large and airy with traditionally styled high ceilings. Each comes with a small seating area and modern en suite.

Perched riverside on the banks of a Mekong tributary, the lodge offers a captive glimpse into rural life in Vietnam.

Food and drink

The small restaurant serves a selection of locally inspired dishes using fresh ingredients sourced nearby.

Tour ideas in Mekong Delta

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Mekong Home as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Following the Mekong: Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam

20 days from $10,615pp

Vietnam's Mekong Delta

10 days from $4,140pp

Exploring the Mekong & Angkor Wat

12 days from $5,425pp

Family adventure to Vietnam

16 days from $8,180pp

Grand tour of Indochina: Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia

22 days from $22,310pp

Classic Vietnam tour

17 days from $7,375pp

Luxury tour of Vietnam

14 days from $12,995pp

Highlights of Vietnam

14 days from $6,980pp

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map, alternative places to stay nearby.

Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.

Azerai Can Tho

Mekong Lodge

Ut Trinh Homestay

Experiences while staying here.

The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you’re staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident’s eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area’s inhabitants.

Cai Rang Floating Market

Board the Victoria hotel’s 'junk' for a luxurious breakfast cruising down the Mekong to the Cai Rang floating market where a mass of boats converge to trade.

Cruising the Mekong

A beautifully crafted wooden boat, the R/V Bassac offers comfortable twin cabins with en suite bathrooms, a sun deck and a superb restaurant with bar.

RV Mekong Cruise Boat

This fine replica of an original 1920s river steamer has teak-lined twin cabins, all with air-conditioning, en suite shower and bathroom.

Mekong Delta and nearby places

Mekong Delta

• Can Tho 43 miles away
• Cai Be 24 miles away
• Chau Doc 92 miles away
• Ho Chi Minh City 43 miles away
• Con Dao Islands 108 miles away
• Phu Quoc 163 miles away
• Cat Tien National Park 104 miles away
• Mui Ne & Phan Thiet 127 miles away
• Dalat 183 miles away
• Central Highlands 203 miles away