Travel Guides about Vietnam

Travel in Vietnam offers mix of live cities, beatiful countryside, and stunning natural landscapes like Ha Long Bay and the Mekong Delta. From savoring delicious street food in Hanoi to exploring ancient towns like Hoi An, Vietnam is a destination rich in history and culture.
 
When to visit
The best time to visit Vietname is Spring (March - May).
Currency
The currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). 1$ is equivalent to 25.454 VND

Weather in Vietnam

The warmest months in Vietnam are from May to August. However, the weather can also be hot and humid, particularly in the southern regions. For the best time to visit, November to April offers more comfortable conditions with cooler temperatures, especially in the northern areas. This period is perfect for exploring the countryside, and trekking in the mountains.

20°C

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Jan

21°C

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Feb

23°C

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Mar

25°C

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Apr

27°C

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May

30°C

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Jun

30°C

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Jul

30°C

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Aug

28°C

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Sep

25°C

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Oct

24°C

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Nov

21°C

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Dec

Best Activities in Winter
  • Explore Northern Vietnam by trekking in areas like Ha Giang, Cao Bang, and the stunning terraced rice fields in Mu Cang Chai.
  • Visit Southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Cu Chi tunnels. You can also visit the famous Cao Dai Temple or take a boat ride along the Mekong River.
Best Activities in Spring
  • Enjoy the Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tết), the most important festival of the year. Enjoy cultural celebrations, parades, traditional food, and the festive atmosphere in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Trek in Sapa and explore terraced rice fields, visit ethnic minority villages and enjoy scenic views of the misty mountains.
Best Activities in Summer
  • Visit Vietnam’s beautiful beaches, such as Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc.
  • Cruise in Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its towering limestone islands and emerald waters. You can take a boat cruise, go kayaking, and visit caves and grottoes.
Best Activities in Autumn
  • Explore Hanoi, wander through the city’s old quarter, visit temples, and enjoy local cuisine like pho and egg coffee.
  • Visit the Mekong Delta and experience the unique floating markets, take boat tours along the river, and explore traditional villages and lush landscapes.

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Travel Tips

No, we don’t recommend drinking tap water in Vietnam. It’s best to consume bottled water, which is widely available.

You can apply for a visa online through the e-visa system or obtain a visa on arrival with a pre-approval letter from an agency prior to your trip.

While English is spoken in tourist areas and by younger generations, proficiency may vary. Learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases can be helpful.

Vietnamese cuisine is diverse and flavorful, featuring fresh ingredients and herbs. Popular dishes include pho (noodle soup), banh mi (sandwich), and spring rolls.

The most popular outdoor activities are trekking in Sapa, kayaking in Ha Long Bay, cycling through the Mekong Delta, and exploring national parks like Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng.

Street food is generally safe to eat if you choose restaurants with high turnover and good hygiene practices. Always ensure the food is freshly prepared.

How to Get There

By Airplane

Vietnam is well-connected internationally with several major airports. Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City is the busiest and serves flights from Asia, Europe, and beyond. Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi also handles many international flights. Budget airlines like VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Vietnam Airlines offer affordable flights from various countries.

By Train

Vietnam’s rail network connects major cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. The train system is a slower but scenic way to travel around the country, with the Reunification Express being a popular long-distance route between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

By Bus

Long-distance buses are a popular and affordable way to travel between cities in Vietnam. Several bus companies, such as The Sinh Tourist and Phuong Trang, provide comfortable and reliable services that connect major cities and regions.

By Car

Driving into Vietnam from neighboring countries like China, Laos, or Cambodia is possible, but it’s important to be aware of local road rules and regulations. Renting a car is less common for tourists due to traffic and road conditions, but it can be a good option for exploring rural areas.

 

How to Get Around

Trains

Vietnam’s trains, operated by Vietnam Railways, are a comfortable way to travel between cities. The Reunification Express is especially popular for long-distance travel, offering a scenic route along the coast.

Buses

Buses are an affordable and widely available way to travel within cities and between regions. In cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, local buses are easy to find, but for intercity travel, long-distance buses are often more convenient.

Driving

Renting a motorbike is one of the most popular ways to explore Vietnam, especially for trips to rural areas and scenic spots like Ha Long Bay or the Mekong Delta. If you’re renting a car, be mindful of local traffic and road conditions, as driving can be difficult, especially in the big cities.

Taxis

Taxis are easy to find in major cities, and rideshare apps like Grab are widely used in Vietnam. Grab is often more affordable than traditional taxis, and it’s a convenient way to get around.

City Transport

Major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have good public transport options, such as buses and motorbike taxis. However, the most popular way to get around is by Grab or local taxis.

 

SIM Card Options

Local SIM cards are easy to buy at airports or convenience stores in Vietnam.

  • Viettel: Offers nationwide coverage with competitive data and call plans.
  • Vinaphone: Reliable coverage and great data options for tourists.
  • Mobifone: Affordable plans with good urban network coverage.

 

eSIM Card Options

  • Airalo: Offers eSIM plans for Vietnam with various data options.
  • Holafly: Provides unlimited data eSIMs for short trips to Vietnam.
  • Nomad: Flexible eSIM plans with regional and global options.

What to pack for Vietnam

  • Passport and visa
  • Lightweight clothing
  • Waterproof jacket or poncho
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Flip-flops or sandals
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Power adapter
  • Portable charger
  • Camera/smartphone
  • A small backpack
  • Medication and a basic first-aid kit

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Vietnam Suggested Daily Budget

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On Budget

$30 - $50 per day

This budget typically covers staying in hostels or budget hotels, which range from $8 to $15 per night. You can eat street food and at local eateries, costing about $2 to $10 for meals. Public transportation is very affordable, with bus fares averaging around $0.50 to $2 per trip. With this budget, you can explore free attractions such as parks and historical sites, enjoy local markets, and participate in free walking tours. This allows you to experience the vibrant culture of Vietnam without overspending.

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Mid-range

$65 - $100 per day

For a mid-range experience, you can stay at comfortable accommodations in three-star hotels or well-rated guesthouses, typically costing $20 to $50 per night. You can dine at casual restaurants and enjoy local cuisine, with meals costing around $10 to $20 each. You can use a mix of public transport and occasional taxis, with daily costs of around $5 to $15. This budget allows you to participate in guided tours of popular attractions like Halong Bay or the Cu Chi Tunnels and enjoy unique experiences like cooking classes or food tours.

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Luxury

$150+ per day

With this budget, you can stay in luxury hotels or boutique accommodations that typically cost $100 to $300 per night. You can dine at fine dining restaurants where meals may range from $30 to $70 each. For transportation, you can have private transfers or rent a car. This way, you can explore Vietnam’s stunning landscapes at your own pace while trying exclusive experiences such as private yacht tours in Halong Bay or personalized city tours with expert guides.