Vietnam

Vietnam is a mesmerizing land of sensory contrasts where ancient traditions harmonize with a pulse of modern energy. From the misty limestone peaks of the north to the sun-drenched deltas of the south, this S-shaped nation offers an incredibly diverse landscape for every type of traveler. You will encounter the chaotic hum of millions of motorbikes in bustling cities, only to find serenity moments later in a quiet, incense-filled pagoda. Beyond its iconic scenery, it is the legendary street food culture and the genuine warmth of the Vietnamese people that make this destination truly unforgettable. Whether you are exploring historical citadels or drifting through emerald waters, Vietnam promises a journey that is both profound and surprisingly affordable.

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We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.

4 cities
12 guides
$35 – $51 Daily Budget

Quick Facts

Capital
Hanoi
Languages
Vietnamese
Currency
Vietnamese đồng (VND)
1 $ ≈ 25,957 ₫
Plug Type
Type A / C (most common); Type B or D sometimes (bring a universal adapter)
Driving Side
Right
Dial Code
+84
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
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Time Zone
ICT (UTC+7)
Emergency
112 (Search & Rescue), 113 (Police), 114 (Fire), 115 (Ambulance), 111 (Child Protection)

Why Visit Vietnam

World-Class Street Food

Vietnam is a culinary powerhouse where you can find some of the world's most vibrant flavors on a plastic stool at a sidewalk stall. Every region offers unique specialties, ensuring that your taste buds are constantly challenged and delighted by fresh herbs and balanced spices.

Breathtaking Natural Landscapes

The country’s geography is a masterpiece, ranging from the dramatic karst islands of Ha Long Bay to the verdant, terraced rice fields of Sapa. Whether you prefer hiking through emerald mountains or relaxing on pristine white-sand beaches, the natural diversity here is staggering.

Rich and Complex History

From ancient imperial dynasties to the poignant relics of the 20th-century wars, Vietnam’s history is visible everywhere. You can explore thousand-year-old temples in Hanoi, the vast underground Cu Chi Tunnels, and the stunningly preserved architecture of the Hue Citadel.

Exceptional Travel Value

With an average daily budget of ~$44 / ₫1,131,349, Vietnam remains one of the most budget-friendly destinations in the world. This affordability allows you to experience high-quality accommodation, private tours, and incredible dining experiences that might be out of reach in other countries.

Vibrant Cultural Traditions

Vietnamese culture is deeply rooted in community and respect, offering travelers a chance to witness unique traditions like water puppetry and lantern festivals. Engaging with local artisans in craft villages provides a deeper understanding of the country's enduring heritage.

Top Experiences

Top-rated tours and activities in Vietnam

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Cities & Destinations

Regions

Northern Vietnam

This region is home to the capital city of Hanoi and the world-famous Ha Long Bay. It offers dramatic mountainous terrain in Sapa and Ha Giang, perfect for those seeking cool climates and immersive trekking through ethnic minority villages.

Central Vietnam

Defined by its stunning coastline and historical significance, this area features the charming lantern-lit town of Hoi An and the former imperial capital of Hue. Travelers flock here for a mix of world-class beaches in Da Nang and fascinating UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Southern Vietnam

The south is anchored by the high-octane energy of Ho Chi Minh City and the lush, winding waterways of the Mekong Delta. It is a region of tropical warmth and fertile plains, offering a glimpse into the agricultural heart of the country and a modern, cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Ha Long Bay, Vietnam – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Cities & Destinations:

Best Time to Visit

Vietnam's long geography creates diverse weather patterns, but the dry season generally offers the best conditions. Most travelers prefer visiting when humidity is lower and temperatures are mild across both the north and south.

Peak Season

Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar

Peak season coincides with the dry, cool winter in the north and the warm dry season in the south. High demand occurs around Christmas, New Year, and the Tet (Lunar New Year) holidays, leading to significantly higher prices and booked-out transport.

Shoulder Season

Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov

Spring and autumn offer a balance of manageable heat and fewer crowds. These months are ideal for trekking in Sapa or cruising Ha Long Bay, though tropical showers become more frequent toward the start of summer.

Off-Peak

Jul, Aug

The hot and humid summer months bring the highest rainfall and occasional typhoons, particularly in the north and south. While coastal central Vietnam remains sunny, this is the least popular time for cross-country exploration due to the intense heat.

Getting Around

Vietnam offers an extensive network of domestic flights, railways, and inter-provincial buses. While infrastructure is improving, traffic in major cities remains chaotic and primarily dominated by motorbikes.

Flight

Domestic 'hopper' flights are the most efficient way to travel between hubs like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City, with tickets often costing between ~$29–$77 / ₫764,425–₫1,987,505.

Train

The Reunification Express connects the north and south; while slower than flying, it offers scenic views of the coastline. Private sleeper cabins are recommended for the 16–30 hour journeys.

Bus

Sleeper buses and luxury 'limo' vans are popular for routes not served by rail. Note that Lien Khuong Airport in Dalat is scheduled for temporary closure starting March 2026, making bus travel to the Central Highlands essential during this period.

Ride-Hailing

Apps like Grab and B are the safest and most transparent ways to hire cars or motorbikes in cities. Always use these or reputable metered taxi companies like Mai Linh and Vinasun to avoid fare scams.

Food & Drink

Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated for its freshness, using minimal oil and a reliance on aromatic herbs and fish sauce. The food culture is deeply social, often centered around shared plates and bustling street-side stalls where every meal is a balance of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy notes.

Must Try

Phở

The quintessential Vietnamese noodle soup, typically served with beef or chicken in a fragrant, clear broth seasoned with star anise and cinnamon.

Bánh mì

A French-influenced baguette sandwich filled with various meats, pâté, pickled vegetables, and fresh cilantro, creating a perfect fusion of textures.

Bún chả

A Hanoi specialty consisting of grilled fatty pork served over a plate of white rice noodles and herbs, with a side of dipping sauce.

Cà phê trứng

Often called egg coffee, this creamy Hanoi creation features a dense, meringue-like foam made of egg yolks and condensed milk sitting atop hot espresso.

Bánh xèo

Sizzling savory pancakes made of rice flour and turmeric, stuffed with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, typically wrapped in lettuce leaves before eating.

Gỏi cuốn

Translucent spring rolls packed with prawns, pork, vegetables, and rice vermicelli, served fresh with a rich hoisin-based peanut dipping sauce.

Money & Costs

Vietnam provides exceptional value for money, with an average daily budget of ~$44 / ₫1,131,349. While upscale establishments are modernizing, the economy remains heavily cash-reliant for daily transactions.

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory but highly appreciated; ~$1.18–$2.36 / ₫30,577–₫61,154 is a kind gesture for tour guides, spa staff, or in high-end restaurants.

Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, malls, and established restaurants, but cash is essential for street food, local markets, and small shops.

ATMs

ATMs are abundant in cities; withdrawal limits per transaction typically range from ~$77–$118 / ₫1,987,505–₫3,057,700, and foreign card fees are common.

Culture & Etiquette

Vietnamese society is guided by the principles of Confucianism, emphasizing respect for elders, family loyalty, and the concept of 'saving face.' Travelers who show humility and observe local customs are met with great warmth and hospitality.

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Dress modestly when visiting temples or pagodas by ensuring your shoulders and knees are covered at all times.

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Remove your shoes before entering someone's home or certain small shops to show respect for the living space.

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Avoid touching anyone on the head, as it is considered the most sacred part of the body in Vietnamese culture.

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Don't point at people or sacred objects with a single finger; instead, use your whole hand to gesture politely.

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Use both hands when giving or receiving items like business cards, money, or gifts to signify respect.

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Avoid public displays of affection, such as heavy kissing or hugging, which can make locals feel quite uncomfortable.

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Maintain a calm demeanor and avoid raising your voice in public, as losing your temper causes everyone involved to lose face.

Safety & Health

Vietnam is generally very safe for tourists, though petty crime like bag snatching is common in busy areas. Travelers should also be cautious of air pollution in major cities and the risk of drink spiking in nightlife districts.

Tap Water

Not safe to drink

Vaccinations

CDC commonly recommends being up to date on routine vaccines plus Hepatitis A and B; Typhoid is recommended for most travelers; consider Japanese Encephalitis for higher-risk (longer rural/outdoor) trips. Yellow Fever vaccine is not recommended and is not required for entry per CDC.

Common Scams

  • ⚠ Motorbike snatch-and-grab of bags, phones, or jewelry in crowded tourist areas.
  • ⚠ Currency switching, where a 500,000 VND note is quickly swapped for a similar-looking 20,000 VND note.
  • ⚠ Fake Grab drivers at airports who use screenshots or fake apps to demand higher fixed fares.
  • ⚠ Shoe shining scams where vendors aggressively apply glue or 'repairs' and demand high payments.
  • ⚠ Motorbike rental 'theft' where a shop uses a spare key to steal the bike back and demands ~$1,060+ / ₫27,519,300+ in compensation.

As of late Jan/early Feb 2026, Vietnam has implemented enhanced health screening (e.g., temperature scanning) at major airports/border gates for Nipah virus precautions; suspected cases may be isolated and referred per health regulations. High-quality international hospitals are available in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Language

Vietnamese is a tonal language that can be challenging for foreigners, but English is widely spoken in tourist centers and by the younger generation in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

English Spoken: Moderately spoken

Key Phrases

Key Phrases
Meaning Local Pronunciation
Hello Xin chào sin chow
Thank you Cảm ơn gahm un
How much? Bao nhiêu? bow nyew
Excuse me / Sorry Xin lỗi sin loy
Yes Vâng vuhng
No Không khome
Delicious Ngon ngon
The bill, please Tính tiền tin teen

Visa & Entry

Vietnam grants e-Visas to citizens of all countries and territories, valid up to 90 days, single or multiple entry. Vietnam also offers visa-free entry for various nationalities (duration and conditions vary).

Max Stay

Up to 90 days (e-Visa). Visa-free stays: up to 45 days for 24 countries (tourism) through 2028; other exemptions range 14–90 days depending on nationality and agreements.

Passport Validity

Passport should have an expiry date at least 6 months after arrival and typically at least 2 blank pages.

Visa-free for

45-day visa-free (tourism) through 2028: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK. Belarus has a separate bilateral visa-free regime (different duration/limits). ASEAN and several other countries also have visa exemptions with varying lengths—check official rules by passport.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vietnam safe for travelers?
Vietnam is generally very safe for tourists, though petty crime like bag snatching is common in busy areas. Travelers should also be cautious of air pollution in major cities and the risk of drink spiking in nightlife districts. Always keep your valuables close to your body and avoid wearing flashy jewelry while walking in crowded urban centers.
How expensive is a trip to Vietnam?
Vietnam offers incredible value, with an average daily budget of approximately $44 / ₫1,131,349 per person for budget-conscious travelers. This typically includes accommodation in a clean guesthouse or hostel, three delicious street food meals, and local transport. While high-end resorts and private tours can increase costs, most visitors find their money goes much further here than in neighboring countries.
When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
The peak season falls between December and March when the weather is generally dry and pleasant across most of the country. During this time, Hanoi experiences cool temperatures around 15–20°C (59–68°F), while the south remains warm at 30–35°C (86–95°F). However, because Vietnam is so long, weather patterns vary greatly by region, so checking specific local forecasts is recommended.
Do I need a visa for Vietnam?
Most international visitors require a visa, which can easily be obtained as a 90-day e-Visa for many nationalities. Some countries also benefit from unilateral visa-free exemptions that allow for stays up to 45 days. Always check the latest government regulations before your flight to ensure you have the correct documentation for your specific passport and length of stay.
Is English widely spoken in Vietnam?
English proficiency is moderate in Vietnam, particularly in major tourist hubs like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hoi An. Most staff in hotels, upscale restaurants, and tour agencies speak enough English to assist you comfortably. In more rural areas, communication might require a translation app or simple gestures, but the locals are remarkably patient and helpful.
What is the best way to get around Vietnam?
Vietnam offers an extensive network of domestic flights, railways, and inter-provincial buses. Domestic flights are efficient for long distances, while the Reunification Express train offers a scenic way to travel between the north and south. While infrastructure is improving, traffic in major cities remains chaotic and primarily dominated by motorbikes, making ride-hailing apps like Grab a popular choice for short trips.
Can I drink the tap water in Vietnam?
Tap water in Vietnam is considered unsafe for drinking and should be avoided to prevent illness. You should stick to bottled water, which is widely available and very affordable, or use filtered water provided by your hotel. It is generally safe to use tap water for showering and brushing your teeth, though most travelers prefer to use bottled water for the latter.
What are the must-try dishes in Vietnam?
You must try Phở, the iconic noodle soup, and Bánh mì, a savory baguette sandwich. Other essential dishes include Bún chả, which features grilled pork and noodles, and Cà phê trứng, a unique and delicious egg coffee. Exploring the street food stalls is the best way to experience these local flavors, often for just a few euros per meal.
How much should I tip in Vietnam?
Tipping is not mandatory in Vietnam but is highly appreciated as a sign of gratitude for good service. A small gesture of ~$1.18–$2.36 / ₫30,577–₫61,154 is appropriate for tour guides, spa staff, or in high-end restaurants where a service charge isn't already included. In local eateries and for taxi drivers, rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount of change is common practice.

Why you can trust this guide

Headshot of Jan Křenek, founder of GoTripzi
Jan Křenek

35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data

Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.

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