Vietnam is a country full of natural beauty and rich history, stretching from China down along Laos and wrapping around Cambodia. It’s a place with a mix of everything: long sandy beaches, lively cities, peaceful floating villages, and stunning mountains.
In the north, you’ll see amazing rice terraces and meet hill tribes, while Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh near Hanoi are known for their unique limestone formations. Central Vietnam offers beautiful beaches and old cities, and the south features the islands and the green, winding waterways of the Mekong Delta. Ready to explore Vietnam? Dive into this guide for everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip!
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Planning your journey
Travel Documents:
Passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.
Visa : A few countries are exempt from needing a visa to enter Vietnam, including Japan, South Korea, ASEAN nations, the UK, and some EU countries. However, most travellers will need to apply for an e-Visa, which is a quick and straightforward process that costs around $25. You also have the option to get a visa on arrival at the airport, but you must obtain pre-approval before you travel. Since visa regulations can change frequently, it’s always a good idea to check the latest requirements on the official government website before your trip.
Best time to visit Vietnam
The best time to visit Vietnam depends on which part of the country you want to explore, as the weather can vary greatly from north to south.
- North Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa): The best time to visit is from October to April when the weather is cooler and drier. March and April are especially pleasant, with mild temperatures and clear skies.
- Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang): The ideal time to visit is from February to August, with plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures. Avoid the rainy season from September to November, as this area can experience heavy rainfall and occasional flooding.
- South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc): The best time to visit is from December to April when it’s dry and warm. The rainy season runs from May to November, but showers are usually short and won’t ruin your trip.
How to get to Vietnam / Booking your flight
Getting to Vietnam is easy thanks to its major international airports in cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, which offer flights from many major cities around the world, including Doha, Dubai, Singapore, and Hong Kong and more. You can also find quick and convenient connections from nearby hubs like Bangkok.
To save on your travel expenses, it’s a good idea to book your flights in advance. Websites like Kiwi.com and Omio are great for finding deals, or you can look at complete packages on Expedia for a hassle-free experience.
Vietnam is also well-connected by bus and train, making it easy to travel overland from neighbouring countries like Laos, Cambodia, and China.
For the best travel options within Vietnam and around Southeast Asia, check out 12Go.
Travel Insurance
Before you start your Vietnam adventure, let’s talk about a key travel necessity – travel insurance. With exciting activities like cave exploration, trekking, and water sports on your itinerary, it’s important to be prepared. I recommend exploring what Visitors Coverage offers for your insurance needs. Their plans cover a wide range of situations, from trip cancellations and medical emergencies to lost luggage. Choosing comprehensive coverage will help you handle any unexpected events during your Vietnam adventure. Remember, having peace of mind is key to fully enjoying your journey!
Vaccine
Vaccinations aren’t required for entry into Vietnam, but getting a few can provide extra peace of mind. It’s recommended to consider vaccines for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus to protect against common health risks. It’s a good idea to consult your doctor beforehand to ensure you’re well-prepared for your adventure in Vietnam!
To travel smart, avoid touching animals, as they could carry rabies. Use insect repellent—readily available in shops throughout Vietnam—to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever. Also, stick to bottled or boiled water, and be cautious when choosing food stalls; avoid those that don’t look clean to reduce the risk of stomach issues.
Stay connected – Sim card
When it comes to staying connected in Vietnam, using your home country’s data plan can be expensive due to roaming charges. Fortunately, Vietnam offers affordable SIM cards that you can easily purchase at the airport or from local convenience stores like Circle K or VinMart. For a more convenient and instant option, consider getting an e-SIM from Airalo before your trip. It’s a great way to save time and start using data as soon as you land, making it my go-to choice for staying connected on the go.
How to travel around Vietnam
Getting around Vietnam is easy, with plenty of options to suit your travel style. In big cities you can catch a taxi or use Grab. Motorbike taxis, known as “xe om,” are another quick way to zip through city traffic. In many towns, walking is a great way to explore local markets, historic sites, and charming streets.
If you wanna explore more of the country, consider renting a motorbike or a car to explore at your own pace.
Vietnam also offers a network of buses and trains and local flights that connect major cities and regions, making it budget-friendly to travel longer distances.
Where to go in Vietnam
Vietnam is a huge country, and while many travellers aim to see it all, you don’t have to cover every corner to have an incredible experience. You can focus on the North, exploring places like Hanoi and HaLong Bay, or head to the South for island hopping. Here you can find recommendations perfect for first-time visitors to Vietnam.
NORTH
Hanoi – The capital of Vietnam, was the first place I visited, and while it initially felt a bit overwhelming, it quickly grew on me. The city is a vibrant blend of old and new, where the sounds of honking horns and the roar of countless scooters fill the air. Street vendors offer a variety of delicious foods, fresh fruits, vegetables, and unique souvenirs, while the city’s architecture showcases a fascinating mix of colonial-era buildings and modern structures. In Hanoi, tradition meets modernity in the most captivating way.
Where to stay in Hanoi
- Budget – Luxury Backpackers, Classy Holiday Hotel & Spa, Luxury Hotel
- Luxury – Capella Hanoi, Sofitel Legend Metropole, JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi
- Family friendly – Eclipse Legend Hotel, La Nueva Boutique Hotel & Spa, Serene Boutique Hotel & Spa
What to do in Hanoi
- Explore the Old Quarter – walk around small streets and admire historic architecture, vibrant street life, and countless shops
- Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
- Discover the Temple of Literature
- Watch a Water Puppet Show – book ticket here
- Enjoy Vietnamese Cuisine – book a tour here
- Check out the views from Sky Lotte Observation Deck – book here
If scooters are overwhelming consider booking Hop-on Hop-Off bus tour
Halong Bay – is one of the most stunning places in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It boasts around 2,000 islands and rocky islets, most of which are uninhabited and covered in dense mangrove forests. The bay is known for its spectacular seascapes, with towering limestone islands draped in lush vegetation and numerous mysterious karst caves waiting to be explored. I experienced this incredible destination on an overnight cruise, which allowed me to fully appreciate its breathtaking beauty. You can read my full review here.
Sapa – is one of Vietnam’s most popular mountain resorts, known for its stunning rice terraces and vibrant ethnic villages. Located at an altitude of 1,600 metres above sea level, near the border with China, Sapa is famed for having the most picturesque rice terraces in the country. The region is home to a diverse array of ethnic minorities, each with its own unique culture and traditions. The hill tribe villages are often tucked away in bamboo forests, surrounded by cascading waterfalls and fertile valleys, creating a landscape that is both serene and breathtaking.
Where to stay in Sapa
- Budget – Mega View Homestay, Sapa Unique Hotel, Lucky Daisy Buffalo House
- Luxury – Hotel de la Coupole – MGallery, Pao’s Sapa Leisure Hotel, Silk Path Grand Sapa Resort & Spa
- Family friendly – Sapa Clay House – Mountain Retreat, Eco Palms House, Bamboo Sapa Hotel
What to do in Sapa
- Trek Through Terraced Rice Fields
- Visit Ethnic Minority Villages
- Climb Fansipan Mountain
- Explore Sapa Town and Market
- Book Muong Hoa Valley Trek and Local Ethnic Villages Tour here
If you don’t know how to get to Sapa you can book VIP transfer here
Cao Bang – a stunning mountainous region in northern Vietnam, known for its rugged peaks covered with dense vegetation, lush rice fields, and narrow, winding roads that offer breathtaking views. The area is also home to the majestic Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, where cascading waters flow between towering cliffs surrounded by verdant greenery.
CENTRAL
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park – home to the world’s largest cave, Son Doong, and the oldest karst mountains in Asia, dating back over 400 million years. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts a stunning landscape of limestone cliffs, underground rivers, and lush jungle. With over 500 caves in the park, including Phong Nha and Paradise Cave, only 30 are open to visitors, offering a glimpse into a hidden world of breathtaking stalactites, stalagmites, and vast caverns waiting to be explored.
Where to stay in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Phong Nha Farmstay, Victory Road Villas, Jungle Boss Homestay
What to do in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
- Explore Son Doong Cave, Phong Nha Cave, Hang En Cave, Paradise Cave and Dark Cave
- Take a Jungle Trek
- Visit the Botanic Garden
- Visit the Bang Hot Springs
Hue – the former capital of Vietnam, is known for its many historical sites and monuments from the Nguyen dynasty. Here, you will find numerous buildings from the French colonial period, the impressive Imperial Citadel, the Thien Mu Pagoda, the Forbidden Purple City, and several ancient temples. Hue’s rich history and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s past.
Where to stay in Hue
- Budget – Hotel La Perle, Hue Nino Hotel, Sunny A Hotel
- Luxury – Meliá Vinpearl Hue, TTC Imperial Hotel, Indochine Palace
- Family friendly – EMM Hotel Hue, Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa, TTC Imperial Hotel
What to do in Hue
Da Nang– located in central Vietnam, is home to some of the most stunning beaches along the South China Sea. It is close to the Marble Mountains and the iconic Golden Bridge, a unique structure held up by giant stone hands.
Where to stay in Da Nang
- Budget – Cozy Danang Boutique Hotel, Chi House Danang Hotel & Apartment, Radisson Hotel Danang
- Luxury – Furama Resort Danang, Sheraton Grand Danang Resort, Pullman Danang Beach Resort
- Family friendly – Rosamia Da Nang Hotel, HAIAN Beach Hotel & Spa, Risemount Premier Resort Danang
What to do in Da Nang
- Relax on My Khe Beach – One of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam
- Visit the Marble Mountains – book a tour here
- Explore Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge – book a tour here
- Walk Across the Dragon Bridge
- Discover Son Tra Peninsula (Monkey Mountain): Visit this scenic area for its lush jungles, hiking trails, and stunning coastal views
- Learn how to make coffee – book a workshop here
- Relax at My Son Sanctuary – Located just outside of Da Nang, My Son Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient Hindu temple – book a tour here
Hoi An – a UNESCO World Heritage old town, is famous for its well-preserved colonial architecture and traditional houses. With around 800 historical buildings, the town is known for its romantic atmosphere and delicious local cuisine. Its narrow streets and lantern-lit alleys offer a unique glimpse into Vietnam’s past.
Where to stay in Hoi An
- Budget – Emm Hotel, Green Tea Homestay, Serene Nature Hotel
- Luxury – Little Oasis, Bay Resort, Hotel Royal
- Family friendly – Rivertown Hoi An resort, Almanity Hoi An resort, Silk Sense Hoi An River resort
What to do in Hoi An
- Wander through the Ancient Town – book tour here
- Book Basket Boat Ride in the Coconut Forest
- Explore countryside on a bicycle tour – book here
- Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge
- Take a Cooking Class – book here
- Visit the Hoi An Night Market
SOUTH
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam and the country’s economic hub. It’s a lively and bustling city where modern skyscrapers stand alongside buildings from the French colonial era, creating a unique and vibrant atmosphere. As Vietnam’s business centre, Ho Chi Minh City is a dynamic place full of energy and opportunity.
Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City
- Budget – Duc Vuong Hotel, Prague Airport Hotel, Hato Saigon Hotel & Rooftop
- Luxury – Lotte Hotel, Mai House, Vinpearl Landmark 81
- Family friendly – Au Lac Charner Hotel, Sherwood Suites, New World Saigon Hotel
What to do in Ho Chi Minh City
- Visit the War Remnants Museum
- Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels – an extensive underground network used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War – book here
- See the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon built in the late 19th century by French colonists
- Visit the Central Post Office
- Explore the Reunification Palace – home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War
- Take a Cruise on the Saigon River
Mekong Delta – located near Ho Chi Minh City, spans 12 provinces and is known for its intricate network of rivers, canals, and islands. This floating world is a vast maze of waterways that wind through fertile agricultural fields, making it one of the most productive regions in Vietnam. A visit to the Mekong Delta offers a unique glimpse into the daily lives of its inhabitants, with vibrant floating markets, bustling rice paddies, and abundant fruit plantations providing a rich, immersive experience.
Phu Quoc Island – located in the Gulf of Thailand, is known for its exclusive seaside resorts, featuring high-standard hotels and restaurants. The island boasts beautiful turquoise waters, soft white sandy beaches, and coconut palms, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and luxury.
Where to stay in Phu Quoc Island
- Budget – 9 station hostel, Kiki Coconut Beach Resort, Blue Paradise resort
- Luxury – Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort, InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa
- Family friendly – InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, Dusit Princess Moonrise Beach Resort, Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island
What to do in Phu Quoc Island
What to eat in Vietnam
Vietnam is known for its tasty and diverse food, with many dishes that are fresh, flavorful, and unique to different parts of the country. Here are some must-try foods in Vietnam:
- Pho: A classic Vietnamese noodle soup consisting of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat
- Banh Mi: A Vietnamese sandwich that combines French baguettes with a variety of fillings like pork, pate, pickled vegetables, herbs, and chili.
- Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls made with rice paper and filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli, and herbs.
- Com Tam (Broken Rice): A popular street food dish featuring broken rice served with grilled pork, a fried egg, pickled vegetables, and fish sauce.
- Banh Xeo: Crispy Vietnamese pancake made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and green onions
- Mi Quang: A central Vietnamese noodle dish with a rich turmeric-infused broth, topped with shrimp, pork, peanuts, herbs, and crispy rice crackers.
- Xoi (Sticky Rice): Sticky rice dishes are popular throughout Vietnam and can be enjoyed sweet or savory
Useful Tips for Vietnam:
- If you’re planning to travel around Vietnam by bus, train, or boat, check the 12GO website for the best options to book your transport.
- To explore more of Vietnam at your own pace, consider renting a car. You can find great deals on rentalcars.com.
- When trying street food, choose vendors that look clean and have a high turnover of customers to reduce the risk of food poisoning.
- Be aware of scams, especially in tourist-heavy areas. Use trusted services for tours and transportation to avoid issues.
- Electricity and Adapters: Vietnam uses 220V electricity with two-pin plug sockets. Bring a universal travel adapter to charge your devices.
- If you have extra time at the airport and want to enjoy comfort, free food, drinks, and Wi-Fi, consider getting a Priority Pass membership. It gives you access to airport lounges worldwide, no matter your airline or ticket class.
Dont forget those essentials before travelling to Bangkok
Passport Holder & Waterproof Travel Wallet
These are such great tips for visiting Vietnam! Lots of great information for those of us who have never been there. Much appreciated!
I’m just in the process of organising my 1 month Vietnam itinerary so thank you for all the great information, particularly on what to eat – I’m looking forward to the food!
Love this overview – we’re currently staying in Da Nang and just can’t get enough of the beach, even as we’re appraoching rainy season.
Awesome guide, makes me want to visit Vietnam. I got such a detailed perception about the country…