South-Eastern Asia
South-Eastern AsiaVietnamTravel guide
- Hanoi
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Da Nang
- Da Lat
- Haiphong
- Hoi An
Vietnam is a country in Southeast Asia known for its food, varied landscapes and cultural attractions. Hanoi is the capital.
Why go
Rice terraces and mountain scenery around Sa Pa.
Limestone islands in Ha Long Bay.
Markets on the waterways of the Mekong Delta.
Busy streets and traditional culture in Hanoi.
Regional food, from noodle soups to filled baguettes.
Best time to go: In the south, December to February brings cooler, dry weather. In the north, March to April and October to December are generally pleasant. Central Vietnam often has strong winds, rough seas and rain from September to February.
Getting there
By air
- Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have the main international airports. Both receive flights from major Asian cities and some destinations farther away.
- Da Nang can be a convenient arrival point for historical sites in Central Vietnam.
- Vinh, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc also receive international flights from nearby Asian countries.
By land
- A nightly sleeper train connects Nanning in China with Hanoi. The journey takes about 12 hours, including lengthy border checks.
- Travellers from Beijing need to change railway coaches at Nanning.
- Another route is to reach Hekou in China, walk across the border to Lao Cai, then take a Vietnamese train to Hanoi.
By sea
- Boats run once a day from Phnom Penh in Cambodia to Chau Doc. The trip takes four to five hours and crosses the border on the Mekong River.
- Some trips between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City are sold as Mekong Delta tours. Much of the journey is by bus, with only some sections by boat.
Getting around
Train
Trains are a comfortable way to travel overland. Seats can be competitively priced compared with buses. A sleeper train usually costs more than a sleeper bus.
Bus
Major cities have central bus stations with company ticket offices. You may need local transport between the station and the city centre. Check the displayed fare on local buses or ask another passenger. Paying the correct amount helps prevent overcharging. Hotels and guesthouses can book buses, but compare their prices with travel agents and bus companies. Arrive at least half an hour early. Journeys can take several hours longer than advertised. Boarding at the bus company office can give you a better choice of seats. Confirm where you will be dropped off. Buses continuing beyond your destination may leave you at a crossroads outside town. Lock valuables inside your hand luggage before sleeping on an overnight bus.
Domestic flight
Flying is the fastest way to cover long distances. Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City takes about two hours. Some airports are far from the nearest city or attraction. Work out your onward transport before arriving.
Boat
Check that a charter boat is registered to carry tourists and has enough life jackets and other safety equipment. For Ha Long Bay, try to choose a clear day. Rain, mist and low cloud can hide the scenery. Many sea tours in Central Vietnam are limited by rough weather from September to February. River trips from Hue to the imperial tombs can take about four hours each way.
What to see and do
Ha Long Bay
Boat trips pass scenic limestone islands. Trips commonly last one to three days.
Mekong Delta
Water markets and busy waterways offer a view of daily life in southern Vietnam.
Hanoi
The capital combines busy city streets with traditional culture.
Sa Pa
The northern landscape includes rice terraces that turn yellow during harvest season.
Imperial tombs near Hue
Small family-operated boats take visitors along the river to tombs southwest of the city.
Go trekking
Walking routes offer ways to experience Sa Pa, the Central Highlands and the Mekong Delta.
Food and drink
Phở
Vietnam's national dish is a rice noodle soup with broth and meat, seafood or tofu. Northern and southern versions have different accompaniments.
Bánh mì
A freshly baked baguette commonly filled with meat or pâté, herbs and vegetables. Egg and other fillings are also available.
Cơm
On an eatery sign, this usually means a plate of rice served with fish or meat and vegetables.
Mì Quảng
A Central Vietnamese dish of wheat noodles with herbs, pork and shrimp.
Bún bò Huế
A beef soup with herbs and noodles from Central Vietnam.
Bánh canh cua
Crab soup with thick rice noodles.
Money
Vietnamese đồng, also called dong. Its currency code is VND and its symbol is ₫.
- Prices may appear as 100.000, 100k or 100K, all meaning 100,000 dong. In speech, people often leave out the thousands.
- Carry small notes, especially for taxis. A driver may claim to have no change.
- Compare exchange rates before changing money. Hotels and travel agencies can offer worse rates than official exchange counters.
- Large foreign banknotes in excellent condition usually receive better exchange rates.
Tipping: Tipping is generally not expected, though tips are accepted. Some businesses serving Western tourists have come to expect them, but it is still acceptable not to tip.
Typical costs
- The following food and hostel examples are from November 2023 and may have changed.
- Bánh mì sandwich: 12,000–25,000 dong.
- Rice with vegetables and meat: 30,000–70,000 dong.
- Vietnamese coffee: 15,000–20,000 dong.
- A 0.33-litre can of beer: 10,000–13,000 dong.
- Hostel accommodation: 100,000–250,000 dong.
Language
- Vietnamese is the official language, with several regional dialects.
- English ability varies, but most hotel and airline staff know enough to communicate. Phone translation apps are commonly used.
- Some older or professionally trained people speak French.
- Some Vietnamese speak Russian, especially those who studied or worked in Russia or the former Soviet Union.
- Cantonese is spoken by many members of Ho Chi Minh City's ethnic Chinese community.
- Ethnic minority communities speak several other languages.
- khách sạn
- Hotel.
- cơm
- Rice; on an eatery sign, it usually means rice meals are served.
- An cơm chua?
- Have you eaten yet?
- nước mắm
- Fish sauce.
Staying safe
- Watch for pickpockets and motorbike bag snatching in larger cities. When walking beside a road, carry your bag on the shoulder farther from traffic.
- Do not carry a bag on your shoulder or in the basket while riding a motorbike. If someone snatches it, do not resist so strongly that you are dragged into the road.
- Theft can happen in hotel rooms, including expensive hotels. Do not assume a room safe is completely secure.
- Keep electronics and other valuables locked inside your hand luggage on overnight buses. People, including employees, have been known to search passengers' bags.
Local customs
Do
- Show politeness and restraint towards older people.
- Cover your shoulders and knees when you want to dress respectfully, especially in formal settings.
- Remove your shoes before entering someone's home.
- Give and receive business cards with both hands.
- Expect questions about your age, marriage and children. These are normal ways for people to work out how to address you.
- Use a person's given name with an appropriate title, rather than assuming their family name is the usual form of address.
Don't
- Avoid public displays of affection, including between married couples.
- Avoid pointing out another person's mistakes, as this can cause serious embarrassment.
- Do not shout during disagreements. It is highly insulting and may provoke a violent response.
Staying healthy
- Do not drink tap water.
- Carry liquid mosquito repellent, especially in the countryside. Malaria, dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis occur in rural Vietnam.
- Choose street food stalls that are popular with local people, and avoid undercooked food.
- In rural areas, locally grown foods are usually the safest choice because they are commonly bought fresh each day.
Where to stay
- Accommodation ranges from hostel dorms to large resorts in cities, coastal areas and rural destinations.
- Dorm beds can start at 100,000 dong. Some double rooms costing around 250,000 dong include towels, clean sheets, soap and toothbrushes.
- Rooms costing 300,000 dong or more may include a private bathroom, air conditioning, telephone and television. Prices can be higher in Hanoi.
- Hotels ask for passports to register foreign guests with the local police. Ask to wait during registration and have your passport returned afterwards.
Trips to Vietnam
Day-by-day itineraries by snuck, shaped around you.
Outdoor adventures in Vietnam
Vietnam offers mountain treks, caves, rural cycling and long sandy beaches. You can also dive and snorkel around the Cham Islands, hike near Da Lat or explore a coconut forest by basket boat. Weather varies greatly between the north, centre and south.
Sa Pa trekking
TrekNorthern Vietnamnear Sa Pa
Travel by train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, then continue to Sa Pa to explore the surrounding hills.
- Northern highland winters can bring snow, while summer temperatures can reach 40°C.
- Carry mosquito repellent for rural areas.
Phong Nha Caves
CaveQuang Binh province
Visit the cave system in Quang Binh province. Tour and access arrangements are not specified.
My Khe Beach
BeacheCentral Coastnear Da Nang
Summers are normally hot and dry. Early morning and late afternoon are popular visiting times.Head to Hoang Sa Road, across the Han River from central Da Nang.
- Cost: Beach access is free. Public showers cost 2,000 VND per person. A shaded beach chair costs around 40,000 VND.
- Follow lifeguards' warnings when they signal that swimmers have gone too far out.
- The central coast can have strong winds, large waves and rain from September to February.
Phu Quoc beaches
BeacheSouthern Vietnam
December–February is the south's most pleasant period, with cooler, dry weather.Visit Phu Quoc, an island just off the coast of Cambodia. Transport arrangements are not specified.
Cham Islands scuba diving
Scuba divingCentral Coastnear Hoi An
The Cham Islands are a diving destination near Hoi An. Operator and boat arrangements are not specified.
- Central Vietnam can have strong winds, large waves and rain from September to February.
Cham Islands snorkelling
SnorkellingCentral Coastnear Hoi An
Visit the Cham Islands near Hoi An. Operator and boat arrangements are not specified.
- Central Vietnam can have strong winds, large waves and rain from September to February.
Hoi An countryside cycling
CyclingCentral Coastnear Hoi An
EasyJoin a cycling tour with a tour company or private guide, or explore on your own using a map app.
Langbiang Mountain
HikeCentral Highlandsnear Da Lat
2–3 hours for the 2,167 m peakTake the public bus from Khu Hoa Binh to Lac Duong. The trail to the 2,167 m peak starts to the right of the main gate. The lower, 1,915 m peak has a steep paved path and a Jeep option.
- Cost: Bus: 12,000 VND. Jeep to the lower peak: 360,000 VND per vehicle. The 2,167 m trail does not require paying the main-gate fee.
- Parking closes at 17:00.
Marble Mountains and Am Phu Cave
HikeCentral Coastnear Da Nang
Take a motorbike taxi from Da Nang or Hoi An and arrange your own schedule. Open-tour buses also stop here, and guides are available.
- Cost: Admission: 40,000 VND. Elevator ride: 15,000 VND.
- Wear walking or climbing shoes.
- The climb towards the mountain viewpoint is steep.
Cuc Phuong National Park
WildlifeNorthern Vietnam
Visit Cuc Phuong National Park. Transport, guide and wildlife-viewing arrangements are not specified.
- Carry mosquito repellent in rural areas.
Central Highlands trekking
TrekCentral Highlands
Explore the Central Highlands on foot. Specific routes, starting towns and guide arrangements are not specified.
- Carry mosquito repellent for rural areas.
- Venomous snakes may be present in the countryside.
Mekong Delta trekking
TrekSouthern Vietnam
December–February has the south's most pleasant, cool and dry weather.Explore the Mekong Delta on foot. Specific routes and guide arrangements are not specified.
- Carry mosquito repellent, especially during the rainy season.
- Rainy-season downpours can occur every afternoon.
Non Nuoc Beach
BeacheCentral Coastnear Da Nang
Summers are normally hot and dry.Head to the coastal stretch near the Marble Mountains, south of My Khe Beach.
- The central coast can have strong winds, large waves and rain from September to February.
Ha My Beach
BeacheCentral Coast
Summers are normally hot and dry.Continue south along the coastal stretch beyond Non Nuoc, towards Hoi An.
- The central coast can have strong winds, large waves and rain from September to February.
An Bang Beach
BeacheCentral Coastnear Hoi An
Summers are normally hot and dry.Visit the Hoi An end of the long coastal beach running south from Da Nang.
- The central coast can have strong winds, large waves and rain from September to February.
Cua Dai Beach
BeacheCentral Coastnear Hoi An
Summers are normally hot and dry.Visit the Hoi An end of the long coastal beach running south from Da Nang.
- The central coast can have strong winds, large waves and rain from September to February.
Nguyen Tat Thanh / Xuan Thieu Beach
BeacheCentral Coastnear Da Nang
Summers are normally hot and dry.Head northwest from Da Nang to the long beach extending towards Hai Van Pass.
- The central coast can have strong winds, large waves and rain from September to February.
Pongour Falls
More to doCentral Highlandsnear Da Lat
The wet season offers a more impressive waterfall.Visit the falls about 50 km south of Da Lat on Highway 20.
- Cost: 10,000 VND per person; 5,000 VND per bike.
- Bring your own water, soap and toilet tissue for the basic toilets.
Prenn Falls
HikeCentral Highlandsnear Da Lat
Visit on a Da Lat tour or head to the foot of Prenn Pass, about 10 km outside town.
- Cost: 220,000 VND per person.
Voi Mountain at Tuyen Lam Lake
HikeCentral Highlandsnear Da Lat
Head to Tuyen Lam Lake, about 5 km south of Da Lat on Highway 20. Voi Mountain is on the other side of the lake; trail access is not specified.
Truc Lam Monastery to Tran Phu walk
HikeCentral Highlandsnear Da Lat
Take a cable car over the pine forest to Truc Lam Monastery, then walk 4.1 km back to Tran Phu. A southbound public bus from Khu Hoa Binh can take you to the turn for the cable car station.
- Cost: Bus: 7,000 VND. Cable car: 120,000 VND one way or 150,000 VND return, listed for February 2026. Monastery admission is free.
- Bring a map for the return walk.
Valley of Love canyoning
More to doCentral Highlandsnear Da Lat
The Valley of Love is about 5 km outside Da Lat on Phu Dong Thien Vuong Street and is a common tour stop. Canyoning arrangements are not specified.
- Cost: Listed site price: 250,000 VND. A separate canyoning price is not specified.
Central Highlands bike tour to Lak Lake
CyclingCentral Highlands
Visit Lak Lake on a bike tour through the Central Highlands. The described ride passes Elephant Waterfall, coffee plantations, a mountain and rice fields.
- Parts of the road are in very bad condition.
Bay Mau coconut forest basket boat tour
More to doCam Thanh, Central Coastnear Hoi An
Join Hoi An Basket Boat in Van Lang village, Cam Thanh, for a trip through Bay Mau coconut forest with local guides.
- Cost: From 90,000 VND per person, including entrance and a life jacket.
- A life jacket is included.
Airports, metros and trains in Vietnam
Airports with scheduled flights
- CXRCam Ranh International Airport / Cam Ranh Air BaseNha Trang/nha Trang aiurportCam RanhMain international airport
- VCACan Tho International AirportCan ThoMain international airport
- HPHCat Bi International AirportHaiphong (Hai An)Main international airport
- DADDa Nang International AirportDa NangMain international airport
- HANNoi Bai International AirportHanoi (Soc Son)Main international airport
- HUIPhu Bai International AirportHuếMain international airport
Metro and subway
- HanoiHanoi Metro20 stations21.6 kmsince 2021
- Ho Chi Minh CityHo Chi Minh City Metro14 stations19.7 kmsince 2024
Trains
- Rail network
- 3,315 km
People and safety in Vietnam
Religion
No single faith is a majority. Very mixed.
- Folk religions45%
- No religion30%
- Buddhist16%
- Christian8%
LGBT+ travellers
Legal
- Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
- Legal gender change is recognised.
- Some laws protect against discrimination.
Women travellers
Ranked #73 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.
86% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 37 of 198 countries can visit Vietnam easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Visa not required37
- eVisa161
Who can visit easily, by part of the world
For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Europe21 of 46 countries
- Asia14 of 49 countries
- Americas2 of 35 countries
- Africa0 of 54 countries
- Oceania0 of 14 countries
Questions
When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
It depends on the region. The south is most pleasant from December to February, while the north generally has pleasant weather in March–April and October–December.
Can I travel without booking everything online?
Yes. Major bus stations have ticket offices, while hotels, guesthouses and travel agents can arrange buses, cars with drivers and tours.
Will people understand English?
English ability varies, but most hotel and airline staff can communicate in English. Phone translation apps are also commonly used.
How do I read prices such as 100k?
100k, 100K and 100.000 all mean 100,000 dong. People may also leave out the thousands when saying a price.
Do I need to tip?
Tipping is generally not expected. Some tourist businesses expect tips, but it is still acceptable not to leave one.
Is street food safe to eat?
It is generally safe at places popular with local diners. Avoid undercooked food and ask the price before ordering.
Can I drink tap water?
No. Tap water is not safe to drink.
Why does my hotel ask for my passport?
Hotels must register foreign guests with the local police. You can ask them to complete registration while you wait and return your passport afterwards.
What should I wear?
Covering your shoulders and knees is a respectful choice, especially in formal settings. Dress is more relaxed in some city bars and nightclubs.
What should I do to prevent bag theft?
When walking beside traffic, keep your bag on the shoulder farther from the road. Do not carry it on your shoulder or in a basket while riding a motorbike.
Reviewed by @snuck