Vietnam Travel Tips – What You Need to Know Before Visiting

Vietnam is more than just beautiful views and delicious street food. It’s a country where ancient temples, bustling cities, and peaceful rice fields come together.

Here’s what makes Vietnam worth visiting:

• Diverse Landscapes: From the limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay to the terraced rice fields of Sapa, every region has its own charm.
• Affordability: One of the cheapest destinations in Asia. A full meal can cost less than $2, and budget hotels are everywhere.
• Rich Culture: The country has over 4,000 years of history, seen in its temples, traditions, and colonial architecture.
• Friendly Locals: Travelers often say the warmth and hospitality of Vietnamese people make the trip unforgettable.
• Food Paradise: Pho, Banh Mi, and countless street food options that taste better than any restaurant abroad. Learn more in our Vietnam Street Food Guide.

Over 18 million international tourists visited Vietnam in 2019 (pre-COVID), making it one of the fastest-growing travel hotspots in Asia.

You can find updated statistics and travel advisories at the official Vietnam National Administration of Tourism website.

Vietnam’s climate is split into three distinct regions: north, central, and south. The best time to visit depends heavily on which part of the country you're exploring.

Seasonal Weather Breakdown:

• North Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa):
  Best time: October to April (cool, dry weather)
  Avoid: May to September (hot, humid, rainy)
• Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An):
  Best time: February to August
  Avoid: September to November (rainy season, typhoons possible)
• South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc):
  Best time: December to April
  Avoid: May to October (wet season)

📌 For more info on places to go each season, check our Vietnam Itinerary by Month guide.

Key Travel Tip:

Try to avoid Tet Holiday (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), usually in late January or February. It’s a major national holiday — many businesses close, and domestic travel prices rise sharply.

Vietnam’s visa policy is relatively simple but changes often. Always double-check with the official site before booking flights.

Visa-Free Entry:

• Citizens of 25+ countries can enter visa-free for 15–30 days.
  Examples: Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, UK, and ASEAN nations.
  See the full list on the Vietnam Immigration Department website.

Vietnam E-Visa:

• Most travelers can now apply for a 30-day single-entry e-visa online.
• Processing time: 3 business days
• Cost: $25 (non-refundable)
• Apply here: Official Vietnam e-Visa Portal

Documents You’ll Need:

• Valid passport (6+ months left)
• Confirmed accommodation or itinerary
• Return or onward ticket
• Proof of travel insurance (sometimes requested)

If you're planning a long stay, consider entering on a tourist visa and doing a “visa run” after 30 days. Many nomads fly to Thailand, Malaysia, or Cambodia, then return with a new visa.

You can learn more in our full Guide to Staying Long-Term in Vietnam.

Vietnam is one of the most budget-friendly travel destinations in the world. But to make the most of your trip, you need to understand how the local currency works and how to avoid common money mistakes.

Currency Basics:

• Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND)
• Common bills: 10,000 VND to 500,000 VND
• $1 USD ≈ 24,000 VND (as of 2024)

Note: Coins are no longer used in Vietnam.

Average Daily Costs (2024):

• Budget traveler: $20–30/day
• Mid-range traveler: $40–70/day
• Luxury traveler: $100+/day

You can eat street food for $1.5, grab a GrabBike ride for $1, or stay in a hostel for $5–8 per night.

Money Exchange Tips:

• Use ATMs from major banks like Vietcombank or BIDV for better exchange rates
• Avoid exchanging money at airports — rates are often 5–10% worse
• When possible, pay in cash. Credit cards are accepted only in upscale places

📌 External resource: Check current rates on XE Currency Converter

Avoid Common Scams:

• Always count your change
• Be wary of inflated prices in tourist zones
• Ask for prices in writing before confirming taxis or services

Vietnamese culture values respect, modesty, and politeness. If you want to connect with locals and avoid awkward moments, it's important to understand what’s considered respectful behavior.

Dress Code:

• Dress modestly when visiting temples or pagodas
• Avoid wearing sleeveless shirts or shorts in religious or rural areas
• Swimwear is only appropriate at the beach

Social Etiquette Tips:

• Use two hands when giving or receiving something, especially to elders
• Avoid touching someone’s head — it’s considered sacred
• Don’t point your feet at people or religious statues

Dining Etiquette:

• Wait to be invited before starting a meal
• It’s polite to finish everything on your plate
• Tipping isn’t expected, but appreciated in tourist areas (5–10% is fine)

Common Do’s and Don’ts:

Do:

• Smile often — it goes a long way
• Say “Xin chào” (hello) and “Cảm ơn” (thank you)
• Remove shoes before entering someone’s home

Don’t:

• Raise your voice in public
• Touch monks or nuns, especially if you're female
• Criticize the government or politics publicly

Vietnamese cuisine is a highlight of any trip. It’s flavorful, fresh, and insanely affordable. From steaming bowls of pho to sizzling street-side BBQs, the food culture here is worth exploring in every region.

Top Vietnamese Dishes to Try:

• Pho: Vietnam’s most iconic noodle soup, best enjoyed in Hanoi
• Banh Mi: A French-inspired sandwich with pickled veggies, pate, and meats
• Bun Cha: Grilled pork served with noodles and herbs (Hanoi specialty)
• Cao Lau: Thick noodles from Hoi An, cooked in well water for a unique taste
• Com Tam: “Broken rice” topped with grilled pork, egg, and pickles

Want more? Check our full Vietnamese Street Food Guide to discover must-eat dishes by city.

Street Food Tips:

• Eat where locals eat — high turnover means fresher food
• Look for vendors using gloves and clean utensils
• Sit at plastic tables, avoid stalls with flies or exposed food

🔗 External source: Vietnam.travel Food Page for regional food breakdowns

Dietary Notes:

• Vegetarian/vegan options: Try "chay" restaurants or Buddhist eateries
• Allergy alert: Fish sauce and peanuts are common — learn basic Vietnamese phrases to explain your allergies
• Check our Vietnam Travel for Vegetarians Guide if you have dietary restrictions

Vietnam’s transportation is fast, chaotic, and oddly efficient. Whether you're riding a motorbike through the mountains or hopping a local bus, it’s all part of the experience.

Getting Around the Cities:

• Grab: The go-to ride-hailing app for motorbikes and cars
• Taxis: Use trusted companies like Mai Linh or Vinasun; avoid flagging random ones
• Buses: Cheap and frequent, but not always foreigner-friendly without local help

Check our Guide to Getting Around Hanoi and Saigon for app tips, transit maps, and more.

Long-Distance Travel Options:

• Domestic flights: Affordable and fast (Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, Bamboo Airways)
• Sleeper buses: A popular way to travel between cities overnight
• Trains: Slow but scenic — especially the Reunification Express from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

🔗 Learn more on Seat61's Vietnam Train Guide

Motorbike Rentals:

• $5–10/day in most cities
• Bring your International Driving Permit (IDP) — required by law
• Always wear a helmet and ride defensively

🚨 Tip: Accidents involving tourists on motorbikes are common. If you’re not confident, stick to Grab or public transport. For full safety advice, read our Motorbike Safety Tips in Vietnam.

Staying connected in Vietnam is surprisingly easy. Whether you're booking a Grab, using Google Maps, or sharing street food photos on Instagram, you’ll rarely be offline.

Buying a SIM Card:

You can buy a SIM card at the airport or in most convenience stores. It only takes a few minutes, and you’ll need to show your passport.

Top mobile providers in Vietnam:

• Viettel (best coverage nationwide)
• Vinaphone (strong in urban areas)
• Mobifone (popular among tourists)

Most SIM cards offer:

• 5–10GB of data for under $5
• 30-day validity
• 4G speed in all major cities

🔗 See real-time data plan comparisons at Prepaid Data SIM Card Wiki

Wi-Fi Access:

• Free Wi-Fi is available in nearly every café, hotel, and restaurant
• Speeds are good enough for video calls and streaming
• Coworking spaces are common in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City

Useful Tips:

• Download offline maps on Google Maps
• Use Google Translate’s camera function for menus and signs
• Install VPN apps if you want extra privacy on public Wi-Fi

Vietnam is generally a safe country to travel, even for solo and female travelers. But like anywhere, there are things to watch out for — especially in busy tourist zones.

Common Scams to Avoid:

• Overcharging: Always confirm the price before accepting services
• Fake taxis: Stick to branded ones or Grab
• Motorbike rental scams: Take photos of any damage before renting
• Currency switch: Be careful when paying with large bills

Want more details? Read our Vietnam Tourist Scam Guide to stay one step ahead.

Health & Hygiene Tips:

• Drink bottled water only — tap water is not safe for consumption
• Avoid ice unless it’s in restaurants or hotels
• Carry hand sanitizer and tissues (not all public bathrooms have supplies)

Emergency Numbers in Vietnam:

• Police: 113
• Ambulance: 115
• Fire: 114
• Tourist Hotline (English support): +84 24 3944 6600

🔗 Bookmark the Vietnam Tourism Hotline page for up-to-date emergency support

Solo Traveler Tips:

• Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar alleys
• Let someone know your itinerary if going on day trips or hikes
• Join local Facebook expat or travel groups for tips and real-time help

Packing for Vietnam depends on where you're going, when you're visiting, and what type of trip you’re planning — city hopping, beach time, trekking, or all three.

Here’s a breakdown of what you should bring:

Essential Clothing:

• Lightweight, breathable clothes (humidity is high year-round)
• A light rain jacket (especially during rainy season: May–October)
• Swimwear for beaches or hotel pools
• Modest clothes for visiting temples (shoulders and knees covered)
• One pair of long pants for cooler northern areas or evenings

🎒 Check our full Vietnam Packing Guide by Region and Season

Tech & Gear:

• Travel adapter (Vietnam uses Type A, C, and D plugs – 220V)
• Power bank for long day trips
• Portable Wi-Fi device (optional but handy in rural areas)
• Reusable water bottle with filter (to reduce plastic waste)

Toiletries & Medications:

• Sunscreen and mosquito repellent (a must in summer)
• Hand sanitizer and travel tissues
• Personal medications — some brands may not be available locally
• Basic first aid kit

Other Must-Haves:

• Passport + visa copy (carry a digital and paper version)
• Small daypack for hikes or city exploring
• Travel insurance documents
• Vietnamese phrasebook or language app for offline use

🧳 Want a printable version? Grab our Vietnam Travel Checklist PDF

Technology will make your trip easier — from navigation to food delivery, here are the apps every Vietnam traveler should install.

Navigation:

• Google Maps: Works well in cities but sometimes off in rural areas
• Maps.me: Best for offline hiking and trekking routes
• BusMap: Useful for public transit in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

Transportation:

• Grab: For booking motorbikes and cars (like Uber in Vietnam)
• Be: A local alternative to Grab, often cheaper
• 12Go Asia: Great for booking buses, trains, and ferries in advance

🔗 Explore transport options on 12Go.asia — supports English, multiple currencies

Food & Delivery:

• Foody: Restaurant reviews, bookings, and food delivery
• Baemin and ShopeeFood: Best for local food delivery (need a local SIM to verify account)

Translation & Communication:

• Google Translate: Camera scan for menus, signs, or handwritten notes
• Zalo: Vietnam’s #1 messaging app — useful for contacting homestays or local guides
• XE Currency: Real-time exchange rates and currency calculator

Traveling responsibly means respecting local culture, minimizing your footprint, and supporting the communities you visit. Vietnam is changing fast — and how you travel matters.

Support Local Businesses:

• Stay at locally owned guesthouses or homestays
• Eat at family-run restaurants or street vendors
• Book tours through Vietnamese-owned operators

Reduce Your Environmental Impact:

• Bring a reusable water bottle — many cafés offer free refills
• Say no to plastic bags and straws
• Use public transport or bike when possible

🔗 Learn more at WWF Vietnam Sustainable Tourism Projects

Respect Local Culture:

• Ask before taking photos of people, especially in ethnic minority areas
• Follow dress codes at temples and historical sites
• Learn a few Vietnamese phrases — locals appreciate the effort

Be Aware of Overtourism:

Some destinations like Ha Long Bay and Hoi An are under pressure from mass tourism. Visit during off-peak times or explore lesser-known areas like Ha Giang, Quy Nhon, or Buon Ma Thuot.

Vietnam is long and narrow, stretching over 1,600km from north to south. Each region offers something completely different — from misty mountains to floating markets.

Northern Vietnam:

• Hanoi: Vietnam’s capital, full of history, street food, and motorbike madness
• Sapa: Terraced rice fields, hill tribes, and great trekking routes
• Ha Long Bay: UNESCO-listed limestone islands and caves
• Ninh Binh: Often called “Ha Long Bay on land” — rice paddies and karsts

Central Vietnam:

• Hue: Ancient capital with imperial palaces and tombs
• Da Nang: Growing beach city with clean coasts and modern vibes
• Hoi An: UNESCO heritage town famous for lanterns and tailor shops
• Phong Nha: Home to the world’s largest caves

Southern Vietnam:

• Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): Vietnam’s business hub with markets, rooftop bars, and war history
• Mekong Delta: Floating markets, river life, and fruit farms
• Phu Quoc: Vietnam’s tropical island paradise with white sand beaches and luxury resorts

Travel insurance isn’t just a nice-to-have for Vietnam — it’s essential. From motorbike accidents to lost baggage or food poisoning, things can go wrong.

What your policy should cover:

• Emergency medical care
• Hospitalization and evacuation
• Theft or loss of valuables
• Motorbike rental coverage (very important if you plan to drive)

🔗 Also visit SafetyWing or World Nomads to check trusted travel insurance providers.

Things change fast — from visa policies to weather conditions. That’s where travel forums and online communities are super helpful.

Best places to get live tips:

• Facebook Groups: “Vietnam Travel Tips,” “Backpacking Vietnam,” “Expats in Vietnam”
• Reddit: r/VietNam or r/solotravel
• TripAdvisor: Useful for specific hotel, restaurant, or route questions

Before your flight, prep a few key things that’ll save you stress on arrival:

Checklist:

• Print out hotel addresses in Vietnamese
• Download offline maps for your first destination
• Take a screenshot of your e-visa approval
• Keep a small amount of USD in cash (can be exchanged easily at the airport)

Vietnam rewards travelers who go with the flow. You might have delays, sudden weather changes, or local holidays that shift your plan — and that’s part of the adventure.

Be open to:

• Trying foods you can’t pronounce
• Taking spontaneous day trips
• Talking to strangers — many locals love to help travelers

You’ll leave with stories, not just photos.

Final Words

Traveling to Vietnam is one of the best decisions you can make — culturally rich, budget-friendly, and full of life. Whether you're backpacking or going luxury, this guide has given you the foundation to explore confidently, respectfully, and smartly.