A complete Vietnam travel guide with all the information you need regarding hotels, restaurants, transportation, safety and the best travel tips for those visiting the Southeast Asian country. We’ve also included three different itineraries with everything you should see and do in Vietnam in 7, 10 or 14 days.
“Good Morning, Vietnam!” Well, now that we’ve started this text in the most cliché and least original way possible, the stage is set for exploring the many wonders of the Land of the Blue Dragons. Located in Southeast Asia, for decades Vietnam was inevitably synonymous with the war that devastated its territory and population during the 1960s and 1970s. However, today the country has undergone a remarkable transformation.
Fast-forward for 50 years and Vietnam is now one of the biggest tourist draws in the entire continent of Asia, as millions of visitors flock to the country each year looking for the pristine beaches of Nha Trang and Phu Quoc, the natural landscapes of Ninh Binh, Halong Bay and the Mekong Delta, the museums and memorials of Ho Chi Minh City, the imperial remnants of Hue or My Son, or the colonial architecture of Hoi An and Hanoi. Perhaps that is Vietnam’s greatest secret. While its neighbors are more homogeneous, Vietnam’s tourist offerings are incredibly diverse, making it a prime destination for those who wish to combine beaches, nature, culture and history — all set against the typically lush Southeast Asian backdrop.
So, if you’re planning a trip to this stunning destination, our ultimate Vietnam travel guide is here to help. In addition to practical information about hotels, restaurants, transportation and local experiences, we’ve also put together three comprehensive itineraries, including all the places you must see and visit in Vietnam in 7, 10 or 14 days.
Considering this is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia, it comes as no surprise that Vietnam is served by several different international airports. However, if you’re coming from Europe, chances are that you’ll end up flying into one of the country’s two major air hubs: the Tan Son Nhat International Airport, in Ho Chi Minh (south); or the Noi Bai International Airport, in Hanoi (north).
If you’re coming from the UK, you can fly directly into both from London-Heathrow with Vietnam Airlines. However, keep in mind direct flights are always much more expensive than having a layover (or two) somewhere in Europe and/or Asia. For a direct flight, expect to pay upwards of £700,00 (return) for a round-trip, while non-direct connections can go as low as £400,00. For passengers departing from the UK, Air China, Shenzhen Airline and Air India usually have the best rates, with layovers in Beijing/Shanghai, Shenzhen and Delhi, respectively.
Actually, Vietnam is one of those places where you could easily spend months without ever running out of things to do. Besides, distances are huge, with more than 1600 km separating Hanoi from Ho Chi Minh, the country’s two biggest cities. That said, when it comes to how long one should spend in Vietnam – the more, the merrier!
However, for those with limited time and/or budget, a full week would be the bare minimum to experience the essentials in the north and center of the country, visiting places like Hanoi, Halong Bay, My Son, Hue e Hoi An. Nonetheless, this will definitely be too short and rushed, and wouldn’t really allow you to experience Vietnam in a meaningful manner. Therefore, we highly recommend extending your stay for as long as possible, ideally setting aside enough time and money for a two-week vacation in the “Land of the Blue Dragon “.
Similar to other destinations across Southeast Asia, Vietnam has both a dry season and a rainy season. Given that temperatures are consistently high throughout the year, the key factor in deciding when to visit is the weather. Therefore, it’s important to note that climate patterns vary by latitude, with northern Vietnam having a more temperate climate, while the central and southern regions are hotter, more humid and tropical. For example, the north and south tend to see heavy rainfall from May to October, while the central region is enjoying its peak summer season. On the other hand, from September to December, central Vietnam often faces monsoons (and the occasional extreme phenom), while the north becomes cooler and drier, and the south transitions from the rainy season to summer with intense heat and nearly-absurd levels of humidity. As you can see, striking the perfect balance in timing is essential.
That being said, if you plan to explore the entire country, the ideal window is between February and May, when temperatures are warm and comfortable across Vietnam and the monsoon seasons in the central and southern regions have passed (or are yet to begin).
In order to enter Vietnam, you will need to show your passport. The document should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into the country.
Fortunately, British travelers do not need a visa to visit the country, as they can remain in Vietnam for a consecutive period of up to 45 days.
Since there is no special agreement in place between the UK and Vietnam regarding international communications and roaming fees, using your regular phone plan is a big no-no!
Therefore, our recommendation is that you get a SIM Card when traveling to Vietnam, which you can do immediately upon landing. Yeah, internet packages at the airport are a bit overpriced when compared to local kiosks or official stores in the cities, but all in all we’re looking at a meager 2$ or 3$ difference. Currently, there are three major telecom companies in Vietnam: Viettel, Mobifone and Vinaphone.
Keep in mind these are just 3 of the countless options you’ll find upon landing in Vietnam. There are also packages with local minutes/texts.
With the Vietnamese Dong (VND) as the country’s official currency, any withdrawal using a UK bank card might incur in the payment of several different fees. Besides the percentual fee referring to the currency conversion, some UK banks may also charge a flat commission for withdrawals made outside the UK. In some instances, you may well end up paying 5%-6% of your original withdrawal in banking fees.
On the other hand, exchanging money before your trip is not a viable solution either. Besides not being any cheaper, it’s also not safe or wise to carry so much money on you during your trip. As such, we recommend using the services of online banking fintech companies such as Revolut, N26 or Monzo.
Although each have their own limitations and fees, they allow you to withdraw a certain amount in foreign currency without any fees involved. And even after that threshold is reached, costs are much smaller when compared to traditional banks. Keep in mind, though, this does not apply to fees issued by local banks for withdrawals made with foreign cards. In Vietnam, those fees can range from 50.000 per withdrawal to a staggering 3% of the total amount. Be that as it may, a message will always pop up every time there is a fee per withdrawal, so you will never be caught unaware. Sign up for Revolut for free >> to get 3 months of Premium.
Regarding payments, more and more businesses have started taking card over the last few years, especially around the main tourist areas. However, outside those clusters, Vietnam is still very much a cash-based society, so always make sure to have some dong on you. That said, here are a few banks whose ATM’s do not charge any fees per withdrawal with a foreign card:
On the other hand, if you prefer to take cash and exchange your money in Vietnam, here are four exchange offices we can recommend in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh:
Unsurprisingly, considering its status one of the Asia’s most popular tourist destinations, Vietnam is an extremely safe place with low crime rates and a relaxed atmosphere. However, and much like you would do in any other city, using your common-sense is key. That means no taxis whose drivers refuse to start the meter, no accepting help from strangers when you’re using an ATM and always keeping an eye out for your stuff when you’re walking through busy areas. There are also plenty of bad stories from travelers who had their phones, wallets or cameras taken out of their hands by robbers passing by in motorbikes. This is something to be aware of in the big cities. To sum up: don’t do anything you wouldn’t feel comfortable doing anywhere else! Also regarding money, if you plan to exchange currency when you get there, compare rates from several offices to ensure you’re getting a fair deal (and don’t even think about exchanging money from strangers on the streets). Regarding scams, there’s really not much to be careful about, although you’ll want to make sure you book your Halong Bay cruise from a reputable company. Unfortunately, many travelers just go with the first/cheapest option and end up having a terrible experience aboard an overcrowded, outdated boat.
While not a direct danger, Southeast Asia’s famous street food can also pose health risks. Once again, you just have to use common sense. If meat or fish is left out in the open, dishes were already prepared when you got there or a specific stall isn’t particularly popular with locals… well, you better skip it, even if the food smells and looks good. Also, avoid eating raw/uncooked foods (except for fruit, preferably unpeeled) and never drink tap water or ice made from it. Finally, since Vietnam is located in an area with big storms and typhoons, adhere to authorities’ instructions in the event of a natural disaster – after all, they’re the experts!
If you’re looking out for a place to stay on our Vietnam travel guide, then we got you covered!
Much like the rest of Southeast Asia, Vietnam is also quite the budget-friendly destination, allowing you to enjoy meals, hotel stays and tourist experiences that could easily cost triple (or more) in the West. And when it comes to accommodations, you will certainly feel spoilt for choice! From modern apartments with shared amenities (like a gym or a pool) to iconic hostels, chain hotels, family-owned places, guesthouses or beachfront bungalows, you can be sure that your money will stretch further than you might expect here!
That being said, here are some options based on the cities we recommend you to stay at:
Located just 7 km away from District 1, the heart of the city, the best way to travel between Ta Son Nhat Airport and the center of Ho Chi Minh is through public bus nº 152, a bus line that connects the country’s main air hub to Ben Thanh Market. Depending on traffic, the trip may take between 50 minutes to 1 hour, with a new bus leaving roughly every 15 minutes between 05h00 and 19h00. You can get your ticket directly from the driver for just 6.000 VND. The bus stop is located right outside the arrivals’ terminal. Alternatively, you can hop on one of the Yellow Buses, specifically designed to transport tourists from/to the airport. Tickets are bit more expensive but you’ll have a more comfortable ride. Plus, and unlike the public line, these routes also run in the evening (05h30 to 01h00). You can choose between bus 109 (20.000 VND) to September 23rd Park, and bus 49 (40.000 VND) to Điện Biên Phủ. On both lines, the bus will go through more central areas and you can ask the driver to get out at one of those. Once again, you can only pay with cash.
If buses aren’t really your thing, you may always rely on one of the ride-sharing services. In Vietnam, we recommend using Grab. The fare will obviously depend on your destination, but you can expect to pay between 100.000 and 250.000 VND to get dropped off in District 1.
Further to the north, in the capital Hanoi, using the bus is also the best way to travel between the airport and the city center (30 km away). In this case, you should get on the Express Bus 86, a special line designed to take passengers between the city’s main air hub and the Old Quarter. Tickets cost 45.000 for the 45-minute journey. Upon exiting the terminal, all you have to do is follow the orange signage to get to the stop. The Express Bus runs every day from 06h25 to 23h05, with a new vehicle departing every 45 minutes. Payment is cash-only. Alternatively, you may also catch buses 7 or 17, heading towards the bus terminals of Kim Ma and Long Bien, respectively. If you’re staying in the Old Quarter, we recommend bus 17, as the Long Bien terminal is only 1km away. Regardless, both routes operate between 05h00 and 20h00 in 20-minute intervals, taking about 30 minutes to get to their destination. Tickets cost 9.000 VND.
As for taxis, and just like Ho Chi Minh, we also recommend using Grab – no need to bargain fares with cab drivers that will 100% try to rip you off! Just type in your destination on the app and what you see is what you’ll pay! In this case, for the trip to the downtown area expect to pay around 250.000-300.000 VND.
Considering the big numbers when it comes to tourist arrivals and its status as one of Southeast Asia’s most developed nations, it’s really not that surprising to learn that Vietnam boasts a pretty diverse and reliable transportation network, including trains, buses, ferries and internal flights.
As such, and for those heading to the Land of the Blue Dragon soon, here’s a little overview of how you can move around in the country!
Though trains may be old and slow, there’s no matching the railways’ charm and romanticism. Luckily, Vietnam offers a pretty well-connected railway network, linking major urban centers across the north, center and south through 2600 kilometers of tracks. Plus, given that most train journeys will be quite long, you have the option to travel more comfortably by booking a sleeper berth in a semi-private compartment.
For most travelers visiting Vietnam’s top destinations, train rides will likely take place across the Reunification Line, which runs between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, stopping in places such as Hue, Da Nang and Nha Trang. All trains running on this route offer similar seat classes. For the cheapest fares, you can buy a “hard seat”, a basic wooden bench without separation between passengers. Not exactly the most comfortable journey in the world, but at least fares are ridiculously low! For slightly more comfort on shorter trips, you can choose the “soft seat”, which is more or less comparable to standard train seats in Europe. On the other hand, if you’re planning on spending the whole night on a train, booking a sleeper berth is highly recommended. You have two options here: either go with the “hard sleeper”, a tiny cabin with three bunk beds on each side (DO NOT BOOK THE MIDDLE ONE); or the “soft sleeper”, where the cabin isn’t as cramped (4 beds) and mattresses are more comfortable. The latter is the most expensive class, but definitely worth the “splurge” if you want to have a decent night of rest. Depending on your seat or cabin type, trains may feature AC and even Wi-Fi… though the connection won’t probably be the most unreliable. Additionally, all trains include a dining car.
Tickets are usually very easy to get, unless you happen to be traveling during some sort of local holiday. That said, visiting the train station a day or two in advance is generally enough for you to be able to get a ticket. Nonetheless, if you’d rather buy your ticket in advance or get a better understanding of departure times, you can purchase your tickets online through the Vietnam Railways official website. If the platform isn’t working or you’re required to pay with a Vietnam-issued bank card to complete your reservation, you may simply use a third-party service like 12GoAsia or Baolau (though tickets will be a bit pricier).
Either way, here are the details for some of the most popular train routes in Vietnam:
Note about prices: soft sleeper for trips > 7 hours; soft seat for trips < 7 hours.
While the trains run along the entire Vietnamese coast, you’ll find yourself using the bus if you want to head inland. Plus, you also have the chance of tackling the biggest trips (shared above for the railways) by bus. Tickets may be cheaper and you’ll be able to travel slightly faster, but you’ll still be looking at 15+ hours inside a crammed bus for some of the trips… needless to say, it’s not the most comfortable experience, even if you get to travel on a sleeper bus.
In Vietnam, each city features at least one major terminal, where you can buy your tickets in person and board the bus. However, for those who prefer to plan ahead and secure their seats in advance, there are several platforms where you can purchase your ticket online. So that you don’t waste your time looking for specific routes with each company individually (like Sinh Café, Cat Ba Express, FUTA or Good Morning Sapa), we recommend using aggregators such as 12GoAsia or Baolau, where you can find offers from bus companies and tour agencies alike.
As we usually do in all other travel guides, here is a brief overview of some of the most popular bus routes in Vietnam:
NOTE: We haven’t included any bus connections that are already covered by the railway network, aside from the trip Da Nang – Hue.
Given the size of Vietnam, it’s easy to see why so many travel itineraries include (at least) one domestic flight. While trains and buses are fairly decent, the time you’ll have to waste on the road can take up quite a big chunk of your 1 or 2-week vacation. Therefore, making the most of your time is essential! Fortunately, Vietnam is served by many domestic airports, and airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Vietravel Airlines or Bamboo Airways help connect most destinations across the country. This is especially useful for those wishing to travel between the major tourist hotspots in the north, center and south, as taking an internal flight can save you a day or two. Plus, tickets are pretty affordable!
Here are the most commonly used domestic routes by tourists visiting the “Land of the Blue Dragon”:
Considered the most popular mean of transportation among locals, scooters are highly coveted among tourists as well. However, it’s important to note this isn’t probably everyone’s cup of tea, since driving for 1000 or 2000 km requires a decent amount of stamina, patience and practice, meaning only experienced drivers should rent a scooter to go around the entire country. We’re assuming most people don’t really fit into that category, which is why “commoners” should stick to scooters only for shorter distances. Besides, we also warn against driving a scooter in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, as the traffic is hectic and everyone seems to follow their own rules.
Either way, visitors should be aware of legal obligations if they’re adamant about renting a scooter in Vietnam. For a basic 50cc scooter (or below), all it takes is a standard type B International Driving Permit, as no specific license is required. However, should they go for something with a bit more horsepower, renters will have to show a Vietnamese Motorcycle License, which requires visiting the local DMV to get your home license recognized… well, at least officially! Turns out that even though these are the rules, most companies skip them altogether, meaning most of the times you won’t have to show any kind of document to be able to rent a scooter. Needless to say, this may turn out to be quite the pickle if you happen to be involved in an accident. Whether you should take the risk or not, that is totally up to you!
Now, let’s talk prices! For a basic 50cc scooter, expect to pay anywhere between 150.000 to 300.000 VND/day. Fuel is also quite cheap (20.000 VND/liter). You don’t really need to worry about finding rental places in advance, as these are plentiful around the most touristy areas. However, if you want to make sure you’re dealing with a serious and certified company, with insurance coverage and properly maintained scooters, always make sure to check online reviews beforehand. Also, depending on how long you’re renting the scooter for, some companies may require a deposit or, alternatively, that you leave your passport as a sort of guarantee.
Long story short, if you have the experience (and the responsibility) of riding motorcycles/scooters in your home country, renting one can be an excellent way to explore Vietnam independently. However, if that’s not the case, it’s better to rely on trains and buses. That said, here are a few rentals with great reviews in Vietnam:
Justifiably so, Southeast Asian cuisine enjoys a very positive reputation among travelers. Drawn by the perfect mix of sweet, savory, spicy and umami, many visitors make a point of exploring the legendary street markets that pop up all over the place in the region. Naturally, Vietnam is no exception, with Pho standing out as the most iconic local dish. This rice noodle soup, made with chicken or beef and aromatic herbs, is so integral to Vietnamese culture that it appears on nearly every menu across the country! In addition to Pho, Vietnam’s Summer Rolls (known locally as Goi Cuon) are another highlight. These fresh rice paper rolls are usually filled with vermicelli noodles, shrimp or pork, fresh herbs, and vegetables.
However, because after two weeks Pho might start to sound a bit repetitive, don’t miss out on other classic Vietnamese dishes. Try Bun Bo Hue, a beef noodle soup from Hue; Banh Xeo, a crispy savory pancake made with rice flour, turmeric and coconut milk, and filled with shrimp, pork and scallions; or Bun Rieu Cua, a vermicelli noodle soup with crab. Swap out the crab for grilled pork, and you have Bun Cha. Another must-try is Cơm Tấm, a dish made with broken rice grains, served with caramelized pork, a fried egg and topped with chilies, fish sauce and sugar; and of course, the legendary Banh Mi, Vietnam’s famous baguette sandwiches (available in dozens of variations) – a street food staple you can’t miss!
When it comes to desserts, it’s worth noting that Asian sweet treats are quite different from what you might be used to in the West. Nonetheless, be sure to try Chuoi Nep Nuong, grilled banana wrapped in sticky rice; Chè, a sweet soup made with fresh tropical fruits, caramelized coconut, shaved ice and coconut cream; Bánh Cam, fried sesame balls filled with sweet bean paste; and Bánh Flan, Vietnam’s version of the French Flan pudding, and yet another culinary legacy of colonization. To cap off your meal, wash it all down with an Egg Coffee. While the name might not sound particularly appealing, this drink made with coffee, egg yolk and condensed milk tastes more like a cappuccino than an espresso or a dessert.
Cua Dai Beach: Located just 5 km away from the most beautiful town in all of Vietnam, this is one of the country’s most popular beaches. It’s the perfect place to relax after a day spent wandering the ancient streets of Hoi An.
Ti Top Beach: Tucked away on one of Halong Bay’s countless karst islets, this beach is one of the classic stops for most boat tours through the bay. It’s touristy, sure, but its beauty is undeniable. Besides the usual beach activities and kayak rides, don’t miss the chance to climb to the island’s peak for a breathtaking view!
Long Beach: Known as Vietnam’s most idyllic destination, the island of Phu Quoc, in the Gulf of Thailand, is a must-visit for beach enthusiasts. Although there are many beaches located along the island, we’ve decided to stick to its most famous entry.
My Khe Beach: Located in bustling downtown Da Nang, it’s hard to find such a well-cared beach within an urban setting. Once again, there are plenty of beaches to choose from along the city’s 60 km of coastline, but My Khe took the cake due to its popularity among surfers and kiteboarders.
Mui Ne Beach: Often overlooked in favor of other better-known beach destinations – like Nha Trang or Phu Quoc – Mui Ne’s landscape feels more like the Middle East or coastal Peru than Southeast Asia, with its massive sand dunes gently touching the ocean.
Thuan An Beach: Once you get tired from exploring Hue’s imperial ruins and temples, take a break at this serene beach. In fact, the province of Hue is filled to the brim with beautiful beaches, but Thuan An strikes a perfect balance between easy access and peaceful surroundings.
Nha Trang Beach: Possibly the best beach destination to be included in our itineraries below – and the only place in Vietnam able to rival Phu Quoc’s outstanding shoreline – the sea resort of Nha Trang offers loads of pristine beaches. This one just happens to be the most popular and easily accessible, making it a reliable and convenient choice for travelers.
Con Dao: The largest island in the Con Dao Archipelago, this is somewhat of a hidden gem. Once home to a French colonial prison, Con Dao is now a little piece of heaven. While getting here may not be easiest (or quickest) thing in the world, the experience is well worth the hassle.
So that this blog post doesn’t turn into an encyclopedia, we’ve decided to create separate articles for each itinerary.
You can check them through the following links:
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