Country guides
Asia
Vietnam is a wonderland of unforgettable adventures, where modern life meets tradition at every turn. Glass skyscrapers reach towards the sky in its bustling cities, reflecting the country's impressive economic growth, while just a few steps away, ancient temples and pagodas embody centuries of history. The countryside is worth exploring, too, as it's awash with rolling rice fields, picturesque villages and rich, age-old customs that tie Vietnam to its heritage. Whether gliding through the emerald waters of Halong Bay or savouring a steaming bowl of pho at a roadside stall, visitors can expect authenticity and excitement galore in this part of Southeast Asia.
Best time to visit Vietnam
There's no clear-cut best time to visit Vietnam, though spring (February to April) and autumn (August to October) offer temperate weather and are the driest times of year. Travellers may want to avoid Monsoon season, which is roughly from May to September in the southwest and October to April in the Northeast. Nevertheless, most people travel over the December to January period. Travellers should remember that the regions have such varied weather patterns that it ultimately depends on where they intend to visit.
What to see in Vietnam
-See the revered Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
-Explore the Cu Chi tunnels of the Viet Cong.
-Search for the mythical dragon of Halong Bay.
-Tour Hanoi's renowned Old Quarter.
What to do in Vietnam
-Ride a boat along the Perfume River and visit the Royal Tombs.
-Indulge in the big city nightlife of Pham Ngu Lao.
-Explore Sa Pa and Bac Ha near Hanoi.
-Enjoy the culinary delights of Hue.
Getting to Vietnam
Getting to Vietnam is easy as there are dozens of flights throughout the month. There are many cheap direct flights from the UK and indirect flights cost even less. Those flying from the US will also find some direct flights to Vietnam, but many indirect flights from major airports in the US are cheaper. Nearly all flights to Vietnam arrive at either at Tan Son Nhat International Airport at Ho Chi Minh City or at Noi Bai International Airport near Hanoi.
Read
Rising Dragon by Bill Hayton, Paradise of the Blind by Duong Thu Huong and Life in Hanoi by Pam Scott.
Listen
Pham Duy, Khan Ly and Le Thu.
Watch
Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass (2015), The Quiet American (1958), Living in Fear (2005), Pearls of the Far East (2011) and Owl and the Sparrow (2007).
Drink
Dua Tuoi (fresh coconut drink), Nuoc Sam (herbal tea), Ca Phe Sua Da (coffee with condensed milk) and Ruou Nep Cam (Sticky rice wine).
Eat
Pho (one of many fantastic Vietnamese soups), Banh Xeo ('sizzling pancake') and Bun Tom Nuong Xa (shrimp and vegetables).
What to buy
Vietnamese silk and Ao Dai (national dress), snake wine, local handicrafts and arts, jewellery and cheap electronics.
What to pack
Sandals are a must. Travellers should also bring padlocks for their bags and should carry valuables with them or lock them up. Moisture-wicking clothing is best and modest clothing is essential for visiting pogodas and temples. Basic medical supplies are always useful.
What's on in Vietnam
The O Loan Lagoon festival at the Black Dragon Lagoon is famous for its colourful setting and lively competitions, including boat racing, dancing, wrestling and much more. The Tet Festival is another major event and ushers in the Chinese New Year in magnificent style.
Did you know?
-The Vietnamese use traditional gongs instead of school bells in schools.
-One third of the world's cashew nuts come from Vietnam.
-The Vietnamese keep potbelly pigs as pets.
-Although a developing nation, Vietnam has a literacy rate of 94 percent.
A final word
Vietnam offers the perfect blend of energetic city life and rural tranquillity. It's one of the most inexpensive holiday destinations, and its tourist culture provides a kaleidoscopic view of this compelling nation.
Things to do in Vietnam
A trip through Vietnam is an exciting journey from south to north, beginning in the vibrant city of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), the country's largest urban centre and economic hub. This bustling metropolis is a captivating blend of old and new, where gleaming skyscrapers sit beside ancient temples, and street vendors sell their wares outside modern shopping malls.
From Saigon, travellers can venture to the lush Mekong Delta for a chance to explore the famous floating markets and experience life on the water. History buffs should make time for a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a reminder of the country's war-torn past, while beach lovers can unwind on the tropical shores of Mui Ne.
Heading north, the charming city of Hoi An is a must for visitors, who're sure to relish its well-preserved Old Town and tranquil atmosphere. The ancient Imperial City of Hue lies just a few hours away, and is now known for its incredible food scene.
As travellers continue to the north, the capital city of Hanoi stands as a testament to Vietnam's rich history through a thousand years of heritage. French and Chinese influences are visible in the city's architecture, while the narrow streets of the Old Quarter bustle with energy, offering a mix of traditional food vendors, trendy cafes, and lively art galleries. In contrast, the French Quarter's wide boulevards are lined with grand colonial-era buildings.
For those looking to escape the city, a scenic train ride to Sapa offers stunning views of terraced rice fields and misty mountains. Meanwhile, the rugged coastline holds its own treasures, including remote beaches and the breathtaking limestone islands of Halong Bay. Just south of Hanoi, Ninh Binh offers a tranquil rural retreat with picturesque rivers winding past dramatic cliffs, and farmers tending to their fields with water buffalo.
Vietnam travel info
Electricity
The voltage in Vietnam is 220 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are either the two flat-pin or the two round-pin type. Three-blade plugs can be found in some of the newer hotels.
Language
The official language in Vietnam is Vietnamese, but Chinese (usually Cantonese) English and French are also spoken. Some tour guides may speak Russian and Japanese; numerous ethnic languages are also prevalent in particular areas.
Money
The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong (VND). Currency can be exchanged at banks, authorised exchange bureaus and larger hotels, and it's advisable to use authorised institutions to avoid counterfeit currency and to ensure fair rates.
Visa and MasterCard are increasingly accepted, especially in major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and other tourist centres. However, cash remains the primary payment method in many areas, particularly in smaller towns and for street vendors. It's prudent to carry cash for small purchases and when visiting rural regions. Those who plan to rely on Google Pay and Apple Pay may struggle outside of major hotels and premium stores.
Travellers can depart Vietnam with amounts up to 15 million VND or $5,000 (or equivalent in other foreign currencies) without declaring it to customs. If they carry more than these amounts, they're required to declare it upon exit.
Tipping
Most restaurants and hotels in Vietnam now add a five to ten percent service charge to their bills, though porters in top hotels will expect a small tip. Hired drivers and guides are usually tipped, and it's customary to round up the bill for taxi drivers in the cities.
Health
Health risks in Vietnam include Hepatitis A and B, typhoid and Japanese encephalitis, and it's recommended that travellers receive vaccinations for these diseases. Malaria prophylaxis is advised for travel to rural areas, particularly in the southern part of the country, including provinces such as Dac Lac, Gia Lai, Khanh Hoa, Kon Tum, Lam Dong, Ninh Thuan, and Tay Ninh. Urban areas such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Nha Trang are generally considered low-risk for malaria.
Reported cases of dengue fever have increased in recent years, so visitors should take care to protect themselves from mosquito bites, particularly in the southern Mekong Delta region. Preventative measures include using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and sleeping under mosquito nets. It's advisable for travellers to ensure that they're vaccinated against measles before visiting.
Most visitors prefer to drink bottled water, even though the local tap water is drinkable; it's best to be cautious with street food and ensure that meals are freshly prepared and served hot.
Quality healthcare is available in major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with English-speaking medical professionals. However, for complex treatments, medical evacuation might be necessary. Pharmacies are widespread, but travellers should be cautious about counterfeit medications and always check expiration dates. Visitors should carry an adequate supply of any personal medications, along with a copy of their prescriptions. Comprehensive health insurance is essential.
Safety
Vietnam is a relatively safe travel destination and violent crime is uncommon. However, petty crime occurs in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and other large cities and tourist hot spots, so visitors should be wary with their belongings when in crowds and on public transport. Travellers are advised to leave valuables in their hotel safe and avoid obvious displays of wealth. During the monsoon season (usually between June and October) the country is prone to serious flooding and typhoons (until December), particularly in the Mekong Delta and Central Region.
Local customs
Travellers should try to dress modestly when away from the beaches (shoulders covered and shorts below the knee) and avoid excessive public displays of affection. Shoes must be removed on entering religious sites and a donation is expected when visiting a temple or pagoda. Photography is restricted at ports, harbours and airports, and it's polite to ask permission before taking photographs of people, especially of ethnic minorities. Visitors should never leave chopsticks sticking upright in a bowl of rice, as it has strong connotations of death. Travellers should use a hand as opposed to pointing with a finger.
Doing business
Pride and tact are important to bear in mind, as practices tend to be more formalised than in Western countries. Often it's best to be introduced rather than approach the person with whom business is intended to avoid creating suspicion. Negotiations and settlements may take longer as the Vietnamese like to examine contracts thoroughly. Formal clothing is common but the dress tends to be more casual in summer months. It's important to be on time for business appointments, as the Vietnamese consider lateness rude.
Business people are always addressed as Mr., Mrs., and Ms., followed by their personal name (not family name), unless otherwise referred; it's worth finding out in advance. Shaking hands with both hands is the most respectful greeting, though bowing is still popular among the older population, and meetings always begin with the exchange of business cards, which should be given and received with both hands. Each person expects to receive a business card, so it's best to bring a decent supply. Business hours are typically 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken at lunch, and 8am to 11.30am on Saturdays.
Duty free
Travellers to Vietnam over 18 years do not have to pay duty on the following items: 200 cigarettes, 20 cigars, 250g tobacco; 1.5 litres alcohol with alcohol content higher than 22 percent and 2 litres below 22 percent; up to 5kg tea and 3kg coffee; perfume and items for personal consumption within reasonable amounts; other goods to the value of 10 million Vietnamese dong.
Communications
The international country code for Vietnam is +84. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the United States or Canada). WiFi availability is widespread, expecially in the cities; travellers can purchase local SIM cards for unlocked phones.
Passport & Visa
All visitors must have sufficient funds for the duration of their stay, onward or return tickets, and all documents needed for next destination. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
US passports must be valid for at least six months upon arrival. Visas are not required for stays of up to 30 days for US nationals arriving at Phu Quoc (PQC).
UK passports must be valid for a minimum of six months after the date of arrival, and UK travellers can visit Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days for tourism or business.
Canadian passports must be valid for a minimum of six months after the date of departure, and Canadian travellers can apply online for an e-visa. This can be a single-entry or multiple-entry electronic tourist visa, valid for a maximum of 90 days.
Australian passports must be valid for a minimum of six months after the date of departure, and Australian travellers can apply online for an e-visa. This can be a single-entry or multiple-entry electronic tourist visa, valid for a maximum of 90 days.
South African passports must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of entry. Passengers with a visa must have travel documents valid for at least 30 days longer than the expiry date of the visa. South African nationals arriving at Phu Quoc (PQC) don't require visas for stays of up to 30 days.
Irish passports must be valid for a minimum of six months after the date of departure, and Irish travellers can apply online for an e-visa. This can be a single-entry or multiple-entry electronic tourist visa, valid for a maximum of 90 days.
New Zealand passports must be valid for a minimum of six months after the date of departure, and New Zealand travellers can apply online for an e-visa. This can be a single-entry or multiple-entry electronic tourist visa, valid for a maximum of 90 days.
Useful contacts
113 (Police); 115 (Ambulance); 114 (Fire)Climate in Vietnam
The climate in Vietnam varies greatly from north to south. The north has a cool and dry season from November to April and a hot rainy season from May to October. The central coast north of Nha Trang has a similar climate with the winter monsoon bringing cool, wet weather between December and February. The south is hot and humid all year round, especially from February to May. The rainy season lasts from May to November. The central highlands have a similar climate to the south, but it's cooler and temperatures can be freezing in winter. The official peak season in Vietnam is from September to April.