a vietnam trip

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• Plan your trip

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Your holiday in vietnam may be an adventure, but planning it should be a breeze..

Below you'll find all the practical information you need to prepare for your trip, including visas for Vietnam, transportation within the country, and basic Vietnamese phrases. If you need help with something specific, try our  Frequently Asked Questions ; and for inspiration for your itinerary, check out our Recommended Trips  for first-time visitors.

travel tips

Read up before you go

Itineraries

practicalities

Get ready for your visit

Vietnam's unit of currency is the Vietnamese đồng (VND) , represented by the '₫' symbol. You can find notes in denominations of 200₫, 500₫, 1,000₫, 2,000₫, 5,000,₫ 10,000₫, 20,000₫, 50,000₫, 100,000₫, 200,000₫, and 500,000₫. For newcomers it can be helpful to ignore the final three zeros until you get the hang of the conversion.

Cash is generally used for small purchases, however, most establishments will accept payments from major credit card providers such as Visa. In addition, hotels, tour operators, boutiques, restaurants, and grocery stores generally accept international debit and credit cards.

If you need to change money, currency exchange counters are available at airports, banks, and official exchange centers. However do note it can be very difficult to purchase dollars once you’re in Vietnam. For most travellers we recommend using ATMs instead of currency exchange points. ATMs are widely available across the country. Maximum withdrawals for foreign cards are usually two or three million per transaction. Below are some banks with higher withdrawal limits:  

Bank maximum withdrawals:

• ANZ: 5 million VND
• Citibank: 10 million VND
• HSBC: 5 million VND
• Commonwealth: 10 million VND

Taxi services

Vietnam has modern, efficient taxi services to help you get around. To avoid scams and haggling, we recommend sticking with the reputable Vinasun and Mai Linh taxis only. There are plenty of these taxis in Vietnam’s tourism destinations. Other taxi companies you can take are Hanoi Taxi Group and SaigonTourist. 

Whichever taxi company you take, always ask to use the metre. In most cities, you can also use call the operator numbers for Vinasun or Mai Linh taxis for a pickup from your location. 

Ride-sharing applications such as Grab are also available for cars and motorbikes in Vietnam's main cities. You will need a local SIM card to use these apps. Click here for more information about transport in Vietnam.

Public holidays

Vietnamese Lunar New Year Festival (Tet) is the biggest holiday of the year, and takes place in late January or early February. Travellers should be aware that most businesses and restaurants shut down during this holiday, as Vietnamese travel home to be with their families. Public transport hubs are full to overflowing in the days leading up to Tet. Any transportation booked over the Tet period should be confirmed well in advance.

You can find a full list of public holidays in Vietnam here , and a round-up of Vietnam’s best festivals here .

Government agencies work eight hours a day from 8am to 5pm, with a one-hour lunch break. Working days are from Monday to Friday. 

Most banks in Vietnam open from 7:30am or 8am to 4:30pm, with a break for lunch. Some banks are open on Saturday mornings from 8am to 11:30pm.

Power plugs

The voltage supply in Vietnam is 220 volts. Most sockets accommodate plugs with two round prongs. If you need adaptors you can find them at any electrical shop, or ask your hotel for assistance. Power cuts and surges are not common but can happen from time to time depending on the location.

SIM cards & helpful numbers

Getting a local SIM card in Vietnam is fast and inexpensive. There are three major GSM network operators in Vietnam, and all have good coverage

You can buy prepaid SIM cards on arrival at major airports, as well as from countless shops across the country. You will need to show your passport to register your SIM card. Prices for SIM cards, SMS messages and phone calls are extremely affordable within Vietnam. You can load your phone credit in increments from 20,000 VND to 100,000 VND on most networks. Data-only SIM cards may cost 100,000 VND to 200,000 VND depending on the amount of data purchased. 

Here are few numbers you may need while in Vietnam: International Dialing Code: +84 Domestic Calls (within Vietnam): 0 + Area code + Telephone No. International Calls (outside Vietnam): 00 + Country code + Area code + Telephone No.

The following is a list of useful telephone numbers to have on hand when visiting Vietnam: +84: International Dialing Code 101: Domestic Long Distance Telephone Service 1080: Social and Cultural Information 110: International Telephone Service 113: Police 114: Fire Brigade 115: Ambulance

Internet and postal services

Vietnam is well-wired and in most destinations you can easily find a connection in cafes, spas, shops, hotels and restaurants. Free public Internet access is available in several tourist hubs and major airports. Local 3G and 4G packages are an affordable option if you plan to visit remote areas or need to be online frequently. The Vietnamese postal service is generally reliable, although packages can take longer to arrive than expected and are often held at the post office for pick-up. Mailboxes are uncommon. If you are sending postcards home, give them to your hotel to mail or send them directly from a post office.

Vietnam’s major cities have excellent clinics and hospitals ready to serve travellers, with English-speaking doctors and staff. Below you’ll find a list of some of the best places to go if you need medical help. We highly recommend buying travel insurance before coming to Vietnam.

COLUMBIA ASIA

No. 8, Alexandre de Rhodes, Bến Nghé, District 1, Bến Nghé, Vietnam +84 8 3823 8888 www.columbiaasia.com/vietnam  

FAMILY MEDICAL HCMC

Add: Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, District 3, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam +84 8 3822 7848 www.vietnammedicalpractice.com  

FV HOSPITAL

No. 6 Nguyễn Lương Bằng, Tân Phú, District7, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam +84 8 54 11 33 33 www.fvhospital.com/en  

INTERNATIONAL SOS

No.167A Nam Ky Khoi Nghia street, district 3, HCMC, Vietnam +84 8 3824 0777 www.internationalsos.com

YERSIN INTERNATIONAL

No. 10 Truong Dinh - Ward 6 - District 3 - HCMC +84 8 3933 66 88 www.yersinclinic.com  

VICTORIA HEALTHCARE VIETNAM

152 Nguyen Luon Bang, Tan Phu, District 7, HCMC, Vietnam +84 8 3910 4545 www.victoriavn.com  

FAMILY MEDICAL DANANG

 96-98 Nguyen Van Linh Street, Hai Chau District, Danang, Vietnam +84 236 3582 699 www.vietnammedicalpractice.com

HOAN MY DANANG HOSPITAL

161 Nguyễn Văn Linh, Thạc Gián, Q. Thanh Khê, Da Nang, Vietnam +84 236 3650 676 www.hoanmy.com

FAMILY MEDICAL PRACTICE HANOI

Van Phuc Compound, 298 Kim Ma Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam +84 4 3843 0748 www.vietnammedicalpractice.com

HONG NGOC HOSPITAL

55 Yen Ninh, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam +04 8 39 275 568 www.hongngochospital.vn

L’HOPITAL FRANCAIS DE HANOI

No.1 Phuong Mai, Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam +84 4 3577 1100 www.hfh.com.vn  

INTERNATIONAL SOS HANOI

51 Xuan Dieu Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi, Vietnam + 84 4 3934 0666 www.internationalsos.com

VIET DUC HOSPITAL

40 Trang Thi Street, Hanoi, Vietnam +84 4 3825 3531 www.vietduchospital.edu.vn

VINMEC INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL

458 Minh Khai Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi, Vietnam +84 4 3974 3556 www.vinmec.com

Embassies and consulates

Embassies and consulates of foreign countries in Vietnam can be found in the cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. For easy reference, below is a full list of embassies in Vietnam and Vietnamese embassies abroad.

Ha Noi Add:  13 Phan Chu Trinh St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Tel:   (84-4) 3825 3865 Fax:   (84-4) 3826 0830 Email:   [email protected]

Ha Noi Add:   A19 - 21, D5 Vuon Dao St., Tay Ho Dist. Tel:   (84-4) 6258 3559 Fax:   (84-4) 6258 3504

Ha Noi Add: 63 To Ngoc Van Road, Tay Ho Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3829 4999 Fax: (84-4) 3829 4997 Email: [email protected]

Ha Noi Add: 298B Kim Ma St., Ba Dinh Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3845 3379 Fax: (84-4) 3845 4977 Email: [email protected]

Ha Noi Add: 9 Chu Van An St., Ba Dinh Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3734 5586 Fax: (84-4) 3734 5589 Email: [email protected]

Ha Noi Add: 305 – 308, A2 Bulding, Van Phuc Diplomatic Compound, 298 Kim Ma St., Ba Dinh Dist. Tel: (84-4) 6268 4888 Fax: (84-4) 6269 4999

Ha Noi Add: Villa No 44/1 Van Bao St., Ba Dinh Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3726 3610 Fax: (84-4) 3726 3615

SOUTH AFRICA

Add: 3rd floor Central Buiding, 31 Hai Ba Trung St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3936 2000 Fax: (84-4) 3936 1991 Email: [email protected]

Ho Chi Minh City  (Consulate)

Add: 80 Vo Van Tan St., Dist.3 Tel: (84-8) 3823 8556 Fax: (84-8) 3823 8557 Email: [email protected]

Ha Noi  (Consulate) Add: 9B Da Tuong St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3942 9266 Fax: (84-4) 3942 9249

Add: 61 Ly Thuong Kiet St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3718 5911 Fax: (84-4) 3718 5910 Email: [email protected]: 194 No Trang Long St., Binh Thanh Dist. Tel: (84-8) 3516 5062 Fax: (84-8) 3516 5072

Add: 194 No Trang Long St., Binh Thanh Dist. Tel: (84-8) 3516 5062 Fax: (84-8) 3516 5072

Ha Noi Add: Room 401, 4th floor, Sentinel Place,  41A Ly Thai To St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3831 5262 Fax: (84-4) 3831 5288 Email: [email protected]

Ha Noi Add: D6-D7, 14 Thuy Khue St., Tay Ho Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3843 2544 Fax: (84-4) 3843 2542 Email: [email protected]

Ha Noi  (Consulate)

Add: 31 Hung Vuong St., Ba Dinh Dist. Tel:  (84-4) 3734 5000 Fax: (84-4) 3734 5049 Email: [email protected]

Ho Chi Minh City  (Consulate)

Add: Suite 1002,  235 Dong Khoi St., Dist. 1 Tel: (84-8) 3827 9899 Fax: (84-8) 3827 9935 Email: [email protected]

Ha Noi  

Add: 121A, 38th St., Dist. 2 Tel: (84-8) 3743 2717 Fax: (84-8) 3743 2716 Email: [email protected]

Add: 14th floor, Corner Stone Building,  16 Phan Chu Trinh St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3936 5318 Fax: (84-4) 3936 5319 Email: [email protected]

Add: 65A Ly Thuong Kiet St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3942 4775 Fax: (84-4) 3942 2426 Email: [email protected]

Add: 45 Phung Khac Khoan St., Dist. 1 Tel: (84-8) 3829 7350 Fax: (84-8) 3829 5293 Email: [email protected]

Add: 44/4 Van Bao St.,Ba Dinh Dist. Tel: (84-4) 7107 8888 Fax: (84-4) 3726 5408 Email: [email protected]

Add: 9th floor, Hanoi Central Office Building, 44B Ly Thuong Kiet St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3936 5213 Fax: (84-4) 3936 5214 Email: [email protected]

Add: 7A Le Thanh Ton St., Dist.1 Tel: (84-4) 3825 0334 Fax: (84-4) 3823 6447 Email: [email protected]

Add: Suite 1402, 14th floor, Corner Stone Building, 16 Phan Chu Trinh St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3936 3082 Fax: (84-4) 3936 3081 Email: [email protected]

Add: 30 Le Ngoc Han St., Hai Ba Trung Dist. Tel: (84-8) 3972 9867 Fax: (84-8) 3972 9992 Email: [email protected]

Add: T11 Building, 14 Thuy Khue St., Tay Ho Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3847 0948 Fax: (84-4) 3847 0949 Email: [email protected]

Add: 11 Tra Khuc St., Tan Binh Dist.

Add: 407 Au Co St., Tay Ho Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3718 5747 Fax: (84-4) 3718 8049 Email: [email protected]

Add: 7 Lang Ha St., Dong Da Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3850 5000 Fax: (84-4) 3850 5010

Add: 4 Le Duan St., Dist. 1 Tel: (84-8) 3520 4200 Fax: (84-8) 3520 4244

Add: 111 Trich Sai St., Tay Ho Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3759 2788 Fax: (84-4) 3759 2728 Email: [email protected]

Add:  73 D5C Vuon Dao St., Tay Ho Dist. Email: (84-4) 3758 5228 Fax: (84-4) 3758 5229 Email: [email protected]

Add:  8th floor, Prime Center, 53 Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem Dist. Add:  (84-4) 3943 3050 Fax: (84-4) 3943 3055 Email: hanoi-obbmeia.gv.at

Add:  12/140 Nguyen Van Thuong St., Dist. 2, Tell: (84-8) 3519 3128 Fax: (84-8) 3519 3122 Email: [email protected]

Add:  66 To Ngoc Van St., Tay Ho Dist. Email: (84-4) 3719 2974 Fax: (84-4) 3719 7125 Email: [email protected]

Add:  9th floor, Hanoi Tower, 49 Hai Ba Trung St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Email: (84-4) 3934 6179 Fax: (84-4) 3934 6183 Email: [email protected]

Add:  105 Duong Van An St., Dist. 2 Email: (84-8) 6281 8001 Fax: (84-8) 6281 8010 Email: [email protected]

Add:  5 Nui Truc St., Ba Dinh Dist. Email: (84-4) 3845 2908 Fax: (84-4) 3846 0856 Email: [email protected]

CZECH REPUBLIC

Add:  13 Chu Van An St., Ba Dinh Dist. Email: (84-4) 3845 4131/2 Fax: (84-4) 3823 3996

Add:  28 Mac Dinh Chi St., Dist. 1 Email: (84-8) 3829 0585 Fax: (84-8) 3822 6043 Email: [email protected]

Hai Phong  

Add:  2 Pham Minh Duc, Ngo Quyen Dist. Tell: (84-31) 3836 539 Fax:(84-31) 3737 618  Email:[email protected]

Add:  7th floor, BIDV Tower, 194 Tran Quang Khai St., Hoan Kiem Dist Email: (84-4) 3823 1888 Fax: (84-4) 3823 1999 Email: [email protected]

Add:  Suite 505, 5th floor, Centec Tower, 72 - 74 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St., Dist. 3 Email: (84-8) 3821 9373 Fax: (84-8) 3821 9371

Add:  34 Nguyen Thi Nghia St., Dist. 1, Tel/ Fax: (84-8) 3925 7276 Email: [email protected]

Add:  24th floor, Lotter Center Hanoi, 54 Lieu Giai St.,  Ba Dinh Dist. Email: (84-4) 3826 6788 Fax: (84-4) 3826 6766 Email: [email protected]

Add:  Suite 501, 5th floor, Sailing Tower,  111A Pasteur Rd., Dist. 1 Email: (84-8) 3827 2029 Fax: (84-8) 3823 4436 Email: [email protected]

Add:  57 Tran Hung Dao St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Email: (84-4) 3944 5700 Fax: (84-4) 3944 5717 Email: [email protected]

Add:  27 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St., Dist. 1 Email: (84-8) 3520 6800 Fax: (84-8) 3520 6819 Email: [email protected]

Add:  29 Tran Phu St., Ba Dinh Dist. Email: (84-4) 3845 3836 Fax: (84-4) 3845 3838 Email: [email protected]

Add:  126 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St., Dist. 3 Email: (84-8) 3829 1967 Fax: (84-8) 3823 1919 Email: [email protected]

Add:  27 - 29 Au Co St., Tay Ho Dist. Email: (84-4) 3715 2254 Fax: (84-4) 3715 2253 Email: [email protected]

Add:  44 Hoang Dieu St., Dist.4 Email: (84-8) 3940 0726 Fax: (84-4) 3825 4278

Add:  9th floor Hanoi Lake View, 28 Thanh Nien St., Tay Ho Dist. Email: (84-4) 3771 5714/5 Fax: (84-4) 3715 0694 Email: [email protected]

Add:  21th floor, Lim Tower, 9 -11 Ton Duc Thang St., Dist.1 Email: (84-8) 0909 991731 Email: [email protected]

 Add:  9th floor, The Vista, 628C Hanoi Highway, Dist.2 Email: (84-8) 3827 4462 Fax: (84-8) 3827 4461

Add:  2th floor, Sentinel Place, 41A Ly Thai To St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Email: (84-4) 3974 3291 Fax: (84-4) 3974 3295 Email: [email protected]

Add:  9 Le Phung Hieu St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Email: (84-4) 3825 6256 Fax: (84-4) 3826 7602 Email: [email protected]

Add:  10th floor, President Place Building, 93 Nguyen Du St., Dist.1 Tel: (84-8) 3827 5445/46/47 Fax: (84-8) 3827 5444

Add:  6th floor, Thu Do Building, 72 Tran Hung Dao St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Tel: (84-4) 6654 2197 Fax: (84-4) 3928 8901

 Add:  12th floor, Petro Viet Nam Tower, 1-5 Le Duan St., Dist.1 Tel: (84-8) (84-8) 5404 6868 Fax: (84-8) (84-8) 5404 6969

Add:  Room 1603B, Prime Centre Building, 53 Quang Trung St., Hai Ba Trung Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3562 6500 Fax: (84-4) 3562 6501 Email: [email protected]

NETHERLANDS

Add:  7th floor, BIDV Tower, 194 Tran Quang Khai St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Email: (84-4) 3831 5650 Fax: (84-4) 3831 5655 Email: [email protected]

Add:  Suite 901, Saigon Tower, 29 Le Duan St.,Dist. 1 Email: (84-8) 3823 5932 Fax: (84-8) 3823 5934 Email: [email protected]

Add:  8th floor, Hanoi Tower, 49 Hai Ba Trung St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Email: (84-4) 3974 8900 Fax: (84-4) 3974 3301 Email: [email protected]

Add:  21- 23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St., Dist. 1 Email: (84-8) 3822 1696 Fax: (84-8) 3827 2696 Email: [email protected]

Add:  3 Chua Mot Cot St., Ba Dinh Dist. Email: (84-4) 3845 2027 Fax: (84-4) 3823 6914 Email:  [email protected]

Add:  31 Pho Duc Chinh St., Ba Dinh Dist. Email: (84-4) 9075 6860 Fax: (84-4) 3926 3926 Email: [email protected]

Add:  66/11 Pham Ngoc Thach St., Dist. 3 Email: (84-8) 3820 0623 Fax: (84-8) 3820 0623 Email: [email protected]

Add:  5 Le Hong Phong St., Ba Dinh Dist. Email: (84-4) 3845 2014 Fax: (84-4) 3843 0922 Email: [email protected]

Add:  Villa 33/5A Dang Van Ngu St., Phu Nhuan Dist. Email: (84-8) 3991 0896 Fax: (84-8) 6292 8226

RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Add:  191 La Thanh Rd., Dong Da Dist. Email: (84-4) 3833 6991 Fax: (84-4) 3833 6995 Email: [email protected]

Add:  40 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan St., Dist. 3 Email: (84-8) 3930 3936 Fax: (84-8) 3930 3937 Email: [email protected]

Da Nang City  (Consulate)

Add:  22 Tran Phu St. Email: (84-511) 3822 380 Fax: (84-511) 3818 527 Email: [email protected]

Add:  666 Ground Floor, The Manor Towers, Me Tri Rd., Tu Liem Dist. Email: (84-4) 3794 9999 Fax: (84-4) 3794 6666

Add:  12 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan St., Ba Dinh Dist. Email: (84-4) 3734 7601 Fax: (84-4) 3734 7603 Email: [email protected]

Add:  64 - 68 Hai Ba Trung St., Dist. 1 Email: (84-8) 3829 8888 Fax: (84-8) 3827 7999 Email: [email protected]

Add:  4 Le Hong Phong St., Ba Dinh Dist. Email: (84-4) 3771 5207 Fax: (84-4) 3771 5206 Email: [email protected]

Add:  2 Nui Truc St., Ba Dinh Dist. Email: (84-4) 3726 0400 Fax: (84-4) 3823 2195 Email: [email protected]

Add:  186 Nguyen Van Huong St., Dist. 2 Email: (84-8) 3519 2335 Fax: (84-8) 3519 2337

SWITZERLAND

Add:  15th floor, Central Office Building, 44B Ly Thuong Kiet St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Email: (84-4) 3934 6589 Fax: (84-4) 3934 6591 Email: [email protected]

Add:  37th floor, Bitexco Financial Tower, 2 Hai Trieu St., Dist. 1 Email: (84-8) 6299 1200 Fax: (84-8) 6299 1222

UK AND NORTHERN IRELAND

Add:  4th floor, Central Building, 31 Hai Ba Trung St., Hoan Kiem Dist.  Email: (84-4) 3936 0500 Fax: (84-4) 3936 0561 Email: [email protected]

Add:  25 Le Duan St., Dist.1 Email: (84-8) 3825 1380/1 Fax: (84-8) 3822 1971

Add:  6 Le Hong Phong St., Ba Dinh Dist. Email: (84-4) 3734 4492 Fax: (84-4) 3734 4497 Email: [email protected]

Add:  22 - 24 Nguyen Van Thu St., Dist. 1 Email: (84-8) 3910 4054 Fax: (84-8) 3910 4053 Email: [email protected]

Add: 8 Dao Tan St., Ba Dinh Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3774 0100 Fax: (84-4) 3774 0111

Add: 20th floor, Vincom Center, 47 Ly Tu Trong St., Dist.1 Tel: (84-8) 3521 8100 Fax: (84-8) 3521 8101 Email: hcmc.vietnam.embassy.gov.au

NEW ZEALAND

Add: Room 504, 5th floor , 63 Ly Thai To St., Hoan Kiem Dist.

Tel: (84-4) 3824 1481

Fax: (84-4) 3824 1480

Email: [email protected]

Add: Suite 804, 8th floor, Metropolitan Building, 235 Dong Khoi St., Dist. 1

Tel: (84-8) 3822 6907

Fax: (84-8) 3822 6905

Add: 6A Le Hong Phong St., Ba Dinh Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3737 9011 Fax: (84-4) 3737 9013 Email:  [email protected]  

Add: 675 Lac Long Quan Rd., Tay Ho Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3771 6625 Fax: (84-4) 3771 6628 Email: [email protected]  

Add: 312 Lac Long Quan St., Tay Ho Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3726 2003 Fax: (84-4) 3726 2010 Email: [email protected]

Add: 71 Tran Hung Dao St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3942 4788 Fax: (84-4) 3942 3225 Email: [email protected]

Add: 41 Phung Khac Khoan St., Dist. 1 Tel: (84-8) 3829 2751 Fax: (84-8) 3822 2773 Email: [email protected]

Add: 46 Hoang Dieu St., Ba Dinh Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3823 5569 Fax: (84-4) 3734 1181

Add: 175 Hai Ba Trung St., Dist. 3 Tel: (84-8) 3822 1327 Fax: (84-8) 3829 5009

DPR. OF KOREA

Add: 25 Cao Ba Quat St., Ba Dinh Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3845 3008 Fax: (84-4) 3823 1221 Email: [email protected]

Add: 58-60 Tran Hung Dao St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3824 4989 Fax: (84-4) 3824 4998 Email:  [email protected]

Add: 55 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St., Dist. 3 Tel: (84-8) 3823 7050 Fax: (84-8) 3823 7047 Email: [email protected]

Add: 50 Ngo Quyen St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3825 3353 Fax: (84-4) 3825 9274 Email: [email protected]

Add: 18 Phung Khac Khoan St., Dist.1 Tel: (84-8) 3825 1888 Fax: (84-8) 3829 9493 Email: [email protected]

Add: 54 Tran Phu St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3823 2068 Fax: (84-4) 3823 2120 Email: [email protected]

Add: 66 Tran Hung Dao St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3942 4141 Fax: (84-4) 3942 4055 Email: [email protected]

Add: 10th floor, Hanoi Tower Building, 49 Hai Ba Trung St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3843 3140 Fax: (84-4) 3843 5760 Email: [email protected]  

Add: 27 Lieu Giai St., Ba Dinh Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3846 3000 Fax: (84-4) 3846 3043 Email: [email protected]

Add: 261 Dien Bien Phu St., Dist. 3 Tel: (84-8) 3933 3510 Fax: (84-8) 3933 3520 Email: [email protected]

Add: Villa No 51, Ho Tay Villa Compound, 10 Dang Thai Mai St., Tay Ho Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3718 0777 Fax: (84-4) 3718 6777

Add: 28th floor, Lotte Center Hanoi Building, 54 Lieu Giai St., Ba Dinh Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3831 5110 Fax: (84-4) 3831 5117 Email: [email protected]

Add: 107 Nguyen Du St., Dist. 1 Tel: (84-8) 3822 5757 Fax: (84-8) 3822 5750 Email: [email protected]

Add: 10 Le Hong Phong St., Ba Dinh Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3848 9955 Fax: (84-4) 3848 9988 Email: [email protected]

Add: 24 Phung Khac Khoan St., Dist. 1 Tel: (84-8) 3827 0555 Fax: (84-8) 3827 0111 Email: [email protected]

Add: 40 Quang Trung St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3942 4576 Fax: (84-4) 3822 8414 Email: [email protected]

Add: 93 Pasteur St., Dist. 3 Tel: (84-8) 3829 7667 Fax: (84-8) 3829 9272 Email:  [email protected]

Add: 43 - 45 Dien Bien Phu St., Ba Dinh Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3734 3849 Fax: (84-4) 3734 3832 Email: [email protected]

Add: 2nd floor, Me Linh Point Tower, 2 Ngo Duc Ke St., Dist. 1 Tel: (84-8) 3829 9023 Fax: (84-8) 3829 9027 Email: [email protected]

Add: Villa No 6 Van Phuc St., Ba Dinh Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3845 3009 Fax: (84-4) 3845 4954 Email: [email protected]

Add: 298A Kim Ma St., Ba Dinh Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3845 3369 Fax: (84-4) 3845 2404

Add: 74 Trich Sai St., Tay Ho Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3759 2700 Fax: (84-4) 3753 6666

Add: 44/2 Van Bao St., Ba Dinh Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3726 2251 Fax: (84-4) 3726 2253 Email: [email protected] or

Add: Room 201 - 301, Building E4b, Trung Tu Diplomatic Compound, 6 Dang Van Ngu St., Dong Da Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3852 4013 Fax: (84-4) 3834 9696 Email: [email protected]

PHILIPPINES

Add: 27B Tran Hung Dao St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3943 7948 Fax: (84-4) 3943 5760 Email: [email protected]

Add: 12 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St., Dist. 3 Tel: (84-8) 3821 0033 Fax: (84-8) 3821 0026 Email: [email protected]

Add: Villa 43, Tran Hung Dao St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3943 0222 Fax: (84-4) 3944 0148 Email: [email protected]

AUDI ARABIA

Add: 48A Tran Phu St., Tay Ho Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3726 4373 Fax: (84-4) 3726 4374 Email: [email protected]

Add: 41 - 43 Tran Phu St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3848 9168 Fax: (84-4) 3848 9178 Email: [email protected]

Add: 65 Le Loi Boulevard, Dist. 1 Tel: (84-8) 3822 5174 Fax: (84-8) 3914 2938 Email: [email protected]

Add: 55B Tran Phu St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3734 1894 Fax: (84-4) 3734 1897 Email: [email protected]

Add: 26 Phan Boi Chau St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3823 5092 Fax: (84-4) 3823 5088

Add: 77 Tran Quoc Thao St., Dist. 3 Tel: (84-8) 3932 7637/ 8 Fax: (84-8) 3932 6002 Email: [email protected]

TIMOR - LESTE

Add: 51 Nguyen Du St., Hai Ba Trung Dist. Tel: (84-4) 6278 2972 Fax: (84-4) 6278 2973

Add: 14th floor, Central Office Building, 44B Ly Thuong Kiet St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3822 2460 Fax: (84-4) 3822 2458 Email: [email protected]

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Add: 20 Quang An St., Tay Ho Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3726 4545 Fax: (84-4) 3726 2020 Email: [email protected]

Add: 22/9 Dao Tan St., Ba Dinh Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3766 5203

2. Consulates Overseas:

IN AUSTRALIA

Add: 6 Timbarra Cres., O'Malley, Canberra, ACT 2606 Tel: (61-2) 6286 6059 Fax: (61-2) 6286 4534 Email: [email protected]

Consulate : Suite 205, Level 2 Edgecliff Centre, 203 - 233 New South Head Rd, Edgecliff - NSW 2027 Tel: (61-2) 9327 2539 Fax: (61-2) 9328 1653 Email: [email protected]

Consulate : Level 8, 16 St., Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000 P O Box 3122, East Perth, WA 6892 Tel: (61-8) 9221 1158 Fax: (61-8) 9225 6881 Email: [email protected]

IN NEW ZEALAND

Add: Level 21 Grand Plimmer Tower, 2-6 Gilmer Terrace Po Box 8042 Wellington Tel: (644) 4735 912 Fax: (644) 4735 913 Email: [email protected]

Add: Villa 101& 102, St 27, Sector 24, Al Mushrif. Abu Dhabi – The U.S.E, P.O Box: 113038 Tel: (971-2) 4496 710 Fax: (971-2) 4496 730 Email: [email protected]

IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

Add: No 9, Spg 148-3 jalan Telanai  BA 2312, BSB Tel: (67-3) 2651 580 Fax: (67-3) 2651 574 Email: [email protected]

IN CAMBODIA

Add: 436 Monivong Blvd, Phnom Penh Tel: (855-23) 726 274 Fax: (855-23) 726 495

Consulate : Rd. No.3, Battambang Tel: (855-53) 6888 866 Fax: (855-53) 6888 866 Email:[email protected]

Consulate : 310 Ekreach, Khan Mittapheap, Sihanouk City Tel: (855-34) 933 466 Fax: (855-34) 933 669 Email: [email protected]

Add: Guang Hua Lu, No 32, Beijing.100600 Tel: (86-10) 6532 1155 Fax: (86-10) 6532 5720 Email: [email protected]

Consulate : No. 155 Beijing Rd., Kunming  Tel: (86-871) 351 5889 Fax: (86-871) 351 6667 Email:[email protected]

Consulate : 15/F, Great Smart Tower, 230 Wan Chai Rd., Wan Chai, Hong Kong Tel: (85-2) 2591 4510 Fax: (85-2) 2591 4539 Email:[email protected]

Consulate : 1st  floor, Touzi Dasha 109 Minzu Avenue  - Nanning Tel: (86-771) 551 0562 Fax: (86-771) 553 4738 Email:[email protected]

Consulate : 2nd floor, B Building north, Landmark Hotel, Qiaoguang Rd. (Haizhu square), Guangzhou

Tel: (86-20) 8330 5916 Fax: (86-20) 8330 5915 Email:[email protected]

Consulate : 3F No. 65 Sung Chiang Road, Taipei, Taiwan Tel: (886-2) 25166 626 Fax: (886-2) 25041 761 Email:[email protected]

Consulate : 3F, Huachen Financial Mansion, No 900, Pudong Ave, Shanghai Tel: (86-21) 6855 5871 Fax: (86-21) 6855 5873 Email: [email protected]

Consulate : B-306 Oberoi chamber, New Link road, Andheri (w) Mumbai 400 053 Tel: (91-22) 2673 6688 Fax: (91-22) 2673 6633 Email: [email protected]

IN INDONESIA

Add: No.9 JL. Pekalongan, Menteng, Jakarta-Pusat 10310 Tel: (62-21) 3190 7255 Fax: (62-21) 3190 6642 Email: [email protected]

Add: No. 6 East Ordibehesht, Mardani Sharestan 8th. St. Pey Syan. St. M.Ardabili Valiyear Ave. Tehran Tel: (98-21) 2241 478 Fax: (98-21) 2241 6045 Email: [email protected]

Add: 4th floor.Beit Asia, 4 Weizman Str. Tel Aviv, Israel Tel: (972-3) 6093 704 Fax: (972-3) 6966 243 Email: [email protected]

Add: 50-11, Motoyoyogi-cho Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Tel: (81) 3466 3313 Fax: (81) 3466 3391 Email: [email protected]

Consulate : 4-2-15 Ichino-cho Higashi, Sakai-ku, Sakai-shi, Osaka 590-0952 Tel: (81-72) 2216 666 Fax: (81-72) 2216 667 Email: [email protected]

Consulate : 4th Floor, Aquahakata, 5-3-8 Nakasu, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Japan 810-0801 Tel: (81-92) 2637 668 Fax: (81-92) 2637 676 Email:[email protected]

IN KAZAKHSTAN

Add: No 6 Xary-Arka - A-xta-na Tel: (7-7172) 990 375 Fax: (7-7172) 990 379 Email: [email protected]

IN KOREA (DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC)

Add: 7 Munsu Street, Pyongyang Tel: (850-2) 3817 358 Fax: (850-2) 3817 632 Email:[email protected]

IN KOREA (REPUBLIC)

Add: 28-58, Samchong - Dong, Chongno-Ku, 110-230, Seoul Tel: (82-2) 7382 318 Fax: (82-2) 7392 064 Email: [email protected]

Add: Block 10, St.19, Villa 96 - Ku Wait Tel: (965) 2531 1450 Fax: (965) 2535 1592 Email: [email protected]

Add: Thatluang Rd, Vientiane Tel: (856-21) 413 409 Fax: (856-21) 413 379 Email: [email protected]

Consulate : 31 Ban Pha Bat, Pakse, Champassak Tel: (856-31) 212 827 Fax: (856-31) 212 058 Email: [email protected]

Consulate : 118 Sisavangvong Rd., Khanthabuly Dist., Savanakhet Tel: (85-6) 212 418 Fax: (85-6) 212 182 Email: [email protected]

Consulate : No 427- 428 Ban That Bosot, Luang Prabang Town, Luang Prang Province Tel: (856-71) 254 748 Fax: (856-71) 254 746 Email: [email protected]

IN MALAYSIA

Add: No.4, Persiaran Stonor 50450, Kuala Lumpur Tel: (60-3) 2148 4534 Fax: (60-3) 2148 3270 Email: [email protected]

IN MONGOLIA

Add: Enlchtaivany Urgunchulur 47-Ulaan Baatar Tel: (97-611) 454 632 Fax: (97-611) 458 923 Email: [email protected]

Add: Building No.70-72, Thanlwin Rd., Bahan Tsp, Yangon Tel: (95-1) 501 992 Fax: (95-1) 514 897 Email: [email protected]

IN PAKISTAN

Add: 1117, St.11 Sector E7, Islamabad Pakistan Tel: (92-51) 2655 785, ext: 103 Fax: (92-51) 2655 783 Email: [email protected]

IN PHILIPPINES

Add: 670 Ocampo Pablo Malate, Manila Tel: (63-2) 5216 843 Fax: (63-2) 5260 472 Email: [email protected]

Add: Villa No.8 (Near Saha 109 Street), West bay Lagoon. P.O.Box: 23595 Doha Tel: (974) 4412 8480 Fax: (974) 4412 8370 Email: [email protected]

IN SAUDI ARABIA

Add: 23  Al-Dhiyafah St,  Al-Nuzha District, Riyadh Tel: (9661) 4547 887 Fax: (9661) 4548 844 Email: [email protected]

IN SINGAPORE

Add: 10 Leedon Park, Singapore 267887 Tel: (65-6) 4625 938 Fax: (65-6) 4689 863 Email: [email protected]

IN THAILAND

Add: 83/1 Wireless Rd., Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Tel: (66-2) 2515 836 Fax: (66-2) 2517 201 Email: [email protected]

Consulate : 65/6 Chatapadung, Khonkaen 40000 Tel: (66-43) 242 190 Fax: (66-43) 241 154 Email: [email protected]

IN BANGLADESH

Add: Vintage Building, Plot 07, Road 104, Gulshan 2, Dhaka 1212 Tel: (880-2) 8854 051 Fax: (880-2) 8854 052 Email: [email protected]

IN SRI LANKA

Add: 30/5 Ward Place, Colombo-7 Tel: (94-11) 2696 050 Fax: (94-11) 2692 040 Email: [email protected]

Add: No.30, Rue Chénoua, Hydra - Alger Tel: (213-21) 608 843 Fax: (213-21) 693 778 Email: [email protected]

Add: Via AL4, Lotes 4-5, Bairro Talatona-Luanda Sul, LUANDA CP 1774 Tel: (244-222) 010 697 Fax: (244-222) 010 696 Email: [email protected]

Add: 110, Sudan str.Mohandesseen, Cairo Tel: (202) 3762 3841 Fax: (202) 3336 8612 Email: [email protected]

Add: Al Hadba Al Khadra – Tripoli Libya P.O. Box: 587 Tel: (218-21) 4903 664 Fax: (218-21) 4901 499 Email: [email protected]

IN MOZAMBIQUE

Add: Av.Francisco Orlando Mabunbwe 1048/1026 Caixa Postal: 4051 - Maputo Tel: (258) 2149 7912 Fax: (258) 2149 1992 Email: [email protected]

Add: No.9 River Niger Street, Maitama, Abuja Tel: (234-9) 8703 678 Email: vnemb.ng@m

IN SOUTH AFRICA

Add: 87 Brooks Street, Brooklyn, P.O. Box : 13692 Hatfield 0028 Pretoria Tel: (27-12) 3628 119 Fax: (27-12) 3628 115 Email: [email protected]

IN TANZANIA

Add: Plot 11, Bongoyo Road, Oysterbay, PO Box: 9724 Dar Es Salaam Tel: (255-222) 664 535 Fax: (255-222) 664 537 Email: [email protected]

Add: Felix-Mottl - Strabe A - 1190 Vienna Tel: (43-1) 3680 755 Fax: (43-1) 3680 754 Email: [email protected]

Add: 220040 Minsk, Mozajskovo St, house No 3 Tel/Fax: (37-51) 7237 4879 Email:[email protected]

Add: Boulevard General Jacques 11050 Bruxelles Tel: (32-2) 3792 731 Fax: (32-2) 3749 376 Email: [email protected]

IN BULGARIA

Add: Sofia 1113 Ul. Jetvarka No 1 Tel: (359-2) 9632 743, ext: 201 Fax: (359-2) 9633 658 Email: [email protected]

Add: Plzenská 214 - 150 00 - Praha 5 Tel: (42-02) 5721 1540 Fax: (42-02) 5721 1792 Email: [email protected]

Add: Gammel Vartov Ve 20-2900 Hellekup Copenhagen Tel: (45) 3918 3932 Fax: (45) 3918 4171 Email: [email protected]

Add: Kulosaarentie 12, 00570 Helsinki Tel: (358-9) 6229 900 Fax: (358-9) 6229 902 Email: [email protected]

Add: 61 rue de Miromesnil, 75008 Paris Tel: (33-1) 4414 6400 Fax: (33-1) 4524 3948 Email: [email protected]

Add: Elsenstrasse 3, 12435 Berlin - Treptow Tel: (49-30) 5363 0108 Fax: (49-30) 5363 0200 Email: [email protected]

Consulate : Villa Ha Noi, Kennedy-Alle 49, Frankfurt/M Tel: (49-69) 79533 650 Fax: (49-69) 79533 6511 Email:[email protected]

Add: Iereos Dousi St. 54, Marousi 15126 Tel: (30-210) 6128 733 Fax: (30-210) 6128 734 Email: [email protected]

Add: 1146 Budapest – Thokoly Ut 41 Tel: (36-1) 3425 583 Fax: (36-1) 3528 798 Email: [email protected]

Add: Via Clitunno 34 00198 Roma Tel: (39-06) 6616 0726 Fax: (39-06) 6615 7520 Email: [email protected]

IN NETHERLANDS

Add: Nassauplein 12, 2585 EB, The Hague Tel: (31-70) 3648 917 Fax: (31-70) 3648 656 Email: [email protected]

Add: St. Olavs Gate 21C, 0165 Oslo Tel: (47) 2220 3300 Fax: (47) 2220 3301 Email: [email protected]

Add: UL Resorowa 36 02-956 Warszawa Tel: (48-22) 6516 098, ext: 50 Fax: (48-22) 6516 095 Email: [email protected]

Add: St.C.A. Roseth Nr.35 Sector 2, Bucaest Tel: (4021) 3110 334, ext: 50 Fax: (4021) 3121 626 Email:[email protected]

IN RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Add: Bolshaya Pirogovskaya,13 Moscow Tel: (7-499) 2451 092 Fax: (7-499) 2463 121 Email: [email protected]

Consulate : 107/1, Pushkinskaya St., Vladivostok Tel: (7-4232) 226 927 Fax: (7-4232) 261 496 Email:[email protected]

Consulate : 411 - DIVS-22, Karla Libknhesta - 620075, Ekaterinburg Tel: (7-343) 2530 280 Fax: (7-343) 2530 282 Email:[email protected]

IN SLOVAKIA

Add: 15 Dunajska, Bratislava,  Slovakia - PO 81108 Tel: (421) 25245 1263 Fax: (421) 25245 1273 Email: [email protected]

Add: Avenida Alfonso XIII, No.5 – 28016 Madrid Tel: (34) 91510 2867 Fax: (34) 91415 7067 Email: [email protected]

Add: Orby Slottsvag 26125 ALVSJO - Stockholm Tel: (46-8) 5562 1071 Fax: (46-8) 5562 1080 Email: [email protected]

IN SWITZERLAND

Add: Schlosslistrasse 26-3008 Bern Tel: (41-31) 388 7878 Fax: (41-31) 388 7879 Email: [email protected]

Add: Koza, No 109, G.O.P, Ankara Tel: (90-312) 4468 049 Fax: (90-312) 4465 623 Email: [email protected]

Add: 12-14 Victoria Rd., London W8 - 5rd Tel: (44-20) 7937 1912 Fax: (44-20) 7565 3853 Email: [email protected]

Add: 51 Tovarna –St 01103/ Kiev Tel/Fax: (380-44) 2845 5442 Email: [email protected]

IN UZBEKISTAN

Add: Rashidov-St-100, Tashkent-700084 Tel: (998-71) 1356 493 Fax: (998-71) 1206 265 Email: [email protected]

IN ARGENTINA

Add: Calle 11 de Setiembre 1442, C.P (1426) - Capital Federal Tel: (54-114) 7831 802 Fax: (54-114) 7820 078 Email: [email protected]

Add: SHIS, QI 09, Conj10, Casa 1, Lago Sul, CEP: 71.615-070 – Brasil Brasilia/DF Tel: (55-61) 3364 5876 Fax: (55-61) 3364 5836 Email: [email protected]

Add: No.55 MacKay Street Ottawa, K1M 2B2 Tel: (1-613) 2361 398 Fax: (1-613) 2362 704 Email:[email protected]

Consulate : #800-605, Robson Street, Vancouver B.C V6B5J3 Tel: (1-604) 6290 189 Fax: (1-604) 6812 906 Email:[email protected]

Add: No. 5ta.Avenide #1802, esquina a 18, Miramar,Playa, La Habana Tel: (53-7) 2041 502 Fax: (53-7) 2041 041 Email: [email protected]

Add: Avenida Eliodoro Yasasnsnez 2897 – Providencia, Santiago de Chile Tel: (56-2) 2244 3633 Fax: (56-2) 2244 3799 Email: [email protected]

Add: No. 255 Sierra Ventana 255 lomasde Chapultepec Delegation -Miguel Hidalgo CP.11000 Tel: (52-55) 55401 632 Fax: (52-55) 5401 612 Email: [email protected]

Add: Edificio St. Georges Bank (Antiguo Banco Atlantico), Piso 2, Local 1, Entre Calle 50 y 53, Obarrio, Ciudad de Panama Tel: (507) 2642 551 Fax: (507) 2656 056 Email: [email protected]

Add: 1233, 20th Str., N.W, Suite 400 - Washington DC 20036 Tel: (1-202) 8610 737 Fax: (1-202) 8610 917 Email: [email protected]

Consulate : Suite 430, California Street, San Francisco, CA. 94109 Tel: (1-415) 9221 707 Fax: (1-415) 9221 848 Email:[email protected]

Consulate : 5333 Westheimer Rd., Suite 800 Houston, TX 77056 Tel: (1-832) 2667 068 Fax: (1-713) 8100 159 Email: [email protected]

IN VENEZUELA

Add: 9ta Transversal, entre 6ta y 7ma Avenidas, Quinta Las Mercedes, Altamira, Chacao 1060-025 D.F, Caracas Tel: (58-212) 6357 402 Fax: (58-212) 2647 324 Email: [email protected]

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Vietnam Travel Guide: A Complete 3-Week Itinerary

Travel through Vietnam! An enormous country, home to tropical forests, limestone cliffs, and exhilarating mountain roads. Away from the wonderful nature, are cities full of culture and fascinating history. And perhaps best of all, eat your way through delicious street food in one of the most flavorsome countries in the world! Discover Vietnam in this 3 or 4 week Vietnam route.

Vietnam Travel Route (3 or 4 weeks)

Traveling in Vietnam is mostly done by bus or train as there are limited direct flights between places. Three weeks is a good amount of time to travel in Vietnam.

If going as far as Ho Chi Minh, allow another week (4 weeks in total) to see the beauty of far southern islands like Phu Quoc or the extraordinary maze-like rivers of the Mekong Delta.

Also read: Best Things to do in Vietnam

Day 1 – 3: Hanoi

Start your Vietnam route in the buzzing capital of Hanoi ! This ancient city, centered around the misty Hoan Kiem Lake, is home to the best street food on the planet.

Spend at least two days here soaking up the sights, sounds, and flavors of this beautifully chaotic city. Get ready to get lost among the beautiful web of narrow streets with French-style buildings, and bravely attempt to cross the manic roads!

There is an international airport here that serves the rest of the world, as well as domestic flights to other parts of Vietnam . Because of this, it’s a good place to start on your Vietnam travels.

Where to Stay in Hanoi

The quality of guesthouses and hotels in Hanoi is extremely high for the money you’ll pay. Situate yourself in the Old Quarter or near Hoan Kiem Lake so that you can see all the things to do in Hanoi on foot.

Hotels in Hanoi 😴

Day 4 – 6: Sapa

Experience trekking in the wonderful, rolling rice hills of Sapa ! The luscious, green north of Vietnam is an absolute must-see on any Vietnam route.

Hike through the beautiful nature among mountains, paddies, and tribal villages, and stay with a local family to experience their way of living. Between May and September, see the rice fields at their greenest! Note : You will have to go back to Hanoi after Sapa before departing for Ha Long Bay.

Read more: Trek at the rice terraces of Sapa, Vietnam

Getting from Hanoi to Sapa

Bus: Regular direct buses depart Hanoi, taking 6 hours. This is the cheapest and quickest option. Get your bus or train tickets here.

Train: Both day trains and sleeper trains run from Hanoi to Lao Cai (8 hours). From there, take a minivan in 1 hour to Sapa.

Day 7 – 9: Ha Long Bay

Enjoy sailing across the peaceful emerald waters of Ha Long Bay among limestone karsts and floating villages. From Hanoi, book an incredible cruise to either Ha Long or Lan Ha Bay.

These cruises normally include a return transfer from Hanoi and come in a variety of options. For example, a day cruise or a 2 night/3 day cruise. To properly enjoy the beauty of this magical part of Vietnam, spend 2 nights here relaxing and exploring your Vietnam route.  Find a tour online .

Tip: Take the return transfer back to Hanoi from Ha Long Bay. You may need to spend one more night in Hanoi before continuing on the rest of the journey.

Day 10 – 12: Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh province is the natural paradise of Vietnam, home to charming villages, stunning rice fields, rivers, and the limestone mountains of Tam Coc. Enjoy a relaxing few days of seeing the beauty and tranquility of nature. Whether it be spotting wildlife or exploring the mountaintop temples, caves, and shrines, there is something every traveler will love.

Read: Tam Coc, the natural paradise of Vietnam

Where to Stay in Tam Coc

Experience charming wooden bungalows, lotus ponds, and gardens filled with organically grown vegetables – there’s plenty to choose from in the Ninh Binh region.

Hotels in Tam Coc 😴

Getting from Hanoi to Ninh Binh/Tam Coc

By car: Tam Coc is a 2 – 2.5-hour drive from Hanoi. Some guesthouses will offer a return journey to Hanoi for an extra fee.

Bus: Buses run regularly from Hanoi.

Train: There is a direct train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. From Ninh Binh, you can reach Tam Coc in a 10-minute taxi ride.

Book your transportation tickets online

Day 13 – 15: Phong Nha

Explore the spectacular area of Phong Nha, known as the ‘adventure capital of Asia’, and for good reason! There are hundreds of mammoth caves here, nestled between limestone mountains and wide winding rivers. Because of this, travelers can enjoy trekking, climbing, or abseiling through tunnels and rivers.

The most extraordinary of all the caves is Son Doong, big enough to fit in city skyscrapers. To reach this cave is a 4-day trek, with a long waitlist, so make sure to plan ahead if you want to incorporate this into your Vietnam travels. Many others, which are just as impressive, such as Hang En, can be visited in a day trek.

Note: During the rainy season of July- December (especially in the later months) many of the caves become inaccessible.

Getting from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha

Bus: To get to Phong Nha from Ninh Binh, there is a direct overnight bus (7 hours). This is the most efficient and direct option.

Train: There are also trains from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi (8 hours). From Dong Hoi, it is a 1-hour taxi to Phong Nha.

Plane: To fly, go back to Hanoi and take a 1-hour domestic flight to Dong Hoi. From here, take the 1-hour taxi to Phong Nha.

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Day 16 – 17: Hue

Hue is a lovely little city to spend a night and soak up the remarkable culture of Vietnam. It used to be the capital of Vietnam, a royal city on the banks of the wide Perfume River.

As such, it’s filled with ancient tombs, beautiful pagodas, and, most famously, the walled imperial city. Spend a few hours wandering around the ancient Imperial City, surrounded by a moat, and gain a glimpse into the royal history of emperors in Vietnam.

Because of its war-torn past, Hue is also home to many war/history museums, which are fascinating to visit. A cultural gem on your Vietnam route!

Tip: Try the legendary ‘Bun Bo Hue’, iconic of the city.

Getting from Phong Nha to Hue

Bus: From Phong Nha, take a direct bus to Hue. It can be done in 3 hours for as little as 6 USD!

Day Trip: Hai Van Pass to Danang

On your way from Hue to Hoi An , make a stop for the afternoon in Danang. To do this, hire a motorbike and ride the famous, exhilarating Hai Van Pass. This meandering road (20 km) worms through the hills and coastline 500 m above sea level! Because of its height, this is easily one of the most beautiful ways to see this part of the country. Make a stop in Danang to see the golden bridge or the weird and wonderful Ba Na hills.

Note: If motorbiking isn’t really your thing, Danang is reachable by train from Hue. It’s a beautiful journey along the coast, known as one of the best train rides in Vietnam!

Day 18 – 20: Hoi An (end of 3-week route)

Arrive in beautiful, colorful Hoi An! Discover lantern-lit streets and French-style architecture while taking romantic river strolls or relaxing bike rides.

This UNESCO world heritage site offers countless things to do, such as a ride in the traditional basket boats, as well as some of the best food you’ll experience while traveling in Vietnam. Try the famous Banh Mi sandwich here! Hoi An is also the final stop of a 3-week route, and you can fly out from the nearby Danang airport.

Read more: Ultimate Guide to visiting Hoi An

Where to Stay in Hoi An

Depending on what kind of trip you want, you can stay either by the beach or situate yourself more centrally by the old town. It’s best to stay just outside of the old town, as the accommodation will be cheaper and both the beach and the old town will still be easy to reach.

Hotels in Hoi An 😴

Getting from Hue to Hoi An

From Hue, make your way to Hoi An either by motorbike, public transport or minivan. Book your transport here .

Day 21 – 23: Dalat (start of 4-week route) 

Dalat is the perfect place to see Vietnam’s nature at its finest. The green mountain town is situated in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. This is a region home to dense tropical forests, roaring waterfalls, and countless species of wildlife.

Spend time here spotting animals, taking the famous Da Lat cable car, or riding one of the many legendary motorbike journeys in the area. Because of its high location, there are nice mild temperatures all year round, so it’s a great spot to cool off from the heat of the lowlands. 

Tip: Da Lat has an amazing coffee scene! Try a cup of the delicious brew here.

Where to Stay in Da Lat

Stay in a beautiful villa overlooking the city and the surrounding green scenery, or opt for a comfortable hostel with a smaller budget.

Hotels in Dalat 😴

Getting from Hoi An to Dalat

Bus: If heading straight to Dalat from Hoi An, take an overnight bus of 13/14 hours. 

Train:   Overnight train from Danang to Nha Trang (10 hours). From here, take the bus to Dalat in 4 hours.

Plane: Danang to Dalat is a 1.5-hour flight (more expensive than other ways of travel).

Day 24 – 25: Mui Ne

Mui Ne is famous for its relaxed beach vibe, but most importantly for its extraordinary white and red sand dunes! Visit the red sand dunes at sunset to see the fiery colors of the sun blend into the red of the sand.

Alternatively, visit the white sand dunes for adventurous activities like quad biking or sand dune sledding. This is a must-do on any Vietnam travel route!

Getting from Dalat to Mui Ne

Bus: Visit in a 4-hour bus ride from Dalat.

Day 26 – 28: Ho Chi Minh

Spend a few days in the sprawling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh! Formerly known as Saigon, this fantastic city is very modern, with broad tree-lined avenues, bright city lights, and skyscrapers. Get to know the various districts, eat incredible food, and make sure to visit the highly informative war museums. This is a must-visit when traveling in Vietnam!

Make sure to take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels: a huge network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong soldiers in the war. Join a tour that gives you the opportunity to crawl through the tunnels yourself for a true-to-life experience.

Getting from Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh

Bus: 5-6 hours.

Train : 4-5 hours train from Phan Thiet (a 30 min drive from Mui Ne) that takes you directly to Ho Chi Minh.

Day 29 Onwards: Phu Quoc (Optional)

If you have time, visit the beautiful island of Phu Quoc , in the far southwest of Vietnam. This island is a true paradise of secluded white sand bays fringed by clear, emerald waters and hanging palm trees.

Head to the north of the island to explore the Phu Quoc National Park. Here you will find perfectly preserved nature, mountains, and dense forest that’s home to an abundance of incredible wildlife. Phu Quoc is definitely a perfect spot to relax, swing in a hammock, and enjoy the peace of nature after your adventurous Vietnam travels.

Where to Stay on Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc is one of the few islands that Vietnam has. It’s not new to tourists, so it is popular, but it’s luckily still not developed enough to be crowded. There’s a variety of accommodations on the island, from budget guesthouses and homestays to luxury hotels. 

Hotels in Phu Quoc 😴

Getting from Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc

Bus + Boat: It is possible to take the bus to Rach Gia or Ha Tien (ferry piers) in 7-8 hours. From here, take the ferry to Phu Quoc in 2.5- 3 hours. 

Plane: There is a direct 1-hour flight from Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc. This is a little more expensive, but it’s the most efficient way of travel.

Tip: If heading to Phu Quoc it’s worth taking some time to visit other places in the Mekong Delta region. This stunning area of natural beauty is home to a network of rivers, fantastic floating markets, rice paddies, and forests.

Alternative Vietnam Route Options

If your time in Vietnam is limited, spend 3 weeks up until Hoi An and save the south for another trip! If you have more than one month, spend more time in the Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc. Remote places like Sapa and Dalat, which take more time to get to, can be removed from the Vietnam route if time is tight.

What’s Vietnamese food like?

Vietnamese food is one of the healthiest cuisines in the world! The fresh, salty, sweet, and sour Vietnamese flavors mixed with herbs and spices bring beautiful harmony to your taste buds. Most dishes are not spicy, but chili flakes are always served on the table separately.

Costs of Traveling in Vietnam

Travel in Vietnam is exceptionally affordable! Delicious food can be bought from street vendors at a very cheap price, and there are very well-priced hotels and guesthouses throughout the country.

Travel is very cheap by bus, but extend your budget if you want to take domestic flights as these can be more expensive. Expect to travel on a budget of 10-20 USD per person and 20-50 USD per person for a bit more comfort.

Travel on a budget in Vietnam, from $110 − $240 USD weekly per person, mid-range $280 − $830 USD, and high-end from $750 − $1250 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $6 − $100 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $5 − $20 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $5 − $15 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $20 − $30 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $2 − $30 USD
• Activities: $1 − $10 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

How to Get Around in Vietnam

Vietnam’s infrastructure is varied. Although the roads are generally good, the traffic can be bad, so it’s good to always allow for delays when using public transport.

The main way to travel in Vietnam is by bus, and although this is slower, there are excellent sleeper buses which means you don’t have to take days off the itinerary. Good train routes operate down the coast of Vietnam, which also offer sleeper services.

Vietnam has a handful of domestic airports, but if you want to travel to more remote places, prepare to take the bus! ( Find cheap flight tickets )

Via this website you can easily book your busses and trains online

Best Time to Visit Vietnam

The climate of Vietnam is different from north to south. In the north, the weather is very seasonal, with hot, humid, and rainy summers and cold, dry winters. In the south, it is hot throughout the year, with the drier months between November to April and the wetter months between May and October. 

Avoid visiting Vietnam during public holidays like TET, as prices will be much higher. It’s also good to note that most shops will be closed and transport services will be greatly reduced.

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Vietnam?

Yes! Apply for an electronic visa online before traveling to Vietnam. The e-visa costs 25 USD and is valid for 30 days of travel. It takes 3 days to be approved but allows for more time just in case of delays or problems with the application. For a 90-day visa, apply beforehand using a reputable agency or by visiting the Vietnamese embassy in your home country.

Easily order your Vietnam visa here

Note: As of 2023, citizens of 25 countries can travel to Vietnam without having to apply for a visa and can stay in the country for 14 to 45 days (depending on nationality). Make sure to check beforehand if you’re country is on the exemption list and what conditions apply.

Safety in Vietnam

Vietnam is a very safe country to travel through. Even so, always keep your belongings with you, and be wary of pickpockets and scams. If traveling by motorbike, be very wary of the chaotic traffic on the roads, always wear a helmet, and make sure you have insurance.

Here’s how to:   find the right travel insurance

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10 Best Things to Do on Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

8 best things to do in mui ne, vietnam, best things to do in ninh binh & tam coc (vietnam).

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

Thank you so much for this helpful content! It helped and inspired me a lot for my travels to Vietnam 🙏🏼 Just one little remark as it has changed on August 15 2023: a lot of European countries don’t require a visa anymore for a stay up to 45 days :)

Hi Lisa, thanks so much for pointing that out! We’ll update the guide :)

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How Long to Spend in Vietnam?  - 7 Days, 10 Days, 2 Weeks...

Vietnam is a country of fascinating natural beauty, a vibrant culture, and rich history, making it an ideal destination for travelers. However, deciding on the ideal length of stay can be overwhelming, given that travelers' preferences and schedules can differ. Let's explore some sample itineraries with various durations (from 1 week to 3 weeks) to help you decide on the perfect length of stay.

How Many Days Do You Need in Vietnam?

• 1-Week Vietnam Itineraries
• 10–12-Day Vietnam Itineraries
• 2-Week Vietnam Itineraries
• 3-Week+ Vietnam Itineraries

Ideally, you should spend about 2 weeks exploring the best of Vietnam without feeling rushed, from the north to the south. You can visit the main places such as Hanoi and Ha Long Bay in the north, Hoi An and Da Nang in the center, and Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta in the south.

A 3-week or more itinerary allows you to explore Vietnam more thoroughly while also providing enough time to relax and enjoy the beaches. You can add some other less-frequented destinations such as Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Da Lat.

If you only have one week , you can consider visiting one region to explore it leisurely, such as northern Vietnam, central Vietnam, or southern Vietnam.

If you require any assistance while planning your trip to China, we are more than happy to assist you. Our dedicated team of travel consultants is available to carefully and swiftly address any concerns and queries you may have.

Based on our extensive trip planning experience, we are more than happy to provide you with the best tour plan to suit your needs and preferences. Please feel free to contact us and let's tailor-make a unique tour for you .

Vietnam Itinerary: 1 Week

Although one week may not seem like a lot of time, it is still enough to explore some of Vietnam's top attractions. To make the most of your limited time, it's recommended that you focus on one region of Vietnam. By doing so, you'll be able to immerse yourself in the highlights of that area and enjoy a more leisurely pace.

1 Week in Northern Vietnam

Northern Vietnam is a popular destination, attracting visitors with its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural scenery, and outdoor activities. One week offers an excellent opportunity for you to experience some of the region's best destinations, including Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, and Ha Long Bay.

You can spend 1–2 days in Hanoi to explore the city's vibrant and bustling streets in an authentic way. For example, hopping on a cyclo (a local rickshaw), spending a day in Ninh Binh to enjoy its picturesque karst scenery on a leisurely rowing boat, and then spending 1 or 2 days in Mai Chau to explore a valley by bike or by hiking across it before heading to Ha Long Bay for the most iconic natural landscapes of Vietnam.

Discover the details about the 6 –7 days Northern Vietnam Discovery Tour , or more northern Vietnam private tailor-made tours .

1 Week in Central Vietnam

You can opt to explore central Vietnam, which offers beautiful beaches, charming towns, and historical sites.

You can start your trip in Hoi An, a town renowned for its beautifully preserved ancient town, colorful lanterns, and delicious cuisine. You can also extend your stay and visit the nearby beach towns of Da Nang.

After leaving Hoi An, you can head north to Hue and explore the Imperial City, royal tombs, and other historical sites. You can also explore the nearby area of Dong Hoi with its magnificent Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and its stunning caves.

See our hand-picked central Vietnam sample itineraries , which can be tailor-made based on your interests.

1 Week in Southern Vietnam

You can also consider southern Vietnam, which is known for its vibrant and bustling cities, stunning beaches, and the fertile Mekong Delta.

You can explore Ho Chi Minh City where you can visit famous landmarks, such as Ben Thanh Market, the War Remnants Museum, and the Cu Chi Tunnels. Later, you can head to the Mekong Delta to explore the floating markets, rice paddies, and lush natural scenery.

See our popular southern Vietnam tours . Or get inspiration from our page: 7 Days in Vietnam: 6 Best Itinerary Ideas .

A private tour is a fantastic way to make the most of your time. We can help you prioritize your interests and create an itinerary that fits your schedule and preferences. Contact us to tailor-make a unique tour for you.

Vietnam Itinerary: 10-12 Days

With 10-12 days in Vietnam, you can explore the highlights of Vietnam, from north to south.

Our well-planned itinerary will guide you through some of the most iconic and beautiful destinations in the country, starting from the northern capital city of Hanoi and the nearby Ha Long Bay, moving down to the charming ancient town of Hoi An, then to the southern metropolitan area of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon), and finally to the serene and fertile region of the Mekong Delta. This is an excellent choice for first-timers.

A sample 10-day Vietnam itinerary:

Days 1–2: Hanoi (city tour with an Old Quarter cyclo ride) Day 3: Ha Long Bay (leisurely cruise, kayaking, swimming) Day 4: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Da Nang – Hoi An Day 5: Hoi An (a foodie tour, a round-basket boat ride) Days 6–7: Ho Chi Minh City (city highlights, the Cu Chi Tunnels tour) Days 8–9: The Mekong Delta (a leisurely sampan ride, floating market) Day 10: Departure

Check out the detailed itinerary: 10-Day Best of Vietnam with the Mekong Delta . Contact us if you want to make some adjustments or have any questions.

If you are interested in ethnic minority cultures, you can extend your trip to visit north Sapa. If you want to admire more natural wonders, you can consider Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in central Vietnam. See more itinerary options on our page: 10-12 Days in Vietnam .

Vietnam Itinerary: 2 weeks

In general, 2 weeks is a good length of time for a Vietnam trip. It's long enough that you don't need to rush but short enough that you don't get burnt out.

A 2-week travel itinerary for Vietnam is designed in a way to give you enough time to explore the top attractions and experience different travel styles. For example, cruising along Ha Long Bay, exploring a floating market, cycling through the picturesque villages, and enjoying a cooking experience. It also gives you the opportunity to relax and spend quality time together as a family/couple while discovering this magical country.

Here is a sample itinerary for your inspiration:

Days 1–2: Hanoi (city tour with an Old Quarter cyclo ride) Day 3: Ninh Binh (a leisurely rowing boat ride to see picturesque karst scenery) Days 4–5: Ha Long Bay (an overnight cruise to see unspoiled isles, kayaking) Days 6–7: Ho Chi Minh City (city highlights, the Cu Chi Tunnels tour) Days 8–9: The Mekong Delta (a leisurely sampan ride, floating market) Days 10–11: Hoi An (a foodie tour, a round-basket boat ride, and a farming and fishing experience) Days 12–13: Da Nang (leisurely beach time) Day 14: Departure

This itinerary is a mix of cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and relaxation. It is perfect for families with teenagers. Learn the detailed itinerary .

If you are traveling with your partner to celebrate your anniversary or other milestone, an itinerary that covers Phu Quoc Island can be a great option. See more well-planned 2-week itinerary options .

Vietnam Itinerary: 3 weeks or More

A 3-week itinerary allows you to explore Vietnam more thoroughly, from north to south, while also providing enough time to relax and enjoy the beaches. You can add some other less-frequented destinations, such as Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Nha Trang, and Da Lat. This duration provides ample time to take things slowly and spend some downtime in the beautiful coastal regions.

If you want to have an itinerary for the entirety of Vietnam, you can spend roughly one week in each region — the north, the central coast, and the south.

Week 1 in northern Vietnam: Hanoi – Sapa – Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay Week 2 in the central coast: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An Week 3 in southern Vietnam: Nha Trang – Da Lat – Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta

If you are adventure-seekers, you can spend several days in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to see the world's biggest cave.

It is also possible to extend your trip from the Mekong Delta to Cambodia with a luxurious Mekong cruise .

If you have more time, you can consider a tour combining Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, e.g. 19-Day Highlights of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam .

Contact us for more recommendations and suggestions. Travel with us to enjoy a comfortable and flexible private tour.

Tailor-Making a Vietnam Tour for You

Whether you want to plan a family trip or a couple's trip, we can tailor it to suit you based on the length of your vacation and your interests. We know exactly what you need because we have created over 10,000 big trips for insightful travelers, mostly for families and couples.

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The Ultimate 1 Month Vietnam Itinerary And Travel Guide

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: March 29, 2024

Categories Vietnam

Vietnam is a wonderful country in Southeast Asia. There are lush rice fields in the North and tropical islands in the South.

In between, you can find anything from stunning limestone mountains to colorful temples, historic sites, and interesting cities.

This Vietnam itinerary includes the best things to do in Vietnam and will help you plan your trip. Happy travels!

The ultimate 1 month Vietnam itinerary

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

Vietnam 1 month itinerary

In the map below you can find our Vietnam travel itinerary, accommodations, and highlights of our month in Vietnam.

I traveled from North to South but you can also do this Vietnam trip itinerary in reverse.

Click here for the interactive map.

The perfect 1 month Vietnam itinerary

Day 1-2: hanoi.

• Day 3-4 : Halong Bay
• Day 5: Perfume Pagoda
• Day 6-7:  Hoa Lu and Tam Coc
• Day 8-9:  Hue
• Day 10: Hai Van Pass and the Marble Mountains
• Day 11-17:  Hoi An
• Day 18-19: Hoi An to Dalat (via Nha Trang)
• Day 20-21: Dalat and around
• Day 22:  Dalat to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 23-25: Ho Chi Minh City and around

• Day 26:  Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc

Day 27-29: Phu Quoc Island

Plan your Southeast Asia trip like a pro with these tools: ✈️ Find the best flight deals on Kiwi.com . ? Book your transport tickets (train, bus, ferry, minivan, and more) via 12Go.Asia ?️ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Book the best tours with Klook and Get Your Guide . ? Plan your journey with the  Lonely Planet . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

Important things to know when planning a Vietnam trip

The best time to visit Vietnam is between February and April . Vietnam is a long narrow country with different climates in the north and south. While the north can be ‘chilly' in winter (around 15°C), temperatures in the south are much more consistent throughout the year (between 22°C and 30°C).

The official currency in Vietnam is the  Vietnamese Dong (VND).   Here  you can find the current exchange rates, at the time of writing €1 is approximately 26.000VND and $1 is approximately 23.000VND.

Yes, most nationalities need a visa for Vietnam . You can apply for a visa online. Keep in mind you will need to pay two fees: online you will pay the Visa Pre-Approval Letter Fee and once you arrive at the airport you must pay a Stamping Fee (to be paid in cash, so be sure to bring dollars).

Traveling and getting around in Vietnam is pretty easy. There are many options to choose from (flights, night trains, night buses, minivans, taxis, motor tours, etc.) and plenty of travel agencies selling tickets to each of those options, as well as organized tours . In the itinerary below, you can find more detailed information about how to travel from A to B in Vietnam.

Where to stay in Vietnam on a budget

In this table, you can find the accommodation we stayed at during our trip around Vietnam.

These hotels are all rated 8+ on Agoda and Booking , we stayed in private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. More details about these hotels can be found further on in the post.

Note: Prices for these hotels depend on the time of year and how far in advance you book. Therefore, the prices mentioned above are a rough indication of the price per night to help you compare the different options. Use ‘click here' to see the latest prices and book ahead to get the best deal.

Itinerary for Vietnam

Ideally, if you have a month in Vietnam as we did, you’d travel from North to South (or vice versa). It's best to start your trip in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, as these are the largest hubs for international flights.

If you have less time available to explore Vietnam, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Further on in the post, I also suggest shorter options (7 and 10 days, plus 2 and 3 weeks) for your Vietnam travel itinerary.

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and a fusion of different cultures (Vietnamese, French, and Chinese).

It's a busy city, with many (historic) sights, a chaotic but interesting Old Quarter, beautiful temples, and an abundance of restaurants serving delicious Vietnamese dishes.

I recommend spending at least two days in Hanoi, though you could easily stay much longer in this buzzing city without running out of things to see and do.

Spend two days exploring Hanoi on foot, board a two-day cruise to Halong Bay , and join a tour of the Perfume Pagoda, or a day trip to Hoa Lu and Tam Coc .

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

I personally found visiting the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh very impressive, though also a little creepy.

I mean, the man died in 1969, and yet it looks like he is sleeping in his glass coffin and could wake up any minute.

Combined with an impressive number of guards, soldiers, and other officials and the endless line of Vietnamese honoring their great leader made visiting the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum a very unusual experience.

Visiting the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum is free, but there can be long queues. The mausoleum is only open from 7:30 am until 10:30 am, so it's best to arrive very early in the morning. Closed on Mondays and Fridays.

Ho Chi Minh Museum

While this museum is mostly a promotional campaign of the Communist Party of Vietnam, it's interesting to learn about history from this point of view.

However, I'll be honest: this wasn't the highlight of my Hanoi itinerary and if you only have one day in Hanoi, I'd skip this particular sight.

The entrance fee is 40.000VND per person and the museum is closed on Mondays and Fridays. On the other days of the week, you can visit from 8 am to12 pm or from 2 pm until 4.30 pm.

The Temple of Literature

This ancient temple was built around the year 1100 and nobles, royalty, and other members of the elite traveled from faraway places to study Confucianism here.

It's pretty incredible that the building is almost 1000 years old. Take a moment to look around and imagine how life must have been in those times.

The Temple of Literature is open every day of the week from 8 am until 6 pm. The entrance fee is 30.000VND per person.

Ngoc Son Temple

Located on a tiny island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake, it is hard to imagine a place more suited for a temple. It feels like an oasis of peacefulness in the middle of busy Hanoi.

The entrance fee is 30.000VND per person, there is a small booth left of the bridge where you can purchase a ticket. The Ngoc Son Temple is open every day of the week from 8 am until 6 pm.

Where to stay in Hanoi on a budget

Hanoi Serenity Hotel is a great place to stay in the middle of the Old Quarter. The rooms are spacious, clean, and modern.

Breakfast is good and included in the price. The staff is very welcoming and helpful.

Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking

How to travel from Noi Bai International Airport to Hanoi city center

The easiest way, in my opinion, is taking the Vietjet airport shuttle bus.

This bus leaves every 1-2 hours and costs just 40.000 VND per adult. The price is clearly listed on the side of the bus, so you don't need to bargain.

The bus will stop next to Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can disembark and either walk or take a taxi to your accommodation (depending on where you are staying).

Travel tip: if you're exhausted from a long flight and want to get from Noi Bai International Airport to your hotel in Hanoi in a faster way, I recommend booking a private transfer . Your professional driver will be waiting with a personal welcome sign and deliver you safely to your Hanoi hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Click here to book your airport transfer .

Day 3-4: A two-day cruise in Halong Bay

Halong Bay is gorgeous, with its blue-green water and steep limestone cliffs rising high above the water, as far as your eyes can see.

It's one of the most popular places to visit in Vietnam and a UNESCO heritage site.

However, I have to admit that while the cruise was a lot of fun and we spent a lot of time chatting with the other travelers on the boat, I didn’t find Ha long Bay as impressive as I thought I would.

Perhaps my expectations were too high, or maybe I was spoilt because we had just visited El Nido in the Philippines , which to me is the ultimate tropical island paradise.

We also were a bit unlucky with the weather. On the first day of our cruise, it was extremely foggy and we barely saw anything of the famous cliffs.

Also, there were many other boats and a lot of trash floating in the water.

That being said, we enjoyed our cruise and I'm happy we went on this cruise. Halong Bay is a unique place to visit and should be part of any itinerary to Vietnam.

Important: cruising Halong Bay is a very popular activity in Vietnam. If you want to make sure you can travel on specific dates I strongly encourage you to book ahead.

Furthermore, I highly recommend booking with a reputable tour operator , I have heard horror stories from other travelers who ended up on a boat with huge rats.

Also check if meals and transport are included and if there are additional fees (for example, to enter Sung Sot Cave or to use a kayak).

This popular Halong Bay tour has great ratings from other travelers (4.8 stars out of 5).

Day 5: Day trip to the famous Perfume Pagoda

I really enjoyed our tour of the Perfume Pagoda because coincidentally we timed our visit perfectly. We did our tour of the Perfume Pagoda tour shortly after the Vietnamese New Year.

The week after the Vietnamese New Year, many Vietnamese people visit this particular pagoda and the Huong Tich cave to make an offering, which makes the tour extra interesting.

During this tour, our guide told us a lot about the complex combination of religions practiced in Vietnam (Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism).

To get to the Pagoda complex, we took a seat in a tiny boat rowed by a small but surprisingly strong Vietnamese man.

During this boat trip over the Yen Stream, we passed lots of boats jam-packed with Vietnamese families who were on their way to visit the pagoda as well.

They smiled enthusiastically, waved, and took pictures of us and it made for an amusing boat trip. Click here to book a tour to the Perfume Pagoda .

Day 6: Day trip to Hoa Lu and Tam Coc

This was the last of the three tours I did around Hanoi and my favorite one as well.

First, we visited Hoa Lu, which was the capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1009 during the rule of the Dinh Dynasty.

While this historic site was definitely interesting to visit, the highlight of the tour is Tam Coc. The area around Tam Coc is absolutely stunning, it's kind of similar to Halong Bay but with rice fields instead of water.

There are massive limestone cliffs soaring high above bright green rice fields, a beautiful sight!

We made a lovely boat trip along the Hoang Long River (the lady rowing the boat rowed with her feet!) and passed through an impressive case.

While this is a very worthwhile tour, please note that the bus ride from Hanoi to Tam Coc takes at least two hours (depending on traffic).

We opted not to go back to Hanoi, instead, we spent the night at Tam Coc as we planned to travel south.

Check out this excellent Hoa Lu and Tam Coc tour for more detailed information and book your ticket online .

Where to stay in Tam Coc on a budget

Tuan Ngoc Hotel is a small-scale hotel in Tam Coc and one of the best accommodations we stayed at during our one-month Vietnam trip.

The family who runs the hotel is incredibly friendly and really makes you feel at home. The rooms are clean, the bed is very comfortable and the Wi-Fi was good.

All the food was delicious and freshly prepared. A highly recommended place to stay!

Day 7-8: explore Tam Coc and travel to Hue by night train

I was very happy we got to spend another day admiring the beautiful surroundings of Tam Coc. We rented a bicycle and cycled over sandy roads between the rice fields.

We often rent bicycles during our travels and I always very much enjoy this.

Not only is it an eco-friendly way of exploring a place, but it's also healthy and allows for plenty of opportunities to make a quick stop to take a picture.

How to travel from Ninh Binh to Hue by night train

From Tuan Ngoc Hotel it's a 15-minute taxi ride to Ninh Binh station (we paid 100.000 VND). About 15 minutes before the train arrives, a bell will chime and railway employees will check your tickets.

Usually, they will guide you to the right spot on the platform, so you can board the cabin listed on your train tickets ticket.

I enjoyed our train trips in Vietnam. The 4 people soft sleeper cabins are pretty comfortable and I usually got a decent night's sleep. For more information about train travel in Vietnam, check seat61.com .

My most important tip for train travel in Vietnam is to book your train tickets online , at least a couple of days in advance! Beds sell out fast, particularly the soft sleepers.

Click here to book your train tickets via 12Go.

Day 8-9: Hue and around

I spent two lovely days in Hue, the capital of the Nguyễn emperors.

On our first day in Hue, we visited the Imperial City and on the second day, we rented a bicycle and cycled along the Perfume River.

The Imperial City

Hue was the capital of the Nguyễn emperors, who build the Citadel between 1804 and 1833.

Within the 2.5 by 2.5km and 6-meter high wall of the Citadel, the emperors build the Imperial Enclosure and within this enclosure, they build the Forbidden Purple City; a place only the emperor, his concubines, and eunuchs were allowed to enter.

Unfortunately, much of the complex has been destroyed during the Vietnam War, but with help from UNESCO, it is being restored.

The Imperial City is a very impressive complex, with beautiful temples and gardens and a must-visit during any Hue itinerary.

The complex is very green and quiet, it felt like we were the only ones there! Be sure to bring enough water along, it can get quite hot during the day.

The entrance fee to the Imperial City in Hue is 150.000 VND per person. The complex is open daily from 8 am until 5:30 pm (10 pm on Thursday evenings!)

Rent a bicycle

On our second day in Hue, we rented bicycles from our hotel and explored the area around Hue.

Thien Mu Pagoda

We visited the seven-story tall Thien Mu Pagoda, which is often regarded as the symbol of Hue. Found on the northern bank of the Perfume River, the Pagoda is an easy 5-kilometer bike ride from Hue city center.

Keep in mind there are monks living at the site so be sure to dress and behave respectfully.

Chùa Huyền Không temple

Another nice place to visit is the Chùa Huyền Không temple. This unknown temple is beautiful and highly worth a visit. It was built in 1973, around the temple there are lovely gardens and small lilyponds.

From the Thien Mu Pagoda, it's another 3km by bike to reach the Huyen Khong temple.

Other things to do in Hue

If you have more time to spend in Hue, other worthwhile activities are a day trip to Bach Ma National Park , the Tomb of Minh Mang, or the Tomb of Tu Duc.

? Only got a day to explore Hue? Check out this full-day private tour and visit the most significant and popular sights in Hue, (and learn more about the city's interesting history ) . Check availability here .

Where to stay in Hue on a budget

We received such a warm welcome at the Charming Riverside hotel . A cold towel, fresh fruit, juice, and information about Hue and the places of interest in the city.

There are different room options and some even have a river view! Bicycle rental for $2 a day. Breakfast is excellent and the staff is very helpful and accommodating.

Day 10: how to travel from Hue to Hoi An (by minivan)

The distance between Hue and Hoi An is only 150km and shouldn't take more than three hours without stopping along the way. However, that was not what happened during our trip from Hue to Hoi An…

The day before we departed, I asked the hotel how to get from Hue to Hoi An. No problem, they exclaimed, we have a minivan that can take you there for $15 per person.

I booked two tickets and we were picked up by an empty minivan the next morning. But as always in Southeast Asia, that quickly changed, and more and more people piled into the van.

After driving for about half an hour, the driver's phone went off, he had a short chat and pulled over. When one of the passengers asked why we had stopped the driver cheerfully said that more people were coming.

Apparently, they had forgotten to pick up two people in Hue, who were now on their way to our location in a cab. We patiently waited for a while until the missing passengers arrived and resumed our journey.

A friendly Vietnamese guy started talking about the surroundings, and the villages we passed and shared some historical facts.

Interesting, I thought, but why exactly is he telling this stuff? It turned out he was our guide.

Yes, apparently, I did not just book a transfer from Hue to Hoi An, I booked a tour!

Hai Van Pass

Along the way from Hue to Hoi An, we stopped at Hai Van Pass, a 600-meter high pass that gained instant fame when Jeremy Clarkson declared it ‘ A deserted ribbon of perfection ’ in the Vietnam special of Top Gear.

Beautiful? Definitely!

Deserted? Not so much.

The Marble Mountains

We also stopped at the Marble Mountains, which turned out to be an interesting place to visit.

There were many caves and Buddha statues, each of them slightly different. I didn’t know the difference between the different poses and types of Buddha statues but learned a lot during our visit to the Marble Mountains (see pictures above).

The entrance fee to the Marble Mountains is 40.000VND per person. The complex is open every day of the week from 7 am to 5:30 pm.

Final destination: Hoi An

Eventually, we arrived in Hoi An around 5 pm, after a great day of sightseeing. The tour reconfirmed my earlier lessons and my advice to you: when in Southeast Asia, always expect the unexpected:-)

For my husband and myself, it wasn't an issue that the trip had taken an entire day as we were planning to stay in Hoi An for at least a couple of days.

However, some of the passengers would be traveling back to Hue the next day, which unfortunately meant their day of sightseeing in Hoi An was cut short…

Day 11-17: exploring and relaxing in Hoi An

While we planned to spend three days in Hoi An , we ended up spending an entire week! Hoi An is a lovely town, with great food and a very relaxed vibe.

When darkness falls, Hoi An feels like a fairy tale village, lit by thousands of colorful lanterns.

Hoi An Old Town

Hoi An Old Town is a UNESCO world heritage site, with many beautiful historic buildings.

To visit these historic buildings, you need to buy a Hoi An Old Town admission ticket at one of the ticket booths spread around town.

The ticket gives you entrance to five historic buildings. There are 22 sights listed on the heritage map (you'll get one of these when purchasing the ticket) so choose carefully.

On the ticket, it says that it is valid for 24 hours only, but we used the same ticket on Monday and Wednesday without any issues. Some of the most popular sites to visit are:

• The Fujian Assembly Hall (also called Phuoc Kien)
• The Japanese Covered Bridge
• Duc An Old House
• Cam Pho Communal House
• Hoi An Museum

? Got more time to spend in Hoi An? Book this Hoi An bicycle tour and ride through the scenic countryside of Vietnam as you learn about the local way of life and enjoy a delicious lunch. Check availability here .

Have a massage

Something to add to your Hoi An itinerary is getting a massage. In Hoi An, there are many different spas, suitable for every budget.

I had a very relaxing massage at the Kiman hotel , which cost around 300.000 VND and took about an hour.

Get a custom-made dress

If you are looking to get a custom-made dress, suit, or other garments, Hoi An is the place to buy this. I had a beautiful dress made for my sister's wedding that I still wear.

Take a cooking class

During our week in Hoi An, we also took a cooking class . Before the actual cooking started, the instructors took us to the local market to buy the ingredients we were going to use in the dishes.

We learned to make fresh spring rolls and sauteed chicken. I love Vietnamese food and it tasted even better when we prepared it ourselves. Check the availability of the cooking class here.

Hang out at one of the many cafes

One of the best things about Hoi An was relaxing in one of the many cafes! I am a bit of a coffee addict and our favorite place in Hoi An was 11 Coffee.

Phap, the owner of 11 Coffee, is a great guy and a real coffee enthusiast. I can highly recommend visiting his cute cafe, we went there almost every day during our time in Hoi An.

Join a day trip to My Son

One of the most important historic sites near Hoi An is the UNESCO World Heritage site My Son Sanctuary . Learn about the Champa Kingdom and explore the ruins of this former capital.

Click here to book a tour to My Son Sanctuary.

Where to stay in Hoi An on a budget

Option 1: jolie villa homestay.

Our first hotel in Hoi An was Jolie Villa Homestay . We stayed in a spacious room with a huge comfortable bed.

The bathroom was large, clean, and modern. Also, the shower was high enough for tall people such as my husband, which is rare in Vietnam!

Wi-Fi was good (each room has its own router) and there are free bicycles available. You can also freely use the swimming pool at the Kiman hotel , which is also run by this lovely family).

But first and foremost, the host family is awesome, super-friendly, and helpful. They know each guest by name from the moment you arrive and make you feel very welcome. We had an excellent stay here!

Option 2: Sac Xanh homestay

Because all the rooms at Jolie Villa were booked and we wanted to stay in Hoi An for a couple more days, we looked for another hotel and found Sac Xanh homestay .

This was another great budget hotel and we had such a lovely stay with this family. The rooms are basic but spotlessly clean, the bed (with mosquito net) is super comfortable and there are free bicycles available.

The best thing about this homestay was the host family who was very friendly, welcoming, and helpful throughout our stay.

They arranged transport for us to Da Nang train station and helped us make a reservation for bus tickets from Nha Trang to Dalat.

Also, they made us a delicious Vietnamese breakfast each morning. On the day of our departure, the family organized a special going away lunch and the food was among the best we had in Vietnam.

Day 18-19: how to travel from Hoi An to Dalat (via Nha Trang)

After a relaxing week in Hoi An, it was time to move on. The next destination on our Vietnam tour itinerary was Dalat. In the table above you can find more details about our journey from Hoi An to Dalat.

Even though it was a 24-hour journey, it didn't feel that long because we had a good night of sleep aboard the overnight train and the road from Nha Trang to Dalat was breathtaking.

Click here to book your train tickets from Danang to Nha Trang and bus tickets from Nha Trang to Dalat

Day 20-21: Dalat

We rented two mountain bikes from our accommodation, Cam Ly homestay , to explore Da lat and its surroundings. Dalat is located in the mountains and there are many fun things to see and do.

Ho Xuan Huong Lake

On our first day in Dalat, we cycled around Ho Xuan Huong Lake, located in the heart of Dalat.

The Crazy House

Southwest of the lake you can find the Crazy House, a maze of stairs, and hidden passages in a Gaudi meets fairytale style.

The entrance fee for the Crazy House is 60.000VND per person. It's open every day of the week, from 8.30 am to 7 pm.

Did you know? Besides visiting the Crazy House, you can actually spend the night in one of the 10 unique themed rooms!

We wandered around the Crazy House for about an hour, before cycling to the train station of Dalat.

A train ride from Dalat to Trai Mat

At the pretty Dalat railway station, we got on a beautifully restored train, which brought us to Trai Mat, a little village about 7km away.

In the table below you can find the departure times, the ride from Dalat to Trai Mat (and vice versa) takes approximately 30 minutes.

A return train ticket from Dalat to Trai Mat costs 126.000VND per person

Linh Phuoc temple (Trai Mat)

In Trai Mat, we visited the unique Linh Phuoc temple. The main feature of the temple is the 7-meter high and 49-meter long dragon, which is made of 12.000 bottles!

After our visit to Trai Mat, we returned to Dalat on the historic train and cycled back to our homestay.

Datanla Falls

On our second day in Dalat, we cycled to the Datanla Falls (approximately 6km from town), a nice place to visit. The entrance fee to the Datanla Waterfalls is 30.000VND per person.

? Looking for an adventure? Go on an epic canyoning adventure at the Datanla Waterfalls! Check availability here .

Dalat Truc Lam Zen Monastery

We continued our Dalat itinerary and cycled to the Truc Lam Zen Monastery, located on top of a mountain. This serene complex has lovely gardens and beautiful buildings.

The Truc Lam Zen complex is a lovely place to relax and contemplate all the beautiful things you have seen so far on your trip to Vietnam.

Luckily the way back from the Truc Lam Zen Pagoda to Dalat was mostly downhill, we were pretty tired from climbing all the steep mountains!

? Take the Robin Hill Cable Car and enjoy more panoramic view of Dalat. Click here to buy cable car tickets .

Where to stay in Dalat on a budget

Our stay at Cam Ly Homestay in Dalat was lovely! When we arrived Tri, the owner, welcomed us by name and showed us to our room.

The room was spacious and light, with a comfortable bed (with mosquito net). It had a nice view of the Cam Ly stream and a small balcony.

I highly recommend joining one of the BBQ evenings; there is great food (homemade spring rolls!), and cheap beers and it's a great way to meet other travelers and exchange stories.

Day 22: Dalat to Ho Chi Minh City 

Tri, the kind owner of Cam Ly homestay , called the airport shuttle bus the day before our departure and the next morning the shuttle bus picked us up from the homestay (only 15 minutes late, which in Southeast Asia is considered right on time;-).

Liên Khương Airport is located about 30 km south of Dalat, so it wasn't a long bus ride and we arrived at the airport with plenty of time to check in.

The flight from Dalat to Ho Chi Minh was also very short, just 50 minutes. From Ho Chi Minh airport we took bus 152 to the city center.

On the bus, we had to buy one ticket for ourselves and one for our big backpacks.

Granted, these took up just as much space as the average Vietnamese person. And when a ticket costs a mere 5000 VND you can't really complain anyway.

Click here to book a flight to Ho Chi Minh

The word that immediately comes to mind when I think about Ho Chi Minh City is organized chaos.

The rule when crossing the street isn’t ‘ Walk when the traffic light is green ’ but ‘Don’t mind the color of the traffic light, just cross slowly but surely and maintain eye contact all the time’ . 

Whatever you do: don’t stop!

It still amazes me that I have only seen one traffic incident in my month in Vietnam, so despite the chaos, it all seems to work out pretty well.

There are many things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, as well as in the surrounding area.

I really wanted to visit the Independence Palace (pictured above), the home and office of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

Unfortunately, it was closed during our visit, but it's usually open daily from 8 am to 4 pm.

We also visited the Mariamman Hindu temple , the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Saigon Central Post Office (pictured below).

The post office was definitely my favorite building, I loved the symmetry on the inside of this beautiful place.

Other places we visited in Ho Chi Minh were the War Remnant Museum and the Cu Chi tunnels (about 40 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City).

Visit the War Remnant Museum

When you are in Vietnam, you’ll inevitably come across some vivid reminders of the Vietnam War such as disabled people and bombed buildings.

If you are in Ho Chi Minh City, a visit to the War Remnants Museum is a must. This impressive museum tells a terrible story. It's not a place to visit with young children, as the stories and pictures are truly horrible.

There are disturbing images of entire villages being massacred, pictures of prisoners being tortured, and photos of napalm victims.

Altogether, visiting the War Remnants Museum is extremely depressing. However, when you are in Ho Chi Minh City, you must visit this place and learn about the Vietnam War and what war does to people.

There are no winners in war, only pain, and loss…

The entrance fee is 40.000VND per person and the museum is open daily from 7:30 am until 6 pm.

Take a tour of the Cu Chi tunnels

We took a tour of the Cu Chi tunnels , another vivid reminder of the Vietnam War.

This 200km network of extremely cramped underground tunnels was constructed and used by the Vietcong during the war to fight the Americans with a guerrilla tactic.

When we descended into the tunnels, which have already been widened for tourists, I almost panicked (I am a little claustrophobic) and went back up.

But I felt that, if people lived there for almost 10 years, I should be able to crawl a mere 100 meters through the cramped, hot, dark tunnel with little fresh oxygen.

I was so relieved when I got out and so impressed by the tenacity of the people who had called these tunnels home for years…

Click here for more information about the Cu Chi tunnels tour .

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City on a budget

Our stay at Thao Nhi Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City was good. We got a free upgrade to a bigger room and the hotel is run by very friendly staff.

The hotel serves delicious and affordable food and is located close to all the sights (in a small street just off the main backpacker street).

Day 26: Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc (by plane)

While it was a long day, it was an easy travel day. We took the local bus (#152) back to the airport, where we had to wait for a couple of hours as our flight was delayed.

Luckily, the flight from Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc island was only one hour and there was a taxi waiting for us upon arrival.

The airport is located in the middle of nowhere and arranging a taxi via your accommodation before arrival is recommended, particularly when you are arriving late in the evening.

Click here to book a flight to Phu Quoc

We spent three days in Phu Quoc , which was the perfect way to end our Vietnam travel route. On Phu Quoc, we rented a scooter for a couple of days and explored the beautiful island.

If you plan to travel to Phu Quoc during peak season (December-March), I recommend booking a scooter in advance to make sure there's one available for your trip.

Where to stay in Phu Quoc on a budget

Fortuna Hotel was another lovely place to stay. The rooms are lovingly decorated and spotlessly clean, with private bathrooms.

From the hotel, it's a 20-minute drive to Duong Dong, the main town in Phu Quoc. Not a problem if you rent a scooter but something to keep in mind when booking this hotel.

Alternative Vietnam itineraries (7 and 10 days + 2 and 3 weeks)

Vietnam itinerary 7 days.

If you just have 1 week in Vietnam, don’t worry! While you cannot see everything the country has to offer, you can get a taste and feel of the country.

Here is my suggestion for a 1 week Vietnam itinerary:

• Day 1-2:  Explore Hanoi and eat your way around this lively cit y
• Day 3:  Make a day trip from Hanoi (such as the Perfume Pagoda, or Hao Lu and Tam Coc )
• Day 3:  Take a flight to Danang and travel to Hoi An
• Day 4-5:  Explore Hoi An
• Day 6: Make a trip to My Son or a bicycle tour around Hoi An
• Day 7: Fly home from Danang

Vietnam itinerary 10 days

This 10-day Vietnam itinerary includes buzzing Hanoi, the imperial city Hue, and fairytale town Hoi An, but also the two most beautiful natural sights: Halong Bay and Tam Coc.

• Day 1:  Explore Hanoi and eat delicious street food
• Day 2-3: Make a cruise in Halong Bay
• Day 4:  Hanoi + take a night train to Hue
• Day 5-6:  Explore Hue + transfer to Hoi An on day 6
• Day 7-8:  Visit the historic buildings in Hoi An
• Day 9: Make a trip to My Son
• Day 10: Fly home from Danang

Vietnam itinerary 2 weeks

If you have 2 weeks in Vietnam, I’d recommend traveling either from North to South or vice versa. Your 2 week Vietnam itinerary could look like this:

• Day 1-2:  Explore Hanoi and sample some excellent street food
• Day 3: Make a day trip to Tam Coc
• Day 5-6:  Hue + transfer to Hoi An on day 6
• Day 7-8:  Explore the historic buildings in Hoi An
• Day 9: Make a trip to My Son or explore the countryside around Hoi An by bike
• Day 10: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City from Danang
• Day 11-12: Ho Chi Minh and a trip to the Cu Chu tunnels
• Day 12-14: Phu Quoc island

This itinerary for Vietnam in 2 weeks is especially suitable for people looking to travel in one direction instead of a loop.

Vietnam itinerary: 3 weeks

With this 3 weeks Vietnam itinerary, you get to experience very different sides of Vietnam. You'll explore several interesting cities, spend a night in Halong Bay, and get to relax in tropical Phu Quoc.

For this 3 week Vietnam itinerary, I suggest the following route:

• Day 1-2: Eat your way around Hanoi
• Day 3-4 : Make a cruise in Halong Bay
• Day 5: Day tour to the Perfume Pagoda
• Day 6-7: Day trip to the  Hoa Lu and Tam Coc
• Day 11-13:  Explore Hoi An Old Town
• Day 14: Make a day trip to My Son
• Day 15: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City from Danang
• Day 16-17: Ho Chi Minh and a trip to the Cu Chu tunnels
• Day 18-21: Explore Phu Quoc island

The best Vietnam itinerary: in conclusion

I hope this Vietnam travel guide and sample itineraries will inspire you to visit Vietnam and help you plan your trip.

If you have any questions, leave a comment below or send me a message . Also read these posts for more Vietnam travel inspiration:

• 10 interesting facts about Vietnam
• 50 unique things to do in Vietnam
• Authentic things to do in Hanoi
• Backpacking Guide to Vietnam
• Hang Son Doong: the world’s largest cave
• Planning a trip to Vietnam
• Sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh city
• The best Halong Bay cruises
• Things to do in Hoi An
• Things to do in Phong Nha
• Things to know before traveling by night train in Vietnam

This post was updated in November 2022.

Tuesday 20th of December 2022

Thank you for this. Very informative and quite helpful.

Wednesday 21st of December 2022

Thanks so much Kevin for letting me know:-) Have a great trip to Vietnam en let me know if there's anything you need help with! Lotte

Friday 18th of November 2016

I love that you spend a week in Hoi An LOL :) I did the same! Hoi An is such a cute place with nice food and things to see plus an amazing beach! Phu Quoc island looks wonderful, i had no time for that, maybe some other time? x

Haha Hoi An is so relaxing, I loved the vibe... Phu Quoc was definitely nice, I'm curious to see how the island has developed in the past 2 years. There was talk of direct flights from Russia and China so it might be very different now.

Tuesday 10th of May 2016

Great post, I love that you documented the prices too. We're going to Vietnam in two weeks and we haven't chosen our full itinerary yet so your article is a great inspiration!

Hey Laure, thanks so much for your comment! I am happy to hear my post gave you inspiration for your upcoming trip and helped you plan. Have an amazing journey through Vietnam, I am sure you'll have a great time:-)

Friday 5th of February 2016

A Dutch friend of ours actually moved to Vietnam a couple of years ago and we are invited to come over, however we still haven't made it. We really should, one day...

Awesome! It's always really cool to be shown around by somebody who actually lives there and who can take you to off the beaten track places!

Wednesday 3rd of February 2016

Ik zou het geweldig vinden om Vietnam te bezoeken. Ik zou dan een reis maken en alle overblijfselen en memorials van de Vietnam oorlog bezoeken, maar natuurlijk ook de prachtige natuur en stadjes! Als ik deze foto's zie, wil ik alleen nog maar meer gaan! Grappig he, dat je beleving van temperatuur zo veel anders kan zijn dan de personen die daar wonen. Gaan wij in de winter naar Marokko bv. dan doen wij luchtige kleding aan, terwijl zij helemaal ingepakt zijn. Kom je van de Fillipijnen af, bevries je weer zowat in Vietnam. Zo te zien heeft het je reisplezier niet nadelig beinvloed!

Vietnam is ook zeker qua historie een bijzonder land om te bezoeken... Ik vond het Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum heel bijzonder net als de Cu Chi tunnels en het War Remnant Museum. En reizen is eigenlijk bij alle temperature leuk, zolang het maar droog is;-)

The Perfect Vietnam Itinerary for 1, 2, or 3 Weeks

• Last Updated: January 25, 2024

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam for 1, 2, or 3 weeks then you must start with this post to help plan your Vietnam itinerary. 

Vietnam has something for everyone. It’s bursting with history, delicious foods, hiking opportunities, beautiful landscapes, beaches, and of course the wonderful Vietnamese people.  

Our Vietnam itinerary guide will give you an overview of the country, with some great itinerary options depending on how long you plan to visit. 

We have something for everyone with:

• 10 days in Vietnam: Highlights Itinerary – These are the must-see places in Vietnam
• 1 week in Vietnam focusing on the North
• 1 week in Vietnam focusing on the South
• 2 weeks in Vietnam, by combining the two above
• 3 weeks in Vietnam, or longer, by adding our extended options to your itinerary.

READ MORE: Don’t miss our complete guide to travelling in Vietnam !

Table of Contents

Day 1 – Hanoi 

Day 2 and 3 – halong bay, day 4 and 5 – sapa , day 6 and 7 – hue , day 8 – hoi an, day 9 and 10 – explore saigon, and take a full or half-day tour to the cu chi tunnels or the mekong delta, tour options, da nang , day 2 and 3 – ha long bay, day 4 and 5 – sapa, day 6  – hue, day 7 – hoi an, ninh binh (near hanoi), phong nha – ke bang national park (near hue), my son (near hoi an), ba be national park (near sapa), bach ma national park (between dan nang and hue), dong ha – for dmz tour (between dong hoi and da nang), day 1 – nha trang , day 2 – dalat , day 3 – mui ne , day 4 and 5 – ho chi minh city, day 6 and 7 – phu quoc island, cu chi tunnels or the mekong delta , con dao island, cat tien national park, did you find my vietnam itinerary helpful, 1, 2, and 3-week vietnam itinerary options .

We broke this Vietnam Itinerary into three main sections. 

Simply decide how long you have, and use one of our itineraries to guide you to the top things to do in Vietnam!

10 Days in Vietnam Itinerary: Vietnam Highlights

Our 10 days in Vietnam itinerary will highlight the absolute best of North and South Vietnam – from hiking in Sapa , to sinking beer in lively Ho Chi Minh City (more commonly referred to by its former name, Saigon).

This can be the core of a longer 2 or 3-week journey by adding extension opportunities to it.

You can do this trip from North to South, or in reverse.

After flying into Hanoi, you’ll have one day to see this beautiful city, so get ready to hit the ground running. 

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and is full of beautiful architecture, culture, and unique food.  The old city is surrounded by remnants of fortified walls, and most things you will want to visit are in the Old Quarter. 

I would suggest finding a walking tour, so you can learn about the city’s history as you explore the city.

Take a stroll around the Hoàn Kiếm Lake and visit the Temple of the Jade Moutain, and stop to help the locals practice their English. 

Try the local beer called Bia hơi or fresh beer, which is brewed fresh each morning, and doesn’t contain any preservatives. 

One of the best things to do in Hanoi is to have an egg coffee while sitting at a café in Hanoi’s Train Street. 

Then get ready to get out of the way when the train rattles past, so close to you that it takes your breath away!

For dinner, don’t forget to have a regional specialty, called Bun Cha. It’s found all through the old quarter, so you won’t have to go far to find it. 

Where to stay in Hanoi: We recommend staying right in the Old Quarter.

READ MORE: Learn more about what to do in Hanoi with our Hanoi city guide .

Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site , and is one of the most popular things to see in Vietnam.  

The stunning bay is full of thousands of limestone islands, pristine beaches, caves, and floating villages.  The Vietnamese call it The Bay of the Descending Dragons. 

One of the best ways to visit the islands is by boat. 

You can take one of the many cruises on offer from the tour operators in town, taking you from Hanoi to Halong Bay, spending a night onboard a boat, and returning you to Hanoi the following day. 

Alternatively, make your own way to Halong Bay, and arrange a boat from there. 

Halong Bay cruise options vary depending on your budget.

The cruises normally include kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, swimming, visiting floating villages, and exploring caves.

If you find the Halong Bay cruises a little out of your budget, check out this guide to Halong Bay on a budget . 

Where to stay in Ha Long Bay: Spend the first night at Halong bay, preferably on board a junk boat.  Alternatively, spend the night on Cat Ba Island . Return to Hanoi, and spend the second night there, ready to head to Sapa in the morning.

After a restful night in Hanoi after your cruise, and having enjoyed some more Bun Cha and fresh beer, it’s time to get on a bus from Hanoi to Sapa.

You can also travel by train if you prefer, but buses are the fastest and the best way to get to Sapa from Hanoi. 

Alternatively, you can hire a private car, which will get you there faster, but at considerably more expensive.

Sapa is a region in Vietnam’s northwest and is home to beautiful terraced rice fields, great trekking, and exquisite vistas. 

Sapa has some of the best trekking in Vietnam . 

You can navigate some of these hikes yourself, arrange a private guide, or organize one of the many tours, either from Hanoi or in Sapa itself. 

The most popular attraction in Sapa is the highest mountain in the region, Fan Si Pan .

But unless you take the cable car to the top, you’ll need more time in the area for this hike. 

Some of the shorter day hikes are Cat Cat, and Tả Phìn , which can be done with or without a guide.

Where to stay in Sapa: Spend two nights in Sapa.  Consider a mountain lodge for the true Sapa experience, and then hop on the bus back to Hanoi early the following day.  Then fly from Hanoi to Hue. If you would prefer not to fly, you can take an overnight train or bus from Hanoi to Hue instead, arriving in the morning of Day 7.

Hue is the old Imperial City, and is where the Nguyen Dynasty held the throne for 143 years. 

The last Emperor, Bao Dai, abdicated his throne and power passed to Ho Chi Minh.

During the American War, the North Vietnamese Army captured Hue as part of the Tet Offensive. 

Thus began a battle to regain the Imperial city by the South Vietnamese and the Americans, which lasted almost a month with thousands dead, and the city was mostly destroyed. 

After spending the previous night in Hue, or arriving in the morning by bus or train, visit the Old City with its pavilions, beautiful temples, and the Royal Palace , all protected by high walls, exquisite gates, and moats. 

Hue is also known for the tombs of the Ancient Emperors.  They are all intricate and beautiful.

But don’t miss the Tomb of Tu Duc , or a visit to Tu Hieu Pagoda , which dates back to 1843. 

One of the last things to do in Hue is to try the famous Bún Bò Huế , a local noodle dish with beef and chili oil, washed down with fresh beer. 

Where to stay in Hue: Spend another night in Hue, then head off early on Day 8 to Hoi An.  The most spectacular way is on a motorbike tour through the Hai Van Pass.  The operators will take you on the back of a motorbike, and deliver both you and your luggage to your hotel in Hoi An.

Alternatively, you can take a private car or bus.

READ MORE: Learn more about what to do in Hue with our Hue city guide .

Explore the beautiful city, and enjoy some rest and relaxation at the beach, sitting on beach chairs and drinking cold coconuts. 

The old town is simply stunning. As you walk around you’ll pass stores selling little souvenirs,  great restaurants, and lots of clothes.

Hoi An is the place to be if you want to have some clothes made.  Tailors are everywhere, and prices are affordable. 

Make sure to head out into town at night, as the city lights up with hanging lanterns, and comes alive with markets, street food, and people. 

While out and about visit the wooden Japanese Covered Bridge from the 18 th Century, and take a boat ride up the river to get a better view of the lights. 

Use Grab or take a taxi or scooter and head to the beach.  You can sit at one of the many restaurants, use their lounge chairs and stay all afternoon soaking up the sun!

Where to stay in Hoi An: Spend the night in Hoi An, and fly from nearby Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City the next morning.

READ MORE: Add these things to do in Hoi An to your itinerary !

After experiencing incredible Hoi An, it’s time for one last big effort as we reach the home stretch of our 10-day itinerary. 

Our time allows for one of two tour options, or if you have an extra day, both.

Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh, is a bustling array of buildings, people, food and scooters! 

Saigon is where a lot of ex-pats live as it offers so much variety and, like New York, the city never sleeps! 

These are your last couple of days in Vietnam, and there is plenty to see.  The Vietnam War Museum, Notre Dame (yes they have one too!), the beautiful Central Post Office, and Independence Palace are all must-see destinations while in HCMC.

One of the things to do in Ho Chi Minh City is to head to Bui Ven Walking Street , where all the action happens. 

After dark, this street is packed with people sitting at small plastic tables and chairs sinking beers, eating street food, and people-watching. 

After a few beers and some food, head back to your hotel and get some rest before your flight home.

READ MORE: Consider these 8 day trips from Ho Chi Minh City .

The Cu Chi Tunnels

Even if you’re not particularly interested in Vietnam’s war history, this is an interesting place to visit. 

There are two different locations, Ben Dinh and Ben Doc . 

Most tour companies usually head to the one closest to the city, Ben Dinh, which is also the largest. 

The Tunnels offer an interesting insight into what it was like for the people fighting in the Vietnam/American War, their living conditions, and how they used the tunnels to hide underground during the day and fight the enemy at night.  

Today you can go into some of the tunnels, which have been widened for westerners to fit in. 

You can only visit the tunnels with a guide, which is provided as part of the entry ticket or part of your tour . 

The Mekong Delta Tour

If small little tunnels aren’t your thing and you would prefer to take a pleasant boat ride down the Mekong river instead, there are half-day tours available from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta. 

Mekong Delta tours usually include exploring small canals by a sampan boat, visiting villages and islands, sampling exotic fruit and touring a coconut candy farm. Yum!

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City: For your two nights in Saigon, stay in District 1 to be right in the middle of everything, District 3 if you’d like a more relaxed stay that’s still only moments away from the action or District 4 for a real local experience.

Extension Option

If you’re able to extend your tour to 2 weeks in Vietnam, you’ll have more time for these excursions. Any 2 week Vietnam itinerary should include these!

Da Nang has lots to offer .  If you are comfortable on a scooter or motorbike, you can ride from Hue to Da Nang (before going to Hoi An), through the Hai Van Pass . 

This route used to be a little dangerous due to all the cars and trucks using the pass.

But since they have built the new freeway and tunnel there is very little traffic, making it a very enjoyable and incredibly scenic ride.  

The best way to do this is by motorbike tour from Hue, to either Da Nang or to Hoi An, or in reverse. 

Setting out from Da Nang, Ba Na Hills is a scooter ride away.  You may recognize the bridge seemingly held up by two large hands.

Between Da Nang and Hoi An lies Marble Mountain , and to the east of Da Nang there’s a large Buddhist temple complex and pagoda called Chua Linh Ung .

If you have longer in Vietnam and would like to explore more of this beautiful country, combine our North and South options below to create a 2 weeks in Vietnam itinerary. 

2 Week Vietnam Itinerary – 1 Week in the North

Start your 2 weeks in Vietnam in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city, with beautiful architecture, culture, and food. 

While in Hanoi don’t forget to try egg coffee, fresh beer (Bia hơi), and especially the regional dish of Hanoi, Bun Cha .   (See Above 10-day Vietnam Itinerary)

Where to stay in Hanoi: Spend the night in Hanoi.  We recommend staying right in the Old Quarter.

Ha Long Bay, with its beautiful limestone islands, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. 

It’s a must-see while in Vietnam, with an overnight boat tour to the islands, and other fun activities like SUPing, kayaking, and exploring caves. 

The easiest way to see Ha Long Bay is to organize a tour from Hanoi . (See Above 10-day Vietnam Itinerary)

Where to stay in Ha Long Bay: Spend the first night at Ha Long Bay, preferably on board a junk boat.  Alternatively, spend the night on Cat Ba Island .  Return to Hanoi, and spend the second night there, ready to head to Sapa in the morning.

Think of beautiful rice terraces set high up in the mountains, trekking, and staying in mountain lodges. 

Sapa is located in the northwest part of the country, and best seen by a two-day tour from Hanoi. (See Above 10-day Vietnam Itinerary)

Where to stay in Sapa: Spend two nights in Sapa.  Consider a mountain lodge for the true Sapa experience, and then hop on the bus back to Hanoi early the following day.  Then fly from Hanoi to Hue.

If you would prefer not to fly, you can take an overnight train or bus from Hanoi to Hue instead, arriving in the morning of Day 7.

The old imperial city still has many secrets to uncover. 

Hidden behind towering walls and large gates, you can explore where the last Emperor ruled from before abdicating his rule in favor of Ho Chi Minh.

This is where the North Vietnamese overtook the city, sparking a battle that lasted for almost a month in what was known as the Tet Offensive. (See Above 10-day Vietnam Itinerary)

Where to stay in Hue: Spend the night in town.  Leave your bags at your hotel while you explore the city the next morning, then head to Hoi An after lunch. 

The most spectacular way is on a motorbike tour through the Hai Van Pass .  The operators will take you on the back of a motorbike, and deliver both you and your luggage to your hotel in Hoi An.

Head to the beach during the day and relax on one of the many lounge chairs offered by the restaurants lining the foreshore of Central Vietnam.

In the evening enjoy the magical old town that comes alive at night with lights, markets, food, and more!  (See Above 10-day Vietnam Itinerary)

Where to stay in Hoi An: Spend the night in Hoi An, and fly from nearby Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, or head to Nha Trang to link up with the Southern Vietnam Itinerary below.

READ MORE: Add these things to do in Hoi An to your 2 week Vietnam itinerary!

Extension Options

If you want more time in the north during your 2 week Vietnam itinerary, add on these trips such as Ninh Binh and some cool national parks.

Considered the inland version of Halong Bay, Ninh Binh is best seen by boat, on a pushbike, or scooter. 

We spent two full days in Ninh Binh and enjoyed a pushbike ride in the surrounding area.

We then hired a scooter in Ninh Binh and set out to see more of the beautiful lush hills, taking a boat ride through Tam Coc, and visiting pagodas.

You can easily book an awesome 2-day, 1-night tour of Ninh Binh from Hanoi if you’re not comfortable riding a scooter in the crazy Vietnam traffic.

Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park is home to over 300 caves and grottoes.  This UNESCO World Heritage Site protects the oldest karst system in Vietnam. 

It comprises of a precious ecosystem, limestone forest, and the world’s largest cave, Son Doong . 

The park offers eco-tourism, mountain climbing, trekking, flora and fauna, and caving. 

Some of this can be done independently, but tours are often the best option to get the most out of your time. 

The My Son ruins are another important UNESCO World Heritage site in central Vietnam. 

This temple complex was built by the Champas during their rule, and was influenced by Hinduism. 

The ruins of the brick temples and sculptures are often likened to Angkor Wat in Cambodia or Bagan in Myanmar.

Book a tour of My Son to make the most of your experience.

Ba Be Lake is the centre of the National Park, and of the Ba Be Lake legend. 

People believe that the lake was formed by an enchantress, who cursed the people of the surrounding area for not showing compassion to her when she asked for help.

Legends aside, Ba Be Lake offers a wide range of activities, from trekking, kayaking, motor-biking, waterfalls, caves, and the natural beauty and diversity of the area. 

The highest point of Bach Ma National Park is the 1450m high mountain of the same name. 

The park is known for its biodiversity, with lots of birds, flora, mammals, and primates.

The government finally protected the area in 1962, after the area was greatly damaged due to the use of agent orange during the Vietnam War.

The area is now safe for people to explore and is best seen with a tour guide . 

You can hike the Five Lakes Cascade Trail taking in the waterfalls, visit the monastery, and hike the Pheasant Trail .  

A visit to the demilitarized zone (DMZ), is a great one-day outing for history buffs. 

The DMZ area was the dividing line between North and South Vietnam during the war, and as a result, saw heavy fighting. 

The tour explains the extent of the fighting in this area, and the importance of the location in the Vietnam War. 

2 Week Vietnam Itinerary – 1 Week in the South

Next on your 2 weeks in Vietnam, spend 1 week in the south of Vietnam. You could easily spend 2 weeks in Vietnam in just the north or the south, but you can also spread out your time between both areas.

Our Southern itinerary begins in Nha Trang.  Either fly there from Saigon or Hanoi, or take a bus down from Hoi An if you’re continuing on from our Northern Itinerary.

Nha Trang is the most famous seaside resort in Vietnam and is known for its white-sand beaches, coastal islands, and clear waters with abundant marine life, making it perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling. 

The town itself also offers interesting cultural sites close by, and places where you can pamper yourself with a mud-bath, or enjoy a seafood dinner. 

Where to stay in Nha Trang: Spend a night in Nha Trang, and take a bus or private car to Dalat the next morning.

After a relaxing time on the beach, it’s time to get some more culture in during your 2 week Vietnam itinerary! 

Dalat is heavily influenced by the colonial period from the French occupation, as the French built their holiday homes here to take advantage of the temperate weather.

With beautiful buildings, gardens, interesting architecture, coffee and tea plantation tours, waterfalls, mountain biking, hiking, and canyoning , you don’t want to miss out on this city!

Where to stay in Dalat: Spend the night in Dalat, and take a bus or private car to Mui Ne the next morning.

READ MORE: Learn more about what to do in Dalat with our Dalat city guide .

Three main things are offered in this beautiful resort destination; relaxation, watersports, and sand dunes.

Mui Ne beach is dotted with resorts, hotels, and hostels, and is a great place to just sit and enjoy your surroundings. 

Although Mui Ne is more than just the beach, this area is set up for tourists and has one main street of shops, cafes, bars, and shopping.

Being a beach town, watersports are a big thing here, and just about everything is on offer from kitesurfing to parasailing. 

The Mui Ne sand dunes are popular, and a spectacular sight. 

There are two locations, the smaller, closer, red sand dunes, and the white sand dunes about 26km from town. 

Tours are available for both locations and you can also hire dune buggies, or go sledding! 

Where to stay in Mui Ne: Spend a night in Mui Ne, then shake the sand from your belongings and take a bus or the train to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) the next morning.

There’s so much to see and experience in this historic city, including day tours to some pretty important locations, that you’ll need two days .  

On the first day, you’ll head out into Ho Chi Minh City.  It has some great cultural sites, like the Vietnam War Museum, Independence Palace, Notre Dame, and it also boasts some pretty great nightlife too.  

For the second day, we suggest you head out of the city on a day tour.  There are two great options: The Chu Chi Tunnels, or a trip to the Mekong Delta. (See Above 10-day Vietnam Itinerary)

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City: For your two nights in Saigon, stay in District 1 to be right in the middle of everything, District 3 if you’d like a more relaxed stay that’s still only moments away from the action or District 4 for a real local experience. Fly to Phu Quoc Island on Day 6.

Phu Quoc is a small island off the coast of Cambodia, lined with white sand beaches and palm trees.  

There are many resorts along the southwest coast providing you with ample opportunity for some relaxation time, while you swim, and eat your last fill of tasty Vietnamese food.   

Phu Quoc island is home to mountains, tropical rainforest, hiking and wildlife, all within its National Park. 

Lots of tours are available to explore the island which offers snorkelling as well, or you can hire a scooter and set off by yourself.

Where to stay in Phu Quoc Island: Spend two relaxing nights on Phu Quoc Island, then fly back to Saigon to catch your onward flight!

If you have more time to spend during your 2 weeks in Vietnam, take the ferry to the mainland, and continue overland to some of the extension options listed below, or to Cambodia.

If you have more time for your 2 week Vietnam itinerary, or you want to further explore one area rather than hopping around, here are some ideas!

Depending on what you did in 7 days for our Southern Vietnam Itinerary, if you have time you might like to see the other option best explored out of Ho Chi Minh City.  (See Above 10-day Vietnam Itinerary)

During the French occupation, and later the Saigon regime, this island was used to house political prisoners and prisoners that were considered especially dangerous.

Aside from its harrowing past, the island is known for its natural beauty with over 80% of the island being a National Park. 

These days the island is frequented for its spectacular snorkelling and diving, with abundant coral reefs, beautiful beaches, and hidden lagoons.   

Can Tho is the de facto capital of the delta region and an unassuming city full of life. 

Most of the activity happens around the pier where you can enjoy great food and cold beer. 

Boat rides are available to show you more of the city and surrounding area, and visit some early-morning markets. 

If you’d like a little break from the tourists and are looking to just relax and hang out with the locals, Qui Nhon is the place to come . 

Unspoiled by tourism, this sleepy town has squeaky white sand beaches, snorkeling, swimming, temples, and museums. 

Cat Tien National Park is comprised of two sections Cat Loc, and Nam Cat Tien, the former being the most visited of the two. 

The river by Nam Cat Tien houses an important Hindu archaeological site and temple, where a large number of artifacts have been uncovered and are now in the Dalat museum. 

The national park has spectacular flora and fauna and trekking.

READ MORE: 33 amazing things to do in Vietnam !

Vietnam is a large and diverse country, with a great deal to offer the traveller who goes in with an open mind and heart. 

While we’ve listed what we feel are the main highlights, there is much more to be explored when you visit Vietnam.

Friendly people really make Vietnam a special place to visit.

The itineraries listed above are a bare minimum if you need to get the most out of a short amount of time. 

While doable, if possible it would be a much more relaxing trip if you could pad it out by adding a few days to your Vietnam itinerary, and slow down a little!

We hope you have a wonderful time there!

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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1 year travelling – backpacking in southeast asia highlights, caves, zip lines and deep mud in phong nha, getting a chinese visa in hanoi, vietnam, scuba diving in nha trang – is it worth it, 1 thought on “the perfect vietnam itinerary for 1, 2, or 3 weeks”.

Hi, I was wondering how much the 10 day option costs roughly in AUD? Cheers!

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Vietnam Tours & Vacations

Vietnamese food is where it’s at.

Wherever we travel, it’s the flavors we remember best. A crusty bánh mì or streetside pho, seafood cù lao hotpots and (scarily addictive) coffee with condensed milk. Vietnam tours are tasty, plain and simple. We won’t just drop you in Halong Bay and call it a day. Our local leaders will introduce you to rice farmers in Sapa and fishermen on the Mekong Delta. They’ll guide you through the Cu Chi Tunnels, take you to the best beaches and on a street food crawl through Ho Chi Minh City. Our stomach’s rumbling already... 

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Treasures of Vietnam

Vietnam Express Southbound

Three kinds of wow: Twitching in Vietnam

Time and place: Hanoi Old Quarter Market, 5 pm

Creative Cities: Hanoi

Travel globally and think locally with Intrepid leader San Tao

Slow drip: Vietnamese coffee culture

Follow the leader: Tu Vu will never stop learning about Vietnam

Saying yes with Intrepid leader, Huyen Nguyen

 Vun Art: Changing lives in Vietnam one scrap at a time

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Vietnam at a glance, capital city.

Approximately 98 million

(GMT+07:00) Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type C (European 2-pin)

Learn more about Vietnam

History and government, early history.

Vietnam has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Archaeological finds suggest that structured societies existed as early as the 1st millennium BC. Early society was mostly feudal and agriculture-based, with various dynasties overseeing different parts of Vietnam until the Chinese invasion of 111 BC, which saw the societies of Vietnam and China intertwined. Various Chinese dynasties dominated the area for hundreds of years, although revolts finally led to Vietnam gaining self-autonomy in 905. By 938, this period of Chinese imperial domination came to a close and Vietnam entered into an age of independence.

Recent history

During the 19th century, Vietnam came under the influence of French colonizers, who assumed control of Vietnam after the Sino-French War of 1884 and 1885. French Indochina was formed in 1887, and included parts of Vietnam, Cambodia and, later on, Laos. Although the French managed to suppress internal movements towards independence for many years, their control was finally relinquished in 1954 when Vietnamese forces overcame the French during the first Indochina War. Following this war, Vietnam was divided, with separate forces ruling the north (led by Ho Chi Minh) and the south (led by Ngo Dinh Diem, with support from the United States). 

The second Indochina War created wide-scale devastation and turmoil for the people of Vietnam, leading to mass migration to other parts of the world as asylum seekers tried to escape the conflict. More recently, Vietnam has benefited from the free market economy set up in 1986. Vietnam's economy continues to expand, with agriculture and industry providing the backbone and the tourism sector also contributing. Although many Vietnamese people live below the poverty line, there have been widespread improvements in literacy and health, which hopefully will continue to improve.

Geography and environment

Occupying a long, thin part of the Indochinese peninsula, Vietnam shares borders with China , Laos and Cambodia . Much of Vietnam's terrain is mountainous, particularly the north and central highland regions. Although people still choose to live in the densely forested highland regions, most of Vietnam's population is concentrated in the cities of the low-lying areas, where infrastructure is more easily built and the land is fertile. One of the 12 great rivers of the world, the Mekong, runs through Vietnam and has been responsible for wide-scale flooding. A system of canals and levees has been quite successful in redistributing the water during monsoons, and has helped to alleviate flooding in the Mekong Delta and surrounding areas.

Vietnam has a nice mix of interesting markets and small shops, with handicrafts, art and clothing among the best picks.

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Things to buy in Vietnam

1. Tailored clothing

Hoi An is one of the best places in the world to get tailor-made clothing at a great price. Find a tailor, choose your fabric, get measured and return later to collect your custom-made fashion.

2. Hilltribe handicrafts

Some of Vietnam's hilltribe people make excellent woven bags, clothing and jewelry which make meaningful souvenirs for friends back home.

As one of the world's largest coffee exporters, Vietnamese coffee is among the world's best. If you’re a coffee fan, why not take a little taste of Vietnam home with you.

4. Lacquerware

The time-consuming, intensive process of creating Vietnamese lacquer art results in a beautiful, smooth and polished finish that adorns everything from bowls to paintings and jewelry boxes. While not the cheapest of souvenirs, authentic lacquer art is worth spending a bit more on.

Culture and customs

Vietnam's ancient culture can be traced back centuries and over the years has been influenced in different ways by the Chinese, Khmer, French and American cultures. For most Vietnamese people, connection to family and community is paramount - whether they are from rural villages or living in fast-paced cities.

Most festivals and holidays are spent with the extended family - participating in rituals, feasting on special foods, giving symbolic gifts and paying respects to ancestors. Most Vietnamese people practice a form of religion that is an interesting mix of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism, although there are also a large number of practising Catholics living in Vietnam.

Having endured the hardship that the Vietnam War brought in the 1960s and 1970s, most Vietnamese people are keen to get on with life, living with a sense of optimism and humility.

Similar destinations

Thinking about a trip to Vietnam but still browsing other destinations? Or, maybe you've already been and are looking for somewhere similar?

Cambodia vs Vietnam

Thailand vs Vietnam

Top 10 iconic landscapes of Vietnam

1. hạlong bay.

There's nothing quite like Halong Bay first thing in the morning. As the mists clear, hundreds of huge karst towers appear, looming high above the boat. In the soft morning light, it's like waking up in a watercolor painting of a mythical land. Float along the waters of Halong Bay on our 2 day Junk Cruise.

Jam-packed with imperial sites, Hue is one for the history buffs. Explore the Citadel with its ruined Forbidden Purple City before embracing your inner emperor and taking a dragon boat cruise down the Perfume River. Walk the historic streets of Hue on our 11 day Explore Vietnam tour.

3. Ho Chi Minh City

Still known as Saigon to most, HCMC is a city on the go. It's fast-paced, exciting and full of amazing sites. Temples and markets collide with churches and skyscrapers for a heady mix of traditional, colonial and modern. Explore Ho Chi Minh City's jam-packed streets on our 10 day Vietnam Express Southbound tour.

Motorbikes piled high with people, produce and even animals zip through the streets. It's crazy and haphazard and somehow it works. The best way to take it all in is from a rooftop cafe. Order an extra strong coffee and watch the chaos unfold below. Get lost in the beautiful Hanoi on our 10 day Vietnam Express Northbound tour.

This shoppers' paradise is home to more boot makers, tailors and handicrafts than you could visit in a lifetime. While you wait for your suit to be made, hire a bicycle and explore the Old Town - the streets are blissfully car-free. Shop 'til you drop on our 8 day Premium Vietnam tour or on our 8 day Treasures of vietnam tour.

Head to the hills and see the colorful villages of Vietnam's minority groups - the Zay, and the Blue and Black H'mong. The area is remote so the best way to experience it is on an overnight trek, spending the night as a guest of a local family. Escape to the hills on our 5 day Sapa Adventure or on our 11 day Vietnam: Hike, Bike & Kayak tour.

7. Mekong Delta

This massive area of floating markets, emerald rice paddies and lush islands is home to some of the friendliest people on earth. Take a boat trip to one of the sleepy islands to get a front-row view of life on the Delta, and meet the people who call it home. Adventure through the Mekong Delta on our 2 day Farmstay .

Further reading

Vietnam travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need a visa to travel to Vietnam?

Most nationalities are required to obtain a tourist visa in advance to travel to Vietnam. When obtaining your visa you should allow 3 weeks for processing with your nearest embassy or consulate. The cost is approximately US$60 to US$100. Please check with your embassy or consulate for further requirements.

Some nationalities are exempt from visas for a stay of a maximum of 15 days, including British, German, French, Spanish and Italian citizens traveling to Vietnam (for all purposes). This exemption is based upon meeting all conditions prescribed by Vietnamese laws. If you are planning on staying in Vietnam for longer than 15 days you will need to obtain a visa extension in advance (please contact your relevant Consulate or Embassy). Please also check the requirements if you plan to re-enter Vietnam.

An e-Visa is available for some nationalities including passport holders from Australia, France, Ireland, Italy, Canada and the United States of America, valid for a single entry of a maximum of 30-day stay in Vietnam.  Learn more about the eVisa on the immigration website .

E-Visas take up to 3 days to be processed. You will need a clear electronic copy of your passport data page and passport photo, and to make a non-refundable payment as outlined on the immigration website. Important information Keep the customs and immigration form you receive on arrival, as you need it to complete exit formalities on departure.

If you're traveling with us and your visa application asks for a point of contact, please write: Intrepid Vietnam 5th floor HiPT Building, 152 Thuy Khue Street, Thuy Khue, Tay Ho, Hanoi, Ph +84 4 3715 0996.

Most nationalities do not require a letter of invitation for Vietnam but if you do need one, please contact your sales agent for more information.

The page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain the relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates.

Last updated: 31 July 2023

Is tipping customary in Vietnam?

Tipping isn't mandatory or customary in Vietnam, but a tip of spare change or another small amount would be appreciated by restaurants, drivers and other service workers, especially if the service has been particularly good .

What is the internet access like in Vietnam?

Internet access is widely available in tourist areas and big cities, which have many internet cafes. Internet access is less frequent in rural and remote areas.

Can I use my mobile phone while in Vietnam?

You'll be able to use your mobile phone in most urban areas of Vietnam, although remote and mountainous areas may not have network coverage. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your mobile carrier before you leave home if you wish to use your mobile while in Vietnam.

What are the toilets like in Vietnam?

You'll have to adjust to different standards of hygiene and sanitation while in Vietnam. The standard toilet is of the squat variety and this may take some getting used to, although western-style toilets can be found in large hotels and some tourist areas.

What will it cost for a…?

The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong. Here's what you can expect to pay for a:

• Quick city bus ride = 5,000 VND-9,000VND
• Local-style coffee at a cafe = 20,000-30,000 VND
• Bowl of pho from street stall = 20,000-70,000 VND
• Dinner at a simple restaurant = 100,000-250,000 VND
• Dinner at an up-market restaurant = 300,000+ VND

Can I drink the tap water in Vietnam?

It is generally not safe to drink the tap water in Vietnam. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found; some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Vietnam?

Major credit cards are widely accepted by large shops, hotels and restaurants in Vietnam. However, they may not be accepted by smaller vendors such as small family restaurants, market stalls or in remote towns and rural areas. Make sure you carry enough cash for purchases, since credit cards aren't always an option everywhere in Vietnam.

What is ATM access like in Vietnam?

ATMs are found widely throughout Vietnam, so withdrawing cash shouldn't be problematic in most areas. Some smaller villages and rural areas may not have ATM access, so prepare for this before venturing too far from a city or major town.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in Vietnam?

Public holidays celebrated in Vietnam include:

• 1 Jan: New Year's Day
• 21 Jan: Tết (Vietnamese New Year)
• 21 Apr: Gio to Hung Vuong Day
• 30 Apr: Reunification Day
• 1 May: Labour Day
• 2 Sep: National Day

Please note,  Vietnam public holidays may vary.

What festivals are celebrated in Vietnam?

The major festivals celebrated in Vietnam are Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year, February), Reunification Day (30 April), National Day (2 September) and Tet Trung Thu (Mid-Autumn Festival, late September).

When is the best time to visit Vietnam?

The most popular times to visit Vietnam are spring (February-April) and fall (September-December) but because of the huge variations in latitude and altitude, there is no one best time to go to Vietnam. It’s a good destination all year.

What's the weather like in Vietnam?

Vietnam has an incredibly diverse tropical climate, and temperatures vary from 39°F in Sapa in winter to humid 97°F days in Saigon in the middle of the dry season. The monsoons bring heavy rain to the south, and a cooler winter to the north depending on when you plan to tour Vietnam.

What are the best things to eat in Vietnam?

Traditional Vietnamese food is typified by its use of fresh herbs and vegetables and its wide regional variance. Vietnamese food is influenced by its Chinese and Khmer neighbors and echoes French colonization. Some of the best things to eat in Vietnam are noodle soups (pho, bun mam, bun bo hue), bread rolls (banh mi), savory pancakes (banh xeo) and fresh tropical fruits. 

What are the best things to drink in Vietnam?

Our list of best things to drink in Vietnam includes ice coffee, fruit smoothies, fresh coconut juice straight from a freshly cracked green coconut, sugar cane juice, local beers and artisan rice wine.

What to wear in Vietnam?

While the tropical climate lends itself to layered, breathable clothing all year round, if you are taking a tour in the North, cold winters mean you might need to bring a fleece or jacket.

What kinds of transport will I be using in Vietnam?

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun. Depending on which trip you're on while in Vietnam, you may find yourself traveling by:

• Overnight sleeper train

Traveling aboard an overnight sleeper train is a fun way to journey through Vietnam. Interact with other passengers or sit by a window and watch the world go by.

Curious? Click here read more about what to expect on an overnight train.

Take time to wave to locals as you cycle at a leisurely pace past rice paddies and through simple villages in rural Vietnam

These 3 wheeled vehicles are a great way to zip around the sights.

What kinds of accommodation will I have in Vietnam?

Traveling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavor to provide travelers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.  When traveling with us in Vietnam you may find yourself staying in a:

• Overnight boat

Sleeping aboard a boat on Halong Bay is a quintessential Vietnamese experience to be savored. Slip into relaxation mode as you take in stunning views of the surrounding limestone karst scenery.

Get acquainted with the Vietnamese way of life while on a memorable home stay. Be exposed to new languages, cuisine and customs while making friends with your hosts and neighbors.

Is Vietnam a LGBTQIA+ friendly destination?

The LGBQTIA+ community is gradually gaining recognition in Vietnam, with gay pride parades becoming a regular occurrence and a lift on same-sex marriage bans in 2015. With that said, Vietnam is still a conservative culture and many still hide their sexuality from their families. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have some gay-friendly bars and events. It's generally recommended that both gay and straight couples resist showing public displays of affection.  

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting  Equaldex  or  ILGA  before you travel.

Does my trip to Vietnam support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveler. Trips to Vietnam directly support our foundation partners, Blue Dragon Children's Foundation, Vun Art and WildAct.

Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Blue Dragon Children's Foundation Blue Dragon Children's Foundation is helping disadvantaged youth in Vietnam, fighting the causes of human trafficking and (where possible) reuniting homeless or trafficked children with their families. Donations from our trips help their team of social workers, psychologists, teachers, and lawyers to offer individualized support to every child rescued. 

Find out more or make a donation

Vun Art Vun Art empowers people with disabilities in Vietnam through vocational training and employment opportunities. They teach traditional folk painting using recycled materials which provides job opportunities, helps to preserve the ancient artform and cares for the local environment all at once. Donations from our trips support Vun Art's capacity-building programs for people with disabilities, including trainees' allowance, transportation, and equipment.  

WildAct protects migratory birds of Vietnam and reduces illegal hunting by educating local communities about the importance of conservation. Donations from our trips help WildAct run educational programs to stop the illegal hunting of threatened migratory birds through knowledge-sharing in local communities.  

Is Vietnam accessible for travellers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible , regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Despite having a high population of people with disabilities, accessible infrastructure and facilities are still limited in Vietnam. Chaotic traffic and pavements blocked by parked motorbikes and street stalls, uneven footpaths and high curbs add to the challenges of getting around for travelers with mobility or vision disabilities. Most entrances to hotels, shops, restaurants and tourist sites will have steps and many doorways will not be able to accommodate wheelchairs wider than 60cm. Some sights and destinations will not be fully accessible (ie. Ha Long Bay boats, Cu Chi Tunnels) but other places such as Hoi An are flat and much more wheelchair-friendly. There are likely to be situations where travelers with disabilities may need to rely on local people to help. Taxis are readily available and an affordable way to get around for travelers who are not confident in exploring independently on foot.

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

What is it like traveling on a small group tour?

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or you’re about to embark on your first trip, traveling can be as intimidating as it is exciting. That's the beauty of a small group tour. From handling the logistics and organizing amazing cultural activities to local leaders who know each destination like the back of their hand (like which street has the best markets and where to get the most authentic food), traveling on a small group tour with Intrepid will give you unforgettable travel experiences without the hassle that comes with exploring a new place. Plus, you'll have ready-made friends to share the journey with. All you have to do is turn up with a healthy sense of adventure and we’ll take care of the rest.

Vietnam Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Vietnam travel guide ?

Then you’re in the right place!

Thanks to its stunning natural beauty in places Ha Long Bay and the Mekong Delta, bustling cities with incredible street food, and fascinating culture and history, Vietnam is an unmissable destination in Southeast Asia .

It’s also extremely affordable, and visitors will find that their money stretches far in Vietnam when it comes to food, hotels, and transportation.

Keep reading to dive into resources from Jessie on a Journey as well as its sister site Epicure & Culture that will help you with planning a trip to Vietnam.

Note: This guide to Vietnam travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Vietnam Map

Use this Vietnam travel map to begin planning your trip!

Click here for an interactive version of the above map.

Best Places To Visit In Vietnam

Learn about the top places to visit in Vietnam .

Stunning Images From The World’s Largest Cave In Vietnam

Solo Travel, Local Culture & Going Beyond The Guidebook In Vietnam

Vietnam Travel Advice

Use these Vietnam travel tips to plan the perfect trip.

My Unwanted Paparazzi Moment On Cat Ba Island In Vietnam (Important Lesson Included!)

Top 10 Vacation Destinations In Asia

Vietnam Food Trip

Explore the country on a virtual Vietnam food tour with these travel resources.

A Guide To Southeast Asian Culture Through Spices

The French Influence On Vietnamese Cuisine

Asia Travel Tips

This Asia travel advice can help you plan the perfect trip.

24 Best Places For Solo Travel In Asia

Top Vietnam Tours

Check out these fun tours in Vietnam from my affiliate partner, Viator:

• Cooking Class in Local Villa with Market Tour (Seasonal Local Wine Tasting) in Hoàn Kiếm
• Saigon Evening Food Tour By Scooter in Ho Chi Minh City
• Overnight Sapa Tour from Hanoi

These excursions will help you learn about Vietnam from a local!

Vietnam Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a Vietnam tour. When visiting Vietnam — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Vietnam itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Vietnam Hotels

Click here to browse hotels in Vietnam!

Prefer self-contained stays? 

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays:

Renting A Car In Vietnam

Need a rental car for your Vietnam trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Vietnam Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling Vietnam .

Q: Is Vietnam safe for tourists?

Vietnam is a safe country for tourists to visit. In fact, it’s one of the best destinations for a solo trip to Asia .

There is very little violent crime; however, tourists should be vigilant when it comes to petty theft and scams, especially in popular tourist destinations.

Q: Is Vietnam cheap to travel?

Vietnam is a very budget-friendly destination! Like many places in Southeast Asia, your money will go far in Vietnam.

A typical backpacker budget is around $30 a day, while a mid-range traveler may want to budget $60-$75 a day.

If you’re on a budget while traveling Asia , definitely add Vietnam to your itinerary.

Q: Can you travel Vietnam by train?

Yes, train travel is one of the best ways to get around Vietnam!

Trains in Vietnam are comfortable, affordable, and scenic. Although they can be slow, they offer great views and a good value for money.

Q: What are some Vietnam travel do’s and don’ts?

Things you should do in Vietnam:

• Do dress conservatively, especially when visiting temples or pagodas
• Do keep an eye on your belongings at all times, especially in tourist areas
• Do learn a few basic phrases in Vietnamese, such as hello, please, and thank you

Things you should not do in Vietnam:

• Don’t take photos without asking for permission first, especially in rural areas or villages
• Don’t expect public restrooms to have toilet paper – always bring your own with you!
• Don’t miss out on trying Vietnamese street food

Q: Do I need a visa to enter Vietnam?

Citizens of most North American and European countries will need a visa in order to visit Vietnam. Visas must be applied for in advance.

It’s recommended to view your country’s Vietnam International Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements. You can also contact the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Q: What are some must-try street foods in Vietnam?

Vietnam has some of the best street food in the world!

Experience Vietnam through delicious dishes like pho (a hearty noodle soup), xoi (sticky rice laced with various options like pork or fried egg), and banh mi (a tasty baguette sandwich).

Q: What are some great Vietnam tourist places?

When visiting Vietnam, some tourist spots not to miss include Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon), Phú Quốc Island, Mekong Delta (aka the Western Region), Vũng Tàu, Halong Bay, and Ninh Binh, which is a town just an hour-and-a-half from Hanoi, which another great destination.

It’s also easy to get to other countries in Southeast Asia and the rest of Asia from Vietnam, like Hong Kong, Thailand, and Laos.

Q: What is the local currency in Vietnam?

The local currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese đồng.

What would you add to this Vietnam travel guide?

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How to plan a trip to Vietnam: everything to know!

Last updated on March 15th, 2024

Planning a trip to Vietnam? We’re sharing all of the logistics to be aware of before you go, plus what to expect once there! In 2023 we spent almost 6 weeks traveling all over Vietnam, including the large cities, smaller towns, epic nature spots, and so much more. It is hard to put into words how much this trip meant to us. Everytime we think about it, we get emotional because it was so incredibly special and as cheesy as it sounds, life changing.

Our trip to Vietnam was our first trip to Asia. And compared to other places we have visited, planning a trip to Vietnam was by far the most complex. There was so much to know! Where do we even go? How do we get around? What do we need to legally visit? And beyond those questions, we also had some anxiety around the language barrier and navigating a completely different culture. But in the end, the trip went so smoothly. We may have had a few minor hiccups here and there, but overall, it went even better than we could’ve imagined. And more importantly, we LOVED Vietnam. It is truly an incredible country! And in this guide we are sharing all of the things to know and consider when planning a trip to Vietnam. We hope that it can help you go into your own Vietnam trip with a bit less stress and anxiety and give you as smooth and memorable of an experience as we had!

About Vietnam

Logistics for planning a trip to vietnam , what to pack for vietnam, things to know once you’re in vietnam, final thoughts on planning a trip to vietnam, ready to begin planning a trip to vietnam.

Located in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is a long and narrow country that spans 128,066 square miles, with Cambodia and Laos bordering it on the west, China in the north, and the ocean along the east. It is the 15th most populated country in the world, with over 97 million residents. The population is made up of 54 different ethnic minorities, with Kinh being the largest.

Check out 12 of the best cities to visit in Vietnam .

Quick Vietnam history

There have been a handful of monumental events that have occurred in Vietnam over the years that are important to be aware of before visiting. The first being French colonialism. Back in the 1850s, the French invaded Vietnam, plus Laos, Cambodia, and part of China, creating a group of colonies called French Indochina. They didn’t leave until the 1950s and during this time period they heavily influenced Vietnam. The French heavily taxed the Vietnamese, overworked Vietnamese workers, and imprisoned and tortured those who resisted their rule. Today, you can still see evidence of the French in both the architecture and food.

Another important event was the Vietnam War, known as the American War by the Vietnamese. This war took place between 1955 and 1975 and was officially fought between North and South Vietnam, with the United States intervening heavily in the 1960s.  We highly recommend watching the Ken Burns PBS documentary about the war before you go, as it shares perspectives from all three sides involved. The war had many negative effects on the country, including massive bombings, Agent Orange, and so much more. So you may be wondering “do the Vietnamese hate Americans and French?” While we cannot speak for the French experience visiting Vietnam today, as Americans, we had no issues. We asked many locals how they felt about Americans and all responded similarly with “the past is the past.” Everyone was very welcoming to us! 

Why visit Vietnam?

There are so many reasons to visit Vietnam! Here are some of the reasons why we chose to visit Vietnam over other Southeast Asian countries:

• The scenery is diverse! You can experience large cities, the ocean, mountains, caves, rice fields and farmland, and rivers all in one trip.
• People are kind and friendly.
• The food is delicious! We’ll share some of our favorites later on in this guide.
• There are a wide variety of unique experiences.
• It is affordable to visit.
• You’ll find handfuls of cute, quaint coffee shops in every town and city.
• You can have many cultural experiences.
• There is a lot of interesting history to learn.
• It feels underrated. We know of many people who have been to Thailand, but far less that have been to Vietnam. We encountered many Europeans and Australians in the country, but very few Americans.

Different regions of Vietnam

As we mentioned above, Vietnam is a long country, spanning 1,025 miles from south to north. The country is typically split into three regions: north, central, and south. Each area has so much to offer and in our opinion, all are worth visiting! Which one you prioritize will depend on what interests you the most.

Northern Vietnam

In the north, you have the capital city of Hanoi , plus stunning mountainous terrain. This is the most scenic part of Vietnam in our opinion! Here you can go on epic motorbike trips , see tons of karst mountains , visit Vietnam’s largest waterfall , cruise Ha Long Bay, and interact with different ethnic minorities.

Central Vietnam

Central Vietnam is home to many historical sites, including the ancient cities of Hoi An and Hue. It’s also home to great surfing in Da Nang, tons of caves near Phong Nha, plus forests and mountains.

Southern Vietnam

Southern Vietnam is less mountainous than the rest of the country, but still has tons to offer! It is home to Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), also known as Saigon. This bustling city is a ton of fun to explore! Southern Vietnam is also where you can find the Mekong River Delta, visit islands like Phu Quoc, and crawl through tunnels from the Vietnam War.

The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). All prices you’ll see in Vietnam will be listed in VND, minus some tour providers and at the airport. We recommend downloading the My Currency Converter & Rate app before you go, but if visiting from the United States, 25,000 VND = ~$1 USD (at the time of writing).

Vietnamese is the main language spoken in Vietnam, although different ethnic minorities have their own languages as well. English is spoken some, mostly in the major cities and by tour providers, but don’t expect to see tons of English. We found that most signage, outside of mega tourist attractions, were in Vietnamese. There are sometimes translations, but they aren’t always super accurate.  Despite this, we didn’t have any issues communicating in Vietnam. Most Vietnamese, even if they don’t speak much English, will understand key words, like “toilet,” and you can also gesture with your hands to get your point across.  Google Translate also has a feature where you can speak into the phone and it’ll translate. This helped us multiple times, so make sure to download Vietnamese for offline use on the Google Translate app! We went into our trip wanting to learn some Vietnamese, but wow, it’s a HARD language to learn. It is very tonal, which means that how you say it is important. There can be one word that means three different things depending on your tone and inflection. To make things even more confusing, some words are said differently in the north and south. Although we didn’t learn Vietnamese as much as we hoped beforehand, there are some key words to learn before you go:

• Xin chào (Sin chow): Hello
• Chào (Chow): A less formal way to say hello. Our guides told us this is more of the local way to say it.
• Cảm ơn (Gam un): Thank you 
• Dạ/Không (Dza/Kong): Yes/No
• Xin lỗi (Sin loy):  I’m sorry
• Tạm biệt (Tam biet): Goodbye
• Một, Hai, Ba, YO!: 1, 2, 3, Cheers! (This is done A LOT on tours!)
• Một (Moat): One
• Hai (Hai): Two
• Ba (Ba): Three
• Bốn (Bone): Four
• Năm (Num): Five
• Sáu (Sow): Six
• Bảy (Bay): Seven
• Tám (Tam): Eight
• Chín (Chin): Nine 
• Mười (Mu-oi): Ten
• Bánh mì (bun me): Bread
• Bún (boon): Rice noodles
• Bò (Bo): Beef
• Gà (Gah): Chicken
• Cá (Cah): Fish
• Thịt lợn (Tit lohn): Pork
• Trứng (Choong): Egg

Is Vietnam safe?

When planning a trip to Vietnam you may wonder if it’s safe to visit. And from our experience, Vietnam is totally safe! The only time we felt slightly unsafe was in the car. Seatbelts are sometimes missing from cars and drivers go so fast, zip around, and pass people. There appears to be few road rules in Vietnam and driving like this is normal. It took a bit of getting used to for us though.  But besides that, when walking around cities, even with our cameras out or at night, we never once felt unsafe or encountered anything sketchy. Our female friends who live in Ho Chi Minh City also said they have always felt safe in the country. Of course things can happen anywhere, so be alert! The major crime you would encounter would be pickpocketing or theft. But for us, we had zero issues with safety.

In this next section we’re going to cover all of the logistics for planning a trip to Vietnam, including airports, transportation options, how to get a visa, and more!

How to get to Vietnam

There are three major airports in Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) (Airport code: SGN), Hanoi (HAN), and Da Nang (DAD).  The HCMC airport is the largest of them all and tends to have the cheapest options, especially if traveling from further away. If traveling from within Vietnam or nearby countries in Asia, make sure to check the other two as well.  For our trip, we flew both in and out of HCMC. This was mostly due to how our credit card travel portal required us to book our flights. Ideally, we would’ve flown into HCMC and out of Hanoi, since we started in the south and ended in the north.  Flights within Vietnam tend to be really affordable though, so we were able to book a cheap flight from Hanoi to HCMC to make our flight back to the US.

Flying from the US?

If you’re flying from the US, we suggest looking for flights to Asia out of the West Coast. We needed to fly from Austin to Vietnam, which is not a very straightforward or cheap route. But after doing some digging into flights, it was easier to fly from Seattle to Vietnam. So we flew Austin to Seattle (using Alaska Airlines points) and then Seattle to Singapore to Vietnam. We saved about $1,500 (or 150,000 points) this way vs. booking a flight from Austin to Vietnam. New York also has a nonstop flight to Singapore and may offer a more affordable route for those on the East Coast! While we really wanted a layover in Singapore , there are other airports in Asia that are common to fly directly to from the US, including Seoul and Tokyo. You can also look for flights from the US to these cities and then book a second flight to Vietnam from them, which may be cheaper.

We spent $0 on our flights to and from Vietnam, as well as within the country by using travel credit cards. This saved us over $2,500! Learn more about our favorite travel credit cards .

Where to go in Vietnam

The hardest decision you’ll have to make when planning a trip to Vietnam is where to go. There are so many amazing places to visit in Vietnam and you could easily spend a year in the country and not see it all. From our research and experience, these tend to be the top spots tourists go to:

• Ha Long Bay
• Ha Giang Province
• Cao Bang Province
• Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
• Mekong River Delta

Planning your route

Our biggest piece of advice when planning your route in Vietnam: don’t try to do too much! Vietnam is a larger country than it may appear. Due to how long it is, traveling between areas can take time and be exhausting. While you can fly between some areas, others will require trains, buses, or limos (a small van). You will want to ensure that you give yourself plenty of time on travel days and allot time for delays. A few things to consider when planning your route:

• If you only have a week, it’s best to stick to one region and explore that area more in depth.
• For two weeks , you could visit multiple regions more easily. With even more time you can spend more time in each destination or visit more destinations.
• We suggest going from south to north, as the scenery only gets better and better this way.

Our Vietnam itinerary at a glance

Where you choose to go really depends on what interests you. For us, we wanted a diverse trip that mixed beautiful scenery with historical sites, delicious food locations, unique activities, and both small and large cities. Here’s a quick rundown of how we spent 5.5 weeks in Vietnam!

• 4 days: Ho Chi Minh City (We have friends there, so we spent more time than most would. 2-3 days would be sufficient for most.)
• 1 day: Overnight train to Da Nang + taxi to Hoi An
• 4 days: Hoi An 
• 1 day: Travel day from Hoi An to Phong Nha
• 4 days: Cave tour near Phong Nha
• 1 day: Travel day from Phong Nha to Hanoi
• 3 days: Ninh Binh
• 3 days: Visa run from Hanoi to Chiang Mai, Thailand
• 8 days: Hanoi (We spent this time mostly working, but also exploring. 2-3 days is typically enough for Hanoi.)
• 1 day: Travel day from Hanoi to Ha Giang
• 1 day: Work day in Ha Giang
• 6 days: Motorbike trip through Ha Giang and Cao Bang, ending at Ba Be Lake
• 1 day: Travel day from Ba Be Lake to Hanoi
• 1 day: Travel day from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City 

While we could’ve visited multiple countries in this timeframe, we really wanted to dive deeper into one country. And we are super happy with that approach! By spending almost 6 weeks in Vietnam we were able to see so much of the country, plus have time to work and enjoy some places at a slower pace.

Need help planning your Vietnam visit? We have created 2 week and 3 week itineraries that are ready to go!

When to visit Vietnam

Another tough choice when planning a trip to Vietnam is when to visit. The country’s climate can heavily vary by region during specific times of the year. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect by region. However, weather isn’t 100% predictable, so be prepared to experience varying weather, regardless of when you go.

North Vietnam

In North Vietnam, the dry season in the north tends to run from October to April. However, the wintertime can be very cold in the north, so keep that in mind if visiting higher elevations. For milder weather and dry conditions, March, April, October, and November tend to be great months to visit. The rainy season in North Vietnam is from May until September. While this doesn’t tend to stop most motorbike tours in the north or heavily impact time in Hanoi, it can cause Ha Long Bay cruises to be canceled.  One huge draw during this time of year is the chance to see golden rice fields, which typically occur in September. If seeing them is a priority, September is a great time to go! It tends to be the end of the rainy season and much less rainy than the previous months.

In Central Vietnam, the warmer, dry season begins in January and runs through August. From August to December, you can expect a lot more rain. Since a lot of popular destinations are along the coast here, typhoons can also occur and cause flooding. We’d suggest sticking to the drier months here!

South Vietnam

In South Vietnam, you can expect warmer weather than the rest of the country year round. The dry season is between December and May and hottest temperatures tend to occur between March and May, reaching 100ºF. Between June and November, the weather is a bit cooler, but also rainier. Since there are many indoor activities in HCMC, rain isn’t a huge issue here. 

Tet Holiday

Besides weather, one important thing to know when choosing when to visit Vietnam is when Tet is. Tet marks the first day of the Lunar New Year and is a huge week-long celebration across the country. While visiting during Tet can provide a unique glimpse into Vietnamese culture, it can also be more challenging.  Many Vietnamese return to their hometowns during this time. Transportation and lodging tend to be in high demand, so you would need to plan further in advance. Also, many businesses shut down for days to celebrate, so you may struggle to find dining options and activities open.

When did we visit Vietnam?

We visited Vietnam from early March to mid April. This worked out really well as we were able to avoid the rainier months across the country. We did experience some heat in Ho Chi Minh City (90ºF), but the temperatures were moderate everywhere else and we only had a couple days of rain.  The only downside of when we visited is that the skies were pretty hazy everywhere. We aren’t sure if this was due to the time of year, burning farms, or pollution. It’s also not the best time to see the fields in the north, so some farming areas were brown vs. green or golden yellow. To us, having less chances of rain was worth missing out on that!

Vietnam Visa

Depending on where you are visiting from and for how long, you may need a Vietnam visa. Some nationalities do not require a visa for visits between 15-30 days, while some require it for any length of time. As Americans, we were required to have a visa to visit Vietnam for any length of time. At the time of our visit, we could only get a visa for 30 days. They have since brought back their 3 month visa, but the 30 day option was the only option we had.  You may be thinking “wait, you said you were there almost 6 weeks?!” We will explain that in a bit! Besides the visa, we were also required to have 6 months remaining on our passport, so make sure yours is within that window!

How to get a Vietnam visa

If you need a visa to visit Vietnam, we highly recommend applying for an e-visa in advance. While air travelers can get one on arrival, it’ll save you time to have it already. To get your Vietnam visa, you will want to go to this website . Yes, it looks a tad outdated and sketchy, but this is the website run by the Vietnamese government. There are other websites that you can get your visa from, but they may charge more. And speaking of costs, the e-visa cost $25 USD per person, which can be paid by credit card. We did run into a couple issues paying online, but were able to get it to go through eventually. If in doubt that it went through, check your credit card transactions. Ours showed up almost immediately!  On the website, you will need to fill out your information and provide a passport photo. Since we did not have copies of our passport photo, we used this app to take some at home.  After filling out the information, you will likely hear your results within 3 business days. We suggest planning for longer, just in case. If you apply for your visa around Tet, make sure to give yourself even more time. Make sure to print your visa before getting to Vietnam! While we did see someone show theirs on their phone, it does say to print it. 

Staying longer than your visa? Go on a visa run!

As we mentioned above, we were in Vietnam for almost 6 weeks, yet our visa was limited to 30 days. So what did we do? We went on a visa run! A visa run is when you leave the country before your visa expires and return on a new visa. This is a common thing to do in Southeast Asia, especially in Vietnam during their 30 day only visa policy. If you’re in HCMC around the time your visa expires, many people cross the land border in Cambodia and then return to Vietnam the same day. Make sure to check if Cambodia also requires a visa. They do require one for US citizens! Since we were further north, we flew from Hanoi to Chiang Mai, Thailand for a couple days instead. Thailand doesn’t require a visa for US citizens for 30 days, so this was an easy option!

Where to stay in Vietnam

When visiting Vietnam you have a handful of options for lodging, ranging in price, amenities, and experience. Below is a breakdown of your main choices and during our time in Vietnam, we stayed in all four of these!

Vietnam has a variety of hotel options, from larger chains (mostly in the major cities) to smaller, boutique hotels. The amenities will vary based on the hotel. Some of the larger hotels offer a pool, gym, and restaurants, while smaller hotels may just have rooms.  One of our favorite places we stayed in Vietnam was the Paddy Boutique House in Hoi An. This is a boutique hotel with a cafe on the first floor that serves amazing coffee and food. The rooms are super beautiful and modern and ours overlooked the rice fields! They also have free bike rentals to go explore. It was $41 per night, which felt like a steal! We also LOVED this bungalow in Ninh Binh ! The scenery felt like a magical garden, we had access to bikes, and there was a restaurant on site. This was our most expensive lodging and it was only $61 USD per night!

We stayed at many Airbnbs while in Vietnam, which were usually ~$30/night. For us, the main reason for choosing an Airbnb was to have a bit more space and to have access to a kitchen and laundry. While we ended up not cooking in Vietnam (eating out was just so cheap!), we did enjoy having access to laundry.

Homestays were some of our favorite experiences in Vietnam! What is a homestay you may ask? It’s when a local family has lodging on their property. This could be within their house or a separate area near their living quarters.  They are typically found in more rural areas and often have meals, some of which you may eat with the family. They also sometimes offer activities to help you see more of the area. Overall, homestays are a great way to get more immersed in the culture and also directly support locals. We loved the Yen Nhi homestay near the Ban Gioc waterfall, which has a dining area within a cave and the CUTEST pups! 

The cheapest lodging option in Vietnam is usually a hostel. While you may think of hostels as a bunch of bunk beds in a room, most offer private rooms as well. We stayed in a few hostels in Vietnam, always in private rooms, and it was a great option for areas where you tend to be out and about a lot. They were more bare bones than a hotel or Airbnb usually, but also extremely cheap and clean.  Before doing the Ha Giang Loop , we stayed at Be’s Home in a private room and for two nights with a light breakfast included, it was under $40 total!

A few things to know about lodging in Vietnam:

• Booking.com is a great resource to find lodging. You’ll be able to find both hotels and more Airbnb-like options here.
• Some lodging options will not charge you upfront, so you’ll pay when checking out.
• We also encountered a few homestays that were cash only or charged an extra fee for credit cards.
• Beds in Vietnam can be a bit firm. Our friends in HCMC told us this is pretty standard everywhere. We had a mix of bed firmness and softness, but if this is especially important to you, make sure to read reviews.

Transportation around Vietnam

There are many different ways to get around Vietnam and we tried just about every option during our trip. And we definitely preferred some over others! Below is a rundown of the different transportation options available and why we liked (or didn’t like) each.

When getting around the cities in Vietnam, Grab is the way to go! Grab is a rideshare app, just like Uber, and is an affordable and safe choice when in more populated areas. Similar to Uber, with Grab you get to choose the size of the car. You also get to confirm the rate you’ll be charged before pickup, which reduces any scams. The prices are so cheap for Grab that we used it a lot! We paid between $2-$5 for each ride around HCMC and Hanoi, including a tip (not required). We even used Grab to get food delivery, which is something we never do in the US because of how expensive it is.

If Grab isn’t available, you can also get a taxi. While a similar concept, we prefer Grab because you confirm the rate ahead of time. However, there were some scenarios in which a taxi was our best option. This was usually in more rural areas where Grab may be limited or not present. In these scenarios, we tried to have our hotel or homestay book the taxi for us and give us the rate ahead of time, to ensure we didn’t have any surprises.

One of the best ways to experience Vietnam is on a motorbike! You can either motorbike around the different cities on a GrabBike , rent a bike to explore the country, or hire a driver (called an Easy Rider). If choosing to drive your own motorbike, make sure to check motorbike laws for your country’s driver’s license. You will very likely need an IDP, which is an International Driver’s Permit.  However, not all country’s IDPs are valid in Vietnam. Only IDPs from countries under the 1968 Vienna Convention are legal. And unfortunately for US, Canadian, and Australian citizens, your drivers licenses do not apply. The only way for these travelers to legally drive a motorbike without a license is to drive one 50ccs or less. This may work in cities, but it will not be powerful enough in mountainous areas. While many people do drive motorbikes illegally, in places like Ha Giang , they are cracking down on illegal driving. You risk getting pulled over and having to pay a fine or bribe to the police or getting your bike taken away. Your health insurance will also not be valid.  Also, whether you drive or are a passenger, helmets are required by law in Vietnam for anyone on a motorbike. So make sure to wear one! 

Want to book a motorbike tour in Ha Giang? We highly recommend Ha Giang Road Trip ! If you book a tour with them through Tripadvisor, you can save 10% off with our code APLUSK10 .

Since we couldn’t legally drive a motorbike in Vietnam, we rode bicycles in some easy to bike areas! Both Ninh Binh and Hoi An are great spots to ride a bike and it was a super fun way to get around. One thing to be aware of is that you’ll likely have to bike around cars. Also, helmets for bicycles seem to be rare in Vietnam, which we didn’t love.

Busses/Limos

To get between cities and destinations in Vietnam, one popular option is to take a bus or a limo. A limo in Vietnam is just a multi-passenger van, not a cool stretch limousine like you’d take to prom. For some areas of Vietnam, where there are no airports or train stations, these will be your only option. When going to and from Ha Giang, the only options are a limo or an overnight sleeper bus (we hear mixed things on this one). We also had to take a limo from Ba Be Lake back to Hanoi.  Out of all of the options for transportation in Vietnam, this was our least favorite. And a big reason why was because of just how crazy the driving is. However, sometimes it was our only choice, so we had to suck it up and embrace the adventure!

Vietnam has a pretty expansive railway system , going all the way from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi (which takes about 36 hours!), with many stops along the way. There are also some other routes that can take you to side destinations. We took a total of four trains in Vietnam, with one being a 17 hour overnight train . And it was probably our favorite way to travel! It felt safer than a bus/limo, we had space to spread out, we could walk around, we could use the bathroom whenever, and we got to see a lot of scenery. There were some downsides, like the bathroom cleanliness, which started out clean and then went downhill fast. We also had some small roaches in our overnight cabin, which made sleeping difficult. But for the most part, it was smooth sailing! In some situations, the train is only a little bit slower than taking a limo or bus, but in others, it is a lot longer to take the train. We suggest looking at all of your transportation options and seeing what works best for your schedule. If you do take the train, we highly suggest getting a first class cabin. Most of these have two bunk beds, so you will have strangers with you, but you still have a good amount of space. Some trains do offer a special cabin with just two beds, which we did for our overnight train. These are pricier, but you have total privacy if traveling with two people! 

Read all about taking an  overnight train in Vietnam , including the cabin types, how to book, and our experience!

The quickest way to get around Vietnam is flying. While not always an option depending on where you’re going, if flying is an option, it will be the easiest and fastest choice. Flying within Vietnam is relatively cheap and there are multiple airlines to choose from. We flew Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways without an issue. We heard VietJet isn’t super timely, but that can be said for all airlines at some point. The downside of flying is that you have to get to the airport early and may deal with potential delays. Plus, airplanes are not very spacious.

Tools to book transportation in Vietnam

So you may be wondering how we figured out which transportation method to use for our different traveling needs in Vietnam. One of our go-to tools in Vietnam was 12Go . On this site you can put in your origin and destination and it tells you if there are buses/limos, flights, or trains. It’s a great resource to compare options! You can also book transportation directly on their website. We also used Google flights to check flight prices, but we booked all of our flights through our credit card travel portals. 

Travel insurance for Vietnam

We highly recommend buying travel insurance for your trip to Vietnam. We have been using the Nomad Insurance plan with SafetyWing on multiple international trips this year. It not only gives us travel medical insurance, but also provides coverage for lost baggage and travel delays. Thankfully we didn’t have to use any of it! We also have personal article policies for our electronics with State Farm that works worldwide. Unfortunately we did have to use this one when our camera lens broke during a motorbike accident.

Booking tours in Vietnam

The tours we went on in Vietnam were the highlights of our entire trip! While planning a trip to Vietnam, make sure to look into different tours and book them ahead of time.  It seems many of the backpacker type travelers book last minute, but we liked booking early to ensure we had the best tour options. Some tools that were helpful in finding tours and activities were:

• Tripadvisor : you can not only read reviews for tour activities, but you can also book them directly on Tripadvisor! The company that we hired for the Ha Giang Loop is bookable on Tripadvisor. PS: For ANY experience you book on Tripadvisor you can use our code APLUSK10 to get 10% off!
• Airbnb Experiences : we found some great local guides here, including our Hanoi food tour .
• Klook : while we didn’t personally use Klook, we know it is popular to book activities in Asia.

Also, WhatsApp is what many tour companies use to communicate. So make sure to download it in advance!

It’s almost time to head to Vietnam! Before you go, here are some items we would highly suggest packing for Vietnam. To see even more, plus get a FREE downloadable packing list, check out our ultimate Vietnam packing list . Remember to check bag weight limits ahead of time! If your bag is too heavy, you’ll have to check it and it’s usually cheaper to pay in advance.

Layers: If you plan to travel across the country, make sure to bring a variety of clothes for different conditions. We brought pullovers and our winter jackets and ended up needing both! Rain jacket: Even if visiting in the dry season, you may experience rain (we did!). Kathryn wears the Patagonia Torrentshell jacket and Adam wears a Columbia rain jacket .  Temple attire : If you plan to visit any temples, make sure you have pants or a skirt that covers your knees and something to cover your shoulders. We suggest bringing something light and airy to avoid getting too hot! I had a thick cardigan and it was brutal at times. Shoes : Due to us just carrying backpacks, we only brought one pair of shoes with us to Vietnam. We wore ALTRA Lone Peak 6 Trail Running Shoes , which worked well for walking around cities and also hiking. We also bought some flip flops, which came in handy for our cave tour.

Feminine hygiene products : They may not have the exact kind you like in Vietnam, so make sure to bring enough! Toilet paper : This is something you can buy there, but we highly recommend carrying some with you. Some restrooms do not offer any or charge you a small amount to get some. Beauty products: We tried to bring enough of any hair products, makeup, etc to make sure we could use the products we liked the entire trip. Dual voltage items: In the US, the outlets are 120V, but in Vietnam they are 220V. Make sure to bring a hair dryer, straighter, or curling iron that will work with their outlets. I brought a small, dual voltage hair dryer with me to Vietnam.

We highly suggest bringing Advil, a small first aid kit, and stomach medicine, like imodium or pepto, just in case. 

Outlet adapters : While some outlets in Vietnam were just like the US, others were two prong and we had to use an outlet adapter to be able to use our electronics. Portable charger : We liked carrying a portable charger with us in case our phone or camera batteries got low during the day.

Miscellaneous

Don’t forget your passport and visa!

How we packed for our Vietnam trip

During our trip to Vietnam we carried everything we needed for 6 weeks in our REI Trail 40 packs , plus an additional foldable backpack . It was tough, but thankfully we managed to make it work by using Tripped compressible packing cubes . So why did we only bring backpacks? Our motorbike trip was starting and ending in different areas, so we had to carry everything with us. We didn’t think our normal Away carry on suitcases would fit on the back of a bike easily, especially with backpacks too, so we had to go minimal for this trip. This forced us to prioritize what to bring. Certain things, like our big zoom lens and bulky noise canceling headphones, had to be left behind. We also had to be okay with wearing the same things constantly. Each of us had about 4-5 shirts and 3-4 pairs of pants with us, plus the layers we mentioned above. Thankfully we wear clothes that can be reworn without washing constantly! While this scenario may not apply to everyone, we wanted to mention it anyway to show that it is possible to travel light. Although, we do have lots of practice because of van life , so it is a lot easier for us than most to live with less.

Check out our ultimate Vietnam packing list with free downloadable list!

Alright, you’ve made it to Vietnam! Now what? Here are some important things to know for once you arrive in Vietnam to hopefully make your trip go as smoothly as possible!

What to expect at immigration

Once landing in Vietnam you will go straight to immigration. WARNING: the lines can be VERY long, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. Hanoi is quite a bit quicker, at least from our experience. When it’s finally your turn, you will need to show them your passport and visa. During our multiple experiences going through immigration, the agents never asked any questions or said a word to us. They just took our documentation, did some computer magic, stamped our passports, and we were on our way.

Cell service & SIM cards

While you can get international data through your US cell phone provider, this can get a bit costly. Instead, get an eSIM from Airalo ! This is a SIM that you can download to your phone. It saves the hassle of having to get a physical SIM in every country you visit! You can get an eSIM for a specific country or for an entire region, making it extra easy to use if you plan to hop between countries. During our time in Vietnam, we got physical SIM cards and it was a hassle when we ran out of data. Now we use Airalo for our international trips and it is a much easier experience! As for cell service availability in Vietnam, we rarely did not have cell service during our entire time in the country. Even in remote areas of Ha Giang and Cao Bang , we still had service. It was pretty incredible!  However, just to be safe, we do suggest downloading offline Google Translate and Google Maps beforehand. That way you can communicate and find your way with or without service.

Cash and ATMs

Cash seems to be king in Vietnam! While some places do take credit cards, street food stalls, restaurants, and even some homestays only take cash. Even if you want to use the restroom in public, you will need cash to pay (usually 5,000 VND). We tried to figure out in advance where we would need cash and about how much so we always had enough on us. But if you need cash, you can find an ATM almost anywhere! To avoid crazy ATM fees, we highly recommend opening a Charles Schwab checking account before you go. They refund ATM fees from ANY ATM worldwide! This gave us lots of freedom to use whichever ATM was most convenient.

Crossing the street

It is pretty well known that crossing the street in Vietnam is chaotic. There are tons of motorbikes and cars and rarely crosswalks. And even if there are, red lights and crosswalks don’t always mean anything.  The advice we got from locals was that you just have to start walking. If you walk at a consistent pace (no stopping or running), the motorbikes will go around you. Of course, accidents can happen, so please look and be aware of your surroundings. For example, I walked into a moving bike in Hanoi. We had the walk sign and Adam said “let’s go,” so I started walking without looking to my right and a motorbike was running the red light and I ran into them. We were all okay, but it definitely took me by surprise! Also, alleyways can also surprise you with bikes, so look before you cross those too! 

Scams in Vietnam

It’s good to be aware of possible scams you may encounter in Vietnam. Like we said before, we felt totally safe in the country. But there are people who may try to trick you into getting some of your money. We are not experts on all scams that can occur, but here are a few that we heard of or encountered.

Parking Scams

This is super common in Ninh Binh. Essentially, people will try to force you to pay to park well before you need to. On the road to Mua Caves, locals will walk out right in front of your bike and try to demand that you park there. They often charge much more than the actual parking costs. If this happens to you, just keep biking and ignore them. 

Another money grab is people trying to get you to hold things for a photo. They will let you hold it and get the photo, but then try to demand money afterwards. As cool as some of these photo opportunities may be, don’t fall for it unless you want to pay.

Duplicate businesses

We learned of this one in Hanoi while on a food tour with a local. The bun cha place he took us to is very popular and delicious. And nearby businesses have tried to copy their name, colors, and look to trick people into going to them instead.

We almost fell for it the second time we went. The business right next door looked JUST like it and they tried to hurry us inside. Since we knew this was possible, we were a bit cautious and the real business directed us to their tables instead.

While this may not be a huge scam, it could mean a less delicious meal if you fall for the imposters. This also can happen with tour companies too!

Tourist prices

We hear sometimes that restaurants will charge tourists more than locals, but I don’t think we personally experienced this. If you go to a restaurant and do not see prices, this could be a sign that they’ll try to overcharge you.

Download a VPN

If working remotely, you may want to download a VPN to be able to access specific websites while in Vietnam. We downloaded NordVPN while there once we realized that some websites blocked Vietnam traffic. We were able to connect to a server in the US and get access to what we needed. VPNs can also allow you to access Netflix shows that are only available in specific countries and it is just a safer way to use public networks.

Services you may need in Vietnam

If you travel in Vietnam for an extended period of time like we did, you’ll likely have to take care of some everyday chores and tasks. 

Grocery store

The thing we missed the most from the US while in Vietnam (besides our pup Kona) were the grocery stores. There are some larger stores in Vietnam, but they are mostly in the major cities. And still, it’s a totally different country and the products do vary. In Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi you can find a grocery store called Annam Gourmet , which has a lot of western products. The prices are higher, but if you want more of a taste from home, this is a good option. Some Vietnamese grocery chains to look for are Lotte Mart, VinMart, Big C, and Co.opmart. In the smaller towns, you’ll likely have to go to small convenience type stores for your needs.

It is pretty easy to get medicine in Vietnam without a prescription. If you start to feel sick while in Vietnam, you can find many pharmacies on the streets of HCMC and Hanoi. The names of the medicine may be different, so we suggest looking up what you need beforehand.  During our trip we did need some medicine for a cold and Adam was able to buy it without any issues.

The #1 chore we had to do while in Vietnam was laundry. A big reason why we booked Airbnbs for much of our stay was to have access to laundry. However, if you do not have access to a machine, don’t worry! There are many affordable laundry services in town, where someone does your laundry for you. This was kind of a weird concept for us at first, but you usually get it back the same day and it’s easier than carrying around detergent. Speaking of detergent, if doing your own laundry, make sure you get detergent! None of our Airbnbs provided this unfortunately. But we were able to find some small travel size detergents at a convenience store. Also, some of our machines were a washer and dryer combo, which didn’t always dry our clothes the best.

Eating and drinking in Vietnam

One of the most common questions we got while in Vietnam was if we got sick from the food or water. And the answer is no! At least, we don’t think so. We both did get sick our first week in Vietnam with a stomach bug, but we got sick days apart, so we think it may have been a virus vs. food related. Besides that, our stomachs held up well! I ate way too much of things I shouldn’t (eggs and gluten) and felt that a bit, but we didn’t experience sickness. As for water, both locals and tourists cannot drink out of the tap and you will find purified water everywhere. It is very easy to get!

Is street food safe?

While some are leery of street food, it was our favorite way to eat in Vietnam. We loved sitting in the tiny chairs at the tiny tables and eating right on the sidewalk. The food is typically fresh, delicious, and super affordable. Just make sure to read reviews in advance and go to reputable street food stands (or go with a guide) to ensure it’s high quality and safe.

Our favorite food and drinks in Vietnam

If you’re curious which food and drinks we’d suggest the most while in Vietnam, here is a quick list of our must try items! 

We also have a guide to the top 10+ foods to try in Vietnam (& where to get them!)

• Bún chả 
• Pho (both northern and southern style)
• Bún thịt nướng
• Bun bo nam bo
• Nem Nuong Nha Trang
• Cao lầu 
• Lemongrass chicken
• Cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk)
• Salt foam coffee
• Coconut coffee
• Lemon tea from a street food stand
• Tea from Mót in Hoi An

Tipping in Vietnam

It is not customary to tip in Vietnam. This is a weird concept coming from the US, where you tip for most services. But in Vietnam it’s not expected. However, we did tip as much as we could. We would often give a slightly larger bill for our meal and leave the change. People seemed to really appreciate this! We also always tipped our Grab drivers, food delivery drivers, and especially our tour guides. For tour guides, we always tipped a minimum of 20%.

We hope this guide has helped you with planning a trip to Vietnam. If we have any final advice, it’s to just embrace the adventure. Vietnam may push you a little out of your comfort zone at times and things may go wrong, but it’s all part of the adventure. If you have any questions about planning a trip to Vietnam, let us know! Cảm ơn bạn đã đọc!

Planning a trip to Vietnam? Check out these other Vietnam guides:

• eBook: The ULTIMATE guide to visiting Vietnam
• 3 week Vietnam Itinerary
• 2 week Vietnam Itinerary
• 12 best cities to visit in Vietnam
• The ULTIMATE Vietnam packing list
• The top 10+ foods to try in Vietnam (& where to get them!)
• The ULTIMATE guide to the Ha Giang Loop
• 3 days in Hanoi, Vietnam Itinerary
• 9+ AMAZING things to do in Ninh Binh
• What to expect on the Trang An boat tour
• Visiting the Hang Mua Caves Viewpoint
• 3 day Hoi An Itinerary
• 13+ things to do in Hoi An
• What to expect on a first class Vietnam Sleeper Train
• 3 day Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary
• 20+ Vietnam tips: things to know before you go!
• Watch all of our Vietnam videos

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2 thoughts on “ how to plan a trip to vietnam: everything to know ”.

Thank you very much for guide and all your videos! They are very interesting and also very very helpful for planning our Vietnam trip! If you ever consider traveling to Bulgaria (what I hope), please do not hesitate to contact me for any support, ideas, recommendations etc. Best!

Thank you so much for reading and watching!

Bulgaria looks amazing, we hope to visit one day!

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Vietnam tips: a first-timer's guide

Aug 12, 2019 • 6 min read

Halong Bay is a World Heritage Sight and a highlight for many visitors to Vietnam © ©César Asensio / 500px

There's a lot to love about travelling in Vietnam , which stretches from the soaring mountains and fascinating ethnic groups of the north to the endless rice paddies and vibrant waterways of the Mekong Delta in the south, with more than 3000km of glorious coastline in between.

Throw in a good transport infrastructure of buses, trains and flights and an abundance of cheap but excellent street food and it's no surprise Vietnam graces countless bucket lists. But, like any country, it has its challenges, and some visitors come home with tales of scams, hectic roads and pushy vendors. Following these top tips will help you avoid the major pitfalls, and ensure you come away from your first visit to Vietnam with happy memories, as well as your souvenir conical hat.

Vietnam 's long exposure to foreigners means that many local residents aren’t as overtly curious about visitors as some of their counterparts in Cambodia , Myanmar and Laos . Also, because most Vietnamese are not confident with spoken English despite learning it in school, people tend to ignore lost-looking foreigners unless you actually ask for help. But be assured that the Vietnamese really are friendly people. If you ask someone a question with a smile and in slow, clear English, you’ll almost certainly have it answered and the smile returned. Simple phrases such as  xin chào ('hello', pronounced 'seen chow') and cám ơn ('thank you', pronounced 'kaam uhn') go a long way.

Get connected

While most hotels , cafes and restaurants have wi-fi, you can easily buy a SIM card and get connected to the internet for as little as US$3. Vietnamese street names are notoriously long (most are named after people), so digital maps trump paper ones for many travellers. You’ll also find having a local phone number handy for meeting up with tour guides and making last-minute bookings on the road. SIM cards are widely sold in corner shops and are easy to top up. Once you have a card, the process to register for internet can be tricky, so ask the shopkeeper or your hotel to do it for you. Lonely Planet's Guides app covers Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City .

Know your dong from your dollar

The Vietnamese dong is the currency of Vietnam and comes in denominations ranging from 200 to 500,000 (about US$22 at the time of writing). While it’s thrilling to become a Vietnamese millionaire, dealing with that many zeros can become frustrating, especially since some of the currency is very similar in colour. For example, the 10,000d note and the 200,000d note are both tan while the 20,000d and 500,000d notes are both blue. It’s very easy to hand over the wrong bill to a taxi driver while in a rush. Spend a minute in your room before going out to sort your bills to avoid overpaying. Even if you do end up overpaying a small amount for certain things, take it in stride. In the grand scheme of things, it’ll likely not be worth the aggravation.

While international credit and debit cards are accepted at most larger hotels, restaurants and travel agencies (sometimes with an added fee), cash is still king in Vietnam for day-to-day transactions. ATMs are widely available, and currency can be exchanged at banks (and some gold shops, although this practice is frowned upon by the government).

Note that the official system of separate prices for Vietnamese and foreigners – which applied to everything from train tickets to entrance fees – is a thing of the past.

Be wary of taxi scams

For many, motorcycle taxis are the best way see the thronging streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. However, scams can happen, and your best protection is a decent knowledge of where you are going and points along the way. Always agree on a price beforehand and be prepared to be quoted a higher price than the locals. For regular taxis, stick to the two major companies of Mai Linh and Vinasun (both have apps). Smaller, independent taxis are known for fast meters and aggressive drivers. If you’re in one of the larger cities, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Grab are good, offering both car and motorcycle taxis. Sometimes the driver will call to confirm, so having a Vietnamese-speaking friend nearby will come in handy.

Know your transport options

Overnight buses are a good way to cover long distances and save on accommodation costs. However, the layback seats don’t offer much legroom, so tallish passengers (anyone over 1.6m) will find it impossible to stretch out fully. While the top bunk offers slightly more privacy, they can be right at the height of street lights. Sleep masks, ear plugs and noise-cancelling headphones (especially if the bus is playing music or movies) are recommended.

That said, sometimes you can pay a few more dollars and fly – the more convenient but less sustainable option . Vietnam has several budget airlines, which offer cheap fares but are notorious for being late and strictly enforcing carry-on limits. The national carrier, Vietnam Airlines, has better service and comparable pricing if booked in advance.

More comfortable than buses and cheaper than flights, train travel is another option for getting around Vietnam. A railway line spans the length of the country, following the coastline from HCMC all the way to Hanoi and beyond. It's a must for rail enthusiasts, with the ride considered amongst the most amazing train journeys in the world .

Be aware of your surroundings

Violent crime is extremely rare in Vietnam, and firearms are heavily regulated. But snatch-and-grabs and, to a lesser extent, pickpocketing, do happen. It pays to be vigilant. Use your phone and other electronics sparingly when outside (even while sitting at a sidewalk cafe or on the back of a motorbike). Leave your passport at the hotel; there’s rarely a reason to have the original on you.

Also, while Vietnam has some of the cheapest beer in the world, be careful about overdoing it. Inebriated tourists wandering back to their hotel in the morning hours when there is little traffic around can be seen as easy targets. If you come home late at night, go with a friend and splurge the extra dollar or two on an automobile taxi instead of a motorcycle taxi.

Be safe on the roads

Traffic in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can seem terrifying at first glance. Just walking across the street during rush hour can feel like an impossible task! But there is method to the madness and, like a school of fish, the traffic will inevitably glide around you as long as you keep moving at a slow and steady pace. If unsure, do as the locals do and raise one hand high to be seen above the sea of helmets.

If you’re looking to drive a motorbike yourself, it’s best to save it for one of the quieter destinations like Hoi An , Dalat or Phu Quoc . Always wear a helmet, and be aware of the exhaust pipe, which has caused many a leg burn. As motorbikes tend to drive closely to each other, keep your feet pointed inwards and think of wearing closed shoes which offer extra protection for your feet.

For more tips on planning a trip to Vietnam, including what to wear and what to book in advance, see our planning tips .

This article was originally published in July 2012 and most recently updated in August 2019.

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7 Best Vietnam Trip Ideas For Unforgettable Experiences

Full of incredible experiences are waiting to be uncovered in Vietnam. From the vibrant streets of its cities to the serene natural landscapes, there are countless Vietnam trip ideas to explore, taste, discover, and feel. Whether you’re seeking adventure on an unknown path, indulging in local delicacies at a floating market, or immersing yourself in the native culture for the first time, it will always be an extraordinary moment.

Get ready to be inspired and amazed on your trip through Vietnam with our 7 unique travel ideas below. Let us guide you through an amazing journey that is full of wonder and excitement.

7 Top Suggestions For A Perfect Vietnam Vacation

Wild adventure.

Vietnam’s thrilling adventure experiences are an inspiration to nature lovers, thrill-seekers, hikers, mountaineers, and anyone who yearns to immerse themselves in pristine natural surroundings.

The opportunity to challenge oneself physically, witness breathtaking landscapes, encounter diverse flora and fauna, and discover the rich cultural tapestry of ethnic communities is what makes these adventures genuinely unforgettable. Whether you are hiking up mountains, trekking through jungles, or exploring vast cave systems, Vietnam offers exciting adventures that will leave you feeling exhilarated and inspired.

Must-visit Adventure Sites In Vietnam

Ha Giang : This province in the north has the power to leave you speechless time and time again. In addition to its breathtakingly beautiful Ha Giang loop , this place is charming due to its rich ethnic culture and kind, although modest, hospitality.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park : The world’s largest cave, Son Doong Cave , has a lengthy waiting list for excursions. However, don’t let it stop you. In Phong Nha , there are about 300 caverns of various sizes. Take a multi-day journey to really immerse yourself.

Da Lat:  Once a romantic getaway for couples and the site of flower festivals, dreamy Da Lat is redefining itself as an outdoor resort. Experience world-class canyoning excursions at Datanla Falls, try SUP on Tuyen Lam Lake, and go camping in Bidoup National Park.

The tempting road that attracts every traveler to Ha Giang

Recommended Itinerary

• 30-day tour
• Route: Hanoi → Halong → Mai Chau → Ninh Binh → Nam Dinh → Phong Nha → Hue → Da Nang → Hoi An → Buon Ma Thuot → Da Lat → Nha Trang → Mekong Delta → HCM City → Cu Chi Tunnels

Embarking on a month-long journey to explore the adventurous wonders of Vietnam is definitely a worthwhile experience.

You surely might enjoy the authentic local cooking class in the capital, Hanoi, and an overnight stay on board in Halong Bay. Continue your journey with a cycling adventure through the hill tribe villages of Mai Chau and prepare to be mesmerized by the spectacular landscapes with enchanting caves in Ninh Binh. 

Uncover the historic sites of Hue and its beautiful surroundings, make your way to Hoi An, a town that exudes charm and elegance, and then indulge in the sun, sand, and crystal-clear waters of Nha Trang’s palm tree-lined golden beaches. Your adventure continues as you cruise through the lush waterways of the Mekong River, and end up in Ho Chi Minh City, where history comes alive. 

You can find a compelling and unforgettable experience through this adventurous journey with Vietnam’s captivating wonders.

>> See The Full Tour: Vietnam In Depth

Beach Vacation 

Beach holidays in Vietnam cater to a wide range of travelers. Families can enjoy the calm and shallow waters of some beaches, making them safe for children to swim and play. Couples will find romantic settings and secluded spots for relaxation. Solo travelers can unwind, soak up the sun, and enjoy the serenity of the coastal landscapes.

The diverse range of beaches in Vietnam ensures that there is something for everyone, whether you prefer lively beach towns with vibrant nightlife or peaceful stretches of sand where you can escape the crowds.

Vietnam’s Unique Beach Suggestions

• Cam Ranh resort : Though it’s still somewhat of a mystery, Cam Ranh is gradually becoming known as a popular getaway spot for affluent travelers. It’s simple to do so thanks to award-winning golf courses, five-star resorts, and striking coastlines.
• Quy Nhon : This relaxing city in Central Vietnam is full of deserted bays. Enjoy long, breezy motorcycle rides along the lake, and every evening have dinner of fresh seafood.
• Phu Quoc island : Phu Quoc has an abundance of white-sand beaches, inviting bars, convenient island hopping, and luxurious resorts. Families may take the over-water Sunworld Cable Car to Hon Thom and enjoy the performances at VinWonders Amusement Park.

Lovely Dinh Cau Beach in Phu Quoc

• 12-day tour
• Route: Hanoi → Lan Ha Bay → Da Nang → Hoi An → HCM City → Cu Chi Tunnels → Phu Quoc Island → HCM City

This exclusive beach-focused tour is crafted to immerse you in the sun-kissed splendor of Vietnam’s most exquisite shorelines, while also indulging in captivating cultural experiences.

This captivating journey begins in Hanoi, where you’ll uncover its rich history and immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere. From there, set sail on a breathtaking cruise through the awe-inspiring karst islands of Lan Ha Bay. Relaxation awaits you on the pristine shores of Da Nang’s My Khe beach and in the center of Hoi An, a charming town that embodies a harmonious blend of cultural influences.

The journey continues to the vibrant metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll delve into its bustling energy and explore its iconic landmarks. Then, venture to Ben Tre, which offers a serene escape from the urban hustle and bustle. Uncover the secrets of Vietnam’s past through the intricate tunnel system of Cu Chi, a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Vietnamese people.

Finally, let the allure of Phu Quoc’s pristine white-sand beaches beckon you, providing the perfect setting for complete rest and relaxation. Get ready to create cherished memories that will forever be etched in the sands of time.

>> See The Full Tour: Splendour of Vietnam & Pristine Beach

Luxury Leisure

Luxurious relaxation is one of the flawless Vietnam trip ideas for travelers who desire refined experiences, customized service, and exclusive amenities. Tourists like individuals or couples seeking a romantic getaway, and honeymooners can find this option more pleasing. Luxury travelers can revel in Vietnam’s natural beauty, indulge in world-class hospitality, savor exquisite cuisine, and immerse themselves in the country’s cultural traditions, creating indelible memories in a sumptuous setting.

The Most Favorite Exotic Experiences

Cruising Halong Bay , Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long : Vietnam’s breathtaking bays never cease to astound, but these days, visitors are now exploring Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long in addition to Ha Long. Enjoy a few enchanted days on the sea, where you will wake up to stunning views and consume fine meals.

• Capital Hanoi : There is a blend of luxury and cultural experiences in this city. Upscale hotels and resorts provide a luxurious base for exploring the city’s historical sites, vibrant markets, and charming Old Quarter. Hanoi is also known for its fine dining scene, with a variety of high-end restaurants offering both Vietnamese and international cuisine.

The ancient Hue: The imperial capital Hue offers a luxurious experience combined with a rich history. Luxury hotels and resorts in Hue provide a regal ambiance, and visitors can explore the city’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Imperial City and royal tombs. Cruises along the Perfume River offer scenic views of the city’s landmarks.

Spend an overnight cruise trip in Halong Bay

• 13-day tour
• Route: Hanoi → Halong Bay → Hue → Da Nang → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City → Cu Chi Tunnels → Ben Tre → Can Tho (Mekong Delta)

Prepare to be pampered with unrivaled first-class service while immersing yourself in the rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes in this 2-week vacation.

Begin your adventure in the enchanting city of Hanoi, Vietnam’s illustrious 1000-year-old capital. Then, prepare to be awe-struck as you set sail on a luxurious 5-star cruise ship on Halong Bay.

Take in the breathtaking vistas as you make your way to the historic city of Hue, where ancient wonders and cultural treasures await your discovery. Then stroll leisurely through the charming streets of Hoi An, immersing yourself in its timeless beauty and soaking in the aura of its rich history.

But the extravagance doesn’t end there. Prepare your taste buds for an exquisite culinary adventure as you savor an authentic Vietnamese lunch at a world-class restaurant in the bustling Ho Chi Minh City. End your tour on a luxurious sampan ride along the intricate river network of the Mekong Delta.

Unveil the allure of Vietnam in a way that only luxury can provide.

>> See The Full Tour: Vietnam Luxury Tour

Tranquil Escape

If you are seeking solitude, relaxation, and a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, this enjoyable getaway option is a perfect choice. Nature enthusiasts, wellness seekers, and those looking to immerse themselves in serene surroundings will find Vietnam’s tranquil escapes appealing. 

Lesser-known locations in Vietnam provide pristine scenery and genuine local interactions. You may take community-based excursions, stay with ethnic minorities, and discover more about the customs and culture of the area here.

Highly Suggested Trails

• Central Highlands: The provinces of Dak Lak, Kontum, and Lam Dong, yet mostly unexplored, are teeming with ethnic minority communities, coffee plantations, and waterfalls. Relish Yok Don National Park’s first ethical elephant trip while lodging at Lak Tented Camp.

Hoi An : Hoi An’s ancient town exudes charm and tranquility. The town’s well-preserved architecture, lantern-lit streets, and peaceful canal views create a serene atmosphere. Visitors can explore the town on foot or by bicycle, stroll along the riverside, immerse themselves in the peaceful ambiance of this UNESCO World Heritage site, or try many other exciting activities .

Mekong Delta : With lush green landscapes and winding waterways, the Mekong Delta provides a peaceful escape from bustling city life. Taking boat trips along the river, cruising through floating markets, cycling through scenic paths, and experiencing the tranquility of rural life are all harmonious choices you can consider.

Peaceful town Hoi An

• 22-day tour
• Route: HCM City → Cu Chi Tunnels → Vung Liem (Mekong Delta) → Da Lat → Buon Ma Thuot → Kontum → Hoi An → Hanoi → Da Bac (Hoa Binh) → Ninh Binh → Cat Ba Island → Hanoi

Looking for a unique and peaceful vacation away from the crowds? Come explore the hidden treasures of Vietnam on our carefully designed journey. 

Start with a captivating exploration of Ho Chi Minh City and get ready for a breathtaking bike tour through picturesque small villages nestled in the serene embrace of Vung Liem of the Mekong Delta. For a truly unforgettable experience, paddle across the serene waters of Paradise Lake to discover the ethereal beauty of Da Lat and awake your senses as we unveil the mystical wonders of the central highlands: Buon Me Thuot, Kon Tum, and Daklak.

Our path leads us to the idyllic town of Hoi An to feel a sense of serenity by exploring its charming streets, lined with ancient buildings and vibrant lanterns. After that, prepare for a unique adventure in Hanoi, as you gracefully glide through the bustling streets astride a classic Russian Minsk Motorcycle.

The two last destinations, Ninh Binh and Cat Ba Island, would offer you countless magnificent karst limestone formations with the tranquility of serene paradise.

Join us on this extraordinary journey, where every step unveils a world of tranquility and awe-inspiring beauty. 

>> See The Full Tour: Vietnam Off The Beaten Path

Culture Treasures

Vietnam has earned a reputation for having a rich cultural heritage, as evidenced by the eight UNESCO Heritage Sites that are spread throughout the nation. The Vietnamese way of life includes traditional music, time-honored artisan villages, and hip modern metropolitan culture.

With history enthusiasts, art lovers, or curious travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences, Vietnam will promise a journey of discovery and appreciation for the country’s cultural riches. 

Vietnam’s Top Cultural Holidays

• Hanoi : With richness in history and culture, it offers a blend of ancient traditions and French colonial influences. Visitors can explore historical sites such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Old Quarter. Hanoi also has a vibrant arts scene, with traditional water puppetry shows, art galleries, and cultural performances.

Ninh Binh : Located in northern Vietnam, Ninh Binh is often referred to as the “Halong Bay on land.” The region is characterized by dramatic karst landscapes, rice paddies, and winding rivers. Tourists are free to explore the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, by boat, passing through caves and admiring the natural beauty. The ancient temples of Bai Dinh and Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam, are also worth visiting.

• Ho Chi Minh City: Formerly known as Saigon, it is a bustling metropolis that combines modernity with historical landmarks. The War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and Notre Dame Cathedral are notable cultural sites. 

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum at night 

• 16-day tour
• Route: Hanoi → Halong Bay → Ninh Binh → Phong Nha Caves → Hue → Hoi An → Da Nang → HCM City → Cu Chi Tunnels → Ben Tre (Mekong Delta)

Set off on a captivating cultural journey that will take you deep into Vietnam’s rich history. As you explore the fascinating World Heritage Sites scattered across this colorful country, get ready to be enthralled as you weave through the fabric of history and tradition.

Journey to the ethereal Halong Bay, the UNESCO heritage, offers you a night aboard a traditional junk boat drifting along the tranquil waters. Venture into the depths of Ninh Binh, where hidden underground streams and mystical grottos in Phong Nha and Paradise Caves beckon the intrepid explorer within you. 

In Hue, step into the realm of emperors as you explore the legendary Imperial Citadel. Then unlock the secrets of My Son Holly Land in Hoi An that bears testament to the region’s rich spiritual heritage. 

Moreover, you can marvel at the landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City that narrate the city’s compelling story, and delve into the history of the legendary Cu Chi tunnels , where a hidden world of resilience and ingenuity awaits.

This is more than a mere journey. It is a chance to witness the stories woven into its landscapes and experience the essence of a nation that pulses with history, tradition, and natural wonders.

>> See The Full Tour: World Heritage Sites of Vietnam

Foodie Journey

Vietnam is a destination that promises to delight your senses with its diverse and flavorful cuisine. Food enthusiasts, gastronomes, and those who appreciate the cultural significance of cuisine will find this Vietnam trip idea enjoyable. Whether you choose to indulge in a homemade meal on the street or venture out to explore the country’s burgeoning restaurant scene, you are sure to be captivated by the unique and tantalizing dining options that await you. 

Our Favorite Vietnam Foodie Vacations

Hanoi street food . The capital’s narrow, charming lanes are the ideal location to experience Vietnamese food. Beyond pho , indulge in other popular Hanoian dishes like bun dau , bun cha , and bun thang .

Dining scene in Ho Chi Minh City . There is a growing number of fine dining establishments, catering to those seeking a more upscale dining experience in this city. These restaurants offer sophisticated menus, elegant settings, and attentive service. They showcase Vietnamese cuisine through refined presentations and premium ingredients, often with a contemporary twist. Some of these establishments also specialize in international cuisines, including French, Italian, Japanese, and more.

Vietnam’s coffee : Coffee is not just a beverage in Vietnam; it is a social ritual and a way of connecting with others. The most popular style of coffee in Vietnam is ca phe sua da , which is “coffee with milk and ice.” Another specialty is ca phe trung , or “egg coffee”, which originated in Hanoi. Other popular variations include coconut coffee, yogurt coffee, and coffee with chocolate or fruit flavors.

Flavory Egg Coffee

• Route: Hanoi → Halong Bay → Hoi An → Hue → Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong Delta

Explore the diverse and delectable cuisine of Vietnam on a 12-day journey. Each dish has a story to tell, transporting you to a world of taste and adventure.

Begin your food adventure in Hanoi with the world-renowned Pho and explore the vibrant street food scene. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay’s limestone karsts while enjoying 5-star cuisine amidst the stunning backdrop.

Our journey leads you to Hoi An and Hue, the culinary epicenters of Vietnam, where artistry meets flavor. Then discover the flavors of Ho Chi Minh City and experience the true essence of Vietnamese culinary heritage.

Let your taste buds be your guide as you embark on a foody journey that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.

>> See The Full Tour: A Food Lover’s Tour of Vietnam

Festivals and Events

Attending festivals and events in different destinations can be a fantastic way to immerse yourself in local culture, traditions, and celebrations. Vietnam is no exception, offering a variety of vibrant festivals throughout the year. Festival-focused tours are ideal for individuals who are interested in cultural traditions, local celebrations, and immersive experiences. 

Discover the excitement of Vietnam through its vibrant annual events, such as the Mid-autumn Festival, Hue Festival, and Da Nang International Fireworks Festival.

Vietnam’s Best Events & Festivals

Tet Festival (Lunar New Year) : Tet, usually in late January or early February, is the most important and widely celebrated festival in Vietnam, marking the arrival of the Lunar New Year. During Tet, the country comes alive with colorful decorations, traditional rituals, lion dances, and fireworks. Visitors can witness the bustling atmosphere, taste special holiday foods, and experience the warm hospitality of Vietnamese families. This festival is perfect for those interested in cultural traditions and want to witness the country’s most significant celebration.

Mid-Autumn Festival : Also known as the Children’s Festival, this event takes place on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month (usually in September or October). It celebrates the harvest season and is especially significant for families with young children. During the festival, lantern processions, lion dances, and folk performances can be witnessed across the country. The streets are adorned with colorful lanterns, and mooncakes, a traditional treat, are shared in joy among family members.

Hoi An Lantern Festival : Every month on the 14th day of the lunar calendar, Hoi An Ancient Town in central Vietnam holds a Lantern Festival. During this event, the town’s electric lights are turned off, and the streets are illuminated solely by colorful lanterns. Join the locals in traditional games, release floating lanterns on the river, and enjoy cultural performances.

• Hue Festival : This is a biennial event held in the city of Hue, showcasing the cultural heritage of the former imperial capital. It features a wide range of performances, including traditional music, dance, theatrical shows, and processions. The festival highlights Hue’s historical sites and offers visitors the opportunity to experience royal rituals, craft demonstrations, and culinary delights. 

Traditional sweet food for mid-autumn festival

• Route: HCM City → Cu Chi Tunnels → Ben Tre (Mekong Delta) → Da Nang → Hoi An → Hue → Hanoi → Hai Duong → Lan Ha Bay

Experience the magic and wonder of Vietnam with your loved ones on our meticulously designed ‘Vietnam Family Vacation.’

You can explore the dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, venture into the enchanting Hanoi capital, and unleash your senses in the captivating ancient town of Hoi An, where a delightful walking and food tour will introduce you to the city’s rich tapestry of flavors and traditions. 

This meticulously tailored tour is an extraordinary opportunity to create lifelong memories with your family, particularly during the festive season in Vietnam. Let the spirit of the holidays infuse every step of your journey as you embrace the warmth of the Vietnamese culture, savor delectable culinary delights, and forge unbreakable bonds amidst the enchanting landscapes of our beloved homeland.

>> See the Full Tour: Vietnam Family Vacation 

Craft Your Vietnam Trip Ideas With Asia Pioneer Travel

You might never run out of Vietnam trip ideas when planning a vacation in this stunning nation. Adventure, relaxation, luxury, eco-consciousness, cultural immersion, culinary delights, or vibrant festivals, Vietnam has it all.

So pack your bags, prepare your senses, and embark on a Vietnam trip that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime with Asia Pioneer Travel . Do not hesitate to Contact Our Travel Designers to create your own Vietnam travel itinerary.

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Vietnam trip cost – A complete budget breakdown for your vacation

Are you pondering a Vietnam trip but uncertain about the expenses? Crafting a budget for your Vietnam journey may seem overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with local prices. Yet, with the right insights, planning an affordable and delightful trip is entirely feasible. Vietnam boasts a rich culture, delectable cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes. 

From Hanoi’s lively streets to the tranquility of Halong Bay, there’s much to explore. By grasping the costs and budgeting wisely, you can relish Vietnam’s offerings without straining your wallet. Join us as we unravel the complete breakdown for your Vietnam trip cost to make your travel planning a breeze!

Is Vietnam an affordable country to travel to?

Vietnam stands out as a sought-after and budget-friendly destination in Southeast Asia , renowned for its affordability. When compared to neighboring countries such as Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Indonesia, Vietnam consistently ranks among the region’s cheapest travel destinations. The cost of daily expenses in Vietnam, including accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities, contributes to its appeal for budget-conscious travelers.

Exploring the vibrant streets of Hanoi , cruising through Halong Bay’s stunning landscapes, and immersing oneself in the rich culture of Ho Chi Minh City can be remarkably cost-effective. Considered alongside its diverse attractions, Vietnam emerges as an excellent choice for those seeking an enriching travel experience without the strain on their wallets. 

To further understand the Vietnam trip cost , below is a table comparing the daily travel costs in Vietnam with those in five other countries in the region:

*The numbers above are average for daily spending.

Vietnam trip cost breakdown – How much would you be spending on a Vietnam trip? 

Constructing a financial plan can be a daunting task without a clear starting point. For a clearer understanding, let’s look at an example for a 7-day trip in Vietnam. The expenses for a one-week journey to Vietnam are contingent on variables like travel style, accommodation, transportation, and activities. Budget-conscious travelers can anticipate spending $500-$700, encompassing basic necessities. Mid-range travelers may allocate $1,000-$1,500, while those seeking luxury may surpass $2,500. This implies a daily expenditure of at least $70. Notably, airfare isn’t factored into these approximations and can fluctuate based on departure location and time of year. 

For a comprehensive understanding and practical budgeting tips, let our financial guidelines navigate your Vietnam trip costs , ensuring a well-planned and realistic budget for your upcoming vacation.

Accommodation

Lodging constitutes a significant portion of your Vietnam trip cost, and the expenses can vary widely based on the location and type of stay. 

Budget-friendly options like hostels and guesthouses start at approximately $5-10 per night, while mid-range choices, including hotels and homestays, may fall in the $20-50 range. For those seeking luxury, upscale hotels and resorts can surpass $100 per night. Conducting a thorough comparison of prices and reading reviews before making reservations is advisable to secure affordable yet comfortable options. 

Exploring accommodations outside major tourist hubs or scheduling visits during low seasons can yield additional savings. By strategically planning your budget, Vietnam offers a range of lodging choices that cater to diverse financial plans, ensuring you find a place that aligns with both your preferences and budget constraints.

Transportation

In planning your Vietnam trip, transportation costs encompass flights or buses connecting cities, as well as local options like taxis or motorbike rentals. Flights between major cities, such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, range from $30 to $100, contingent on the airline and season. Long-distance bus fares can be as economical as $5-10 per journey. Local transport, including taxis and motorbikes, fluctuates based on the city and distance, with short rides typically costing $2-5. 

Opting for a rented motorbike is a popular and budget-friendly means of exploring Vietnam, with prices ranging from $5-20 USD per day, contingent on the bike type and location. Navigating these transportation costs thoughtfully in your budget ensures a seamless and cost-effective journey through the diverse landscapes of Vietnam.

Visa fee and Activities

In budgeting for your Vietnam trip cost , it’s crucial to factor in visa fees and planned activities. Visa costs vary based on nationality, length of stay and number of entry, ranging from $25 USD to $135 USD. It’s essential to research your country’s visa requirements and fees well in advance of your journey.

Activities, including tours and entrance fees, can significantly contribute to your overall expenses. For instance, a half-day city tour in Hanoi may cost approximately $25 USD per person, while a two-day cruise in Halong Bay can exceed $150 USD per person. Opting for tours through a reputable local travel agent can be a cost-effective solution. Beyond cost considerations, working with a travel agent brings numerous advantages. Their in-depth knowledge enables the creation of a personalized itinerary aligned with your preferences. Additionally, they offer valuable insider tips and recommendations, enriching your travel experience beyond what online research may provide. Engaging with a local agent ensures a smoother and more enriching exploration of Vietnam while optimizing your budget.

Food and Drinks

Don’t forget to factor in food and drink expenses when planning your Vietnam trip cost , especially in a country celebrated for its delectable and economical street food. Exploring local restaurants is a delightful way to immerse yourself in Vietnam’s cuisine. 

The cost of food varies, with street vendors offering meals as low as $1-2, mid-range restaurants averaging $5-10 per person, and high-end establishments in tourist hubs reaching $20 or more per meal. Refreshing with bottled water is affordable, while alcoholic beverages, like a beer at $1-2 or cocktails around $5-10, can add up. Note that restaurants often include a service charge, eliminating the need for additional tipping unless service is exceptional. Embrace the culinary richness of Vietnam, savoring street-side delicacies and dining in local gems, while accounting for these expenses in your budget for a comprehensive and satisfying journey.

Final thoughts

A trip to Vietnam is a great way to experience the essence of SouthEast Asia with all that this fascinating country has to offer, but budgeting for a Vietnam trip cost can seem overwhelming. . Fear not, as strategic budgeting ensures a memorable trip without financial strain. 

For optimal value and experiences, consider booking a Vietnam tour with Viland Travel . Their diverse range of tours caters to various budgets and interests, allowing you to maximize both time and money. Utilizing a travel agent often results in cost savings by bundling activities and accommodations. With Viland Travel’s seasoned guides and years of expertise, you gain access to insider insights, enhancing your exploration of local wonders, cuisine, and attractions. 

Seize the opportunity to plan your well-deserved vacation – book now and get ready for an enriching adventure!

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How much will a Vietnam trip cost? Full Breakdown 2023

This website contains no sponsored content. The content is written entirely on my own and is based on my personal experience and extensive research. This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the  disclaimer  for more information.

How much will a Vietnam trip cost is usually the first question that comes to mind the moment you consider Vietnam as an option for your next trip. Isn’t it?

But you hardly ever come across a straightforward answer to this question. But in this post, I aim to clear the confusion for you and give you an actual estimate of a trip to Vietnam – at least one that’s recent, updated, and useful to you for Vietnam trip planning in 2023 .

Don’t want to read the full post? Want a quick estimate for a trip to Vietnam? Use the Vietnam trip budget calculator below.

Vietnam Trip Budget Calculator

Have some extra time? Want more details on the average trip cost to Vietnam? Wondering how to use the calculator above?

Read this entire post to get a complete idea of the costs of traveling to Vietnam.

How Much Does a Trip to Vietnam Cost? Quick Overview

If you don’t want to read the full post but want a quick idea of how much a trip to Vietnam would cost, here’s an overview with the average costs per person.

Budget trip cost to Vietnam: USD 50 per day Mid-range trip cost to Vietnam: USD 80-100 per day High-end trip cost to Vietnam: USD 185+

The above figures are a slightly higher-end estimate of the total costs of a Vietnam trip. The actual costs would differ based on the number of internal flights, the type of Halong Bay cruise you book, the number of cities you cover, the amount of shopping you indulge in, and the type of sightseeing attractions you visit.

Read the detailed break-up section below to get actual per-day Vietnam trip cost estimates of the various heads of expenditure on a Vietnam trip.

Average cost of a trip to Vietnam – Full Breakdown

In this section, we will go over the key components of your Vietnam trip budget one at a time.

1. Accommodation in Vietnam

Accommodation in Vietnam is fairly affordable and offers tremendous value for money. The price will obviously vary depending on the city in which you’re staying and the quality of accommodation you choose.

But since I do not want to be vague, here are a few estimates for you

Accommodation in Hanoi costs

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and usually included in most Vietnam itineraries.

As a first time visitor to Vietnam, you should choose a stay in the Old Quarter of Vietnam. The location is central and there are plenty of things to do in the Old Quarter . Booking street food tours in Hanoi or tours to nearby places and cities is convenient if you stay in the Old Quarter.

The cost of accommodation in Hanoi shall be as follows:

• Budget accommodation – in hostels, guesthouses, etc. = approximately USD 7-10per person per day
• Mid-range accommodation – in centrally located hotels = approximately USD 40-60 (per person on a twin sharing basis) (We got a steal deal for the 4-star Hanoian Central Spa and Hotel – Agoda winner of the top choice of hotel in Hanoi – 2022)
• High-end accommodation – high end accommodation in Hanoi costs around USD 60-100 per person on a twin sharing basis

Accommodation in Hoi An/Danang costs

Accommodation in Hoi An or Danang is usually cheaper than accommodation in bigger cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Out of the central Vietnamese cities, Hoi An is probably the most expensive because of its touristy appeal.

The cost of accommodation in Hoi An, Danang or Hue shall be as follows:

• Budget accommodation – in hostels, guesthouses, etc. = approximately USD 7-10 per person per day
• Mid-range accommodation – in centrally located hotels = approximately USD 30-50 (per person on a twin sharing basis)
• High-end accommodation – high end accommodation in Hanoi costs around USD 50-90 per person on a twin sharing basis

But a few points to remember: – Staying in Hoi An Old Town would be a bit more expensive than staying away from the Old Town – Da Nang is home to numerous luxury chain resorts – a stay at one of the premium properties would be far more expensive than USD 50-90 per person. But mid-range properties in Da Nang are very affordable and offer the best value for money.

But since I do not want to be vague, here’re a few estimates for you

Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh costs

Ho Chi Minh is the biggest city in Vietnam and being its commercial hub – also the most expensive city in Vietnam .

Accommodation in central areas of Ho Chi Minh city like in District 1 or District 3 would be substantially more expensive than accommodation in central areas of Hanoi, Hoi An or Da Nang. But the extra money you spend on accommodation here would get set off against the more affordable stay in other parts of Vietnam.

As a first time visitor to Vietnam, you should choose a stay in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City. Most important tourist attractions in SaigonThe location is central and there are plenty of things to do in the Old Quarter . Booking street food tours in Hanoi or tours to nearby places and cities is convenient if you stay in the Old Quarter.

The cost of accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City shall be as follows:

• Budget accommodation – in hostels, guesthouses, etc. = approximately USD 10-15 per person per day
• Mid-range accommodation – in centrally located hotels = approximately USD 50-80 (per person on a twin sharing basis) We absolutely loved staying at Hammock Hotels in District 1 Ho Chi Minh City – and with all the freebies they offer, we ended up saving a lot of money on extras! Read our full review of Hammock Hotel .
• High-end accommodation – high end accommodation in Ho Chi Minh costs around USD 60-100 per person on a twin sharing basis

2. Food in Vietnam

The next expense on your trip to Vietnam shall be food. In Vietnam, you have plenty of food options. From local street food, to dining in local restaurants, cafés or fine dine places serving global cuisine – you can decide what to eat depending on your taste.

But to get the best feel of Vietnamese food, my advice to you would be – to book a food tour in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh city (to explore the best local food joints and taste the most authentic and delicious food, desserts and drinks in Vietnam) – eat at a mix of street food places and restaurants serving Vietnamese food or global food (like Indian, Japanese, Italian restaurants) – try their egg coffee, drip coffee, cold brew and other special coffee preparations

But to sum up, here’re typical cost estimates of meals in Vietnam:

• Vietnam street food cost: 1-2 USD per person per meal
• Vietnam Mid-range restaurant food cost: USD 10-15 per person per meal
• Vietnam High-end restaurant food cost: USD 20 and above per person per meal
• Vietnam beverage costs: USD 1-2 per person per beverage
• Alcoholic drink costs in Vietnam: USD 1 to USD 15 per person (Depending on what brand and alcohol you choose. Local beer is super cheap in Vietnam and a bottle of beer would cost only about 0.5-2 USD. But wines and expensive alcohol bottles could go all the way up to USD 15-20 per person depending on where you buy your alcohol from)

3. Sightseeing and Entrance ticket costs in Vietnam

The entrance ticket and sightseeing costs incurred would depend entirely on the places that you choose to visit.

Typically, the average cost of sightseeing in Vietnam per person per day are USD 20 . Some Vietnamese attractions would be expensive but the free sightseeing places would offset those expenses and keep the overall Vietnam entrance ticket and sightseeing tour costs to around USD 20.

Some places where you’d end up spending a lot of money on entrance fees and sightseeing tours are:

Ba Na Hills: Approximately USD 40 (Booking a guided tour of Ba Na Hills using Viator saves some money)

Day trips: During your time in Vietnam, you’d go on a few day trips from your base city. An average day trip costs around USD 60-70 per person .

Some typical day trip options are: – Day trips to Hue from Hoi An or Da Nang – Day trip to My Son Sanctuary from Hoi An or Da Nang – Day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City – Day trip to Halong Bay from Hanoi – Day trip to Ninh Binh from Hanoi – Day trip to Mua Caves from Hanoi

So if you’re on a budget, you should avoid a few of the above places or try to visit these places by yourself.

4. Local Commute costs in Vietnam

You can commute within a city either on a two-wheeler, or a car with driver. Grabs are available only in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, etc. Public transport is available in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh but isn’t a very practical way of visiting the many tourist attractions in the city.

The typical costs of local commute are:

• Two wheeler rental costs in Vietnam (With petrol) – USD 7 per day
• Costs of hiring a car with a driver are USD 35-40 for about 8 hours

Grab even though available in major cities in Vietnam is often not a convenient – language is a major barrier and communicating with Grab drivers could be a challenge – many areas in the heart of the Hanoi and Hoi An are shut off for vehicular traffic

That said, taking a Grab from the airport to your hotel is one of the most comfortable and value for money option.

The other way of accessing tourist places when on a short trip to major cities in Vietnam is by using the well-connected hop-on-hop-off bus in Hanoi or the hop-on-hop-off bus in Ho Chi Minh city.

5. Inter-city commute within Vietnam

Vietnam is a long country and its major cities are spread out and quite far away from one another. Road journeys between cities are possible but not comfortable or recommended due to the vast distances between two cities.

The best way to travel from one city to another is by a flight. The average cost of an internal flight between two cities is around USD 70-100. I highly recommend booking a Bamboo Airways flight for their excellent hospitality and fewer flight cancellations. Read my full review of the Bamboo Airways .

You could also take a train between cities. The cost of AC- sleeper trains between major cities is around USD 35-50. But for how long a train journey between cities takes and how little the difference in ticket costs is, taking a flight between cities makes the most sense.

6. Other Vietnam Trip Expenses

Now that we’ve covered the basic costs of a trip to Vietnam, it is important to look at a few more expenses that you’d incur while traveling in Vietnam.

Halong Bay Cruise

Most tourists visiting Vietnam visit the Halong Bay area . You could either take a day trip to Halong Bay cruise or go on an overnight cruise to Halong Bay. A 2 day 1 night cruise is the most popular way of visiting Halong Bay. But some even prefer to go on a 3 day cruise to Halong Bay.

The typical average cost of a Halong Bay cruise are:

Day trip to Halong Bay: USD 70 per person 1 night 2 days Halong Bay cruise: USD 160 per person 2 nights 3 days Halong Bay cruise: USD 320 per person

Airport Transfers

Airport transfer costs in Vietnam would depend on the nature of transport you choose.

For a comfortable airport transfer, book a Grab or a private car transfer. Choose an airport shuttle if you’re on a budget. The cost of an airport shuttle is approximately USD 3 . You can take an airport shuttle from Hawould be approximately USD 3.

The costs of airport transfer are:

By Grab (From airport to central touristy areas in Hanoi, Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City): USD 15

By private car : USD 20

Quick note: Getting a Grab will require you to go to a specific Grab pick up point. You’ll need internet access on your phone. Communicating with the driver would be challenge because of the language barriers. The drivers may try to cheat you by taking longer routes.

Plus, the difference in costs of a Grab airport transfer and a private car is minimal. So to save yourself unwanted hassle, I highly recommend booking this private airport pick up in advance .

Leading SIM card companies in Vietnam are Viettel, Mobiphone and Vinaphone. I used Mobiphone and loved the network coverage and data speed. A Sim Card with My husband used Viettel – a slightly more expensive option but ran into trouble with insufficient data (probably because he was scammed and sold a used SIM card).

The sim cards sold at the airport often prove to be more expensive than SIM cards sold at official network companies. But regardless of which network provider you choose and where you buy your SIM from, the cost of a SIM card in Vietnam per day shouldn’t be more than USD 2 per day.

But based on our scammy experience with the vendors, buy an Airalo E-sim in advance . You don’t need to go through the hassle of changing the physical sim card and the prices are comparable with locally sold sim cards.

There are plenty of things to buy in Vietnam – all available at super affordable rates. From silks, souvenirs, coffee, cheap shoes and clothes to fancy artwork – there is something for everyone.

So what you shop for and how much you shop for is a call you have to take and estimating how much you’ll spend on shopping is difficult.

The only tips I have for you to save money on shopping are – to shop from local markets like the Ben Thanh market in Ho Chi Minh city or Da Nang market and – to bargain heavily.

Vietnam Budget Calculator

Now that I have given you a break-down of the costs of a trip to Vietnam, you can use the handy Vietnam budget calculator below.

The Vietnam trip calculator below takes into consideration the following: – the average daily accommodation costs (based on style of travel) – the average daily food, sightseeing and airport transfer costs (based on style of travel) – the average cost of internal flights between cities – the average cost of a Halong Bay cruise.

How to use the Vietnam budget calculator for your Vietnam trip – Insert the number of people traveling to Vietnam – Insert the number of days you plan on spending in Vietnam – Insert the number of internal flights you plan on taking – Insert whether you plan on going on a Halong Bay cruise and the type of cruise you’d take – Insert your travel style (budget, mid-range or high-end)

The result will give you an approximate Vietnam trip budget for all adults put together excluding costs of flights to Vietnam and shopping expenses.

Vietnam Trip Cost – Frequently Asked Questions

Is vietnam expensive.

Vietnam is not an expensive country and traveling on a budget of as low as as 50 USD per day including stay, food, sightseeing, internal commute and flights is easily possible. If you stick to just one city or travel internally within the country by train or bus, eat street food and stay at hostels and guest houses, you can even bring down the per day cost of Vietnam travel to USD 35-40.

How much money Do I need in Vietnam?

As you can see from the above breakdown, if you want to cover Vietnam properly and travel between important cities within the country, your average daily budget inclusive of stay, food, sightseeing, local commute and internal flights or train would be as follows:

The above amounts are purely an estimate and the costs can be brought down further by skipping expensive sightseeing options, opting for airport shuttles, renting two-wheelers for commute, etc.

How much does a trip to Vietnam for 7 days cost?

A trip to Vietnam for 7 days would cost USD 350 for a budget vacation, USD 700 for a mid-range vacation and USD 1295 for a high-end vacation. The suggested costs are costs per person for the entire duration and do not include internal flights, Halong Bay cruise and shopping and other extras.

How much will a Vietnam trip cost from India?

The average cost of a trip to Vietnam from India for 8 nights 9 days inclusive of flights, stay, food and sightseeing for a mid-range traveler would be around INR 1,00,000 .

The break-up of these expenses would be as follows: – Flights to Vietnam from India : INR 25000-30000 – Stay in mid-range accommodation in Hanoi, Hoi An/Danang and Ho Chi Minh city : INR 2,500 per person per day or approximately INR 20,000 for the entire trip – Total Sightseeing costs (inclusive of Hanoi sightseeing, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ba Na Hills and Ho Chi Minh City) = INR 15,000 per person – Food expenses (mix of street food, food at Indian restaurants and mid-range restaurants) = INR 18,000 – Internal flights from Hanoi to Da Nang, Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City = INR 18000

In addition to this, you will need to factor the costs of your Halong Bay cruise, shopping and miscellaneous expenditure.

When we went to Vietnam, we also went on a 2 days 1 night Halong Bay cruise, which cost us USD 160 per person. So our total expense per person was approximately INR 130,000.

You can see our experience of the Halong Bay cruise in the video below:

Does Vietnam use cash?

Most commercial establishments, restaurants, hotels, super markets, grocery stores, spas and tour operators accept cards. But small shops and local street food vendors do not accept cards. The only currency accepted all over Vietnam is VND or Vietnamese Dong. So always carry some local currency cash with you when traveling in Vietnam.

Related posts

• Must-have apps when traveling to Vietnam
• Vietnam vs Bali: Ultimate Comparison
• Hanoi in 24 hours – A practical itinerary
• How to travel to Vietnam with kids: A complete guide
• Is Halong Bay worth it? A full evaluation
• Is Vietjet really bad? Full review
• What to buy in Vietnam – a solid shopping guide

Vrushali Ketkar is a lawyer turned travel blogger. She has travelled to 14 countries. She travels like a regular working woman with family. Her lawyer-level research skills make her a destination expert and help her get the most out of my trips. Today, her travel articles and videos help thousands of people across the world plan their trips to various parts of the world.

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The best Vietnam holiday destinations: When to travel and where to stay

V ietnam, a southeast Asian country bountiful with charm, cultural diversity and culinary delights, boasts striking scenery for both a blissful holiday on white sands and backpacking adventures through Unesco World Heritage Sites such as Ha Long Bay.

The versatility of the Vietnamese landscape, with its urban hubs such as capital Hanoi , rolling rice fields and limestone mountains, is what makes Vietnam an oasis for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Buddhist pagodas, lantern festivals and wellness retreats are highlights of a visit, alongside tours (fuelled by local coffee made with condensed milk) through fresh food markets. Meanwhile, heritage trails to historic sites from the Vietnam War (known in Vietnam as the American War) and the Communist era are sure to entice history buffs.

There are also small island archipelagos clustered offshore for paradise-like beach holidays, while global tourist hotspots, like the largest city Ho Chi Minh , beg to be explored.

From where to stay and when to travel, here’s  The Independent’s  selection of holiday destinations to inspire your next trip to Vietnam.

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Vietnam’s cosmopolitan capital in the north, Hanoi , is home to buzzing night markets, narrow trade streets and Buddhist temples, with a fusion of historical and 21st century sights creating its lively atmosphere. Ancient paths through the 14th-century Old Quarter jostle with contemporary art galleries, while the city’s authentic cuisine is best tasted by indulging in street food such as Pho and bun cha, the budget options abundant between pint-sized watering holes on the chaotic urban track of Train Street.

When to visit Hanoi

A good time to visit Hanoi is from April to November, as temperatures are the highest and rainfall predictions are the lowest. Average daily temperatures reach highs of 28C in the April shoulder season.

Where to stay

Scent Premium Hotel is the ultimate modern stay in Hanoi. Elegant rooms are fitted with en-suite bathrooms, mini-bars and have city and lake views, with diverse breakfasts complimentary to the stay in the heart of the Old Quarter.

Ho Chi Minh City

Formerly known as Saigon , Ho Chi Minh City in the southeast is the economic capital of Vietnam and is also its most heavily populated region. In a marriage of tradition and modernity, Ho Chi Minh is the metropolis where pagodas meet skyscrapers and innovative commerce hubs thrive. Elaborate French colonial architecture, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and landmarks such as the War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi tunnel network used by the Viet Cong during the American War, are historical highlights in this fast-paced city.

When to visit Ho Chi Minh City

It’s dry season from December to March, which is an ideal time to go. The hottest month for a trip to Ho Chi Minh is in April, where average highs of 35C can be sweltering compared to comfortable lows of 24C in the coolest month, December.

Fusion Original Saigon Centre  offers guests a rooftop pool, a restaurant and an attractive central location. Eccentric artwork accents the walls of spacious rooms with cosy seating areas, sprawling city views and comfortable beds.

Postcard-perfect scenery greets visitors cruising to Halong Bay in northeast Vietnam. A Unesco World Heritage Site since 1994, Halong, meaning “descending dragon”, is one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural wonders. Emerald waters, 1,600 islets, off-shore islands – mostly uninhabited – and caves dot the diverse landscape, where limestone rock formations are millions of years old. Scuba diving and sea kayaking with marine life to floating fishing communities are popular pastimes on this part of the Gulf of Tonkin. On land, rock climb and hike in mountainous Cát Bà National Park or absorb the mystical aura of Halong Bay from a long stretch of golden beach.

When to visit Ha Long Bay

The shoulder tourism seasons of March, April, September and October are the best time to visit Halong Bay for optimum weather conditions that avoid the monsoon season. The year-round daily temperature is 29C, with June being the hottest month.

Budget stays at  Bao Phuc Hotel  offer guests a shared lounge, terrace and cosy doubles just 600m from Tung Thu Beach. There’s also a garden, bike hire and friendly staff at the accommodation ideal for a stopover in Cat Ba on a boat tour of Halong Bay. 

Think seafront resorts on white powder beaches and palm-fringed shores in Phú Quốc island in the Gulf of Thailand, a protected Unesco Biosphere Reserve since 2006. The largest of Vietnam’s islands, with 150km of unspoiled coastline, it’s the ideal tropical holiday destination with secluded coves, vibrant nightlife and authentic day and night seafood markets in Duong Dong town. The fish sauce in particular is hailed as a treat for the tastebuds. Phú Quốc National Park blankets more than half the island with dense jungle and rainforest and hiking trails are plentiful. Coined “Pearl Island” by the locals for its gleaming sands and pearl farms, Phú Quốc offers winter sun and spectacular sunsets from the famous beaches of Sao Beach and Long Beach.

When to visit Phú Quốc

October to April are the driest months to visit Phú Quốc, with daily temperatures reaching up to 32C.

A few steps from Long Beach,  Salinda Resort  in Phu Quoc exudes luxury and authentic Vietnamese charm. Buffet breakfasts fuse American and Asian cuisines and are included in your stay, while an in-house bar, terrace and billiards tables await guests staying in the sea view rooms.

Step back in time to the ancient charm of Hoi An city on Vietnam’s central coast. Colourful temples, shophouses and budget boutique hotels line canals and the rustic Old Town district amid several family farms cultivating local produce for the markets. Sometimes referenced as the “Venice of Vietnam”, the beguiling former trading port at the mouth of the Thu Bon River was a settlement for merchants in the 15th century and the legacy of the Chinese, Japanese and European cultures remains evident in the cuisine ( Bahn mi is a speciality) and grand design of the lantern-lit streets.

When to visit Hội An

The best time to visit Hội An is between February and July, the height of the summer season. The daily temperatures are around 26-35C during these months before the monsoon season takes hold in winter.

Hoi An Golden Holiday Hotel boasts modern rooms with skyline views for bargain prices. A five-minute drive from the centre of Hoi An, an outdoor pool, shuttle services and complimentary breakfasts welcome visitors to the ancient town.

Nha Trang, Vietnam’s crowning jewel of coastal resorts in the south, is a tourism hub with 6km of golden sand beaches, untouched archipelagos and azure waters framed by a high skyline and rolling hillsides. The popular scuba and backpacking spot is also home to ruins and architecture from the ancient Champa Kingdom, including the Po Nagar towers. Intersecting streets make it easy to explore the unique salt fields, hot springs and waterfalls of Nha Trang on foot and there’s even an island theme park for families and thrillseekers to enjoy, connected to the mainland by a 3,320m sea-crossing cable car.

When to visit Nha Trang

Head to Nha Trang during February-May for average daily temperatures of around 26C, or in June and July for higher temperatures but a greater risk of rainy days but a chance to catch some of Nha Trang’s summer festivals.

If affordable rooms and sea view swimming pools in a beachfront location are your hotel non-negotiables,  Azura Gold Hotel  should fit the bill. Less than 100m from Nha Trang Beach, the tropically decorated Azura is an ideal spot for soaking in the sunshine. 

Once the national capital of Vietnam (from 1802 to 1945) and the seat of the ancient Nguyen Dynasty, the dynamic city of Hue boasts a long history of imperial glory as seen in the ornate shrines and palaces that surround the intersecting Perfume River. Reminders of the once royal riverside town include an Unesco designated site, the Complex of Hue Monuments in Thua Thien, and the Forbidden Purple City, once home to the imperial family – their tombs remain, highlighting the decadent and luxurious lives once lived in the 19th-century Đại Nội citadel. Embrace Hue’s slow pace of life while exploring the exotic landscape and feast like a king on Bun Bo Hue and local produce from the fertile landscape.

When to visit Huế

January to April is an ideal time to visit Huế, as it’s after the peak of monsoon season. While you can still expect daily rainfall from Huế’s tropical climate, a light drizzle can be a refreshing break from average daily temperature peaks of 25-35C.

Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort offers unrivalled luxury and world-class service in the tranquil Thua Thien Hue. The rustic resort features Vietnamese restaurants, spa treatments and hospitality with complimentary busses shuttling travellers into Hue. Huts, bungalows and villas dot the lush jungle – some with private pools and wellness facilities.

Read more on the best hotels in Phuket

The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking news brand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. We have grown a huge, global readership of independently minded individuals, who value our trusted voice and commitment to positive change. Our mission, making change happen, has never been as important as it is today.

• Culture & Arts
• Ho Chi Minh City
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• Phu Quoc Island
• Mekong Delta

Ultimate Guide to Packing for Vietnam in Any Time of the Year

What to & Not to Pack for Vietnam Trip

With lush landscapes and captivating cities, Vietnam easily becomes one of the big-hitters in Southeast Asia. The country has plenty of variety to offer like white-sand beaches, immense paddy fields, venerable pagodas, busy cities, and limestone islands, etc. There are a lot of interesting experiences and beautiful moments are waiting for you ahead in this beautiful country. 

But, the very first thing you need to do is packing for Vietnam . What will you need to pack? Let’s check our packing list of essential things to prepare for your trip.

I. What to Pack for Vietnam (Must-bring)?

There are a lot of things to pack for Vietnam. You may miss something in your bag, so you can look at the following list of essential things for Vietnam trip to recheck. Or, if you haven’t packed anything, this would be surely of great help.

1. Packing List for Your Pre-flight

You know what sucks? It’s arriving in the airport and so excited for your upcoming trip. But oops, you realize that you have forgotten your passport and then you are denied boarding. To avoid this, don’t forget to double check the things below.

Of course, your packing list would not be complete without a passport, so make sure that it is already put in your bag. Some days before you leave, check it to see whether it is still valid and have at least 2 blank pages. 

• Boarding Pass

Remember to save your boarding pass to your phone or print it out. After check-in at the airport, just put it somewhere safe.

• Passport Photos

To enter Vietnam, you will need a visa on arrival. It means you have to bring your 2 recent passport photos. 

• Health Requirements

Before your trip, please check with a local travel clinic about what vaccinations for traveling to Vietnam. Besides, it is also necessary to search for information about any specific health requirements for your nationality.

• Travel Insurance

Remember to print out your travel insurance with all details needed and keep its copy on your phone. 

2. A Right Bag

A right bag will start a good trip. Travelling around Vietnam, it is ideal to bring a backpack . You will surely not be happy with a cumbersome suitcase while navigating busy Vietnamese streets and crowded public transportation . So, think about opting for a backpack cause it is flexible and you can easily carry your stuff while going around. And, since Vietnam is a Southeast Asia country with a monsoon-influenced tropical climate, it is recommended to have a water-resistant one.  

Packing for clothes, it is necessary to know the weather in your destinations. Vietnam has distinct seasons and the climate varies depending on the region. Generally, the weather is hot and humid from May to October. During November to April, it is cool in southern Vietnam and pretty cold in the northern area. 

So what to wear in Vietnam?

Light clothes are highly recommended and you should pack the items that you can reuse over and over again. For examples, you can bring a couple of T-shirts, baggy trousers, thin jumpers, and long skirts.

Visiting the northern part in the winter, you should bring some more warm clothes. If you plan for a long trip, you also don’t need to pack too much as laundry in Vietnam is quite cheap or you can think about buying some clothes here. 

The preferred material for clothes are cotton and linen as it is effective in beating the heat. Wearing these, you will feel comfortable while moving around also. Spending your summer vacation in Vietnam, remember to avoid packing denim or heavy fabrics. These are super heavy and don’t dry quickly.

Swimwear is needed if you’re going to the beach. It is worth packing a couple of board shorts or bikinis. Besides, it is a good idea to bring a sarong not only to cover up but also to use it as a makeshift pillow or beach towel. 

4. Footwear

Light walking shoes are highly recommended so you can feel comfortable and they can protect you from the gunk of the streets. But if you intend to go trekking in a mountainous area, you probably need trekking boots to ensure a smooth trekking. For a leisure vacation, popular sandals are a good type of footwear to choose.

5. Toiletries

A packing list for toiletries will include a variety of items like beauty products, grooming items, and other essentials. However, one of the most important things to know before packing your toiletries items is what you are allowed to take on a plane. We highly recommend you put them on a good toiletry bag so you can keep some liquids from leaking.  

You can choose the items to bring by focusing on your needs. Below are some basic things:

• Tissues (you just need small packs for easy access)
• Make-up items
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shaving necessities

6. Electronics Items

• You will need to bring your cell phone so you can easily contact your family and friends. Vietnamese SIM cards can be purchased in vendors at the airport or in the cities. 
• Remember to bring your charging cable and a universal power adapter also. In Vietnam, local people use different kinds of 2 and 3 pin plug sockets so it is better to use an adapter. It is also recommended to have a surge protection to protect your device.
• If you plan on using a lot of batteries, you can think about bringing a power bank . It will be helpful during traveling.
• It is advisable not to bring expensive items with you. But if you really need to bring your laptop , camera, or a tablet, you can consider adding these items to your travel insurance. 

7. Health Items

Traveling is fun but your health is more important. So, let’s pack for some health items to protect your health.

• Mosquito spray is necessary as Vietnam is quite wet in some months of the year. Especially your plan includes some mountainous destinations. Spray yourself and wear long skirts or trousers will help you avoid mossy bites.
• Painkillers are also essential in case you have a headache or feel uneasy under the weather.
• A small first aid kit should be in your bag in case you get a small cut or need plasters.

II. What Not To Pack For Vietnam

You surely don’t want to bring a heavy bag abroad. So, leaving unnecessary things out is useful. Rethink about the below items and let’s pack light and effectively:

• Full bottle of body wash, shampoo, and conditioner : Most hotels in Vietnam have complimentary wash and shampoo available for vacationers. And, you also can bring a travel-sized bottle to reduce the weight of your luggage.
• Extra food and snacks : Though it’s great to have your favorite snacks around for some peckish night, they are always a waste of space. You surely can temporarily live without it or buy it in a local convenience store. Who knows, maybe you find your new favorite one.
• Books : Books are always something special but it also takes up a lot of space. You may not find enough time to read a book because you are busy with traveling. Besides, you can think about opting for an e-book instead on your devices.
• Neck Pillows : They surely keep you comfortable on your flight. However, they are extremely bulky while traveling and take up a lot of the space in your luggage. So leave them at home!

III. Packing Tips & Hacks

Packing for Vietnam would be easier with some tips below:

• Rolling your clothes and packing them first. Rolling clothes will help you save space in your backpack better than folding.
• Putting heavy items at the base to help your bag stable
• Using packing cubes. They will keep your suitcase looking organized.
• Spending an extra space for souvenirs. It will not take too much of your space and you can put anything you buy on your trip to Vietnam.
• Preparing your luggage one or two days before departing. Don’t wait until the last minute to pack.

IV. Travel Resources For Vietnam Trip

Most first-time visitors worry about the accommodation, car or motorbike booking address, and reliable tour operators. We have created a list of travel resources for these necessary services.

• For booking hotels: agoda.com, booking.com
• For booking apartments: airbnb.com
• For booking flights: skyscanner.com
• For applying visa: vietnam-visa.com
• For booking tours: vietnamdiscovery.com, vietnamtourbooking.com

In general, there are plenty of things to pack for your trip. With the comprehensive guide to packing for Vietnam , we hope that it is useful for those who are wondering what to bring for Vietnam . If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. 

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Vatican official meets Vietnam’s prime minister during historic diplomatic trip

By Courtney Mares

Rome Newsroom, Apr 11, 2024 / 09:40 am

The Vatican’s foreign minister met with Vietnam’s prime minister in Hanoi on Wednesday during the first high-level diplomatic visit by a Church official to the country since the Vietnam War.

Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican secretary for relations with states, spoke with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh about the possibility of Pope Francis becoming the first pope to visit the Southeast Asian country .

The Vietnamese state-run news agency reported on April 10 that both Gallagher and the prime minister agreed “on the need to push ahead with high-level contacts, including Pope Francis’ visit to Vietnam.”

During his six-day trip to Vietnam, Gallagher will visit Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hue. He will offer public Masses at the cathedrals in all three cities, according to the schedule released by the Vatican Secretariat of State.

Gallagher met with his counterpart, Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, on his first day in the country on April 9. He is also scheduled to meet with seminarians in Hue and members of Vietnam’s bishops’ conference in Ho Chi Minh City before he leaves the country on April 14.

S.E. Mons. Paul R. Gallagher🇻🇦, ha incontrato in Vietnam S.E. il Sig. Phạm Minh Chính, Primo Ministro, S.E. il Sig. Bùi Thanh Sơn, Ministro degli Affari Esteri, e S.E. la Sig.ra Phạm Thị Thanh Trà, Ministro degli Affari Interni🇻🇳 pic.twitter.com/Yt43uixogh — Segreteria di Stato della Santa Sede (@TerzaLoggia) April 10, 2024

The high-level diplomatic visit comes amid a warming in Vatican-Vietnam relations. Within the last year, Vietnam has agreed to allow the Vatican to send an official papal representative to live in the country and open an office in Hanoi. 

Pope Francis also received a delegation from Vietnam’s Communist Party government at the Vatican in January, and Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin could make a trip to Vietnam later this year.

Gallagher’s visit has fueled speculations of a possible papal trip. The foreign minister said earlier this year that he thinks a papal trip to Vietnam will take place but added that “there are a few further steps to be taken before that would be appropriate.”

“But I think the Holy Father is keen to go and certainly the Catholic community in Vietnam is very happy to want the Holy Father to go. I think it [a papal trip] would send a very good message to the region,” he said.

Vietnam has one of the largest Catholic populations among countries never visited by a pope. The country is home to an estimated 7 million Catholics. An additional 700,000 Vietnamese Catholics live in the United States today, many of whom are refugees or descendants of refugees who fled by boat during the Vietnam War.

Pope Francis appointed Archbishop Marek Zalewski, a Polish Vatican diplomat, as the resident papal representative to Vietnam in December 2023.

Zalewski’s appointment was a historic step toward the possibility of someday establishing full diplomatic relations. Vietnam severed ties with the Holy See after the communist takeover of Saigon in 1975. 

With the new appointment, Vietnam is the only Asian communist country to have a resident papal envoy live in the country.

The Catholic Church in Vietnam has seen a rising number of religious vocations in recent years. The country has 8,000 priests and 41 bishops, according to government data. More than 2,800 seminarians were studying for the priesthood across Vietnam in 2020, 100 times more than in Ireland.

Kimviet Ngo, a Vietnamese American Catholic, told CNA last fall that she hopes that a potential papal visit to Vietnam would help improve religious freedom in the country. 

The Vietnamese Constitution guarantees individual freedom of belief and individual religious freedom. However, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which advises branches of the U.S. government, recommended that Vietnam be designated a “country of particular concern” in its 2024 report.

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Ngo’s hope has been backed by a 2024 academic study, which found that papal trips can have a significant effect on the host country’s human rights protections.

Pope Francis is expected to travel to Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries in early September if his health allows.

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Inside French-influenced restaurant where Tim Cook enjoys egg coffee during Hanoi visit

Tim cook arrives in vietnam.

Cook said upon arrival he was excited to meet with content creators, students and customers in Vietnam and learn about the way they use Apple’s products.

Apple has unveiled plans to strengthen its commitments to Vietnam during his visit, including increasing spending for suppliers and fund a clean water initiative at schools.

Since last year the company has been launching new major services in Vietnam.

It opened the Apple Store Online in May and launched payment service Apple Pay in August, is taking pictures of Vietnamese streets to develop its Apple Maps and expanding recruitment to hire engineers to develop its Siri voice assistant in Vietnamese.

Cook, 64, became CEO in 2011, and doubled the company’s revenues and profits by 2020. Under him, new products like Apple Watch and Apple Vision Pro, a virtual reality headset, were developed.

In 2023 it became the first company in the world to achieve market cap of $3 trillion.

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Tim Cook visits Vietnam as Apple looks to boost supply chain relationships

Tim Cook (left) with musicians My Linh and My Anh in Hanoi

Vietnam is one of the countries, along with India, that are benefitting from Apple's moves to reduce its over-reliance on China. As well as increasing manufacturing for AirPods and Apple Vision Pro , Apple has also moved some iPad development work there.

According to local publication VNExpress , Cook arrived in Hanoi on Monday, April 15, 2024, for a two-day trip . Cook told local media that he was excited to meet customers, students, and app developers in the country.

Apple reportedly also unveiled plans to strengthen its commitments to Vietnam. Few details have been released yet, but it will involve Apple increasing spending on suppliers, and also funding a clean water initiative for schools.

Cook himself has been posting about his visit on social media, starting with his breakfast meeting with musicians My Linh and My Anh.

Xin cho, Vietnam! Thank you to the very talented musicians My Linh and My Anh for such a warm welcome. And I loved the egg coffee! pic.twitter.com/vBGwatuXG1 — Tim Cook (@tim_cook) April 15, 2024

He then visited Hoan Kiem Lake, talking with filmmaker Duy about Cinematic Mode on iPhone 15 Pro .

Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi is as beautiful as it is iconic! It was amazing to spend time with Duy and see his creative process using Cinematic mode on iPhone 15 Pro. pic.twitter.com/5INkRcew1r — Tim Cook (@tim_cook) April 15, 2024

Cook has since moved on to the artistic workshop, Nirvana Space.

Phuong Vu and his team are wildly creative. They showed me how they use iPhone, iPad, and Mac to bring everything and anything from their imagination to life in Nirvana Space - an artistic workshop like no other! pic.twitter.com/jpsjLsnv6O — Tim Cook (@tim_cook) April 15, 2024

It's not known whether any other Apple executives are travelling with Cook. However, over the weekend Greg Joswiak posted online about sending the "I Remember You" exhibition to Seoul .

While Apple has been successfully expanding manufacturing in Vietnam, with suppliers building new facilities there, it has not been without problems. In June 2023, local authorities asked Apple suppliers including Foxconn to reduce their electricity use as power cuts loomed.

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Tim Cook has arrived in Vietnam for a two-day trip, as Apple boosts ties with its key manufacturing hub

• The Apple CEO has arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam to meet with Apple suppliers and content creators.
• The company has also announced plans to increase spending on suppliers in the country.
• Vietnamese manufacturing has been important for Apple as it moves away from dependence on China.

Tim Cook has arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam, to start a two-day trip to one of Apple's top manufacturing hubs.

During his visit, he's set to meet with content creators, app developers, and students to learn about how they use Apple products, according to local media.

Apple also plans to boost its ties with local suppliers during the trip as well as help fund clean water projects and education opportunities, local newspaper VietnamNet wrote.

Related stories

In a post on X , the Apple CEO shared a photo of himself drinking egg coffee with two Vietnamese musicians. In another post, he shared his visit to a workshop where creators were using Apple products to create and share their artwork.

Apple also announced plans to increase spending on suppliers in Vietnam.

Since 2019, the company has spent nearly 400 trillion Vietnamese dong ($16 billion) through its supply chains in Vietnam and has more than doubled its annual spending in the country over the same period, the company said in a statement on its Vietnamese website.

The statement added that Apple supports the jobs of 200,000 people in Vietnam through direct employment, via suppliers, and as app developers.

In 2020, major Apple supplier Foxconn moved its iPad and MacBook assembly to Vietnam from China at the request of Apple as it attempted to minimize the impacts of US-China trade tensions.

A couple of years later, Foxconn faced issues with Chinese smartphone makers trying to poach their talent in Vietnam , attracting them with higher salaries.

Apple has faced a recent blow as iPhone shipments fell nearly 10% in the first quarter of 2024, as global smartphone shipments increased.

Watch: Apple's antitrust lawsuit is just one of its major battles

• Main content

UIndy student and professor travel to Vietnam to discover new fish species

Uindy student & professor travel to vietnam to discover new fish species.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A  University of Indianapolis  professor and student may have discovered a new species of blind cavefish.

Dean Wiseman, a professor of biology, and Jackson Hoover, an honors student and athlete at UIndy, joined Daybreak to discuss their recent trip to Vietnam.

“We’ve been doing exploration and survey in this cave system in central Vietnam for a few years now. And, a couple of years ago we noticed some population of cavefish. And so we thought, ‘Oh, this is really interesting.’ When we dug a little bit deeper, we realized that there were no reports on this particular population,” Wiseman said.

The team felt strongly about understanding the world-famous Hang Son Doong cave systems, not only where they go, but also the life that’s there as well. When they dug deeper they discovered fish in pools within the caves.

“We realized that this could be a potential new species. And so our goal on this trip was to measure, photograph, and take DNA samples in order to establish whether this is a new species or perhaps an extension of some species that are 15 to 20 miles away,” Wisman said.

It is too early to know the answers of their findings. However, the trip served as an extraordinary educational opportunity for Hoover and was his capstone project through the University of Indianapolis Honors Program.

“It was awesome. I’ve actually been out of the country one other time through the honors college, but this was a completely different experience. It was actually a four-hour hike through the jungle just to get to where we were camping. So it was such an amazing experience and I just learned so much while I was there,” Hoover said.

Wiseman has been to cCentral Vietnam five times and says the area is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is conservation work underway to safely and responsibly transform the area into a sustainable tourist economy from a subsistence level of poverty.

“We feel strongly about documenting the species as best we can. But it’s also an economic opportunity for the people there. The area in Vietnam where this is has traditionally lived under a subsistence level economy and with the discovery of these caves and this amazing resource – now people are interested in visiting. So we’re trying to help convert to a sustainable type of economy where the jungles and the caves are preserved and the water is kept clean. So that future generations and people can continue to enjoy this lovely resource,” Wiseman said.

Hoover hopes to return to the cave and continue research in the future. While doing this work he helped UIndy place 9th at the DII Wrestling National Championships. He plans to take the MCAT next week in preparation for medical school in the fall of 2025.

Watch the full interview to hear more about the experience and conservation efforts.

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