Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Vietnam Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Vietnam – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type A , Type C
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Vietnamese Dong (VND) £1 ≈ ₫34,381 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in Vietnam, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. Cash is still commonly used in rural areas.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not customary in Vietnam, but small tips are appreciated for good service in restaurants, taxis, and hotels. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally allowed in Vietnam, but drinking in certain public spaces, like parks, may be regulated. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is allowed in outdoor public spaces, but there are smoking restrictions in some indoor public areas. |
| Independence Day (2 September) |
Celebrates Vietnam’s independence from France |
|---|---|
| Tết (January/February) |
The most important holiday in Vietnam, typically in January or February |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 113 (Police), 115 (Ambulance), 114 (Fire) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Grab |
| Other: | Vietnam is famous for its vibrant cities, historic sites, and stunning landscapes like Ha Long Bay and the Mekong Delta, offering a rich and diverse travel experience. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Vietnam, Vietnam
Climate and season differ by region: north (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay) best March to April and October to November, centre (Hoi An, Da Nang) best February to May, south (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc) best November to April
Tet (Lunar New Year) from late January to mid February: many shops and restaurants closed for days, trains and flights fully booked
Typhoon and flood season August to November, worst on the central coast from September to November
Don't miss
- ⛵ Cruise through Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts at sunrise
- 🏮 Walk the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An at night
- 🍜 Taste authentic Vietnamese pho at a bustling street stall
- 🕳️ Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City
- 🏍️ Ride a motorbike through scenic mountain passes of Ha Giang
- 🏖️ Relax on the beaches of Phu Quoc Island
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Vietnam?
Vietnam's appeal lies in its remarkable diversity of experiences. The country boasts stunning natural wonders like the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay with its 2,000 limestone islands, the terraced rice fields of Sapa and the pristine beaches along its extensive coastline. History buffs will be fascinated by ancient temples, colonial architecture and war memorials that tell the story of Vietnam's complex past. Food enthusiasts can indulge in the country's world-renowned cuisine, from steaming bowls of pho to fresh spring rolls, all at incredibly affordable prices. However, travelers should be prepared for certain challenges. The weather varies dramatically across regions, with the possibility of typhoons during monsoon seasons. Traffic can be overwhelming, especially in cities like Hanoi where swarms of motorbikes dominate the roads. While major tourist areas have good infrastructure, language barriers may exist in more remote areas. It's also worth noting that during Tet (Lunar New Year) in late January or early February, many businesses close and transportation becomes difficult to book without advance planning.
🏙️Cities & Regions
-
1
Ho Chi Minh City
Vibrant streets pulse with motorbike traffic and street food stalls offering pho and banh mi. Historic French colonial architecture contrasts with modern skyscrapers, while the War Remnants Museum offers a sobering look at Vietnam’s past. -
2
Hanoi
Capital city of Vietnam offers a blend of colonial architecture and vibrant street markets. Explore historic Old Quarter, visit Hoan Kiem Lake and sample pho in bustling cafés while experiencing the city's dynamic cultural scene. -
3
Hoi An
This ancient coastal town in central Vietnam features a well-preserved historic quarter, tranquil riverside canals and iconic Japanese-style bridges. Its charming streets are lined with traditional shops, cafes and restaurants offering authentic local cuisine and cultural experiences. -
4
Da Nang
A coastal city on Vietnam’s central coast offers a mix of modern infrastructure and historic charm. The beach stretches for kilometers, while the Dragon Bridge lights up at night. Nearby attractions include Marble Mountains and the ancient My Khe shoreline. -
5
Hue
Former imperial capital on the Perfume River, Hue offers a blend of historic citadel walls, royal tombs and traditional Vietnamese architecture. The city’s quiet streets and riverfront cafés provide a peaceful contrast to bustling Hanoi. -
6
Nha Trang
A coastal town on Vietnam’s central coast offers a mix of sandy beaches, limestone cliffs and historic French colonial architecture. Visitors can explore the nearby Phuoc Tho mangrove forest, sample fresh seafood and enjoy relaxed seaside walks. -
7
Ha Long
A stunning limestone archipelago in the Gulf of Tonkin, Ha Long Bay features emerald waters and thousands of towering karst islands. The UNESCO World Heritage site offers dramatic scenery, hidden caves and serene lagoons perfect for exploration by boat or kayak. -
8
Phu Quoc
A tropical island in Vietnam's Gulf of Thailand offers white‑sand beaches, clear waters and a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can explore coral reefs, local fishing villages and historic sites while enjoying fresh seafood and laid‑back resorts. -
9
Ninh Binh
A limestone karst landscape in northern Vietnam features dramatic caves and underground rivers. The area offers adventurous boat tours through narrow grottos, surrounded by towering cliffs that create a surreal, otherworldly atmosphere for visitors seeking unique geological wonders.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
-
1
Ha Long Bay
A UNESCO World Heritage site in northern Vietnam, Ha Long Bay features thousands of limestone karsts rising from emerald waters. The bay offers serene cruises, cave explorations and vibrant marine life along its dramatic coastline. -
2
Tam coc
-
3
Ha Giang Loop Motorbike Adventure
-
4
Thác Bản Giốc(thác phụ)
-
5
Mekong Delta
-
6
Son Doong Cave
-
7
Sand Dunes
-
8
Côn Sơn Island
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Tet (Lunar New Year)
-
Hue Festival
-
Hoi An Lantern Festival
-
Mid-Autumn Festival
-
Perfume Pagoda Festival
-
Hung Kings Festival
-
Lim Festival
-
Ooc Om Bok Festival
-
Hoa Ban Festival
-
Buddha's Birthday
Popular travel destinations in Vietnam
Knowledge before you go
- Carry cash. Cards rarely accepted outside major cities.
- Apply e-visa online in advance; most nationalities need it for entry.
- Learn basic Vietnamese phrases; smiles open doors despite language barriers.
- Ride overnight trains or buses between Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An to save time and money effectively.
How to travel to Vietnam
Most international visitors arrive in Vietnam through major airports in Hanoi (Noi Bai International Airport) or Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat International Airport), with additional international gateways in Da Nang and Nha Trang. As of March 2025, many nationalities can enter visa-free for short stays, but others require an e-visa or visa on arrival. Check current requirements before traveling. When planning your trip, consider that the best time to visit varies by region – northern Vietnam is most pleasant from October to April, central Vietnam from January to August and southern Vietnam from December to April.
Access summary
- Hanoi: Fly HAN Noi Bai; taxis/train to Old Quarter.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Fly SGN Tan Son Nhat; Grab/taxis to District 1.
- Da Nang/Hoi An: Fly DAD; taxis/bus to beaches/old town.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Vietnam
Vietnam offers accommodations for every budget, from luxury resorts to backpacker hostels. Major cities and tourist destinations have international hotel chains alongside boutique hotels reflecting local character. For unique experiences, consider homestays in ethnic minority villages, traditional wooden houses in Hoi An or overnight cruises in Ha Long Bay. Budget travelers can find clean, comfortable hostels starting from US$5 – 10 (£3.76 – 7.52) per night, while mid-range hotels typically cost US$20 – 50 (£15.03 – 37.58). Book well in advance during peak tourist seasons and especially for Tet (Lunar New Year) when many Vietnamese travel domestically.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Vietnam
Getting around Vietnam offers various options to suit different preferences and budgets. In cities, taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab provide convenient transportation, while motorbike taxis (xe om) offer a more adventurous alternative. For longer distances, domestic flights connect major cities quickly, though overnight trains and sleeper buses provide more economical options that save on accommodation costs. The extensive bus network reaches most destinations, with varying levels of comfort. For exploring at your own pace, motorbike rentals are popular, though traffic can be chaotic and intimidating for first-timers.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Vietnam are around 75% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to VND) is 12% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is cheaper compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Vietnam is generally safe for tourists with low violent crime rates. Exercise caution in crowded areas where pickpocketing can occur. Traffic poses the greatest risk – be extremely careful when crossing streets and consider the safety implications before renting motorbikes.
Health & Medical
Major cities have good quality healthcare facilities, though services may be limited in rural areas. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever are risks, especially during rainy season. Avoid tap water and be cautious with street food hygiene.
Accessibility
Accessibility varies widely across Vietnam. Major tourist attractions and newer hotels in cities offer some accessibility features, but historical sites, rural areas and public transportation present significant challenges for mobility-impaired travelers with uneven surfaces, stairs and limited facilities.
Tap water
Tap water is generally not safe for drinking throughout Vietnam. Rely on bottled water with sealed caps, which is widely available and inexpensive. Most hotels provide complimentary bottled water daily. Public drinking fountains are rare.
Packing recommendations for Vietnam
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🧥
Waterproof jacket
☂️
Folding umbrella
🪰
Insect repellent
🧼
Hand sanitiser
🧕
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees
for temple visits
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
📃
Travel insurance
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
🤧
Tissues
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
Type A/C plugs
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
Related articles & guides for Vietnam
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