Vietnam is an incredible country located in Asia. In fact, Vietnam is one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia. It has something for everyone – backpackers, couples, solo travelers, luxury travelers, etc.
Vietnam offers several experiences – from river cruises to rice terraces trekking, from mountain villages to beach holidays, from war museums to boat trips, from temples to cooking classes – you should find something that suits your needs and interests.
If you’re planning your first trip to Vietnam, this guide should answer any questions you may have. We’ll talk about travel facts, the best time to visit Vietnam, the best destinations, recommended itineraries, travel costs, travel essentials and how to prepare for your trip.
| Information | Vietnam |
|---|---|
| Language | Vietnamese |
| English-friendly | In big cities yes, in the countryside no |
| Currency | VND (Vietnamese Dong) |
| Internet reliability | Good |
Vietnam is a very long country and depending on your destination, you may be facing different types of seasons. We decided to split this section into two sections to help you understand the seasons in Vietnam:
| Areas | Season | Months |
|---|---|---|
| North Vietnam |
Dry season Wet season |
November to April May to October |
| South Vietnam |
Dry season Wet season |
November to March April to October |
Planning your trip to Vietnam? We created Vietnam itineraries to help you. You can pick the length of your stay and follow our recommended itineraries. We created itineraries for up to one month including our favorite Vietnamese destinations.
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In this section, you’ll find general information on costs and how to prepare for your trip. Finally, you will find a table that will provide an overview of cost and options depending on your travel budget.
In Vietnam, you’ll find several options when it comes to accommodation. Whether you’re a budget traveler or not, you won’t have difficulty to find options. You can find dorms starting at $3 per night.
When it comes to food, you can find different types of restaurants. If you eat local food, you can eat for less than VND 100,000. Obviously, you may find elegant restaurants around the country and you can pay more if you wish. The cheapest options are usually in small local restaurants.
Some activities such as hiking or beach bumming are free. Although, if you’re planning on visiting temples, kayaking in Halong bay, cruising along the Mekong river or experiencing other fun activities, you will have to pay for it. You can browse activities in Vietnam here to have an idea of the costs.
In general, it’s pretty easy to get around Vietnam. You can either fly, take a bus or a van or travel by train to reach your destinations.
To book your transport between destinations, you can book via 12GO or via a travel agency. Most of the time, your hotel and hostel may be able to arrange it for you.
| Travel Cost | Budget travel | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $3-5 per night | $25-70 per night | $70+ |
| Meal | $1-5 per meal | $5-15 per meal | $15+ |
| Activities | Focus on free activities | Mixing free activities & mid-range | $30+ per day |
| Transport | By bus/train | By bus, train, flight, driver | Private driver |
Overall, traveling around Vietnam is pretty safe. Of course, you should always lock your valuables especially if you’re staying in a hostel.
Scams happen every once in a while, as they do in most Asian countries. However, if you are prepared and do your research, you should be able to avoid them. Driving in Vietnam can be very dangerous. Vietnamese traffic is famous and not for being well organized. Make sure you feel comfortable before starting a motorbike trip. Accidents are pretty common.
It’s good to know that there are still a lot of landmines and unexploded ordnance from the Vietnam war buried around Vietnam (especially when walking in forests and the countryside). That said, make sure to have a local guide.
Apart from the travel essentials, here are the things you should absolutely bring along with you in Vietnam. Click on the images to shop on Amazon. You can also check out this list of travel essentials in Asia.
You can apply on an eVisa to get your 30 days in Vietnam. You can read this post to learn the steps. Note that you can also get longer visas if you wish to spend more time in Vietnam. If you are crossing by land, you can get a visa via a travel agency in Laos or Cambodia.
You can verify your visa requirements here.
Browse flights on Skyscanner to find deals.
Book your travel insurance for as little as $42/month.
Find accommodation anywhere in the world.
Check the visa requirements and apply for a visa if needed.
Volunteer abroad in exchange for free accommodation.
Book transfers, tours, and activities in advance.
It’s hard to find a good data plan when you’re traveling. You have to research the best deals, go to a store, and hope they have a prepaid SIM card for travelers and tourists.
And if they don’t? You could be without service for the rest of your trip. Not only is that frustrating, but it can also be time-consuming.
eSIMs are the solution to your travel woes. With an eSIM plan, you can stay connected no matter where you go. Plus, there are no contracts or cancellation fees, so you can change your plan whenever you want.
If you’re looking for an eSIM plan while in Vietnam, then be sure to check out the providers below. They all offer great plans that will keep you connected while you’re there.
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