Voted as Asia’s top travel destination in 2021, Vietnam is one of the hottest destinations in the world for tourists looking for adventure, great weather, and untouched beauty — all with an attractive price tag.

If you are planning a trip to “the land of the blue dragon”, this Vietnam Travel Guide is your go-to information hub and you can learn all about the best places and the best time to visit Vietnam.

Vietnam tours can take you from lush mountainous highlands to crystal-clear tropical beaches and everything in between. Go cycling in Vietnam’s verdant rice paddies or search for endangered primates at some of the best nature & wildlife destinations in Vietnam. Beat the heat with a visit to northern Vietnam in December or escape to the country’s hidden gem, Phu Quoc island, where it is summer all year round.

Spend five or 10 days in Vietnam, or plan for a multi-week excursion. You will be able to visit all the popular locations and dine the finest Vietnamese cuisine during these days. This handy travel guide will help you determine how many days to spend in Vietnam, and to know your Hanoi from your Hoi An.

Top Destinations in Vietnam

Discover the highlights of Vietnam.

Explore the Wildlife of Mekong Delta

Explore the Wildlife of Mekong Delta

Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Mekong Delta and discover its vibrant wildlife. Encounter diverse species of flora and fauna. Marvel at majestic birds like the Oriental Darter and the Painted Stork, catch glimpses of playful otters and elusive fishing cats, and witness the impressive biodiversity of this captivating region. View Tours

Hike the Gorgeous Vistas in Sapa

Hike the Gorgeous Vistas in Sapa

Sapa is famed for its picturesque green rice terraces and quaint mountain setting. The undulating landscape of Vietnam's highlands is green beyond comprehension and is laden with hiking routes dotting the gorgeous vistas. You will be able to enjoy the natural beauty as well as interact with the local communities. View Tours

Unwind on the Pristine Beaches of Hanoi

Unwind on the Pristine Beaches of Hanoi

Escape to the tranquil shores of Hanoi and indulge in a beach retreat like no other. Feel the soft sand beneath your feet, immerse yourself in the turquoise waters, and soak in the awe-inspiring coastal vistas. Let the gentle sea breeze envelop you as you create unforgettable memories in this idyllic beach paradise. View Tours

What to do in Vietnam

Read all about the top things to do in Vietnam.

Things to Do in Vietnam

Things to Do in Vietnam

Incredibly exotic and unbelievably exciting, Vietnam is one of those countries that never ceases to amaze its travelers. Every nook and cranny is filled with historical delights and fascinating heritage, and the country soon begins to grow onto its visito ...Read more

Trekking in Sapa: Everything You Need to Know

Trekking in Sapa: Everything You Need to Know

Sapa, a mist-shrouded town in Lào Cai province, is one of Vietnam’s most astonishing destinations. Resting at the foot of the country’s highest mountain, the town overlooks a vast green valley covered in maze-like rice terraces. Trekkin ...Read more

Top 12 Best Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Top 12 Best Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Going to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam? Let’s make sure you get the most out of visiting this fabulous city, previously also known as Saigon. Below, we are listing the Top 12 best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. The activities are listed in random o ...Read more

Vietnam at a Glance

Quick facts about Vietnam.

CAPITAL CITY

Vietnam’s capital is Hanoi. Located to the north of Vietnam, the city is more than 1,000 years old.

SIZE

Vietnam covers an area of 331,210 km². With 98 million residents, it is the third most populous country in the world.

COUNTRY CODE

+84. Just add 4 after the country code if you need to call in Hanoi.

CURRENCY

Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong. The currency code is VND. Card facilities are not widely available and tourists are encouraged to exchange money for cash. ATMs are available in all major cities, but are hard to come by in rural areas and small towns.

MAIN AIRPORT

Tan Son Nhat is the main and the largest airport in Vietnam. It is located around 15 minutes from Ho Chi Minh’s city center. CODE: SGN CLOSEST CITY: Ho Chi Minh

VISAS

Vietnam is undergoing various visa restructuring, but most visitors are able to get a 30-day visa on arrival. Check with the Vietnamese embassy in your home country on whether you need a visa to enter Vietnam and how to get one.

LANGUAGE

The official language in Vietnam is Vietnamese. Few people speak English outside of the large cities. Although you probably will not master the language before your trip, greeting people with a friendly “Xin chao” will go a long way.

EMERGENCY CONTACT

For police emergencies, you can call 113 or 115 for an ambulance.

WHAT'S UNIQUE

Motorcycle culture is the backbone of Vietnamese society. If you are not brave enough to drive yourself you can use Grab, a ride-sharing app like Uber. Vietnamese are also fond of naps in the middle of hot days, so expect many stores to close over lunchtime.

When to visit Vietnam

Read the below travel guides to find the best time to visit Vietnam.

°C °F
  • Jan Avg Daily: 19 ° C Avg Nightly: 15 ° C
  • Feb Avg Daily: 19 ° C Avg Nightly: 15 ° C
  • Mar Avg Daily: 23 ° C Avg Nightly: 18 ° C
  • Apr Avg Daily: 26 ° C Avg Nightly: 21 ° C
  • May Avg Daily: 31 ° C Avg Nightly: 24 ° C
  • Jun Avg Daily: 32 ° C Avg Nightly: 25 ° C
  • Jul Avg Daily: 32 ° C Avg Nightly: 26 ° C
  • Aug Avg Daily: 32 ° C Avg Nightly: 26 ° C
  • Sep Avg Daily: 31 ° C Avg Nightly: 25 ° C
  • Oct Avg Daily: 28 ° C Avg Nightly: 22 ° C
  • Nov Avg Daily: 24 ° C Avg Nightly: 19 ° C
  • Dec Avg Daily: 21 ° C Avg Nightly: 15 ° C
Best Time to Visit:
  • Excellent
  • Good
  • Fair
  • Poor
Best Time To Visit Vietnam

Best Time To Visit Vietnam

Vietnam is a beautiful country that has had its reputation and geography tarnished by the war. But forty years after the war, Vietnam is starting to gain momentum as a tourist economy. What draws the tourists on a tour to Vietnam is its beautiful white be ...Read more

Vietnam in January: Weather, Tips & Beach Breaks

Vietnam in January: Weather, Tips & Beach Breaks

A trip to Vietnam in January offers perfect conditions for any kind of holiday. With dry, warm conditions at popular beach resorts in the south, cool and comfortable hiking conditions in the north and huge festivals taking place in cities like Hanoi and H ...Read more

Vietnam in February: Travel Advice for Peak Season

Vietnam in February: Travel Advice for Peak Season

February is the second busiest month of the year in Vietnam with plenty of sunshine, temperate weather, and weeks of celebration. Tourists can enjoy scores of traditional events throughout the month, getting a true taste of Vietnamese culture. Whole citie ...Read more

Where to go in Vietnam

Discover the best places in Vietnam.

14 Best Places to Visit in Vietnam

14 Best Places to Visit in Vietnam

Mountains, rice terraces, majestic rivers, and dramatic bays; Vietnam is blessed with countless magical landscapes. The towns are full of history and atmosphere, and the great cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh buzz with life, twenty-four-seven. Wherever you ...Read more

Best Nature & Wildlife Destinations in Vietnam

Best Nature & Wildlife Destinations in Vietnam

Vietnam has been blessed with over 3,000km of coastline, pristine forests, mountain ranges, and some of the planet’s most impressive limestone pinnacles and plateaus. Combine all this and you have the best nature tourism location in Southeast Asia. ...Read more

How long to stay in Vietnam

Read about the ideal duration to stay in Vietnam.

Great Vietnam Itineraries: How Many Days to Spend?

Great Vietnam Itineraries: How Many Days to Spend?

Despite the bad rap it got in the international press in the mid 20th century, Vietnam has made tremendous progress as a tourist destination — and for the right reasons. This slender country boasts the terraced highlands of Sa Pa, pristine tropical ...Read more

Two Weeks in Vietnam: Our Recommendations

Two Weeks in Vietnam: Our Recommendations

One of the most beautiful and fascinating countries in Southeast Asia, a Vietnam tour is an essential part of any Asian adventure. Urban wonderlands like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, and Hue will captivate you at every corner. Trips to traditional vil ...Read more

5 Days in Vietnam: Our Recommendations

5 Days in Vietnam: Our Recommendations

Boasting more than its fair share of beautiful coastal panoramas, Vietnam is as diverse as its landscapes, as any Vietnam tour will testify. The rich culture of the country drifts from the far-flung corners of the orient to the patisseries of Paris, with ...Read more

FAQs for Vietnam

Read the most frequently asked questions and answers about traveling to Vietnam below.

  • How many days do I need to travel in Vietnam?
  • Is English spoken in Vietnam?
  • Is anything considered rude in Vietnam?
  • What is the best time to travel to Vietnam?
  • Is a trip to Vietnam expensive? Will I need a visa?

Sustainable travel — How to travel through Vietnam responsibly

In line with Bookmundi’s vision, we wish to provide our travelers with a sustainable travel experience through Vietnam. As part of this effort, we carbon-offset any Vietnam tour that you purchase through us. You can read more details about our carbon offsetting efforts.

Here’s what you can do to travel to Vietnam more responsibly:

  • Carbon-offset your trip to Vietnam via Vietnam Airlines. The moment your tour starts in Vietnam, and provided that you have purchased your tour through Bookmundi, we will carbon-offset your tour from its starting point to its ending point.
  • Vietnam, especially its street food culture, is big on single-use plastics. Try to bring your own reusable container when walking around the city and carry a water bottle that you can refill, instead of buying bottled water.

Vietnam travel tips and insights

  • Robbers on motorcycles snatching people’s belongings are fairly common in city areas. So, always keep your belongings close.
  • Haggling is common in Vietnam. So, don’t hesitate to bargain when shopping for souvenirs and other goods.
  • You should be able to connect to Wi-Fi for free in hotels, hostels, cafes and restaurants.
  • Vietnamese food will vary according to the region. Central Vietnam is full of spicy foods, while food in the south is more sweet.

Ready to customize your Vietnam Vacation

Book your trip when it is perfectly designed and customized, just for you.

  • Jacqueline Nguyen
    Jacqueline Nguyen Travel Expert in Cambodia & Vietnam
  • Tran Thu Ha
    Tran Thu Ha Travel Expert in Cambodia & Vietnam
  • Linh Do
    Linh Do Travel Expert in Cambodia & Vietnam
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