Vietnam Travel Guide: Essential Tips & Information for your Trip

Vietnam – a country full of contrasts, captivating with its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique culture.
From the lush green rice terraces in the north to the endless sandy beaches in the south, Vietnam offers something truly special for every traveler.

But before you embark on this adventure, it's worth planning well.
In this blog post, you'll find helpful tips on the best travel time, ideal trip duration, transportation options, and recommended accommodations.
Whether you're traveling to Southeast Asia for the first time or are already an experienced globetrotter – here you'll find everything you need to prepare for your Vietnam trip and enjoy it to the fullest.

1. THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO VIETNAM

Vietnam is a year-round travel destination, so the best time to visit depends on your personal preferences.

The dry season, from November to April, offers ideal conditions for beach and adventure vacations, with little rainfall and consistently high temperatures.
However, this is also the peak season, meaning higher prices and more crowded tourist spots.

The rainy season, or low season, begins in May and lasts until October.
During this time, there is significantly more rainfall, but the intensity varies—ranging from occasional showers to heavy tropical downpours.

While the dry season is often promoted as the best time to visit Vietnam, we don’t fully agree.
Statistically, it does have less rainfall than the wet season, but does that automatically make it the best time to go? Probably not.
However, it is undeniably the most expensive and busiest season, which can lead to overcrowded bars, restaurants, beaches, and increased traffic.
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On the other hand, the rainy season comes with lower prices and fewer tourists at beaches and popular attractions—a clear advantage for travelers who prefer a quieter experience.

2. THE IDEAL TRAVEL DURATION FOR VIETNAM

Just like the best time to visit, the ideal travel duration for Vietnam depends largely on your personal preferences.
Many travelers plan around two weeks, which is sufficient if relaxation is the main focus.
However, if you want to explore multiple destinations and experience a lot, time can quickly become tight.
You might end up rushing from one highlight to the next instead of traveling at a relaxed pace.

Our recommendation: Plan at least three weeks to fully enjoy the beauty of the country at a relaxed pace. In general, the longer, the better.

During our five-month parental leave in Southeast Asia, we spent five weeks in Vietnam, and looking back, we’re certain that we could have easily filled another two weeks with unforgettable experiences.

3. THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

The official language of Vietnam is Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt). It is spoken by almost everyone in the country and belongs to the Austroasiatic language family.
Vietnamese uses a writing system based on the Latin alphabet, which was introduced by missionaries in the 17th century.
While many ethnic groups in Vietnam have their own languages, Vietnamese unites the country and shapes its culture.

English is mainly spoken in tourist areas and larger cities, but not by everyone.
Communication can often be challenging, especially with street food vendors, private drivers, and taxi drivers.
In such cases, using gestures or a translation app on your phone can be very helpful.

GOOD TO KNOW

For your trip to Vietnam, we recommend bringing a travel adapter, as the country uses plug types A, C, and occasionally G.
While type C outlets are common in many accommodations, availability is not guaranteed. To stay prepared, it's best to carry a suitable adapter.
You can find the right adapter here: Vietnam travel adapter.

4. THE TIME DIFFERENCE

Vietnam is in the Indochina Time Zone (ICT) and has a time offset of UTC+7. The country does not observe daylight saving time.
This means that, depending on your home country, the time difference will vary.
For example, when it is 12:00 noon in Central Europe (UTC+1 standard time), it is 7:00 pm in Vietnam.

5. THE RELIGION

Vietnam has a diverse mix of religions, deeply influenced by the country’s history and culture.
Many people blend elements of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, a practice known as Tam Giáo (the three teachings).
Additionally, there are Christian communities, followers of the Vietnamese religion Cao Đài, and other smaller religious groups.

6. CURRENCY & PAYMENT METHODS

The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese đồng (VND).
The đồng is issued in very high denominations, which can be unfamiliar to tourists at first.
Banknotes range from 1,000 to 500,000 VND.

Cash remains the primary payment method in Vietnam, especially in small shops, markets, and rural areas.
However, in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, many hotels, restaurants, and larger stores accept credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard.
ATMs are widely available in urban areas, and withdrawing cash with common credit cards is usually not a problem. The fees for withdrawals depend on your bank.

Our tip: Always carry enough cash in small denominations.
Many vendors at markets, small shops, and street food stalls often cannot provide change for large bills.
This also applies to tipping.
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For the best exchange rates, exchange foreign currencies like US dollars or euros at official exchange offices or banks.
Avoid airport exchange counters, as their rates are often unfavorable.
If you urgently need cash at the airport, it's better to withdraw it from an ATM, as their exchange rates are usually much better than those of exchange offices.

7. ENTRY & ARRIVAL IN VIETNAM

Travelers can enter Vietnam with a valid passport. All travel documents must be valid from the time of entry until the end of the trip.

For tourists from 13 countries, including Germany, France, the UK, Japan, and South Korea, a visa is not required for stays of up to 45 days.
Travelers from other countries may need a visa and should check the specific requirements before their trip.
An e-visa, valid for up to 90 days with multiple entries, is available for citizens of all countries.

The average flight duration to Vietnam varies depending on the departure location and destination (Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City) but typically ranges from 11 to 13 hours for long-haul direct flights. Vietnam Airlines offers direct flights from major international airports to Vietnam several times a week.
Alternatively, airlines like Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and other major carriers provide flights with stopovers.
Use flight comparison websites like skyscanner.com to find and compare the best options for your trip.

In addition to arriving by air, it is also possible to enter Vietnam overland. For example, we traveled from Cambodia to Vietnam.
Since taxis are not allowed or willing to cross the border, travelers must walk a short distance between the two countries—often under the hot sun if the weather is good.
At the Vietnamese border checkpoint, a brief inspection of luggage and passports takes place before completing the entry process.
In our case, the procedure took only about five minutes. Just beyond the border, taxis are readily available to take travelers to their next destination.

If you are planning a longer stay, make sure to check the relevant visa regulations on the official website of your country’s foreign affairs or immigration department.

8. GETTING AROUND IN VIETNAM

To get from one place to another, you have several options, navigating both well-developed and less-developed roads along the way.

BY SCOOTER

The most popular mode of transportation in Vietnam is the scooter or motorcycle.
If you want to be flexible and explore your surroundings independently, renting a scooter is the perfect choice.
You can rent one almost anywhere, both in cities and rural areas, for a day or longer. In many cases, it is also the most affordable means of transport.

Before hitting the road, keep a few important things in mind:

• Right-hand traffic: Vietnam follows right-hand traffic, as in many other countries.
• Riding experience: If you have no prior experience, major cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City are not ideal places to practice.
  The chaotic streets can be challenging even for experienced riders. In such cases, taxis or ride-hailing services like Grab are often the better choice.
• Driver’s license: You need an international driving permit (IDP), which is only valid in combination with your national driver’s license.
  Make sure to carry both, as you may need to present them during a police check.

All additional information you should consider when renting a scooter, as well as important safety tips, are detailed in our post: "Renting a Scooter in Vietnam – Helpful Tips & Information".

BY TAXI & OTHER TRANSPORT SERVICES

Whether you're in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Sapa, or on Phú Quốc Island, popular ridesharing apps like Grab, Bolt, and 12Go.Asia offer convenient and affordable transportation at any time. Prices are significantly lower compared to many Western countries, making these services popular not only among tourists but also among locals.

Traditional taxis, such as Vinasun or Mai Linh, are reliable, but ridesharing services are becoming increasingly preferred due to their lower prices and transparent costs.
Tipping taxi drivers is not customary in Vietnam, but it is always appreciated.

For longer distances, hiring a private driver is a great option. You can easily book one through your accommodation or online.
Renting a car in Vietnam is generally not recommended due to chaotic traffic and complex driving license regulations.
A private driver is often the stress-free and safer alternative.

BY BUS

In cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, public buses are a popular mode of transport among locals.
While they are often crowded and the schedules can be difficult for tourists to navigate, those who give them a try will get a fascinating glimpse into everyday life in Vietnam.

For longer distances, so-called sleeper buses offer a comfortable and affordable alternative. T
hese buses provide seats or cabins in different classes (standard, VIP, or luxury) and are equipped with reclining seats, allowing for a more relaxed journey, especially at night.
During daylight hours, passengers also have the chance to enjoy the passing scenery from a unique perspective.
However, it's important to be prepared for limited space and a bit of hustle and bustle—because in Vietnam, every journey is a little adventure!

You can easily book tickets in advance online through 12Go.Asia.
The platform provides an overview of available buses, including both daytime and overnight routes, allowing you to choose the best option for your journey.

BY TRAIN

In addition to buses, trains are a popular and budget-friendly way to travel across Vietnam.
Depending on the route and class, the journey can be a relaxing experience or a bit of an adventure.
Options range from modern, air-conditioned carriages and comfortable sleeper cabins to more rustic compartments without air conditioning, offering a truly authentic travel experience.

Although Vietnam does not have high-speed trains, its railway network is well developed. This allows for convenient travel between major cities and many popular tourist destinations.

Traveling on a night train was one of the most unforgettable highlights of our Vietnam journey—an experience we highly recommend!
Private operators like Lotus Express, Violette Train, and Laman Express offer unique and memorable train rides.
Options range from shared sleeper cabins with eight berths to luxurious VIP compartments.
Generally, the higher the price, the more comfort and privacy you can expect.
All carriages are equipped with toilets and washbasins, and tickets usually include snacks and bottled water.
However, we recommend bringing your own food, as onboard dining typically consists of simple Vietnamese dishes.

For some, a curse; for others, a blessing: In the open connection areas between carriages, where windows can be opened, smoking is allowed throughout the journey.

Our tip: If you prefer more comfort and privacy, it’s worth booking an entire sleeper compartment by reserving all four berths under your name.
This allows you to enjoy the train journey in a private setting without sharing the space with other passengers—perfect for families, small groups, or travelers who value extra privacy.

You can purchase train tickets for travel in Vietnam either directly at the station or conveniently online through platforms like 12Go.Asia.
We recommend booking your ticket in advance online to secure your seat.
Use the handy search tool on 12Go.Asia to find not only night train connections but also daytime train options.

BY PLANE

What may seem small and close on the map is often quite different in reality: Distances in Vietnam can be long, and travel times can be even longer.
For those who want to cover large distances in the shortest time possible, domestic flights are an ideal option.
Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and AirAsia offer connections to nearly every major tourist destination in the country.

During our stay, we chose to fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang.
We booked our flights in advance online through 12Go.Asia, which often offers competitive prices and a user-friendly booking process compared to other platforms.

We found that domestic flights in Vietnam, even with checked baggage, are extremely affordable compared to those in many Western countries.

9. HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS IN VIETNAM

The range of hotels and accommodations in Vietnam is extensive and diverse.
From budget-friendly hostels and low-cost hotels to affordable mid-range options and luxurious all-inclusive resorts—there’s something for every traveler.

In addition to the wide selection of hotels, there are also many self-catering accommodations, ideal for longer stays.
Platforms like booking.com and Airbnb offer a variety of options, ensuring you find something that suits your needs.

During our five-week trip through Vietnam, we stayed in both hotels and self-catering private apartments.

• Hanoi Central Hotel & Residence in Hanoi
• Sapa Rosie House in Sapa
• M'Gloria Cruise by HAG in Ha Long Bay
• Tam Coc Green Mountain Homestay in Ninh Bình
• Mint Hoi An Villa in Hoi An
• The Glomad Boutique Danang in Da Nang
• Vamxang Rustic Home in Can Tho (Mekong Delta)
• Au Lac Charner Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
• Best Western Premier Sonasea in Phu Quoc

10. FOOD & DRINKS IN VIETNAM

Vietnam is a paradise for street food lovers. Throughout the country, you'll find countless food stalls preparing some of Vietnam’s most famous dishes fresh to order.
A classic is Phở, a flavorful noodle soup with beef or chicken, served in countless variations.
Another favorite is Bánh mì, a Vietnamese baguette sandwich that combines French bread with local ingredients like coriander, pickled vegetables, and grilled meat.
Also popular are Gỏi cuốn, better known as fresh spring rolls, which are light rice paper rolls typically filled with shrimp, pork, and fresh herbs. O
ne of the highlights of Vietnamese cuisine is Bún chả, a dish of grilled pork served with rice noodles and fresh herbs.

In Vietnam, the street food experience starts early in the morning.
Unlike the typical sweet breakfasts found in many countries, the Vietnamese prefer savory dishes.
Soups like Phở or the spicy Bún bò Huế are among the favorites.
As soon as the sun rises, people can be seen sitting on small plastic chairs at food stalls, enjoying steaming bowls of soup with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime.

What we found particularly charming is that all over Vietnam, people sit around mobile food stalls on small, colorful plastic chairs, reminiscent of children’s stools.
Here, people of all ages and from all walks of life gather to enjoy freshly prepared dishes.
As a result, these spots often block the sidewalks throughout the day.
This simple, social atmosphere adds a unique and unforgettable vibe to the street food experience in Vietnam.

Menu cards are usually not available at food stalls, and if they are, they are often in Vietnamese.
With a bit of luck, you might find pictures of the dishes offered.
Otherwise, the only option is to communicate with gestures—which surprisingly works quite well!

Another controversial but very popular food in Vietnam is durian, also known as the 'stinky fruit'.
In our opinion, it truly lives up to its name – it has a strong and unpleasant smell.
Its taste reminded us of a very strong, fermented cheese.
Despite this, it is often sold in Vietnamese desserts, milkshakes, or simply as an expensive snack.

Vietnam offers not only a rich culinary scene but also a wide variety of drinks.
One of the most famous is Vietnamese coffee (Cà phê), brewed directly in the cup using a Phin filter.
It is often sweetened with condensed milk—an iced version, Cà phê sữa đá, is a refreshing treat.

Our tip: When visiting the stylish cafés of the Cong Caphe chain, be sure to try the coconut coffee—a perfect refreshing drink!

Freshly squeezed juices made from mango, pineapple, or passion fruit are also popular.
For a refreshing experience, try coconut water, sugarcane juice (Nước mía), and kumquat lemonade (Nước quất)—a fruity and tangy specialty.
Whether hot or cold, Vietnam's beverages are a true delight!

AND FINALLY, A FEW HELPFUL TIPS FOR EATING IN VIETNAM:

• Throughout the country, people primarily eat with chopsticks and a spoon.
• Vietnamese food is usually cut into small pieces or cooked so soft that it can be easily broken up with a spoon. For this reason, knives are rarely found in most restaurants.
• Fish sauce (Nước mắm), lime, chili, and fresh herbs play a central role in Vietnamese cuisine.
  Pepper and salt are rarely found on the table unless you're in restaurants catering to international guests.
• In tourist areas, English menus are often available. If they are not, as is the case in most street food stalls, simply pointing to the dish you want is often enough.
• In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is considered appropriate. In smaller eateries or street food stalls, tipping is not expected, but it is appreciated.

11. SPECIAL VACCINATIONS FOR VIETNAM

Although Vietnam is a tropical travel destination, no specific vaccinations are required for international travelers.
However, for trips to rural areas or longer stays, vaccinations against Hepatitis A, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, and Typhoid are recommended.
For more detailed information, check the website of your country’s health department or consult a travel medicine specialist.

12. LOCAL SIM CARD OR WIFI?

Purchasing a Vietnamese prepaid SIM card is ideal for those exploring the country or going on a tour.
With a local SIM card, you can easily find restaurants, order a Grab taxi, use Google Maps, and stay connected on social media apps like WhatsApp or Instagram.

The most popular providers are Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone, all of which offer well-established 4G networks and even 5G in many cities.
Prices are affordable and similar for short stays of up to 15 days.

It’s recommended to buy the SIM card right after arrival at the airport.
Sales counters are usually located after baggage claim, where staff will assist you with activation.
A passport is required for the purchase, and payment can be made in cash or by credit card.

Alternatively, you can also buy SIM cards later at official provider shops or convenience stores like Circle K, VinMart, or 7-Eleven.
This way, you’ll stay mobile and flexible throughout your journey. A passport is also required for purchase in these locations.

For our part, since we came from Cambodia, we got our SIM card at an official Viettel store in Hà Tiên.
On our way to the ferry to Phú Quốc, the taxi driver kindly stopped there for us to grab a SIM card.

13. VIETNAM & THE WASTE PROBLEM

Vietnam faces a serious waste problem—everywhere, whether in the streets, markets, on beaches, or in rivers and canals, piles of waste are visible.
Plastic, in particular, dominates the scene: bags, cups, straws, and food packaging are used in massive quantities and discarded carelessly—usually everywhere except in a trash bin.
It's no surprise, as nearly everything here seems to be wrapped in plastic at least five times, from the smallest snack to street food dishes, which are often double or triple wrapped.
For the many mobile food stalls and market stands, this is simply part of the business model.

Anyone who has traveled to Southeast Asia is familiar with this problem and the widespread use of plastic.
However, for first-time visitors, the ubiquitous plastic wrapping and the casual attitude toward waste disposal can be quite shocking.

We happened to observe an older man dispose of his drink—packaged in a plastic cup with a plastic straw and an additional plastic bag—by throwing it into the river from the dock after the last sip, as if this were the most normal method of disposal. We were at a loss for words.
Recycling does exist, but it is far from sufficient, and many people are barely aware of the issue.
The consequences? Alarming pollution that not only tarnishes the urban landscape but also threatens entire ecosystems and dumps tons of plastic into the waterways.

14. TRAVEL INSURANCE

HEALTH INSURANCE

Medical treatment costs in Vietnam are not covered by many national health insurance plans.
Therefore, private travel health insurance is essential. Some credit cards include private travel health insurance as a benefit.
If this is not the case for you, we recommend comparing insurance options through well-known portals such as Check24 to find the one that suits you best.
The insurance typically costs only a small amount per year, and in case of an emergency, it is worth every penny.

Our tip: The costs are usually low, and in the event of an emergency, the investment is well worth it.
Make sure the insurance provides full coverage without a cap and also covers medical repatriation in case of serious illness.
Additionally, keep all receipts for medical treatments and medications you paid for in advance, as you will need them to claim reimbursement from your insurance.

TRAVEL LUGGAGE INSURANCE

It can always happen that luggage or individual valuables are lost during a trip.
Especially for expensive items like cameras, drones, or laptops, it’s worth taking out additional travel luggage insurance.
These insurance policies are often affordable and provide valuable protection in case of an emergency.

Our tip: Compare different providers, for example via platforms like Check24, and make sure to choose a policy with full coverage and no coverage limits—particularly important for high-value equipment! This way, you’ll be well-protected in case the worst happens.

15. ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT TIPS FOR VIETNAM

• Be sure to bring the right travel adapter for your stay. You can find the suitable adapter here: Vietnam Travel Adapter.
• Do not drink tap water! Unless you want to spend most of your time in the bathroom or your room.
• The concept of tipping doesn’t exist for many Vietnamese due to their culture and beliefs. Helpfulness, kindness, and always a smile are simply part of the service for them.
  They generally do not expect anything in return for their services. However, a small gesture can always bring them extra joy.
  Remember, it's not just the service staff in restaurants or bars, but also the gas station attendants, cleaning staff, boat crew, or reception staff who can be delighted by a little extra attention.
• Bargaining is widespread in Vietnam, especially in markets, street vendors, and sometimes even with tour providers.
  However, it is uncommon in shops with fixed prices, shopping malls, or restaurants.

WAS THIS POST NOT ENOUGH FOR YOU? YOU WANT MORE TIPS, INSPIRATIONS, AND SIGHTSEEING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR VIETNAM TRIP? THEN BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR FOLLOWING POSTS:

• Renting a scooter in Vietnam – Helpful Tips & Information

USEFUL LINKS & RECOMMENDED TRAVEL GUIDES FOR YOU

• Find affordable Transfers with 12Go.com
• Find affordable rental cars at rentalcars.com
• Find affordable flights at skyscanner.com
• Discover the best accommodations
• The best Travel Guides for Vietnam
• Unique Excursions to Experience in Vietnam

‍Note: This blog post contains our personal recommendations in the form of affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, we receive a small commission. There is absolutely no change in price for you.