Destinations · Vietnam
Updated June 2026Vietnam Travel Guide
Limestone karsts rising from emerald bays, motorbikes weaving through ancient streets, and some of the cheapest, tastiest food in Asia — Vietnam packs a thousand miles of coast, culture and mountains into one unforgettable trip. This Vietnam travel guide shows you when to go, what to do and how to plan it.
When to go
The best time to visit Vietnam
Vietnam stretches over 1,600 km from north to south, so it has no single best season — the country spans three climate zones. The safest all-rounder windows are March–April and October–November, when most regions are dry and mild at the same time.
| Region | Best months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| North (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long) | Oct–Apr | Cool, dry; misty winters, lush spring |
| Centre (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang) | Feb–Aug | Hot, dry beaches; avoid Oct–Nov rains |
| South (HCMC, Mekong, Phu Quoc) | Dec–Apr | Warm, dry; wet season May–Nov |
If you only have a fixed date, aim for April or October — they give you the best odds of good weather the length of the country, from Sapa’s rice terraces to the Mekong Delta.
Highlights
The best things to do in Vietnam
From cruising Ha Long Bay to lantern-lit nights in Hoi An, these are the experiences worth building your Vietnam itinerary around.
Cruise Ha Long Bay
Sail among thousands of limestone islands on an overnight junk boat, kayak through caves and wake up to mist over the water — Vietnam’s signature experience.
Hoi An old town
Wander a UNESCO-listed riverside town of yellow houses, tailor shops and glowing silk lanterns. Get clothes made and join a cooking class.
Sapa rice terraces
Trek emerald rice terraces through hill-tribe villages in the far north, staying in a homestay with the Hmong and Dao communities.
Hue & the imperial past
Explore the walled Imperial City, royal tombs and the Perfume River in Vietnam’s former imperial capital.
Street food & coffee
Eat pho, banh mi and bun cha on tiny plastic stools, and try egg coffee — Vietnam is one of the world’s great food destinations.
Beaches & the Mekong
Relax on Phu Quoc’s sands or Da Nang’s coast, then float through the floating markets of the Mekong Delta.
Bases
Where to go in Vietnam
Most trips run the length of the country, linking the big hubs by short flights or the scenic train. Here are the key bases and who each suits.
Hanoi
The atmospheric capital — Old Quarter chaos, lakeside cafés and the gateway to Ha Long Bay and Sapa. Stay 2–3 nights.
Ha Long & Cat Ba
Base for bay cruises and island hikes. Most visitors do a 1–2 night cruise rather than staying ashore.
Hoi An & Da Nang
Central Vietnam’s star pairing — Hoi An for charm and food, Da Nang for beaches, nightlife and the airport.
Sapa
Northern mountains and rice-terrace trekking. Reach it by overnight train or bus from Hanoi.
Ho Chi Minh City
The fast-moving south — war history, rooftop bars and the launch point for Mekong Delta day trips.
Phu Quoc
Vietnam’s beach island for resorts and downtime, with visa-free entry and direct flights.
Plan
The perfect 2-week Vietnam itinerary
A classic north-to-south route covering the highlights without rushing. Fly into Hanoi and out of Ho Chi Minh City to avoid backtracking.
Hanoi
Old Quarter, street food, the lakes and a day to adjust. Book your Ha Long cruise and Sapa trip.
Sapa
Overnight train north, then trek the rice terraces and stay in a hill-tribe homestay.
Ha Long Bay
A 1–2 night cruise among the karsts — kayaking, caves and sunrise over the water.
Hoi An
Fly to Da Nang. Tailor-made clothes, a cooking class, lantern nights and beach time.
Hue or Da Nang
Imperial City and royal tombs, or relax on Da Nang’s beaches and ride the Hai Van Pass.
Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong
Fly south for war history, rooftop bars and a Mekong Delta day trip before flying home.
Transport
How to get around Vietnam
The country is long, so most travellers mix short domestic flights with trains and buses. Here’s how to move between regions.
Domestic flights
The fastest way to cover the distance — Hanoi to Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City takes 1–2 hours and is often cheap if booked ahead.
The Reunification Express
The scenic north–south railway, especially the Hue–Da Nang coastal stretch. Overnight sleepers save a hotel night.
Buses & Grab
Sleeper buses link every town affordably; use the Grab app for fair-priced taxis and motorbike rides in cities.
Private cars & drivers
Hiring a car with a driver is inexpensive and stress-free for scenic routes like the Hai Van Pass — self-driving is not recommended.
Money
Vietnam trip cost & budget
Vietnam is one of the cheapest countries in the world to travel. Here’s a rough daily budget per person (excluding international flights) so you can estimate how much a Vietnam trip costs.
| Style | Per day | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | ₫500k–800k (~$20–32) | Hostels, street food, buses and the odd tour |
| Mid-range | ₫1.5m–3m (~$60–120) | Comfortable hotels, restaurants, a Ha Long cruise, some flights |
| Comfort | ₫4m+ (~$160+) | Boutique stays, private drivers, luxury cruises and spas |
Biggest savers: eat at local quan com and pho stalls, take overnight transport to save hotel nights, and book domestic flights early. Rates are editorial estimates — check current prices before booking.
Stay safe
Is Vietnam safe?
Yes — Vietnam is generally very safe for tourists, including solo and female travellers. Violent crime is rare; the main issues are traffic, petty theft and minor scams. A few sensible habits:
- Traffic is the real risk — cross roads slowly and steadily, and only ride a motorbike with a licence, helmet and insurance.
- Watch your bag on busy streets; bag-snatching from passing motorbikes happens in big cities, so keep phones away from the kerb.
- Agree taxi fares or use the Grab app, and stick to reputable Mai Linh and Vinasun taxis to avoid meter scams.
- Drink bottled or filtered water, and ease into street food to let your stomach adjust.
- Carry small cash; check change carefully as the many zeros on dong notes cause honest mix-ups.
Before you go
Visa & what to sort before you go
Most visitors need a visa for Vietnam, but the e-visa is quick and open to most nationalities — apply online a few days ahead for a 90-day stay. Always confirm your country’s current rules and that your passport has 6+ months validity. Sort these essentials before you fly:
Questions
Vietnam travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
Because Vietnam spans three climate zones, the best all-round times are March–April and October–November, when most of the country is dry and mild. The north is best October–April, central Vietnam February–August, and the south December–April.
How many days do you need in Vietnam?
Two weeks is ideal to travel the length of the country from Hanoi and Ha Long Bay in the north to Hoi An, Hue and Ho Chi Minh City in the south. With 7–10 days, focus on either the north or the central coast rather than both.
How much does a trip to Vietnam cost?
Vietnam is extremely good value. Backpackers can travel on around ₫500k–800k (~$20–32) a day, mid-range travellers on ₫1.5m–3m (~$60–120), and comfort travellers from ₫4m+ a day, excluding international flights.
Do I need a visa for Vietnam?
Most nationalities need a visa, but Vietnam’s e-visa is simple — apply online a few days before travel for a stay of up to 90 days. Some countries get short visa-free entry, so always check the latest rules and keep 6+ months passport validity.
Is Vietnam safe for tourists?
Yes, Vietnam is generally very safe, including for solo and female travellers. The main risks are chaotic traffic and occasional bag-snatching or taxi scams, so cross roads carefully, use Grab or reputable taxis, and keep valuables secure.
Is it better to visit the north or south of Vietnam?
It depends on timing and taste. The north (Hanoi, Ha Long, Sapa) offers mountains, bays and cooler weather; the south (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong, Phu Quoc) is warmer with beaches and delta life. With two weeks you can comfortably do both.
More guides
Keep planning
Ready for Vietnam?
Sort the basics — an eSIM, travel insurance and your airport transfer — and you’re set to go.
This Vietnam travel guide is independently reviewed editorial content. Prices, visa rules and opening times change — always confirm current details with official sources before you travel. Some links may be affiliate links that support TrekQuill at no extra cost to you.