Vietnam Travel Guide
Everything you need to plan Vietnam — when to go, how many days, what it costs, visas and connectivity, plus our city-by-city guides from Hanoi to the Mekong Delta. Written and kept current by our Hanoi-based team.
When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
Vietnam has 3 distinct climate zones · cool-dry season Oct-Apr is the universal sweet spot.
| Region | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North (Hanoi · Sapa · Halong) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Central (Hue · Hoi An · Da Nang) | ~ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ✕ | ✕ | ~ | ~ |
| South (HCMC · Mekong · Phu Quoc) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ |
Best country-wide window: late October to mid-April · cool dry across all 3 regions. Tết (mid-Jan to mid-Feb) avoid unless seeking festival energy — most family-run hotels close 7-10 days.
All Vietnam guides
62 guides · written + kept current by our team
See all 62 Vietnam guides →
Vietnam travel FAQ
Is Vietnam safe for first-time travellers?
Yes · very safe. Petty theft (bag-snatching motorbikes in HCMC) is the main risk · zero violent crime concerns for tourists. Solo female travel = safe (see /travel-experiences/style/solo for first-person stories). Tap water = NOT drinkable · stick to bottled.
How many days do I need in Vietnam?
Vietnam minimum 10-14 days for the classic North-Central-South arc. Under 10 days = pick 1 region (North OR Central + South). 21+ days for deep coverage + Sapa + Phu Quoc beach add-on.
What's the visa process for Vietnam?
E-visa $25 official from evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn · 90 days single-entry · 3-5 working days standard processing. ATL filing concierge $35 includes document review (catches 5 common mistakes that cause rejections). See <a href="/visa">visa-by-nationality breakdown</a>.
When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
Oct-Apr is the universal sweet spot — cool, dry across all 3 regions. May-Sep brings heat + monsoon south, typhoons central, hot+wet north. Avoid Tết (mid-Jan to mid-Feb) unless seeking festival energy — most family-run hotels close 7-10 days.
Can I drink the tap water in Vietnam?
No · NEVER drink tap water in Vietnam. Bottled water is universally available ($0.30/bottle). Most hotels provide 2 free bottles/day · cruise ships filter water but stick to bottled for safety. Ice in tourist restaurants is OK (made from filtered water).
How much does a typical Vietnam trip cost?
From $185/day for tailored private tours with guide+driver+mid-range hotels. Luxury tier $450-650/day (5★ hotels + private cruise cabins). Budget DIY backpacker $40-80/day (hostels + buses). Our most-booked 14-day classic = $2,650/pax all-in.
Should I use cash or card in Vietnam?
Cards work at hotels + 4★/5★ restaurants + supermarkets. Street food + local markets + taxis = cash only (₫). Carry $200-300 USD cash + use VND for daily spend. ATMs widely available · withdraw VND with home debit card · fees ~$3/transaction.
Do I need vaccinations for Vietnam?
No mandatory vaccines for entry (unless arriving from Yellow Fever endemic countries). Recommended: Hep A, Hep B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis (if rural overnight). Malaria risk minimal in tourist zones · zero risk in Hanoi/HCMC/Halong/Hoi An.
More countries
Verified against official sources
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre · Vietnam properties (8 sites) · verified 2026-05-20
- Vietnam National Administration of Tourism · official statistics · verified 2026-05-20
- Vietnam Immigration Department · official e-visa portal · verified 2026-05-20
- CDC Yellow Book · Vietnam health advisories · verified 2026-05-20
- US State Department · Vietnam travel advisory · verified 2026-05-20
Explore more Vietnam
Everything we cover for Vietnam — destinations, tours, food, stays and festivals, all cross-linked in one place.
Things to see & do
Private tours & packages
Where to stay
Cruises
Festivals & events
Ready to turn this into a real trip?
Tell us what you have in mind — our Hanoi-based team replies within 1 hour.
Plan my Asia trip →