Read This Before You Start Planning Your Trip To Vietnam
VietnamOver the years, Vietnam tourism is on the rise as the number of international tourists has increased significantly. Traveling...
Notable Places
Discover Vietnam
Use the map to discover Vietnam, start with reading our guide before you book your trip.
Vietnam Quick Guide
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
- Language: Vietnamese
- Emergency Number: 113 (police), 115 (ambulance)
- Tipping: Not required but appreciated—rounding up or 5–10% in restaurants is common
- Fun Fact #1: Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee exporter
- Fun Fact #2: The Vietnamese alphabet is based on Latin characters
- Fun Fact #3: The country stretches over 1,600 km from north to south
Where to Stay in Vietnam
Vietnam caters to all travel styles, stay in charming colonial hotels in Hanoi, riverside boutique stays in Hoi An, beachfront resorts in Da Nang or Phu Quoc, or lively hostels in Ho Chi Minh City. For a peaceful escape, consider eco-lodges near Sapa or homestays in the Mekong Delta.
Start by planning out where you would like to visit and then search for accommodation in those areas. We use Booking.com for all our hotel stays, many hotels have pay later offers and you can build up your Genius level to get discounts on your stays.
How to Get Around Vietnam
Vietnam’s long and narrow shape means many travelers move north to south (or vice versa) using a mix of flights, trains, and buses. Domestic flights are efficient and affordable for covering long distances, like Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.
The Reunification Express train offers scenic (but long) rail travel between major cities. Sleeper buses are another popular option among backpackers. In cities, ride-hailing apps like Grab are widely used for cars and scooters, while taxis are easy to find, just make sure they use the meter.
Renting motorbikes is common in places like Da Nang or Ninh Binh, but roads can be chaotic. Boats and sampans are a must in the Mekong Delta or for cruising Ha Long Bay. Many areas also offer guided day trips or group tours for convenience.
Must-Visit Places in Vietnam
- Hanoi – Vietnam’s capital, full of old-world charm, lakes, and street food
- Ha Long Bay – UNESCO-listed limestone islands and boat cruises
- Sapa – Mountain trekking, hill-tribe culture, and terraced rice fields
- Ninh Binh – Scenic landscapes with karst mountains and river rides
- Phong Nha – Epic caves, underground rivers, and jungle adventures
- Hue – Ancient imperial city with palaces and pagodas
- Hoi An – UNESCO heritage town known for lanterns, tailors, and riverside charm
- Da Nang – Coastal city with beaches, bridges, and easy access to Hoi An
- Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Bustling metropolis with history, rooftop bars, and markets
- Mekong Delta – Floating markets, river villages, and lush countryside
Stay Connected
Don’t waste time hunting for SIM cards or stressing about roaming. With an eSIM, you can get connected as soon as you land and stay online wherever your adventures take you.
🔗 Check out our guide to the cheapest eSIMs for international travel.
Vietnamese Food to Try
Vietnamese cuisine is fresh, fragrant, and full of herbs and balance, every meal feels nourishing and flavorful:
- Phở – Vietnam’s national dish: rice noodle soup with beef or chicken, herbs, and lime
- Bánh Mì – French-inspired baguette sandwich with pork, pickled veggies, and pâté
- Gỏi Cuốn – Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli, and herbs
- Bún Chả – Grilled pork served with rice noodles, herbs, and dipping sauce (Hanoi specialty)
- Cao Lầu – Hoi An specialty noodle dish with pork, crispy croutons, and greens
- Bánh Xèo – Crispy savory pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts
- Chè – Sweet dessert soups or puddings made with beans, fruit, and coconut milk
Top 5 Things To Bring On Every Trip
- Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
- Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go, ensuring you stay connected and capture every moment.
- Universal Travel Adapter: A must-have for international travelers to plug in and power up devices in different countries.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste; many destinations have refill stations available.
- Packing Cubes: Organize your luggage efficiently, making it easier to find items and maximize space.
Top Day Tours to Discover Vietnam
- Lady Buddha, Marble Mountains, and Am Phu Cave: If you are staying in Da Năng head out to explore these spiritual and scenic highlights. Stand beneath the towering Lady Buddha statue atop Monkey Mountain for panoramic views, visit the Marble Mountains’ pagodas and cavernous tunnels, then venture into the atmospheric Âm Phủ Cave, the infamous ‘hell cave’ with Buddhist iconography and dramatic rock formations.
- Phong Nha Cave & Paradise Cave: Discover Phong Nha & Paradise Caves within a day trip from Đồng Hới or Phong Nha. Trek through lush jungle to enter the vast underground Paradise Cave, Asia’s longest dry cave, then cruise the serene Son River to Phong Nha Cave, exploring its subterranean river and dramatic limestone formations.
- Ninh Binh: Venture beyond Hanoi by exploring Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s 10th‑century ancient capital with temples of King Dinh and Le. Glide through the UNESCO‑listed Trang An caves in a sampan boat beneath limestone peaks, then climb 500 steps to the panoramic summit of Mua Cave above Tam Cốc.
- Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta: Take the day away from Ho Chi Minh City to explore Vietnam’s war history with riverine life. Crawl through the famed Cu Chi Tunnels, try target shooting at the onsite range, then enjoy a local lunch before cruising the scenic Mekong Delta via sampan and motorboat. Don’t miss honey‑tea tasting, discovering tropical fruit, and seeing incredible cultural insights.
