Vietnam Travel Guide for Planning Your Trip

Destination: Vietnam

Vietnam Travel Guide for Planning Your Trip

Destination: Vietnam

VIETNAM TRAVEL GUIDE

Vietnam is one of the most popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia – and with good reason. Whether it’s Hanoi and the beautiful Halong Bay in the north, Hoi An in the center or Ho Chi Minh City in the south, Vietnam is beautiful in every corner.

The best time to visit Vietnam is spring (February to April) and autumn (August to October). The temperatures are more moderate and rainfall is lighter. In spring, March and April have the lowest rainfall across all destinations and temperatures are pleasant, though still cool in the far north. Summers are sweltering hot in most of Vietnam, reaching more than 40 degrees Celsius/104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Things to See and Do in Vietnam

Take a Cruise on Halong Bay
Explore Cu Chi Tunnels
Unwind on Phú Quốc Island

Visit the historic site of Mỹ Sơn
Wander through the Imperial City in Hue
Travel along the Hải Vân Pass

Visit the Royal Tomb of Khai Dinh King
Trek the terraced rice fields of Sa Pa

Typical Costs When Traveling

Accommodation – It’s very inexpensive to find good accommodation when in Vietnam. Budget travelers will find hostel beds for 5 USD per night, while those wanting more comfort can even book luxury hotels at affordable rates.

Food – Vietnamese food features a combination of five fundamental tastes in the overall meal. Must-try dishes in Vietnam include: pho, banh mi, banh xeo, goi cuon, com tam, and bun cha. If you eat at local restaurants, you’ll spend around 10 USD per day for food in Vietnam.

Transportation – Avoid taking taxis in Vietnam as they often target toursits for scams. Download the app “Grab” which is basically the Vietnamese version of Uber and you’re good to go. When using overnight buses and trains be sure to purchase your tickets in the official stations.

Suggested daily budget

20-30 EUR / 22-33 USD

(Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation.

Using the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)

Money Saving Tips

Eat local food. Foreign restaurants are a lot more expensive compared to local Vietnamese places. You can save even more money when eating at street food places.
Refine the art of haggling. Especially when visiting markets, never accept the first price offered by the vendor. Your first offer should be a little less than half of the vendor's first price and then you go back and forth slowly finding a satisfying middle.

Book tours in advance. There are some places that are best visited with a tour. To get the best deal, be sure to book your day trips and tours in advance with services like Klook.
Check your Vietnam visa requirements. There are many countries eligible for Vietnam visa exemption but many that aren't. American, for instance, need a visa to enter Vietnam. Getting your visa in advance witha visa agency rather than sorting things out at the airport can save you a lot of money - and hassle.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM VIETNAM?

Vietnam is a fun and cheap travel destination that has something to offer for anyone. Whether you’re a budget traveler or looking for a luxury escape, you’ll find it in Vietnam.

Always remember to travel mindfully and respectfully. When visiting Vietnamese attractions, show respect and don’t take anything you’re not supposed to. Most places of worship will ask visitors to dress modestly. That means shoulders and knees covered. Be sure to dress appropriately, bring something to cover up or rent a scarf at most tourist sites for a small fee.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR VIETNAM

I’m always surprised how many people travel without travel insurance. For me, it’s as essential to travel as buying a plane ticket, backpack or accommodation, and I never go without it.

Although Vietnam is relatively safe, unexpected natural disasters can always happen and I’ve witnessed people getting laptops and phones pickpocketed first hand.

Adequate insurance not only provides you with medical coverage (if you get sick or break your leg), but also covers things like your camera full of epic shots getting damaged or stolen, your flights getting cancelled, or you getting caught up in a natural disaster.

In short, it’s an insurance against potential issues that arise when you’re traveling and can save your life (or at the very least, a lifetime of debt).

BOOK | I recommend booking World Nomads travel insurance

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.