Vietnam

Super useful and totally free travel guides to Vietnam

Aerial view of Vung Vieng Fishing Village
Vung Vieng Fishing Village

Why We Love Vietnam – One of my absolute favorite countries for travel! In the south, you’ll find the bustling Ho Chi Minh City, one of the fastest growing commercial capitals in the world, as well as tropical islands like Phu Quoc. Venture north to Hanoi and learn some of the country’s complicated history before setting out to explore the surrounding countryside. While (too) many travelers flock to Ha Long Bay for the iconic shot of limestone karsts jutting out of the ocean, get off the beaten path by exploring Bai Tu Long Bay instead. Or head into the hills to trek through the picturesque rice terraces of Sa Pa. Whatever you plan to do, just know Vietnam has an energy to it that is hard to describe – you just have to visit and feel it for yourself. 

Best of Vietnam

🏙️ Destinations

View of the illuminated Ho Chin Minh City Hall at night
Ho Chi Minh City Hall

Vietnam is much bigger than you think, so be sure to budget for a longer trip if you’re trying to see the whole country. There is nothing wrong with visiting one part and coming back, though! Some of the more popular places to travel in Vietnam include:

  • Halong Bay – iconic soaring limestone karsts rising from a tranquil ocean bay. It’s a bit over-touristed though so, as an alternative, considering taking a Bai Tu Long Bay cruise instead.
  • Hanoi – Vietnam’s capital is rich with ancient architecture and culture, including French and Chinese influences.
  • Ho Chi Minh – Vietnam’s other large city couldn’t be more different. Young, vibrant, and every-growing, Ho Chi Minh (aka Saigon) is the megacity of Vietnam’s future.
  • Hoi An – a charming beachside town where French colonial buildings dot canals.
  • Da Nang – a less popular place to visit in Vietnam, but well worth it to experience its kilometers of beaches and fire breathing dragon bridge.

✨ Things to Do

Whether you’re into the outdoors, history, food, beaches, or nightlife, you’re sure to find a ton of fun things to do in Vietnam. Some of the most popular Vietnam activities and attractions include:

  • Bai Tu Long Bay Cruises – relax in the hot tub of a Chinese junket while you float through a world that looks like the movie Avatar.
  • Hoi An Ancient Town – wander French colonial buildings, stop in for a bite at a cafe, or take a ride through the canals. Touristy? Sure. But definitely one of the top things to do in Vietnam.
  • War Remnants Museum – a museum that is sure to be thought provoking for visitors coming from Western Countries.
  • Cu Chi Tunnels – a maze of tiny war era tunnels.
  • Street Food – go ahead and give that street food a try – it’s one of the best things to do in Vietnam!
Ancient aircrafts outside the War Remnants Museum in Vietnam
War Remnants Museum (photo: xuanhuongho / Shutterstock)

Vietnam Travel Advice

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

As Vietnam is a tropical country, you’ll be faced with either the summer heat or a torrential downpour at its worst. To avoid experiencing any of these extreme weather conditions, it’s best to plan your trip during the months of September to December or March to April when the temperatures are much more comfortable.

⚠️ Safety

Other than the common motorbike-related scams and accidents, Vietnam is a very safe place to visit. Still, it is a good idea to check the latest US State Department travel advisories for your destination.

🤓 Facts & Info

  • Population – 97.4 million
  • Capital – Hanoi
  • Currency – Vietnamese Dong ($1 = ~23,313.50 dong)
  • Language – Vietnamese
  • Plugs – Type A, C or F, 220V / 50Hz.

💵 Budgeting & Money

In larger cities such as Saigon, Ha Noi, and Da Nang, ATMs are widely available. Major hotels and restaurants in these cities also accept debit/credit cards, but you would need to shell out cash when paying for smaller-scale establishments or sidewalk stalls.

📰 Vietnam Travel Guides

Getting planning your trip to Vietnam with all our Vietnam travel guides: