Vietnam is a must-visit destination for a multitude of reasons.

The rich history and culture of Vietnam are clear in its architecture, from ancient temples to French colonial buildings, providing a journey through time. The country’s cuisine is another highlight, offering a blend of flavors and dishes like Pho, Banh Mi, and fresh spring rolls, loved by food enthusiasts worldwide.

Vietnam’s climate is tropical in the south and cooler up north, making it perfect for all kinds of adventures, from city exploration to beach relaxation.

Vietnam’s the kind of place where one minute you could be checking out some ancient temples and the next chilling at a hip café or market. The people? Super friendly. Vietnam’s got this unique charm that just keeps you wanting more.

• Visa: Since August 15, 2023, Vietnam offers e-visas to all countries for 90-day stays with multiple entries. Visitors from 25 countries, including Japan, South Korea, and several European nations, can enter without a visa for up to 45 days.

• Vaccinations: Recommended vaccines for Vietnam include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, Cholera, and Tetanus.

• Flight Booking: Check out our flight booking tips to make sure you get the best value for your money.

• Currency: The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the official currency. ATMs are widely available, and major credit cards are accepted in most places. It’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller transactions.

• Lunar New Year (Tet Nguyen Dan): This is the most important festival in Vietnam, marking the beginning of the Lunar New Year. Celebrated nationwide, it’s a time for family reunions, house decoration, special foods, and various customs like giving lucky money to children.

• Lim Festival: Located in Bac Ninh province, the Lim Festival is famous for “Quan Ho” singing, a traditional vocal art of Vietnam.

• Buddha’s Birthday (Phật Đản): This spiritual festival involves prayers, religious rituals, and colorful parades, especially significant in Buddhist temples across the country​.

• Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu): A festival focused on children, it’s celebrated with mooncakes, lanterns, lion dances, and family get-togethers.

• Hoi An Lantern Festival: Held monthly in the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town of Hoi An, this festival transforms the streets with beautiful lantern displays, cultural performances, and local food​.

• Hoi An: This charming city is known for its well-preserved merchant houses reflecting its history as a major trading port. The Japanese Bridge and the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation are key highlights in the old town.

• Phong Nha Caves: Located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, these caves are a must-visit, with Hang Son Doong being the most well-known.

• Mekong Delta: Known for its rice fields and floating markets, the Mekong Delta is a rich agricultural area that offers a unique view into rural Vietnamese life.

• My Son: A ruined Cham era temple city dating from the 4th century, My Son is surrounded by jungle-covered mountains and features around 20 temple structures still standing.

• Nha Trang: Vietnam’s most popular seaside resort town, Nha Trang offers beautiful beaches with fine, clean sand and clear ocean water. It’s also known as the scuba diving center of Vietnam.

• Bánh Xèo: Originating from the Mekong Delta, Bánh Xèo is a crispy crepe made from rice flour and coconut milk, filled with boiled pork, minced pork, bean sprouts, and shrimp. It’s a savory pancake that’s served fresh off the skillet​.

• Bún Chả: A Hanoi specialty, Bún Chả are grilled pork patties served with cold rice vermicelli, fresh herbs, salad greens, and a fish sauce-based broth.

• Xôi: Vietnamese sticky rice, Xôi, can be savory or sweet. Xôi mặn, the savory version, is a popular breakfast, while Xôi ngọt offers a sweet alternative with over 20 variations featuring colorful layers using natural plant extracts​.

• Bánh Bèo: These steamed rice cakes from Hue are like Vietnamese tapas. Topped with mung bean paste and toasted shrimp, they’re a popular appetizer​.

• Cao Lau: A unique dish from Hoi An featuring thick, chewy noodles, crunchy crackers, pork, and broth.

• Take a Boat Trip in Ha Long Bay: Imagine cruising through a sea dotted with giant rocky islands – that’s Ha Long Bay for you. It’s like a scene from a movie!

• Coffee Time with Locals: Vietnamese love their coffee, and what better way to understand their culture than by sharing a cup with someone local? It’s a great way to make new friends and hear interesting stories.

• Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels: Learn about Vietnam’s history by visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City, a network of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War.

• Discover the Imperial Citadel in Hue: This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Hue was the political center of the Nguyen Dynasty. It’s like stepping back in time and seeing how kings and queens lived​.

• Homestay with a Local Family: Staying in a homestay allows you to experience Vietnamese culture firsthand, including traditional cooking over an open fire.

• My Khe in Da Nang: Super popular and really pretty, this beach is a big hit for its sandy shores and is right in Da Nang city. The beach area is modern and has lots of high-end resorts.

• Dai Lanh Beach in Khanh Hoa: A bit of a secret spot north of Nha Trang, this beach is surrounded by mountains and isn’t usually crowded.

• Mui Ne Beach in Phan Thiet: Close to Ho Chi Minh City, this fishing village turned beach spot is gaining popularity fast.

• Con Dao Islands: These islands are kind of off the beaten path and have some awesome beaches.

• Cham Islands near Hoi An: Just a boat ride from Hoi An, these islands are great for a day trip. They’ve got lovely beaches for swimming and snorkeling.

Before international travel, you should always make a plan for how you’ll use your phone.

Vietnam roaming charges can add up quickly, and you don’t want to get stuck with a huge phone bill after an amazing vacation.

Carrier travel data packages are often expensive, with limited data and a lot of restrictions.

A budget-friendly way to avoid Thailand roaming charges is to download a Vietnam eSIM that comes with a prepaid Thailand data package.