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Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia's top destinations, luring travelers with its rich culture, breathtaking landscape, and world famous cuisine. Traveling to Vietnam, nonetheless, may leave you with questions, especially if you're a beginner. To get you ready, we have compiled answers to the most popular Vietnam travel FAQs and travel tips.
Foreign tourists in Vietnam (Source: VnExpress)
Answers: Yes, most travelers need a visa to enter Vietnam, but the requirements vary depending on your nationality. Citizens from certain countries, like the UK, Germany, France, and Japan, can enter Vietnam without a visa for stays of up to 15 days. If you’re from the U.S., Canada, Australia, or many other countries, you’ll need to apply for a visa in advance. Vietnam has an e-visa scheme for travelers from over 80 countries that allows single entry stays of up to 30 days.
Very straightforward: apply online, upload passport photo and passport scan, and pay a small fee (usually around $25). It's done in 3–5 working days. Always check the latest entry requirements on the Vietnam immigration official website or your embassy before traveling, as things can change.
Vietnam visa for foreign tourists (Source: vietnamvisaservices)
Answer: Vietnam's weather differs due to its long shape. The best time to visit depends on which part of the country you would like to see. Spring (March to April) and autumn (September to November) are usually ideal for most places. Winters in the north (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay) can be chilly and foggy, especially from December to February. Summers are hot and humid with typically high rainfall.
The middle region (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An) is dry and pleasant from February to August but is affected by typhoons and rainstorms in the fall. South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta) is tropical year-round with a dry season from December to April and a wet season from May to November. If you're touring nation-wide, try to visit in March or April when the climate is generally good everywhere. Wherever you go, be ready for sunshine and rain.
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam (Source: WendyWuTours)
Answer: Yes, Vietnam is an extremely safe Southeast Asian country to travel to. Violent crime is rare, especially against tourists. That said, petty theft like pickpocketing or purse snatching is common in tourist hotspots or on public transport, especially in cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. Take usual precautions: keep valuables secure, don't flash fancy gear, and be cautious when using your phone on the street. Scams are more likely than crime, especially with taxis, motorbike rentals, or "overly friendly" locals giving tours.
Use reputable operators, take metered taxis (or use apps like Grab), and research/read reviews before booking anything. Traffic is insane, so take extra caution than normal when crossing streets, walk slowly and let drivers adjust. Overall, solo travellers, including females, find Vietnam straightforward and welcoming, language barrier notwithstanding. Just stay alert, be polite, and you’ll likely have a smooth trip.
Vietnam is a safe place for travel (Source: bhtp)
Answer: The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is Vietnam's official currency. Banknotes are commonly printed in denominations ranging from 1,000 to 500,000 VND. It's perplexing at first because the bills are high in quantity but low in value (e.g., 100,000 VND equals roughly $4 USD). Carry small notes for everyday expenses like street food, taxis, or gratuities. Credit cards are commonly accepted at most hotels, mid to high-end restaurants, and large shops in the cities, but cash rules for small vendors or traveling to the countryside.
ATMs are numerous and offer good exchange rates. Avoid changing money at airports or tourist areas with unfavourable rates. Tipping is not customary but appreciated for good service. A few extra thousand dong to your server, guide, or driver goes a long way. Also, beware of scams involving currency confusion; some notes look alike, so double-check the zeroes before paying.
Currency in Vietnam (Source: asialegend)
Answer: The official language is Vietnamese, though English is a taught language whose fluency varies. You'll have English speakers in customer service positions in large cities, tourist areas, and hotels. You might find it difficult to communicate anything other than basic gestures, though, at more rural or local locations. Vietnamese people themselves are typically very friendly and understanding with foreigners attempting to communicate, though.
Learning a few simple words like "xin chao" (hello) and "cam on" (thank you) and "bao nhieu tien?" (how much?) can go a long way. Translation apps like Google Translate also help fill the gap. The majority of signs, menus, and transport services are also in English. If you're venturing off the beaten path, it is handy to write down important addresses or phrases in Vietnamese. Don't be afraid to mime or show pictures. It surprisingly works.
Communication in Vietnam (Source: Lark)
Answer: Vietnamese cuisine is one of the greatest attractions to visiting the country. Each region of the country has its own flavor, yet there are some staple dishes found across the nation. Pho is the most famous beef or chicken noodle soup flavored with spices and herbs. Banh mi, a French-inspired sandwich consisting of pate, meats, pickled vegetables, and baguette, is a street food sensation in the south.
Hanoi is famous for its bun cha, grilled pork served with noodles, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce. Central Vietnam boasts cao lau from Hoi An or mi quang, turmeric noodle soup. Goi cuon (fresh spring rolls) and banh xeo (crispy savory pancakes) are also popular. Don't miss local coffee - ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) and egg coffee are a must.
Most famous cuisine in Vietnam (Source: AsiaLegendTravel)
Read more: The best Vietnamese souvenirs that you should buy
Answer: Getting around in Vietnam is easy, with an option for every budget. Domestic flights are affordable and fast over long distances. VietJet, Bamboo Airways, and Vietnam Airlines are some of the airlines that connect cities daily. Trains are a scenic way to travel, especially the Reunification Express route between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Book sleeper cabins ahead. Buses are the cheapest way to travel, though not always the most comfortable sleeper buses are common for overnight trips.
Within cities, Grab (a rideshare app) is the best way to get around safely and affordably. Taxis are available, but always ask for the meter or agree on a price. Motorbike taxis are fast and fun, but be cautious if you’re not used to chaotic traffic. Renting a motorbike is popular in places like Da Nang or Phu Quoc, but you’ll need an international driver’s permit and should have travel insurance that covers riding.
Grab is the most common ways to travel in Vietnam (Source: nld)
Answer: Pack light, light clothing for Vietnam's hot, humid climate, but also prepare for fluctuating conditions. In the north, especially in winter (December–February), bring layers or a light jacket. In central and southern regions, it's warm year-round, so shorts, tees, and sunscreens are the norm. A lightweight rain jacket or poncho comes in handy, especially during the rainy season (May–October). Comfortable walking shoes or sandals are also required for urban and countryside adventuring.
For visiting temples, modest clothing is required, knees and shoulders should be covered. A swimsuit is handy for beaches or waterfalls. Pack sunscreen, mosquito spray, and prescription drugs in case local brands are different. Electronics like power banks and universal plug adapters are handy, as Vietnam runs on 220V electricity and type A, C, or D plugs. Travel insurance, photocopies of important documents, and offline maps or apps will also be handy.
Packing list to Vietnam (Source: Reddit)
Answer: Yes, Vietnam's internet is reliable, even in the countryside. Free Wi-Fi is available wherever you are, from cafes and restaurants and hotels to some buses and trains. The speed is usually fast enough for web surfing, video calling, or video watching. To have surefire access, you can buy a local SIM card when you arrive they're cheap and easy to install. The three main providers are Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone, and you can buy data bundles for a couple of dollars. Carry an unlocked phone to avail of the SIM.
Or, other travelers prefer eSIMs, which you can activate online before arriving. Mobile data will be a godsend for maps, translations, and booking reservations if you stay for more than a week or need to stray from the tourist circuit. Just make sure to turn off international roaming to avoid unexpected bills. Generally, connectivity in Vietnam is convenient and affordable.
Convenient eSIMs (Source: Gohub)
Answer: Vietnam is one of the most affordable destinations in Asia. Budget tourists can get by on $25-$40 per day on average, while mid-budget tourists can spend $50-$100 per day. Street food portions cost $1- $3, and in-situation meals in local restaurants are $5-$10. Accommodation is mixed too dormitory beds only $5, guesthouses and hotels $20-$50, and boutique hotels or resorts $70 and above.
Transport is inexpensive as well: local flights are just $50, long-distance buses $5-$15, and Grab rides around cities normally $1-$5. Entrance fees to tourist attractions are reasonable ($1-$10), and most natural sightseeing spots are free to visit. Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding a bill or adding a few extra dollars for service is appreciated. Whether you are backpacking or traveling in style, Vietnam represents great value without sacrifice.
Traveling to Vietnam is not as expensive as you think (Source: Breathedreamgo)
Vietnam is a destination that amazes, surprises, and delights from the vibrant streets of Hanoi to the candlelit alleys of Hoi An, the rice terraces of Sapa to the water markets of the Mekong. Whether you're looking for cultural exploration, adventure, or relaxation, Vietnam has all of these and having the answers to these common travel FAQs enables you to make the most of every moment. Ready to view Vietnam in the proper perspective? Let Asia King Travel be your local guide and give some travel tips for your own needs.
Read more: The reasons why travel to Vietnam is among the cheapest
