Vietnam is an exciting and beautiful country full of history, culture, and natural beauty. From breathtaking landscapes to lively cities, the country has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a laid back beach vacation or an adventure filled road trip, Vietnam has what you’re looking for.

In this Vietnam travel guide, we’ll explore some of the best places to go and things to do so you can make the most out of your time in this mesmerizing country. From the must-see attractions to tips on how to get around like a local, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip!

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Do you need visa for Vietnam?

If you are a citizen of the United States, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, you do not need a visa to enter Vietnam for stays of up to 30 days. However, you will need to have a valid passport.

Citizens of most other countries will need to obtain a visa before traveling to Vietnam. The process for doing so can vary depending on your country of citizenship, but generally involves submitting an application and supporting documents to a Vietnamese consulate or embassy.

Once you have your visa, be sure to check the expiration date and make sure that it will still be valid for the duration of your stay in Vietnam. You will also need to have at least two blank pages in your passport for entry and exit stamps.

How many days you need for Vietnam?

When planning your Vietnam trip, you’ll need to decide how many days you want to spend in the country. This will depend on a number of factors, such as your budget, how much time you have available, and what kind of activities you’re interested in doing.

If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to consider spending fewer days in Vietnam and focusing on one or two regions instead of trying to see everything. Alternatively, if you have more time available, you may want to spend more days in the country so that you can explore it more thoroughly.

There are plenty of things to do and see in Vietnam, so whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or just relaxing on the beach, you can find activities to suit your interests. Here are some ideas for things to do and see in Vietnam:

Visit historical sites like Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the War Remnants Museum
Explore vibrant cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
See stunning natural scenery at Halong Bay or Sapa
Relax on beautiful beaches like Nha Trang or Mui Ne
Experience Vietnamese culture with a traditional silk lantern making class or an authentic cooking class

No matter how long you plan to spend in Vietnam, there’s sure to be something for everyone!

Is Vietnam safe?

Yes, Vietnam is safe. In fact, it’s one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia. The crime rate is low and violent crime is rare. That said, there are a few things to be aware of:

Pickpocketing and petty theft are common, so keep your belongings close to you at all times.
Scams are also common, so be cautious of anyone who approaches you offering goods or services.
Traffic can be chaotic, so exercise caution when crossing the street or riding a motorbike.
There are land mines in some areas of the country (particularly near the border with Laos), so stick to well-traveled paths.
And finally, as with any country, there are always risks associated with travel. Be sure to purchase adequate travel insurance before your trip.

Where to go in Vietnam

Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country on the South China Sea known for its beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas and bustling cities.

Hanoi, the capital, pays homage to the nation’s iconic Communist-era leader, Ho Chi Minh, via a huge marble mausoleum. Hue was once the imperial capital of Vietnam where you can see the Citadel as well as many historic temples and tombs.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is Vietnam’s commercial hub and has French colonial landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral, plus Vietnamese War history museums. In the Mekong Delta, Can Tho has floating markets reachable by boat and Chau Doc has hill tribe villages.

Ha Long Bay features thousands of limestone karsts and islands in various sizes and shapes. The best time to visit Ha Long Bay is between February and April or between September and November when sea conditions are calmer.

Sapa is home to rice terraces, minority villages and Fansipan Mountain, Vietnam’s highest peak. From mid-May to mid-September Sapa Town experiences a rainy season so it’s best to plan your trip during the dry months of October to April/May instead.

Is Vietnam expensive to visit?

Vietnam is often thought of as a cheap travel destination. And while it’s true that you can find good value accommodation and food, there are also plenty of ways to spend money in Vietnam.

If you’re on a budget, you can still have an amazing time in Vietnam by following a few simple tips. First, consider traveling during the off-season. You can find cheaper flights and accommodation rates during this time.

Next, be sure to research your accommodation options carefully. There are a variety of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses available in Vietnam. Some are more expensive than others, so it’s important to compare prices before making a decision.

Finally, don’t forget to factor in the cost of activities and attractions when budgeting for your trip. While there are many free things to do in Vietnam, such as visiting temples and walking around city streets, there are also plenty of paid activities, such as taking a tour of Ha Long Bay or going on an elephant ride.

By planning ahead and knowing what you want to do, you can make sure your trip to Vietnam is both enjoyable and affordable.

What to do in Vietnam

In terms of what to do, visitors can check out Vietnam’s many beautiful temples, go on a cruise down one of the many rivers, visit a coffee plantation or go hiking in one of the many national parks. For those interested in nightlife and partying, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are both great places to check out. In terms of food, visitors can expect to find delicious street food all over Vietnam as well as more upscale restaurants in the major cities.

For those looking for a more cultural experience, Vietnam has plenty of museums, galleries and art spaces to explore. There are also many chances to experience local life and culture by taking part in activities such as cooking classes or visiting local markets. Finally, no trip to Vietnam would be complete without a visit to some of the country’s stunning beaches. From Phu Quoc Island to Nha Trang, there are plenty of beaches to choose from.

What to see in Vietnam

Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country on the South China Sea known for its long history, diverse culture and stunning scenery. From the bustling city of Hanoi to the coastal town of Hoi An, there is much to see and do in this fascinating country.

In Hanoi, be sure to visit the Old Quarter, where you can explore the narrow streets and traditional shop houses. For a taste of Vietnamese culture, head to the Temple of Literature or take a cyclo ride around Hoan Kiem Lake. You can also see some of Vietnam’s war history at sites like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Vietnam War Museum.

Hoi An is a beautiful town with a UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town centre. Stroll along the narrow streets lined with colourful buildings, stop for a coffee or lunch at one of the many cafes, and enjoy views of the river from one of the bridges. Don’t miss out on visiting some of Hoi An’s famous temples, including the Chinese Assembly Halls and Japanese Covered Bridge.

No trip to Vietnam would be complete without seeing Halong Bay. This natural wonder is made up of over 1,600 islands and islets and is one of Vietnam’s most popular tourist destinations. Take a cruise around Halong Bay and enjoy views of the limestone cliffs, hidden coves and sandy beaches. Stop off at one of the many islands for swimming or kayaking, or visit Thang Long Cave.

Head south to experience the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh City. Here you can explore the iconic landmarks, take a walk around Chinatown or visit the Cu Chi Tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. For a taste of local life, wander around Ben Thanh Market and enjoy some Vietnamese street food.

Vietnam also has some stunning beaches along its coastline, with the most popular being Nha Trang. Here you can relax on the white sand of Nha Trang Beach, go diving or snorkelling in the surrounding waters, and explore one of the nearby islands. Further south is Mui Ne, a fishing village known for its red and white sand dunes.

No matter what you’re looking for, Vietnam has something to offer. With its unique culture and stunning scenery, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Finally, make sure to explore the stunning countryside of Vietnam. Head north to Sapa and trek through the rice terraces, visit the hill tribe villages and explore the local markets. Alternatively, you can visit My Son in central Vietnam for its ancient Hindu temples, or head south to the Mekong Delta for a boat ride through its floating markets and a taste of authentic Delta cuisine.

Vietnamese food

If you’re looking for an authentic Vietnamese dining experience, you won’t be disappointed. Vietnamese food is typically healthy, flavorful, and filling, making it a great option for travelers who want to eat well while on the go.

There are a few things to keep in mind when ordering Vietnamese food, though. First, many dishes are served with rice, so if you’re not a fan of rice or are trying to watch your carb intake, be sure to specify that you’d like your dish without rice.

Second, because Vietnam is a tropical country, many dishes include fresh fruits and vegetables that may not be familiar to you. If you’re unsure about what something is, don’t hesitate to ask your server for more information.

Some of the most popular Vietnamese dishes include pho, a savory soup made with rice noodles and vegetables or meat; banh mi, a type of sandwich with pork, chicken, or vegetables; and bun cha, a grilled pork dish served with vermicelli noodles. Other classic Vietnamese dishes include goi cuon (spring rolls) and com tam (broken rice).

Finally, don’t forget to try some of Vietnam’s delicious seafood! The country’s long coastline means that there’s no shortage of fresh fish and shellfish to choose from. Whether you opt for a traditional pho noodle soup with shrimp or a grilled fish entrée, you’re sure to find something to your taste.

When to go to Vietnam

When planning a trip to Vietnam, it’s important to take into account the weather and what time of year is best to visit. The climate in Vietnam varies depending on the region, but generally speaking, the north is cooler and wetter than the south.

The best time to visit Vietnam is during the dry season from November to April. This is when you’ll find the most pleasant weather conditions throughout the country. Keep in mind that December and January can be quite cold in the north, so if you’re planning a trip during this time, you may want to pack some warm clothes.

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, however, March and April are ideal times to visit Vietnam as many locals take their own holidays during these months.

No matter when you decide to travel, you’re sure to have a great experience in Vietnam.

Interesting facts about Vietnam

Vietnam is a country with a rich history and culture. Here are some interesting facts about Vietnam that you may not know:

The name “Vietnam” comes from the Vietnamese words “vuong quoc”, meaning “land of the dragon.
Vietnam is the world’s second-largest exporter of rice, after Thailand.
The capital city of Hanoi was formerly known as Thang Long, meaning “ascending dragon”.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi is the final resting place of the beloved Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh. Visitors must dress respectfully when visiting the mausoleum.
Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most popular tourist destinations, is home to thousands of limestone islands and islets.
Vietnam is home to a variety of unique wildlife, including the endangered Javan rhinoceros and the world’s smallest primate, the pygmy loris.
The long-distance motorbike trip from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (the former Saigon) is known as the Reunification Express.
Vietnamese coffee is world renowned for its strong, sweet flavor and unique brewing techniques.
Vietnam is home to some of the world’s best beaches, including Phu Quoc Island and Nha Trang.
The Vietnamese New Year (Tet) is celebrated on the first day of the Lunar year, usually in January or February.

Conclusion

Vietnam is a wonderful destination for travelers of all ages and backgrounds to explore. Its rich history, magical landscapes, mesmerizing street food, delicious coffee and vibrant culture will leave you wanting to come back for more. Whether you are looking for adventure or seeking out some serenity, Vietnam offers something for everyone. With its friendly locals, bustling cities and stunning natural beauty, any journey through this country is sure to be an unforgettable experience!