Vietnam Travel Guide

Yes — Vietnam is one of the best-value destinations in Asia. Backpackers comfortably spend £20–35 per day, mid-range travellers £45–80, and luxury travellers £150+. Street meals cost £1–3 and a beer is often under £1.

2 weeks is the sweet spot for a first trip covering Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City. 3 weeks lets you add Sapa or Ha Giang in the north and Phu Quoc or the Mekong in the south.

Yes. Vietnam is one of the most popular backpacking countries in the world and is generally very safe for solo travellers, including women. Main risks are road traffic and tourist scams — both easily avoided with a little awareness.

March–April and October–November give the best all-round conditions across the country. Vietnam is long and weather varies sharply between north, centre and south, so the perfect month also depends on your route.

Yes — cash is essential. Cards are accepted in hotels and bigger restaurants, but street food, markets and many local businesses are cash-only. ATM withdrawals usually carry a fee.

Absolutely — it's one of the most unforgettable experiences in Southeast Asia. If you're not a confident motorbike rider, hire an Easy Rider to take you on the back.

Different rather than better. Vietnam wins on food, value, scenery diversity and adventure routes; Thailand wins on islands, infrastructure and ease for first-timers. Many travellers do both.

No — drink bottled or filtered water. Most hotels and hostels provide refill stations. Brushing your teeth with tap water is fine.

Most nationalities need an e-Visa (currently up to 90 days). Some countries get short visa exemptions. Apply online via the official Vietnamese government portal a few weeks before travel.

Domestic flights for long hops (Hanoi ↔ HCMC, HCMC ↔ Phu Quoc), trains for the scenic coast, sleeper buses for budget travel and Grab in every major city.

For 2 weeks: Hanoi (2 nights) → Ha Long Bay (1 night cruise) → Ninh Binh (1 night) → fly to Da Nang/Hoi An (4 nights) → fly to HCMC (3 nights) + Mekong day trip.

Yes. The food, prices and tourism infrastructure make it very welcoming for first-timers. The only learning curve is crossing the road — just walk steadily and the scooters flow around you.

Pho, banh mi, bun cha, cao lau, mi quang, banh xeo, com tam and Vietnamese coffee are essential. Hanoi's egg coffee is a must too.

Visa and Mastercard are accepted in hotels, malls and chain restaurants. Amex is patchier. You'll still need cash daily.

Excellent. Free WiFi is standard in cafés, hotels and many restaurants. 4G/5G coverage is strong. An Airalo eSIM is the easiest data option.

Phu Quoc (Sao Beach, Long Beach), An Bang in Hoi An, My Khe in Da Nang, Con Dao and Quy Nhon consistently rank as Vietnam's best.

Yes — but pick your cruise carefully. Avoid the cheapest party boats and consider Lan Ha Bay for a quieter, equally beautiful alternative.

Only if you're experienced and properly insured. Roads are chaotic, accidents are common and a Vietnamese-recognised licence is required. Easy Rider tours are a great alternative.

Yes — non-negotiable. Make sure your policy covers motorbikes if you plan to ride, even as a passenger.

No vaccinations are required for entry, but Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus are commonly recommended. Check with your travel clinic.

Generally yes — Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia's more progressive countries. Same-sex relationships are legal and HCMC has a small but visible LGBTQ+ scene.

Mostly Type A, C and F sockets at 220V/50Hz. A universal travel adapter covers you.

Not traditionally, but appreciated. 10% in nicer restaurants or 20,000–50,000 VND for guides and drivers is standard.

Yes — rains usually fall as short, heavy bursts. Northern Vietnam is wettest May–September; the south is wettest June–October. The centre is best February–August.

For Tet (late Jan/early Feb), Christmas and New Year, book 2–3 months ahead. The rest of the year, a week or two is fine outside major holidays.