An Essential Guide to Vietnam Travel
Vietnam
Vietnam is a place yo
u'll see ancient traditions, street food stalls
and modern infrastructure, all whilst walking down the same street.
The warmth and resilience of the local people shines through from the moment you step off the plane and makes every traveller feel instantly at home.
The country's dramatic geography, spanning 1,650 kilometers from north to south, creates an incredible diversity in landscapes, culture, cuisine, and more that stays with you long after the journey ends.
Why Visit Vietnam?
Vietnam is a country of contrast. There's an energy inside the cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh that almost doesn't make sense against the serene landscapes of the Ha Giang Loop or the quiet beaches of Mũi Né.
From north to south, Vietnam offers something for every type of traveller - history buffs, foodies, adventure seekers, and anyone that is simply looking to immerse themselves in a culture distinctly different from their own.
When to Travel to Vietnam
Vietnam's climate varies dramatically from north to south, making it a year-round destination if you're flexible about which regions you visit.
Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay)
Best time: October to April
Central Vietnam (Hue, Danang, Hoi An)
Best time: February to July
Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta)
Best time: December to April (dry season)
Getting Around Vietnam
Vietnam stretches over 1,650 km from north to south, making transportation an important consideration for any travel itinerary.
Domestic Flights are affordable and time-efficient, but often delayed. Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, and Bamboo Airways offer regular services between major cities, with one-way fares starting from around 800kVND (31€).
Trains run the length of the country from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, taking approximately 36 hours for the full journey. Most travellers hop on and off along the way. Sleeper berths in four-person cabins cost around 1,200kVND (46€) for the full route.
Buses range from basic local services to luxurious sleeper buses. This is by far the most common way to travel around Vietnam, with tickets from Hanoi to Hoi An costing approximately 500kVND (20€) for a sleeper bus. A word of warning though - Vietnamese bus drivers seem to consider road rules more like gentle suggestions, and roads can be quite bumpy.
Top Places to Visit in Vietnam
Vietnam's capital exemplifies the charm of controlled chaos. The Old Quarter's narrow streets overflow with street food vendors, traditional shophouses, and endless streams of motorbikes.
Vietnam's northernmost province borders China and offers what many (myself included) consider to be the country's most spectacular landscapes. The Ha Giang Loop is a 350km motorcycle circuit becoming increasingly popular with travellers.
Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's economic powerhouse. The War Remnants Museum provides a sobering but essential education about the Vietnam War.
Home to some of the world's largest cave systems, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a wonderland for adventure seekers. The area only opened to tourism relatively recently, giving it a delightfully undeveloped feel.
This UNESCO-listed ancient town stole my heart with its yellow-walled buildings, colourful lanterns, and car-free streets. Once a major trading port, Hoi An now excels at drawing in travellers with its unique blend of influences.
For the best experience, stay in Tam Coc rather than Ninh Binh city itself - this is where most travellers stay. Don't miss the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and climb to panoramic viewpoints at Mua Caves.
Known as the "City of Eternal Spring" thanks to its cool climate, pine forests, and European-influenced architecture. Adventure seekers can enjoy canyoning, mountain biking, and hiking in the surrounding highlands.
This coastal town offers a different side of Vietnam with sweeping sand dunes that seem more Sahara than Southeast Asia, and provides a welcome change of pace after the bustle of Vietnam's larger cities. Mui Ne is also Vietnam's kite-surfing capital.
Vietnam Travel Practicalities
Many travellers need a visa for Vietnam, including from European countries. Make sure you check and apply in advance before you travel.
The Vietnamese dong (VND) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas, but most charge for foreign withdrawals.
Vietnam has excellent mobile coverage; I paid $10 for unlimited data for a month.
Budget for Vietnam Travel
Budget Traveller (25-35€/day)
Hostels: 150-250kVND (6-10€)/night in dorm rooms
Street food: 30-60kVND (1-2.3€)/meal
Local buses for transportation
Free or low-cost activities like walking tours
Mid-range Traveller (50-75€/day)
Private rooms or budget hotels: 500-1,000kVND (19-38€)/night
Mix of street food and mid-range restaurants
Organized day tours: 500-1,000kVND (19-38€)
Domestic flights between major destinations
Luxury Traveller (100€+/day)
Boutique hotels or international chains: 2,000kVND+ (77€+)/night
Fine dining experiences
Private tours and guides
Spa treatments and premium experiences
During my month-long trip, I averaged about 35€ per day, including transportation, accommodation, food, activities, and the occasional indulgence like a cooking class in Hoi An (550kVND/20€).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vietnam safe for solo female travellers?
Yes! Vietnam is generally considered safe for solo female travellers (I went alone and felt very safe)
What's the best route for a first-time visitor to Vietnam?
The classic route is either north to south (Hanoi → Halong Bay → Hue → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong Delta) or vice versa.
Is the water safe to drink in Vietnam?
No, tap water is not safe to drink. Stick to bottled water, which is inexpensive and widely available.
What's the best way to get around Vietnam?
For long distances, domestic flights or sleeper trains are recommended. Within cities, ride-hailing apps like Grab are super affordable.
When is the best time to visit Vietnam? Vietnam is a year-round destination, but the best overall time is during spring (March to May) and autumn (August to October) when temperatures are more moderate.