Vietnam

Vietnam's entry rules depend on your nationality — check your own passport's requirements before you book. The main route for most visitors is Vietnam's official e-Visa, an electronic visa that currently allows a stay of up to 90 days and comes in single-entry or multiple-entry versions. It is issued for the exact dates you request and cannot be extended from inside Vietnam, so you must exit before it expires.

Some nationalities also qualify for visa-free entry for shorter stays. This is why there's no single universal rule — confirm whether you need an e-Visa or already get visa-free entry with official Vietnamese sources.

Your passport should have at least six months' validity beyond your planned departure and one or two blank pages. Apply only through the official government portal at evisa.gov.vn — many unofficial lookalike sites charge large markups for the same document. Double-check the details on your application (name spelling, passport number, entry port), as errors have led to entry being refused.

The currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND). Notes run into large numbers, so it is easy to confuse the 20,000 and 500,000 notes — check the zeros. Cash still matters widely, especially at markets, street-food stalls and in rural areas, though digital payment is growing fast in cities.

ATMs are plentiful in towns and cities; withdraw a moderate amount at a time, expect per-transaction fees, and keep small notes for taxis and snacks.

Tipping is not a strict obligation but is appreciated and increasingly common in tourist areas — rounding up or leaving small change is normal. Many mid-range and upscale restaurants add a service charge; if not, leaving roughly 5–10% for good service is a kind gesture.

Vietnamese culture values politeness and modesty. A friendly greeting, a smile and a slight nod go a long way; handshakes are common in cities. Stay calm and avoid raising your voice or showing anger in public — losing your temper is seen as poor form.

Dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas — cover shoulders and knees. Remove your shoes before entering temples, and also many private homes and some guesthouses; follow your host's lead.

At the table, meals are social and usually shared — let elders begin first and use the serving spoons for communal dishes. Don't stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice. Ask before photographing people, especially in rural areas, and don't touch someone's head.

Vietnam's three main international gateways are Hanoi (Noi Bai) in the north, Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat) in the south, and Da Nang in the centre. Because the country is long, domestic flights are the fastest way to cover big distances — Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is about a two-hour flight with very frequent service.

The north–south 'Reunification' railway links Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; the full run takes around 32–35 hours, but shorter scenic legs (such as Hue–Da Nang along the coast) are a popular, relaxed way to travel. In cities, the Grab app is the easy, low-stress choice — it shows the fare and driver before you book, and offers both cars and motorbike rides.

The traffic is the thing first-timers underestimate. Roads — especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City — are packed with motorbikes that flow more than they stop. To cross safely: wait for a small gap, then step out and walk slowly, steadily and predictably, keeping a constant pace so riders can read your movement. Do not dart, sprint or suddenly stop.

Getting online is cheap and easy. A local tourist SIM from a major provider — Viettel (the widest coverage), Vinaphone or Mobifone — typically costs only a few dollars for a generous data package. Buy one at carrier counters in airport arrivals, or more cheaply at carrier shops in town; bring your passport, as SIMs must be registered.

If your phone supports it, an eSIM is a convenient alternative — buy and activate one online before you arrive, so you land already connected.

Wifi is widespread and usually free in hotels, cafés and restaurants, and generally reliable in cities. Mobile data is still worth having for maps, Grab and translation on the move.

Vietnam is generally a safe country for travellers, and major government advisories place it at their lowest risk level. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon. The most common problem is petty theft — particularly phone- and bag-snatching by thieves on motorbikes, a well-known issue in Ho Chi Minh City — so don't use your phone near the kerb, carry bags on the side away from the road, and keep straps across your body.

Watch for taxi scams — rigged meters and long detours; the simplest defence is to use the Grab app or reputable metered taxi firms. The real day-to-day danger, though, is the traffic — road accidents, not crime, cause the most serious injuries to visitors, so be cautious as a pedestrian and always wear a helmet on any motorbike.

Do not drink the tap water — stick to sealed bottled water, which is cheap and everywhere, and be a little cautious with ice and raw produce early in your trip. Consider travel insurance that includes medical evacuation, as facilities outside major cities are limited. Emergency numbers: 113 for police, 115 for ambulance, 114 for fire.

Power: Vietnam runs on 220V, 50Hz. Sockets commonly accept Type A and Type C plugs (the flat two-pin and round two-pin styles); most are multi-standard. Travellers from 110–120V countries should check that devices are dual-voltage.

Language: the official language is Vietnamese. English is increasingly spoken in tourist areas, hotels and by younger people, but learning a few basic phrases is appreciated.

Best time to visit: Vietnam is long and the climate varies a lot by region. Broadly, the north (Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay) is cool and dry roughly November–April; central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An) is driest from around February to August, with a flood risk September–November; the south is dry November–April. Spring (around March–April) is often the best all-rounder for a multi-region trip.

Time zone: Vietnam is on UTC+7 year-round, with no daylight saving.