Vietnam Travel Guide

Why Visit Vietnam?

Vietnam is one of the world's most captivating travel destinations, offering an extraordinary blend of culture, nature, food, budget experiences. Whether you're drawn by the rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, or world-renowned cuisine, Vietnam promises an unforgettable journey.

With a capital in Hanoi and languages including Vietnamese, Tay, Thai, Vietnamwelcomes millions of visitors every year. The country's diverse landscapes range from bustling metropolises to serene natural wonders, making it a destination that truly has something for every type of traveler.

History of Vietnam

Vietnam's 4,000-year history is defined by extraordinary resilience against foreign domination. Chinese rule for 1,000 years (111 BC – 938 AD) profoundly shaped Vietnamese culture, language, and governance, while fuelling a burning desire for independence that culminated in the victory of Ngô Quyền over Chinese forces in 938 AD. The Lý, Trần, and Lê dynasties built a sophisticated civilisation centred on Hanoi, repelling three Mongol invasions in the 13th century in extraordinary feats of military strategy. In the 15th century, Emperor Lê Lợi expelled occupying Chinese forces after a decade-long resistance, establishing a golden age of Vietnamese culture and literature. French colonisation began in 1858 and by 1887 all of Vietnam was under French Indochina control — a rule that brought railways, rice-growing modernisation, and the architectural heritage still visible in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The First Indochina War expelled France in 1954 after the Vietnamese victory at Điện Biên Phủ. Partition at the 17th parallel created North and South Vietnam, leading to the Vietnam War (1955–75) — a Cold War proxy conflict that killed 3 million Vietnamese and 58,000 Americans before North Vietnamese forces unified the country in 1975. The Đổi Mới economic reforms of 1986 transformed Vietnam from poverty into one of Asia's fastest-growing economies.

Top Attractions in Vietnam

From world-famous landmarks to hidden gems, here are the essential places you must visit during your trip to Vietnam.

UNESCO Natural Wonder🇻🇳

Ha Long Bay

Over 1,600 limestone karst islands draped in jungle vegetation rise from the jade-green Gulf of Tonkin in patterns so otherworldly they are named after a descending dragon in Vietnamese mythology. A two or three-night cruise through Ha Long's hidden lagoons, kayaking into sea caves, visiting floating fishing villages, and watching the mist clear at dawn over the karsts is Vietnam's most iconic experience.

$150–400 (overnight cruise) Best: October to April (dry season)

UNESCO Old Town🇻🇳

Hội An Ancient Town

The best-preserved trading port in Southeast Asia was a major commercial hub from the 15th–19th centuries, where Japanese, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese merchants all maintained quarters. Its lantern-lit streets, wooden merchant houses, Japanese Covered Bridge (1593), and assembly halls are UNESCO-listed and the most romantic setting in Vietnam — especially during the monthly Full Moon Lantern Festival.

VND 120,000 (5-site pass) Best: Evening; or Full Moon Festival (14th of lunar month)

Historic City Quarter🇻🇳

Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi's 1,000-year-old Old Quarter retains its medieval guild-street structure — Hang Gai (silk), Hang Bac (silver), Hang Ma (paper offerings) — each street still specialising in the craft that gave it its name. The Hoan Kiem Lake with its 15th-century Turtle Tower, the Temple of Literature (Vietnam's first university, founded 1070), and the French Quarter's colonial boulevards add layers to one of Asia's most layered cities.

Free Best: Early morning for lake views and street food culture

UNESCO Cave System🇻🇳

Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng Caves

Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park contains the world's largest cave system, including Sơn Đoòng — literally the world's largest cave by volume, discovered in 1991 and large enough to contain a 40-storey building inside. The national park's jungle-covered karst landscape, pristine rivers running through illuminated cave systems, and pristine biodiversity represent Vietnam at its most primal.

$50+ (dark cave); $3,000 (Sơn Đoòng 4-day permit) Best: February to August (dry season)

Mountain Terraces🇻🇳

Sapa Rice Terraces

The Hmong and Dao hill tribes of Sapa in northwest Vietnam have carved an extraordinary landscape of rice terraces into the steep slopes of the Hoàng Liên Son Mountains over centuries. The terraces flood with mirror-like water in May–June before ripening gold in September–October, while trekking between minority villages offering homestays provides deep access to cultures that have changed little in centuries.

Free (guide recommended) Best: September–October for golden harvest

Best Time to Visit Vietnam

The ideal time to visit Vietnam is during February to April. During this period, you'll enjoy the most favorable weather conditions with comfortable temperatures, lower rainfall and vibrant local events and festivals.

However, Vietnam has something to offer throughout the year. The shoulder seasons often provide a great balance between good weather and smaller crowds, while even the off-season reveals a different, more authentic side of the country that many travelers find even more rewarding.

How to Get to Vietnam

Getting to Vietnam is straightforward with multiple transport options available depending on your departure location. Most international visitors arrive by air at the main international airports, though rail and road connections make Vietnam highly accessible from neighboring countries.

The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (₫). It's advisable to carry some local currency for smaller purchases, markets and rural areas, though major credit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas.

Food & Cuisine in Vietnam

The food culture of Vietnam is a fascinating reflection of its history, geography and traditions. Local cuisine features bold flavors, fresh ingredients and time-honored recipes passed down through generations. Street food markets, family-run restaurants and fine dining establishments each offer a unique window into the soul of the country.

Don't leave Vietnam without trying the local signature dishes. Visit local markets in the morning for the freshest ingredients, and explore neighborhood eateries away from tourist centers for the most authentic dining experiences.

Vietnam's National Recipes You Must Try

🇻🇳Medium

Soup

Authentic Vietnamese Pho Bo

Vietnam's soul in a bowl — crystal-clear beef bone broth with flat rice noodles, fresh herbs and tender sliced beef.

30 min·👤 4 servings

View all Vietnam recipes

Essential Travel Tips for Vietnam

• Visa Requirements: Check visa requirements well in advance as processing times can vary.
• Health & Safety: Research any required vaccinations and register with your embassy upon arrival.
• Local Customs: Familiarize yourself with local customs and etiquette to show respect for the culture.
• Transport: Public transport in major cities is generally reliable and cost-effective.
• Language: Learning a few basic phrases in Vietnamese will go a long way in your interactions.
• Photography: Always ask permission before photographing people and respect signs restricting photography at religious sites.
• Bargaining: Bargaining is often expected in markets — start at 50% of the asking price.
• Budget: Have a mix of payment options — cash, cards and potentially a travel card with low fees.

Sample Vietnam Itineraries

We've created three itinerary options based on the length of your visit. Each one is carefully designed to maximize your experience while allowing enough time to truly appreciate each destination.

Budget Guide: How Much Does Vietnam Cost?

Vietnamcaters to all budget levels — from backpackers to luxury travelers. Here's a general breakdown to help you plan your budget effectively:

Traditional Culture & Lifestyle in Vietnam

Understanding Vietnam's traditional culture and way of life will transform your trip from sightseeing into genuine connection. Here is what makes Vietnam's culture truly unique.

Traditional Foods of Vietnam

These are the signature dishes and flavors that define Vietnam's culinary identity — dishes every visitor must try:

Traditional Dress & Fashion

Daily Life & Lifestyle in Vietnam

Festivals & Celebrations

Plan your trip around these remarkable Vietnam celebrations for an unforgettable cultural experience:

Etiquette & Cultural Do's in Vietnam

Showing respect for local customs will open doors and create genuine connections with people:

• Bow slightly and smile when greeting — avoid firm handshakes with elders
• Address people with respectful titles (Anh/Chị for older people)
• Remove shoes before entering homes
• Avoid pointing with a single finger — use open hand
• Don't stand chopsticks upright in rice — it resembles incense for the dead