The Ultimate Vietnam Travel Guide 2026

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia's most captivating destinations — a long, slender country of extraordinary geographic diversity, ancient history, and some of the world's most celebrated cuisine. From the misty limestone peaks of Ha Long Bay to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, from the chaotic energy of Ho Chi Minh City to the terraced rice fields of Sapa, Vietnam rewards travellers with experiences that are impossible to find anywhere else on earth.

Whether you're planning a two-week north-to-south journey or a longer deep dive into a single region, this guide covers everything you need to know before you go.

Quick Facts

Capital: Hanoi
Largest city: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Population: ~97 million
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Language: Vietnamese
Time zone: ICT (UTC+7)
Driving: Right-hand side
Power: Type A, C and F plugs, 220V
Emergency number: 113 (police), 115 (ambulance), 114 (fire)

When to Visit Vietnam

Vietnam's climate is complex — the country stretches over 1,600km from north to south, meaning different regions experience very different weather at the same time. There is no single "best time" to visit Vietnam — it depends entirely on where you're going.

Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa)

Best time: October–April

The north has a distinct winter season. October through April brings cooler, drier weather — ideal for exploring Hanoi and cruising Ha Long Bay. December and January can be quite cold in Sapa (occasionally below freezing at altitude). Summer (May–September) brings heat, heavy rain and typhoon risk.

Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An)

Best time: February–August

Central Vietnam has the most complex weather pattern. February through August is generally the best period — warm, dry and sunny. The rainy season hits hard from September through January, with flooding in Hoi An not uncommon during October and November.

Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc)

Best time: December–April (dry season)

The south has two seasons — wet and dry. The dry season (December–April) is ideal — warm, sunny and manageable humidity. The wet season (May–November) brings daily afternoon downpours, though mornings are often clear. Phu Quoc island is best visited November through April.

The Sweet Spot

If you're travelling the full length of the country, February through April offers the best conditions across all regions — the north is cool and clear, the centre is warm and sunny, and the south is approaching the end of its dry season.

Visas and Entry Requirements

E-visa (Most nationalities)

Vietnam now offers an e-visa for citizens of most countries, valid for up to 90 days with single or multiple entry options.

Apply at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn (the official Vietnamese government website)
Processing time: 3 business days
Cost: $25 USD
Apply at least one week before travel to allow for processing

Visa on Arrival

Available at major international airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang). Requires a pre-approved letter from a visa agency — less convenient than the e-visa for most travellers.

Visa-free entry

Citizens of certain countries including Japan, South Korea, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia and several others can enter Vietnam visa-free for varying periods (15–45 days depending on nationality). Check the latest requirements before travel as these change periodically.

Key entry requirements

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
Return or onward ticket
Sufficient funds for your stay
Completed health declaration (if required)

Getting to Vietnam

Vietnam has three main international airports:

Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) — Hanoi
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) — Ho Chi Minh City
Da Nang International Airport (DAD) — Central Vietnam

Most long-haul travellers fly into Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Flying into one and out of the other (open jaw) is the most efficient way to travel the country north to south or vice versa.

Flight times (approximate)

London to Hanoi: ~11–12 hours (with stopover)
Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City: ~8–9 hours (direct available)
Dubai to Hanoi: ~7–8 hours (direct available)
Singapore to Hanoi: ~2.5 hours (direct)
Bangkok to Hanoi: ~2 hours (direct)

Airlines to consider

Vietnam Airlines — the national carrier, good network and reliable
Bamboo Airways — strong domestic and regional network
Singapore Airlines — excellent via Singapore
Emirates/Qatar Airways — popular for European travellers
Jetstar Asia — budget option via Singapore

Getting Around Vietnam

Domestic Flights

Given Vietnam's length, domestic flights are the most efficient way to cover large distances. Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air and Bamboo Airways connect all major cities. Flights are cheap — Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City can be as little as $30–50 USD booked in advance.

Train

The Reunification Express runs the length of the country from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (1,726km). The full journey takes around 30–40 hours but is an extraordinary experience — particularly the Hanoi to Da Nang section through the Hai Van Pass, with stunning coastal scenery. Book soft sleeper berths in advance through baolau.com or 12go.asia.

Recommended train segments:

Hanoi to Hue (~13 hours overnight — excellent soft sleeper option)
Hue to Da Nang (~2.5 hours — the most scenic stretch)
Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (~17 hours)

Bus

Open tour buses (hop-on, hop-off services) connect major tourist destinations along the coast. Sinh Tourist and Phuong Trang (FUTA) are the most reliable operators. Cheap, comfortable sleeper buses operate overnight between most major cities.

Motorbike

Vietnam is legendary among travellers for motorbike journeys. The Ho Chi Minh Trail (a network of roads through the mountains and central highlands) and the Hai Van Pass are among the most celebrated rides in Southeast Asia. Hiring a semi-automatic motorbike (Honda Win or Wave) costs $5–15/day. An international driving permit with motorbike endorsement is technically required. The Hoi An to Hue ride over the Hai Van Pass is one of the most spectacular in the world.

Grab

Southeast Asia's equivalent of Uber operates throughout Vietnam. GrabBike (motorbike taxi) and GrabCar are cheap, reliable and easy to use. Essential for navigating cities.

Cyclo

Traditional three-wheeled bicycle rickshaws are a fun way to explore the Old Quarter in Hanoi or Hoi An. Agree on a price before you set off.

Where to Stay in Vietnam

Budget (Under $20 USD/night)

Vietnam has one of the world's best hostel and budget guesthouse scenes. Excellent dorm beds are available from $5–8 USD. Private rooms in guesthouses (nha nghi) start from $10–15 USD. Most include breakfast.

Mid-range ($30–80 USD/night)

Boutique hotels in Vietnam are exceptional value — beautifully designed properties with pools, excellent service and central locations for $40–70 USD/night. Hoi An in particular has outstanding mid-range options.

Luxury ($100+ USD/night)

Vietnam's luxury hotel scene is world-class and extraordinary value compared to Western prices:

Azerai La Residence — Hue, a beautifully restored colonial-era property on the Perfume River
Four Seasons The Nam Hai — Hoi An, one of Southeast Asia's finest beach resorts
Sofitel Legend Metropole — Hanoi, a historic colonial landmark in the heart of the city
Park Hyatt Saigon — Ho Chi Minh City, elegant luxury in the city centre
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay — Nha Trang, an extraordinary overwater and hillside villa resort

Homestays

In rural areas like Sapa, Mai Chau and the Mekong Delta, staying with local families in traditional homestays is one of Vietnam's most rewarding experiences. Usually arranged through guesthouses or tour operators in town.

Top Destinations in Detail

Hanoi

Vietnam's capital is a city of lakes, French colonial architecture, ancient temples and extraordinary street food. The Old Quarter — a dense maze of narrow streets, each historically dedicated to a single trade — is one of Asia's most atmospheric neighbourhoods.

Don't miss:

Hoan Kiem Lake — The spiritual heart of Hanoi. The Ngoc Son Temple on a small island in the lake is beautiful at any time of day
The Old Quarter — Get lost in the narrow streets. Hang Gai (silk street), Hang Ma (paper offerings street) and the covered Dong Xuan Market are highlights
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum — The preserved body of Ho Chi Minh lies here. Queue early, dress respectfully and follow the strict rules
Temple of Literature — Vietnam's first university, dating from 1070. One of Hanoi's most peaceful and beautiful historic sites
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology — Outstanding museum covering all 54 of Vietnam's ethnic groups. One of Southeast Asia's best museums
St Joseph's Cathedral — French Gothic cathedral in the heart of the Old Quarter, particularly atmospheric at night
Bia hoi corner — The intersection of Luong Ngoc Quyen and Dinh Liet streets in the Old Quarter. Pull up a plastic stool, order a glass of fresh draught beer (bia hoi costs around 5,000–10,000 VND — less than $0.50) and watch the city go by

Food in Hanoi:

Pho — Hanoi's pho is lighter and more refined than southern versions. Try Pho Gia Truyen on Bat Dan Street (opens 6am, often sells out by 10am)
Bun cha — Grilled pork patties and noodles in a sweet broth with herbs. The dish Barack Obama famously ate with Anthony Bourdain
Banh mi — Vietnamese baguette sandwiches, a legacy of French colonialism
Egg coffee (ca phe trung) — A Hanoi invention — strong coffee topped with a creamy whisked egg yolk and condensed milk. Extraordinary

Day trips from Hanoi: Ha Long Bay (3.5 hours), Ninh Binh (2 hours), Sapa (overnight train)

Ha Long Bay

One of the world's most iconic natural landscapes — 1,969 limestone karst islands rising dramatically from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

How to visit: The best way to experience Ha Long Bay is on an overnight cruise. Day trips exist but don't do it justice — the bay is most magical at dawn and dusk when the day trippers have gone.

Cruise operators: Book through a reputable operator — quality varies enormously. Budget cruises start from around $80–100 USD for two days/one night. Mid-range ($150–250 USD) and luxury options ($300+ USD) offer significantly better experiences, smaller boats and less crowded itineraries.

Lan Ha Bay — The southern section of the bay, less visited than Ha Long but equally beautiful. Often included in cruises departing from Cat Ba Island.

Activities on board: Kayaking through caves and lagoons, swimming, squid fishing at night, cooking classes, sunrise tai chi on deck.

Practical tip: Book cruises that include kayaking — paddling into the hidden lagoons and caves is the highlight of any Ha Long Bay trip.

Sapa

A mountain town in northern Vietnam near the Chinese border, surrounded by some of the most spectacular rice terrace landscapes in Southeast Asia. Home to several ethnic minority groups including the Hmong, Dao and Tay people, who maintain traditional dress and customs.

Don't miss:

Fansipan — Indochina's highest peak (3,147m). Cable car to the summit is spectacular on clear days (mornings are best before clouds roll in)
Terraced rice fields — The valleys of Muong Hoa and Ta Van are extraordinary, particularly during rice planting season (May–June) and harvest (September–October)
Village trekking — Walk to Cat Cat, Ta Van or Lao Chai villages with a local Hmong guide
Bac Ha Sunday Market — 1 hour from Sapa, an extraordinary weekly market where Flower Hmong people come to trade in traditional dress

Getting to Sapa: Overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (8 hours), then 45-minute bus or taxi to Sapa. Alternatively, express bus from Hanoi (approximately 5 hours).

Ninh Binh

Often called "Ha Long Bay on land" — limestone karsts rising from rice paddies, ancient pagodas and winding river valleys. Easily visited as a day trip or overnight from Hanoi but deserves more time.

Don't miss:

Trang An — Row boat through a series of caves and karst landscapes. UNESCO World Heritage Site. The filming location for Kong: Skull Island
Tam Coc — Similar to Trang An, slightly more touristy. The boat ride through the rice paddies is beautiful
Bich Dong Pagoda — A series of pagodas built into a limestone cave. Serene and beautiful
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital — Vietnam's 10th century capital, with two ancient temples

Hue

Vietnam's former imperial capital is one of the country's most historically rich cities. The Nguyen Dynasty ruled from here for nearly 150 years, leaving behind an extraordinary complex of palaces, temples and tombs that stretch across the city and surrounding countryside.

Don't miss:

The Imperial Citadel — A vast walled complex modelled on Beijing's Forbidden City. The Ngo Mon Gate and Thai Hoa Palace are the highlights
Royal Tombs — The tombs of the Nguyen emperors are scattered around the city. Minh Mang (peaceful, grand), Tu Duc (melancholy and romantic) and Khai Dinh (extraordinarily ornate) are the three best
Thien Mu Pagoda — A seven-storey pagoda on the Perfume River — one of Vietnam's most iconic images
The Perfume River — Take a dragon boat along the river at sunset
Hue cuisine — Hue has its own distinct and extraordinary food culture. Bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup), banh khoai (crispy rice pancake) and com hen (clam rice) are the must-tries

Da Nang

Vietnam's third largest city is primarily a gateway to the nearby attractions but has developed significantly as a destination in its own right. Long beaches, great restaurants and a relaxed pace make it a good base.

Don't miss:

My Khe Beach — One of Vietnam's best city beaches — long, clean and uncrowded by major city standards
The Marble Mountains — Five marble and limestone hills south of the city, with caves, pagodas and extraordinary views from the summit
Dragon Bridge — Breathes fire and water on weekend evenings. Worth seeing once
Ba Na Hills — A French colonial-era hill station with a famous Golden Bridge (supported by giant stone hands). Touristy but visually extraordinary
The Museum of Cham Sculpture — The world's largest collection of Cham artefacts. Outstanding and often overlooked

Day trips: Hoi An (30 minutes south), Hue (1 hour north via the Hai Van Pass)

Hoi An

Vietnam's most beautiful town — a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ancient Town of well-preserved trading port architecture, lantern-lit streets and extraordinary food. One of Southeast Asia's most atmospheric destinations.

Don't miss:

The Ancient Town — Walk the pedestrianised streets at night when the lanterns are lit and the town glows. The Japanese Covered Bridge is the most photographed spot
Lantern Festival — On the 14th day of each lunar month, electric lights are turned off and the town is lit entirely by coloured lanterns. Magical
Tailor shops — Hoi An is famous for custom-made clothing. High-quality tailors can produce garments in 24–48 hours at a fraction of Western prices. Get measured early in your stay
Cooking classes — Among the best in Vietnam. Most include a market visit and cover 4–6 dishes
An Bang and Cua Dai beaches — 5km from the Ancient Town. Relaxed beach bars and excellent seafood restaurants
My Son Sanctuary — 40km from Hoi An, the ruins of a Hindu Cham civilisation dating from the 4th–14th centuries. A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Hoi An food:

Cao lau — Thick noodles with pork and greens, made with water from a specific ancient well. Only authentic in Hoi An
White rose dumplings (banh bao vac) — Delicate prawn dumplings, a Hoi An specialty
Banh mi Phuong — Widely considered Vietnam's best banh mi. Expect a queue

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Vietnam's largest city is a place of extraordinary energy — a round-the-clock metropolis of 10 million people where French colonial architecture sits alongside gleaming skyscrapers, and where the street food is arguably the best in the country.

Don't miss:

The War Remnants Museum — Deeply affecting and essential viewing. One of the most important historical museums in Southeast Asia. Prepare to be moved
Cu Chi Tunnels — 75km from the city, an extraordinary network of underground tunnels used by Viet Cong fighters during the war. Crawling through the tunnels is a genuinely visceral experience
Ben Thanh Market — The city's most famous market. Better for atmosphere than shopping — negotiate everything
Reunification Palace — The former presidential palace, frozen in time since the fall of Saigon in 1975. Fascinating
Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office — Beautiful French colonial buildings in the city centre
Bui Vien Walking Street — Saigon's backpacker strip. Chaotic, fun and best experienced late at night
Rooftop bars — The city's skyline is spectacular from above. Chill Skybar, Level 23 and the EON Heli Bar offer great views

Food in Ho Chi Minh City:

Banh mi — The southern version is loaded with more fillings than the north. Banh Mi Huynh Hoa is legendary
Hu tieu — Southern noodle soup, lighter and sweeter than pho
Com tam — Broken rice with grilled pork, egg and vegetables. A Saigon institution
Pho — The southern version is richer and sweeter, served with more herbs and garnishes than Hanoi's version

Day trips: Cu Chi Tunnels (2 hours), Mekong Delta (3 hours)

The Mekong Delta

The vast river delta south of Ho Chi Minh City is one of the world's most productive agricultural regions — a maze of waterways, floating markets, rice paddies, orchards and traditional villages.

Don't miss:

Cai Rang Floating Market — The largest floating market in the Mekong Delta. Most active 5–8am — arrive early
Can Tho — The Delta's largest city, a good base for exploring
Vinh Long — Quieter and less touristy than Can Tho, with excellent homestays on the river islands
Phu Quoc Island — Vietnam's largest island, with beautiful beaches, a national park, and a famous fish sauce (phu quoc nuoc mam) that's exported worldwide. Best visited November–April

Vietnamese Food — A Complete Guide

Vietnamese cuisine is one of the world's great food cultures — fresh, herbaceous, balanced and endlessly regional. Eating your way through Vietnam is one of the greatest pleasures of the trip.

Essential Dishes

Pho — Vietnam's most famous dish. A clear broth (beef or chicken) with rice noodles, herbs and garnishes. The northern version (Hanoi) is simpler and more refined. The southern version (Saigon) is richer, sweeter and served with more accompaniments. Eaten for breakfast as often as any other meal.

Banh mi — A Vietnamese baguette sandwich filled with pate, cold cuts, pickled vegetables, chilli and coriander. A perfect legacy of French colonialism. Available everywhere, costs around 20,000–40,000 VND ($1–2 USD).

Bun cha — Hanoi's signature dish. Grilled pork patties and noodles served with a sweet dipping broth and fresh herbs.

Bun bo Hue — A spicy, lemongrass-scented beef noodle soup from Hue. Bolder and more complex than pho.

Cao lau — Hoi An's signature noodle dish. Thick noodles with char siu pork, greens and crispy croutons.

Com tam — Broken rice (a byproduct of milling) with grilled pork, fried egg and pickled vegetables. Ho Chi Minh City's comfort food.

Goi cuon (fresh spring rolls) — Rice paper rolls filled with prawns, pork, vermicelli and herbs. Served with peanut dipping sauce. A perfect snack.

Cha gio (fried spring rolls) — Crispy fried rolls filled with pork, mushrooms and glass noodles.

Banh xeo — Sizzling crepe made with rice flour, turmeric and coconut milk, filled with prawns, pork and bean sprouts. Wrap it in lettuce and dip in fish sauce.

Che — Vietnamese sweet dessert soups and puddings. Che ba mau (three colour dessert) and che chuoi (banana and coconut milk) are the most common.

Street Food Culture

Street food is the heart of Vietnamese food culture. The best meals in Vietnam are often eaten on a plastic stool at the side of the road for under $2 USD. Look for stalls with a queue of locals — that's always the best sign.

Vietnamese Coffee

Vietnam is the world's second largest coffee producer. Vietnamese coffee is strong, dark and typically served with condensed milk over ice (ca phe sua da). The egg coffee of Hanoi and the coconut coffee of Hoi An are uniquely Vietnamese inventions worth seeking out.

Drinking

Bia hoi — Ultra-fresh draught beer brewed daily, served on street corners throughout the north. Costs as little as 5,000 VND per glass (under $0.25 USD)
333 (Ba Ba Ba) and Saigon Beer — The most common bottled beers
Rice wine (ruou) — Strong homemade spirit often offered by locals, particularly in minority villages

Suggested Itineraries

2 Weeks — The Classic North to South

Days 1–3: Hanoi Arrive, explore the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature. Eat pho for breakfast, bun cha for lunch and spend an evening at bia hoi corner.

Days 4–5: Ha Long Bay Overnight cruise. Kayaking, cave exploration, sunset on deck.

Day 6: Return to Hanoi, fly to Da Nang Morning in Hanoi, afternoon flight south. Check into Hoi An.

Days 7–9: Hoi An Ancient Town, cooking class, beach day at An Bang, day trip to My Son.

Days 10–11: Hue Train or drive via the Hai Van Pass. Imperial Citadel, Royal Tombs, Perfume River sunset.

Days 12–14: Ho Chi Minh City Fly from Da Nang. War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, street food, rooftop bars.

3 Weeks — The Full Vietnam Experience

Follow the 2-week itinerary and add:

Days 3–4: Ninh Binh Day trip or overnight from Hanoi. Trang An boat trip, Tam Coc, Bich Dong Pagoda.

Days 5–7: Sapa Overnight train from Hanoi. Fansipan cable car, rice terrace trekking, ethnic minority village walks.

Days 15–16: Mekong Delta Day trip or overnight from Ho Chi Minh City. Cai Rang floating market, Can Tho, river homestay.

Days 17–21: Phu Quoc Island Fly from Ho Chi Minh City. Beaches, snorkelling, seafood, sunsets.

10 Days — The South and Centre

Days 1–3: Ho Chi Minh City Arrive, War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, street food, rooftop bars.

Days 4–5: Hoi An Fly to Da Nang. Ancient Town, beach, cooking class, tailor.

Days 6–7: Hue Train or bus. Imperial Citadel, Royal Tombs, Perfume River.

Days 8–10: Phu Quoc Fly from Da Nang. Beach, snorkelling, seafood, relaxation.

Budget Guide

Vietnam is one of the world's best value destinations. Even travellers on a tight budget eat and sleep well.

Budget Traveller (USD $25–40/day)

Accommodation: hostel dorm ($5–8) or budget guesthouse ($10–15)
Food: street food, pho, banh mi, com tam ($5–10)
Transport: local buses, Grab bike, trains ($5–10)
Activities: temples (free–$3), walking, markets ($5–10)

Mid-range (USD $60–120/day)

Accommodation: boutique hotel ($35–70)
Food: mix of street food and restaurants ($15–25)
Transport: domestic flights, private transfers ($20–40)
Activities: cooking classes, Ha Long cruise, tours ($20–40)

Luxury (USD $200+/day)

Accommodation: luxury resort or boutique hotel ($100–300+)
Food: fine dining and rooftop bars ($40–80)
Private tours, helicopter flights, exclusive experiences

Money-saving tips

Eat where locals eat — street stalls and local restaurants are almost always better and cheaper than tourist-facing restaurants
Book domestic flights well in advance on VietJet for the lowest fares
Negotiate tuk-tuk and taxi fares before getting in — or use Grab to avoid negotiation entirely
Ha Long Bay cruise prices vary enormously — mid-range is worth the extra over budget
Avoid buying water in plastic bottles — refill stations are widely available

Practical Tips

Money

Vietnam is predominantly a cash economy. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas but can be unreliable in rural areas — withdraw cash before heading off the beaten track. Most ATMs charge a transaction fee of 30,000–50,000 VND per withdrawal. Vietcombank and BIDV ATMs generally have the lowest fees. USD is widely accepted in tourist areas but you'll get better rates paying in VND.

Bargaining

Bargaining is expected at markets and with street vendors, cyclo drivers and some guesthouses. Start at around 50–60% of the asking price and meet in the middle. Don't bargain at restaurants with printed menus or in shops with fixed prices. Always stay good-natured — getting angry kills the deal.

Traffic

Vietnamese traffic — particularly in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City — is unlike anything most Western travellers have experienced. The key to crossing the road is to walk slowly and steadily — traffic will flow around you. Don't run, don't stop suddenly. It takes a day or two to get comfortable but it becomes second nature.

Health

Vaccinations: Consult your doctor before travel. Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus and rabies vaccines are commonly recommended
Stomach: Vietnam's food is generally safe but start with cooked food and avoid ice in areas outside cities if you're concerned. Peel all fruit
Sun: The UV index is high — sunscreen is essential
Medical care: Good hospitals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended

Respect

Dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas — shoulders and knees covered
Remove shoes when entering homes and some temples
Ask permission before photographing local people, particularly ethnic minorities
The Vietnamese flag and images of Ho Chi Minh are treated with great reverence

Safety

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia's safest countries for tourists. Violent crime is rare. The main risks are:

Bag snatching from motorbikes — keep bags on the inside, away from traffic
Taxi scams — use Grab or ensure the meter is running in metered taxis. Avoid unmarked taxis
Gem and gold scams — a classic involving being invited to a "lucky" opportunity to buy gems at a supposed discount
Motorbike rental damage scams — photograph any existing damage before renting

Packing List

Clothing

Light, breathable fabrics — Vietnam is hot and humid for most of the year
One or two modest outfits for temple visits (shoulders and knees covered)
Light rain jacket or packable umbrella — useful year-round
Comfortable walking shoes and flip-flops
Warm layer for Sapa (particularly December–February)

Practical items

Universal power adaptor
Portable power bank — essential for a full day of navigation
Insect repellent — particularly for the Mekong Delta and jungle areas
Reef-safe sunscreen
Reusable water bottle with filter (e.g. LifeStraw)
Small day pack
Travel insurance documents

Useful apps

Grab — rideshare and food delivery throughout Vietnam
Google Maps — works well in Vietnam, download offline maps
Google Translate — download Vietnamese for offline use
Baolau or 12go.asia — train and bus booking
VietJet or Vietnam Airlines apps — domestic flight booking

Staying Connected in Vietnam

Vietnam has good 4G coverage in cities, tourist areas and along major routes. Coverage in remote mountain areas (Sapa, Ha Giang) and on Ha Long Bay can be patchy.

The easiest way to stay connected is with an eSIM. Activate it before you fly and you'll have data from the moment you land — no hunting for a SIM card at the airport, no language barriers at phone shops.

InstantESIMs Vietnam plans start from $0.50, with flexible data options to suit short visits and longer trips. No app required, no physical SIM needed — instant connectivity from arrival.

Ready to explore Vietnam? Browse Vietnam eSIM plans at instantesims.com.