Why Vietnam, Why Now
Vietnam hits different. The food alone is worth the flight, and we mean that literally. World-class pho for less than a pound, egg coffee you didn't know you needed until the first sip, and banh mi that'll ruin every sandwich you eat afterwards. But it's not just the food. It's Hanoi's Old Quarter at 7am when the city wakes up and immediately starts shouting. It's motorbikes everywhere, all the time, somehow nobody crashes. It's Ha Long Bay looking exactly like the photos, which almost never happens anywhere.
And it's one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia, so you can do all of it without watching your bank balance. Head north for Sapa's rice terraces and the Ha Giang Loop, central for Hoi An's lantern-lit old town and the Hai Van Pass, south for Ho Chi Minh City's energy and the Mekong Delta's slow-boat rhythm. The country is long and thin, roughly 1,650km top to bottom, so you're always either heading north or south. Simpler than it sounds. Genuinely one of the best value trips you can plan right now.
Best Time To Visit
Vietnam spans several climate zones, so there's no single perfect month for the whole country. Time it by region and you'll get it right.
Spring (Mar to May)
20C to 30C, idealMild and comfortable nearly everywhere. Great for trekking in Sapa and sightseeing in Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City before the summer heat and rains properly arrive.
Summer (Jun to Aug)
Hot, up to 35CProperly hot, and prime time for beach life in Nha Trang, Da Nang and Phu Quoc Island. Tropical fruit season too. The north sees more rain, but it tends to pass quickly.
Autumn (Sep to Nov)
25C to 30C, drierCooler and less rain, ideal for Hue's heritage sites and golden rice fields across the countryside. One of the best windows for photography anywhere in the country.
Winter (Dec to Feb)
Cool north, warm southAround 10C in the north, still 20C to 25C in the south. Good for city exploring in Hanoi, and comfortable urban trips across central and southern Vietnam.
Doing the whole country? Aim for March or April, when the timing works reasonably well north to south. For a full month-by-month breakdown, read our Best Time to Visit Vietnam climate guide.
See Vietnam in 60 Seconds
A minute of Old Quarter chaos, limestone karsts and steaming bowls of pho. Then read on for the full story.
Vietnam is a country where dramatic landscapes, vibrant cities, ancient traditions, and incredible food come together to create one of Asia’s most rewarding destinations. In just 60 seconds, we’ll explore the limestone islands of Ha Long Bay, the bustling streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the lantern-lit charm of Hội An, the mountain terraces of the north, and some of the world’s most unforgettable street food. Whether you’re travelling for culture, adventure, history, or breathtaking scenery, Vietnam is a destination that leaves a lasting impression.
Book The Essentials
The exact booking sites we use ourselves. Nothing here we wouldn't personally recommend.
What To Expect
The practical stuff, minus the waffle.
Capital
Hanoi is a thousand-year-old capital that still moves like it's 7am on a Monday. Old Quarter alleys, egg coffee, and motorbikes doing things that shouldn't be physically possible.
Language
Vietnamese, tonal and genuinely tricky to pick up quickly. English gets you through hotels, tours and most restaurants in the big cities, less so in rural areas. Worth learning: "Xin chao" (hello), "Cam on" (thank you), "Bao nhieu?" (how much?). Locals appreciate the effort, even a bad attempt.
Currency
The Vietnamese Dong (VND), written ₫. The numbers look terrifying but it's just extra zeros. Rough guide: 1,000,000 ₫ is about £28, €33, or $38. Check XE before you go, since rates shift.
Cards & ATMs
ATMs are everywhere in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and most take Visa, though Cirrus and Maestro cards can be hit or miss. Contactless is spreading fast in cities. Carry cash for street food, markets and rural areas where cards simply don't exist.
Plugs
Types A, C and F all show up, running at 220V and 50Hz. Grab a universal adapter before you go, since sockets vary a lot between older and newer buildings.
Safety
One of the safer countries in Southeast Asia. Violent crime against tourists is rare. The real risks are petty theft (bag snatching from moving motorbikes in HCMC especially), road-crossing (genuinely an art form), and the odd tourist scam. Keep your phone in a zipped pocket and don't flash expensive gear.
Random Useful Tip
Learn to cross the road Vietnamese-style: walk slowly, steadily, and predictably, and let the traffic flow around you. Stopping suddenly or sprinting is what actually causes accidents. It feels terrifying the first time and completely normal by day three.
Never Ever
Never ride a rented motorbike without a proper International Driving Permit with a motorbike endorsement, and always wear a helmet even on short hops. Traffic accidents are the leading cause of serious tourist injury here, and most standard travel insurance won't pay out without both.
Live Weather in Hanoi
Straight from the source, updated as you read this.
24°C
- Temperature
Vietnam Travel Guides
Hanoi street food, Ha Long Bay cruises, sleeper buses south. The essential six to start with.
8 of the Best Places to Visit in Vietnam
From Ha Long Bay's limestone karsts to Ninh Binh's rice paddies. The eight places that make it onto every good itinerary.
Read the guideHo Chi Minh City vs. Hanoi: Which City Is Right For You?
Same country, completely different energy. Here's how to pick, or how to justify doing both.
Compare the citiesHa Giang Loop Road Trip + Map: 4 Days in the Far North
Hairpin mountain roads, terraced valleys and zero traffic. The most Vietnamese thing you can do with four days.
Get the mapHai Van Pass Road Trip + Map: 3 Days From Hue to Hoi An
Coastal switchbacks, old French bunkers, and some of the best views in central Vietnam. Three days, done properly.
Get the mapBest Time to Visit Hanoi: A Seasonal Guide
The capital runs on its own weather pattern. A proper month-by-month breakdown so you land at the right time.
Read the guideYour Ultimate Guide to Vietnam: 20 Essential Travel Tips
Everything we wish we'd known before our first trip. Etiquette, scams, transport, and the stuff nobody tells you.
Get the tipsLatest Vietnam Articles
Every Vietnam guide we publish lands here automatically.
City Guides
Itineraries + Maps
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do (coming soon)
Best Time to Visit
Travel Tips
Everything Else
How Much Does Vietnam Cost?
One of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia, and the food is better than most places ten times the price. Here's a realistic daily breakdown, in pounds with dollars, euros and dong alongside.
Backpacker
- Hostel dorms from £4 a night
- Street food pho and banh mi
- Local buses and motorbike taxis
- Free temples, markets and beaches
Mid-Range
- Private rooms and boutique hotels
- Local restaurants and seafood spots
- Grab rides and motorbike rental
- Boat tours, caves, and cooking classes
Upscale
- Luxury resorts and boutique stays
- Fine dining and rooftop cocktails
- Private drivers and domestic flights
- Ha Long Bay overnight cruises
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Real prices in pounds, with dollars, euros and dong alongside. Pick a category.
Budget
Mid to Luxury
City Travel
Long Distance
Eat Cheap
Eating Out
Budget Fun
Big Experiences
10 Ways to Save Money in Vietnam
Vietnam is already one of the cheapest countries in Asia. These tips make it even cheaper.
Tap water isn't safe here, and bottled water adds up fast if you're buying it three times a day.
Street stalls with a queue of locals sitting on tiny plastic stools are almost always where the best food in the city is.
Available in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, run tip-based by local students and genuinely excellent value.
City buses cost under £0.30 / $0.40 / €0.35 a ride and cover most of what a tourist needs.
Dorm beds start around £4 / $5 / €4.50 a night, and homestays get you into the countryside cheaply.
Saves a night's accommodation and covers long distances while you sleep. A proper double win.
About £3.50-8 / $4-10 / €4-9 a day, and the best way by far to see the Ha Giang Loop or Dalat's back roads.
Fixed price on screen, no meter arguments, and none of the scam risk that comes with flagging a random cab.
April, May, September or November brings lower prices and fewer crowds without sacrificing much on weather.
The Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and most Da Nang beaches cost absolutely nothing to enjoy.
Getting Around Vietnam
Vietnam is long and thin, which actually makes it pretty simple. You basically go north or south. Here's how.
Domestic Flights
Best for Hanoi to HCMC and other long hauls. Vietnam is a 1,650km country, so flying saves you well over 30 hours on the road.
- Cheap if booked early, from about £20 / $25 / €22
- VietJet and Bamboo run frequent routes
- Airports aren't always close to the city centre
Motorbike Rental
Best for rural exploration and the Ha Giang Loop. The most Vietnamese way to travel, and genuinely one of the best things you'll do here.
- Total freedom, from about £3.50 / $4 / €4 a day
- Essential for places like Ha Giang and Dalat
- You need an IDP with a motorbike endorsement
Grab & Taxis
Best for getting around within cities. Grab is Vietnam's ride-hailing app, cheaper than taxis and no arguing about meters.
- Grab bikes are incredibly cheap
- Fixed prices shown up front, no scam risk
- Surge pricing kicks in during rain and rush hour
Reunification Express
Best for the full north-to-south experience. The train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is one of Southeast Asia's great rail journeys.
- Scenic coastal views through central Vietnam
- Sleeper berths are genuinely comfortable
- 30 plus hours for the full route, so plan accordingly
Sleeper Buses
Best for budget long-distance travel. Reclining beds, wifi, overnight routes. You genuinely wake up in a different city.
- Cheapest way to move between cities
- Overnight trips save on a night's accommodation
- Quality varies wildly, stick to reputable operators
Boats & Ferries
Best for Ha Long Bay, the Mekong Delta, and island hopping to Phu Quoc and Cat Ba.
- The only way to properly see Ha Long Bay
- Mekong Delta boat tours are unforgettable
- Can be touristy and overpriced without research
Which Is Right For You?
Grab bikes and walking.
Sleeper buses, maybe one flight.
Rent a motorbike.
Fly between Hanoi, Hue and HCMC, bus the rest.
Quick Tips
Sleeper berths on popular routes sell out days ahead, especially around holidays.
Mai Linh and Vinasun are fine, but Grab removes all the hassle and the haggling.
Data is dirt cheap here. A tourist SIM costs under £3 / $4 / €3.50.
Legally required for motorbikes, and most insurers won't pay out without one.
Related Resources
Because good trips still hit bumps. Here's the backup plan.
Travel Problems
Missed flights, lost luggage, dodgy hotels. It happens. Here's how to handle all of it without losing your mind.
Read the GuidesTheft & Scams
Bag snatches, taxi meter tricks, and cons you won't see coming. We break down the most common ones and how to dodge them.
Protect YourselfTravel Insurance
Don't skip this one, especially if you're renting a motorbike. We compare policies and explain what you actually need.
Find the Right PolicyVietnam Travel FAQs
The questions we get asked most, answered honestly.
Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?
Is Vietnam safe for tourists?
How long do I need in Vietnam?
What's the best time to visit Vietnam?
Is Vietnam expensive?
Do I need travel insurance for Vietnam?
Can I drink the tap water in Vietnam?
Should I rent a motorbike in Vietnam?
What food should I try in Vietnam?
Do I need to tip in Vietnam?
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