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Vietnam runs more than 1,600 km along the eastern edge of the Indochinese Peninsula, from the terraced rice paddies and karst peaks of the northern highlands to the sprawling Mekong Delta in the south. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City anchor opposite ends of the country, each with distinct food scenes, colonial architecture, and frenetic motorbike traffic. Between them lie UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, the imperial citadel of Hue, the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, and the sand dunes of Mui Ne. Vietnamese cuisine - from steaming bowls of pho to crispy banh xeo - ranks among the world's most celebrated, and meals from street stalls rarely cost more than 50,000 VND (roughly 2 EUR). Overnight trains, domestic flights, and open-bus tickets make it straightforward to travel the length of the country on almost any budget.
Capital
Hanoi
Population
~100 million
Area
331,212 km²
Time Zone
ICT (UTC+7)
Currency
Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Languages
Vietnamese
Main Airports
HAN (Hanoi Noi Bai), SGN (Ho Chi Minh Tan Son Nhat), DAD (Da Nang)
Visa
E-visa for 90 days for most nationalities (~USD 25)
Best For
Street food, history, beaches, motorbike touring
Typical Cost Level
Budget
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Entry rules, stay length and passport validity by nationality.
Most nationalities can apply for a Vietnamese e-visa online, which allows a stay of up to 90 days and costs approximately USD 25. Some passport holders from ASEAN countries and select European nations qualify for visa-free entry for 15 to 45 days. Always check the latest requirements on the Vietnam Immigration Department website before travelling.
Vietnam's climate varies significantly by region. The north is coolest from October to April, central Vietnam is driest from February to August, and the south stays warm year-round with a wet season from May to November. For a full north-to-south trip, March to May or September to November offer the best overlap of pleasant conditions.
Vietnam is considered one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia for travellers. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. The main risks are bag snatching from motorbikes in Ho Chi Minh City, traffic accidents, and minor overcharging by vendors. Keep your phone and bags on the side away from the road, and always agree on taxi or ride-hail fares before departing.
Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Most dispense either 2,000,000 or 5,000,000 VND per withdrawal, with fees around 22,000 to 55,000 VND per transaction. Cards are accepted at hotels and larger restaurants, but street food stalls and smaller shops are cash-only. Gold shops and jewellery stores often provide better exchange rates than banks.
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Domestic flights connect Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City in under two hours for as little as 500,000 VND. The Reunification Express train runs the full length of the coast, with sleeper berths from around 700,000 VND for the Hanoi to Hue leg. Open-bus tickets sold by operators like The Sinh Tourist offer affordable hop-on hop-off routes. Within cities, Grab motorbike taxis are the fastest and cheapest option, typically costing 15,000 to 30,000 VND for short rides.
