Vietnam Travel FAQ

It depends on your passport and the length of your stay. Vietnam's official e-visa can be valid for up to 90 days and can be issued for single or multiple entries. Some nationalities qualify for visa exemption, so always check the official Immigration Department rules for your passport before booking non-refundable travel.

Vietnam uses the Vietnamese đồng, written as VND or ₫. Cash is still useful for small purchases, markets and local eateries, while many hotels, larger restaurants and tourism businesses accept international cards.

Either works well for most travelers. Vietnam's major mobile networks include Viettel, VinaPhone and MobiFone. A local SIM is useful if you want a Vietnamese number, while an eSIM is often easier if your phone supports it.

Travel insurance is strongly worth considering, especially for medical treatment, emergency evacuation, cancellations and activities such as trekking or motorbike travel. Check the exclusions and make sure the policy matches what you actually plan to do.

Ten to fourteen days is a comfortable first-trip range if you want to see more than one region. Seven days can work well if you focus on the north plus Central Vietnam, while three to five days is better treated as a single-region trip.

Yes. For around ten days, a Hanoi → Da Nang / Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City route is practical if you use domestic flights for the long north-south jumps. Adding too many one-night stops usually makes the trip feel rushed.

Yes. A one-week itinerary can combine Hanoi and Ha Long Bay with Da Nang and Hoi An, using one domestic flight between northern and Central Vietnam.

Choose Da Nang if you want beaches, a modern city, easier airport access and attractions such as Ba Na Hills. Choose Hoi An if heritage streets, food, atmosphere and slower evenings matter more. Because they are close together, many travelers split their stay.

Yes, especially if you want more than one boat route, Hang Mua, cycling or quieter countryside time. A day trip is possible, but two nights gives the destination much more breathing room.

There is no single perfect month because Vietnam spans several climate zones. March to May is one of the easiest periods for a multi-region trip, but the best window changes between Hanoi, Central Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc and the mountains.

April to June and September to November generally give better odds of pleasant conditions. Summer can be hot and stormy, while winter can be cooler, mistier and cloudier.

Yes. Tết is Vietnam's biggest annual holiday. Domestic travel demand can rise sharply, some businesses close or reduce hours, and popular transport can sell out. It can also be a memorable time to see flowers, decorations and celebrations.

The three main gateways are Nội Bài in Hanoi (HAN), Da Nang International Airport (DAD) and Tân Sơn Nhất in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). Other useful tourism airports include Cam Ranh for Nha Trang and Phu Quoc International Airport.

Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is the usual airport for Hoi An. Hoi An does not have its own commercial airport, and the road journey from Da Nang is typically around 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.

No. Most visitors travel from Hanoi by bus, shuttle or a train-and-road combination via Lao Cai. This is why Sapa usually needs at least two nights to justify the journey.

Fly when time matters, especially between Hanoi, Central Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City. Trains are slower but can be a worthwhile experience on selected routes, particularly along the central coast.

A day cruise is useful when time is tight, but an overnight cruise gives you more time inside the bay and includes sunset or early-morning scenery. If Ha Long Bay is a major reason for your trip, an overnight option is usually more rewarding.

The Old Quarter is the easiest choice for first-time visitors who want food, cafés and major central sights within walking distance. The French Quarter is calmer, while Tay Ho works better for longer stays.

Start with phở, bún chả, mì Quảng, cao lầu, bún bò Huế, bánh xèo, cơm tấm and bánh mì. VietnamScape's food guide includes photos so you can see what each dish typically looks like before ordering.

The most useful things to secure early are international flights, major domestic flights, Ha Long Bay cruises, popular accommodation during holidays and any fixed-date experiences that would disrupt your itinerary if they sold out.