A First Timer's Guide to Vietnam
Visas, money, food, transport and a few small rules that make the first trip easy.
Vietnam is long, narrow and wildly varied. Cool mountains in the north, historic towns in the middle and tropical delta in the south. For a first visit, a little preparation goes a long way, and the rest is the fun part.
Three regions, three moods
Hanoi and beyond
Old Quarter streets, limestone bays and mountain villages. Cooler in winter.
Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An
Imperial history, long beaches and lantern-lit towns.
Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong
Fast, hot and lively, with river life and fruit orchards nearby.
Dalat and around
Pine forests, cool air and coffee farms.
Before you go
Check current visa and entry requirements for your passport well before travel, as rules and fees change. Make sure your passport has plenty of validity left.
Carry a little cash in dong for street food and small shops, use ATMs in towns, and keep cards for hotels and larger restaurants. A local SIM or eSIM is cheap and makes ride-hailing and maps simple.
Use a ride-hailing app such as Grab in cities. It shows the price upfront and avoids most meter disputes.
Getting around
Long distances
Domestic flights are the quickest way between Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight trains
A classic way to cover the central coast, with sleeper berths.
Private driver
Best for families and for places buses reach slowly, such as Hai Van Pass.
Local rides
Cycle in Hoi An and the Mekong, but think twice before riding a scooter in big cities.
Say xin chao, smile and try the street food.
Manners and food
Remove your shoes at homes and temples, dress modestly at pagodas, and ask before taking photos of people. Bargaining is normal in markets, so keep it friendly.
Eat where locals queue. Pho, banh mi, fresh spring rolls and iced coffee will carry you through the first few days.
Start planning
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