Southeast Asia
Vietnam
Long, cheap and food-obsessed, with very fast internet and big nomad bases in Da Nang, Hoi An, Saigon and Hanoi. Chaotic traffic, tourist-zone overcharging and limited English elsewhere are the trade-offs.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- Visa27 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyVNDUS$1 ≈ ₫25,953.96Details
- Price level29%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English2/5LimitedDetails
- PlugsType A, C220 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency113Police 113 · Ambulance 115 · Fire 114
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDon't drink tap water; use bottled or filtered.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalBig cities are relaxed, with gay bars and Pride events in Hanoi and Saigon; families and rural areas are more conservative.Details
- Internet301 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 220 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightOnly 1968-Convention IDPs are valid (US ones aren't); unlicensed scooter riding is common but voids most insurance.
Where to go in Vietnam
21 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ho Chi Minh CityCity | 4/5 | $1,080–1,730 | Dec–Mar | 64/100 |
| HanoiCapital city | 4/5 | $963–1,540 | Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov | 68/100 |
| Da NangCity | 4/5 | $771–1,230 | Feb–Jun | 87/100 |
| Hoi AnTown | 4/5 | $771–1,230 | Feb–May | 87/100 |
| Ha Long BayRegion | 4/5 | $616–1,080 | Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov | 94/100 |
| Nha TrangCity | 4/5 | $694–1,160 | Jan–Jun | 92/100 |
| Phu QuocIsland | 4/5 | $771–1,350 | Nov–Mar | 85/100 |
| SapaMountain town | 4/5 | $578–963 | Mar–May, Sep–Oct | 95/100 |
| HueCity | 4/5 | $578–963 | Feb–May | 97/100 |
| Ninh BinhRegion | 4/5 | $539–925 | Mar–May, Sep–Oct | 96/100 |
| Da LatMountain town | 4/5 | $578–1,000 | Dec–Mar | 95/100 |
| Ha GiangTown | 3/5 | $539–848 | Mar–Apr, Sep–Nov | 94/100 |
| Mui NeBeach town | 4/5 | $694–1,080 | Nov–Apr | 92/100 |
| Phong NhaTown | 4/5 | $539–848 | Mar–Jul | 97/100 |
| Cat BaIsland | 4/5 | $578–925 | Apr–May, Oct–Nov | 96/100 |
| Vung TauCity | 4/5 | $694–1,080 | Nov–Apr | 90/100 |
| Quy NhonCity | 4/5 | $539–848 | Feb–Jun | 97/100 |
| Can ThoCity | 4/5 | $539–848 | Dec–Apr | 97/100 |
| Con DaoIslands | 5/5 | $771–1,230 | Mar–Jul | 90/100 |
| Cao BangTown | 4/5 | $462–694 | Apr, Sep–Nov | 99/100 |
| Mai ChauTown | 4/5 | $462–771 | Mar–Apr, Sep–Nov | 98/100 |
When to visit Vietnam
North (Hanoi, Ha Long, Sapa): October–December and March–April; winters are cool and grey. Central coast: February–August; typhoons September–December. South: dry December–April.
Good to know
Entry
- Many nationalities need an e-visa: up to 90 days, single or multiple entry, US$25/US$50, applied for online.
- Look-alike agency sites charge several times the official fee; use only the government .gov.vn e-visa portal.
- Airlines may refuse boarding without an onward ticket dated within your visa or visa-free period.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty; possession means prison
- Flying a drone needs a permit; unpermitted drones get confiscated
- Photographing military sites or joining protests can lead to detention
Etiquette
- Take shoes off entering homes and some shops
- Cover shoulders and knees at pagodas and temples
- Bargain with a smile at markets; never shout
- Don't stick chopsticks upright in a rice bowl
Tipping
Not expected; locals don't tip. Round up for drivers, and tip guides and spa staff for good service.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Vietnam National Portal on Immigration (e-visa)
- Vietnam National Authority of Tourism
- Vietnam Railways
- Speedtest Global Index: Vietnam
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.