Cultures have never clashed harder than they do in Vietnam. One part decidedly cosmopolitan, one part ancient and agricultural, all eras—and ways of life—simultaneously exist in this Southeast Asian destination. For travelers, the best things to do in Vietnam involve experiencing it all, from Saigon’s epic street food and markets to Ha Long Bay’s dramatic landscapes, from the lantern-lit avenues of Hoi An to the beaches of Nha Trang. To get a complete picture of Vietnam, one thing’s for sure: You’ll need to explore.
Vietnam is 1,025 miles (1,650 kilometers) long—you’re going to get vastly different experiences from north to south, never mind from the beaches to the mountains, depending on when you visit. But if you’re looking for a general guide, typically early spring (January–March) is the best time to visit Vietnam. Tropical humidity hasn’t peaked, monsoon season hasn’t yet hit either region, and the buzz before Tet (Lunar New Year) is festive and fun.
How you get around Vietnam depends on how far you want to go. You’ll find major airports in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi—between those cities, you’ll want to take the train, rent a motorbike, or hire a private driver. Busses do run, but they’re typically highly local experiences; ride them if you prefer authentic experiences over being comfortable.
Vietnam requires most visitors to have a visa—it's best to sort this months in advance, though you can pay extra for tighter turnarounds. Apply at the Vietnamese Immigration Department's website, and it’ll be good for 30 days (no reentry). As for arriving with Vietnamese dong, major banks can sort this for you prior to your trip, or you can stop at currency exchanges in any Vietnamese city. Avoid the airport exchange fees, if you can.
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Two famous Vietnam attractions are Halong Bay, in the north near Hanoi, and the Cu Chi Tunnels, in the south near Ho Chi Minh City. The former is a UNESCO-protected landscape of forested cliffs near emerald waters; the latter is a network of underground tunnels used in the Vietnam War.
...MoreYour personal safety and health are likely not at risk in Vietnam. That said, petty theft is common in both towns and cities, as is bribery and corruption (always agree on a price beforehand). It’s encouraged that you leave your valuables at home or in a safe at your hotel, and always keep a close eye on your purse or bag when venturing into crowded areas.
...MoreHow you have fun in Vietnam depends on where you travel in the diverse, varied country. Experience modern life in spots like Ho Chi Minh City, go off-grid in a national park, explore old French resort towns like Da Lat, and tour the Central Highlands in search of great coffee.
...MoreWith comparatively cheap prices and loads to do and see, Vietnam is a great country for tourists. Food, lodging, and transport are all a fraction of the cost compared to many destinations, and getting from city to city is easy. With both mountains and coastline, the country is scenic, too.
...MoreVietnam doesn’t keep strict visitation numbers, but a few of the top places include Halong Bay, a UNESCO-protected landscape of emerald, cliff-lined waters; Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s metropolitan juggernaut in the south; the Mekong Delta, famous for its slower pace of life; and Hanoi, the country’s capital city.
...MoreThe Vietnamese have a rich, storied culture with roots linking back to Confucianism, Buddhism, and Catholicism. They also have many traditions, from honoring deceased family members with holidays to celebrating the Lunar New Year (aka Tết). Many weddings are traditional, with tea ceremonies and candle rituals making up the festivities.
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