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Asia / Southeast Asia

Vietnam

Ha Long Bay, Hoi An lanterns, and Saigon street food. As part of Southeast Asia in Asia, Vietnam suits travelers drawn to big cities and historic. Use this guide to plan where to go, when to visit, and how to structure your days.

Vietnam

Start exploring.

Best time to visit: Feb – Apr, Aug – Oct

Hanoi

Hanoi pairs well with nearby highlights on a Southeast Asia route through Vietnam.

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay pairs well with nearby highlights on a Southeast Asia route through Vietnam.

Hoi An

Hoi An is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Vietnam, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Ho Chi Minh City

Plan at least a full day in Ho Chi Minh City to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

What it is known for
facts
  • Ha Long Bay limestone karst cruises
  • Hoi An lantern-lit old town and tailors
  • Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City
  • Sapa rice terraces and hill-tribe markets
  • Pho noodle soup, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls
key City
name
Hanoi
label
Capital
why
Old Quarter chaos, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the starting point for Ha Long Bay trips define Vietnam's northern capital.
Places to visit
  • area
    Hanoi
    attractions
    • name
      Hoan Kiem Lake
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Temple of Literature
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
    • name
      Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Many are free outdoors; timed entry sites need 1-2 weeks notice in summer.
    • name
      Old Quarter
      duration
      1-3 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; go early for markets and late afternoon for squares.
  • area
    Ha Long Bay
    attractions
    • name
      Sung Sot Cave
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Ti Top Island
      duration
      Half day to full day
      book Ahead
      Book ferries or boat tours 3-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      Cua Van Floating Village
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Dau Go Cave
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Hoi An
    attractions
    • name
      Japanese Covered Bridge
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Hoi An Ancient Town
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      An Bang Beach
      duration
      2-4 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; arrive early in peak season for parking and space.
    • name
      My Son Sanctuary
      duration
      4-8 hours
      book Ahead
      Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.
  • area
    Ho Chi Minh City
    attractions
    • name
      War Remnants Museum
      duration
      1.5-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 1-2 weeks ahead for major museums; same-day often fine off-season.
    • name
      Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
    • name
      Ben Thanh Market
      duration
      1-3 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; go early for markets and late afternoon for squares.
    • name
      Cu Chi Tunnels
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
Itineraries
  • title
    Vietnam Highlights Express
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Hanoi
    • Ha Long Bay
    • Hoi An
    highlights
    • Full day discovering Hanoi
    • Full day discovering Ha Long Bay
    • Full day discovering Hoi An
    best For
    Weekend warriors and short trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Hanoi
      description
      Land in Hanoi, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Vietnam trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Ha Long Bay
      description
      Dedicate the day to Ha Long Bay: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Hoi An and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Hoi An visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Classic Vietnam
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Hanoi
    • Ha Long Bay
    • Hoi An
    • Ho Chi Minh City
    highlights
    • Cover Hanoi and Ha Long Bay
    • Explore Hoi An
    • Explore Ho Chi Minh City
    best For
    Urban explorers and culture fans
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Hanoi
      description
      Land in Hanoi, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Vietnam trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Ha Long Bay
      description
      Dedicate the day to Ha Long Bay: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Explore Hoi An
      description
      Dedicate the day to Hoi An: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      4
      title
      Ho Chi Minh City and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Ho Chi Minh City visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Vietnam Beaches & Coast
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Hanoi
    • Ha Long Bay
    • Hoi An
    highlights
    • Coastal day in Hanoi
    • Coastal day in Ha Long Bay
    • Coastal day in Hoi An
    best For
    Sun seekers, swimmers, and coastal road trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Hanoi
      description
      Check in near the shore and take a relaxed walk along the waterfront. Swim or sunbathe if conditions allow, then settle into a seaside dinner in Hanoi.
    • day
      2
      title
      Ha Long Bay coast
      description
      Spend the day on Ha Long Bay's shoreline: Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island, Cua Van Floating Village, with time for cafés, boat trips, or sunset views.
    • day
      3
      title
      Hoi An and farewell
      description
      Enjoy a final beach morning in Hoi An, visiting Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An Ancient Town, An Bang Beach before you depart Vietnam.
  • title
    Vietnam Countryside
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Hanoi
    • Ha Long Bay
    • Hoi An
    highlights
    • Rural stop: Hanoi
    • Rural stop: Ha Long Bay
    • Rural stop: Hoi An
    best For
    Nature lovers, hikers, and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Hanoi
      description
      Reach Hanoi, drop bags at a rural stay, and take a short walk through nearby villages or trails to get oriented.
    • day
      2
      title
      Ha Long Bay countryside
      description
      Explore Ha Long Bay at an easy pace: Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island, Cua Van Floating Village with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      3
      title
      Hoi An and farewell
      description
      Wrap up with a slow morning in Hoi An, stopping at Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An Ancient Town, An Bang Beach before heading home.
  • title
    Vietnam Monuments & Hot Spots
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Hoi An
    • Hanoi
    • Ho Chi Minh City
    highlights
    • Must-see: Japanese Covered Bridge
    • Must-see: Hoi An Ancient Town
    • Must-see: Hoan Kiem Lake
    • Must-see: Temple of Literature
    best For
    Sightseeing, history buffs, and first-time landmark hunters
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Icons of Hoi An
      description
      Start in Hoi An with Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An Ancient Town, An Bang Beach, buying timed tickets ahead when possible and finishing with a walk through the historic center.
    • day
      2
      title
      Hanoi monuments
      description
      Focus on Hanoi's tourist favorites: Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      3
      title
      Ho Chi Minh City landmarks and farewell
      description
      Catch any remaining must-sees in Ho Chi Minh City, including War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, Ben Thanh Market, before your departure.
When to go & typical weather
summary
February through April and August through October split Vietnam's climate zones: spring suits the south and center, while autumn clears the north after summer storms. Hanoi and Halong Bay are best in Oct-Nov; Ho Chi Minh City prefers Dec-Apr dry season.
typical Weather
Hanoi Oct-Nov: highs 24-28°C (75-82°F), lows 18-22°C (64-72°F), 50-80 mm rain. Ho Chi Minh Feb-Apr: highs 32-35°C (90-95°F), humid, 30-50 mm rain. Da Nang Aug-Oct: highs 30-32°C (86-90°F), occasional typhoons.
details
  • Tet (Jan-Feb) closes many businesses; book transport well ahead.
  • Jul-Sep typhoons affect central coast; Halong Bay cruises cancel more often.
  • Sapa trekking best Sep-Nov and Mar-May; cold and fog Dec-Feb.
  • Phu Quoc and Mekong Delta driest Nov-Apr.
most Affordable
period
May – Sep
summary
Rainy season and summer heat offer Vietnam's lowest Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City rates when Halong Bay cruises discount and central coast sees typhoon-season deals.
details
  • Halong Bay overnight cruises discount 40-50% in summer rains.
  • Hoi An and Da Nang hotels cut wet-season rates.
  • Ho Chi Minh City boutique hotels offer monsoon promotions.
  • Vietnam Airlines fares often lower in rainy season.
most Expensive
period
Dec – Jan
summary
Dry-season peak and Tet holiday buildup drive Vietnam's highest Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, and Phu Quoc rates when international and domestic travelers fill hotels.
details
  • Phu Quoc beach resorts sell out at peak Dec-Jan rates.
  • Halong Bay cruises premium in dry high season.
  • Tet (Jan-Feb) closes services and spikes pre-holiday demand.
  • Hoi An and Hanoi Old Quarter hotels fill in dry peak months.
Airports & arrivals
summary
Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat and Hanoi Noi Bai are the main gateways.
airports
  • name
    Tan Son Nhat International Airport
    code
    SGN
    location
    Ho Chi Minh City
    distance From Center
    6 km (4 mi) north of District 1
    transfer Note
    Grab and buses reach Ben Thanh
  • name
    Noi Bai International Airport
    code
    HAN
    location
    Hanoi
    distance From Center
    28 km (17 mi) north of Hoan Kiem
    transfer Note
    Express buses reach the Old Quarter
  • name
    Da Nang International Airport
    code
    DAD
    location
    Da Nang
    distance From Center
    5 km (3 mi) west of My Khe Beach
    transfer Note
    Gateway for Hoi An and Hue
Getting around
overview
Vietnamese use Vietnam Railways, motorbike taxis, and city buses; Grab dominates ride-hailing.
trains
  • name
    Vietnam Railways
    description
    Reunification Express and regional routes.
    ticketing
    Book at dsvn.vn or station counters.
ferries
    subways
    • name
      Hanoi Metro
      description
      Metro Line 2A serving Hanoi.
      ticketing
      Buy tickets at station machines.
    • name
      Ho Chi Minh City Metro
      description
      Growing metro network in Ho Chi Minh City.
      ticketing
      Use tickets or cards at station gates.
    public Transit
    • name
      Hanoi Bus
      kind
      public
      description
      Capital city bus network.
      ticketing
      Pay cash or use bus card when boarding.
    ride Share
    • name
      Grab
      kind
      rideshare
      description
      Dominant ride-hailing across Vietnam.
      ticketing
      Book via Grab app.
    Currency
    code
    VND
    name
    Vietnamese đồng
    symbol
    ₫
    note
    Carry some vietnamese đồng in cash for taxis and markets; card acceptance is strongest in major cities and tourist areas.

    Convert your travel budget ↗

    Visas & official entry links
    Local customs
    summary
    Vietnam is respectful of elders, bustling in cities, and modest at temples, with strong regional food culture. Shoes off in homes and some shops. Traffic in Hanoi and HCMC requires patience crossing streets.
    customs
    • Remove shoes when entering homes and some temples.
    • Two-hand giving to elders shows respect.
    • Bargaining expected in markets, not in malls.
    dos
    • Dress modestly at pagodas with covered shoulders and knees.
    • Use xin chào and cảm ơn in shops.
    • Use Grab in cities rather than unmarked xe om unless negotiated clearly.
    • Tip guides and drivers modestly on tours.
    • Ask before photographing ethnic minority villages.
    donts
    • Do not touch people's heads.
    • Do not point feet at altars or Buddha images.
    • Do not fly drones near airports and military sites without permits.
    • Do not discuss war politics insensitively with strangers.
    • Do not drink tap water; bottled is standard for visitors.
    Useful travel phrases
    language
    Vietnamese
    phrases
    • english
      Please
      local
      Xin vui lòng
      pronunciation
      Làm ơn (lahm uhn)
    • english
      Thank you
      local
      Cảm ơn
      pronunciation
      Cảm ơn (gahm uhn)
    • english
      Yes
      local
      Có
      pronunciation
      Vâng (vuhng) / Có (koh)
    • english
      No
      local
      Không
      pronunciation
      Không (kawng)
    • english
      How much?
      local
      Bao nhiêu?
      pronunciation
      Bao nhiêu tiền
    • english
      Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?
      local
      Nhà hàng hoặc quán bar gần nhất ở đâu?
      pronunciation
      Nhà hàng hoặc quán bar gần nhất ở đâu
    • english
      Where is the airport?
      local
      Sân bay ở đâu?
      pronunciation
      Sân bay ở đâu
    • english
      I need help
      local
      Tôi cần giúp đỡ
      pronunciation
      Tôi cần giúp đỡ
    • english
      I need a hospital
      local
      Tôi cần bệnh viện
      pronunciation
      Tôi cần bệnh viện
    • english
      Call the police
      local
      Gọi cảnh sát
      pronunciation
      Gọi cảnh sát
    Longer stays
    visa Summary
    U.S. citizens need an e-visa or consular visa for tourism stays of up to 90 days under current e-visa expansion policies. Work permits, temporary residence cards, and retirement-related visas require employer sponsorship or qualifying family and investment grounds. Vietnam updates e-visa duration and visa exemption lists periodically, so confirm on the official immigration portal.

    Practical tips.

    • Cross streets slowly and steadily in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City because traffic flows around pedestrians rather than stopping.
    • Carry dong in cash for street food and xe om rides because large notes are hard to change at small stalls.
    • Book Ha Long Bay overnight cruises and Sapa trains early for Tet and summer holiday periods.
    More travel tips ↗

    Locate Vietnam.

    Location map of Vietnam

    Before you go.

    Check current entry requirements and travel conditions with official sources before booking. Read the current U.S. State Department advisory for Vietnam ↗