Best travel tips for Vietnam

Are you planning a trip to Vietnam, or is it high on your bucket list?

Are you planning a trip to Vietnam, or is it high on your bucket list? Whether it is your first time or your third or fourth visit, Vietnam is a country that never stops surprising. From the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An, from the majestic limestone cliffs of Halong Bay to the historic pulse of Hanoi, Vietnam offers a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes.

We spent 2.5 weeks in Vietnam in November and December 2024, covering some of its most incredible highlights. To help you travel smarter and make the most of your time, we have compiled our best travel tips for Vietnam based on our own first-hand experience.

When is the best time to visit Vietnam?

Vietnam is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on which regions you plan to explore.

🌸 Spring (March-May) – Pleasant temperatures, lush landscapes, and the start of festival season. Great for exploring the entire country.
☀️ Summer (June-August) – Hot and humid, especially in the south. Great for beach lovers but expect some rain when rainseason starts.
🍁Autumn (September-November) – Cooler temperatures, stunning landscapes, and fewer crowds. We traveled in November-December and found it perfect for sightseeing! And rainseason is coming to an end.
❄️ Winter (December-February) – Chilly in the north (Hanoi & Halong Bay), but mild and warm in the south (Ho Chi Minh City).

💡 Pro Tip: If you are planning to visit both the north and south, the best months are March-May or October-November for the most balanced weather.

How to get to Vietnam?

Vietnam is well-connected by air and has multiple international airports.

✈️ By Air – Most international flights land in Hanoi (HAN) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), with other major airports for example in Da Nang (DAD) and Hai Phong (HPH).
🚍 By Bus – Vietnam is easily accessible from Cambodia and Laos. We flew from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City, but there are overland options too.
⛴️ By Boat – You can take ferries between Vietnam and nearby islands in Cambodia.

💡 Visa Tip: Many travelers need an e-visa to enter Vietnam. Make sure to check the latest requirements before arrival.

How to get around Vietnam?

Vietnam has a good transport network, making it easy to travel between cities. Here is how we did it:

🚄 Domestic Flights – The best way to cover long distances. We flew between Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hai Phong, saved us a lot of time.
🚌 Buses & Minivans – Affordable and widely available. We took a bus from Halong Bay to Hanoi.
🚖 Taxis & Ride-Sharing – Use Grab (Vietnam’s version of Uber) for cheap, reliable transport, we did this everywhere.
🚆 Trains – The scenic Reunification Express train runs from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, with breathtaking coastal views.
🚗 Car & Motorbike Rentals – A great option for exploring rural areas, but traffic is wild, so drive carefully!

💡 Pro Tip: If you are traveling short distances within a city, consider using electric scooters or cyclo rides for a more local experience.

How to pay in Vietnam?

Vietnam is a cash-friendly country, but digital payments are becoming more common ofcourse. Here’s what you need to know about handling money while traveling in Vietnam:

💴 Cash is King – Many small vendors, markets, and local eateries only accept cash, so always carry Vietnamese dong (VND) for daily expenses.
💳 Credit & Debit Cards – Major hotels, restaurants, and (international) stores accept Visa, Mastercard, and sometimes AMEX, but small businesses often do not.
🏧 ATMs – Widely available in cities and tourist areas. The best options for foreigners are BIDV, Vietcombank, and Agribank, which allow large withdrawals (check fees).
💵 USD vs VND – Some high-end hotels and tour operators accept USD, but it is better to pay in VND for the best exchange rate.

💡 Pro Tip: If you are withdrawing cash, use official ATMs inside (international) banks to avoid scams. Also, always check your change when paying in cash, as Vietnam’s banknotes can look very similar!

Our Vietnam Intinerary & Highlights

We spent 2.5 weeks exploring Vietnam, visiting these incredible destinations, our best travel tips for Vietnam would not be complete without them:

🏙️ Ho Chi Minh City (4 Days) – Vietnam’s Beating Heart
We started our journey in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), a city that never stops moving. Think millions of scooters, neon-lit streets, and the best street food ever!
✔ War Remnants Museum – A powerful insight into Vietnam’s history.
✔ Ben Thanh Market – A buzzing market for souvenirs and street food.
✔ Nguyen Hue Walking Street – A lively boulevard at night.
✔ Cu Chi Tunnels – A fascinating look at Vietnam’s wartime history.
Best Food in HCMC? Bánh mì, phở, fresh spring rolls & Vietnamese iced coffee.

🏮 Hoi An (5 Days) – A Fairytale Town
Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most magical destinations, and we fell in love with its lantern-lit streets, tailor shops, and riverside charm.
✔ Old Town – A UNESCO-listed area with Japanese, Chinese, and French influences.
✔ Lantern Festival – Magical if you visit during the full moon.
✔ An Bang Beach – The perfect escape for some relaxation by the sea.
✔ Tailor Shops – Get a custom-made outfit in just 24 hours! No, we did not, hahaha!
💡 Did You Know? Hoi An is famous for cao lau noodles, only made with water from a specific ancient well.

🏝️ Halong Bay (5 Days) – A Natural Wonder
From Hoi An, we flew to Hai Phong and took a Grab to Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking landscapes.
✔ Overnight Cruise – Sleeping on a traditional junk boat was an unforgettable experience.
✔ Kayaking & Swimming – Exploring hidden caves and secluded beaches.
✔ Bai Tu Long Bay – A quieter, more peaceful alternative to Halong Bay.
💡 Tip: Although we did a 1-day cruise consider booking a 2-day/1-night cruise to fully experience the magic of the bay.

🌆 Hanoi (4 Days) – Vietnam’s Cultural Capital
Our last stop was Hanoi, a city that blends French colonial charm with traditional Vietnamese culture.
✔ Old Quarter – A maze of narrow streets, buzzing markets, and cafés.
✔ Hoan Kiem Lake – A peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.
✔ Egg Coffee – A Hanoi specialty that you must try!
✔ Train Street – A railway track that runs through a residential area!

💡 Did You Know? Hanoi’s food scene is legendary. Don’t leave without trying bun cha, grilled pork with rice noodles. As you know we are vegans, so we did not try this, but hey... any good tip is welcome!

What are useful apps for traveling in Vietnam?

📍 Google Maps – Works well for navigation.
🚖 Grab – The best way to book taxis and scooters.
🗣️ Google Translate – Essential for menus and communication.
💰 XE Currency – Helps with currency conversion.

What to eat in Vietnam?

Vietnamese cuisine is flavor diverse, balancing fresh herbs, bold spices, and savory broths. Here are five must-try dishes that will make your taste buds dance:

🍜 Pho – Vietnam’s most famous noodle soup, made with rich beef, chicken broth or veggie, rice noodles, fresh herbs, and lime. A perfect start to any day!
🥢 Bun Cha – A Hanoi specialty: grilled pork patties served in a tangy broth, with fresh noodles, herbs, and dipping sauce. Barack Obama called: he want his Bun Cha back!
🥖 Banh Mi – A crispy French-inspired baguette stuffed with pate, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a choice of meat or tofu. The perfect on-the-go street food!
🔥 Cao Lau – A Hoi An exclusive, this dish features thick noodles, smoky pork, crunchy croutons, and fresh greens, all soaked in a flavorful broth.
🌶️ Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls) – Light and refreshing rice paper rolls filled with shrimp, pork, veggie, vermicelli, and herbs, served with a delicious peanut or hoisin dipping sauce.

We have to be honest here, most of these dishes are not available in vegetarian or vegan style.

💡Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to try street food! The best meals in Vietnam are often found at tiny plastic stools on the sidewalk. Vegan options as well, since freshly made!

Best travel tips for Vietnam

Train Street in Hanoi is one of the most popular visited attractions

Budget tips for Vietnam

🏠 Affordable Stays – Vietnam has great budget hotels and homestays.
🍜 Eat Street Food – Delicious, authentic, and incredibly cheap.
🚆 Take Night Buses – Save money on transport and accommodation.

Where to stay in Vietnam?

Vietnam offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly homestays to luxury hotels. Here are our top picks for where to stay in the cities we visited:

🏙️ Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) – Stay in the Heart of the Action
• District 1 – The best area for first-time visitors, packed with bars, restaurants, and sights like Ben Thanh Market.
• District 3 – A quieter, more local alternative with trendy cafes and colonial-era architecture.

🏮 Hoi An – Old Town Charm & Beachside Relaxation
• Old Town – If you want to be surrounded by lantern-lit streets, local markets, and cultural sites, stay here.
• An Bang Beach – A great option for those looking to relax by the sea while still being close to Hoi An’s attractions.

⛰️ Halong Bay – Cruise or Coastal Stay?
• Overnight Cruise – The best way to experience Halong Bay’s beauty is by staying on a traditional boat for a night or two.
• Bai Chay – If you prefer to stay on land, this area offers plenty of hotels and access to day cruises.

🌆 Hanoi – Culture, History & Hidden Gems
• Old Quarter – The heart of Hanoi, full of street food, markets, and bustling nightlife.
• Tay Ho (West Lake) – A more relaxed, expat-friendly area with stunning lake views and trendy cafes.

💡 Pro Tip: Book accommodation in advance if you’re visiting during Tet (Vietnamese New Year), as hotels fill up quickly! 

eSIM or Local SIM: Which is best for Vietnam?

Staying connected in Vietnam is easy and affordable, but should you get an eSIM or a local SIM card? 

We tested both and here is what we found:

📶 eSIM (Best for Convenience & Multi-Country Travel)
• We used JetPac's Asia eSIM, which worked flawlessly across Vietnam.
• No need to find a shop, just activate online before landing and you are connected immediately.
• Great for multi-country trips, as the same eSIM works across several connected Asian countries.

📱 Local SIM Card (Best for Budget & Heavy Data Users)
• Available from Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone at airports, convenience stores, or phone shops.
• Cheaper than eSIM if you're staying long-term in Vietnam.
• May provides better coverage in remote areas.

💡 Our Verdict: If you are on a short trip or traveling to multiple countries, an eSIM like JetPac is the easiest and most hassle-free option. If you stay longer and need unlimited data, a local SIM card could be more cost-effective.

Frequently Asked Questions about Vietnam

Q: Is English widely spoken?
A: In major cities and tourist areas, many people speak basic English, especially in hotels and restaurants. However, in rural areas, English is less common, so knowing a few Vietnamese phrases (or using Google Translate) can be helpful!

Q: Is Vietnam safe for travelers?
A: Yes, Vietnam is generally very safe for tourists. Petty theft (like pickpocketing) can happen in crowded areas, so keep an eye on your belongings. The biggest challenge? Crossing the street in Hanoi or HCMC—just walk confidently, and the scooters will go around you!

Q: What’s the best way to get a SIM card in Vietnam?
A: You can buy cheap prepaid SIM cards from providers like Viettel, Mobifone, or Vinaphone at the airport or convenience stores. Data plans are very affordable!

💡 Pro Tip: Download Google Translate and Grab (ride-sharing app) before arriving for a smoother experience!

Final Thoughts: Why Vietnam Should Be on Your Travel List

Vietnam exceeded our expectations. It is a country full of history, stunning landscapes, incredible food, and warm people. Whether you are wandering through bustling cities, floating past limestone islands, or cycling through ancient towns, Vietnam will leave you with stories to tell.

📌 Would we go back? Absolutely! And next time, we will definitely explore Sapa’s rice terraces, the Mekong Delta and Ha Giang Loop.

Thinking of visiting Vietnam? Have questions? Drop us a message here—we would love to help!