10 Things to Know Before Travelling to Vietnam

Becoming the new favourite Southeast Asian destination, Vietnam is a country characterised by rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes and a dynamic fusion of where old meets the new. According to the General Statistics Office, Vietnam received 12.7 million international visitors in the first nine months of 2024, a figure that has already surpassed the total number of tourists for the entire year of 2023!

So, if you’ve also hopped onto the bandwagon of visiting this beautiful country, there are a few essential things you must know before your trip. And don’t worry, these aren’t the usual travel tips! Instead, in this blog, we have covered practical, must-know details like visa requirements, currency choices, and weather-related challenges to help you prepare for an unforgettable journey through Vietnam.

Source: Statista

1. Visa & Immigration Rules

Depending on your nationality, you may or may not be required to apply for a tourist visa before travelling to Vietnam. You can check below:

Visa-Free Entry: Nationals of the following countries: Brunei, Myanmar, Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, the UK, the Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Chile and Panama, can enter Vietnam without a visa for stays typically ranging between 14 to 45 days. To know the exact stay period you are allowed, refer to our Vietnam visa waiver countries blog.
E-Visa: Travellers from all other nationalities and territories can apply for an e-visa, which allows stays of up to 30 to 90 days. You can easily apply for a Vietnam e-visa on the government website or Atlys before your trip.

Making a last-minute travel plan to Vietnam? Get your express Vietnam e-visa through Atlys today!

Once you have received your Vietnam e-visa, here’s how you need to prepare yourself for a smoother immigration process:

Take a printout of your Vietnam e-visa to present upon immigration.
Also, carry your original passport, valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in the country.
You must enter Vietnam within the validity period of your e-visa, which will be clearly stated on it.
You can only enter Vietnam through the following e-visa-designated ports of entry:

2. Best Time to Visit Vietnam

When planning a trip to Vietnam, one key factor to consider is its diverse weather patterns. Unlike many countries, Vietnam hardly experiences uniform weather throughout the country. Instead, its climate ranges from subtropical in the north to tropical in the south, with significant seasonal and regional variations.

Source: Vietnam Tourism Authority

While the south stays warm and humid year-round, the north experiences more seasonal changes, with a noticeable winter. The central region experiences intense heat and heavy rains at certain times. Additionally, Central Vietnam is also prone to tropical storms, especially between September and November, which can bring sudden downpours and occasional flooding.

Now, you must be wondering which is the best time to visit Vietnam. The answer is March to May, as it offers the best weather countrywide.

Planning to visit selective parts of Vietnam? Read our Hoi An, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi travel guides for detailed information on the best time to visit, what to see and much more!

3. Which Currency to Take

Next in line is understanding the currency options in Vietnam. Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND) as its official currency. However, converting Indian Rupees (INR) directly to VND can be challenging, as the limited demand and availability in India lead to high exchange markups, often around 15-20%. This makes direct INR-to-VND conversion a costly choice for travellers.

Source: Google Finance

So what can you do? A more efficient approach is to carry US Dollars (USD) instead because of two simpler reasons:

USD is widely accepted in Vietnam and
It is easy to exchange for VND at favourable rates.

Moreover, in India, converting INR to USD typically has a minimal markup of about 1%, making it a more economical option. The markup for converting USD to VND in Vietnam is usually low, around 0.3%. Additionally, many tourist spots and vendors in Vietnam accept USD directly, providing more flexibility.

Tip: However, when travelling abroad, it is often a wise decision not to rely entirely on one method. Before embarking on your trip, convert some INR to VND for initial small expenses, like transportation or meals. For larger expenses, carrying USD or using a forex card would be a more cost-effective solution.

Learn about the best Forex options and the top Forex cards for Indians visiting Vietnam by reading our Comprehensive Forex Guide.

4. Take Your Prescriptions

While local pharmacies are generally well-stocked in Vietnam, the availability of specific medications may vary. In some cases, local equivalents might not meet the same standards as you prefer. Additionally, certain medications are comparatively expensive, so it’s often best to bring your own supply from home to ensure you have exactly what you need.

And yes, you can carry your medications on a Vietnam e-visa. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that when carrying prescription medication, you must bring along the prescription, preferably in the English language, from your doctor on official letterhead. This is especially important if your medication contains controlled substances, as customs regulations may require documentation.

Tip: When travelling abroad, it is always best to keep a small medical kit with essentials like pain relievers, antihistamines, and antiseptics for minor ailments. This proactive approach will ensure that your health needs are met throughout your trip.

5. Getting To & Around Vietnam

Luckily, Vietnam has better connectivity and infrastructure to support travel from all around the world. Although there are many international airports in Vietnam, three receive the most traffic: Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in the north, Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in the south, and Da Nang International Airport (DAD) along the central coast. These three airports generally offer competitive fares, with Hanoi often providing more budget-friendly options.

See the pictures below comparing the price history for the last 60 days for flights from Delhi (India) to Hanoi, HCMC and Da Nang:

Source: Google Flights

Once you’ve arrived, getting around in Vietnam is quite straightforward, with a range of options:

Walking: Walking is the best choice in pedestrian-friendly areas such as Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, and Da Nang’s riverside areas, where sights and local life are accessible on foot. For other areas, consider using the transport services listed below.
Motorbike Rentals and Cyclo Rides: The easiest way to get around Vietnam is on cyclo rides (three-wheeled bicycle taxis), which offer a unique way to see the sights at a slower pace—especially in areas like Hanoi's Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh City’s bustling streets. Additionally, if you have a valid driver's license, you can rent a motorbike to explore the country, especially the remote areas. Trusted services like Tigit Motorbikes and Style Motorbikes offer quality bikes and support for travellers.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services: Taxis are widely available in most cities, but ride-hailing apps are a reliable alternative to avoid haggling and get upfront pricing. Grab and Gojek are popular choices, providing options for both cars and motorbikes.
Buses and Trains: For budget-friendly intercity travel, Vietnam’s buses, like FUTA Bus Lines, and trains are good options. It is best to book your journey in advance, especially during peak seasons, for better prices and seat selection.
Domestic Flights: Domestic flights quickly cover long distances and connect major cities with ease. Airlines like VietJet, Vietnam Airlines, and Bamboo Airways provide frequent services, though delays can be common during holidays and rainy seasons.

To learn more about the means of transportation available, read our detailed guide on The Quickest and Easiest Transport Options in Vietnam.

6. Booking Accommodation

One of the upsides of travelling to Vietnam is that the country has options for every budget and preference.

In major cities like Hanoi, Saigon, Hue and Hoi An, you can find budget hostels ranging from $5 to $15 USD per night, while mid-range hotels typically cost between $30 and $70 USD. For a touch of luxury, high-end hotels in areas like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang range from $100 to $300+ USD per night. Hence, there is a range of hotels to suit your preferences.

Here’s one tip that tourists are often hesitant about but actually gets you a good deal. It is that if you are travelling during the peak seasons and covering the more touristy cities (like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City), booking in advance through better deal-giving platforms like Agoda, Booking.com, and Airbnb is great; however, if you're travelling during the off-peak season or exploring smaller towns and coastal areas, you should freely consider booking directly at local hotels or guesthouses upon arrival. This can often get you a better rate on the spot.

Tip: If you are a frequent traveller, consider signing up for booking platform memberships. These memberships sometimes unlock additional discounts, and many properties offer last-minute deals if they’re not fully booked.

7. Food Preferences and Street Food Safety

Although Vietnam is known for its street food culture, safety can be a concern. Water quality varies widely across the country, and untreated tap water is generally unsafe for drinking. Many travellers experience mild food-related illnesses, which can disrupt travel plans. Additionally, dietary restrictions like vegetarianism or gluten intolerance can be challenging to manage, as many dishes incorporate fish sauce or soy.

So how can you be prepared? Take hygiene precautions by carrying hand sanitiser and sanitising wipes to use before meals, especially when dining on the street. For drinking water, stick to bottled or filtered options, or consider bringing a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter. Avoid ice cubes in drinks if you’re uncertain of their source, as they may be made from untreated water.

For dietary restrictions, learn a few essential phrases in Vietnamese to communicate your needs, or use a translation app to explain allergies or preferences. Many restaurants are increasingly familiar with dietary requests, especially in larger cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but always double-check ingredients to be sure.

You can also refer to our recent blogs: an Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Vegetarian Food Spots in Vietnam and What to Eat in Vietnam - The Best Dishes & Restaurants. These resources cover tips on navigating Vietnam’s food scene, popular vegetarian-friendly eateries, regional specialities, and must-try dishes across the country.

8. Responsible Tourism in Vietnam

“Responsible travel is not only better for our world, it’s also more interesting and memorable. Responsible tourism is the future of travel.” - Simon Reeve.

Unfortunately, Vietnam is also facing several environmental challenges, largely due to rapid urbanisation and over-tourism! Major tourist destinations like Hạ Long Bay and beaches along the central coast experience high levels of litter, endangering marine ecosystems and diminishing the natural beauty that draws visitors. Additionally, air pollution has been on the rise, especially in bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, stems from increased vehicle emissions and industrial activities.

Here’s how you can embrace responsible tourism to support both the environment and local communities:

Source: Ministry of Tourism, Vietnam

9. Know Basic Vietnamese Phrases or Use Translation Apps

While some online sources suggest that nearly 50% of Vietnam’s population has a basic understanding of English, it’s important to consider two key factors.

This percentage may largely represent people in urban centres and tourist-heavy areas, such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, where English is common in restaurants, hotels, and main attractions.
Many travellers and bloggers report that language poses a significant barrier in more rural and off-the-beaten-path destinations of Vietnam.

So what can you do? Needless to say, it’s best to learn some commonly used Vietnamese phrases, such as:

Xin chào" – (sin chow) – Hello
"Cảm ơn" – (kahm uhn) – Thank you
"Có" – (koh) – Yes
"Không" – (khong) – No
"Xin lỗi" – (sin loy) – Excuse me/Sorry
"Bạn nói tiếng Anh không?" – (ban noy tee-eng ahn khong) – Do you speak English?
"Xin lỗi, tôi không nói tiếng Việt" – (sin loy, toy khong noy tee-eng viet) – Sorry, I don't speak Vietnamese.

Additionally, using translation apps like Google Translate or iTranslate can be invaluable, especially for quick translations when ordering food, asking directions, or reading signs. In fact, consider downloading Google Translate’s Vietnamese language pack, which allows you to access translations even without internet connectivity!

10. Understanding Local Customs and Etiquette

Vietnam is a country steeped in history and rich cultural traditions. Its deeply rooted values shape everyday life. As visitors, we have the responsibility to honour these customs and approach each interaction with respect and awareness.

Here are some local etiquette tips that you can keep in mind to enhance your travel experience and foster meaningful connections with the people and places you encounter.