Vietnam travel guide

Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, central coast and islands: plan transport, money, seasonal weather and connectivity before your trip.

What to know

Choose an eSIM

VIETNAM

Vietnam essentials

A practical starting point for your itinerary. Check current conditions with official sources.

Cities and coast

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City for urban exploration; Da Nang, Hoi An and Nha Trang for the central coast; Phu Quoc for an island stay.

Explore Vietnam

Travel documents

Check entry requirements for your nationality, passport, trip purpose and arrival point on the official immigration portal.

Official entry information

Internet and eSIM

Compare local SIM, travel eSIM and roaming; check phone compatibility and package conditions before buying.

Internet in Vietnam

Money and payments

The currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND). Carry cash for small purchases and check whether your bank card works abroad.

Currency and payments

Getting around

Combine flights, trains or intercity buses according to distance. Check pickup locations, luggage rules and current schedules.

Transport information

Regional weather

Northern, central and southern Vietnam have different seasons. Check local forecasts and storm warnings for each stop.

Weather and climate

Money & payments in Vietnam

The currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND). Use banks or authorised exchange services and check the current rate; this guide does not quote fixed prices or conversion rates.

Ask your bank whether your card works abroad and review ATM, conversion and overseas transaction terms.

Keep a modest cash backup for places that do not accept your card. Carry only what you need for the day.

Check the currency shown at checkout and compare your bank’s conversion with any offered conversion before accepting.

A practical payment checklist

Save your bank’s contact details and enable transaction alerts.

Separate your backup card and cash from your main wallet.

Do not assume every foreign card or payment app is accepted; confirm directly with the merchant.

Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and the coast

In Hanoi, allow time for the Old Quarter and lakes, and plan northern excursions separately from a city break.

Ho Chi Minh City is a useful southern base for museums, city neighbourhoods and Mekong Delta trips.

Da Nang offers a coastal base; nearby Hoi An is known for its historic town. Allow time for transfers between them.

Nha Trang combines a coastal city stay with beach activities. Phu Quoc is an island destination; confirm flights or ferry conditions before travelling.

Avoid trying to cover all six places in a short visit. Choose a region first and add travel days between distant stops.

When to travel and how to prepare

The north can have cool winters; central Vietnam has its own rainy season; the south alternates wet and dry periods. There is no single best season for every region.

Check the forecast shortly before departure. Keep buffer time for boat trips and outdoor plans when heavy rain or storms are forecast.

Confirm documents through the official immigration portal. Save accommodation details, bookings and emergency contacts offline.

Transport and practical advice

Use current airline, railway or bus schedules. Check stations and transfer times rather than assuming a short journey between distant cities.

Keep your phone secure in traffic, use trusted transport providers and confirm the pickup point. Do not ride a motorbike without checking licence and insurance requirements.

Prepare offline maps, a charged power bank and a data plan. Keep a backup payment method and small dong notes for everyday purchases.

Vietnam travel FAQ

Useful answers before you set off. Conditions can change; use the official links below.

Which region should I choose first?

Is the weather the same everywhere?

Where should I check entry requirements?

Can I pay everywhere by card?

How should I travel between cities?

Do I need a local SIM?

Can I combine Da Nang and Hoi An?

What should I prepare offline?

Official sources

Check current guidance before travelling. Entry rules, services and weather may change.

Vietnam Immigration: e-Visa

Vietnam Tourism: trip planning

Vietnam Tourism: transport

Vietnam Tourism: weather

All destinations

TravelKit — a little preparation, more experiences.

All destinations →