This guide covers everything you need for your short-term trip to Vietnam, from bustling cities to tranquil beaches. Whether you’re here for the rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, or mouthwatering cuisine, this checklist will help you plan an unforgettable adventure.
🇻🇳 Welcome to Vietnam 🇻🇳
Vietnam, located in Southeast Asia, is famous for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant street food culture. With bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as serene destinations like Ha Long Bay and Hoi An, Vietnam offers something for every traveler.
The Essentials
Weather
Vietnam’s climate varies depending on the region:
Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay) has four seasons, with the best time to visit being from October to April, during the cool, dry months.
Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang) experiences a tropical monsoon climate, with the dry season from February to August.
Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta) is hot year-round with a wet season from May to November and a dry season from December to April.
The best time to visit Vietnam overall is during the dry season (November to April).
Money Matters
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
- While credit cards are accepted in major cities and tourist areas, Vietnam is still a cash-dominated society, especially for street food, markets, and transportation. ATMs are readily available in urban areas.
Top Tip – Tipping isn’t mandatory but appreciated for good service, especially in restaurants and with tour guides
Language
Official Language: Vietnamese
English is widely spoken in tourist areas, especially in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but learning basic Vietnamese phrases will enhance your experience. Carry a translation app like Google Translate for added convenience.
Connectivity and Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés, and restaurants.
- SIM cards are available at airports and in city centers. Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone are the main mobile providers, offering affordable packages for data.
- An alternative to SIM cards are eSIMs, an eSIM is a digital SIM card that you can download on your phone and use for the duration of your trip click here to find out more information about my favourite eSim Provider Airalo!
Plug & Sockets
Vietnam uses plug types A, C, and F, with a standard voltage of 220V and a frequency of 50Hz. It’s advisable to bring a universal adapter.
Safety and Emergency Numbers
- Police: 113
- Fire: 114
- Ambulance: 115
- Vietnam is generally a safe country for travelers, but it’s good to be cautious of petty theft, especially in busy areas like markets and tourist hotspots.
Travel and Transport
Air
Vietnam has several international airports, with Hanoi (Noi Bai), Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), and Da Nang being the largest. Domestic flights are affordable and convenient for traveling between regions.
Public Transport
Trains: Vietnam’s Reunification Express connects Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, offering a scenic but slow way to travel across the country.
Buses: Buses are a popular and affordable way to get around, though journeys can be long due to Vietnam’s geography. Sleeper buses are available for longer trips.
Motorbike taxis: A popular and thrilling way to get around, especially in cities. Apps like Grab make booking motorbike taxis easy and safe.
Car Rental
Renting a car with a driver is common for tourists, especially for day trips. Driving yourself is not recommended unless you have a local license, as traffic can be chaotic.
Top tip: Vietnam drives on the right-hand side. In cities, traffic can be hectic, so crossing streets requires patience and confidence. Motorbikes are the dominant mode of transportation.
Food and Culture
Vietnam’s cuisine is world-renowned for its fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and balance of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy. Don’t miss these must-try dishes:
🍲 Pho – Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup, made with fragrant broth, herbs, rice noodles, and your choice of beef or chicken.
🥢 Banh Mi – A French-Vietnamese fusion sandwich with pâté, pickled vegetables, and various fillings like grilled pork or egg.
🍜 Bun Cha – Grilled pork served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce, a Hanoi specialty.
🥟 Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls) – Light and refreshing rice paper rolls filled with shrimp, pork, and vegetables, served with a peanut dipping sauce.
Top tip: Tap water is not safe to drink in Vietnam, so stick to bottled or filtered water, which is widely available.
Packing List
Before heading off, make sure you have these essentials for your trip to Vietnam:
🧴 Sunscreen and insect repellent – The tropical sun can be strong, and mosquitoes are common in certain areas, especially the countryside.
👒 Light, breathable clothing – Vietnam’s climate can be hot and humid, so pack accordingly.
🧣 A scarf or light jacket – Useful for cooler evenings, mountain regions, or visiting religious sites where modest dress is required.
☔ Rain jacket or umbrella – Sudden rain showers are common, especially during the wet season.
Useful Apps
📲 Grab – The go-to app for booking taxis and motorbike rides. Download here.
📲 Google Translate – Useful for translating Vietnamese phrases and menus. Download here.
📲 Maps.me – A great offline map for navigating areas with limited internet access. Download here.
📲 Foody.vn – For finding popular restaurants and cafes in Vietnam.
Vietnam is a destination that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, nature, and incredible food. Whether you’re sailing through Ha Long Bay, exploring ancient temples, or diving into street food stalls, Vietnam will leave you with unforgettable memories. Enjoy your trip!
Lizzieontour 
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