Vietnam

ABOUT VIETNAM

• Capital: Hanoi (North)

• Population: ~100 million

• Language: Vietnamese

• Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)

• Visa: E-visas available for most nationalities

• Seasons: Tropical in the South, four seasons in the North

? REGIONAL BREAKDOWN

1. Northern Vietnam (Cultural Heart & Mountain Beauty)

• Top Cities & Attractions:

  • Hanoi – Capital, Old Quarter, museums

  • Ha Long Bay – Iconic limestone karsts & cruises

  • Sapa – Ethnic villages, rice terraces, trekking

  • Ha Giang – Remote mountain landscapes, motorbike loop

  • Ninh Binh – “Halong Bay on land”

• Top Experiences:

  • Overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay

  • Trekking with homestay in Sapa or Ha Giang

  • Boat ride in Trang An or Tam Coc

• Food: Pho, bun cha, egg coffee, cha ca

2. Central Vietnam (History, Beaches, and Highlands)

• Top Cities & Attractions:

  • Da Nang – Coastal city, bridges, modern beach life

  • Hoi An – Ancient town, lanterns, tailoring

  • Hue – Former imperial capital, royal tombs

  • Phong Nha – Son Doong Cave & other spelunking adventures

  • Da Lat – Highlands, cool climate, flower farms

  • Nha Trang – Beach resorts, diving

• Top Experiences:

  • Walking through lantern-lit streets of Hoi An

  • Exploring the Imperial Citadel in Hue

  • Riding the Hai Van Pass (Da Nang–Hue)

  • Caving in Phong Nha

• Food: Mi Quang, bun bo Hue, banh beo, cao lau

3. Southern Vietnam (Bustling Cities & Tropical Islands)

• Top Cities & Attractions:

  • Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Modern metropolis, French colonial sites, Cu Chi Tunnels

  • Mekong Delta – Floating markets, coconut farms

  • Phu Quoc Island – Beaches, snorkeling, luxury resorts

  • Vung Tau & Con Dao Islands – Beach getaways, history

  • Tay Ninh – Cao Dai Temple

• Top Experiences:

  • Exploring Cu Chi Tunnels

  • Boat trip through the Mekong Delta

  • Relaxing on Phu Quoc’s white-sand beaches

  • Street food in HCMC’s Ben Thanh Market

• Food: Com tam, hu tieu, banh xeo, tropical fruits

? VIETNAMESE CUISINE HIGHLIGHTS

• North: Balanced, light flavors – Pho, Bun Thang, Cha Ca

• Central: Spicy, complex – Bun Bo Hue, Banh Beo, Nem Lui

• South: Sweeter, bold – Hu Tieu, Banh Xeo, Com Tam

Don’t miss trying street food, which is affordable and delicious across the country.

?️ CLIMATE & BEST TIME TO VISIT

Northern Vietnam

• Spring (Mar–Apr): Mild and fresh

• Summer (May–Aug): Hot and rainy

• Autumn (Sep–Nov): Best time – cool, dry, beautiful

• Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold in mountains

Central Vietnam

• Dry season (Jan–Aug): Hot & sunny

• Rainy season (Sep–Dec): Typhoons may occur

Southern Vietnam

• Dry season (Dec–Apr): Best time for beaches

• Rainy season (May–Nov): Short daily rains, still travelable

✈️ GETTING AROUND

• Airports: Hanoi (Noi Bai), Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), Phu Quoc

• Trains: Reunification Express (Hanoi to HCMC with stops)

• Buses: Extensive & cheap (Futa, Sapa Express, The Sinh Tourist)

• Motorbikes: Great for adventure routes (rent or guided tours)

• Grab: Popular ride-hailing app

• Ferries: For Phu Quoc, Con Dao, and Mekong areas

?️ WHERE TO STAY

• Hostels: From $5–15 USD per night (backpackers)

• Boutique Hotels: $25–60 USD

• Resorts: $80–300+ (especially in Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Da Nang)

• Homestays: In Sapa, Ha Giang, Mai Chau, Mekong Delta – cultural, affordable, authentic

? CULTURE & TRAVEL TIPS

• Visas: Most countries can apply for an e-visa (30 days)

• Respect local customs: Dress modestly at temples, be polite

• Language: Learn a few Vietnamese phrases — appreciated!

• Currency: Cash is king, but cards accepted in cities/resorts

• Tipping: Not required but appreciated (5–10% in restaurants)

• Safety: Vietnam is safe, but beware of pickpockets in busy areas

• Connectivity: Cheap local SIM cards (Viettel, Mobifone)

? FESTIVALS & EVENTS

• Tet (Lunar New Year) – Jan/Feb – Biggest national holiday

• Hue Festival – Royal culture, arts, and performances

• Hoi An Lantern Festival – Monthly on the full moon

• Mid-Autumn Festival – Lanterns and mooncakes (Sep/Oct)

• Perfume Pagoda Pilgrimage – Feb–Mar