Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, diverse cuisine, rich culture, and affordable prices. In recent years, Vietnam has become a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. In this post, we’ll provide you with essential travel information about Vietnam, covering geography, climate, visas, transportation, destinations, food, and suggested itineraries.
Topography and climate
Vietnam is divided into three main regions: Northern Vietnam, Central Vietnam, and Southern Vietnam, comprising 34 provinces and major cities. Each region has its own distinct climate, landscape, and cultural identity, creating a rich variety of travel experiences across the country.
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1. Northern Vietnam
Northern Vietnam consists of 15 provinces and cities: Hanoi, Hai Phong, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Lao Cai, Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, Cao Bang, Tuyen Quang, Thai Nguyen, Phu Tho, and Ninh Binh.
Famous tourist destinations include Hanoi, Ha Long Bay (Quang Ninh), Sapa & Fansipan (Lao Cai), Ninh Binh’s Trang An and Tam Coc, Ban Gioc Waterfall (Cao Bang), Moc Chau (Son La), and Mai Chau (Hoa Binh). The region ranges from lowland deltas to majestic northern mountains bordering China and Laos, offering dramatic landscapes, terraced rice fields, limestone karsts, and rich cultural diversity.
Northern Vietnam has a combination of four distinct seasons. Summer (May to September) is hot and humid with heavy rainfall, while winter (November to February) is cool to cold, often cloudy, and characterized by drizzle in the lowlands. Mountainous areas can experience temperatures approaching or even dropping below 0°C during the coldest months. Spring and autumn are mild and comfortable, making them ideal for travel.
2. Central Vietnam
Central Vietnam consists of 11 provinces and cities: Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Hue, Quang Tri, Da Nang, Quang Ngai, Khanh Hoa, Gia Lai, Lam Dong, and Dak Lak.
Famous tourist destinations include Hue’s Imperial City, Da Nang, Hoi An Ancient Town, Phong Nha–Ke Bang (Quang Tri), Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa), Quy Nhon (Gia Lai), Da Lat (Lam Dong). This region stretches along the coastline and the Central Highlands, combining beaches, historical heritage, and cool-climate highlands.
Central Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate with two main seasons. The dry season (January to August) is generally sunny and warm, especially along the coast. The rainy season (September to December) brings heavy showers and occasional typhoons, particularly to the central coast. The Central Highlands enjoy cooler temperatures year-round due to higher elevation.
3. Southern Vietnam
Southern Vietnam consists of 8 provinces and cities: Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, Tay Ninh, Vinh Long, Dong Thap, Ca Mau, An Giang, and Can Tho.
Famous tourist destinations include Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant urban landmarks, Vung Tau, Ba Den Mountain (Tay Ninh), Cai Rang Floating Market (Can Tho), Tra Su Forest & Sam Mountain (An Giang), Tram Chim National Park (Dong Thap), and Cape Ca Mau. The region features bustling cities, fertile river plains, tropical wetlands, and the extensive waterways of the Mekong River Delta.
Southern Vietnam has two primary seasons. The dry season (December to April) is warm, relatively less humid, and ideal for travel. The rainy season (May to November) brings short but intense tropical showers, with peak rainfall from June to September. Temperatures remain warm throughout the year, typically ranging from 25–35°C.
Best time to visit Vietnam
Due to Vietnam’s extensive territory and varied terrain, the climate differs significantly across regions. While the North and South regions experience heavy rains in the summer, the coastal regions receive more rain in the winter. Overall, the best time to explore Vietnam is from December to April, when the weather is cool and dry, also the peak tourist season.
Visas
Vietnam offers visa-free entry to many countries, and the e-Visa process is now fast, simple, and fully online. Below is the list of countries eligible for visa-free entry and their permitted length of stay.
- 14 days: Myanmar, Brunei.
- 21 days: The Philippines.
- 30 days: Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Belarus.
- 45 days: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland.
- 90 days: Chile, Panama.
Note: Visa exemption policies may change. You can check the latest updates at the official website: https://evisa.gov.vn/
For those not from visa-exempt countries, obtaining a Vietnam e-visa is easy. Vietnam offers electronic visas to citizens of all countries and territories, allowing a stay of up to 90 days. The e-visa fee is $25 for a single-entry visa and $50 for a multiple-entry visa. Apply at the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department.
Money and exchange
The currency used in Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong, or the ‘dong’. There are 10 common denominations ranging from 500 dong to the highest denomination of 500,000 dong. The current exchange rate is approximately 1 US dollar equals about 26,000 dong, meaning the highest denomination of 500,000 dong is roughly equivalent to 19 US dollars.
Transportation
Vietnam has a relatively well-developed transportation network, including international and domestic airports, the North-South railway, and extensive road networks.
Vietnam has 22 civilian airports, with 11 international airports. The largest are Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City, Noi Bai in Hanoi, and Da Nang in Da Nang, serving as major gateways for tourists.
The North-South railway stretches 1,726 kilometers from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Despite being an aging railway system of nearly 80 years old, traveling by train offers a uniquely captivating experience thanks to the scenic views along the way. One drawback of this railway route is its slow speed, with the journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City taking approximately 30 hours.
Vietnam’s road network spans provinces, with National Route 1A and the North-South Expressway serving as major arteries. However, numerous roads are narrow and suffer from deterioration, making self-driving not recommended for tourists unfamiliar with Vietnamese roads. For destinations within a 300-kilometer radius, buses offer a convenient and economical transportation option.
Internet
In Vietnam, Wi-Fi is everywhere, from restaurants, cafes, and hotels to roadside eateries. Public spots like airports, train stations, or bus terminals also provide free Wi-Fi access. However, if you want to maintain continuous connectivity, you can purchase a SIM during your stay. Standard packages typically cost around $7 per month, offering 4GB of daily internet usage. SIMs are conveniently sold at airports.
Cost of traveling in Vietnam
Traveling in Vietnam is notably affordable. According to a survey conducted in our Welcome to Vietnam community, the average cost for a 3-week trip ranges from 750 to 1,500 US dollars. It’s worth noting that expenses in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City tend to be higher compared to other destinations in the country.
Travel tips
- Use AI•Companion as a virtual assistant – Chat to get travel answers, discover high-quality maps and images, and find accommodation, tours, and more to make your trip easier, more budget-friendly, and enjoyable.
- Book tickets in advance – Popular routes (trains, flights, ferries) fill up quickly during peak season.
- Learn basic Vietnamese phrases – Simple greetings, “thank you,” and numbers go a long way.
- Stay hydrated and protect from sun – Tropical climate can be hot and humid, especially in the south.
- Use ride-hailing apps – Grab and Be are convenient and usually cheaper than taxis.
- Bargain politely in markets – Haggling is expected in local markets, but always with a smile.
