Hanoi
Population:8.1 million
Vietnam's capital with a blend of Eastern and Western influences from Chinese and French occupations.
Top attractions
- Hoàn Kiếm Lake
- Old Quarter
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- Temple of Literature
Country guide
Vietnam
A country of breathtaking natural beauty with a fascinating history. Vietnam captivates visitors with its dramatic landscapes, compelling culture, and world-renowned cuisine.
- Capital
- Hanoi
- Language
- Vietnamese
- Currency
- Vietnamese Dong (₫)
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Visa information
Citizens of some countries can enter visa-free for short stays. Many visitors need an e-visa or visa approval letter before arrival.
View full visa requirementsTravel guide
Visa details
Citizens of some countries can enter visa-free for short stays. Many visitors need an e-visa or visa approval letter before arrival.
Cost of travel
- Currency
- Vietnamese Dong (₫)
- Accommodation
- ₫700,000-2,000,000 per night for mid-range hotels, ₫150,000-400,000 for hostels
- Food
- ₫60,000-150,000 per meal at restaurants, ₫20,000-50,000 for street food
- Transportation
- ₫7,000-15,000 for a local bus, ₫300,000-1,000,000 for intercity train/bus tickets
- Activities
- ₫100,000-300,000 for attractions, ₫500,000-1,500,000 for guided tours
- Overall daily budget
- ₫1,000,000-3,000,000 per day depending on travel style
Best time to visit
Different regions have different optimal times. Generally, September to December and March to April are good months to visit most parts of the country.
Weather
Varies by region: tropical in the south, monsoonal in the north with a hot, rainy season (May to September) and a warm, dry season (October to March).
Top cities to visit
Ho Chi Minh City
Population:9 million
The southern commercial hub formerly known as Saigon, with French colonial landmarks.
Top attractions
- Cu Chi Tunnels
- War Remnants Museum
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Ben Thanh Market
Hoi An
Population:120,000
An ancient town known for its well-preserved architecture and charming riverside setting.
Top attractions
- Ancient Town
- Japanese Covered Bridge
- Lantern Market
- An Bang Beach
Da Nang
Population:1.1 million
A coastal city known for its sandy beaches and significant port.
Top attractions
- Marble Mountains
- Dragon Bridge
- Ba Na Hills
- My Khe Beach
Hue
Population:530,000
The former imperial capital with preserved palaces and temples along the Perfume River.
Top attractions
- Imperial Citadel
- Thien Mu Pagoda
- Tomb of Tu Duc
- Dong Ba Market
Top attractions
Ha Long Bay
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring thousands of limestone karsts and isles in various shapes and sizes.
Location: Quang Ninh Province
Hoi An Ancient Town
A well-preserved Southeast Asian trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries, known for its wooden-fronted houses and colorful lanterns.
Location: Quang Nam Province
Mekong Delta
A vast maze of rivers, swamps, and islands, home to floating markets, pagodas, and villages surrounded by rice paddies.
Location: Southwestern Vietnam
Cu Chi Tunnels
An immense network of connecting underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War.
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient limestone karsts and the world's largest cave, Son Doong.
Location: Quang Binh Province
Other destinations in Asia
View all countries in this regionTravel tips
- Always check for updated visa requirements before your trip.
- Consider travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
- Research local customs and etiquette before your visit.
- Keep digital and physical copies of important documents.
Vietnam travel cost calculator
Cost breakdown
- Accommodation (3 nights, 1 room)
- ₫2,100,000–6,000,000
- Food (2 × 3 days, 2 meals a day)
- ₫720,000–1,800,000
- Transport (2 × 3 days, 2 rides a day)
- ₫84,000–180,000
- Activities (2 × 3 days, 1 a day)
- ₫600,000–1,800,000
- Total estimated cost
- ₫3,504,000–9,780,000
- Per person
- ₫1,752,000–4,890,000
Note: These estimates use this guide’s own prices and may vary with season, location and personal preferences. Consider adding a 10-20% buffer for unexpected expenses.