Vietnam Travel FAQ
Where should I book my return flight from Vietnam?
You can book directly from your country or through a local travel agent. Always double-check the allowable luggage weight with your airline because being overweight at the airport usually comes at a high cost.
Tan Son Nhat international airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City belongs to southern Vietnam and is home to the largest airport and city in Vietnam, and Noi Bai international airport (HAN) in Hanoi is home to Vietnam’s capital belongs to northern Vietnam, are the two largest and busiest international airports in the country, the majority of international flights landing and taking off from here.
What type of lodging should I book to stay in Vietnam?
With average temperatures in Vietnam’s major regions ranging from 25-35 degrees C, you might want a hotel with a pool (except in the winter in northern Vietnam, from 15-20 degrees C, from December to March).
If you book your room in advance online or with a travel agent, double-check everything that’s included in your room rates, such as breakfast, a daily service charge, and tax. Also, location is important. Staying in a hotel in the heart of tourist areas will allow you to explore the area’s highlights more easily and not pay as much for transportation, such as taxis, buses, and subways.
What are some Vietnamese foods to try?
Vietnamese foods originate from different areas in Vietnam, from the mountains to the beaches and from the cities to the deltas. Be sure to try Pho and Bun Cha, easily found at local restaurants. For a treat, try locally grown watermelon, durian, and mangosteen.
You can buy fresh fruits at local shops, markets, and roadside stands. It’s recommended to try the local reasonably priced food in each Vietnamese region.
What are the best tips when traveling with children in Vietnam?
The tips when traveling with children in Vietnam
1. Take an umbrella and suitable clothes with you
Since temperatures can vary from very hot to a sudden rainstorm in the dry seasons, ranging from May to September in Vietnam, bring an umbrella and layer your clothing, ready for any weather changes.
2. Keep water handy
During Vietnam’s dry season, ranging from May to September, your car should have air conditioning. Bottled water is also useful to have on excursions because you will be walking a lot and there aren’t many places to buy water near the sites, temples, and pagodas.
3. A stroller and some familiar items are helpful for travel with children
Bring their favorite snacks and toys. Also, remember to pack some medical supplies like medicine and bandages. A stroller is highly useful for transporting children and other items, like drinks or packages.
4. Limit transfers as much as possible
If you’re traveling with children, try not to do too much in one day.
5. Combine an entertainment complex into your itinerary
At entertainment venues such as parks, zoos, and game complexes, children can play on their own. Plan to take your children to these incredible locations so they can share these memorable adventures with you.
The best activities for children when traveling in Vietnam
1. Take a cyclo ride
Your children can easily take a cyclo ride in any tourist city in Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, which is located in northern Vietnam, or in the old towns of Hoi An and Hue, which are located in central Vietnam.
2. Seeing a water puppet show
This is one of the most interesting activities for any kid, as water puppets are very skillfully controlled by puppeteers hidden behind a screen, and the show lasts approximately 1-2 hours. In the tourist destinations of Vietnam, it is simple to purchase a reasonable ticket for this show.
3. Light a lantern in Hoi An
With thousands of lanterns floating on the river at the same time, visitors will have the opportunity to see Hoi An as a colorful festival. If you want to immerse yourself in this special lantern party, you can rent a basket boat rowed by a local who will take you around the river to get a better view, or you can buy a lantern to float on the river with the locals.
Take part in this unique festival, and don’t forget to eat plenty of the local cuisine served along the walking streets of the old town.
4. Take an eco-tour, including a cooking class in Hoi An
An Eco-tour in Hoi An is a unique tour that is only available in the countryside of Hoi An, in Vietnam’s central region. Despite being only half a day long, the trip includes some very exciting activities and sightseeing while cycling through palm groves, bridges, and water buffalo fields along the Thu Bon River, home to local fishing villages.
While admiring the scenery, you may even see farmers working in their rice fields using centuries-old farming techniques. The eco-tour also included learning how to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes and tasting them. This is a trip that is appropriate for people of all ages, especially children, who will undoubtedly enjoy it.
5. Take a boat cruise in Halong
Halong Bay would be a magical stop on your trip through Vietnam. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has its own distinct beauty. The many tall limestone karst pillars are surrounded by the bay’s beautiful green waters, making for an excellent photo opportunity.
Children can choose to relax on the cruise ship or participate in other activities such as cave exploration, kayaking, and possibly spotting fishermen near their floating village.
6. Trying the street food
Never forget to have your children try the world-famous local food in Vietnam, which is plentiful on the streets of the central cities throughout Vietnam, such as Pho “noodle”, Bun Cha, Cha Ca…
7. Cruise the Mekong River Delta to see how the locals live on the water
A boat trip down the Mekong River is one of the most exciting tours that your children should take in the south of Vietnam. Children will see the locals’ simple way of life through their simple houses and ordinary wooden boats on a boat trip here.
A visit to the fruit garden, where children can sample a variety of fresh-tasting fruits, is also included in the cruise trip, as is a small wooden boat rowed by locals through small water canals filled with green coconuts and unique stilt houses.
8. Explore the Cu Chi tunnels
During the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels were an important place for Viet Cong soldiers to fight and live. It is about an hour’s drive from Saigon to this site.
Your children will be able to participate in some fun activities while also learning about tunnel systems and the difficult lives of Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War on this site.
Are there any suggestions for Vietnam souvenirs?
If you are interested in souvenirs, there are many unique items throughout Vietnam: Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, has crafts at Bat Trang Ceramic Village, Dong Ho painting village, Dong Ky bronze village, and some embroidery villages.
Sapa is a small town in the Lao Cai province, located in a mountainous area in northern Vietnam. Many ethnic groups live here, such as Dzay, Dao, and other Thai groups. Their life here is very poor, deprived of things like food, clothes, and footwear, so families embroider many items to sell, making nice gifts for tourists.
Vietnam’s old town, Hoi An, has a wide variety of souvenirs at reasonable prices. You can even have garments tailored and arrange a pickup time. The locals in Hoi An also sell lanterns of all kinds, light and easy enough to pack in your luggage.
What are the standard tips for a tour guide & driver in Vietnam?
Regardless of the tip, a tour guide generally gives it his or her all. Because almost all tour guides are sensitive to the subject, tipping is rarely suggested and not required, but very much appreciated for doing a good job.
As a result, visitors should consider tipping each of their tour guides and drivers $5 to $20 or more per person each day.
Are laundry services available in hotels or in the town?
It is becoming more common for hotels to offer laundry service because more tourists are learning to pack light, but if they don’t, they can usually direct you to a reasonably priced laundry service nearby.
What are the physical demands of the tour?
Regardless of your age, our tours are moderately active. Always wear comfortable walking shoes.
What should I pack for my trip?
1. Personal items
Except in northern Vietnam from December to February, with the average temperatures ranging from 10-20°C, the average temperatures all year range from 25 to 35°C so bring lightweight clothing as well as shirts with sleeves, a lightweight sweater, or jacket, long pants or skirts, to be able to enter Vietnam temples or pagodas, per their restrictions at historical landmarks.
2. Update the current state of politics and security
To avoid unexpected complications upon arrival and throughout your stay, check the latest Visa information, mosquito vaccine, and so on.
3. Learn some basic daily habits and local customs before you arrive
To ensure that you adhere to the customs of the country you are visiting, your tour guide will review some basic daily habits and local customs. Simple greetings of hello are welcomed, as well as a thank you or goodbye. When you speak with the locals directly, they will appreciate it.
4. Bring any necessary medicine
Bring your prescriptions in their regular containers, as well as sunscreen or insect repellent, depending on your location. Medicine is available in Myanmar but it’s convenient if you come prepared.
(Always remember to pack LIGHT – one carry-on and one purse/backpack only, whether it is a 1-week or 4-week trip.)
How long must my passport be valid for international travel?
A passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the end of a journey in most countries. If your passport expires sooner, you will need to apply for a renewal before you leave.
What should I wear to visit Vietnam Buddhist temples?
Vietnam is a Buddhist country, so avoid wearing too short skirts and pants when visiting temples and pagodas.
What are the major regions & international airports in Vietnam?
The Regions of Vietnam
Vietnam is divided into three regions: • North
• Central
• South
The North of Vietnam: Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam – Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
It is easy to catch flights to countries in Southeast Asia and other regions of the world to/from Hanoi.
These flight times are to/from Hanoi: • Siem Reap, Cambodia 1hr 45min
• Bangkok, Thailand 1hr 50min
• Yangon, Myanmar 1hr 55min
• Singapore 3hrs 45min
• Singapore 1hr 45min
The Central Vietnam: Hue – Phu Bai International Airport (HUI) & Danang – Danang International Airport (DAD)
To/ from Hue and Danang, it is easy to catch flights to cities within Vietnam and some Southeast Asian countries.
These flight times are to/from Hue & Danang: • Ho Chi Minh City (domestic flight) 1hr
• Hanoi (domestic flight) 1hr
• Bangkok, Thailand 1hr 40min
• Hong Kong 2hrs
• Singapore 2hrs 45min
The South of Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam – Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
To/ from Ho Chi Minh City, it is accessible to catch flights to countries in Southeast Asia and other regions of the world.
These flight times are to/from Ho Chi Minh City: • Siem Reap, Cambodia 1hr 15min
• Bangkok, Thailand 1hr
• Yangon, Myanmar 2hrs
• Singapore 2hrs
The major international airports in Vietnam
The North: Hanoi – Noi Bai Airport (HAN)
The Central: Danang – Danang Airport (DAD)
Hue – Phu Bai Airport (HUI)
Nha Trang – Cam Ranh Airport (CXR)
Da Lat – Lien Khuong Airport (DLI)
The South: Ho Chi Minh City – Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN)
Phu Quoc – Phu Quoc Airport (PQC)
Domestic flights within Vietnam take between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the departure and arrival airports.
What are the best months to travel Vietnam?
• The best time to visit Vietnam is during the dry season, which lasts from October to April. Temperature ranges from 18°C to 28°C.
• The rainy season lasts from early May to September, but will not affect your trip, as it doesn’t rain for long periods of time. Temperature ranges from 25°C to 35°C.
Do I need a Visa to travel to Vietnam?
To begin, travelers’ passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Vietnam.
Visa Exemption
With an ordinary passport from the below countries, you can travel to Vietnam without a visa up to:
14 Days for Brunei, Myanmar
15 Days for Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom
21 Days for The Philippines
30 Days for Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand
To stay beyond this number of days, you may apply for a visa extension upon your arrival in Vietnam.
Visa Required
If you are not exempt, you must apply for a Vietnam visa by one of the methods listed below
• You can apply for a Vietnam visa at your nearest Vietnam Embassy
• You can also request that your travel agent or the person organizing your trip to Vietnam obtain a Letter of Visa Approval on your behalf, this service also takes only about 2-3 working days. Then, you present this visa letter, along with your original passport and the visa fee (approximately $25-30 USD), to get a Vietnam Visa on your arrival date at one of three international airports in Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, or Hanoi.
Vietnam E-Visa
E-visa fee is USD 25 and this fee is paid via the electronic payment gateway owned by the Vietnamese Immigration Department. The processing time is 2-3 working days.
• You will receive your code by email to print your e-visa.
• Travelers with an e-Visa can go directly to immigration counters at their point of entry and do not need to queue at Visa on Arrival counters.
• With a Vietnam E-visa, you do not need to wait for a visa approval letter or pay a stamp fee at the airport.
Click for a list of 80 countries (nations) that are eligible for a Vietnam E-Visa (Single Entry, Valid 30 Days)
Click here to apply online for the Vietnam E-Visa, valid for 30 Days
What are the current COVID-19 and Visa Policies in Vietnam?
Vietnam is now open for international tourists (from March 15th, 2022). All travelers will be able to enter the country without quarantine and will be able to travel freely throughout the country regardless of vaccination status. No pre- or on-arrival Covid testing is required.
What are the top destinations in Vietnam?
HA NOI: Vietnam’s capital, ancient pagodas, top museums, and amazing street food
SA PA: Magnificent mountain trekking, ethnic homestays, and top views
HA LONG BAY: UNESCO-listed site with more than 2000 islands & islets, amazing cruises
NINH BINH: a UNESCO-listed Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, impressive boat trips
PHONG NHA: a UNESCO-listed natural site, caves & junk eco-tours, and boat trips
HUE: a UNESCO-listed site, Vietnam’s ancient capital, world-famous traditional food
DA NANG: A city worth living in with beautiful beaches, special local food, and spa retreats
HOI AN: UNESCO-listed Hoi An Old Town site, beautiful beaches, and local food specialties
NHA TRANG: The beautiful beaches, islands, resorts, spa, entertainment, and seafood
HO CHI MINH CITY: Vietnam’s largest city, with local coffee, food, and ancient architecture
MEKONG DELTA: Canal boat trips, local water-river life, floating markets, & mangrove forests
What are the best things to do in Vietnam?
1. Take an eco-tour, including a cooking class in Hoi An
Experience the basket boat in an Eco-tour in Hoi An
Eco-tour in Hoi An is a unique tour that is only available in the countryside of Hoi An, Vietnam’s central region. Despite being only a half-day, the trip offers authentic sightseeing experiences like cycling through palm groves, water buffalo fields, and over bridges, along the Thu Bon River – home to local fishing villages. While admiring the scenery, maybe you will see farmers working in their rice fields using centuries-old farming techniques.
Cycling in the Hoi An countryside
The tour also includes visits to local families in Cam Thanh and Tra Que Villages, two unique Hoi An villages. Daily traditional activities such as growing a wide variety of vegetables, sailing the basket boat, or catching fish in their small canals are still practiced. By visiting here, tourists will also have the chance to learn about environmentally sustainable practices that local villagers have used for centuries, still widely used today.
Cooking and tasting traditional Vietnamese dishes is also specially included in this eco-tour. This trip is appropriate for all ages, with children enjoying it as well.
2. Never miss a boat cruise in Halong Bay
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Halong Bay would be a magical stop on your trip through Vietnam. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has its distinct beauty. The bay’s beautiful green waters surround the many tall limestone karst pillars, making for an excellent photo opportunity.
This vast and unique landscape will appeal to all ages. You can choose to relax on the cruise ship or participate in other activities such as cave exploration, kayaking, and possibly spotting fishermen near their floating village.
Halong Bay, a must-see site in Vietnam
The cruise ships are extremely comfortable, with large bay windows in the cabins, wonderful meals, and service. You will feel fortunate to have included a boat cruise on Halong Bay in your trip to Vietnam, an experience you will never forget.
3. “Pho” is a must-try food in Vietnam
“Pho” is a world-famous dish
Pho, a world-famous dish, is one of Vietnam’s most important breakfast dishes, but can be eaten anytime. Tourists can easily find a local Pho restaurant in Vietnam because it is available in almost every corner of the country, with very popular places to try this specialty in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital.
Pho is made with simple ingredients such as clear stock, rice noodles, herbs, or green onions, usually with boiled beef or chicken. It is suitable for people of all ages. Many Vietnamese restaurants serve Pho, but the most well-known are Pho Thin and Pho Ly Quoc Su, both of which have their distinct flavor.
Pho (noodle) in Vietnam
It is also not expensive to have a special bowl of Pho at any location in Vietnam, ranging from 30,000VND to 60,000VND (1.5 USD – 2 USD), so you should not miss out on this economical meal during your trip to Vietnam.
4. Have a rooftop coffee in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
A rooftop coffee in Vietnam
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are the largest and best two cities in Vietnam, with world-famous rooftop restaurants for those who want to learn about the bustling life of Vietnamese locals from the rooftops.
From these rooftop restaurants, you can not only enjoy special food and drinks, but you can also see thousands of different motorbikes and cars on the roads below. Sometimes, however, you may see some collisions in front of you, because the roads are so very congested in Vietnam.
A rooftop coffee in Hanoi or Saigon is great
In Hanoi, you can have a rooftop coffee or some special food and drinks at the “Ham Ca Map” building, which is located at No. 7 Dinh Tien Hoang Street (near Hoan Kiem Lake, the heart of Hanoi). The rooftop of this restaurant offers an incredible view of the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. Or, if you’re in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), don’t miss the Lounge on level 50 of the Bitexco Financial Tower for a bird’s-eye view of Vietnam’s largest city.
5. Light a lantern at the lantern festival in Hoi An
Light a lantern in Hoi An
The Lantern Festival is a must-see for visitors to Hoi An, also known as the “Old Town of Hoi An,” one of the world’s UNESCO cultural heritage sites. This one-of-a-kind festival will take place this year on February 1st, 2022, and in 2023, on February 10th, 2023, lasting 7 days during Tet Festival (Vietnamese New Year) and only a day during every full moon in Vietnamese.
With thousands of lanterns floating on the river at the same time, visitors will have the opportunity to see Hoi An as a colorful festival. If you want to immerse yourself in this special lantern party, you can rent a basket boat rowed by a local who will take you around the river to get a better view, or you can buy a lantern to float on the river with the locals.
The Lantern Festival is a must-see for visitors to Hoi An
Take part in this unique festival, and don’t forget to eat plenty of the local cuisine served along the walking streets of Hoi An’s old town. With over 50 workshops, most of the locals take part in this special festival by creating beautiful traditional lanterns to display. Visitors will enjoy this unique Hoi An experience, one not to miss.
6. Cruise the Mekong River Delta
The floating markets in the Mekong River Delta of Vietnam
A boat trip down the Mekong River is another exciting tour to take in Southern Vietnam. Visitors can observe the way the locals live by their basic houses and ordinary wooden boats.
The cruise trip also includes a visit to the fruit garden, where you can try a variety of fresh fruits. A small wooden boat rowed by locals will take you through the small water canals, where you can also see green coconuts and many unique houses on stilts.
With boats being the primary mode of transportation in the Mekong River Delta, locals and even children can easily control their boats, even in the most tucked-away corners of the canals.
Rowing a boat in the Mekong River
Tourists, in particular, will be able to listen to folk and traditional songs performed by locals while visiting the Mekong River Delta’s water river villages. A boat trip to the Mekong River Delta is a must-do on any trip to the southern part of Vietnam, especially if you want to understand what life is like there.
7. Explore Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site
The old town of Hoi An, a UNESCO-listed site
A visit to a UNESCO World Heritage Site is eye-opening on any trip. Having Hoian as a destination option in Vietnam makes it very easy to incorporate those special sites into your itinerary. Hoi An is a sensory-overloading experience.
The first things you notice are the ancient-tiled rooftops and a variety of colorful flowers. You’ll realize why Hoi An is known as the “City of Lights”. At dusk, hundreds of elegant silk lanterns are illuminated on the river of the old town near the Japanese Covered Bridge. The reflection of the lantern light on the buildings is magnificent.
Pedestrian-friendly streets are home to a variety of tailor-made clothing stores, art galleries, bars, cafes, street food, and restaurants, serving regional specialties. Over 800 historic structures, including temples, Buddhist shrines, and French colonial houses, are also found in Hoi An.
The old town of Hoi An is a world-famous, unique cultural site
Aside from admiring the old town’s architecture, it’s also fun to ride in a basket boat for the first time and take a cooking class in a nearby village. You can also ride a bike through the surrounding countryside of Hoi An, where you can see farm animals, ancient cemeteries, and some of central Vietnam’s best beaches.
An Bang Beach, named one of the Top 100 Best Beaches in the World by CNN in 2016, allows you to walk along the long sandy shore, join a yoga class, or relax on a hammock, happy that you chose Hoi An as your destination.
8. Trekking through fields and ethnic villages in Sapa
The local villages in Sapa, northern Vietnam
Sapa is located in northern Vietnam and is home to a variety of ethnic groups, including the H’Mong, Dao, and Tay people. These ethnic minorities are dispersed throughout Sapa’s villages.
When visiting Sapa, tourists will be able to see some of the most magnificent mountainous landscapes in northern Vietnam, as well as trek along the rice terraced rice fields, which are located in a unique mix of ethnic villages.
Sapa is also a place where tourists can learn about the local cultures and stay the night at a homestay. Then, they can learn more about these distinct cultures while also enjoying the regional cuisine.
Sapa in the ripe rice season
Sapa is also well-known for Fansipan Mountain, “the Roof of Indochina,” which is the highest mountain in Vietnam and the Indochina Peninsula.
9. Take a Vespa tour – Guided by Vietnamese Ao Dai girls
Vespa Tour
Vietnam is known for its world-famous local food and various cultures throughout the country. To learn more about Vietnamese food and culture, take a Vespa tour, which is ridden and guided by girls dressed in the Vietnamese traditional long dress known as “Ao Dai”.
10. Take a cooking class in Vietnam
Cooking Class is a must-try activity in Vietnam
Vietnam is still known for its world-famous food, with various street foods available in all of the country’s major cities, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, and Hue.
There are a variety of cooking classes available in tourist cities throughout Vietnam, so it is an excellent opportunity for tourists to participate in short-term cooking classes. These include going to local markets with guides to select the ingredients for a dish that you will learn to cook. Depending on the dish, it usually takes 3-4 hours to prepare and cook.
Although Vietnamese food is delicious, its ingredients are also simple to find and prepare, so you’ll be sure to remember to cook at home once you’ve returned from your trip to Vietnam.
▸ Best Vietnam Tours
▸ Best Southeast Asia Tours
What are the top medical facilities in Vietnam, and where are they located?
Northern Vietnam includes: Hanoi
- Hanoi French Hospital
- Vietnam – Cuba Dong Hoi Friendship Hospital
- Hanoi Hospital
- Friendship Hospital
- Vietnam Germany Hospital
- Raffles Medical International Clinic in Hanoi
- Vinmec International Hospital
- FMP Hanoi – Phòng khám Đa khoa, Nhi khoa quốc tế hàng đầu
- BV Nhi Trung Uơng
- Bach Mai Hospital
- Thanh Nhan Hospital
- Bệnh viện đa khoa Hồng Ngọc
- Hanoi Medical University Hospital
- Thu Cuc International General Hospital
- Bệnh viện Đa khoa MEDLATEC
- Hoe Nhai General Hospital
- Mai Huong Hospital
- LOTUS CLINIC Hanoi
- 108 Military Central Hospital
- Hưng Việt Cancer Hospital
- Family Medical Practice
Central Vietnam, includes: Hue, Danang
- Hue Central Hospital (Hue)
- Tam Tri Da Nang General Hospital (Danang)
- Da Nang Hospital (Danang)
- Family Medical Practice (Danang)
Southern Vietnam, includes: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
- Bệnh Viện Quân Y 175
- Bệnh Viện Mắt Cao Thắng
- City International Hospital
- Bệnh viện Gia An 115
- FV Hospital
- Bệnh Viện đa khoa Tâm Trí Sài Gòn (SG)
- Grace Skincare Clinic (Ho Chi Minh City/ Saigon)
- Family Medical Practice
The Mekong River Delta Area of Vietnam includes: An Giang, Dong Thap, and Long An Province
- An Giang General Hospital (An Giang Province)
- Tam Tri Dong Thap General Hospital (Dong Thap Province
- Bệnh viện Đa Khoa Long An (Long An Province)
In others
- Vietnam-Sweden hospital (Quang Ninh – Halong Bay) Vietnam travel FAQ Vietnam travel FAQ Vietnam travel FAQ Vietnam travel FAQ
- Bai Chay Hospital (Quang Ninh – Halong Bay) Vietnam travel FAQ Vietnam travel FAQ Vietnam travel FAQ Vietnam travel FAQ Vietnam travel FAQ
- Bệnh viện Kinh Bắc – Kinh Bac Hospital (Bac Ninh Province) Vietnam travel FAQ Vietnam travel FAQ Vietnam travel FAQ Vietnam travel FAQ
- Thai Nguyen General Hospital (Thai Nguyen Province) Vietnam travel FAQ Vietnam travel FAQ Vietnam travel FAQ Vietnam travel FAQ
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Also:
Where should I book my return flight from Vietnam?
You can book directly from your country or through a local travel agent. Always double-check the allowable luggage weight with your airline because being overweight at the airport usually comes at a high cost.
Tan Son Nhat international airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City belongs to southern Vietnam and is home to the largest airport and city in Vietnam, and Noi Bai international airport (HAN) in Hanoi is home to Vietnam’s capital belongs to northern Vietnam, are the two largest and busiest international airports in the country, the majority of international flights landing and taking off from here.
What type of lodging should I book to stay in Vietnam?
With average temperatures in Vietnam’s major regions ranging from 25-35 degrees C, you might want a hotel with a pool (except in the winter in northern Vietnam, from 15-20 degrees C, from December to March).
If you book your room in advance online or with a travel agent, double-check everything that’s included in your room rates, such as breakfast, a daily service charge, and tax. Also, location is important. Staying in a hotel in the heart of tourist areas will allow you to explore the area’s highlights more easily and not pay as much for transportation, such as taxis, buses, and subways.
What are some Vietnamese foods to try?
Vietnamese foods originate from different areas in Vietnam, from the mountains to the beaches and from the cities to the deltas. Be sure to try Pho and Bun Cha, easily found at local restaurants. For a treat, try locally grown watermelon, durian, and mangosteen.
You can buy fresh fruits at local shops, markets, and roadside stands. It’s recommended to try the local reasonably priced food in each Vietnamese region.
What are the best tips when traveling with children in Vietnam?
The tips when traveling with children in Vietnam
1. Take an umbrella and suitable clothes with you
Since temperatures can vary from very hot to a sudden rainstorm in the dry seasons, ranging from May to September in Vietnam, bring an umbrella and layer your clothing, ready for any weather changes.
2. Keep water handy
During Vietnam’s dry season, ranging from May to September, your car should have air conditioning. Bottled water is also useful to have on excursions because you will be walking a lot and there aren’t many places to buy water near the sites, temples, and pagodas.
3. A stroller and some familiar items are helpful for travel with children
Bring their favorite snacks and toys. Also, remember to pack some medical supplies like medicine and bandages. A stroller is highly useful for transporting children and other items, like drinks or packages.
4. Limit transfers as much as possible
If you’re traveling with children, try not to do too much in one day.
5. Combine an entertainment complex into your itinerary
At entertainment venues such as parks, zoos, and game complexes, children can play on their own. Plan to take your children to these incredible locations so they can share these memorable adventures with you.
The best activities for children when traveling in Vietnam
1. Take a cyclo ride
Your children can easily take a cyclo ride in any tourist city in Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, which is located in northern Vietnam, or in the old towns of Hoi An and Hue, which are located in central Vietnam.
2. Seeing a water puppet show
This is one of the most interesting activities for any kid, as water puppets are very skillfully controlled by puppeteers hidden behind a screen, and the show lasts approximately 1-2 hours. In the tourist destinations of Vietnam, it is simple to purchase a reasonable ticket for this show.
3. Light a lantern in Hoi An
With thousands of lanterns floating on the river at the same time, visitors will have the opportunity to see Hoi An as a colorful festival. If you want to immerse yourself in this special lantern party, you can rent a basket boat rowed by a local who will take you around the river to get a better view, or you can buy a lantern to float on the river with the locals.
Take part in this unique festival, and don’t forget to eat plenty of the local cuisine served along the walking streets of the old town.
4. Take an eco-tour, including a cooking class in Hoi An
An Eco-tour in Hoi An is a unique tour that is only available in the countryside of Hoi An, in Vietnam’s central region. Despite being only half a day long, the trip includes some very exciting activities and sightseeing while cycling through palm groves, bridges, and water buffalo fields along the Thu Bon River, home to local fishing villages.
While admiring the scenery, you may even see farmers working in their rice fields using centuries-old farming techniques. The eco-tour also included learning how to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes and tasting them. This is a trip that is appropriate for people of all ages, especially children, who will undoubtedly enjoy it.
5. Take a boat cruise in Halong
Halong Bay would be a magical stop on your trip through Vietnam. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has its own distinct beauty. The many tall limestone karst pillars are surrounded by the bay’s beautiful green waters, making for an excellent photo opportunity.
Children can choose to relax on the cruise ship or participate in other activities such as cave exploration, kayaking, and possibly spotting fishermen near their floating village.
6. Trying the street food
Never forget to have your children try the world-famous local food in Vietnam, which is plentiful on the streets of the central cities throughout Vietnam, such as Pho “noodle”, Bun Cha, Cha Ca…
7. Cruise the Mekong River Delta to see how the locals live on the water
A boat trip down the Mekong River is one of the most exciting tours that your children should take in the south of Vietnam. Children will see the locals’ simple way of life through their simple houses and ordinary wooden boats on a boat trip here.
A visit to the fruit garden, where children can sample a variety of fresh-tasting fruits, is also included in the cruise trip, as is a small wooden boat rowed by locals through small water canals filled with green coconuts and unique stilt houses.
8. Explore the Cu Chi tunnels
During the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels were an important place for Viet Cong soldiers to fight and live. It is about an hour’s drive from Saigon to this site.
Your children will be able to participate in some fun activities while also learning about tunnel systems and the difficult lives of Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War on this site.
Are there any suggestions for Vietnam souvenirs?
If you are interested in souvenirs, there are many unique items throughout Vietnam: Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, has crafts at Bat Trang Ceramic Village, Dong Ho painting village, Dong Ky bronze village, and some embroidery villages.
Sapa is a small town in the Lao Cai province, located in a mountainous area in northern Vietnam. Many ethnic groups live here, such as Dzay, Dao, and other Thai groups. Their life here is very poor, deprived of things like food, clothes, and footwear, so families embroider many items to sell, making nice gifts for tourists.
Vietnam’s old town, Hoi An, has a wide variety of souvenirs at reasonable prices. You can even have garments tailored and arrange a pickup time. The locals in Hoi An also sell lanterns of all kinds, light and easy enough to pack in your luggage.
What are the standard tips for a tour guide & driver in Vietnam?
Regardless of the tip, a tour guide generally gives it his or her all. Because almost all tour guides are sensitive to the subject, tipping is rarely suggested and not required, but very much appreciated for doing a good job.
As a result, visitors should consider tipping each of their tour guides and drivers $5 to $20 or more per person each day.
Are laundry services available in hotels or in the town?
It is becoming more common for hotels to offer laundry service because more tourists are learning to pack light, but if they don’t, they can usually direct you to a reasonably priced laundry service nearby.
What are the physical demands of the tour?
Regardless of your age, our tours are moderately active. Always wear comfortable walking shoes.
What should I pack for my trip?
1. Personal items
Except in northern Vietnam from December to February, with the average temperatures ranging from 10-20°C, the average temperatures all year range from 25 to 35°C so bring lightweight clothing as well as shirts with sleeves, a lightweight sweater, or jacket, long pants or skirts, to be able to enter Vietnam temples or pagodas, per their restrictions at historical landmarks.
2. Update the current state of politics and security
To avoid unexpected complications upon arrival and throughout your stay, check the latest Visa information, mosquito vaccine, and so on.
3. Learn some basic daily habits and local customs before you arrive
To ensure that you adhere to the customs of the country you are visiting, your tour guide will review some basic daily habits and local customs. Simple greetings of hello are welcomed, as well as a thank you or goodbye. When you speak with the locals directly, they will appreciate it.
4. Bring any necessary medicine
Bring your prescriptions in their regular containers, as well as sunscreen or insect repellent, depending on your location. Medicine is available in Myanmar but it’s convenient if you come prepared.
(Always remember to pack LIGHT – one carry-on and one purse/backpack only, whether it is a 1-week or 4-week trip.)
How long must my passport be valid for international travel?
A passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the end of a journey in most countries. If your passport expires sooner, you will need to apply for a renewal before you leave.
What should I wear to visit Vietnam Buddhist temples?
Vietnam is a Buddhist country, so avoid wearing too short skirts and pants when visiting temples and pagodas.
What are the major regions & international airports in Vietnam?
The Regions of Vietnam
Vietnam is divided into three regions: • North
• Central
• South
The North of Vietnam: Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam – Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
It is easy to catch flights to countries in Southeast Asia and other regions of the world to/from Hanoi.
These flight times are to/from Hanoi: • Siem Reap, Cambodia 1hr 45min
• Bangkok, Thailand 1hr 50min
• Yangon, Myanmar 1hr 55min
• Singapore 3hrs 45min
• Singapore 1hr 45min
The Central Vietnam: Hue – Phu Bai International Airport (HUI) & Danang – Danang International Airport (DAD)
To/ from Hue and Danang, it is easy to catch flights to cities within Vietnam and some Southeast Asian countries.
These flight times are to/from Hue & Danang: • Ho Chi Minh City (domestic flight) 1hr
• Hanoi (domestic flight) 1hr
• Bangkok, Thailand 1hr 40min
• Hong Kong 2hrs
• Singapore 2hrs 45min
The South of Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam – Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
To/ from Ho Chi Minh City, it is accessible to catch flights to countries in Southeast Asia and other regions of the world.
These flight times are to/from Ho Chi Minh City: • Siem Reap, Cambodia 1hr 15min
• Bangkok, Thailand 1hr
• Yangon, Myanmar 2hrs
• Singapore 2hrs
The major international airports in Vietnam
The North: Hanoi – Noi Bai Airport (HAN)
The Central: Danang – Danang Airport (DAD)
Hue – Phu Bai Airport (HUI)
Nha Trang – Cam Ranh Airport (CXR)
Da Lat – Lien Khuong Airport (DLI)
The South: Ho Chi Minh City – Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN)
Phu Quoc – Phu Quoc Airport (PQC)
Domestic flights within Vietnam take between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the departure and arrival airports.
What are the best months to travel Vietnam?
• The best time to visit Vietnam is during the dry season, which lasts from October to April. Temperature ranges from 18°C to 28°C.
• The rainy season lasts from early May to September, but will not affect your trip, as it doesn’t rain for long periods of time. Temperature ranges from 25°C to 35°C.
Do I need a Visa to travel to Vietnam?
To begin, travelers’ passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Vietnam.
Visa Exemption
With an ordinary passport from the below countries, you can travel to Vietnam without a visa up to:
14 Days for Brunei, Myanmar
15 Days for Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom
21 Days for The Philippines
30 Days for Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand
To stay beyond this number of days, you may apply for a visa extension upon your arrival in Vietnam.
Visa Required
If you are not exempt, you must apply for a Vietnam visa by one of the methods listed below
• You can apply for a Vietnam visa at your nearest Vietnam Embassy
• You can also request that your travel agent or the person organizing your trip to Vietnam obtain a Letter of Visa Approval on your behalf, this service also takes only about 2-3 working days. Then, you present this visa letter, along with your original passport and the visa fee (approximately $25-30 USD), to get a Vietnam Visa on your arrival date at one of three international airports in Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, or Hanoi.
Vietnam E-Visa
E-visa fee is USD 25 and this fee is paid via the electronic payment gateway owned by the Vietnamese Immigration Department. The processing time is 2-3 working days.
• You will receive your code by email to print your e-visa.
• Travelers with an e-Visa can go directly to immigration counters at their point of entry and do not need to queue at Visa on Arrival counters.
• With a Vietnam E-visa, you do not need to wait for a visa approval letter or pay a stamp fee at the airport.
Click for a list of 80 countries (nations) that are eligible for a Vietnam E-Visa (Single Entry, Valid 30 Days)
Click here to apply online for the Vietnam E-Visa, valid for 30 Days
Vietnam is now open for international tourists (from March 15th, 2022). All travelers will be able to enter the country without quarantine and will be able to travel freely throughout the country regardless of vaccination status. No pre- or on-arrival Covid testing is required.
HA NOI: Vietnam’s capital, ancient pagodas, top museums, and amazing street food
SA PA: Magnificent mountain trekking, ethnic homestays, and top views
HA LONG BAY: UNESCO-listed site with more than 2000 islands & islets, amazing cruises
NINH BINH: a UNESCO-listed Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, impressive boat trips
PHONG NHA: a UNESCO-listed natural site, caves & junk eco-tours, and boat trips
HUE: a UNESCO-listed site, Vietnam’s ancient capital, world-famous traditional food
DA NANG: A city worth living in with beautiful beaches, special local food, and spa retreats
HOI AN: UNESCO-listed Hoi An Old Town site, beautiful beaches, and local food specialties
NHA TRANG: The beautiful beaches, islands, resorts, spa, entertainment, and seafood
HO CHI MINH CITY: Vietnam’s largest city, with local coffee, food, and ancient architecture
MEKONG DELTA: Canal boat trips, local water-river life, floating markets, & mangrove forests
What are the best things to do in Vietnam?
1. Take an eco-tour, including a cooking class in Hoi An
Experience the basket boat in an Eco-tour in Hoi An
Eco-tour in Hoi An is a unique tour that is only available in the countryside of Hoi An, Vietnam’s central region. Despite being only a half-day, the trip offers authentic sightseeing experiences like cycling through palm groves, water buffalo fields, and over bridges, along the Thu Bon River – home to local fishing villages. While admiring the scenery, maybe you will see farmers working in their rice fields using centuries-old farming techniques.
Cycling in the Hoi An countryside
The tour also includes visits to local families in Cam Thanh and Tra Que Villages, two unique Hoi An villages. Daily traditional activities such as growing a wide variety of vegetables, sailing the basket boat, or catching fish in their small canals are still practiced. By visiting here, tourists will also have the chance to learn about environmentally sustainable practices that local villagers have used for centuries, still widely used today.
Cooking and tasting traditional Vietnamese dishes is also specially included in this eco-tour. This trip is appropriate for all ages, with children enjoying it as well.
2. Never miss a boat cruise in Halong Bay
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Halong Bay would be a magical stop on your trip through Vietnam. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has its distinct beauty. The bay’s beautiful green waters surround the many tall limestone karst pillars, making for an excellent photo opportunity.
This vast and unique landscape will appeal to all ages. You can choose to relax on the cruise ship or participate in other activities such as cave exploration, kayaking, and possibly spotting fishermen near their floating village.
Halong Bay, a must-see site in Vietnam
The cruise ships are extremely comfortable, with large bay windows in the cabins, wonderful meals, and service. You will feel fortunate to have included a boat cruise on Halong Bay in your trip to Vietnam, an experience you will never forget.
3. “Pho” is a must-try food in Vietnam
“Pho” is a world-famous dish
Pho, a world-famous dish, is one of Vietnam’s most important breakfast dishes, but can be eaten anytime. Tourists can easily find a local Pho restaurant in Vietnam because it is available in almost every corner of the country, with very popular places to try this specialty in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital.
Pho is made with simple ingredients such as clear stock, rice noodles, herbs, or green onions, usually with boiled beef or chicken. It is suitable for people of all ages. Many Vietnamese restaurants serve Pho, but the most well-known are Pho Thin and Pho Ly Quoc Su, both of which have their distinct flavor.
Pho (noodle) in Vietnam
It is also not expensive to have a special bowl of Pho at any location in Vietnam, ranging from 30,000VND to 60,000VND (1.5 USD – 2 USD), so you should not miss out on this economical meal during your trip to Vietnam.
4. Have a rooftop coffee in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
A rooftop coffee in Vietnam
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are the largest and best two cities in Vietnam, with world-famous rooftop restaurants for those who want to learn about the bustling life of Vietnamese locals from the rooftops.
From these rooftop restaurants, you can not only enjoy special food and drinks, but you can also see thousands of different motorbikes and cars on the roads below. Sometimes, however, you may see some collisions in front of you, because the roads are so very congested in Vietnam.
A rooftop coffee in Hanoi or Saigon is great
In Hanoi, you can have a rooftop coffee or some special food and drinks at the “Ham Ca Map” building, which is located at No. 7 Dinh Tien Hoang Street (near Hoan Kiem Lake, the heart of Hanoi). The rooftop of this restaurant offers an incredible view of the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. Or, if you’re in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), don’t miss the Lounge on level 50 of the Bitexco Financial Tower for a bird’s-eye view of Vietnam’s largest city.
5. Light a lantern at the lantern festival in Hoi An
Light a lantern in Hoi An
The Lantern Festival is a must-see for visitors to Hoi An, also known as the “Old Town of Hoi An,” one of the world’s UNESCO cultural heritage sites. This one-of-a-kind festival will take place this year on February 1st, 2022, and in 2023, on February 10th, 2023, lasting 7 days during Tet Festival (Vietnamese New Year) and only a day during every full moon in Vietnamese.
With thousands of lanterns floating on the river at the same time, visitors will have the opportunity to see Hoi An as a colorful festival. If you want to immerse yourself in this special lantern party, you can rent a basket boat rowed by a local who will take you around the river to get a better view, or you can buy a lantern to float on the river with the locals.
The Lantern Festival is a must-see for visitors to Hoi An
Take part in this unique festival, and don’t forget to eat plenty of the local cuisine served along the walking streets of Hoi An’s old town. With over 50 workshops, most of the locals take part in this special festival by creating beautiful traditional lanterns to display. Visitors will enjoy this unique Hoi An experience, one not to miss.
6. Cruise the Mekong River Delta
The floating markets in the Mekong River Delta of Vietnam
A boat trip down the Mekong River is another exciting tour to take in Southern Vietnam. Visitors can observe the way the locals live by their basic houses and ordinary wooden boats.
The cruise trip also includes a visit to the fruit garden, where you can try a variety of fresh fruits. A small wooden boat rowed by locals will take you through the small water canals, where you can also see green coconuts and many unique houses on stilts.
With boats being the primary mode of transportation in the Mekong River Delta, locals and even children can easily control their boats, even in the most tucked-away corners of the canals.
Rowing a boat in the Mekong River
Tourists, in particular, will be able to listen to folk and traditional songs performed by locals while visiting the Mekong River Delta’s water river villages. A boat trip to the Mekong River Delta is a must-do on any trip to the southern part of Vietnam, especially if you want to understand what life is like there.
7. Explore Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site
The old town of Hoi An, a UNESCO-listed site
A visit to a UNESCO World Heritage Site is eye-opening on any trip. Having Hoian as a destination option in Vietnam makes it very easy to incorporate those special sites into your itinerary. Hoi An is a sensory-overloading experience.
The first things you notice are the ancient-tiled rooftops and a variety of colorful flowers. You’ll realize why Hoi An is known as the “City of Lights”. At dusk, hundreds of elegant silk lanterns are illuminated on the river of the old town near the Japanese Covered Bridge. The reflection of the lantern light on the buildings is magnificent.
Pedestrian-friendly streets are home to a variety of tailor-made clothing stores, art galleries, bars, cafes, street food, and restaurants, serving regional specialties. Over 800 historic structures, including temples, Buddhist shrines, and French colonial houses, are also found in Hoi An.
The old town of Hoi An is a world-famous, unique cultural site
Aside from admiring the old town’s architecture, it’s also fun to ride in a basket boat for the first time and take a cooking class in a nearby village. You can also ride a bike through the surrounding countryside of Hoi An, where you can see farm animals, ancient cemeteries, and some of central Vietnam’s best beaches.
An Bang Beach, named one of the Top 100 Best Beaches in the World by CNN in 2016, allows you to walk along the long sandy shore, join a yoga class, or relax on a hammock, happy that you chose Hoi An as your destination.
8. Trekking through fields and ethnic villages in Sapa
The local villages in Sapa, northern Vietnam
Sapa is located in northern Vietnam and is home to a variety of ethnic groups, including the H’Mong, Dao, and Tay people. These ethnic minorities are dispersed throughout Sapa’s villages.
When visiting Sapa, tourists will be able to see some of the most magnificent mountainous landscapes in northern Vietnam, as well as trek along the rice terraced rice fields, which are located in a unique mix of ethnic villages.
Sapa is also a place where tourists can learn about the local cultures and stay the night at a homestay. Then, they can learn more about these distinct cultures while also enjoying the regional cuisine.
Sapa in the ripe rice season
Sapa is also well-known for Fansipan Mountain, “the Roof of Indochina,” which is the highest mountain in Vietnam and the Indochina Peninsula.
9. Take a Vespa tour – Guided by Vietnamese Ao Dai girls
Vespa Tour
Vietnam is known for its world-famous local food and various cultures throughout the country. To learn more about Vietnamese food and culture, take a Vespa tour, which is ridden and guided by girls dressed in the Vietnamese traditional long dress known as “Ao Dai”.
10. Take a cooking class in Vietnam
Cooking Class is a must-try activity in Vietnam
Vietnam is still known for its world-famous food, with various street foods available in all of the country’s major cities, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, and Hue.
There are a variety of cooking classes available in tourist cities throughout Vietnam, so it is an excellent opportunity for tourists to participate in short-term cooking classes. These include going to local markets with guides to select the ingredients for a dish that you will learn to cook. Depending on the dish, it usually takes 3-4 hours to prepare and cook.
Although Vietnamese food is delicious, its ingredients are also simple to find and prepare, so you’ll be sure to remember to cook at home once you’ve returned from your trip to Vietnam.
▸ Best Vietnam Tours
▸ Best Southeast Asia Tours
What are the top medical facilities in Vietnam, and where are they located?
Northern Vietnam includes: Hanoi
- Hanoi French Hospital
- Vietnam – Cuba Dong Hoi Friendship Hospital
- Hanoi Hospital
- Friendship Hospital
- Vietnam Germany Hospital
- Raffles Medical International Clinic in Hanoi
- Vinmec International Hospital
- FMP Hanoi – Phòng khám Đa khoa, Nhi khoa quốc tế hàng đầu
- BV Nhi Trung Uơng
- Bach Mai Hospital
- Thanh Nhan Hospital
- Bệnh viện đa khoa Hồng Ngọc
- Hanoi Medical University Hospital
- Thu Cuc International General Hospital
- Bệnh viện Đa khoa MEDLATEC
- Hoe Nhai General Hospital
- Mai Huong Hospital
- LOTUS CLINIC Hanoi
- 108 Military Central Hospital
- Hưng Việt Cancer Hospital
- Family Medical Practice
Central Vietnam, includes: Hue, Danang
- Hue Central Hospital (Hue)
- Tam Tri Da Nang General Hospital (Danang)
- Da Nang Hospital (Danang)
- Family Medical Practice (Danang)
Southern Vietnam, includes: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
- Bệnh Viện Quân Y 175
- Bệnh Viện Mắt Cao Thắng
- City International Hospital
- Bệnh viện Gia An 115
- FV Hospital
- Bệnh Viện đa khoa Tâm Trí Sài Gòn (SG)
- Grace Skincare Clinic (Ho Chi Minh City/ Saigon)
- Family Medical Practice
The Mekong River Delta Area of Vietnam includes: An Giang, Dong Thap, and Long An Province
- An Giang General Hospital (An Giang Province)
- Tam Tri Dong Thap General Hospital (Dong Thap Province
- Bệnh viện Đa Khoa Long An (Long An Province)
In others
- Vietnam-Sweden hospital (Quang Ninh – Halong Bay) Vietnam travel FAQ Vietnam travel FAQ Vietnam travel FAQ Vietnam travel FAQ
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- Bệnh viện Kinh Bắc – Kinh Bac Hospital (Bac Ninh Province) Vietnam travel FAQ Vietnam travel FAQ Vietnam travel FAQ Vietnam travel FAQ
- Thai Nguyen General Hospital (Thai Nguyen Province) Vietnam travel FAQ Vietnam travel FAQ Vietnam travel FAQ Vietnam travel FAQ
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