VN
3 regions
8 UNESCO sites
3,260km coastline
8+ ethnic groups
Best: Mar–Apr, Sep–Nov
Lan Ha Bay — emerald waters and limestone karsts, sister bay to Halong
Vietnam is a country of extraordinary diversity: from the misty mountains of the north to the lush Mekong Delta in the south, from bustling cities to serene countryside, from ancient temples to contemporary art scenes. This guide unveils the essential destinations, cultural insights, and practical tips for travelling Vietnam and beyond in 2026.
Regions of Vietnam
Northern Vietnam
- Hanoi – Thousand-year-old capital
- Ha Giang – Epic motorbike loop
- Lan Ha Bay – Sister bay to Halong
- Sapa – Rice terraces & hill tribes
- Ninh Bình – “Halong on land”
Central Vietnam
- Phong Nha – World’s largest caves
- Hue – Imperial citadel & tombs
- Hoi An – Lantern-lit ancient town
- Da Nang – Beaches & bridges
- Quy Nhon – Emerging coastal gem
Southern Vietnam
- Ho Chi Minh City – Modern metropolis
- Mekong Delta – Floating markets
- Con Dao – Pristine archipelago
- Phu Quoc – Tropical island escape
- Can Tho – Heart of the delta
Featured Destinations 2026
Hanoi
Vietnam
The thousand-year-old capital, where French charm meets ancient pagodas
city break
Ha Giang
Vietnam
Epic motorbike loop through breathtaking northern mountains
adventure
Lan Ha Bay
Vietnam
Sister bay to Halong, with emerald waters and fewer crowds
cruise
Phong Nha cave
Vietnam
Home to the world’s largest caves and underground rivers
adventure
Hue
Vietnam
Imperial citadel, royal tombs, and Perfume River
heritage
Hoi An
Vietnam
Lantern-lit streets, ancient merchant houses, and tailors
heritage
Con Dao
Vietnam
Pristine archipelago with turquoise waters and sea turtles
island escape
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam
Modern metropolis, War Remnants Museum, and Cu Chi Tunnels
city guide
Mekong Delta
Vietnam
Floating markets, fruit orchards, and riverside life
river life
Phnom Penh
Cambodia
Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and riverside promenades
capital
Siem Reap
Cambodia
Gateway to Angkor Wat and the ancient Khmer temples
world heritage
Battambang
Cambodia
Colonial architecture, bamboo train, and art scene
hidden gem
Vang Vieng
Laos
Karst mountains, caves, and Nam Song River
adventure
Luang Prabang
Laos
Sacred temples, alms giving ceremony, and Kuang Si Falls
UNESCO
Pakse
Laos
Gateway to the Bolaven Plateau and ancient Wat Phu temple
culture
Click any destination for detailed guides coming soon
Best Time to Visit Vietnam
January
North: 17°C | South: 27°C
Cool, dry
February
North: 18°C | South: 28°C
Pleasant
March
North: 20°C | South: 29°C
Ideal north
April
North: 24°C | South: 31°C
Perfect
May
North: 27°C | South: 32°C
Hot, light rain
June
North: 30°C | South: 32°C
Central dry
July
North: 30°C | South: 31°C
Central best
August
North: 29°C | South: 31°C
Rain north
September
North: 27°C | South: 30°C
Ideal
October
North: 24°C | South: 29°C
Perfect
November
North: 21°C | South: 28°C
Pleasant
December
North: 18°C | South: 27°C
Cool, dry
Vietnam Essentials
| Category | Details |
|---|
| Capital | Hanoi |
| Currency | Vietnamese Dong (VND) – $1 ≈ 24,000 VND |
| Visa | E-visa (90 days) available for most nationalities |
| Language | Vietnamese (English common in tourist areas) |
| Time Zone | ICT (UTC+7) |
| Electricity | 220V, 50Hz (Types A, C, F) |
| Emergency | Police: 113, Fire: 114, Ambulance: 115 |
Getting there – International airports: Hanoi (HAN), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Da Nang (DAD)
Getting around – Trains, buses, domestic flights, motorbikes, Grab
Accommodation – Hostels ($5-15), 3-star hotels ($25-45), luxury resorts ($100-300)
Food – Pho ($1.50-3), banh mi ($1-2), street food meals ($2-5)
Connectivity – Viettel, Vinaphone SIM cards at airport ($5-10)
Water – Tap water not potable; bottled water widely available
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Vietnam?
The best time to visit Vietnam depends on the region. Generally, spring (March–April) and autumn (September–November) offer pleasant weather nationwide. For the north, September–November and March–April are ideal; for central Vietnam, February–August; for the south, November–April is the dry season.
Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?
Many nationalities can enter Vietnam visa-free for 15-45 days. For longer stays, e-visas (90 days) are available online. Check the latest requirements with the Vietnam Immigration Department before travel.
How many days do I need for Vietnam?
For a comprehensive trip covering north, central, and south, allow at least 14-18 days. For a focused trip, 7-10 days per region is recommended.
Is Vietnam expensive to visit?
Vietnam is one of the most affordable travel destinations in the world. Budget travelers can manage on $35-50 per day, mid-range $70-120, and luxury travelers $180-350+ per day. Street food meals cost $1-3, and 3-star hotels start at $25.
How do I get from Vietnam to Cambodia or Laos?
Direct flights connect Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi with Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Vientiane and
Luang Prabang. Overland crossings are also possible via Moc Bai (to Cambodia) and Lao Bao (to Laos).
