Viet Nam

About Viet Nam

Vietnam runs more than 1,600 km from north to south, and its regions travel quite differently. Hanoi, the capital, centres on Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, with Ha Long Bay's limestone islands and the terraced fields around Sapa a few hours away; Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, with its cave systems, sits midway down the country. Central Vietnam holds the imperial city of Hue and Hoi An Ancient Town, whose lantern-lit lanes and tailors draw long stays, while the south is anchored by Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta's floating markets, with beach bases at Nha Trang and Phu Quoc. The reunification railway and sleeper buses cover the long distances cheaply, and short domestic flights cut the Hanoi-to-Ho Chi Minh City run to a couple of hours. Street food is central to the trip: pho, banh mi, fresh spring rolls and strong coffee cost little and vary by region. Budget travellers manage on $25-45 a day, mid-range trips run $55-100 and luxury stays start around $150, with prices lower outside the two main cities. Weather splits by region rather than by season: the north is best from October to December and March to April, the south stays dry from December to April, and central beaches peak from May to August. Choose October to April for a first trip that covers several regions.

Viet Nam at a Glance

When to Visit Viet Nam

High Season (varies by region) Vietnam''s long shape means different regions have different peak seasons. In the north (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa), October–December and March–April are best (15–25°C). In the south (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta), December–April is dry season (25–35°C). Central Vietnam''s beach season (Da Nang, Hoi An) runs May–August. Shoulder Season (varies by region) Transition months between wet and dry seasons offer good value with fewer crowds. In the north, September and February–March are pleasant. In central Vietnam, April and September offer great beach weather before peak crowds. The south has less variation.

Visa Policy for Viet Nam

Entry rules for Viet Nam depend on your passport. We track visa-free stays, e-visas and visa-on-arrival rules for US & Canadian, EU & UK, Chinese, and Australian & Japanese passports — with official sources and last-verified dates.

Visa policies are subject to official sources. Please verify with the embassy/consulate before travel.

Travel Budget for Viet Nam

Budget: $25–45 per day Mid-Range: $55–100 per day Luxury: $150+ per day Per person per day in USD, excluding international flights. Prices are lower outside Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Prices are per person per day in USD, excluding international flights.

Must-Visit Attractions

Travel Guides for Viet Nam

Other Countries in Asia

Frequently Asked Questions about Viet Nam