Planning a trip to Vietnam? Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning to explore a new region, having the right information helps you plan better, feel more confident, and avoid unexpected surprises. These are the most practical things every traveler should know—based on real, on-the-ground experience and what visitors wish they had known before arriving.
Table of Contents
1. Visa Requirements and Entry Regulations
Visa rules in Vietnam vary by nationality, and small details—like choosing the wrong entry port or entering outside your approved dates—can cause unnecessary delays. Getting clear on the requirements before you travel makes your arrival much smoother.
You will need a visa unless you qualify for an exemption. Check this LINK to see if your country is on the list of visa exemptions to enter Vietnam.
Quick Visa Tips:
- Ensure passport has 6+ months validity.
- Double-check your entry port, passport number, dates.
- Single-entry visas valid 90 days from entry.
- Multi-entry visa needed if leaving and re-entering the country.
- Allow ample time for visa processing, takes 5–7 business days.
- Print a hard copy to show immigration and have digital copies as backup.
- Have an onward ticket if asked.
E-visa links:
– Official: https://evisa.gov.vn/
– Service provider: https://www.ivisa.com/vietnam/apply-now
2. Travel Insurance and Health Precautions
Staying healthy on the road starts with a bit of preparation. Vietnam’s climate and healthcare system make it important to secure proper travel insurance and pack basic essentials so you can explore with confidence.
Health tips:
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation.
- Ensure your policy covers motorbike riding if you plan to rent one (many policies exclude this).
- Visit a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure for vaccinations (Hepatitis A, Typhoid, routine boosters).
- Pack a basic first-aid kit with anti-diarrheal medication, pain relievers, and rehydration salts
- Drink only bottled or filtered water; avoid ice in rural areas
- Use mosquito repellent with DEET, especially during dawn and dusk
- International hospitals in major cities (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang) provide Western-standard care
- Pharmacies provide over-the-counter medicine. Buy from reputable pharmacies like Pharmacity, Long Chau, or a hospital’s pharmacy.
Useful links:
Compare and purchase travel insurance at https://visitorcoverage.com
My recommended Packing List on Amazon
3. Weather and Best Times to Visit
Vietnam spans three climate zones, which means you might experience cool winds in Hanoi, sunshine in Danang, and tropical humidity in Saigon—all in one trip. Due to climate change, the weather is less predictable and is more extreme than previous years.
Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa)
The cooler months from October to April are ideal—comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, and clearer skies for sightseeing, hiking, and cruising. Sapa is generally 5–10°C colder; winter nights can drop near freezing.
Temperatures:
– Oct–Nov: 20–28°C (68–82°F)
– Dec–Feb: 10–18°C (50–64°F)
– Mar–Apr: 18–24°C (64–75°F)
– May – Aug: 30-40°C (86–104°F)
**Summer is the most uncomfortable months with high humidity
Central Vietnam (Danang, Hoi An, Hue)
February to May brings warm, dry, stable weather—perfect for beaches, exploring ancient towns, and scenic drives. Storms and typhoons arrive later in the year.
Temperatures:
– Feb–May: 23–30°C (73–86°F)
– Jun–Aug: 28–35°C (82–95°F)
– Oct–Nov: 23–27°C (73–81°F) with heavy rain
Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc)
The dry season from December to April is best—warm, sunny, and stable weather ideal for cities, river trips, and islands.
Temperatures:
– Dry Season: Dec–Apr: 27–34°C (80–93°F)
– Wet Season: May–Nov: 26–32°C (79–90°F) with brief daily downpours
4. Essential Apps to Download Before Your Trip
A few helpful apps make daily travel moments easier—booking rides, checking weather, translating menus, and navigating new places.
- Grab: Essential for booking taxis and motorbike rides with transparent pricing (alternative to Uber). Also offers food delivery service.
- Google Maps: Reliable for navigation in cities; download offline maps for areas with spotty internet. Also useful for reviews of cafes and restaurants.
- Google Translate: Download Vietnamese for offline use; camera translation feature is invaluable for menus
- XE Currency: Real-time currency conversion
- WhatsApp or Zalo: Zalo is Vietnam’s most popular messaging app, used by hotels and tour operators
- Vietnam Airlines: If flying domestically, the app make check-in and booking easier
- Windy: Weather app, great for checking on rainfall and tropical storms
5. SIM Cards and Internet Connectivity
Staying connected in Vietnam is essential for navigation, communication, booking transportation, and keeping in touch with home. Internet coverage is generally strong in major cities, but preparing your SIM or eSIM ahead of time makes your arrival and airport transfer much smoother.
eSIM or Local SIM Card?
Purchasing an eSIM before you travel allows you to get online the moment you land—perfect for contacting your driver, checking directions, or messaging loved ones that you’ve arrived safely.
Recommended eSIM provider:
Ubigi (available in 200+ destinations): https://go.ubigi.com/MA4gQJ
If you prefer a local SIM card, buying a local SIM in Vietnam is simple and affordable. It’s a great option for travelers needing large data packages or staying for more than a few weeks.
Typical Tourist SIM Packages
- Cost: 100,000–300,000 VND ($4–12 USD)
- Validity: 30 days
- Data: 10–30GB depending on the package
- Viettel has the best nationwide coverage, especially in rural or mountainous areas.
What You Need
- Your passport (required by law for SIM registration).
- An unlocked phone — always double-check before your trip.
6. What to Pack vs. What You Can Buy in Vietnam
Packing for Vietnam becomes much easier once you know which items are better to bring from home and which ones you can easily buy locally. Everyday essentials are widely available throughout the country, but specific brands—especially skincare and sensitive-skin products—can be harder to find. Planning ahead ensures you travel comfortably without overpacking.
What You Should Bring From Home
These items are either difficult to find, more expensive, or may not match your preferred brands:
Sunscreen SPF 50+ (local options are limited or whitening-based)
Mosquito repellent (bring your preferred formula)
Personal toiletries and skincare, especially for sensitive skin
Medications you take regularly
Universal travel adapter (Vietnam uses 220V, 50Hz, Type A/C/F plugs)
Power bank for long travel days
Wipes and hand sanitizer
Comfort clothing suited to heat and humidity
Refer to my recommended Packing List.
What You Can Easily Buy in Vietnam
Vietnam has well-stocked supermarkets and pharmacies, so you can easily buy everyday basics if you forget something.
You can find:
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
Toothpaste and basic toiletries
Over-the-counter medicine (pain relievers, digestive aids)
Laundry detergent
Umbrellas and rain ponchos
Reliable stores: Co.op Mart, WinMart, Guardian, Watsons, Pharmacity.
7. Currency and Payment Methods
Vietnam’s official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND), and understanding how to handle money will help you navigate daily transactions smoothly. Knowing the currency and payment landscape prevents overpaying, helps you budget accurately, and ensures you’re never caught without cash when needed. Many local vendors and street food stalls only accept cash.
Exchange Tips:
- Best rates at money exchangers or gold shops.
- ATM fees: 20,000–50,000 VND.
- Always choose VND, not home currency (avoid dynamic currency conversion).
- Bring crisp, clean bills—old or marked notes may be rejected because banks won’t accept them.
- Notify your bank before travel to avoid fraud-triggered card blocks.
- Carry small bills for taxis and food stalls.
- Cards accepted in malls/hotels and small shops in big cities.
8. Transportation Options Within Vietnam
When you know the transportation options available in Vietnam, it becomes much easier to plan an efficient route and avoid unnecessary travel time.
Transportation Options:
- Domestic flights: Fast, reliable; Vietnam Airlines best choice.
- Trains: Scenic; sleepers recommended for long routes.
- Buses: Budget; use reputable companies (Phuong Trang, The Sinh Tourist).
- Grab: Reliable for rides.
- Motorbike rentals: Only if experienced.
- Cyclos/xe ôm: Always agree on a price before riding.
Airport Arrival Tip: Upon arrival – avoid the long lines at Immigration and use the Fast Track Service (save up to 1hr of your time)
9. Cultural Etiquette and Local Customs
Vietnamese culture is warm and welcoming; a little awareness helps you connect more easily and avoid misunderstandings.
Local Etiquette:
- Dress modestly in temples (cover shoulders and knees).
- Remove shoes before entering homes.
- Use both hands when giving/receiving items.
- Avoid pointing feet at people or Buddha.
- Learn simple phrases (“Xin chào”, “Cảm ơn”).
- Ask before photographing people (portraits).
10. Safety Tips and Common Scams to Avoid
Vietnam is generally safe for travelers, but being aware of common scams and safety issues helps you navigate confidently and avoid unnecessary problems.
Safety reminders:
- Use Grab or trusted taxis (Mai Linh, Vinasun).
- Confirm prices before accepting services.
- Watch for motorbike snatch theft—stand away from roadside.
- Book tours through reputable operators.
- Keep valuables in hotel safes.
- Walk slowly/predictably when crossing. Use crosswalk with lights, where available, for stress-free experience.
- Emergency numbers: 113 police, 115 ambulance, 114 fire.
This list gives you everything you need to prepare confidently for your trip to Vietnam—no surprises, fewer hassles, and a smoother travel experience. Vietnam is an incredible destination full of warmth, culture, and unforgettable food. With the right preparation, you’ll enjoy it to the fullest. If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it—or explore more Vietnam tips and travel insights on the blog.
