The Ultimate Vietnam Travel Guide 2024

Temperature in Hanoi

Monthly hours of sunshine in Hanoi

Rainy days in Hanoi

Visitors from the following countries may enter visa-free, and stay for the indicated number of days:

From all other countries, the easiest way is to apply for e-Visa (available for 80 countries):

Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Chile, China (including Hong Kong and Macau passports), Denmark, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Philippines, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Salomon Islands, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Timor Leste, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, and Western Samoa.

Valid for 30 days, costs USD 25, and the processing time is 3 working days. You will receive your code by email to print your visa.

You can enter Vietnam on an e-Visa at any of the country’s eight international airports, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang, as well as 14 land crossings and seven seaports.

How to Apply for Vietnam’s e-Visa:

Step 1:  Prepare the required materials: 

• One 4×6 passport photo in .jpg format with a white background, without glasses.
• One photo in .jpg format of your passport data page.
• Passport is valid for at least six months.
• Your temporary address in Vietnam and points of entry and exit.
• Debit or credit card for payment.

Step 2: Click this link or access https://immigration.gov.vn/ and go to ‘E-visa Issuance’ then click on the link for ‘Outside Vietnam foreigners’.  

Step 3: Upload your .jpg images (passport data page and passport photo) and fill out the required fields on the form completely. Submit your form.

Step 4: Pay the e-Visa fee of $25. Copy down the document code provided. 

Step 5: Within three working days you should receive news of your e-Visa application via email. If not, you can also run a search for your e-Visa at this link. 

Step 6: Use your document code to locate your e-Visa online. Download and print the e-Visa in two copies for extra safety. 

*Travellers 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.

Source: https://vietnam.travel/plan-your-trip/visa-requirements

Type A, C, and F plugs

The voltage in Vietnam is 220V and the frequency is 50 Hz. If you are residing in US, Canada, or in some South American countries, your devices have been created for 100V-127V. In this case, you will need a voltage converter corresponding to a type A, F, and C Adapter.

The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong (VND).

Exchange Rate Converter

Vietnam is speckled with cash dispensers and ATMs which are widespread and located at every major city. Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus and Maestro credit cards are accepted by most of the cash dispensers which have a maximum limit of 2000000 dong/ 1 USD. Visitors should be aware that there is an ATM fee for every withdrawal which differs according to the banks. This fee ranges between 20,000 to 50,000 dong per transaction and the withdrawal limit for each ATM from local banks is fairly low as compared to international banks. The withdrawal fee can only be circumvented if you withdraw money from cash machines or select banks that are linked up to your banks. Unfortunately, foreign banks aren’t prevalent in Vietnam and there are no Vietnamese banks that let visitors withdraw money from other foreign accounts for free.

The withdrawal costs of the notable banks are listed below:

Vietcombank: transaction costs 50 000 VND

Agribank: transaction costs 22 000 VND

BIDV: transaction costs 30 000 VND

Sacombank: transaction costs 30 000 VND

Citibank: transaction costs 55 000 VND

ANZ: transaction costs 40 000 VND

Citibank and ANZ are recognized foreign banks.

Also, I would recommend using online banks like Wise, which allows you to take money from ATM abroad without commission (2 times per month), and has one of the best conversion rates.

*Note, if ATM is asking for a conversion rate, use the local currency, as your bank probably would provide a better conversion rate, than ATM.

Living in Vietnam is cheaper compared to western and other Asian countries. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are deemed to be the top luxurious cities in Vietnam where a couple can enjoy a pleasant middle-class lifestyle spending less than $1300 monthly.

Take a closer look at the cost of living in Vietnam for 2024 and how it fits into your Ultimate Travel Guide (2024) planning. This is a rough estimate so you can better orient in local prices.

There are primary eight mobile network providers in Vietnam. These are

1. Mobifone
2. Viettal
3. Vinafone
4. Vietnam mobile
5. Indochina Telecom
6. EVN Telecom
7. S-Phone
8. Beeline

Amongst these, Viettal mobile has better coverage and package offer.

Another option is to use eSim like Airalo.

Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi and Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City are two international airports in Vietnam. Da Nang Airport, in Da Nang also accepts a smaller number of international flights.

Noi Bai Airport (in Hanoi)

There are three primary selections of transportation to choose from when getting from Hanoi airport to the main city. These are:

• A public bus which takes an hour and costs $0.4 – 1.5
• Shuttle bus which takes an hour and costs $1.7
• Taxi or private car which takes 45 minutes and costs $10 – 15

Tan Son Nhat Airport (in Ho Chi Minh City)

The airport is just 8 km from the city center and there are two transportation selections available which are:

• A public bus (n109) which takes 45 min and costs $0.25
• Taxi or private care which takes 30min and costs $6

Da Nang airport

It is only 3 km from the city, and there are two transportation picks available which are:

• A public bus (n3) which takes 20 min and costs $ 0.25
• The taxi which takes 10 min and costs $ 2.5

Vietnam is considered to be a friendly and safe destination to visit. However, some tourists have complained about bad experiences with aggressive street vendors, unreliable tour agencies, and dilapidated hotel rooms. Violent crimes are an unusual occurrence in Vietnam. Before embarking on your Vietnam Ultimate Travel Guide (2024) adventure, it’s important to know about the country’s safety situation. So as anywhere, it’s best to keep your belongings in a secure place and not to showcase expensive gadgets like laptops or cameras openly in public places.

If you are traveling (especially in Asia), I would say insurance is a must. I have seen so many times when people get injuries and health problems, and their relatives/friends are organizing fundraising campaigns for the treatments. Moreover, you will need obligatory health insurance covering your COVID-19 treatment (in case you need one).

I personally buy for $45/month (can have a daily option) SafetyWings travel insurance. That gives me a peace of mind. It has $250 deductible, with $250 000 max limit. I had 2 claims, and both of them got covered.

*This is affiliate link. Meaning I will get commission if you use it. But as I mentioned before I am using this insurance myself.

Hanoi

COGO Coworking Space

Spaces Belvedere

Ho Chi Minh City

The Hive Villa Saigon

Dreamplex Ngo Quang Huy, Thao Dien

Toong Vista Verde

Da Nang

ENOUVO SPACE

DNC Da Nang Coworking Space

TOP Coworking Space

The Embassy Hoang Ke Viem

Hoi An

Hub Hoi An

Of all places I have been to, Vietnam has one of the best and cheapest hostels in the world!

Republik Backpackers’ Hostel (Hanoi)

Cost: $8 per night

Features: air-conditioned rooms, lockers, luggage storage available, Wi-Fi, free city tour guides, delicious free breakfast

Types of rooms: 3-bed private ensuite, 4-8 bed dorm rooms available

Free Wi-Fi in all rooms. Strategically situated in Dong Xuan Market, allowing you access and proximity to local attractions and sights.

The Hideout — Best City Hostel (Ho Chi Minh City)

Cost: $10 per night

Features: air-conditioned rooms, lockers, luggage storage available, Wi-Fi, facilities for laundry cleaning,

Types of rooms: 3-bed private ensuite, 4-8 bed dorm rooms available

The hostel is an idyllic location for those living on a budget as free complimentary beer a day, a dynamic bar and a peaceful common area are worth the bucks spent.

Hong Hao Hostel | Best Budget Hostel (Ha Giang)

Cost: $5 per night

Features: air-conditioned rooms, lockers, luggage storage available, Wi-Fi, buffet breakfast, motorbike rental

Types of rooms: double and twin private ensuite, 6-12 bed dorm rooms available

This hostel is great for those who want to live on a budget. The beds are spacious and the rooms are clean. The complimentary breakfast every day on-site recharges you to begin your day with zeal and energy.

https://hong-hao-hostel-and-motorbikes-ha-giang.booked.net/

Vietnam Backpacker Hostels (Hoi An)

Cost: $8 per night

Features: air-conditioned rooms, Wi-Fi, on-site restaurant with free breakfast included, bicycle rental, movie room with live DJ’s playing at night

Types of rooms: private ensuite, 4-bed dorm rooms, and 6-bed-only women’s dorm rooms available.

This hostel is a stellar option for those who want to spice up their lives. The dynamic aura of the place allows the visitors to make friends while providing an exceptional place to work online.

FB Groups

Welcome to Vietnam

Vietnam Tourism

Vietnam Travel Guide

Vietnam Foodies

Vietnam Backpacker Tips

Hanoi

This central gateway and cultural heart of the country is a kinetic metropolis dotted with museums, memorials, superb stores, and great restaurants. Tourists are promised the best nightlife here. Here’s a list of places I can recommend:

• Hoan Kiem – located in the central part of the city, this area is the best for those who want to spend as little as possible.
• Ba Dinh – a more quiet area but is still near the tourist attractions.
• Truc Bach – this area is the place to go if you are traveling with your family.

Hoi An

One of the most beautiful destinations in the world, Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, encompassed by greenery, colonial architecture, and temples, and has a colossal shopping hub.

Da Lat

Brimming with a romantic ambiance and providing a cooler and peaceful environment, Da Lat is a favorite place amongst couples where they can hitchhike together on the Highlands and take a gazillion Instagram-worthy photos in the Valley of Love

Ho Chi Minh

This largest city in Vietnam is a wallet-friendly destination that displays exceptional historic and cultural landmarks and offers breathtaking nightlife venues. It’s also universally renowned for its sumptuous cuisine and cheap accommodation options.

• Binh Thanh – this area is perfect for those who are on a budget as this area offers cheap food and accommodation.
• District 1 – this is an area of tourists and tourist attractions. This area is very lively and close to Saigon.
• District 2 – this is the best for families as this is a quieter and village-like area.

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam in 2024, then you won’t want to miss out on these must-do activities that are sure to make your Vietnam Ultimate Travel Guide (2024) adventure unforgettable. Here is the list of things you can do in Vietnam:

Here is a list of things you can do in Vietnam. The itinerary integrates the country’s main highlights from the North to the South.

Day 1 to Day 6

Day 1. Fly straight to Hanoi. Visit the legendary Hoan Kiem Lake with Ngoc Son temple, sample Vietnamese cuisine and local specialties from street vendors, amble through the streets of the Old Quarter, and stay overnight here.

Day 2. Hanoi. Sightseeing historical and cultural landmarks. The itinerary will include visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh’s House on Stilt, One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, and the Museum of History. Watch the water puppet show.

Day 3. Wake up early. Go for a 1-day tour to Ninh Binh. Go to Bich Dong Pagoda, cruise on a paddleboat tour in Trang An or Tam Coc, and discover the Bai Dinh Pagoda. Come back to Hanoi and transfer to the Railway station to travel during the night to Sapa.

Day 4. Arrive in Lao Cai Town, visit the markets, and in the afternoon drive to Sapa town to discover the culture of the hill tribal people. Overnight stay at a hotel in Sapa.

Day 5. Go to Silver Waterfalls or take a nature quest and start trekking from Lao Chai Village to Ta Van Village through forests, hills, and streams. Return to Sapa in the afternoon. Transfer to Lao Cai train station at night train to travel back to Hanoi.

Day 6. Leave for Vietnam’s Jewel in the Crown i.e. Halong Bay after arriving in Hanoi. Stay overnight.

Day 7 to Day 14

Day 7. Transfer back to Hanoi City from Halong Bay at noon. Take a flight to Danang. Transfer to a hotel in Hoi An where you stay overnight.

Day 8. Visit My Son Sanctuary and explore Hoi An town taking a bicycle tour.

Day 9. Enjoy the drive over scenic Hai Van pass and visit Marble Mountain and Lang Co beach. Once you reach Hue, visit the Ancient Imperial Citadel and then continue onwards to explore Emperor Ming Mang’s tomb. Visit Thien Mu pagoda in the afternoon and revel in the boat trip on the Perfume River. Stay overnight in Hue.

Day 10. Take an early morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City and explore the famous highlights which include Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Reunification Palace, War Remnant Museum, Municipal Theater, and Ben Thanh Market.

Day 11. Reach My Tho in Mekong Delta, visit Tortoise Islet and take a boat ride to An Khanh, explore the family plantation. Stay overnight in Can Tho.

Day 12. Explore Cai Rang Floating Market, the nightlife here and Cao Dai Temple and return to Ho Chi Minh in the evening. Stay at Ho Chi Minh overnight.

Day 13. Visit Cu Chi Tunnels.

Day 14. Transfer to the airport for departure from Ho Chi Minh to your next destination.

• Proof of valid medical/travel insurance covering Covid-19 treatment costs (minimum cover $10 000 (Link to info)).
• Downloaded PC-Covid mobile app (Apple/Google Play) which must be presented to enter all Vietnam establishments
• Visitors are requested to self-monitor for 10 days from the time of entry and to notify the nearest medical facility if any symptoms of COVID-19.
• Surgical face masks, social distancing, and sanitizing are required at all times.
• Children under two are allowed outdoors when accompanied by adults.

Source: https://vietnam.travel/things-to-do/information-travellers-novel-coronavirus-vietnam/

• Be prepared for extremely hot and humid weather in the summer months.
• Using public toilets might get tricky. Ensure that you keep tissues and toilet paper and clean the toilet seat before using it
• Gear up for walking through the insane traffic in Vietnam because the sidewalks are either speckled with parked motorbikes or are dominated by plastic restaurant tables
• First, ask around to get an idea about the prices then haggle with the vendors as price tags are greatly inflated for tourists
• There will be a lot of motorbikes around
• Wear a helmet when driving a motorbike!
• When crossing the road, just keep moving (slowly and predictably)
• You will need to pay your visa stamp fee in USD or Vietnamese Dong upon arrival at the airport