Vietnam travel FAQ: everything first-time visitors ask

Vietnam is broadly very safe for travelers, including solo women. Violent crime against tourists is rare. The main concerns are scooter-riding bag-snatching in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi tourist districts, taxi-meter scams (use Grab app instead of street taxis), and motorbike accidents (helmet always; international permit required).

Vietnam is among the world’s best-value destinations. Backpackers manage on $25-35/day; mid-range travelers $60-100/day with good hotels and excellent food; luxury travelers $300+/day at Six Senses, InterContinental Danang, or boutique heritage hotels. Coffee is 1 USD; pho is 2-3 USD; a Saigon street stall dinner under $5.

Vietnam’s geography spans 1,650km north-south so timing varies. Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong) is best October-April (cool, dry). Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue) is best February-August. Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong) has two seasons – dry December-April is the sweet spot.

Two to three weeks for a complete north-to-south circuit – 4-5 days Hanoi + Halong, 4 days Hoi An + Da Nang area, 4 days Ho Chi Minh + Mekong, plus flights between. Two weeks is workable but rushed; three weeks lets you add Sapa, Mui Ne, or Phu Quoc.

From mid-2023, Vietnam introduced 90-day visa-free entry for citizens of certain countries (Japan, Korea, UK, Germany, France, etc.) plus a 45-day visa-free for many others (USA, Australia, Canada). Confirm current rules at the official Vietnam immigration site. E-Visa available online for $25.

No – tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled water is everywhere for 10,000-20,000 dong ($0.50). Ice in restaurants/cafes is generally safe (made from purified water). Brushing teeth with tap water is fine.

Vietnamese is the official language. English is increasingly common in tourist areas and among younger people but limited in smaller towns. Google Translate handles menus and signs well. Learning ‘xin chao’ (hello), ‘cam on’ (thank you) is appreciated.

Vietnamese food is one of the world’s great cuisines – pho, banh mi, bun cha, com tam, fresh spring rolls. Each region has specialties: northern Vietnam emphasizes broths and noodles, central Vietnam (Hue) features imperial cuisine, southern Vietnam is sweeter with French-influenced banh mi. Don’t miss: pho ga in Hanoi, banh mi in Saigon, bun bo in Hue.

Vietnam is exceptionally beginner-friendly Southeast Asia. The tourism infrastructure is mature, English is sufficient in tourist areas, and costs are predictable. The main learning curves are crossing chaotic traffic (walk steadily, don’t stop) and motorbike caution.

Don’t haggle aggressively (Vietnamese culture is gentle). Don’t take street taxis without using the meter or Grab app. Don’t ride motorbikes without an international permit. Don’t disrespect Ho Chi Minh’s image or the Communist Party (sensitive in northern Vietnam). Don’t underestimate the heat in Saigon (32-35C year-round).