Vietnam Travel Guide

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia's most rewarding destinations — a country of breathtaking landscapes, ancient history, delicious food, and genuinely warm people. From the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay to the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam offers an unforgettable travel experience that remains one of the best value destinations in the world.

Top Highlights

• Ha Long Bay cruise
• Hoi An Ancient Town
• Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
• Hue Imperial Citadel
• Ninh Binh (Inland Ha Long Bay)
• Mekong Delta

Getting to Vietnam

Vietnam's three major international airports are Hanoi (HAN), Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon (SGN), and Da Nang (DAD). There are no direct non-stop flights from the US to Vietnam — expect a layover in cities like Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, or Singapore. Total journey time from the US East Coast is typically 20-24 hours.

• Korean Air and Asiana via Seoul (ICN) are popular routes
• Japan Airlines and ANA route through Tokyo (NRT/HND)
• Singapore Airlines via Singapore (SIN) is consistently rated best in class
• Flying into Hanoi and out of Ho Chi Minh City (or vice versa) avoids backtracking

Visa Requirements

US citizens can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days as of August 2023. For longer stays, an e-Visa is required, which can be obtained online before departure.

• Visa-free entry for US passport holders up to 45 days
• E-Visa available online for stays up to 90 days (approx $25)
• E-Visa processing takes 3-5 business days
• Multiple-entry e-Visa is available for flexible itineraries
• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival

Getting Around Vietnam

Vietnam is a long, narrow country — roughly 1,000 miles from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Internal flights are cheap and save enormous time. Trains are scenic but slow.

• VietJet Air and Bamboo Airways offer cheap domestic flights ($30-80)
• The Reunification Express train is scenic for the Hanoi-Hue-Da Nang route
• Grab (Asia's Uber) is essential for city transport — safe and affordable
• Overnight sleeper buses are a budget option for shorter routes

Where to Stay

Accommodation in Vietnam is remarkably affordable. Hanoi's Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh City's District 1 are the most convenient bases.

• Budget hostels: $8-15/night in most cities
• Mid-range hotels: $30-70/night with excellent facilities
• Luxury resorts in Da Nang/Hoi An: $100-300/night
• Hoi An is the best base for central Vietnam exploration
• Hanoi's Old Quarter is chaotic but perfectly located

Food & Culture

Vietnamese cuisine varies dramatically by region. The north is known for pho, the center for spicy dishes, and the south for fresh herbs and sweetness.

• Pho bo (beef noodle soup) is the national breakfast in Hanoi
• Banh mi sandwiches are a perfect $1-2 street meal everywhere
• Hoi An's Cao Lau noodles are unique to the town (try them!)
• Com tam (broken rice) is Ho Chi Minh City's iconic dish
• Never refuse tea when offered — it's a gesture of hospitality