Your Vietnam travel guide.
Visas, weather, money, SIM cards, getting around, food, culture, safety, and the routes off the well-worn path — everything before you land.
Prefer the original guide? Flip through it page by page →Before you go
Visa & entry requirements
E-visa (all nationalities)
Valid for 90 days, single or multiple entry. USD 25 (single-entry) / USD 50 (multiple-entry). Apply only through Vietnam's official government e-Visa portal. Processing normally takes about 3 working days, and the e-visa is now accepted at more than 80 entry points nationwide (airports, land borders and seaports).
evisa.gov.vn →Unilateral visa exemption
Citizens of a growing list of countries (including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea, the Nordic countries, and a number of additional European countries) can enter without a visa for 14–45 days, depending on nationality. Always check the latest entry requirements before you travel, as visa policies and permitted lengths of stay may change.
ASEAN exemptions
Most ASEAN nationalities (Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, etc.) enjoy 14–30 days visa-free for tourism.
Phu Quoc Island exemption
All nationalities may enter visa-free for up to 30 days if staying only on Phu Quoc Island.
Visa requirements vary by nationality — check the official Vietnam e-Visa websites before traveling: thithucdientu.gov.vn (e-visa) or vietnam.travel.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have blank pages available.
Plan your dates
Weather by region
The North
Hanoi · Sa Pa · Ninh Bình · Ha Long
Best time: Mar–Apr | Sep–Nov
- Nov–Feb: cold
- Jun–Aug: rain frequently
- Jul–Aug: typhoon season
The Central
Da Nang · Hue · Hoi An
Best time: Feb–May
- Feb–Aug: dry season
- Sep–Jan: wet / typhoon season
The South
Ho Chi Minh City · Mekong Delta · Phu Quoc
Best time: Dec–Apr
- Dec–Apr: dry season
- May–Nov: wet season
The weather can be a bit unpredictable — build in a flexible day or two where you can.
Check the weather with our community here →Pack smart
What to pack
Money & currency
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Cash
Essential for street food, local markets, and rural areas. Carry small notes for everyday purchases.
Cards & digital payments
Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shopping malls, and larger restaurants.
Currency exchange
Banks and licensed exchange counters offer reliable rates. Airport counters are convenient but often less competitive.
ATMs
Easy to find in cities, but limited in remote destinations. Withdraw enough cash before traveling to rural or mountainous areas.
FAQ
Can I pay by credit card everywhere?
Cards are accepted at hotels, malls, chain restaurants and most city-center businesses. But small shops, street food stalls, local markets and rural areas are still largely cash-only, or increasingly QR-only.
Should I carry cash in Vietnam?
Cash is still essential for small purchases, especially at street food stalls, local markets, and in rural areas. Carry small denomination notes for everyday spending.
Can I withdraw cash using an international card?
Exchange only a small amount at the airport for immediate expenses, then get better rates at banks or licensed exchange counters in the city.
Do ATMs charge withdrawal fees?
Most ATMs in Vietnam charge 20,000–55,000 VND (USD 0.80–2.20) per withdrawal. VPBank and Techcombank are the banks offering fee-free withdrawals for many international cards (though this may vary depending on your card issuer).
What are the transaction fees for Visa, Mastercard, Wise, Revolut, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and local ATMs?
Transaction fees: Visa/Mastercard (1–3%), ATM withdrawal (20,000–55,000 VND per transaction). Pro-tip: use TPBank or VPBank for zero fees — Apple Pay and Google Pay usually carry no extra fee.
Stay connected
SIM cards & data
Viettel
Largest network with the widest rural and mountain coverage — the safest choice if you're heading to remote areas. Tourist SIMs run roughly 60,000–200,000 VND (~USD 2–8) for 15–30 days of data. Official data-only eSIMs are available at Viettel stores, while a physical SIM is required if you need a local +84 number for app registration or OTP verification.
Vinaphone & MobiFone
Reliable in cities and along main tourist routes, slightly weaker in deep rural or mountainous terrain. Both offer physical SIMs and official eSIMs, with most eSIM plans including a local +84 phone number — ideal for Grab, OTP verification, restaurant bookings, and other local services.
Airalo / Holafly (eSIM)
Convenient if your phone supports it — activate before you fly via providers like Airalo or Holafly, or buy an official carrier eSIM (passport registration required) on arrival.
Where to buy
At the airport
Convenient upon arrival, but prices are often higher.
Official carrier stores
Viettel, Vinaphone, and MobiFone offer reliable service and a variety of prepaid plans (passport required for registration).
Convenience stores & retailers
Order a physical SIM or eSIM directly from the official websites of major mobile carriers before your trip.
Online eSIM
A convenient option for compatible devices — purchase before your trip and activate with a QR code.
Online
Available in most cities, though activation support may vary.
Contacting us
Alternatively, we can help you purchase an eSIM before your trip. Just contact us, and we'll be happy to assist you with the setup.
Get in touch →On the ground
Getting around
Arriving in Vietnam by air
- Hanoi (Noi Bai International Airport)
- Da Nang (Da Nang International Airport)
- Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat International Airport)
- Nha Trang (Cam Ranh International Airport)
Vietnam is gradually introducing a Digital Arrival Card at selected international airports. Before you travel, check whether your arrival airport requires online registration.
From the airport to the city center — Hanoi example
From Noi Bai Airport to central Hanoi, use Google Maps to find your route. Key lines include 86, 68, 07, 17, 109, 90, E10, NB01, NB02. Fares run 14,000–50,000 VND, operating roughly 05:00–22:30.
Hanoi has introduced electronic ticket payments on selected bus routes — pay using a bank card, mobile wallet, QR code, or a transport smart card.
Electronic ticketing is currently available on: BRT Line BRT 01 · Electric Bus Routes E01–E09 · Regular Bus Routes 02, 08, 21, 32, 58, 64, 65, 74, 103, 142, 143, 146, 157 and 159.
Green SM, Grab and Be can all be booked directly from your phone — download before you land.
Grab
The most widely used ride-hailing app in Vietnam for cars, motorbikes, food delivery, and airport transfers.
Download →Be
A popular local ride-hailing app offering competitive fares for car and motorbike rides.
Download →Green SM
Vietnam's all-electric taxi service, known for clean vehicles and professional drivers.
Download →Around the city
Motorbike taxi (app-based)
Green SM, Grab or Be — a cheap, convenient way to get around; fares are fixed in-app, avoiding negotiation.
Taxi
A safe, comfortable option for longer distances — stick to reputable brands (Green SM, Mai Linh, Vinasun) or app-based booking to avoid meter tampering.
Public bus
You can see bus stations and signboards everywhere on the road. Search Google Maps and choose the bus option to see the best route and stops.
Longer distances
Traveling between regions
Domestic airlines — an honest comparison
Train — comfortable and scenic, especially overnight
Buying tickets
Official channel: Vietnam Railways at DSVN — shows real-time schedules and lets you pick exact seats. Only accepts Vietnam-issued bank cards.
Buy at any railway station ticket window (cash only), or contact us and we can help you purchase a train ticket.
Seat / berth classes
Soft seat — Cheapest, day trips only.
Hard sleeper — 6-berth, air-conditioned.
Soft sleeper — 4-berth, air-conditioned — most comfortable, standard choice for overnight trains.
Hue – Da Nang
2.5–3 hour journey with stunning views of Lang Co Bay, Lap An Lagoon and the East Sea. For the best daytime scenery, choose SE1, SE2, SE4 or SE10 and book a window seat.
Hanoi – Lao Cai
Overnight train to Lào Cai is a classic way to start your trip to Sa Pa. Slower than the bus but comfortable and memorable, especially in a soft sleeper cabin. Book a few days ahead in peak seasons (Sep–Oct, Dec–Feb).
Heritage & experience trains
Hue – Da Nang Heritage Train
Cultural train across Hai Van Pass with live performances and coastal views. Some departures stop at Lang Co Station.
The Vietage — Da Nang to Quy Nhơn
Vietnam's first luxury train: 12-seat carriages, gourmet dining, bar and massage. A journey turned into an unforgettable experience.
Da Lat – Trại Mát Heritage Railway
7km remnant of the old Da Lat – Thap Cham cog railway. A short (well under 1 hour) but scenic ride through flower farms and pine forest to a hillside pagoda.
Hanoi Double Decker Tourist Train
Panoramic sightseeing of Hanoi's historic streets, lakes and French architecture — explore the capital without the traffic.
Hanoi's Five Gates Train
Weekend cultural charter service with live xam music. Welcomed ~70,000 riders in under a year.
Tickets can be booked at the railway stations or through DSVN.vn.
Limousine, sleeper & local bus
Limousine bus
A premium bus service with spacious reclining seats, ideal for short and mid-distance journeys.
Sleeper / cabin bus
A popular overnight option featuring sleeper berths or private cabins for added comfort. Book through online platforms, directly on the bus operator's website, or ask your hotel, travel agency, or tour operator to make the reservation for you.
Local bus
Can be quite challenging for foreign travellers due to language barriers and ticket booking. If you need help finding the right bus or arranging transportation, feel free to message Morning Vietnam — we're happy to assist you.
Message us →Popular intercity routes
Even with this in hand, booking it all yourself is still a wild ride — we can assist with booking bus tickets for all major routes and operators throughout Vietnam.
Eat like a local
Food & drink by region
The North
The Central
The South & Central Highlands
Vietnamese coffee & bia hơi
Coffee culture
Coffee in Vietnam is not just a morning fuel, it's a whole vibe. Grab a tiny plastic stool, watch the world go by, and join the locals for a slow coffee break. Look out for egg coffee, salt coffee, iced milk coffee, and phin coffee.
Bia hơi (fresh beer)
Bia hơi is more than just a drink in Vietnam — it's a simple local ritual. Brewed fresh every day and served at street-side beer corners, this light and refreshing draft beer is where people come to relax, share stories, and enjoy the evening after a long day.
You may have heard of Tạ Hiện Beer Street in Hanoi or Bùi Viện Street in Ho Chi Minh City, the famous spots where travellers gather for a lively night out. But if you want to experience beer like a local, look beyond the busy streets.
If someone raises a glass and says "Một, hai, ba, dzô!" — they're inviting everyone at the table to toast together.
Respect goes both ways
Culture & etiquette
Greetings
A smile and a slight nod are always appreciated. Handshakes are common in business.
Temples & pagodas
Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees), remove your shoes when required, keep your voice low.
Homes
Remove your shoes before entering a local home. Wait to be invited before sitting down or exploring the house.
Public behavior
Avoid loud arguments or public displays of anger, and always ask permission before photographing local people — especially ethnic minority communities.
A little goes a long way
Common phrases
Side note: if someone teaches you a phrase that sounds like it could be a swear word, don't repeat it. It might sound funny in memes, but in real life it can offend people and land you in awkward situations.
Just in case
Safety & emergency information
English support on emergency lines can be limited outside major cities. If possible, ask hotel or homestay staff — or your guide — to make the call on your behalf. Save your accommodation's name, address and phone number in your phone before heading out.
Road safety
Road traffic can be busy, especially in major cities. Cross streets slowly and predictably, let traffic flow around you, and avoid sudden stops or direction changes. If renting a motorbike yourself, an international driving permit and a helmet are both required by law — riding experience is strongly recommended given local traffic conditions.
Common scams to watch for
- Use trusted taxi companies (Mai Linh, Vinasun) or ride-hailing apps like Grab, Green SM and Be.
- Vietnamese Dong has many zeros — always double-check your change before leaving.
- Avoid booking tours from unsolicited street offers. Choose licensed tour operators or reputable travel agencies instead.
Where to go
Destinations
1. Classic, must-see Vietnam
2. Popular destinations
3. Unique & off-the-beaten-path
The routes without the souvenir stalls — where Morning Vietnam actually takes people.
Nậm Cang
A small Red Dao community about 30km from Sa Pa town, down a road rough enough that most tour buses turn back. Terraced valleys unfold slower here, without the souvenir-stall crowding of Sa Pa's main trails. Trek between rice paddies still worked by hand, stay the night in a homestay with a family Morning Vietnam has worked with for years, and wake to mist still sitting in the valley below.
Lai Châu
Famous for its breathtaking sea of clouds, where mountain peaks rise above a blanket of white mist at sunrise. Combined with its stunning highland scenery, it is a perfect destination for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking unforgettable mountain views.
Mai Châu
A quiet postcard unfolds between the hills, just a couple of hours from Hanoi. Wooden stilt houses rise above a patchwork of rice paddies, framed by soft blue mountains in the late afternoon light. Cycle through White Thai villages, settle into a homestay for the night, or simply watch farmers at work in the fields below.
Y Tý
A cloud-forest village near the Chinese border where sea-of-cloud mornings roll through the valley before burning off by mid-morning. Hà Nhì communities here still build earthen "mushroom houses" with thick clay walls and thatched roofs, built to hold warmth through the mountain winters. Chase the cloud sea at sunrise from Lảo Thẩn peak, wander between hamlets on foot, or visit during the Gạ Ma Do festival if your timing lines up.
Pù Luông
Layered rice terraces roll across the valley floor here, framed by the Pù Luông Nature Reserve's forested peaks, with none of Sa Pa's crowds. Thai stilt houses dot the hillsides, water wheels turn slowly along the streams, and the pace of the whole valley seems to slow to match them. Trek between villages on foot or by bicycle, cool off at Hieu Waterfall, or watch the terraces flood and mirror the sky just before planting season.
Mù Cang Chải
Genuine family homestays here with only the basics are part of what keeps this valley feeling undiscovered despite its rice terraces being among the most photographed in the country. La Pán Tẩn, Chế Cu Nha and Dế Xu Phình offer three distinct terrace formations within a short drive of each other. Trek between viewpoints during the September–October harvest, join a local family in the fields, or simply watch the whole valley turn gold at sunset.
Hoàng Su Phì (Hà Giang)
Rice terraces here don't just cascade down one hillside, they wrap entire mountain ranges in overlapping curves, among the most dramatic in Vietnam and far less photographed than Sa Pa's. La Chí, Dao and Nùng communities have carved these fields by hand for generations.
Măng Đen
A hill town in the Central Highlands often called "a second Đà Lạt," minus the crowds. Pine forests wrap around a scatter of lakes and waterfalls, and the air stays noticeably cooler than the lowlands just below. Walk among the pines at Đắk Ke Lake, visit a Ba Na or Xơ Đăng village nearby, or simply enjoy a town that still feels like it hasn't been discovered yet.
Mũi Né
A coastal town shaped by wind, sand, and endless dunes. Towering red and white sand dunes roll along the coast, drawing dune-buggy rides and quiet sunrise walks. Strong ocean winds make it one of Southeast Asia's top spots for kitesurfing, while nearby fishing villages keep the pace refreshingly slow.
Côn Đảo Island
Ha Long Bay's calmer twin, rising from the same emerald water with a fraction of the boat traffic. The terrains here are just as dramatic, but the coves stay quiet enough to hear your own paddle. Kayak between limestone islands, swim off a beach with no one else on it, or stay overnight on the water for a sunrise no day-tripper gets to see.
Cái Răng Floating Market
Before sunrise, boats loaded with pineapples, watermelons and dragon fruit begin gathering on the water outside Cần Thơ, each one hanging a sample of its cargo from a tall pole so buyers can spot it from a distance. This is the Mekong Delta's largest floating market, and it's still very much a working one — arrive by 6am to catch it at its busiest, before the tour boats do. Drift between vendor boats by smaller sampan, buy breakfast straight off the water, or watch the market wind down as the delta's ordinary day begins around it.
Trà Sư Cajuput Forest
A vast flooded cajuput forest in the Mekong Delta, where emerald-green duckweed blankets the waterways and birds glide quietly overhead. Wooden boats drift through narrow channels beneath towering trees, revealing one of southern Vietnam's richest wetland ecosystems.
Trekking & national parks
Trekking in Tà Chì Nhù
One of Vietnam's most popular trekking peaks, rising 2,979 meters above sea level in Yên Bái Province. Renowned for its breathtaking sea of clouds and panoramic mountain views, the summit offers unforgettable sunrises above a blanket of mist. In autumn, its hills are covered with golden wild grass, creating one of the most iconic landscapes in northern Vietnam.
Trekking in Pu Ta Leng
Vietnam's second-highest mountain, standing at 3,049 meters above sea level. Known for its challenging trekking routes, ancient forests, and spectacular sea of clouds, it offers one of the most rewarding hiking experiences in northern Vietnam. During spring, the mountain comes alive with vibrant rhododendron blooms.
Cúc Phương National Park
Vietnam's first and oldest national park, where thousand-year-old trees rise out of dense limestone-forest canopy. Ancient cave systems, resident primates and one of the country's most respected endangered-species rescue centers all sit within a short walk of each other. Trek to the Cave of Prehistoric Man, cycle the park's quiet roads at dawn when wildlife is most active, or visit the Primate Rescue Center.
Ready to see this in person?
Not through a screen. Not from a bus window.