Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations. From dramatic limestone islands and emerald rice terraces to vibrant cities and mouth-watering street food, the country offers an unforgettable mix of natural beauty, culture, and adventure.
Hi, I’m Phoebe Lee, the creator behind Travel For Phoebe. Over the years, I’ve explored many incredible places around the world, but Vietnam remains one of those destinations that truly stands out. It’s energetic, welcoming, incredibly diverse, and surprisingly affordable for travellers.
If you’re searching for a complete Vietnam travel guide to help plan your journey, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Vietnam or returning to see more of the country, this Vietnam travel guide will help you navigate Vietnam with confidence. From the best places to visit and unique experiences to practical travel tips and seasonal insights, here’s everything you need to know before visiting Vietnam.
The Best Places to Visit in Vietnam
Ha Long Bay
No Vietnam travel guide would be complete without mentioning Ha Long Bay, one of the country’s most iconic landscapes. Ha Long Bay is a surreal seascape of more than 1,600 limestone islands rising dramatically from emerald waters in northern Vietnam. The bay covers roughly 1,500 square kilometres and has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its extraordinary geological formations and biodiversity.
The best way to experience Ha Long Bay is by joining a cruise that takes you through the maze of karst islands. Many cruises last one or two nights and allow you to explore hidden caves, paddle through quiet lagoons, and visit floating fishing villages. One of the most impressive caves in the bay is Sung Sot Cave, known for its enormous chambers and dramatic stalactites.
While Ha Long Bay attracts the most visitors, nearby Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay offer similarly beautiful scenery with fewer cruise boats. If you prefer a quieter experience, these alternatives in the Vietnam travel guide are worth considering.
Hanoi
Another essential destination featured in any Vietnam travel guide is Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city. It’s a fascinating place where ancient history meets modern energy. The city has existed for over a thousand years and still preserves much of its historic charm, particularly in the bustling Old Quarter of Hanoi, where narrow streets are packed with markets, cafes, street food vendors, and traditional shops.
One of the most atmospheric places in the city is Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful lake in the centre of Hanoi where locals gather early in the morning to practice tai chi or go for a walk. Nearby, the historic Temple of Literature offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s scholarly past as the country’s first university, dating back to the 11th century.
Hanoi is also considered one of the best food cities in Southeast Asia. Street stalls serve classic Vietnamese dishes like Pho, Bun Cha, and Banh Mi, making it the perfect place to begin exploring Vietnam’s legendary cuisine. Read our ultimate guide to Hanoi and Ha Long Bay here.
Hoi An
Located along Vietnam’s central coast, Hoi An is widely considered one of the most charming towns in Southeast Asia. The town flourished as a trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries, and much of that history remains visible today in the beautifully preserved architecture of Hoi An Ancient Town.
Walking through the historic centre feels like stepping back in time. Wooden shop houses, Chinese temples, and colonial buildings line the lantern-lit streets. At night, colourful lanterns illuminate the town and reflect on the Hoai River, creating one of the most photogenic scenes in Vietnam.
Hoi An is also famous for its tailoring industry, with hundreds of shops producing custom clothing within a day or two. Just a short ride from the town centre, you’ll also find An Bang Beach, a relaxed stretch of sand where many travellers spend afternoons swimming or enjoying fresh seafood. Read our guide to how to spend 48 hours in Hoi An here.
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh City, is a fast-paced, energetic metropolis where colonial architecture sits alongside skyscrapers and busy markets. Formerly known as Saigon, the city played a central role in modern Vietnamese history and remains the country’s commercial hub. Read our guide to 17 of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City here!
The War Remnants Museum provides powerful insight into the Vietnam War through photographs, artefacts, and historical accounts. Nearby, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and the historic Central Post Office showcase the city’s French colonial heritage.
Markets are a big part of daily life here, and Ben Thanh Market is one of the most famous. It’s a great place to browse souvenirs, sample street food, and experience the lively atmosphere of the city.
Sapa
In the mountainous north near the Chinese border lies Sa Pa, a region known for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural diversity. Terraced rice fields cascade down steep mountainsides, creating one of the most striking rural landscapes in Southeast Asia.
The region is home to several ethnic minority groups, including the Hmong and Dao communities, and trekking between villages offers a rare opportunity to experience traditional ways of life. Popular trekking routes lead to villages such as Cat Cat Village and Lao Chai, where visitors can learn about local crafts, farming traditions, and daily life.
The scenery changes dramatically with the seasons. In September, the rice terraces turn golden before harvest, while spring brings lush green landscapes and blooming flowers across the valley.
Top 5 Things to Do in Vietnam
Explore the Phong Nha Cave System
Vietnam is home to some of the largest caves in the world, particularly in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. This protected park contains hundreds of caves carved into limestone mountains over millions of years.
One of the most famous caves is Son Doong Cave, which is so massive that it has its own internal jungle and weather system. While Son Doong requires a specialised expedition, many other caves in the park can be explored on guided tours, including Paradise Cave and Phong Nha Cave.
Ride the Hai Van Pass
The scenic Hai Van Pass is one of the most spectacular coastal drives in Southeast Asia. Stretching roughly 21 kilometres between Hue and Da Nang, the road winds through mountains overlooking the South China Sea.
Travellers often rent motorbikes or join guided tours to ride the pass, stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way. The panoramic ocean views and dramatic mountain scenery make this route a highlight for many visitors.
Alternatively, travellers looking for a longer and more adventurous motorbike journey can experience the famous Ha Giang Loop in northern Vietnam, known for its dramatic mountain landscapes and winding roads. Read our guide to the ultimate Ha Giang Loop adventure here! + Find the BEST Ha Giang Loop tours here!
Take a Cooking Class
Vietnamese cuisine is famous worldwide, and taking a cooking class is a great way to understand the flavours and techniques behind it. Many classes begin with a market visit where you learn about local ingredients before preparing dishes such as fresh spring rolls, pho broth, and traditional sauces.
Cities like Hoi An and Hanoi offer some of the best cooking schools, often located in scenic settings near rivers or rice paddies.
Visit the Mekong Delta Floating Markets
The Mekong Delta is a vast network of rivers, canals, and islands that supports millions of people. Life here revolves around the water, and one of the most fascinating experiences is visiting a floating market.
Markets such as Cai Rang Floating Market begin early in the morning as boats gather to trade fruits, vegetables, and local produce. Watching the activity unfold from a small boat offers a glimpse into a unique way of life.
Experience Vietnam’s Coffee Culture
No Vietnam travel guide would be complete without mentioning the country’s unique coffee culture. Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee producer, and coffee culture is deeply rooted in everyday life.
One of the most distinctive drinks is Egg Coffee, a rich blend of coffee topped with a creamy whipped mixture of egg yolk and condensed milk.
Best Time to Visit Vietnam
Because Vietnam stretches over 1,600 kilometres from north to south, the climate varies across different regions. In this Vietnam travel guide, we explain the seasonal differences to help you plan your trip more effectively.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is often considered the best overall time to visit Vietnam. In the north, including Hanoi, temperatures typically range between 20–30°C (68–86°F) with relatively low rainfall. The weather is warm but comfortable for sightseeing.
Crowds begin increasing during this period as international travel picks up, but prices are still moderate compared to peak winter months. Landscapes across the country are lush and green, and many cultural events take place following Tet, the country’s most important holiday.
Summer (June to August)
Summer brings hotter temperatures and higher humidity, particularly in southern Vietnam. Cities like Ho Chi Minh City often experience temperatures between 28–35°C (82–95°F).
This is also the rainy season in the south, though showers are usually brief and occur in the afternoon. Tourist numbers remain high due to international summer holidays, especially along the beaches of central Vietnam such as Da Nang and Hoi An. Hotel prices tend to increase in coastal areas during this period.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is an excellent time to explore northern Vietnam. Temperatures in Hanoi average around 24–30°C (75–86°F), and the weather becomes cooler and more comfortable.
September is particularly beautiful in Sa Pa, when the rice terraces turn golden before harvest. Crowds begin to thin out after the summer peak season, and accommodation prices often drop slightly.
However, central Vietnam sometimes experiences heavy rainfall and typhoons during October and November, which can affect travel plans in cities like Hoi An and Hue.
Winter (December to February)
Winter conditions vary widely across Vietnam. Northern regions can become surprisingly cool, with temperatures in Hanoi dropping to around 15–20°C (59–68°F). Fog and drizzle occasionally create misty atmospheric landscapes.
Southern Vietnam enjoys its dry season during this time, with warm temperatures around 25–32°C (77–90°F) and plenty of sunshine. As a result, destinations like Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta attract many visitors escaping colder climates elsewhere in the world.
This period also coincides with peak travel demand around Christmas, New Year, and the Tet holiday, which can lead to higher flight and hotel prices.
Essential Travel Tips for Visiting Vietnam
- Always cross busy streets slowly and steadily rather than hesitating, as motorbikes will typically flow around pedestrians rather than stopping completely.
- Carry small denominations of Vietnamese currency because street vendors, taxis, and local markets often cannot break large notes.
- Use ride-hailing apps such as Grab in major cities because they are affordable, reliable, and reduce the need to negotiate taxi fares.
- Dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas by covering your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect for local customs.
- Learn a few simple Vietnamese phrases such as “Xin chào” (hello) and “Cảm ơn” (thank you), which locals genuinely appreciate.
- Be cautious of bag snatching in busy urban areas and avoid carrying phones or cameras loosely while walking along roads.
- Consider purchasing a local SIM card at the airport since mobile data is inexpensive and helpful for navigation and translation apps.
- Drink bottled or filtered water rather than tap water, especially when travelling in rural areas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travelling to Vietnam
Is Vietnam expensive to travel in?
Vietnam is widely considered one of the most affordable destinations in Southeast Asia. Budget travellers can comfortably spend around $30–50 per day, while mid-range travellers typically spend $60–120 per day, including accommodation, food, and activities.
How do most travellers get around Vietnam?
Vietnam has an excellent network of domestic flights, trains, and long-distance buses. Many travellers combine flights for long distances with overnight sleeper trains between cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Is Vietnam safe for solo travellers?
Vietnam is generally safe and welcoming for travellers, including solo visitors. Petty theft can occur in busy tourist areas, but violent crime is rare. Staying aware of your surroundings and using reputable transport services is usually sufficient.
What are some off-the-beaten-path destinations in Vietnam?
Places such as Ninh Binh, Da Lat, and Quy Nhon offer stunning scenery and fewer crowds compared to more famous destinations.
How long should you spend in Vietnam?
Most travellers spend between 10 days and three weeks exploring Vietnam. This allows enough time to visit northern highlights like Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, central destinations such as Hoi An, and southern cities including Ho Chi Minh City.
Start Planning Your Vietnam Tour Today
This Vietnam travel guide is just the beginning of your journey. Vietnam is a country full of incredible landscapes, vibrant culture, and unforgettable experiences, and there is always something new waiting to be discovered.
If you’re planning your own adventure, feel free to explore more detailed destination guides, practical travel tips, and curated itineraries on my blog, Travel For Phoebe. I also share travel videos and real experiences from around the world on my YouTube channel, so you can see destinations up close and gather helpful insights before your trip.
Use this Vietnam travel guide as your starting point, get inspired, and start planning a Vietnam journey that you’ll remember for years to come.
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