Vietnam Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Vietnam travel guide?

Then you’re in the right place!

Thanks to its stunning natural beauty in places Ha Long Bay and the Mekong Delta, bustling cities with incredible street food, and fascinating culture and history, Vietnam is an unmissable destination in Southeast Asia.

It’s also extremely affordable, and visitors will find that their money stretches far in Vietnam when it comes to food, hotels, and transportation.

Keep reading to dive into resources from Jessie on a Journey as well as its sister site Epicure & Culture that will help you with planning a trip to Vietnam.

Note: This guide to Vietnam travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Vietnam Map

Use this Vietnam travel map to begin planning your trip!

Click here for an interactive version of the above map.

Best Places To Visit In Vietnam

Learn about the top places to visit in Vietnam.

Vietnam Travel Advice

Use these Vietnam travel tips to plan the perfect trip.

Vietnam Food Trip

Explore the country on a virtual Vietnam food tour with these travel resources.

Asia Travel Tips

This Asia travel advice can help you plan the perfect trip.

Top Vietnam Tours

Check out these fun tours in Vietnam from my affiliate partner, Viator:

• Cooking Class in Local Villa with Market Tour (Seasonal Local Wine Tasting) in Hoàn Kiếm
• Saigon Evening Food Tour By Scooter in Ho Chi Minh City
• Overnight Sapa Tour from Hanoi

These excursions will help you learn about Vietnam from a local!

Vietnam Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a Vietnam tour. When visiting Vietnam — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Vietnam itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks.

Vietnam Hotels

Click here to browse hotels in Vietnam!

Prefer self-contained stays? 

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays:

Renting A Car In Vietnam

Need a rental car for your Vietnam trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Their comparison tool does the homework for you, so there’s no need to have up 10+ tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. Actually, you can save up to 70% using their tool!

Vietnam Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling Vietnam.

Q: Is Vietnam safe for tourists?

Vietnam is a safe country for tourists to visit. In fact, it’s one of the best destinations for a solo trip to Asia.

There is very little violent crime; however, tourists should be vigilant when it comes to petty theft and scams, especially in popular tourist destinations.

Q: Is Vietnam cheap to travel?

Vietnam is a very budget-friendly destination! Like many places in Southeast Asia, your money will go far in Vietnam.

A typical backpacker budget is around $30 a day, while a mid-range traveler may want to budget $60-$75 a day.

If you’re on a budget while traveling Asia, definitely add Vietnam to your itinerary.

Q: Can you travel Vietnam by train?

Yes, train travel is one of the best ways to get around Vietnam!

Trains in Vietnam are comfortable, affordable, and scenic. Although they can be slow, they offer great views and a good value for money.

Q: What are some Vietnam travel do’s and don’ts?

Things you should do in Vietnam:

• Do dress conservatively, especially when visiting temples or pagodas
• Do keep an eye on your belongings at all times, especially in tourist areas
• Do learn a few basic phrases in Vietnamese, such as hello, please, and thank you

Things you should not do in Vietnam:

• Don’t take photos without asking for permission first, especially in rural areas or villages
• Don’t expect public restrooms to have toilet paper – always bring your own with you!
• Don’t miss out on trying Vietnamese street food

Q: Do I need a visa to enter Vietnam?

Citizens of most North American and European countries will need a visa in order to visit Vietnam. Visas must be applied for in advance.

It’s recommended to view your country’s Vietnam International Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements. You can also contact the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Q: What are some must-try street foods in Vietnam?

Vietnam has some of the best street food in the world!

Experience Vietnam through delicious dishes like pho (a hearty noodle soup), xoi (sticky rice laced with various options like pork or fried egg), and banh mi (a tasty baguette sandwich).

Q: What are some great Vietnam tourist places?

When visiting Vietnam, some tourist spots not to miss include Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon), Phú Quốc Island, Mekong Delta (aka the Western Region), Vũng Tàu, Halong Bay, and Ninh Binh, which is a town just an hour-and-a-half from Hanoi, which another great destination.

It’s also easy to get to other countries in Southeast Asia and the rest of Asia from Vietnam, like Hong Kong, Thailand, and Laos.

Q: What is the local currency in Vietnam?

The local currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese đồng.

What would you add to this Vietnam travel guide?

Enjoyed this guide to Vietnam travel? Pin it for later!