Vietnam

Vietnam stretches from misty northern mountains to the sun-drenched Mekong Delta, packing centuries of history and some of the world’s best street food into a single elongated coastline. Motorbikes hum through ancient quarters, limestone karsts rise from emerald bays, and every region has its own dialect of noodle soup worth chasing.

Where to Stay

Old Quarter Lantern Hotel

A narrow heritage building steps from Hanoi’s night market, with a rooftop cafe overlooking the rooftops.

Halong Horizon Resort

$$$

A bay-front resort with private junk boat tours departing each morning.

Backpacker Banyan Hostel

A leafy courtyard hostel in Ho Chi Minh City with cheap beer and free walking tours.

Getting Around

Train

The Reunification Express runs the length of the country with sleeper cabins and coastal views.

Flight

Budget carriers connect Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City in about two hours.

Local Transit

Motorbike taxis and ride-hailing apps are the fastest way around crowded city streets.

Bus

Overnight sleeper buses link smaller towns that trains and flights don’t reach.

Local Foods to Try

Pho

A fragrant beef or chicken noodle soup simmered for hours with star anise and charred ginger.

Banh Mi

A crusty baguette sandwich layered with pate, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.

Bun Cha

Grilled pork patties served over rice noodles with a tangy dipping broth.

Travel Tips

Cross streets with confidence

Walk at a steady pace and let motorbikes flow around you rather than stopping mid-crossing.

Carry small bills

Street vendors and local buses rarely have change for large notes.

Try a local SIM card

Affordable prepaid data makes navigation and ride-hailing apps much easier.

Weather & Climate

Vietnam’s long shape means the north has four distinct seasons while the south stays warm year-round, so climate depends heavily on which region you’re visiting.

Spring

27°C / 19°C

Mild in the north, warm and dry in the south.

Summer

33°C / 25°C

Hot and humid nationwide, with monsoon rains in the south.

Autumn

28°C / 20°C

Comfortable in the north; typhoon season along the central coast.

Winter

20°C / 13°C

Cool and misty in the north, dry and warm in the south.

Best Time to Visit

March to April and October to December. These windows avoid the heaviest rains and give comfortable temperatures across most of the country.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Frequently Asked Questions

Many nationalities can get an e-visa online in advance, but requirements vary, so check current rules before booking.

Yes, street food, guesthouses, and local transport are inexpensive by international standards.

Domestic flights, trains, and sleeper buses make it straightforward to move between the north, central coast, and south.