Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?

Many nationalities, including UK and most EU citizens, get 45-day visa-free entry; US and some other passport holders typically need an e-visa arranged in advance.

How many days do I need in Vietnam?

14-16 days lets you cover a north-to-south route (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City) without rushing; 10 days works for one region.

Is Vietnam affordable?

Yes, Vietnam remains one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia for food, accommodation, and internal transport.

What is the best time to visit Vietnam?

It varies by region -- the country is long enough that north and south have different dry seasons; roughly February-April and August-October work well for a combined north-south trip.

Destination Guide

Vietnam Travel Guide 2026

Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City — Southeast Asia’s best value, now easier to reach than ever.

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Why Vietnam in 2026

Vietnam has quietly become one of Southeast Asia’s best value destinations — often cited as a cheaper, less crowded alternative to Thailand, with a north-to-south range that covers mountains (Sapa), UNESCO bays (Ha Long), ancient towns (Hoi An), and major cities (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City) in one country. New direct flight routes launching in 2026 from several regional hubs are making it more accessible than ever.

A daily budget of $25-50 covers a comfortable mid-range trip — among the best value-for-money destinations in Asia.

What to know before you go

North and south feel like different countries

Hanoi and the north (Ha Long Bay, Sapa’s rice terraces) have a different pace and climate than Ho Chi Minh City and the south (Mekong Delta). A first trip typically picks one region rather than rushing both.

What a Day in Vietnam Actually Costs

Real per-day cost ranges based on our destination research, broken down by travel style.

Per day	Budget	Mid-range	Comfort
Accommodation	$8	$25	$70
Food	$6	$14	$30
Local transport	$3	$8	$18
Activities	$5	$12	$30
Total / day	$22	$59	$148

Hoi An is the universal favorite

The lantern-lit ancient town, tailored clothing shops, and nearby beaches make Hoi An one of the most consistently recommended stops for first-time visitors.

Universal e-visa for most nationalities

Vietnam has used a straightforward e-visa system (roughly $25-50, applied for online in advance) for all nationalities since 2023 — no embassy visit required.

Street food is a legitimate highlight, not just a budget option

Pho, banh mi, and countless regional specialties are widely considered among the best street food in the world, often $1-3 per meal.

Traffic in Hanoi and HCMC takes getting used to

Motorbike traffic is intense in the major cities — crossing the street has its own local technique (walk steadily, don’t stop or run) that visitors quickly adapt to.

Best time to visit

Vietnam’s long north-south geography means timing depends on region: the north (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay) is best October-December and March-April (cool, dry). The south (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta) is best December-April (dry season). Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue) is best February-July, avoiding the autumn typhoon season.

Getting there

Hanoi (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) are the two main international gateways, both well-connected to major Asian, European, and Middle Eastern hubs. New direct routes have been launching in 2026 from several origin markets, making Vietnam meaningfully more accessible than in previous years.

Getting around

Domestic flights: The fastest way to cover the long north-south distance — Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is roughly 2 hours by air versus 30+ hours by train. Trains: The Reunification Express is scenic and comfortable for shorter hops (Hanoi-Hue-Da Nang). Grab (ride-hailing app): Cheap and reliable in all major cities. Motorbike rental: Popular for exploring Hoi An, Da Lat, or the Ha Giang loop, but requires confidence in chaotic traffic conditions.

Where to stay

Budget ($8-15/night): Hostels and guesthouses in Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Hoi An. Mid-range ($20-45/night): Boutique hotels with pools, common in Hoi An and Da Nang. Splurge ($60-150/night): Beach resorts in Da Nang or Phu Quoc that would cost several times more in comparable Southeast Asian beach destinations.

eSIM & connectivity

Vietnam has strong, fast 4G/5G coverage even in secondary cities. A Vietnam or Southeast Asia eSIM is the easiest option, or a local Viettel/Mobifone SIM is cheap and widely available.

Travel insurance for Vietnam

Standard policies cover Vietnam well. If your plans include motorbike riding (extremely common but a frequent source of claims — and denials without the right license class) or trekking in Sapa, confirm your policy explicitly covers those activities. Compare travel insurance here.

Go Deeper

What to Pack for Vietnam

The non-obvious stuff people forget, plus what genuinely helps.

Don’t forget

Lightweight, breathable clothing — humid across most of the country
A rain jacket or poncho — sudden downpours are common
Modest clothing for temple and pagoda visits
Universal power adapter (Type A/C sockets)

Nice to have

A money belt — useful for markets and overnight trains/buses
Motion sickness tablets for winding mountain roads (Ha Giang, Sapa)
A light scarf for dusty city traffic (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
Cash (Dong) — essential outside major hotels and restaurants

Not Sure When to Go?

Best Time to Visit Vietnam (month-by-month) →

How Does It Compare?

Thailand vs Vietnam: Which Should You Visit? →

Keep planning

Ready to go?

Start with flights — they usually set the budget for everything else.

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