A Beginner's Guide to Vietnam

The days of Vietnam being solely associated with rice paddies, floating markets, and workers in conical hats are long gone. This vibrant Southeast Asian nation is now celebrated for its breathtaking natural landscapes, untouched beaches, ecological wonders, and delicious culinary offerings.

Iconic locations like Halong Bay, the Old Town of Hoi An, and Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park have earned spots on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Classic dishes such as banh mi and pho are so well-known they’ve made their way into English dictionaries. Travelers now rank Phu Quoc alongside the Maldives and Bali among the world's most stunning islands.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what this remarkable country has in store.

The Optimal Time to Explore Vietnam

Stretching nearly 1650 km (1025 miles) from north to south, Vietnam experiences diverse weather patterns, making the ideal time to visit highly dependent on your intended destinations and personal preferences. Most travelers should steer clear of the stormy season, particularly in Northern and Central Vietnam, where heavy rain can lead to flash floods, mudslides, and road closures. Conversely, the southern storm season from June to November, while inconvenient, is less hazardous for tourists.

The storm season in the north typically begins in May and lasts until around October; in the central coastal areas, it runs from September to December; and in the central highlands, from May to August.

Aside from this, the country's climate is broadly categorized into three distinct zones.

• In North Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Giang, Halong Bay), the months of September, November, or March and April offer cool, dry weather with less domestic tourism. Additionally, August and September mark Sapa’s harvest season, showcasing the hills in vibrant bloom.
• Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Nha Trang, Hue, Danang) is best enjoyed from April to August, avoiding the peak of storm and flood seasons while basking in abundant sunshine ideal for the stunning white-sand beaches around Hoi An and Nha Trang.
• For South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc), visiting from October to April is recommended. The rains of the preceding months ensure the rivers and channels of the Mekong Delta are well-fed, making travel through the winding waterways a breeze.

It's advisable to steer clear of major holidays such as Tet (Vietnamese New Year, typically in late January or early February) due to skyrocketing prices and fully booked accommodations.

How long should I plan to stay in Vietnam?

To fully immerse yourself in all that Vietnam has to offer? Months. Recognizing that this is unlikely for most travelers, two weeks will allow you to visit most of the country’s iconic destinations.

Whether you start in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), you can traverse the entire country and experience a multitude of sights, flavors, and adventures. Don’t miss the beloved destinations like Sapa and Halong Bay, cultural and historical hubs such as Hoi An and Hue, the river city of Can Tho along with the vast Mekong Delta, and the tropical haven of Phu Quoc.

If your time or budget is limited, short trips of three to four days focusing on a specific area or city like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Phu Quoc are doable and provide a rewarding glimpse into Vietnam’s allure.

Navigating Vietnam

Vietnam features three primary international airports located in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang (serving as the entry point to Hoi An and Hue). Additionally, Phu Quoc Island boasts its own international airport with direct flights to Singapore, Shanghai, Cambodia, and Laos, while the airport in Phan Thiet will commence international flights in 2025.

Getting around Vietnam is quite simple and budget-friendly, with choices like trains, buses, and domestic flights. Flights provide the fastest and most convenient travel option within the country. Buses are economical, connect to nearly every destination, and offer sleeper services for those wishing to travel overnight from north to south. Recently, a resurgence of interest has led to the refurbishment of several train routes, making train travel an excellent choice for those wanting to savor the stunning landscapes along the way.

In urban areas, taxis, rideshare services such as Grab or Be, and traditional motorbike taxis are readily available. For those daring enough to navigate the hectic traffic, most Vietnamese cities are pedestrian-friendly and enjoyable to explore on foot—though the tropical heat and humidity combined with urban dust and exhaust can make longer walks less pleasant.

Must-try activities in Vietnam

Vietnam offers an endless array of exciting activities, and first-time travelers definitely won’t want to miss a few essential experiences. 

Take a cruise on Halong Bay. This breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site features nearly 2,000 majestic limestone islands set against a vast blue bay. An overnight cruise is the perfect way to soak in the scenery. If time allows, don’t miss Lan Ha Bay to the south—equally stunning but much less crowded. 

Discover Hoi An. With its lantern-lit streets and lightning-fast tailor shops, this ancient town feels like a step back in time. Surrounding the town, numerous traditional craft villages await exploration. 

Descend into the Cu Chi Tunnels. This network of wartime tunnels promises an exhilarating experience, and starting in early 2024, night tours will be available for those eager to relive historical thrills under the stars. 

Hike the trails of Sapa. The Northwest Highlands are renowned for their breathtaking trails and natural beauty. Sapa acts as the base for adventurous trekkers eager to explore this rugged terrain on foot.  

Explore the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Navigate through this labyrinth of narrow streets, each one named after the goods that were traditionally sold here. It's a fantastic place to immerse yourself in Vietnamese street culture and savor local food. 

My top activity in Vietnam

What do I love most about Vietnam? The food. 

Beyond pho and banh mi, you can indulge in over 200 unique noodle dishes from all regions of Vietnam. Some dishes are exclusive to a single town, while certain herbs can only be found in specific forest areas. There are culinary creations fit for ancient emperors and simple, hearty meals designed to satisfy the hunger of peasants.

The food of Vietnam tells a rich story about its history and people. My dream is to visit every town in Vietnam to taste its specialty dish and learn the tales behind them. (Each local favorite often comes with a quirky story!) That would make for an intriguing book.  

What’s my budget for traveling in Vietnam? 

While luxury resorts and fine dining exist in some areas, Vietnam is well-known for being a budget-friendly destination.

• Hostel accommodation: US$10–15
• Basic double room: US$10–40
• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): US$20–50
• Local bus fare: US$0.20–1
• Coffee: US$1–3
• Banh mi: US$1–3 (notably, the popular and notorious Madam Huynh Banh Mi in HCMC charges $3 per sandwich, easily feeding two average adults or one very hungry weightlifter)
• Dinner for two at a local restaurant: US$10–30
• Beer: US$1–2 per can; $3 for a liter of draft beer at a local beer hall

Additional tips for enjoying your time in Vietnam

Pack plenty of layers, regardless of the season

This is particularly important if you're traveling the entire length of Vietnam. The country's climate can change dramatically over short distances, so it's wise to prepare for various temperatures and weather conditions. 

Honor local traditions and etiquette

Like many other Asian cultures, the Vietnamese highly regard politeness and respect. When visiting temples, dress modestly, and always take off your shoes before entering a home. 

Avoid tap water and choose your street food vendors wisely

Tap water in Vietnam isn't safe to drink, so opt for bottled water at all times. Savoring street food is a must-do in Vietnam, but pay attention to food hygiene; follow the locals' lead and select the vendors they frequent. 

Brace yourself for bustling traffic

In Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, the saying goes that traffic laws are more like recommendations, so be extra careful when crossing the streets and think twice before renting a motorbike unless you're an experienced rider. 

A few Vietnamese phrases can make a big difference

While English is fairly common in Vietnam, especially in major cities, picking up some basic Vietnamese phrases can enhance your experience and show respect to the locals, helping you forge better connections.