Essential Tips for First-Time Travellers to Vietnam: Ultimate Guide 2025

Planning your first trip to Vietnam? Amazing choice. From Hanoi’s old-quarter chaos to Hội An’s lantern glow and Phú Quốc’s beaches, the country is friendly, affordable, and easy to navigate once you know a few basics. Here’s a crisp, up-to-date guide to help you land smoothly and travel smart.

Handy tips

• Visas: Some countries require you to get a visa to visit Vietnam. If this applies to you, apply for your visa at least two weeks before your trip. Visas take 3 to 5 business days; sometimes, you may have to correct and resend your visa application.
• Apps to Download for Vietnam: Grab, Vietnam Airlines, 12Go amongst others are apps you should download for your trip to Vietnam.
• Cash: Always carry some money with you. While many places in Vietnam accept cards, it’s always best to have cash on you for some restaurants, stores, and street vendors who only accept cash.
• VP & TP ATMs: Both of these banks offer free cash withdrawals from their ATMs, so if you’re looking to avoid fees, look for them. VP is green-themed, TP is purple-themed.
• Scams: Beware of common scams in Vietnam, such as the typical taxi scams, street vendor photo scams, airport arrival scams, and pickpocket scams.
• Grab: Use Grab in Vietnam, it’s a widely used ride-sharing app in Southeast Asia, you can pay with cash or connect the app with your credit card.
• Domestic Travel: For all domestic travel, check 12Go to view your transportation options from place to place.
• Weather: When visiting North Vietnam, such as Hanoi, be aware that it can get chilly in Northern Vietnam during certain months of the year. This is one of the common travel tips for Vietnam that I often share with others planning their first trip.
• Don’t Try to Visit too much: Vietnam is a large country with many destinations. First-time travelers often try to visit too many places, wasting plenty of time on travel.

Visa Requirements

Most travelers need a visa to enter Vietnam, some countries are on the list of visa exemption. You can check if your country are on visa exemption list here: Do you need a visa in Vietnam? The easiest option is the Vietnam eVisa, available to citizens of over 80 countries. It allows for single-entry, 30-day stays and must be applied for online at least 3 business days in advance.

• Apply through the official government portal only. (Offcial government website: evisa.gov.vn)
• Visa-on-arrival is no longer available for most tourists.

Currency and Payments

Vietnam uses the Vietnamese đồng (VND). Cash is king, especially in smaller towns, markets, and street food stalls.

• ATMs are widely available in cities. ATMS from TP banks and VP banks are currently offer the best services with almost no fees for withdrawing money.
• Credit cards are accepted at upscale hotels, restaurants, and some retailers.
• Always carry small bills for taxis and food.

Transport

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Getting around Vietnam is affordable and straightforward, with a wide range of options.

• Domestic flights are cheap and convenient for long distances. It’s advised to book domestic flights with Vietnam airlines.
• Sleeper trains and buses connect most major cities. Vexere – is the number 1 bus booking webiste for locals
• Grab, a ride-hailing app, is widely used in urban areas. XanhSM is a new player with 100% e-vehicles.
• Traffic in major cities is dense — pedestrians should cross streets steadily and confidently.

Tip: Read our Transportation guide in Vietnam and avoid scams.

Weather and When to Go

Southern Vietnam
You won’t face too many weather challenges here, but do keep in mind that Ho Chi Minh City can get extremely hot, humid, and muggy during the summer months. If you’re sensitive to heat, you might prefer visiting outside this period.

Central Vietnam
This region is home to Vietnam’s best beaches, from Da Nang to Hoi An. If sun and sand are high on your list, try to avoid the later summer months, when storms and heavy rains are more common. For detailed insights, check out our Da Nang weather guide.

Northern Vietnam
The north has the most dramatic seasonal shifts. From December to February, temperatures can drop sharply, making it the chilliest time of year. For a more comfortable trip, especially in Hanoi, the best window to visit is March through November, when the climate is much milder and pleasant.

• North: Best visited in spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Winter in the North can be intense.
• Central: Can experience typhoons from August to October.
• South: Hot year-round, with a dry season from November to April.

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PACKING BY SEASON

Summer (May–Oct):

• Light, breathable clothes (linen/cotton).
• Sunscreen, hat, UV-protection sunglasses.

Winter (Nov–Apr):

• North (Hanoi, Sapa): Light jacket (can drop to 10°C).
• South (Ho Chi Minh City): Still warm (25°C+).

Rainy Season (May–Nov):

• Foldable umbrella/raincoat.
• Quick-dry shoes/sandals.

Beach Essentials: Swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, waterproof phone case.

Health and Safety

Vietnam is generally safe for travelers, but take standard precautions.

• Tap water is not drinkable — use bottled or filtered water.
• Street food is popular and usually safe when stalls are busy.
• Travel insurance is highly recommended.
• Petty theft can occur in tourist areas; keep valuables secured.
• Vaccinations: Make sure to consult with your doctor.
• Medications: Anti-diarrheal, rehydration salts.
• Mosquito repellent (DEET-based for rural areas).
• Masks: Useful in cities due to traffic pollution.

Cultural Etiquette

Respecting local customs helps foster a positive travel experience.

• Dress modestly when visiting temples or rural areas.
• Avoid pointing with your feet or touching someone’s head.
• Remove shoes before entering homes or certain buildings.
• Vietnamese people are generally welcoming and hospitable.

Connectivity

• Local SIM Cards: Buy at airports or shops (Viettel is the best for coverage).
• eSIMs: Airalo (download before arrival).
• Power Adapters: Vietnam uses Type A, C, or G plugs (220V).
• Portable Charger: Essential for long days exploring.

Handy Apps

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  Translation: Google Translate (download Vietnamese offline).
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  Navigation: Google Maps (or Maps.me for offline use).
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  Food Delivery: GrabFood, ShopeeFood.
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  Transport: Grab, Be (for taxis), Xanh SM.

Must buy souvenirs

When you travel through Vietnam, one of the joys is browsing its countless markets and souvenir shops, each offering a rich variety of local treasures. From handicrafts and textiles to specialty foods, the choices can feel endless — and it’s natural to wonder what’s really worth bringing home.

• Vietnamese Coffee Beans: Vietnam is famous for its coffee beans, making coffee beans a perfect souvenir for coffee lovers.
• Lacquerware: Beautifully crafted items like vases, jewelry boxes, and decorative panels that showcase Vietnam’s ancient art form.
• Silk Products: Renowned for quality, silk items range from scarves to clothing and home textiles.
• Ao Dai Dresses: These traditional Vietnamese dresses are known for their elegant design and intricate embroidery, making them stunning souvenirs.
• Custom Tailored Suits, Clothing & Dresses: Vietnam is famous for its custom tailoring services. Buy custom suits, dresses, and clothing to fit your style and size.
• Conical Hats: Iconic conical hats made from palm leaves or bamboo, symbolizing Vietnam’s agricultural heritage.
• Fruit Candies: Coconut candy and dried fruits like green sticky rice are delicious souvenirs to bring back home.
• Marou Chocolate: A popular Vietnamese chocolate brand known for its rich flavors and high quality.
• Cooking Ingredients: If you learned any Vietnamese recipes during your visit, don’t forget to buy ingredients like fish sauce, herbs, and spices.
• Knock-offs: North Face jackets, backpacks etc. You can buy at home but here you’ll pick up for at least 1/4 of the price.

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✨ Travel tip: If you’d rather skip the hassle of bargaining, look for shops that display clearly marked prices. It’ll save you time and ensure a more relaxed shopping experience.

Final words

Vietnam rewards curiosity and flexibility. Build in a free day here and there, say yes to that tiny noodle shop, and don’t stress about seeing it “all.” If you’d like, tell me your dates, interests, and budget—I’ll turn this into a custom route with hotel and food picks.

FAQs

What is the best month to visit Vietnam?

The best months to visit Vietnam are generally from March to April and September to November. These periods offer pleasant weather nationwide, with fewer crowds and optimal conditions for exploring popular destinations like HCMC, Hanoi, and Hoi An.

How many days is ideal for a Vietnam trip?

A week is great for a quick taste of Vietnam’s major cities, but two weeks is ideal for exploring the whole country from north to south without feeling rushed. If you have more time, three weeks is even better for diving deeper into the culture and landscapes.

Read our full suggested itinerary for Vietnam trip:

• 1-week itinerary
• 2-week itinerary
• 3-week itinerary

How much should I budget for 2 Weeks in Vietnam?

For a two-week trip to Vietnam, your budget can vary depending on your travel style. Budget travelers might spend around $420 to $700, while mid-range travelers could expect $910 to $1,251, excluding flights. It depends on how you travel ultimately!

Is Thailand or Vietnam cheaper?

Vietnam is generally cheaper than Thailand. Overall, Vietnam is about 23% to 47% less expensive than Thailand, and you’ll notice this most with food and transportation costs.