Vietnam
Vibrant cities, amazing national parks, and a great culture to discover. Nobody can escape Vietnam’s charm
Vietnam is situated in southeast Asia, more specifically on the east of the Indochinese Peninsula. The country borders China in the north and Cambodia and Laos in the west while the rest of Vietnam faces the South China Sea. The capital, Hanoi, is situated in the north of the country but its biggest city, Ho Chi Minh City is located in the south. The biggest mountain range, the Annam Cordillera, can be seen from most of the west of the country. Most of the population is located in the swampy plains situated at the delta of the two biggest rivers in the country: the Mekong, located in the south, and the Red, which dominates the north of Vietnam. In the past, Vietnam was mainly covered by tropical forests however, logging has reduced this area to only 19 percent. The habitats of Vietnam are extremely diverse and here you will find wetlands, forests, mountains, and coastlines, hosting hundreds of different species of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and birds.
Vietnam is characterized by tropical weather. Two main seasons can be found in the country: the wet or monsoon season and the dry season. The former lasts from May to October while the latter extends from November to April. Despite having two distinct seasons, it rains all year round so there is no ideal month to visit this country, even though, obviously, the monsoon season receives more rain. Temperatures range between 21 °C and 35°C and the average humidity is 85 percent. Vietnam has three distinct climate regions. The north is characterized by high altitudes and here winters can be freezing. The center of the country has hot and dry summers and rainy cool winters. Lastly, the south has a proper rainy season from May to November and a dry one, from November to May. Here temperatures are always warm and the weather is usually enjoyable.
Most Vietnamese will probably say that pho is the national dish of their country. Usually eaten for breakfast pho is a soup comminating noodles with meat and greens. It’s commonly served with a side of nuoc cham, meaning fermented fish, or chilli sauce. The meat is usually topped with bean sprouts and lime wedges. The herbs used are basil, mint, and cilantro. Another typical dish is banh. Banh is a French-Vietnamese sandwich containing a mix of pickles, pate, soy, cilantro, chillies, butter, hot pepper, and more! The French influence can be seen in the choice of the bread, commonly a baguette. You will be able to choose the main ingredient for your banh from a wide range of options such as meat, such as pork or chicken, fish or fried eggs, ideal for vegetarians. If all you want is a quick snack you should opt for xoi xeo a sweet snack topped with bean paste, soy sauce, and dried shallots. If you like sweets you can get its dessert version, xoi xeo, consisting of dried coconuts shavings, sesame seeds, and sugar. Your children will love it!
Despite in big cities, no dress code is required, in small villages, people tend to wear conservative clothes. It is advisable to bring clothes with long sleeves and trousers that cover your knees. These will be particularly required when entering worship sites. We know it’s warm but short shorts and crop top are not considered appropriate here. A sarong is a smart piece of clothing for you to pack as it can be used for multiple purposes and will cover your knees or shoulders before entering religious sites or conservative towns. To survive the heat, make sure to bring loose clothes and opt for natural materials. If you go to the north remember that temperatures can be quite chilly here, so make sure to pack a light sweater too.
Vietnam uses the dong (d) as its national currency. One
The Vietnamese dong is equal to 0,000032 pounds. ATMs can be found all over the main cities in the country. Visas and MasterCard are commonly accepted in hotels and tourist attractions but small shops only accept cash, so make sure to have some with you. Bargaining is common practice here and if you negotiate you will most likely see your price drastically reduced, however, restaurant prices are fixed. You are not expected to tip at restaurants or cafes but you may give a little tip to your local guide. The prices here are extremely cheap and you will be able to spend a night in a cheap hotel for 7 to 10 pounds and get a warm meal for 6 pounds.
Obviously, the official language of Vietnam is Vietnamese but if you don’t speak the language don’t despair. About half of the population has some basic English skills, especially in tourist places. This means that if you’re planning to visit the main tourist attractions you will be more than fine. Unfortunately, police officers don’t English. For this reason, make sure to keep an eye on the many pick-pockets and scams as communication with the police may be challenging. If you’re planning to see the little villages all over the country or to stay in remote areas it is advisable to learn some basic Vietnamese sentences to make your stay as smooth as possible.
Vietnam is characterized by a modest culture. Try to avoid showing off money and adopt a modest attitude throughout your stay. The country is quite conservative, so avoid physical contact with people of the opposite sex. Vietnamese culture also gives lots of respect to the elderly. If you’re in a big group of people always give priority to the elderly and if you’re speaking to someone older than you make sure to remove your hat if you’re wearing one. The head is considered the most sacred part of the body. For this reason, make sure to avoid touching other people’s heads. Pointing at something using only one finger is considered disrespectful so use your whole hand. Lastly, when entering someone’s house make sure to remove your shoes.
If you’re staying in Vietnam for less than 15 days, then you will not need a visa. However, if you want to stay longer you will have to request one. Make sure your passport has a six-month validity on the day of arrival or you may not be able to enter Vietnam. When you check-in in a hotel your passport will be taken to register your presence with the local police. Make sure to get it back before leaving.
Vietnam is situated in southeast Asia, more specifically on the east of the Indochinese Peninsula. The country borders China in the north and Cambodia and Laos in the west while the rest of Vietnam faces the South China Sea. The capital, Hanoi, is situated in the north of the country but its biggest city, Ho Chi Minh City is located in the south. The biggest mountain range, the Annam Cordillera, can be seen from most of the west of the country. Most of the population is located in the swampy plains situated at the delta of the two biggest rivers in the country: the Mekong, located in the south, and the Red, which dominates the north of Vietnam. In the past, Vietnam was mainly covered by tropical forests however, logging has reduced this area to only 19 percent. The habitats of Vietnam are extremely diverse and here you will find wetlands, forests, mountains, and coastlines, hosting hundreds of different species of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and birds.
Vietnam is characterized by tropical weather. Two main seasons can be found in the country: the wet or monsoon season and the dry season. The former lasts from May to October while the latter extends from November to April. Despite having two distinct seasons, it rains all year round so there is no ideal month to visit this country, even though, obviously, the monsoon season receives more rain. Temperatures range between 21 °C and 35°C and the average humidity is 85 percent. Vietnam has three distinct climate regions. The north is characterized by high altitudes and here winters can be freezing. The center of the country has hot and dry summers and rainy cool winters. Lastly, the south has a proper rainy season from May to November and a dry one, from November to May. Here temperatures are always warm and the weather is usually enjoyable.
Most Vietnamese will probably say that pho is the national dish of their country. Usually eaten for breakfast pho is a soup comminating noodles with meat and greens. It’s commonly served with a side of nuoc cham, meaning fermented fish, or chilli sauce. The meat is usually topped with bean sprouts and lime wedges. The herbs used are basil, mint, and cilantro. Another typical dish is banh. Banh is a French-Vietnamese sandwich containing a mix of pickles, pate, soy, cilantro, chillies, butter, hot pepper, and more! The French influence can be seen in the choice of the bread, commonly a baguette. You will be able to choose the main ingredient for your banh from a wide range of options such as meat, such as pork or chicken, fish or fried eggs, ideal for vegetarians. If all you want is a quick snack you should opt for xoi xeo a sweet snack topped with bean paste, soy sauce, and dried shallots. If you like sweets you can get its dessert version, xoi xeo, consisting of dried coconuts shavings, sesame seeds, and sugar. Your children will love it!
Despite in big cities, no dress code is required, in small villages, people tend to wear conservative clothes. It is advisable to bring clothes with long sleeves and trousers that cover your knees. These will be particularly required when entering worship sites. We know it’s warm but short shorts and crop top are not considered appropriate here. A sarong is a smart piece of clothing for you to pack as it can be used for multiple purposes and will cover your knees or shoulders before entering religious sites or conservative towns. To survive the heat, make sure to bring loose clothes and opt for natural materials. If you go to the north remember that temperatures can be quite chilly here, so make sure to pack a light sweater too.
Vietnam uses the dong (d) as its national currency. One
The Vietnamese dong is equal to 0,000032 pounds. ATMs can be found all over the main cities in the country. Visas and MasterCard are commonly accepted in hotels and tourist attractions but small shops only accept cash, so make sure to have some with you. Bargaining is common practice here and if you negotiate you will most likely see your price drastically reduced, however, restaurant prices are fixed. You are not expected to tip at restaurants or cafes but you may give a little tip to your local guide. The prices here are extremely cheap and you will be able to spend a night in a cheap hotel for 7 to 10 pounds and get a warm meal for 6 pounds.
Obviously, the official language of Vietnam is Vietnamese but if you don’t speak the language don’t despair. About half of the population has some basic English skills, especially in tourist places. This means that if you’re planning to visit the main tourist attractions you will be more than fine. Unfortunately, police officers don’t English. For this reason, make sure to keep an eye on the many pick-pockets and scams as communication with the police may be challenging. If you’re planning to see the little villages all over the country or to stay in remote areas it is advisable to learn some basic Vietnamese sentences to make your stay as smooth as possible.
Vietnam is characterized by a modest culture. Try to avoid showing off money and adopt a modest attitude throughout your stay. The country is quite conservative, so avoid physical contact with people of the opposite sex. Vietnamese culture also gives lots of respect to the elderly. If you’re in a big group of people always give priority to the elderly and if you’re speaking to someone older than you make sure to remove your hat if you’re wearing one. The head is considered the most sacred part of the body. For this reason, make sure to avoid touching other people’s heads. Pointing at something using only one finger is considered disrespectful so use your whole hand. Lastly, when entering someone’s house make sure to remove your shoes.
If you’re staying in Vietnam for less than 15 days, then you will not need a visa. However, if you want to stay longer you will have to request one. Make sure your passport has a six-month validity on the day of arrival or you may not be able to enter Vietnam. When you check-in in a hotel your passport will be taken to register your presence with the local police. Make sure to get it back before leaving.
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Your Travel Questions Answered
Ask any travel related question and get an answer from one of our experts that will provide you with an answer from their personal experience
I want to be within walking distance of the main attractions, but the city is so big. What district should I book my hotel in?
I want to eat all the local specialties but I’m really only familiar with Pho. What do I need to try?
Will be traveling through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam for a month. What essentials should I pack?
When possible, I prefer to explore without a tour group. I also don’t want to miss experiences since I will only be taking a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City. What should I do?
I have heard Vietnam has the best food in the world but I’m worried that I will ruin my trip with a bad meal. Should I eat the street food?
I was wondering how and what I should know about backpacking in Vietnam as this would be my first time traveling this way in Asia. Are there any tips for making my travel journey easier while still having the chance to explore most of the Vietnamese cities?
I am planning a Vietnam holiday and want to spend a portion of it relaxing at the beach. What are the best beaches in each region?
I'm hoping to visit Ho Chi Minh City soon. I'm trying to get my itinerary sorted. I've heard that there are lots of exciting things to do in the city. Could you recommend some guided tours for me?
My partner and I have booked to stay in the Thanh Binh Central Hotel in Hoi An. We're flying into Da Nang Airport. What is the best way to get from Da Nang Airport, Vietnam, to Hoi An?
My partner and I are planning to stop in Hanoi during our trip around Vietnam. We will only have two days in Hanoi. What’s the best way to see Hanoi in two days? What are the best things to do?