Vietnam Travel Guide

Before travelling to a country, most clients will search for the reliable information source related to the visa procedures, Dos and Don'ts, weather and climate or other information like transportation, currency etc. Knowing that, we are pleased to provide you the essential travel guides to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. With our expert team’s knowledge and experience, the below Indochina Travel Guide & News are certainly vital for your pre-trip preparation

Vietnam Overview

Vietnam is a beautiful country in Southeast Asia, located next to China, Laos, Cambodia, and the South China Sea. It is known for its long coastline, delicious food, and friendly people. Here is some basic information about Vietnam!1. Vietnam General Information• Location: Southeast Asia• Population: Around 99.46 million people (as of 2022)• Ethnic Groups: 54 ethnic groups, with the Kinh (Viet) being the largest• Language: The official language is Vietnamese, but English is also widely spoken in tourist areas• Capital City: Hanoi• Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)• Seasons:   - North: 4 seasons (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter)   - Central and South: 2 seasons (Dry and Rainy)• Calling Code: +84• Time Zone: Indochina Time (UTC +7)Vietnam Travel Map from North to South2. Why You Must Visit Vietnam? Vietnam is a peaceful and beautiful country located in Southeast Asia, across the South China Sea. Being favored by nature, Vietnam has a coastline of approximately 3,200 kilometers. According to the 2022 national census, Vietnam has a total population of 99.46 million. Nearly half of Vietnam's population is from 10-24. Therefore, Vietnam is a young and dynamic country. Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate which varies from region to region. In the North, there are four seasons: Spring (from February to April), Summer (from May to August), Autumn (from September to October), and Winter (from November to January).In Central Vietnam, the weather features a dry season (January to August) and a rainy season (September to December). The best time to visit is during the dry season, especially from February to June. In the South, there are only two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. According to experienced travelers, the best time to travel to Vietnam is from November to April. Hanoi Old Quarter Therefore, clients have a lot of options for joining a trip to Vietnam. Sapa Tours with beautiful landscapes and terrace fields will be attractive destinations for most of the clients visiting Vietnam. Halong Bay Tours with Halong Bay day trip, Halong Bay 3 days 2 nights will be different options for travelers depending on your available duration in Vietnam. Hue Imperial City in Central Vietnam will be the time for relaxing in the middle of our trip. You will get back energy for continuing your trip to Southern Vietnam. With Southern Vietnam Tours & Excursions, you will learn about the culture of the Mekong River Delta and Saigon people and life 3. Four Reasons You Must Visit Vietnam Vietnam is a great place to visit because it has everything a traveler might want: stunning landscapes, rich culture, tasty food, and affordable travel.  3.1. Vietnam Beautiful Landscapes from North to South In Northern Vietnam• Sapa: Famous for its terraced rice fields and cool weather. You can trek in the mountains and visit ethnic minority villages.• Halong Bay: A world-famous site with thousands of limestone islands. You can take a cruise to enjoy the stunning views.• Hanoi: The capital city with a mix of old and new. You can explore the Old Quarter, visit temples, and enjoy street food.In Central Vietnam• Hue: Known for its historical sites like the Imperial City and royal tombs. It is perfect for history lovers.• Hoi An: A charming ancient town with lantern-lit streets. You can try cooking classes, visit tailor shops, and see traditional houses.• Da Nang: A modern city with beautiful beaches like My Khe Beach and attractions like the Golden Bridge.In Southern Vietnam • Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): The largest city in Vietnam, known for its bustling streets, French colonial buildings, and vibrant nightlife.• Mekong Delta: Famous for its floating markets, green rice fields, and small villages. You can take a boat tour to see how people live along the river.• Phu Quoc Island: A tropical paradise with white-sand beaches and clear water. It is a great place for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.When you visit Vietnam you will choose the best landscapes for your trip with advice from a travel consultant. Terraced rice field in Sapa, Vietnam 3.2. Vietnam Rich Culture and History Despite being a small country, Vietnam has up to 54 ethnic groups. Each ethnicity has a typical language and culture. You can explore many millennial customs of the Kinh, “Cuop Dau” (rob brides) of the H’mong, and many other interesting festivals of The Cham living in the Mekong Delta. Throughout more than 4000 years of history, there still remain old structures and historical sites in Vietnam such as The One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, the Imperial Palace, the Royal Tombs in Hue, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City. Visiting Vietnam, will not only enjoy the landscape of Vietnam but will be a good chance to learn more about Vietnam's culture and history. Ethnic Minority Children in Sapa 3.3. Vietnam is the Heaven of Food Philip Kotler once said: “If China should be the factory of the world, India should be the office of the world then Vietnam should be the kitchen of the world”. Thanks to fertile soil, rich natural resources, and skillful Vietnamese cooks, there are thousands of delicious dishes, which only exist in Vietnam. Vietnamese people have healthy eating habits. There are a lot of vegetables used in a meal which are cooked in different, interesting ways. Therefore, if you are a vegetarian, you don’t have to worry when you are on a Vietnam Holiday. Additionally, each region in Vietnam has a typical flavor. The North prefers a fresh taste, the Center prefers a spicy taste and the South prefers a sweet taste. In Vietnam, from the north to the south, you will not only be amazed by the landscape but also by the food. Food in Hoi An 3.4. Vietnam is Safe and cheap Vietnam is much safer compared to Thailand. There have been no terrorist attacks recorded in Vietnam in more than 50 years. Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam is claimed as the City of Peace by UNESCO. Being a developing country, Vietnam is very cheap. The currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). 1 USD is equal to 25,000-26,000 VND. With around 2 USD, you can have a bowl of Pho (noodles with beef) and a cup of coffee for breakfast. It is just one example of how cheap Vietnam is. Come and experience the beauty of Vietnam! When you join Vietnam Tours there are different options for you to choose from the private tour for the couple, family, or company colleagues to the Vietnam Group Tours for different destinations. Tam Coc hand-rowed boat If you're planning a trip to Vietnam, you're in for a treat! In Northern Vietnam, you can enjoy fantastic day trips like the Halong Bay group tour or explore the beautiful Hoa Lu and Tam Coc together with fellow travelers. There are also amazing options for cruising Halong Bay, whether it’s for one night or two. Down in Southern Vietnam, there are delightful group tours to the stunning Mekong Delta as well. So, you can find some affordable tour options throughout the country.

Vietnam Transportation

Thanks to economic development in the last 20 years, transportation in Vietnam has been improved to encourage the development of tourism. Many new roads, bridges and airports have been built in recent years which make getting around Vietnam much easier. With the good transportation system, you can enjoy your holiday in Vietnam more. 1. How to Access Vietnam?As the Long Thanh International Airport has not been finished, there are only two official international airports in Vietnam. The first one is Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and the second one is Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Most foreign travelers access Vietnam through these two international airports.Between Vietnam to Europe, there are Vietnam Airlines and Air France (to Paris). Travelers from other countries in Europe and North America normally will have a flight to Bangkok (Thailand) and then Vietnam. In the near future, there will be direct flights between Vietnam and America and other countries in Europe.Vietnam is waiting for you to explore2. How to Get Around in Vietnam?There are many ways to get around. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages which will be listed in the following:2.1. By PlaneTo save time and effort, travelers normally travel by plane for long distances. They often choose to fly from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Hue or Danang or Nha Trang or Phan Thiet and vice versa.Advantages:- Safe and Time-Saving: Ideal for long distances, reducing travel time significantly.- Scenic Views: Enjoy spectacular views from above, especially when flying over coastal or mountainous regions.- Clear Flight Options: You can choose from various airlines, including Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways.Disadvantages:- Flight Delays: Budget airlines like VietJet Air often experience delays, so plan your schedule accordingly.- Higher Cost: More expensive compared to buses or trains, especially for last-minute bookings.Vietnam Airlines 2.2. By TrainYou can travel from the north to the south of Vietnam by train. The Unification Express offers a wideRange Of Choices From Third-Class Hard Seat To Air-Conditioned Cushioned Seats To Sleeper Beds.Advantages:- Scenic Journey: Enjoy beautiful landscapes along the coastline and through the mountains.- Variety of Seating Options: Choose from hard seats, soft seats, and sleeper beds (available for 2, 4, or 6 people).- Luxury Train Services: Besides the traditional trains, there are luxury services like the Victoria Express and Laman Express, offering a more comfortable experience.Disadvantages:- Slow and Noisy: The journey can be long, and the standard trains can be noisy and less clean.- Booking in Advance is Essential: High demand means you need to book tickets early, especially for sleeper beds and luxury trains.Sapa night train2.3. By Taxi/Ride-Hailing ServicesGoing by car is the most accessible way in Vietnam. In the past 3 years, the development of Grab and Uber in Vietnam has made getting around cities easier and cheaper. It is very easy for you to get in a taxi or a car in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City just by downloading the XanhSM/Grab App from the App Store or Google Store.Advantages of Ride-Hailing Services:- Convenient: Easily book via app for motorbikes, 4-seater, or 7-seater cars.- Transparent Pricing: The app shows clear rates, allows you to track your route, and some services provide online invoices.- Safer Payments: Cashless payment options reduce the risk of scams.Disadvantages of Traditional Taxis:- Uncertain Pricing: The fare can be unpredictable, especially if the driver takes a longer route.- Limited Route Tracking: Without app support, you cannot easily follow your route on a map, which can be concerning for first-time visitors.- Traffic Jams: Regardless of the type, taxis can get stuck in traffic, especially during rush hours in big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.Taxi in Hanoi2.4. By local busLocal buses in Vietnam are not recommended if you are not going with locals. To get on the bus, you must go to the bus station in the town center. Buses only leave when it is full of passengers. It means you will not have a comfortable seat. In addition, it is often old and dirty and sometimes unsafe (pickpocket, impolite drivers, high speed, etc.)There are still high-class buses (Limousine cars) to travel from Hanoi to Sapa or Hai Phong but you must book in advance.Advantage:- Affordable: Bus travel is the cheapest way to get around.- Variety of Choices: Sleeper buses provide a more comfortable option for long journeys.Disadvantage:- Unpredictable Quality: Local buses can be old, crowded, and unsafe, with issues like pickpocketing.- Bus Stations Are Not Centrally Located: Most bus stations are far from city centers, requiring a taxi or ride-hailing service to reach them.- Sleeper Buses Are Not for Everyone: The experience may not be comfortable for those not used to lying flat during travel.Local Bus in Vietnam2.5. By Car/VanA car/van is the most comfortable vehicle for your trip to Vietnam. Nowadays, most of the cars and vans in Vietnam are good and new and that is easy for you to book your tour operator to arrange the car with a guide or without a tour guide.Advantages:- Comfortable and Flexible: Enjoy the privacy and comfort of your own vehicle, with the ability to stop at various attractions along the way.- New and Well-Maintained Vehicles: Most tour operators provide modern cars or vans with air conditioning.Disadvantages:- Higher Cost: Renting a private vehicle can be expensive, especially for long journeys or multi-day trips.Private Van2.6. By CruiseIn recent years, traveling by cruise has become more and more popular, especially the Halong Bay Cruise and Mekong Cruise. You can choose which cruise based on your budget from a 3-star to a 5-star cruise.Advantages:- Unforgettable Experience: Cruises offer unique views and luxurious amenities.- Variety of Options: From budget-friendly to five-star luxury cruises, there’s something for every budget.Disadvantages:- Quite expensive- Not suitable for people with seasicknessHalong Bay overnight cruise2.7. By SpeedboatSpeedboats are used for travel between islands and coastal areas, such as routes from Chau Doc to Phu Quoc or from the mainland to Con Dao.Advantages:- Quick and Cost-Effective: Faster than ferries and relatively affordable.- Scenic Routes: Offers beautiful views of the coastline and islands.Disadvantages:- Uncomfortable for Those Prone to Seasickness: The journey can be rough, especially in bad weather.- Long Travel Time: Despite being faster than ferries, speedboats still take considerable time for long-distance trips.Speed boat in VietnamWith many ways to travel in Vietnam, it can be confusing to decide which one is best for you, especially if it's your first visit. If you feel unsure about planning your trip or need help with transportation and how to get to Vietnam, you can book a tour with Incredible Asia Journeys. We will arrange everything for you, from your travel plans to the vehicles you need. And if you want to visit new places during your tour, our travel consultants can help you with any last-minute plans. This way, you can enjoy a worry-free holiday in Vietnam.