From the remarkable beauty of Sam Mountain and Halong Bay to the numerous sacred temples and pagodas, Vietnam has a lot to offer. It is a country that features everything from exotic culinary delights to breathtaking scenery. Seemingly endless, tranquil rice paddies stand in stark contrast to bustling cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi which embrace all the technology and conveniences that the modern world has to offer. The well-preserved colonial buildings of Hoi An play host to a slew of charming boutiques and tempting cafes while, further north, the local hill-tribe people of Sapa sell a wide variety of exquisite crafts and handmade trinkets. Beyond the urban areas, this diverse country is characterised by vast, verdant jungles and lush mountainous regions as well as an enticing coastline peppered with golden sand, palm-lined beaches.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: Vietnamese Dong
Symbol: ₫
ISO code: VND
Subunit: Hào
Banknotes: ₫1000, ₫2000, ₫5000, ₫10000, ₫20000, ₫50000, ₫100000, ₫200000, ₫500000
Coins: None
Banking
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: No
Diner’s club: No
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Weekends: Closed
Public Holidays: No
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air
International Airports: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City), Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
Domestic Airports: Da Nang International Airport, Cam Ranh International Airport
Road:
Driving on the: Right
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: No
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: Yes
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Yes
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: Yes
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes
Local cuisine:
Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and diverse dishes. Pho (noodle soup), banh mi (sandwich), and spring rolls are popular street foods. Vietnamese cuisine is characterized by the use of herbs like mint and cilantro, fish sauce, and a variety of meats and seafood. Notable local drinks include Vietnamese coffee, iced tea, and sugarcane juice.
Tipping: 5-10%
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: 1500 - 2500 mm
Average temperature: 25°C
Summer:
Average highs: 35°C
Average lows: 25°C
Winter:
Average highs: 20°C
Average lows: 15°C
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Vietnam is from November to April when the weather is cooler and drier, making it ideal for exploring the country.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: No
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: Type A, Type C
Voltage (V): 220V
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
