Looking for information to organize your trip to Vietnam? If you’ve already decided to visit this popular Southeast Asian country, all the information we’re about to share will be incredibly useful. This step-by-step guide is designed for independent travelers like you who want to explore Vietnam without relying on traditional travel agencies.
Vietnam is one of the most visited destinations in the region, thanks to its cultural diversity, breathtaking landscapes, historical significance, stunning beaches, majestic mountains, and the Mekong Delta.
For some time now—and until Vietnamese authorities decide otherwise—travelers from certain countries can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 15 days (coming soon). This allows you to explore the country for just over two weeks without any extra cost.
However, if you plan to stay longer, check out our article Vietnam Visa: All the Ways to Get One Quickly and Easily (coming soon), where we explain the process in detail.
If you’ve chosen Vietnam as your next travel destination, you’ve probably already started searching for flights. We know how important this is, as airfare usually takes up a significant part of the travel budget.
That’s why we’re sharing tips for finding cheap flights to Vietnam, so you can save money and use it for experiences in the country or other travel expenses.
It goes without saying how important it is to travel to Vietnam with a good insurance. We were the first ones to offer the famous 5% discount on IATI Insurance, but you also have it available with Heymondo travel insurance.
Follow the links bellow to get a discount on their website:
While many hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants in Vietnam offer free Wi-Fi, some travelers prefer or need a constant connection. We’ve included details on obtaining a eSIM Vietnam card with unlimited data (from Holafly) or with fixed data but cheaper (from Saily).
If you want to get it directly, here’s the link (with a discount) for both companies:
After years of traveling through this part of the world, we’ve learned a lot about its climate. And, after a few packing mistakes, we now know exactly what to bring.
Whenever friends visited us in Thailand or Malaysia, they always asked the same question: “What should I pack?”
Our answer? Check out our article: What to Wear in Southeast Asia (coming soon), where we’ve put together essential packing tips, with the help of fellow backpackers who have shared adventures with us.
Certain vaccines are recommended depending on the type of trip and the duration of your stay.
The best approach is to schedule an appointment at an international vaccination center well in advance, as waiting lists can be long. There, specialized doctors can advise you, answer all your questions, and provide tailored recommendations. In addition, they will give you essential information on preparing your first aid kit and preventing diseases with basic precautions.
Knowledge is power—once you have all the necessary information, you’ll be able to make the best decision for your trip.
How much money do you need to bring? Like other Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam is quite affordable (by European/American standards) and offers options for every budget. Whether it’s food or accommodation, the variety is extensive.
For $6-12, you can find double rooms with private bathrooms in almost any destination in Vietnam—though prices may be slightly higher in beach areas. As for food, expect to spend $5-10 per day per person. If you enjoy beer, add an extra $1-2 per drink.
The Dong (VND) has been the official currency of Vietnam since 1978. You can withdraw money from ATMs, but keep in mind that they may charge you up to 55,000 VND per withdrawal. You can find more details in the link above.
If you prefer to exchange currency before traveling, we recommend doing so with Ria, as they offer the best exchange rates on the market (you can verify this yourself) and charge no commission. Plus, as our reader, you’ll get a small discount—as always!
We know that weather is a key factor when planning a trip to Vietnam, but in reality, the country can be visited year-round. Due to its length and extensive coastline, temperatures and rainfall vary by region.
So, when is the best time to travel to Vietnam? It depends. It depends on the region you want to visit and the activities you plan to do.
While Vietnam is typically hot and humid, the climate can vary significantly from north to south due to the country’s geography.
Getting around Vietnam is very easy, as the country has a fairly decent infrastructure. For some time now, there have been several tools available to book transportation in advance. You can purchase tickets online from websites like 12go.asia or Baolau, both of which operate in Vietnam.
If you decide to explore Vietnam by motorbike, don’t forget to obtain an international driving permit. Fortunately, you can apply for it online and have it delivered to your home without needing to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles. You can find all the details in the link above.
At first, our philosophy was always “book the first night and then find accommodations as you go”, but as tourism has increased, so have new hotels and “fully booked” signs. Along with this, new booking websites have emerged, making it easier than ever to find a place to stay before you even arrive.
We recommend using platforms like Booking.com or Agoda.com, both of which are very popular in Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam.
Years ago, when we first started backpacking in Vietnam, it was common to book excursions through local travel agencies upon arrival. However, technology has changed the game, and for years now, you can book activities online before even setting foot in your destination.
We usually use GetYourGuide to find loads of tours throughout Vietnam.
Still unsure about your trip or already planning your itinerary? In this article, we highlight the most iconic places to visit in Vietnam (coming soon) so you can be fully prepared to pack your backpack and embark on this adventure.
