ℹ️ Quick info
📅 When to go
Best period based on climate data · Open-Meteo
Vietnam is long and the weather varies a lot by region. In general: February–April is great for the centre and north (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay). November–January is perfect for the south (Ho Chi Minh, the Mekong). September–October: typhoon season in the centre.
💶 Costs
🛡️ Safety
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have chaotic scooter traffic that seems to have no rules.
How to avoid it: Cross the road slowly and at a steady pace. The riders will avoid you. Never run.
Some "fake" taxis mimic the liveries of the official companies.
How to avoid it: Only use Grab or Mai Linh (green) and Vinasun (white) taxis, checking the name/plate.
Inflated prices for tourists at markets and in some tourist areas.
How to avoid it: Compare prices before buying. Always haggle. Buy staples at Coopmart supermarkets.
🚌 Transport
Works in all the main cities. Fixed prices, safe, in-app payment.
Traditional and cheap, but always negotiate the price first. GrabBike is the safe, in-app version.
Overnight buses with beds are perfect for long routes (Hanoi-Hoi An, Hoi An-Ho Chi Minh). Cheap and comfortable.
Vietjet and Bamboo Airways offer flights at 15–30€ between the main cities. Unbeatable time-savers.
🧳 What to pack
- Light, breathable clothing
- A light jacket for the fierce AC on buses/in restaurants
- Covering clothes for temples and pagodas
- DEET mosquito repellent
- Hiking shoes (Sapa, Phong Nha)
- Anti-diarrhoea medication
- A universal adapter
- Valid passport (min. 6 months)
- E-Visa (apply at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn)
- Vaccines: hepatitis A, typhoid — see your doctor
- Install Grab before you go
- Withdraw dong at local ATMs — carry minimal cash
- Book sleeper buses or domestic flights in advance
🎉 Seasonal highlights
Tết is Vietnam's most important festival: fireworks, peach and apricot blossom everywhere, family reunions. The cities empty out but the villages burst with colour. Book hotels months ahead.
On the 14th day of the lunar month the lights go out and the town glows only with coloured lanterns. Glowing baskets are set adrift on the Thu Bon River. Magical and free.
Sunset over the karst rocks of Ha Long Bay is among the most beautiful in Asia. Book a 2-night cruise on a wooden junk boat for the full experience. Skip the day tours.
The rice terraces of Sapa are among the most spectacular landscapes in Asia. In September the rice is bright green; by October it turns gold. Stay in a homestay with the H'mong communities.
Ready to go?
Compare hotels, flights and activities for your next adventure.
Some links are affiliate links: if you book, Dora Travels earns a small commission at no extra cost to you.