Whether you decide to love it or hate it, Vietnam belongs on nearly every traveller’s Southeast Asia bucket list. Traveling in Vietnam is, no doubt, a tad more frustrating than elsewhere in the region, thanks in part to the nation’s unique geography and the hassles & scams that have sullied the experience for many travelers.
Despite its ability to polarize, however, there’s no denying that Vietnam is an interesting place to visit. It’s attuned to all the things that make Southeast Asia a favourite region for travellers.
Chow down on its mouth-watering food, escape to its white-sand beaches, or marvel at its landscapes, and you’ll see why all of its difficulties could slip away in an instant.
Not sure how to start planning your visit? Figure out exactly when to visit & where to go with this Vietnam travel guide…
Looking to explore other countries in the region? Check out our Southeast Asia Travel Guide for more destination ideas & tips!
When to visit Vietnam
Like much of Southeast Asia, deciding when to visit Vietnam is one of the most challenging aspects of planning a trip here. Despite the region’s reputation as a warm escape, there are certain times of the year when it’s simply unpleasant (if not downright impossible) to enjoy a trip in all parts of the country.
Overall, the best times to visit Vietnam are in spring, from February to April, and in autumn, from August to October. During these seasons, temperatures in Vietnam are generally more moderate, and rainfall is widespread throughout much of the country.
Of course, that’s just the easy answer. In reality, things are a little more complicated.
The country’s long north-south stretch along the tropical coastline means that there’s a significant fluctuation between destinations. When one part of the country is experiencing relatively dry conditions, another could be drowning in excessive rainfall.
Despite this, many would claim that Vietnam is a year-round destination. For the most part, this holds true except for the central coast, including Hoi An and Hue, which experience heavy rains often accompanied by flooding between October and November.
Where to go in Vietnam
Like so many destinations in Southeast Asia, Vietnam offers a diverse array of landscapes and cities. The highlights are plentiful and depend largely on what your ideal travel itinerary looks like.
Most classic Vietnam itineraries strike a balance between Vietnamese urban life and a touch of nature. In our honest opinion, this approach is spot on.
However you choose to plan your trip, know this: visiting Vietnam takes time. If you’re on a time crunch (which is our specialty around here), you might feel a bit rushed trying to fit in all the top sites.
Distances between many of the best places to visit in Vietnam can be long and the journeys arduous; you’ll rarely regret giving yourself a couple of extra days than normal for a little more time to breathe between trips.
Looking for quick ideas on where to go in Vietnam? Check out these travel resources:
Hanoi
Most visits to Vietnam start with the fascinating capital of Hanoi. Not long ago, this ancient city sheltered itself from the modern world, recovering from a war that left much of the nation in ruins and demoralized.
Little more than two decades ago, Hanoi opened itself up again, sparking an enduring fascination among visitors that continues to this day.
In Southeast Asia, there’s no city quite like Hanoi. Its colonial past left behind a palette of Chinese and French influences that blend seamlessly into Hanoi’s proudly Vietnamese flavour.
As much as Hanoi’s cultural attractions and urban buzz will intrigue you, its food is what keeps many on the edge of their seats. Sampling local favourites like pho bo (beef noodle soup), summer rolls, or the French-inspired banh mi (Vietnamese baguette) between sips of beer for mere pocket change is among the truest simple pleasures of visiting the Vietnamese capital.
What to eat in Vietnam
Even if the Vietnamese urban life and landscapes don’t get your motor running, the food in Vietnam might. Vietnamese cuisine is distinct from other regional cuisines, drawing influences from both French and Chinese cuisine.
Overall, Vietnamese food is lighter and healthier than many Asian cuisines, using plenty of fresh ingredients along with herbs & spices rather than relying on deep-fryers. Here’s a quick guide on what to eat in Vietnam:
- Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup): The most famous export of the Vietnamese cuisine scene is undoubtedly this delicious noodle soup. Available both with chicken (pho ga) and the most common beef variant (pho bo), this soup features a healthy and fragrant broth slow-cooked with select herbs over hours, poured over flat rice noodles.
- Banh Mi (Vietnamese Baguette): You can’t go very far in Vietnam without seeing these French-inspired sandwiches popping up around you. What sets these baguettes apart from those found elsewhere in the world is the ingredients. Some common fillings in banh mi include sausage, radish, carrots, cilantro, and Vietnamese-style chilli sauce.
- Bun Bo Nam Bo (Beef Noodles): Like pho bo, this noodle dish features flavourful, thinly-sliced beef. The beef is served on a bed of vermicelli noodles and topped with ingredients such as peanuts and fresh herbs. It’s usually accompanied by nuoc cham dipping sauce.
Transportation in Vietnam
Getting there
By air
The most convenient way to travel to Vietnam is undoubtedly by air. The two major international gateways are Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi, serving Northern Vietnam, and Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, serving the south.
Some of the most popular airlines operating into and out of Vietnam include VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines, JetStar Pacific, and AirAsia.
By land
Vietnam shares land borders with Cambodia, China, and Laos. The land borders tend to be far less convenient for entering Vietnam. At the borders, you’ll often experience long delays and be subject to “processing fees” that depend on the border guard’s mood.
Getting around
By air
With the long distances between most top places to visit, air travel is the most convenient way to get around Vietnam if you’re on a time crunch.
Popular air routes include Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (2h5m), Ho Chi Minh City to Hue (1h25m), Hanoi to Hue (1h10m), and Da Nang to Hanoi (1h20m).
By bus
If you’re a fan of epic overland journeys, then travelling around Vietnam by bus might just be for you! The bus system in Vietnam is extensive and affordable, albeit a bit slow.
Most foreigners prefer the more expensive but more convenient open-tour buses over local services. These open-ticket buses operate between all of the main tourist destinations in Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, Dalat, Nha Trang, Hue, Hoi An, and Hanoi.
