Introduction
Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City — the complete two-week route. Vietnam is one of our most popular destinations, and this in-depth guide walks you through everything you need to plan a smooth, memorable trip — when to go, how to get there, what to see, how much it costs and how to handle visas and safety.
For the full overview any time, see our complete Vietnam travel guide, or jump straight to building a custom plan with the AI Trip Planner.
Best time to visit Vietnam
The best time to visit Vietnam is generally Feb–Apr, Aug–Oct, when the weather is most comfortable and conditions are ideal for sightseeing. Travelling in the shoulder months either side of peak season is the sweet spot — you’ll find better prices and thinner crowds without sacrificing the experience.
Peak season brings the best weather but higher prices and busier sights, so book accommodation and popular tours well ahead. The low season can still be rewarding if you don’t mind the occasional shower, and it’s the cheapest time to go. For a month-by-month breakdown, compare Vietnam with other destinations using our Compare Destinations tool.
How to get to Vietnam
Most international visitors arrive via Hanoi (HAN) / Ho Chi Minh (SGN), which connects to major hubs worldwide. From there, Vietnam is easy to get around by a mix of domestic flights, trains, buses and taxis or ride apps.
Book flights a few months ahead for the best fares, and consider an open-jaw ticket (flying into one city and out of another) if you plan to cover several regions. You can find flight, hotel and transfer deals on our Travel Deals page.
Top things to do in Vietnam
Vietnam packs in a huge variety of experiences. Here are the highlights worth building your trip around:
- Ha Long Bay cruise — Thousands of limestone islands and caves.
- Hoi An Ancient Town — Lantern-lit UNESCO streets and riverside.
- Street food & coffee — Pho, banh mi and Vietnamese coffee culture.
- Sapa rice terraces — Trek between hill-tribe villages.
- Hai Van Pass — Epic coastal motorbike ride near Da Nang.
You’ll find even more ideas, plus hidden gems and local favourites, on the full Vietnam guide.
Suggested Vietnam itinerary
A great first trip to Vietnam strings together its top destinations: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City. Spend a couple of days in each, allowing travel time between them, and you’ll see the best of the country in 7–10 days.
Hanoi (2 days) is great for culture, food. Ha Long Bay (1–2 days) is great for nature, adventure. Hoi An (2–3 days) is great for culture, romance. For a plan tailored to your exact dates, style and interests, use the AI Trip Planner, or see ready-made routes on the Vietnam itineraries section.
Where to stay in Vietnam
Choosing the right base makes a big difference. The most popular areas for visitors are:
- Hanoi — Old Quarter chaos, lakes and egg coffee. Recommended stay: 2 days.
- Ha Long Bay — Limestone karsts on an overnight cruise. Recommended stay: 1–2 days.
- Hoi An — Lantern-lit old town and tailor shops. Recommended stay: 2–3 days.
- Ho Chi Minh City — Buzzing southern hub and war history. Recommended stay: 2 days.
Book central, well-reviewed accommodation in high season, and compare options across budgets on our deals page.
Food and local experiences
No trip to Vietnam is complete without diving into the local food scene — from street stalls and markets to sit-down restaurants. Eating where locals eat is not only more authentic, it’s the easiest way to keep costs down. Try the regional specialities, take a cooking class, and don’t be afraid to point at what looks good.
Beyond food, build in time for the culture — markets, festivals and everyday life are often the most memorable part of a trip. Read up on etiquette first in our Local Culture & Etiquette guide so you travel as a respectful guest.
How much does a Vietnam trip cost?
Vietnam suits a range of budgets. As a rough guide per person, per day (excluding international flights): budget travellers can manage on around $25, mid-range travellers should plan for about $60, and luxury trips start around $200+.
Accommodation and activities are usually the biggest costs, while local food and public transport are easy places to save. For a personalised estimate, try the Budget Calculator, and see the full breakdown on the Vietnam budget guide.
Visa and entry requirements
eVisa for most The typical allowed stay for tourism is 90 days (eVisa). Visa on arrival: Limited. eVisa: Yes (official e-Visa, ~$25). Most visitors apply for the 90-day e-Visa online before arrival.
Important: visa rules depend on your nationality and change frequently — always confirm with official sources before booking. Check your specific situation with the Visa Checker and read the full Vietnam visa guide.
Safety and practical tips
Vietnam is generally safe for tourists, but normal precautions apply: keep valuables secure, use registered taxis or ride apps, and be alert to common scams. Travel insurance is strongly recommended — see our Travel Safety guide for scams to avoid and emergency basics.
A few quick tips: carry some local cash for small vendors, keep digital and paper copies of your documents, learn a few words of the local language, and respect dress codes at religious sites. The local currency is Vietnamese Dong (₫ VND), and the main language is Vietnamese.
