Vietnam

Vietnam is a long, narrow country shaped like an S, and travelling along it is like moving through several different worlds. In the north, limestone karsts rise out of emerald water and terraced rice fields climb the hills near the Chinese border. In the centre, ancient imperial cities and lantern-lit trading towns line a stretch of golden coast. In the south, the pace quickens in a hot, energetic metropolis, and the Mekong Delta spreads out into a maze of waterways, floating markets, and orchards.

Along the way, the food is exceptional, the people are generous, and the cost of travel is low. It is a country that suits backpackers and luxury travelers alike, and one that rewards a slow trip. This guide covers the best time to visit each region, how to get around, the highlights from north to south, and the practical details.

Quick Facts

• Capital: Hanoi (the largest city is Ho Chi Minh City)
• Language: Vietnamese; English is spoken in tourist areas
• Currency: Vietnamese dong (VND)
• Best seasons: Varies by region; spring (March to April) and autumn (September to November) work well for most of the country
• Getting around: Domestic flights, trains, sleeper buses, and motorbike taxis

The Best Time To Visit

Because Vietnam stretches roughly 1,600 kilometres from north to south, the weather varies significantly by region. The north, including Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa, has four seasons: cool and often misty winters from December to February, warm springs, hot and humid summers, and a pleasant autumn that is among the best times to visit. The central coast, including Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An, is driest from about February to August, with a rainy season and a risk of typhoons and flooding in the autumn, particularly from September to December.

The south, including Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, is hot all year, with a dry season from roughly November to April and a wet season from May to October, when rain usually arrives in short, heavy afternoon bursts rather than all-day downpours. If you are covering the whole country, spring (March to April) and autumn (late September to November) are generally the best compromises. Tet, the Lunar New Year in late January or February, is the biggest holiday of the year, and many businesses close and transport is packed, so plan ahead.

Getting There And Getting Around

The main international gateways are Hanoi (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), with Da Nang (DAD) also receiving international flights. Domestic flights are inexpensive and save time over long distances. The Reunification Express train runs the length of the country between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and while it is slow, the scenery is superb, particularly between Hue and Da Nang over the Hai Van Pass, and sleeper berths are comfortable for overnight stretches.

Open-tour sleeper buses link the main cities and towns for very little money, but quality varies, so choose reputable companies. Within cities, ride-hailing apps such as Grab are the easiest way to take taxis and motorbike taxis at fair prices. Crossing the street is an experience in itself: walk slowly and steadily, and the traffic flows around you. Many travelers also hire motorbikes, but make sure you are experienced and properly licensed and insured, because accidents are common.

Hanoi And The North

Hanoi is atmospheric and chaotic, with an Old Quarter of narrow streets named after the trades once practised there, French colonial architecture, shady lakes, and some of the country's best street food. Visit the Temple of Literature, the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and Hoan Kiem Lake, and take a water puppet show. Short trips from the capital include Ninh Binh, with its limestone peaks, rivers, and ancient temples, sometimes called "Ha Long Bay on land".

Ha Long Bay and nearby Lan Ha Bay are famed for thousands of limestone islands rising from the sea. An overnight cruise lets you kayak through lagoons, swim, and wake up amid the karsts; choose a well-reviewed operator and consider Lan Ha Bay for fewer crowds. Further north-west, Sapa and the Hoang Lien Son mountains offer rice terraces, trekking, and homestays with ethnic minority communities, best from September to November when the terraces turn golden.

Hue, Hoi An, And The Central Coast

Hue, the former imperial capital, has a vast Citadel, royal tombs along the Perfume River, and a distinct cuisine. The coastal road to Da Nang crosses the Hai Van Pass, one of the country's best drives and train rides. Hoi An is a beautifully preserved trading port with yellow-walled merchant houses, tailors, and lanterns that glow along the river at night. Rent a bicycle to explore the rice paddies and beaches nearby, take a cooking class, and visit early in the morning or in the evening to avoid the heat and crowds. Da Nang has long beaches, the Marble Mountains, and modern bridges, and My Son has ruins of ancient Cham temples.

Ho Chi Minh City And The South

Ho Chi Minh City (still often called Saigon) is fast, hot, and entrepreneurial. Visit the War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Ben Thanh Market, and spend your evenings in rooftop bars and street food alleys. Day trips take you to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network used during the war. Further south, the Mekong Delta is a maze of rivers and canals where you can visit floating markets at Cai Rang near Can Tho, orchards, and small villages by boat. For beaches, Phu Quoc island has resorts and sandy coves, while Con Dao offers quiet, protected waters and a haunting history.

The Central Highlands And Beyond

For a change of climate, Da Lat sits in the cool Central Highlands, with pine forests, waterfalls, coffee farms, and French colonial villas. Nha Trang and Mui Ne offer beaches, diving, and kitesurfing along the south-central coast. Those with more time can ride the Ha Giang Loop, a spectacular mountain route in the far north, best done with an experienced guide or rider.

What To Eat

Vietnamese food is fresh, herb-heavy, and varied by region. Pho, the beef or chicken noodle soup, is a northern classic and breakfast staple. Bun cha (grilled pork with noodles) is a Hanoi lunch favourite, while banh mi (a baguette sandwich with pate, pork, pickles, and herbs) is the country's best street food. In Hue, try bun bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup, and in Hoi An, look for cao lau noodles and white rose dumplings. In the south, order com tam (broken rice with grilled pork) and fresh spring rolls.

Drink egg coffee in Hanoi, strong iced coffee with condensed milk everywhere, and fresh sugarcane juice. Eat where locals do, in busy places, and follow the plastic stools. Drink bottled or filtered water and take care with ice in the cheapest places.

Culture And Etiquette

Dress modestly at pagodas and temples, with shoulders and knees covered, and remove your shoes where indicated. Use both hands when giving or receiving something from an elder, and avoid touching people's heads. Public displays of temper are frowned upon, so keep calm when bargaining. Tipping is not customary but appreciated in tourist areas. Respect memorials and war museums, and be mindful when discussing politics. Bargain gently in markets, with a smile, and never pressure vendors.

Practical Tips

• Check current visa and e-visa rules for your nationality before you travel
• Book trains, popular cruises, and homestays ahead, especially around Tet
• Use ride-hailing apps in cities to avoid taxi overcharging
• Carry some cash, since smaller restaurants and markets do not take cards
• Pack a light rain jacket, since showers can appear in any season
• Be careful with your phone and bag on motorbike-heavy streets
• Allow two to three weeks to cover the north, the centre, and the south

Vietnam is best taken slowly, one bowl of noodles and one village at a time. Leave time for the unplanned stops, because they are often the best part of the trip.

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