Vietnam travel guide

Why visit Vietnam?

Extending from the mountainous north to the verdant flood plains of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam boasts a rich and fascinating culture, striking beauty, and tantalizing cuisine. A palpable energy buzzes throughout the country, arousing your curiosity and elevating your senses. City streets set the stage for a symphony of zipping motorbikes. Bustling local markets paint a picture of daily life. The breathtaking central highlands and the golden beaches of Hoi An provide perfect serenity. And remarkable geological formations—like stunning Ha Long Bay—present panoramas you’ll never forget. While reminders of the war remain, it is firmly in the country’s past. The people of Vietnam are eager to welcome you and share their country, stories, and gracious smiles.

When is the best time to visit Vietnam?

In general, Vietnam is warm/hot year-round with varying levels of humidity. The tropical south is hot year-round. April & May are the hottest months and summers are hot, humid, with some rain.

The north experiences relatively high humidity year-round. There is some rain from May to October. Winter months can get cool (as low as the mid-50s) with some rain.

To help you plan, below are average low and high temperatures for Vietnam.

Food specialities of Vietnam

The national dish of Vietnam is Pho or noodle soup. You will see locals eating this at every meal. It is generally made with beef, chicken, or shrimp and vegetables including green onion and bean sprouts. This is served in a mild broth and you can add spice to your liking with chilies and chili sauce.

Fun facts

• Vietnam is ranked 13th in the world for population and 40% of its country is dominated by mountains.

• Despite its small size, Vietnam is home to six different biosphere reserves.

• It is not uncommon for people to keep potbelly pigs as pets in Vietnam.

How to call Vietnam: Country code

The country code for Vietnam is 84. When calling to Vietnam from overseas, dial your international access code (+44 from the UK), followed by the country code, area code, and phone number.

Vietnam’s currency

The local currency is Vietnamese Dong.

• Banknote denominations: 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000, 500,000 Dong

• Coin denominations: 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 Dong

Shopping in Vietnam

Prices are as marked in department stores, though in Asia it is customary to barter. Start negotiating with an offer at one-third or half the vendor's initial price!

When and how much to tip in Vietnam

Tipping is not expected in Vietnam but is greatly appreciated. We recommend tipping table staff at local restaurants the equivalent of 10% of your bill.

• Some cab drivers may automatically round up your fare as a tip.

• Tipping hotel staff for bar or room service is at your discretion.