Neighborhoods
Where to Stay
4 distinct areas, each with its own personality
Hanoi Old Quarter
$–$$Vietnam's chaotic and charming capital — 36 ancient guild streets, Hoan Kiem Lake, street pho at 6am, and the gateway to Halong Bay.
Ho Chi Minh City
$–$$Vietnam's southern megacity — War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ben Thanh market, and the best nightlife in the country on Bui Vien Walking Street.
Hoi An
$–$$UNESCO Ancient Town — lantern-lit streets, tailor shops making clothes in 24 hours, cycling to My Son ruins, and An Bang Beach nearby.
Da Nang
$–$$Modern beach city between Hoi An and Hue. Dragon Bridge, My Khe beach, Ba Na Hills theme park, and great value beach resorts.
Planning
Best Time to Visit
North Vietnam Winter/Spring
BestCool and dry in Hanoi. Good for Ha Long Bay and northern trekking.
Central & South Dry Season
BestDry season for Hoi An, Da Nang, and HCMC. Best beach weather.
North Vietnam Summer
GreatHot and dry in Hanoi. Ha Long Bay best weather.
Typhoon Season
RainyCentral Vietnam (Hoi An, Da Nang) at risk of typhoons. HCMC has heavy rain but storms rare.
Transport
Getting Around
Grab
Essential in Vietnam for car and motorbike rides. Much safer than flagging down random motos.
Be
Vietnamese super-app and strong Grab competitor. Often slightly cheaper on short rides.
Other Transport Options
- →Sleeper bus: HCMC–Hoi An overnight (~13hrs) for $15–20. Companies: The Sinh Tourist, Phuong Trang.
- →Vietnam Railways: Scenic train along the coast (Da Nang–Hue pass is spectacular). Book at dsvn.vn.
- →Xe om (motorbike taxi): Street motos, negotiate price first. Grab moto is safer.
- →Electric bus: Hanoi and HCMC both have expanding electric bus networks. Cheap at ~3,000₫.
International Driving Permit (IDP) Required
You must obtain an IDP before leaving your home country — it cannot be issued abroad. Contact your national auto club (e.g. AAA in the US). Same-day processing is often available.
Arrival
Airports
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (HCMC)
8 km from HCMC city center, 30 min by taxi
Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
30 km from Hanoi Old Quarter, 45 min by taxi or shuttle
Stay Active
Fitness & Recreation
Gyms, studios, and recreation spots in Vietnam
California Fitness & Yoga
Premium Health Club ChainVietnam's leading gym brand with 30+ locations across HCMC, Hanoi, and Da Nang. Full equipment, yoga studios, pool at select locations. Day passes available.
Hanoi Rock Climbing Club
Rock ClimbingThe best indoor climbing gym in North Vietnam. Bouldering and lead routes, rental gear, and friendly English-speaking staff. Gateway to Ninh Binh's outdoor limestone climbing.
Hoi An Mornings Yoga
Yoga StudioHoi An's beach town has a cluster of yoga studios near An Bàng Beach. Drop-in Vinyasa, Yin, and meditation classes in open-air studios with ocean breezes.
Mui Ne Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing SchoolMui Ne is Vietnam's kite capital — flat water lagoon and consistent wind November–April. Beginner lessons to advanced IKO certification available with multiple competing schools.
Son Doong Cave Expedition
Adventure ExpeditionWorld's largest cave — a 4-day trekking, jungle camping, and underground river expedition. Physically demanding and limited to 1,000 visitors per year. Book a year in advance.
Travel Insurance
Protect Your Trip
Don't skip this. Medical emergencies abroad can cost tens of thousands.
Tap water not safe anywhere in Vietnam — drink only bottled water. Dengue fever present year-round. Traffic accidents are the leading cause of tourist injury — motorbike riding is high risk. Hospitals in HCMC and Hanoi are adequate; provincial areas limited.
SafetyWing
Best for digital nomads & long-term travelers
Subscription-based travel medical insurance. Renew monthly, cancel any time. Great for remote workers staying 1–3+ months.
World Nomads
Best for adventure travelers
Covers 200+ activities including surfing, scooter riding, and diving. Popular with backpackers and active travelers.
Allianz Travel
Best for trip cancellation coverage
Comprehensive coverage with strong trip cancellation and interruption benefits. Ideal for expensive pre-paid bookings.
Know Before You Go
Legal Guide
Important laws and customs every traveler must know
Drug Laws
Vietnam has some of Southeast Asia's harshest drug penalties. Possession carries minimum 2 years imprisonment; trafficking carries the death penalty. This is strictly enforced against foreigners.
Photography
Do not photograph military installations, government buildings, or police operations. Photographing locals (especially ethnic minorities in northern villages) requires permission. Religious sites require respect.
Traffic Safety
Vietnam's traffic is chaotic — over 13,000 road deaths per year. Always wear a helmet on motorbikes (legally required and practical). When crossing the street, walk slowly and steadily — traffic will flow around you.
Plastic Surgery Scams
Medical tourism is popular but unlicensed clinics offer dangerous procedures. If seeking dental or cosmetic work, research clinics thoroughly and use established providers.
Experiences
Top Tours & Activities
Ha Long Bay 2-Day Cruise
from $100Overnight junk boat cruise through limestone karsts, kayaking, cave visits, and seafood dinners.
Cu Chi Tunnels (HCMC)
from $20Underground Viet Cong tunnel network from the Vietnam War — crawl through original tunnels with a guide.
Hoi An Lantern & Street Food Tour
from $25Evening walking tour through lit lanterns, cooking demo, and tasting of cao lau, white rose dumplings.
Mekong Delta Day Trip
from $30River boat through floating markets, rice noodle factory, and coconut candy workshops from HCMC.
After Dark
Nightlife
The best bars, clubs, and late-night spots in Vietnam
Bui Vien Walking Street
Bar StreetHCMC's raucous backpacker street — 200+ bars, live bands, cheap beer towers, neon everything
Broma Not a Bar
Bar / RooftopHanoi's coolest rooftop bar in the Old Quarter — cocktails, views of the city, live music
Envy Club Da Nang
NightclubDa Nang's main club with rooftop pool parties, EDM nights, and beachside location
Sailing Club Nha Trang
Beach Bar / ClubNha Trang's legendary beachfront party venue — daytime beach club into all-night dancing
Ready to book?
Find flights to Vietnam
Pick your dates below — we pre-fill SGN so you land on the right results instantly.