Do I need a visa to travel to Vietnam?
One of the essential things to know before visiting Vietnam is the visa requirements. Unless you are a citizen of one of the countries that are exempt from visa requirements, you will need a visa to enter Vietnam.
🚨 Important notes:
✔️ Make sure to have your passport in good shape. Yeah, it sounds obvious, but trust me, my partner got rejected at the airport for the reason: his passport is too damaged.
✔️ If you have 15 days in Vietnam without a visa, ensure to book your flights precisely, to avoid staying in Vietnam for more than the time allowed.
✔️ Check the requirements carefully and apply for your visa in advance to avoid any last-minute hassle.
✔️ Need help with a Vietnam visa application? SmartVisa can assist you in obtaining a Vietnam visa within 4 hours.
When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
The weather is another important thing to know before going to Vietnam. That’s why you need to check when it’s sunny and in which season it rains. I guess traveling with a raincoat and an umbrella is not what you are looking for.
Generally, the best time to visit Vietnam is from March to April. However, as Vietnam’s climate varies depending on the region and the time of year, find below the different suggestions for each region:
☀️ In the north of Vietnam, the best time to visit is from late February to April and from late September to November.
February to April marks the time of spring and the days are warm and sunny. September to November is when autumn arrives here and makes Hanoi beautiful most of the year.
☀️ In central Vietnam, including Hue, Danang, and Hoi An, the best time to visit is from February to May when the weather is dry and warm.
From June to August, the region experiences high temperatures and occasional typhoons. From September to January, the area experiences cool and wet weather.
☀️ In the south of Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, the best time to visit is from December to April when the weather is dry and not too hot.
From May to November, the region experiences high temperatures, frequent rains, and occasional floods.
The weather can change every year. Make sure to check the weather forecast again for more precise info and pack accordingly.
What currency is used in Vietnam?
The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong (VND). At the moment I wrote this article:
1 EURO ~ 30 800 VND
1 USD ~ 26 300 VND
Credit cards are widely used in shops and restaurants, but having cash in hand would make your trip much easier, as many street food kiosks may not accept card payments.
When using cards, the bank typically charges a 3% fee on each transaction. You can also withdraw cash from ATMs.
Can I drink tap water in Vietnam?
No! You cannot.
Tap water in Vietnam is not properly treated for direct drinking, so don’t drink it unless it has been boiled. However, you can safely use tap water for brushing your teeth, washing your face, and of course, showering.
This is one of the most important things to know before traveling to Vietnam. Imagine arriving on your first day, drinking water straight from the tap, and getting sick for the rest of your trip… you’re welcome 😊.
How to avoid taxi scams at the airport in Vietnam?
First impressions matter, right?
No one wants to start their trip by falling victim to a scam—especially when they’ve just landed in a country they’re excited to explore. Unfortunately, taxi scams at Vietnamese airports are something travelers should be aware of.
That said, not all taxis in Vietnam are out to overcharge you. Many drivers are honest, charge fair prices, and will get you to your hotel safely and comfortably.
However, there are still a few cases where taxi drivers may double or even triple the fare for international tourists, knowing that newcomers often have limited information about local prices.
Here are some suggestions to help you avoid taxi scams at airports in Vietnam:
✔️ Use the Grab app to book your own driver. If you’ve never heard of Grab, it’s similar to Uber.
✔️ Many hotels provide airport pick-up services. You can ask your hotel if they offer this. Otherwise, ask them for advice.
✔️ You can still take a taxi, but consider using the Grab app to check prices first. Remember to agree on the fare with the driver before getting into the car.
What language is spoken in Vietnam?
Vietnamese is the official language spoken in Vietnam. These days, more and more young people speak a second language, with English and French being the most common.
If you don’t speak any Vietnamese, no worries—you can still have an amazing trip. In big cities and popular destinations like Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ha Giang, Sapa, Trang An, Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, and Saigon, many locals speak English. And when that’s not enough, Google Translate can be a lifesaver.
That said, we absolutely love it when visitors try to speak Vietnamese! Even just a few words or simple phrases can bring big smiles. If you’re curious to learn some, check out the basics below:
- Hello – Xin chào
- Good bye – Tạm biệt
- Thank you – Cảm ơn
- Sorry – Xin lỗi
- How are you? – Bạn khoẻ không?
- You’re welcome – Không có chi
- How much? – Bao nhiêu tiền?
Over to you
I’m a traveler too, and I understand how important it is to prepare before visiting a new country—especially when it’s far from home and it’s your first time there.
I hope all the tips above are useful and help you enjoy a safe and memorable trip to Vietnam. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. Another article about Vietnam will be published soon, so stay tuned!
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