AIRPORTS
Most international travelers arrive via Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport, or Da Nang International Airport. Tan Son Nhat Airport is approximately 7 km northwest of central Ho Chi Minh City, while Noi Bai Airport is located around 25 km north of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Metered taxis are available at all airports. Destination Asia Vietnam offers efficient airport transfers with professional guides, ensuring a smooth and stress-free arrival.

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
Most travelers require a visa to enter Vietnam. A valid passport with at least six months' validity from the date of entry and at least two blank pages is mandatory.

As of August 2023:

Visa exemption for up to 45 days is granted to citizens of:
Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland.

E-visas are now available to nationals of all countries (previously limited to 80).

E-visas allow stays of up to 90 days (previously 30 days), with options for single-entry (USD 25) or multiple-entry (USD 50) visas.

The list of entry points (airports, land borders, and seaports) accepting e-visas has been expanded.

The platform now accepts e-passports (particularly useful for Chinese citizens).

Apply through:

Vietnam Immigration Department: https://www.immigration.gov.vn

Ministry of Public Security Portal: https://dichvucong.bocongan.gov.vn

Processing may take up to three working days. We recommend applying at least seven working days before arrival.

Note: Visa policies are subject to change. Travelers must confirm the latest requirements before traveling.

BUSINESS HOURS
Offices typically operate Monday to Friday from 7:30 or 8:00 am until 5:00 or 6:00 pm, often closing for lunch between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. Some offices open Saturday mornings. Shops generally open between 8:00 and 9:00 am and close between 6:00 and 10:00 pm. Many shops remain open seven days a week, particularly on weekends.

BANKING & MONEY
Banks are open Monday to Friday, 8:00 am–5:00 pm, with some branches open Saturday mornings. In major cities, currency exchange offices are plentiful in tourist areas. ATMs are widely available in urban areas but may be scarce in rural regions.
Traveler’s cheques are accepted at some banks, money changers, and hotels, though most travelers now prefer debit or credit cards due to ATM accessibility.
Major hotels exchange US Dollars and Euros at competitive rates. Mastercard and Visa are accepted in more and more locations, but cash is essential in remote areas.
The US Dollar is the most widely accepted foreign currency, while Australian, British, Japanese, Singaporean, and Thai currencies can often be exchanged in larger cities.
Traveler’s cheques are rarely accepted at shops, hotels, or restaurants.

CLOTHING
Lightweight cotton clothing is most comfortable in Vietnam’s tropical climate. A light raincoat is advisable during the rainy season. Long sleeves and pants are recommended for mosquito protection in the evenings.
An umbrella is handy year-round for both sun and rain. In northern and central Vietnam, temperatures can be cool from November to February, so pack a sweater or jacket.
When visiting temples or religious sites, dress modestly—avoid shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops—and remove shoes before entering.

CURRENCY
Vietnam’s currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Banknotes are available in denominations of:
1,000 | 2,000 | 5,000 | 10,000 | 20,000 | 50,000 | 100,000 | 200,000 | 500,000

CUSTOMS ALLOWANCES
The following items may be brought into Vietnam without incurring customs duties:

400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500 grams of tobacco

1.5 liters of alcohol over 22% ABV or 2 liters under 22% ABV

A reasonable quantity of perfume and personal belongings

DOS IN VIETNAM

Dress modestly, especially in religious places.

Avoid public displays of affection—holding hands is generally acceptable.

Remove shoes before entering homes or temples.

Carry a hotel business card when heading out—it helps with navigation and taxis.

Store valuables in your hotel safe.

When crossing streets, maintain a steady pace and raise your hand to signal drivers. Locals are often happy to help.

DON’TS IN VIETNAM

Don’t point your feet at people or sacred objects, especially altars.

Don’t sit until invited, and allow elders to sit first.

Don’t lose your temper—it results in a “loss of face.”

Avoid confrontational or boastful behavior.

Don’t film in ethnic minority villages—it may be considered intrusive.

Always ask before photographing people. Never take photos of military sites.

Don’t give sweets to village children—many lack access to dental care.

ELECTRICITY
The standard voltage in Vietnam is 220V / 50Hz. Both flat and round two-pin plugs are commonly used. A universal adapter is highly recommended.

ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE
Ho Chi Minh City offers a vibrant nightlife scene, from casual beer bars to upscale nightclubs—mostly concentrated in District 1. Hanoi is quieter, with nightlife centered around the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, but live music venues and trendy bars are on the rise.
Cultural options include water puppet theaters in both cities. For a local experience, try a bia hoi (draft beer spot), popular for its casual, social vibe.

FOOD
Vietnamese cuisine is fresh, flavorful, and increasingly recognized worldwide. It draws inspiration from France, China, and Thailand. Herbs like basil, coriander, lemongrass, and lime are essential.
Nuoc mam (fermented fish sauce) is a staple at every meal.
Try pho, a fragrant noodle soup with beef or chicken. Thanks to French colonial influence, Vietnam also offers excellent baguettes and pastries.
Western food is widely available in major tourist hubs.

HEALTH
Visitors are advised to be vaccinated against typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A and B, tetanus, and polio. Malaria and dengue fever are present in Vietnam, particularly in rural and less-touristed areas, so it is recommended to take appropriate precautions. If you plan to take anti-malarial medication, begin the course at least one week before arrival. We recommend consulting a qualified medical professional prior to departure for up-to-date advice on vaccinations and preventative medicine.

HOTEL INFORMATION
Accommodation standards in Vietnam are excellent, with options to suit all budgets. Larger hotels often offer a range of restaurants, bars, swimming pools, and recreational facilities. Staff in key positions—such as reception and restaurant service—generally speak good English. However, please be patient if communication delays occur.
Upon check-in, you will be asked to complete a registration form and provide a credit card imprint as a guarantee for additional services such as meals and drinks. Be sure to retrieve this imprint upon check-out. If your stay includes meal vouchers, confirm they are provided when receiving your room key. Standard check-in is from 14:00, and check-out is by 12:00 noon. For late check-out (additional charges may apply), please check with reception in advance.

INSURANCE
All travelers should arrange comprehensive travel insurance before departure, covering overseas medical expenses and medical evacuation. If you require specific medication, bring an adequate supply, as it may be difficult to find locally. In Vietnam, medical treatment typically requires upfront payment or proof of valid travel insurance. When renting a car or motorbike, ensure the vehicle is covered by appropriate insurance.

INTERNET
Most major hotels offer Wi-Fi and business centers with timed computer use. Internet cafés are widely available, and prepaid international calling cards can be purchased for affordable international calls.

LANGUAGE
Vietnamese is the official language. Although the Roman alphabet is used, Vietnamese has six tones, making pronunciation difficult for most foreigners—each tone can change the meaning of a word entirely. English is widely spoken in major cities and tourist destinations.

PEOPLE
Vietnamese culture emphasizes family values, community, and a strong respect for education. As in many Asian countries, locals are friendly, welcoming to visitors, and proud to share their culture and heritage.

PROTECTING CHILDREN
We do not arrange visits to orphanages and strongly discourage travelers from visiting them. So-called “orphanage tourism” is often run by exploitative operators and can harm children more than help them. The most effective way to support vulnerable children is by contributing to community-based programs and vocational training initiatives.
The sexual exploitation of children is a serious issue. It can occur in places such as hotels, bars, or restaurants. If you witness or suspect any such activity, do not intervene directly. Instead, report it immediately to local authorities, child protection services, or call a child protection hotline.

Vietnam Child Protection Hotline: 18001567
Website: www.18001567.vn
More information: https://thinkchildsafe.org

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
For longer distances, domestic flights are efficient and recommended—for example, between Hanoi and Hue, Danang and Nha Trang, or Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City.
The Reunification Express railway runs the length of the country from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City and takes over 30 hours. While train travel is declining in popularity due to improved roads, it remains a scenic option, especially in the mountainous north. Classes range from basic hard seats to air-conditioned soft sleepers. Book tickets well in advance, especially for weekend or summer travel.
Taxis are widely available and affordable in urban areas. They can be hailed on the street or arranged via hotels and restaurants.

RELIGION
Buddhism is the dominant religion in Vietnam, often blended with Confucian and Taoist beliefs. Approximately 10% of the population is Catholic, with smaller communities of Protestants and Muslims. Vietnam is also home to Cao Dai, a unique syncretic religion combining elements of many global faiths.

SAFETY
Violent crime against tourists is rare, but petty theft can occur, especially in large cities and on public transport. Always remain aware of your belongings—keep valuables secure and never leave items unattended. In tourist areas, you may encounter persistent vendors; a firm but polite "No, thank you" is usually effective. Use hotel safes for valuables and avoid bringing expensive jewelry or electronics.

SHOPPING
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer the best shopping opportunities, from traditional markets to modern malls. Popular souvenirs include lacquerware, silk, conical hats, wood carvings, embroidered goods, silver jewelry, tribal handicrafts, and ceramic wares. Custom clothing is widely available and can often be tailored within 24 hours. Luxury shopping malls are now common and offer both local and international brands.

STREET STALLS
Markets are a great way to explore local culture and find unique items. Bargaining is customary in tourist markets but should be conducted in a friendly and respectful manner. Maintaining "face" is important in Vietnamese culture, so avoid confrontational negotiation styles.

TELEPHONE
Internet cafés offer low-cost international calling, and prepaid calling cards are readily available. Purchasing a local SIM card is recommended to avoid international roaming fees.

TIME ZONE
Vietnam operates on GMT +7 year-round and does not observe daylight saving time.

TIPPING
Tipping is not customary but is appreciated for good service. Tips for guides and drivers should reflect your satisfaction with the service. Hotel porters generally receive small tips for carrying luggage. In other cases, tipping is entirely discretionary.

WATER
Tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled water is widely available and safe for consumption. Hotels typically provide one complimentary bottle of water per person daily. Ice is generally safe in reputable hotels and restaurants but best avoided at street food stalls or in remote areas. Minor stomach issues are common while traveling—bring anti-diarrhea medication as a precaution.

WEATHER
Due to its north-south expanse of over 2,000 km, Vietnam has three distinct climate zones.

Central Vietnam experiences monsoons from October to April.

The north and south have monsoons from May to September.
The remainder of the year is mostly dry. The northern region, including Hanoi, can be quite cool between October and April, while the south remains hot year-round.
Temperatures can soar to 40°C (104°F) during the peak of the hot and rainy season (May–September).
High season for tourism is from September to March.
We do not recommend travel during Tet, the Lunar New Year holiday (late January to February), unless visiting friends or family. During this time, transportation and accommodation are often fully booked as locals travel en masse to their hometowns.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Police: Dial (area code) + 113

Medical Emergency: Dial (area code) + 115

Fire Service: Dial (area code) + 114

DISCLAIMER
The information provided was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change without notice. GoAsia Travel is not responsible for the content of external websites. By using this information, you accept that you do so at your own risk and that GoAsia Travel is not liable for any loss or damage arising from its use. We reserve the right to correct errors or update content at any time without prior notice.