AIRPORTS
Most international travelers arrive via one of Vietnam’s three main international airports: 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 located approximately 7 km northwest of central Ho Chi Minh City, while Noi Bai Airport is about 25 km north of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Metered taxis are readily available at all airports.
With the support of our local partners, we offer efficient airport transfers with professional guides to ensure a smooth, 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 a minimum of two blank pages is mandatory.

As of August 2023:

Visa exemption (up to 45 days) is available for citizens of: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the 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 (formerly 30), with options for single-entry (USD 25) or multiple-entry (USD 50).

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

The platform now supports e-passports, particularly benefiting Chinese travelers.

Apply through:

Vietnam Immigration Department

Ministry of Public Security Portal

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

Note: Visa regulations are subject to change. Please verify the latest requirements before traveling.

BUSINESS HOURS
Government offices typically operate Monday to Friday, from 7:30 or 8:00 am to 5:00 or 6:00 pm, with a lunch break between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. Some offices open on Saturday mornings.
Shops usually open between 8:00 and 9:00 am and close between 6:00 and 10:00 pm. Many stay open seven days a week, particularly on weekends.

BANKING & MONEY
Banks operate Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with some branches open on Saturday mornings. In major cities, currency exchange services are common in tourist areas.
ATMs are widely available in urban centers but limited in rural areas.
Traveler’s cheques are accepted at some banks and hotels, though most travelers prefer debit or credit cards due to ATM accessibility.
Major hotels offer competitive exchange rates for US Dollars and Euros. Mastercard and Visa are increasingly accepted, but cash remains essential in remote areas.
The US Dollar is the most commonly accepted foreign currency, while Australian, British, Japanese, Singaporean, and Thai currencies can be exchanged in larger cities.
Note: Traveler’s cheques are rarely accepted in shops, hotels, or restaurants.

CLOTHING
Lightweight cotton clothing is ideal for 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 useful year-round, for both sun and rain. In northern and central regions, temperatures can be cool from November to February—bring a sweater or light jacket.
When visiting temples or religious sites, dress modestly—avoid shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless tops—and always remove shoes before entering.

CURRENCY
The local 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
Travelers may bring the following items into Vietnam duty-free:

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 settings

Avoid public displays of affection—holding hands is acceptable

Remove shoes before entering homes or temples

Carry a hotel business card when exploring

Store valuables in your hotel safe

Cross streets steadily and confidently, raising your hand to signal drivers

DON’TS IN VIETNAM

Do not point your feet at people or sacred objects

Do not sit until invited; let elders sit first

Avoid losing your temper—it causes a “loss of face”

Refrain from boastful or confrontational behavior

Do not film in ethnic minority villages without permission

Always ask before photographing people; never photograph military sites

Avoid giving sweets to children in villages—dental care access is limited

ELECTRICITY
Vietnam operates on 220V / 50Hz. Both flat and round two-pin plugs are used. Bring a universal adapter.

ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE
Ho Chi Minh City boasts a lively nightlife, ranging from beer bars to chic nightclubs, mainly in District 1.
Hanoi offers a quieter experience centered around the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, though live music and trendy bars are emerging.
For cultural entertainment, water puppet theaters are popular in both cities.
For a local social scene, try a bia hoi—a casual spot for fresh draft beer.

FOOD
Vietnamese cuisine is fresh, vibrant, and internationally celebrated. It blends influences from France, China, and Thailand.
Key ingredients include basil, coriander, lemongrass, and lime.
Nuoc mam (fermented fish sauce) is a culinary staple.
Don’t miss pho, a fragrant noodle soup with beef or chicken.
Thanks to French colonial influence, expect quality baguettes and pastries.
Western food is also widely available in tourist areas.

HEALTH
Recommended vaccinations: typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A & B, tetanus, and polio.
Malaria and dengue fever are present in rural areas—consult your doctor about preventative medications. Begin any antimalarial course at least one week prior to travel.
Seek advice from a qualified medical professional before departure.

HOTEL INFORMATION
Accommodation options in Vietnam cater to all budgets, with many hotels offering restaurants, bars, pools, and recreational facilities.
Reception and restaurant staff often speak English.
Upon check-in, guests complete a registration form and provide a credit card imprint for incidental charges. Retrieve this imprint upon check-out.
If your booking includes meal vouchers, confirm their issuance at check-in.
Standard check-in: 14:00 | Check-out: 12:00 noon
Late check-out may incur charges—arrange in advance.

INSURANCE
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Ensure coverage for medical expenses and evacuation.
Bring sufficient quantities of any required medications, as local availability may be limited.
Medical care typically requires upfront payment or valid insurance.
When renting a car or motorbike, confirm that it is properly insured.

INTERNET
Most major hotels offer Wi-Fi and business centers.
Internet cafés are widely available. Prepaid international calling cards are affordable and convenient.

LANGUAGE
Vietnamese is the official language. While the alphabet is Romanized, the language features six tones, making pronunciation challenging.
English is widely spoken in cities and tourist destinations.

PEOPLE
Vietnamese culture values family, education, and community. Locals are generally warm, welcoming, and eager to share their heritage.

PROTECTING CHILDREN
We do not arrange orphanage visits and strongly discourage “orphanage tourism,” which may be exploitative.
Support children through community-based and vocational programs.
Report any suspected child exploitation to local authorities or the Vietnam Child Protection Hotline.

Vietnam Child Protection Hotline: 18001567

Website: www.18001567.vn

More info: thinkchildsafe.org

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Domestic flights are efficient and ideal for long distances (e.g., Hanoi–Hue or Nha Trang–Ho Chi Minh City).
The Reunification Express railway stretches from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (30+ hours). Though less popular today, it offers scenic views, particularly in the north.
Book train tickets in advance, especially during weekends and holidays.
Taxis are affordable and easy to find in cities—hail them on the street or book through hotels or apps.

RELIGION
Buddhism is Vietnam’s primary religion, often blended with Confucian and Taoist practices.
About 10% of the population is Catholic, alongside Protestant, Muslim, and Cao Dai communities.

SAFETY
Vietnam is generally safe. Violent crime is rare, but petty theft can occur, especially in busy areas.
Stay alert, keep valuables secure, and use hotel safes.
Be firm yet polite with persistent vendors. Avoid displaying expensive items in public.

SHOPPING
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer diverse shopping, from traditional markets to luxury malls.
Popular souvenirs include lacquerware, silk, conical hats, wood carvings, embroidery, silver jewelry, and tribal handicrafts.
Custom-tailored clothing is widely available and often completed within 24 hours.

STREET STALLS
Markets are a lively way to experience local culture. Bargaining is expected but should be respectful—avoid aggressive haggling to maintain cultural harmony.

TELEPHONE
Internet cafés provide low-cost international calling.
Purchasing a local SIM card is recommended to avoid roaming charges.

TIME ZONE
Vietnam is on GMT +7 year-round. Daylight saving time is not observed.

TIPPING
Tipping is not customary but is appreciated for good service.
Small tips for hotel porters and larger ones for guides and drivers are welcome. Tipping elsewhere is discretionary.

WATER
Tap water is unsafe for drinking. Bottled water is widely available and provided daily in hotels.
Ice is safe in reputable establishments but best avoided at street stalls.
Minor stomach issues are common—carry anti-diarrhea medication just in case.

WEATHER
Vietnam has three distinct climate zones due to its north-south geography:

Central Vietnam: Monsoons from October to April

North & South Vietnam: Monsoons from May to September

The rest of the year is mostly dry

Northern Vietnam can be cool from October to April. Southern Vietnam remains hot year-round.
Temperatures may reach 40°C (104°F) during the rainy season (May–September).
Peak tourist season runs from September to March.
Avoid traveling during Tet (Lunar New Year, Jan–Feb), unless visiting family. Transport and accommodation are often fully booked during this period.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Police: (area code) + 113

Medical Emergency: (area code) + 115

Fire Service: (area code) + 114

DISCLAIMER
Information provided was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. GoAsia Travel is not responsible for content on external websites. Use of this information is at your own risk. GoAsia Travel is not liable for any loss or damage arising from its use. We reserve the right to update or correct content at any time without prior notice.