Whether you’re planning a short holiday or a longer one, I hope this guide will help you prepare for your first trip and spend less time worrying about the logistics and more time enjoying Vietnam.

If your phone supports eSIM, I recommend setting it up before leaving home. This means you can have internet access as soon as you arrive in Vietnam, which can be very useful for ordering a Grab, checking Google Maps, or contacting your accommodation.

If your phone does not support eSIM, you can buy a physical SIM card after arriving. You can find SIM cards at the airport, as well as in shops throughout the cities. Having mobile data in Vietnam is extremely useful, especially when traveling independently.

There are several ways to travel around Vietnam, and the best option depends on the distance between destinations and the amount of time you have.

• For longer distances, flying is often the most convenient option. For example, if you are traveling from Hanoi to Hoi An, taking a domestic flight to Da Nang is much faster than traveling by train or bus.

• For shorter distances, you can travel by train, sleeper bus, private transfer, or taxi. Vietnam is a long country, so planning your transportation in advance can save you a lot of time during your trip.

Getting around Vietnamese cities is relatively easy, and you have several transportation options.

For short distances, walking is often the best way to explore, especially in places such as Hoi An. However, in larger cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, distances can be longer and traffic can be very busy. I recommend using Grab when you need to travel around the city. You can order a car or motorbike directly through the app, and you can see the price before confirming your journey.

You can also use taxis, rent a bicycle in some destinations, or rent a scooter if you feel comfortable riding one. However, traffic in Vietnam can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors, so I would recommend being careful when renting a motorbike.

The number of days you need depends on how much of Vietnam you want to see.

• If you only have one week, I recommend focusing on one region rather than trying to visit the entire country. Vietnam is much bigger than many first-time visitors expect, and traveling between destinations can take a significant amount of time.

• For a first trip, I think two weeks is a good amount of time to see some of Vietnam’s most popular destinations without feeling too rushed.

For your first trip to Vietnam, I recommend choosing your route based on how many days you have and your preferences.

• If you have limited time, focus on one or two regions rather than trying to travel from north to south in only a few days.

• If you have around two weeks, you can visit some of Vietnam’s most popular destinations by traveling from north to south or from south to north.

For example, our route was:

Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Ha Long Bay → Hoi An → Hue → Ho Chi Minh City

This route allowed us to experience busy cities, beautiful nature, rice fields, Ha Long Bay, historic towns, beaches, and different parts of Vietnamese culture.

Like many popular tourist destinations, Vietnam has some scams and tourist traps that visitors should be aware of. However, you should not let this stop you from enjoying your trip.

• Be careful when booking tours, transportation, or activities through unofficial sellers. Whenever possible, book through your accommodation, a reputable company, or an official website. It is also a good idea to check prices before agreeing to a service, especially when taking taxis or buying souvenirs in tourist areas.
• Be careful to always bargain in the markets to receive a better price.
• I recommend using only Grab instead of negotiating with random taxi drivers, as you can see the estimated price before booking your journey.
• Always keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas, and be cautious if someone approaches you with an offer that seems unusually cheap or too good to be true.

Vietnam has a fascinating culture, and learning a few basic customs before your trip can make your experience more enjoyable.

• When visiting temples and religious sites, dress respectfully and avoid wearing clothing that is too revealing. In some places, you may also be expected to remove your shoes before entering.
• Always be respectful when taking photos of local people, particularly in smaller villages or religious places.
• Learning a few simple Vietnamese words, such as hello and thank you, can also be appreciated and can make interactions with local people more enjoyable.
• Vietnam can be busy, noisy, and chaotic, especially in large cities, so try to be patient and embrace the experience. Things may not always work exactly as you expect, but that is also part of the adventure.
• Don’t expect the streets to be as clean as other countries. Vietnam has beautiful landscapes, but some areas are not very clean.

What you pack for Vietnam will depend on the time of year and the regions you plan to visit. Because the weather can be very different between northern, central, and southern Vietnam, it is important to check the weather for each destination before packing.

I recommend bringing lightweight and comfortable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a rain jacket or small umbrella.

Mosquito repellent is also useful, particularly if you are visiting rural areas or spending time outdoors.

Don’t forget to bring any prescription medication you regularly take, as well as a few basic medications that you know work well for you.

You should also pack a power adapter, portable charger, and anything you need to stay connected while traveling.

There is no single perfect time to visit all of Vietnam because the weather can vary significantly between the north, central, and southern regions.

When one part of the country has good weather, another region may experience rain or a different season.

For this reason, the best time to visit depends on the destinations you plan to include in your itinerary.

Before booking your trip, check the weather and seasonal conditions for each destination individually. This is especially important if you are traveling from north to south and visiting several different regions.

I recommend reading destination-specific guides before planning your itinerary, as the best time to visit Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, or Ho Chi Minh City can be different.