If you’re planning a Vietnam itinerary for an upcoming trip, there’s so much natural beauty, amazing food and fascinating history. From the bustling cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, to the long beaches of Central Vietnam, and the villages dotted around the Mekong Delta, there are great travel moments at every corner. To get yourself primed for your trip, check out our mini guide to Vietnam, covering the climate, cuisine, visas, culture and more!
#1 Fact File
Vietnam is a long, S-shaped country that narrows in width in the middle to the extent that it’s only 50 kilometres from the ocean in the east to the Laos border in the west. Other border countries are China and Cambodia.
The population is just shy of 100 million, with around 9 million living in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) in the south and another 5 million in the capital Hanoi in the north. Many religions are followed; the majority of Vietnamese identify with Buddhism, but Taoism, Confucianism and Catholicism are also practiced. Around 40 million of the population share the same family name: Nguyen.
#2 Trivia
Several cities have served as the Vietnam capital over time, including Hue, the ancient capital. The latter has remains of imperial palaces and tombs that can be visited today. The current capital Hanoi, meanwhile, has been known by a bunch of different names in history, including Long Bien, Dai La and Long Do (which means “dragon’s navel”!).
Vietnam is a coffee-loving nation. Vietnamese coffee is traditionally strong, and usually served with sweet condensed milk. The country is also the second largest coffee producer on the planet, after Brazil. Speaking of agricultural exports, Vietnam exports more cashews than any other country, and the second largest amount of rice.
#3 Key Dates for Vietnam Itinerary
Vietnamese New Year is known as Tet and is celebrated in late January or early February (dates vary from year to year). It’s a huge time for family reunions, and the festivities usually last for three to six days.
Other important dates include Victory Day on 30 April, which marks the fall of Saigon in 1975 and the reunification of Vietnam. Tet Trung Thu, or the Moon Festival, falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (usually in September). Expect to see lion dances, parades of lanterns, and mooncakes on menus.
#4 Where to Go
Need Vietnam itinerary ideas? Here are a few points to keep in mind.
- Vietnam has eight World Heritage Sites including Halong Bay and the Hue Monuments.
- Other destinations beloved by tourists include Hanoi, especially for the Old Town, busy Ho Chi Minh City, Sapa in the highlands, and coastal gems like Da Nang, Hoi An and Nha Trang.
- Another popular beach location is Phu Quoc, a Vietnamese island off the south coast, and known for its high-end resorts.
- Many also consider the Mekong Delta a must-see, with its famous floating markets and more.
- A “classic” Vietnam itinerary follows the narrow layout of the country, working its way from north to south or south to north.
#5 Cool Things to Do in Vietnam
Here’s our list of five of the best things to do on a Vietnam trip, catering to sightseers, adventurers and history-lovers alike.
- Get aboard a boat. Vietnam has some superb options for those who enjoy cruising along the water. The sprawling Mekong Delta has floating markets and farm stays, while Ha Long Bay’s emerald water and towering limestone karsts have made it a World Heritage Site.
- Explore an ancient town. Take your pick! We love Hoi An, with its lantern-lit scenes and riverside diners, and also Hue for its ancient palace on the banks of the Perfume River.
- Trek in Sapa. The northwest is a godsend for hikers, with misty mountains, terraced rice fields and interesting villages to explore. Ideal for nature and culture lovers who enjoy a long walk.
- Discover Vietnam’s military history. Formerly Saigon, HCMC can be a chaotic place, but it has plenty for history buffs – not just in the city, but on an excursion to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels that were used in the Vietnam War.
- Cool off in a cave. Caving is one of the best things to do in Vietnam for anyone with an adventurous spirit. The Phong Nha cave system is home to the world’s largest cave, Son Dong, which could apparently hold an entire New York City block (including the skyscrapers!).
#6 Health & Safety
The wet season runs from June to December, with typhoons and heavy rain that can lead to flooding and landslides. This is a time of the year to be particularly alert to mosquitos. Wear clothing that covers your skin, and use plenty of repellent.
Ever tried crossing the street in HCMC or Hanoi? You’ll know that traffic can be a little chaotic. Accidents are also relatively common. Be wary of vehicles and if your own driver is going faster than you like ask them to slow down.
The usual caution should be taken when eating street food. Hot food that’s cooked in front of you is a better bet than prepared dishes or salads. Steer clear of tap water and ice; stick to bottled water.
#7 Culture
There are a few etiquette things to watch in Vietnam. Don’t wear revealing clothing in temples or religious sites – shoulders and knees should be covered. While visiting markets is a great thing to do in Vietnam, try to avoid aggressive bargaining. By all means politely negotiate a price, but remember that you are generally talking about a very small amount of money for you, but a significant amount for the vendor. If your Vietnam itinerary takes you close to military installations or personnel, be careful not to take photos. (This is a security no-go!)
To learn more about Vietnam’s past, read The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen. This Pulitzer Prize-winning spy thriller tells the story of a French/Vietnamese communist double agent living in the US after the end of the Vietnam war. Also acclaimed is Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War by Karl Marlantes, described as the first “great” novel about the Vietnam War.
The most famous movie in the Vietnamese language is The Scent of Green Papaya, though it was actually filmed entirely in France. From the same director, Cyclo (Xich lo) revolves around a teenage bicycle-taxi driver trying to make ends meet. And it’s hard not to mention Apocalypse Now, which adapts Joseph Conrad’s novel Heart of Darkness in a Vietnam War setting, with a searing psychological and moral impact.
#8 Notable Quotes
“Sun is for cucumbers, rain for rice” – Vietnamese proverb
“Going to Vietnam the first time was life-changing for sure. Maybe because it was all so new and different to my life before and the world I grew up in. The food, culture, landscape, and smell; they’re all inseparable. It just seemed like another planet; a delicious one that sort of sucked me in and never let go.” – Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain
“If you look deeply into the palm of your hand, you will see your parents and all generations of your ancestors. All of them are alive in this moment. Each is present in your body. You are the continuation of each of these people.” – Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh
#9 Visas, Time & Money
Many passport holders don’t need a visa for a short Vietnam itinerary, including those from a number of European countries. Other nationalities can apply at evisa.gov.vn. Alternatively, get a visa on arrival at major ports of entry. (Always check what documentation you’ll need for this.)
Vietnam is 7 hours ahead of GMT, which means that when it’s midday in Hanoi, it’s 1pm in Kuala Lumpur and 3pm in Sydney.
The Vietnamese dong (VND) has an exchange rate that takes a bit of getting used to. One US dollar will fetch you 25,000 dong! ATMs are readily available in big cities and tourist destinations, and US dollars are widely accepted, as are credit cards. Apps such as MoMo and ZaloPay are popular for payments in Vietnam.
#10 Weather & Seasons
Different parts of Vietnam have different monsoon seasons. The good news for anyone planning their Vietnam itinerary, however, is that it’s always high season somewhere in the country! The tropical south is always warm. The best time to visit the north is between May and October and the south between November and February. The popular central beaches can be wet between December and February.
#11 Language
The official language is Vietnamese, though French and English are also spoken by some. If you’re thinking of learning a bit of the lingo, keep in mind that it has six different tones. For a more basic introduction to speaking Vietnamese, try ”Chào” (“hello”), “Tạm biệt” (“goodbye”), “Bạn khỏe không?” (“How are you?”) and “Cam on ban” (“thank you”)
When you’re meeting local people, be aware that Vietnamese show respect with a slight bow when greeting people older than them.
#12 Vietnamese Food
Sampling the amazing cuisine is one of the best things to do in Vietnam. Vietnamese food combines Chinese and Thai styles. Thanks to the freshness of the ingredients and their light preparation, it’s also considered one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. Must-try dishes include pho, an aromatic noodle soup with chicken or beef and herbs, bánh mì (baguette filled with various cuts of pork, pâté and vegetables), bún chả (grilled pork with rice noodles and dipping sauce) and also gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls served with peanut or hoisin dipping sauce).
#13 Souvenirs
Easily found in almost every market (and plenty of small shops) is the palm-leaf conical hat known as the non la, a traditional symbol of Vietnamese people. Other good gift ideas include handmade pottery from Hanoi, silk from Hoi An, as well as mother-of-pearl and lacquerware handicrafts.
Enjoyed this article on Vietnam itinerary ideas, things to do there, and tips on culture, food and climate? Now check our visa advice if you’re planning travels to other countries in the region.
