What are the most important things to consider before a Vietnam vacation? What should you pack for your tour? What currency is accepted in the country? Find answers to all your questions in our Vietnam travel guide.
Vietnam is a youthful nation fueled by the desire for modernization and commercialization while protective of its traditional past. It is the contrasting characteristics of the country, from its historical past to its modern developments and diverse landscapes and people that will leave a lasting impression.
Even if your trip coincides with the best time of year to visit Vietnam, packing for your Vietnam tours is not straightforward, and it often depends on where you plan to go. Your Travel Consultant is happy to answer all your questions.
Larger cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi offer upscale bars and restaurants, so be sure to pack some clothes and shoes for a nice evening out so you can easily enjoy a bit of both big city life as well as remote, untouched destinations on Vietnam holidays.
If you are wondering is Vietnam safe to travel in, we can assure you that you can explore all of the country safely and comfortably with some basic precautions. It’s not advisable to bring your flashy jewelry or expensive cell phones for your Vietnam tour. You will find few restrictions on the dress code in the bustling metros, but as you move further away you will notice that people are dressed more traditionally.
Health information
It is advisable to visit your doctor at least six months before you travel as some vaccinations may take time. Don’t forget to get your regular shots, such as typhoid, measles and Hepatitis. Also carry mosquito repellent no matter where you travel in Southeast Asia.
There are excellent hospitals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and health care centers in all provinces, but facilities are limited and there is a lack of medicines. Health insurance should ideally also include cover for emergency repatriation by air. Upfront cash is expected for services rendered.
Please avoid drinking water from outside in Vietnam, even if it is sealed and of a good make. Avoid eating vegetable salads, fried foods, and beverages from the many roadside vendors frequently seen everywhere, unless you are on specific Vietnam food tours with us that we have already hygiene vetted. Your tour escort and drivers will know reputable restaurants in Vietnam, and all of your hotels with restaurants will be a good choice for dining. When ordering for food, feel free to request non-spicy.
Currency and cards
The official currency in the country is the Dong, (d or VND). Vietnam’s unofficial currency is the US$ Dollar. Carrying a suitable amount of petty change enough for tips, in markets and for transport is recommended– about 50 UK Pounds or 70 USD is sufficient. Besides US Dollar, British Pound and Euro, many other currencies can be exchanged but some smaller destination currencies may have difficulty.
Watch out when dealing with currency – 10,000 and 100,000 notes look the same as 50,000 and 500,000 rupee notes.
Shopping
Vietnam has very strict regulations about exporting real antiques. Most “antique” and art pieces sold to tourists are fake or copies of the original. As you travel in Vietnam, be careful and check your sources for certificates if they claim to sell you an original or antique piece.
Our destination experts are happy to share their personal travel tips during your free consultation and help you plan your private Vietnam tours. Contact us for your personalized and obligation-free itinerary.
Vietnam has a tropical climate and the temperatures range between 22 ̊C and 30 ̊C. Whether you are exploring Hoi An, discovering the artisans of Hanoi, traveling in the mountains of Sa Pa, sunbathing on Da Nang, Phu Quoc or Nha Trang’s beaches, or taking a street food tour in Ho Chi Minh City, there is no bad time to visit. Here’s an overview on the best time for Vietnam holidays.
Traveler’s often wonder ‘What are the best destinations to visit in Vietnam?’, ‘What is the best Vietnam travel guide?’ or ‘What can you do in Vietnam?’ From Old Town in Hanoi, street food in Saigon, and Hue to the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam and Cambodia – experience the best of the culture and landscapes on your Vietnam holidays with us. Discover our top ten Vietnam attractions.
How safe is it to travel in Vietnam? Is Vietnam safe to travel in for a foreigner from the West? What are things that you should keep in mind while traveling in destinations such as Hoi An, Halong Bay, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City? Vietnam is a developing nation with its own rules and regulations. Here is some of the most up-to-date travel advice from our experts to ensure seamless and stress-free Vietnam holidays.
Beautiful Vietnam is brimming with rich culture and heritage and Vietnam festivals in 2019 are going to be celebrated with aplomb, just like every year. There’s nothing quite like the lively, jovial atmosphere of a traditional celebration.
Enchanting Travels made our trip entirely stress free and easy. This meant we were able to enjoy the beauty of Vietnam and Cambodia. All our guides, drivers, hotel staff, and trip coordinators were so so wonderful and a pleasure to interact with- Can’t speak highly enough about this company.
Edith Isaacs
January 2025
Rating 5/5
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
Enchanting Travels exquisitely prepared our excursion from top-to-bottom based on our initial discussions regarding our desires for our trip. From cities, sites, tours, hotels, & activities, we were immersed in our favorite style of travel: get involved in activities [culinary class, organic farming, yes – and of course care of the elephants], great knowledgeable guides, local food tasting as one priority, and trying different modes of local transport [from car, boat, bicycle, Cyclo-cross, Tuk-Tuk, Long Boat, gondola, canoe, Vespa scooter, and even a bamboo raft]. The hotels were specifically selected for their local style, and the sites were all well represented and included off-the-beaten path historical and natural treasures. The oversight of our trip via the App as well as 24/7 coordinator involvement made it totally hassle-free.
Marek Mirski
January 2025
Rating 5/5
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
Enchanting Travels and their staff put together a trip of a lifetime. We hadn’t traveled to Asia before and were nervous about what to expect or how to navigate once we were there. We also really didn’t know what we wanted to do other than a few expectations. We went to four countries with multiple hotels, flights and boat excursions. I cannot believe that the 5 week trip went off with out any hitches! Everything was so smooth and effortless. We did not worry about anything the whole time we were there. It was comforting to know that our trip coordinator was there for us if we needed her and she certainly responded quickly if we did have a need or question. The choices for hotels that Enchanting Travels recommended were superb and the guides and driver were knowledgeable and fun. I can not speak more highly of all of their services and plan on using them again for another big trip.
Candace Morton
November 2023
Rating 5/5
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
We had a wonderful tour of Vietnam. Our itinerary was very thoughtfully organized with great attention to detail. Many of the activities suggested were excellent and the logistics are all handled crispy. We really appreciate the custom aspects of Enchanting’s itineraries. Having one on one time with very knowledgeable guides is indispensable. From the moment we arrived in Hanoi airport to the minute we left Saigon we were treated royally. Excellent service
Debra Pryhitko
October 2023
Rating 5/5
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
We had a wonderful trip to South East Asia organized by Enchanting Travels. The organization was seamless with no mishaps. Guides were very pleasant and informative and activities and sights seen were incredible. We hope to book another trip with enchanted travel in the future.
Jacquelynn Schouls
November 2023
Rating 5/5
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
We had a wonderful trip to South East Asia organized by Enchanting Travels. The organization was seamless with no mishaps. Guides were very pleasant and informative and activities and sights seen were incredible. We hope to book another trip with Enchanting Travels in the future.
