Vietnam Travel Guide 2026
Explore Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Halong Bay, and the central coast from Hue to Hoi An.
Vietnam stretches from Chinese-influenced northern pagodas to Mekong Delta floating markets and booming southern business districts. Motorbike energy, pho shops, and limestone bays define many first impressions.
Browse by State / Region
Open a state to view covered cities and dive into categories and listings.
Best places to visit in Vietnam
Landmarks and regions many travellers build an itinerary around.
Halong Bay overnight cruises
Quảng Ninh
Karst islands, kayak paddles, and cave stops—choose operators with responsible waste practices.
Hoi An lantern old town
Quảng Nam
Merchant houses, tailoring studios, and monthly full-moon festivities along canals.
Sa Pa terraced fields
Lào Cai
Hmong and Dao homestays amid misty rice terraces—trek with licensed local guides.
Cu Chi tunnels & war museums
Ho Chi Minh City area
Complex historical sites—pair visits with reading for balanced context.
Phong Nha caves
Quảng Bình
Some of the world's largest cave systems—permits required for expeditions.
Food & cuisine in Vietnam
Flavours and dishes worth seeking out on the road.
Vietnamese food highlights fresh herbs, fish sauce depth, rice noodle soups, and regional variations from bun cha to cao lau.
Must-try dishes
- Pho — northern or southern broth styles with beef or chicken
- Banh mi — baguette sandwiches with paté, pickles, and protein
- Fresh spring rolls — herbs, shrimp or pork, peanut dipping sauce
- Bun cha — grilled pork with noodles and dipping broth in Hanoi tradition
- Egg coffee — whipped yolk sweetness over Robusta in Hanoi cafés
Featured Cities in Vietnam
Start with popular city pages and explore curated categories.
Hanoi
Tree-lined capital where lakes, old streets, and government buildings sit side by side.
Ha Long
Bay-side city that serves as the jumping-off point for cruises among limestone islands.
Hai Phong
Northern port city with wide boulevards and shipyards that still shape daily life.
Da Nang
Coastal city of bridges and beaches, positioned between historic towns and mountain passes.
Hoi An
Lantern-lit riverside town where preserved shophouses now hold cafés, tailors, and homestays.
Hue
Former imperial capital on the Perfume River, dotted with citadels, pagodas, and quiet cafés.
Ho Chi Minh City
Fast-paced southern megacity of scooters, skyscrapers, markets, and coffee shops on every block.
Can Tho
Mekong Delta city known for floating markets, riverside promenades, and university campuses.
Visa & entry — Vietnam
General information only. Rules differ by nationality, purpose of visit, and change often.
- Many tourists use Vietnam’s e-Visa when eligible.
- Entry must match the ports and dates approved on your visa.
- Generally visa-free or exempt (short visits): Some nationalities for very short stays — check bilateral agreements — typical stays are often capped (e-visa stays are typically limited (e.g. 30 days) — verify grant conditions).
- Electronic travel authorization / e-Visa (where eligible): Single-entry e-Visa for many nationalities (valid for designated entry points)
- Other nationalities: Generally required if not eligible for visa-free entry
Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or government website before traveling. See official source: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
Frequently asked questions
Common questions travellers ask about visiting Vietnam.
When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
North is coolest November–April; central coast avoids September–November typhoon risk; south is warm year-round with a May–October wet season.
Do I need a visa for Vietnam?
Many nationalities use e-visas or visa exemptions for short stays—check official immigration portals for the latest list.
Is street crossing difficult?
Yes—move predictably with local pedestrian flows; avoid stopping midstream in heavy motorbike traffic.
Can I drink tap water?
Generally no—use sealed bottled or filtered water and avoid ice of unknown origin.
How do overnight trains feel?
Soft sleepers are reasonable for long north–south journeys—book reputable carriages and secure valuables.