Everything You Need To Know About Vietnam
Welcome to the captivating and culturally rich land of Vietnam! This Southeast Asian gem offers a tapestry of experiences, from its stunning natural landscapes to its vibrant cities steeped in history. If you're planning a trip to Vietnam, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information to make your journey memorable.
Currency:
The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). ATMs are widely available in major cities, and credit cards are accepted in many establishments, especially in urban areas.
Evan & Lemon’s Tip: The 500k and 20k notes are both blue and look very similar in the dark. Always double-check your zeros before handing over cash! We recommend getting a Charles Schwab Debit Card so you can take cash out of ATM’s world wide with 0 fees.
Capital City
Hanoi, often called the "City of Lakes," is the bustling capital of Vietnam. It's known for its charming old quarter, historical sites, and vibrant street food scene.
Language:
Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam. While you'll find English spoken in tourist areas, learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases can enhance your experience:
Hello: "Xin chào" (sin chow)
Thank You: "Cảm ơn" (kahm uhn)
Evan and Lemon’s Tip: Download Google Translate and the Vietnamese offline pack. The "Camera" feature is a lifesaver for reading local menus.
Religion:
The dominant religion in Vietnam is Buddhism, followed by a mix of indigenous beliefs and Confucianism. Temples and pagodas are scattered throughout the country, offering insights into the nation's spiritual heritage.
Brief History:
Vietnam has a tumultuous history marked by periods of imperial rule and foreign occupation. It gained independence from French colonial rule in 1954 and later endured the Vietnam War, which shaped the country's history and culture.
Popular Destinations:
Vietnam boasts a diverse range of attractions. Must-visit destinations include:
Halong Bay: Explore the mesmerizing limestone karsts on a cruise.
Hoi An: Stroll through the charming ancient town with its lantern-lit streets.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): Discover a bustling metropolis with a rich history.
Sapa: Trek through terraced rice fields in the northern highlands.
Visas
Before you can explore, you need your paperwork.
The Official Site: Only use evisa.gov.vn to apply for your 90-day e-visa. Avoid ".com" sites that charge extra fees.
Evan and Lemon’s Tip: Ensure your name matches your passport's ICAO line exactly. Any typo can result in being denied boarding at the airport.
Best Time to Visit:
Vietnam is long, and the weather varies wildly between the North and South.
Northern Vietnam (Hanoi/Sapa): Best from October to April. It can get surprisingly cold in Jan/Feb.
Central Vietnam (Da Nang/Hoi An): Best from January to August. Avoid Oct–Nov due to typhoon season.
Southern Vietnam (Saigon/Delta): Best during the dry season, November to April.
Popular Destinations:
Vietnam boasts a diverse range of attractions. Must-visit destinations include:
Halong Bay: Explore the mesmerizing limestone karsts on a cruise 1 or 2 night cruise.
Hoi An: Stroll through the charming ancient town with its lantern-lit streets.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): Discover a bustling metropolis with a rich history.
Sapa: Trek through terraced rice fields in the northern highlands.
Customs:
Vietnamese culture places a strong emphasis on family, respect, and modesty. When visiting temples or someone's home, it's customary to dress modestly and remove your shoes. Greeting with a smile and a nod is polite and well-received.
Food Specialties:
Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its fresh flavors and aromatic herbs. Be sure to try dishes like Pho (noodle soup), Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich), Goi Cuon (spring rolls), and Ca Phe (Vietnamese coffee).
Evan & Lemon’s Tip: Book a food tour on your first full day! It helps you get familiar with the cuisine immediately so you don't end up eating only Pho and Banh Mi for two weeks. You'll learn how to eat like a local and discover "hidden" spots you’d never find on your own.
Transportation:
Getting around Vietnam is relatively easy, with options ranging from budget-friendly local transit to high-end luxury cabins.
Long-Distance Travel:
Domestic & Regional Flights: The fastest way to cover long distances between hubs like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Saigon.
Sleeper Buses & Luxury Vans: This is the most popular way to get between cities.
The "Luxury" Option: For shorter distances (e.g., Hanoi to Ninh Binh), look for Luxury Limousine Vans. These are high-end 9-seater vans with leather seats and a much faster travel time.
VIP Sleeper Buses: For longer hauls, look for "VIP 20-Cabin" buses which offer actual beds and privacy curtains.
Trains: While we don't necessarily recommend them over other options, they are a common way to travel. If you choose this, it is best to book in advance and reserve the entire cabin or the highest class available for the best experience.
How to Book: We exclusively recommend using 12Go Asia to book your buses, vans, and trains. It is the most reliable way to compare prices and secure your tickets in advance.
Inner-City Transport:
Grab & Xanh SM: Download these apps immediately. GrabBike (motorbike taxis) is a fantastic way to move through traffic; it’s relatively safe as city traffic generally moves at a slow, steady pace. Xanh SM is an all-electric taxi fleet that is often cleaner and more professional than standard street taxis.
Public Buses: Major cities like Hanoi and Saigon have extensive and very cheap bus networks. Download the BusMap app to see real-time routes and stops.
Metro Systems: * Hanoi: The metro is operational and is a great way to bypass the heavy city traffic.
Saigon (HCMC): Metro Line 1 is now fully open, connecting the city center (Ben Thanh) to the eastern districts.
Evan & Lemon’s Top Strategy Tips
1. The First-Day Food Tour: Do not spend your first three days eating only Pho and Banh Mi. Book a local street food tour on your very first full day. A guide will show you how to navigate the "plastic stool" culture and introduce you to dishes you’d never find on your own.
2. Airbnb Over Hotels: We highly recommend booking Airbnbs instead of hotels. We’ve noticed that hotels across Vietnam often use very outdated photos. Airbnbs in modern residential buildings are usually much better maintained.
3. The Review Rule: Always filter reviews by "Most Recent." If a place hasn't been reviewed in the last 3 months, consider it a red flag—the photos likely don't match the current reality.
Budget:
Budget:
Street Food: Vietnam is famous for its affordable street food. You can enjoy a delicious bowl of Pho or Banh Mi for as low as 20,000-40,000 Vietnamese Dong (approximately $1-$2 USD).
Restaurant Food: Local restaurants and food stalls offer budget-friendly meals for around 50,000-150,000 Vietnamese Dong ($2-$6 USD).
Transportation: Public buses and budget-friendly taxis are available for short trips, usually costing 10,000-50,000 Vietnamese Dong ($0.50-$2 USD).
Accommodation: Hostels and guesthouses are common choices for budget travelers, with prices ranging from 150,000-400,000 Vietnamese Dong ($6-$17 USD) per night.
Midrange:
Restaurant Food: Dining in midrange restaurants costs approximately 200,000-500,000 Vietnamese Dong ($8-$21 USD) per person, offering a wide variety of Vietnamese and international dishes.
Transportation: For midrange travelers, taxis and rideshares provide comfortable options, with fares averaging around 15,000-30,000 Vietnamese Dong ($0.60-$1.25 USD) per kilometer.
Accommodation: Midrange hotels and boutique lodges offer comfortable stays ranging from 800,000-2,000,000 Vietnamese Dong ($33-$83 USD) per night.
Luxury:
Restaurant Food: Upscale dining experiences in luxury restaurants may cost upwards of 1,000,000 Vietnamese Dong ($45 USD) per person, featuring gourmet cuisine and exquisite ambiance.
Transportation: Luxury travelers can opt for private drivers or premium car rentals with rates varying based on the vehicle and services offered.
Accommodation: Vietnam has a selection of luxurious hotels and resorts with prices starting at 2,000,000 Vietnamese Dong ($83 USD) per night and reaching even higher for top-tier accommodations.
Vietnam's natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality make it an enticing destination for travelers seeking both adventure and cultural experiences. Whether you're cruising through Halong Bay or savoring street food in Hanoi, Vietnam promises a journey filled with unforgettable moments. Pack your bags and get ready to explore this extraordinary country!
