Complete Guide to Traveling in Vietnam
Vietnam offers a diverse range of landscapes, from the karst formations of Halong Bay to the hilltribe-inhabited mountains surrounding Sapa. This Southeast Asian gem features paradise islands, charming colonial towns, intriguing villages (especially in the Mekong Delta), and lush national parks.
Indulge in banh mi in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), try windsurfing at Mui Ne, relax on the tropical shores of Phu Quoc Island, wander through the historic streets of Hoi An, explore the Viet Cong tunnels at Cu Chi, and enjoy a water-puppet show in Hanoi – and that’s just the beginning.
As infrastructure improves and previously remote areas become accessible, Vietnam's hidden treasures being uncovered. Discover the hills around Ninh Binh, visit the Cham temples in Quy Non, or connect with the tribes of Ba Be National Park – get ready to venture beyond the usual guidebooks for your own unique Vietnamese experience.
When to go to Vietnam
Climate is complicated by regional differences and two monsoons – the northern three-quarters of Vietnam get wet and cool October-March, while the south is warm and dry; a summer monsoon affects most of the country from April-October, bringing hot and humid conditions.
The northern spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) are probably the most comfortable (and not too crowded) times to visit.
International airports
Noi Bai Airport (HAN) is 35km north of Hanoi.
Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) is 7km north-west of Ho Chi Minh City.
Getting around in Vietnam
Domestic flights link the main centres, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Danang and Can Tho in the Mekong Delta. A range of buses – from small (and often packed) minibuses to large, comfortable air-con coaches – comprise an extensive network around the country at very reasonably prices.
There’s one main railway line that runs along the coast between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, branching out to a few more destinations around the north.
Hiring a car (often with driver) or a motorcycle allows more flexibility (check health and safety section).
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Top Cities to Visit in Vietnam
Vietnam, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, and lively atmosphere, will capt your senses from every direction. A visit to Vietnam is any other journey—embrace the experience by expecting nothing and revel in the excitement, tranquility, and it offers.
Top Cities to Explore in 2025
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Experience the celebrations that pay tribute to the nation's reunification; now more vibrant than ever in cuisine and design.
This vibrant metropolis in southern has rapidly become one of the world's top tourism, surpassing pre-pandemic records by a significant margin. The year 2025 is an ideal time to visit, marking 50 years since Fall of Saigon, which ended the Vietnam War in 1975. Ho Chi City, still lovingly called Saigon locals, will host numerous grand events, exhibitions, and celebrations to honor half a century of national reunification.
Travel can look forward to the opening of Terminal 3 at Tan Son Nhat on April 30, and the HCMC Metro is expected to operations later this year after several delays. Additionally, the iconic Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel is undergoing renovations, while new hotels like IHG's Hotel Indigo and the Kengo Kuma-designed Kempinski Saigon River are set to debut soon.
Beyond its urban and tourism developments, Ho Chi Minh City stands out a cultural hub in Southeast Asia, renowned for its commerce, dining and fashion scene. Local brands such as Fancì Club and Latui Atelier have garnered attention from K-pop stars and Hollywood celebrities. In 2023, Anan Saigon, a modern Vietnamese restaurant, earned the city’s first Michelin star, while its chef, Peter Cuong Franklin, has also introduced Pot Au Pho, a noodle soup concept. Despite the influx of new experiences, the city, once dubbed the “Pearl of the Orient” during the French colonial era, retains its old-world with bustling markets and street vendors serving huieu noodle soup and banh mi sandwiches.
For your visit, consider going between December and April to avoid the rainy season, allowing you to enjoy meals outdoors at local gastropubs, savoring fresh seafood like scallops drizzled with scallion oil and crushed peanuts. The Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel, located on famous Dong Khoi Street, is one of the city's most iconic, offering stunning views of the Saigon River.