vietnam uk travel advice

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

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Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad. About us.

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Vietnam (Asia)

Advice for all destinations.

Read the information on the COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel page for advice on travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vaccinations and malaria risk

Review both the Vaccination and Malaria sections on this page to find out if you may need vaccines and/or a malaria risk assessment before you travel to this country.

If you think you require vaccines and/or malaria risk assessment, you should make an appointment with a travel health professional:

• How to make an appointment with a travel health professional

A travel health risk assessment is also advisable for some people, even when vaccines or malaria tablets are not required.

• Do I need a travel health risk assessment?

Risk prevention advice 

Many of the health risks experienced by travellers cannot be prevented by vaccines and other measures need to be taken.

Always make sure you understand the wider risks at your destination and take precautions, including:

• food and water safety
• accident prevention
• avoiding insect bites
• preventing and treating animal bites
• respiratory hygiene
• hand hygiene

Our advice section gives detailed information on minimising specific health risks abroad:

• Travel Health Advice A-Z

Other health considerations

Make sure you have travel insurance before travel to cover healthcare abroad.

Find out if there are any restrictions you need to consider if you are travelling with medicines .

Know how to access healthcare at your destination: see the GOV.UK English speaking doctors and medical facilities: worldwide list

If you feel unwell on your return home from travelling abroad, always seek advice from a healthcare professional and let them know your travel history.

Vaccinations

• Confirm primary courses and boosters are up to date as recommended for life in Britain - including for example, seasonal flu vaccine (if indicated), MMR , vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions.
• Courses or boosters usually advised: Diphtheria; Tetanus.
• Other vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Rabies; Typhoid.
• Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Japanese Encephalitis.

No yellow fever vaccination certificate required for this country

Notes on the diseases mentioned above

• Diphtheria :  spread person to person through respiratory droplets. Risk is higher if mixing with locals in poor, overcrowded living conditions.

Risk is higher where personal hygiene and sanitation is poor.

Risk is higher for long stays, frequent travel and for children (exposed through cuts and scratches), those who may require medical treatment during travel.

• Japanese Encephalitis :  spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. This mosquito breeds in rice paddies and mainly bites between dusk and dawn. Risk is highest for long stay travellers to rural areas, particularly if unable to avoid mosquito bites.
• Tetanus :  spread through contamination of cuts, burns and wounds with tetanus spores. Spores are found in soil worldwide. A total of 5 doses of tetanus vaccine are recommended for life in the UK. Boosters are usually recommended in a country or situation where the correct treatment of an injury may not be readily available.
• Typhoid :  spread mainly through consumption of contaminated food and drink. Risk is higher where access to adequate sanitation and safe water is limited.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes.You cannot be vaccinated against malaria.

Malaria precautions

• Malaria risk is low throughout the year in Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Binh Phuoc and western parts of Phu Yen, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan and north west Lai Chau. In these areas, malaria tablets are not recommended, however, they may be considered for certain travellers who may be at higher risk (see below under Low risk areas with additional advice)
• Low to no risk in other areas including Ho Chi Min City and Hanoi, the Red River and Mekong deltas, Phu Quoc Island and coastal plains.
• Malaria precautions are essential. Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin and, when necessary, sleeping under a mosquito net.
• Check with your doctor or nurse if antimalarial tablets may be required.
• See malaria map – additional information can be found by clicking on the Regional Information icon below the map.
• Low risk with additional advice: antimalarial tablets are not usually advised, however, they can be considered for certain travellers who may be at higher risk e.g. longer stay in rural areas, visiting friends or relatives, those with medical conditions, immunosuppression or those without a spleen. Atovaquone/proguanil OR doxycycline OR mefloquine is advised for those at risk.
• Low to no risk: antimalarial tablets are not usually advised.
• If you have been travelling in a malarious area and develop a fever seek medical attention promptly. Remember malaria can develop even up to one year after exposure.
• If travelling to an area remote from medical facilities, carrying standby emergency treatment for malaria may be considered.

Other Health Risks

Altitude and travel, dengue fever.

There is a risk of exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) in this country.

Please be aware that the risk of COVID-19 in this country may change at short notice and also consider your risk of exposure in any transit countries and from travelling itself. 

• The 'News' section on this page will advise if significant case increases or outbreaks have occurred in this country.

Prior to travel, you should:

• Check the latest government guidance on the FCDO Foreign travel advice and country specific pages for travel to this country and the rules for entering the UK on return.
• Ensure you are up to date with UK recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination.
• You can check this in the FAQ's.
• If you are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 you should carefully  consider your travel plans  and consider seeking medical advice prior to making any decisions.

For further information, see  Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)  and  COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel  pages.

Zika Virus Infection

This country has been categorised as having a risk of Zika (ZIKV) virus transmission.

ZIKV is mainly spread through mosquito bites. The mosquito responsible most commonly bites during daylight hours and is common in towns and cities. 

The illness is usually mild but infection during pregnancy may lead to babies being born with birth defects. There is no vaccine currently available against ZIKV.

Advice for All Travellers

You should practice strict mosquito bite avoidance at all times. Do not travel without adequate travel insurance . Seek pre-travel health advice from a travel health professional 6 to 8 weeks in advance of travel.

Additional recommendations for pregnant travellers or those planning pregnancy

If you are planning pregnancy in the very near future you should consider whether you should avoid travel to this country.

• contact your GP, obstetrician or midwife for further advice, even if you have not been unwell or had any symptoms of ZIKV infection
• use barrier methods of contraception during and after travel and for the duration of your pregnancy, even in you have not been unwell or had any symptoms of ZIKV infection
• If you develop symptoms of ZIKV infection, it is recommended that you avoid becoming pregnant for a further 2 months following your recovery
• 2 months afterwards if you are female
• 3 months afterwards if you are male or if both partners travelled

These measures reduce the chance of sexual transmission of ZIKV and/or the risk of ZIKV infection in pregnancy.

For further information, see Zika virus infection page.

• 74 additional items in the news archive for this country

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Pinpoint Travel Health

Foreign travel advice Vietnam

Table of Contents

Foreign Travel Advice Vietnam

Warnings and Insurance:   This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice on travel risks to assist British nationals in making informed decisions. Learn more about FCDO travel advice.

Before You Travel: No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide, as well as support for British nationals abroad, which includes:

• Advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• Information for women, LGBT+, and disabled travelers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also sign up to receive email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel Insurance: If you decide to travel to Vietnam, conduct research on your destinations and obtain appropriate travel insurance. Your insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities, and expenses in case of an emergency.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Vietnam set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Vietnam.

If you show symptoms of COVID-19 on arrival, you must notify the health agency at the border gates.

Passport validity requirements

If you’re visiting Vietnam, your passport must have:

• an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you arrive
• at least 2 blank pages
• no damage – British nationals have been denied entry and exit due to passport damage

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Checks at border control

Make sure you get your passport stamped.

Check the visa expiry date written in your passport is correct before leaving border control.

Visa requirements

If you plan to stay in Vietnam for 45 days or fewer, you do not need a visa for:

• business travel – but not paid or voluntary work

You must have a visa for longer stays or if you’re entering Vietnam for other reasons.

Applying for a visa or e-visa

Tourists staying more than 45 days can:

• book with a travel agent in Vietnam and ask them to apply for a visa preapproval letter – your agent will tell you when to collect your visa from the embassy
• apply for an e-visa that allows a 90-day stay and multiple entries – e-visas restrict you to entry and exit points you select when you apply
• apply for other visa types from the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK

The British Embassy will not assist with visa extensions or sponsor visa applications.

If you get an e-visa while in Vietnam, you must exit the country and re-enter to start your e-visa.

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must meet the Vietnam government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Vietnam Immigration Department .

Read about visas and work permits if you live in Vietnam .

If you overstay your visa or work illegally, you may be delayed from travel until you pay a fine, and you could be deported and prevented from visiting Vietnam in the future.

Extend a non-tourist visa through the Vietnam Immigration Department .

Travelling through Vietnam

If you transfer from an international flight to a domestic one in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you must go through immigration and enter Vietnam. You must do this even if your final destination is outside Vietnam.

Check with your airline before departing.

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Vietnam guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Vietnam . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

If you’re taking prescription medication into Vietnam, carry it in your hand luggage with a copy of the prescription. If it has a total import value greater than 100 US dollars, you must declare it at customs. For information about restrictions on medication, see Health .

Taking money into or out of Vietnam

If you’re taking cash into or out of Vietnam, you must declare amounts over:

• 15 million Vietnamese dong
• 5,000 US dollars (or the same amount in other currencies)

If you’re leaving the country with more than these amounts, declare the money at customs and show either:

• confirmation you’re carrying cash abroad, issued by an authorised credit institution
• written approval to carry cash, issued by the State Bank of Vietnam

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in Vietnam

Although there’s little history of terrorism in Vietnam, attacks can’t be ruled out.

You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those visited by foreigners.

Political situation

Vietnam has a single-party political system, which does not welcome people disagreeing with the government. Some protests in recent years have turned violent or been violently suppressed by the authorities. Avoid all protests.

Protecting your belongings

Pickpockets and bag snatchers operate in crowded areas and places visited by tourists. Take care of your belongings and consider splitting important items between bags.

Do not give your passport to others as a guarantee – for example, to motorcycle rental shops or landlords. Companies can hold your passport against claimed damage.

There is a risk of petty theft on buses and trains, particularly while asleep on overnight trains.

Sexual assault

British nationals have reported rape and sexual assaults in tourist areas and places where foreigners live. Women have also reported indecent assaults and harassment. These include inappropriate touching and groping, particularly while walking alone.

In Vietnam there is a higher burden of proof for victims than in the UK. Victims must show they did not consent, particularly if they drank alcohol or knew the alleged attacker.

See advice for women travelling abroad and information for rape and sexual assault victims in Vietnam .

Be cautious about offers of free bus transfers to hotels, unless organised in advance. These may be scams.

Landmines and unexploded weapons

Landmines and other unexploded weapons are a hazard in former battlefields. Areas of particular risk include central Vietnam and along the Laos border, formerly crossed by the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Mined areas are often unmarked.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal id.

It is a legal requirement to always carry photographic ID. You should carry a photocopy of the photo page of your passport with your personal details and visa and leave the original in a safe place.

Illegal drugs penalties

Penalties for possessing, distributing or manufacturing drugs are severe. You can get a death sentence if you’re found with even small amounts.

Illegal drugs are often tampered with or spiked and can be much stronger than in Europe. British nationals in Vietnam have suffered severe psychiatric problems because of drug use.

LGBT+ travellers

Vietnam is a generally tolerant and progressive place for LGBT+ travellers. There are no criminal penalties for same-sex relationships and changing gender. Same-sex marriage is not recognised by law.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .

Respect local customs and dress in appropriate clothing when entering religious or cultural sites. This usually means covering your shoulders and knees. Signs informing you of the dress code outside religious or cultural sites are common.

Money change counters

Only change money at official money exchange counters with a clear sign showing this status. Changing money elsewhere is illegal and you risk losing your money.

Some rice wines sold without recognised brand names can have very high and sometimes fatal levels of methanol.

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs

It’s illegal to buy, sell, kill or collect protected wild animal or plants. If you’re caught buying or trafficking these items, you could get a fine or long prison sentence.

Restricted areas

There are restrictions on travel near military bases.

If you want to visit a village, commune or ward close to the border, you may need permission from the provincial police department. Contact the local authority for more information.

Using cameras near military bases

Do not take photos near military bases in Vietnam.

Legal system

Crimes like sex and drug offences can attract very long prison terms or a death sentence. The Vietnamese legal system is not well developed, and the standard of prisons is very poor.

Reporting a crime to the police can be a long and difficult process. Consider taking a Vietnamese-speaking person with you to assist with the translation. You’ll usually have to sign documents in Vietnamese. Take care to only sign accurately translated documents. Find an English-speaking translator or interpreter in Vietnam .

If you are under criminal investigation, you can be detained for long periods without evidence. There can be long delays before you can contact lawyers, British consular officials or family. Legal representation is far below UK standards.

Foreign nationals involved in traffic accidents have been stopped from leaving Vietnam until the police have completed their investigations. This process can take a long time, and foreign nationals have been asked to agree out of court financial settlements. FCDO advises you to get professional legal advice and representation if you are in this situation. Find an English-speaking lawyer in Vietnam .

Internet access

There are sometimes restrictions on internet use, which can temporarily affect access to social media websites. Most social media sites are normally available.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

British nationals have died or been injured in Vietnam while engaged in adventure tourism in rural and mountainous areas.

Risks include:

• dangerous terrain
• remote areas that are difficult for rescue services to reach
• flooding, swollen rivers and landslides, especially during the rainy season
• lower safety standards than in the UK

You should:

• follow safety guidelines
• stay on main routes
• take a reputable guide – in some places it is illegal to go without a guide
• use approved adventure tourism companies - check local authority websites
• check weather forecasts
• make sure your travel insurance covers your planned activity

Illegal tour guides have been known to offer tours and activities prohibited under local regulations.

Firearms activities

If you take part in leisure activities involving firearms, make sure a reputable guide supervises you. There is a risk of hearing loss.

Transport risks

Road travel.

If you are planning to drive in Vietnam, see information on driving abroad and driving rules in Vietnam .

You’ll need to have both the correct version of the international driving permit and your UK driving licence with you in the car.

Compliance with road laws is poor – keep your speed down and stay alert.

It is illegal to drive without third-party insurance.

Drink-driving is a serious offence in Vietnam. If you are tested and found to have any alcohol in your system, you may get a fine and possible imprisonment.

Do not use your passport as a deposit for hiring vehicles or as a guarantee you will pay a fine for a traffic offence.

If you’re involved in an accident or subject to an investigation, you could face criminal charges and may need to pay compensation to injured people, even if the injuries are minor. Offer the police your full co-operation and inform the British Embassy in Hanoi or Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City .

Motorbike safety

Travelling by motorbike in Vietnam is much riskier than in the UK. Motorbike accidents are common and have killed and injured British nationals.

Do not drive a motorbike if you’re not an experienced rider.

If you plan to drive a motorbike, you should:

• check your motorbike thoroughly
• rent from a reputable organisation
• use a good helmet – it is illegal for drivers and passengers to ride without a helmet
• know the roads on which you plan to travel

Make sure your travel insurance covers your planned activity.

Metered taxis from larger firms are generally reliable. There are many taxi operators and meters are set at different prices. The meter should start at around 8,000 to 20,000 Vietnamese dong, depending on the size of the taxi and the taxi company.

Where possible get hotels or restaurants to book you a reputable taxi. Always make sure the driver identifies themself before setting off. If you book a taxi online or through an app, make sure the details of the vehicle and driver match those given by the company.

There are regular reports of overcharging for taxi journeys in tourist areas like the Old Quarter of Hanoi, Hanoi airport and Ho Chi Minh City’s airport. For added peace of mind, book taxis using the Grab app, which is similar to Uber.

Buses and coaches

Bus and coach crashes are not uncommon and more likely at night. Vehicles are often poorly maintained. Night bus drivers may become tired but continue driving, resulting in sometimes fatal crashes.

Safety regulations and standards vary and are not the same as in the UK. Check with your tour guide about the safety record and registration of boats, and the certification of staff. Make sure you get a full safety briefing and have a life jacket when joining any boat.

Consider safety standards carefully before taking an overnight boat trip on Halong Bay. Some boats have sunk quickly and without warning.

Piracy in coastal areas of Vietnam is very rare. See piracy and armed robbery at sea .

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Tropical cyclones.

Tropical cyclones affect the eastern coastal regions of Vietnam.

• strong winds
• heavy rainfall
• disruption to transport

The season normally runs from May to November, but tropical cyclones can happen at other times. Monitor approaching storms on the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting and Japan Meteorological Agency websites. Follow the advice of the local authorities, including any evacuation orders.

Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate. There can be large amounts of rain in short periods of time. Localised flooding, flash floods and landslides are common. Take care if you are trekking in rural and mountainous areas.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 115 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

• the latest information on vaccinations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Vietnam guide
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

Health risks in Vietnam include:

• mosquito-borne diseases like Zika virus, dengue fever, malaria and Japanese encephalitis
• air pollution – see information on air quality on TravelHealthPro

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad .

Some medicines can be hard to find in Vietnam and many are fake.

Vietnam has restrictions on medicines it classifies as ‘addictive’ or ‘psychotropic’. These include medicine used to treat of addiction, anxiety, depression, insomnia and other conditions.

It is illegal to have more than the amount prescribed by a doctor for 7 days (addictive medicine) or 10 days (psychotropic medicine). You should carry the prescription with your medication and a letter from your doctor stating how much of the medication you need during your trip.

The prescription should be:

• in English or Vietnamese
• include your name and age
• list the medicine name, volume and dosage
• include the doctor’s signature or address

If you’re unsure if your medication falls within these categories or you need to bring more medication than is usually allowed, contact the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK before travelling.

Healthcare facilities in Vietnam

FCDO has a list of English-speaking doctors in Vietnam .

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Vietnam.

COVID-19 healthcare in Vietnam

You must wear a mask on public transportation. Vietnam has not declared an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Vietnam

Ambulance: 115

Police: 113

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers , funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Vietnam
• dealing with a death in Vietnam
• being arrested or imprisoned in Vietnam
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online .

Help abroad in an emergency

If you’re in Vietnam and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British Embassy in Hanoi or the British Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City .

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Traveling to Vietnam from UK (Flights, Visa Requirements, Travel Tips)

INTRODUCTION

Why vietnam is a popular travel destination.

Attention, travellers from the UK! Prepare for an unforgettable adventure in Vietnam, a Southeast Asian gem with stunning scenery, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. From the bustling cities of Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi to the serene landscape of Halong Bay and the majestic and enigmatic mountains of Ha Giang, Vietnam has something for every traveller. The country is home to stunning beaches, lush forests, and towering mountains, making it an ideal place for nature lovers. Vietnam is also famous for its delicious cuisine, come and indulge in the flavours of pho, banh mi, and fresh seafood that will leave you craving for more. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that Vietnam has become a popular travel destination for adventurers, culture seekers, and foodies alike.

Flights from the UK to Vietnam

Luckily, there are several airlines that offer direct flights from London Heathrow or London Gatwick to either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, such as Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways. These flights can take anywhere from 11 to 14 hours, depending on the airline and route you choose. And if you don’t live near London, don’t worry – there are also connecting flights available from other UK airports such as Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh. These flights are typically operated by British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Thai Airways. For foodies, we recommend checking out Vietnamese airlines as they offer a delicious sneak peek of the local cuisine that’s sure to tantalise your taste buds for a long journey.

Visa Requirements for UK Citizens

Visa types and fees.

British nationals planning a trip to Vietnam will need to obtain an e-Visa. This will allow you to engage in various activities, including tourism, visiting loved ones, exploring business opportunities, working on a temporary basis, and even getting some short-term medical treatment. Once approved, your e-visa is valid for 30 days from the date of entry.

How to apply for a Vietnamese visa

Getting a Vietnamese visa is a breeze and can be done online via the embassy or through a trustworthy travel agency. The process usually takes around 3-5 working days, but during peak travel seasons, it may take a little longer. Just remember to plan ahead and allow enough time to get your visa sorted before your trip.

Visa exemptions for UK citizens

Great news for UK citizens planning a short trip to Vietnam! You can stay up to 15 days without a visa. Just remember to check that your passport is valid for at least six months from your entry date, and you’re all set! But do keep in mind that visa regulations can change over time, so it’s always wise to stay up-to-date before your travels. For more information, visit here.

When is the best time to visit Vietnam

Vietnam’s diverse climate due to its long coastline is something to be savoured, and there’s never a bad time to visit. The northern region has four distinct seasons, making it a great place to visit for those who love cooler temperatures and vibrant autumn colours. In the central region, there’s a tropical monsoon climate with high rainfall and frequent typhoons, so the best time to visit is during the dry season, from February to August. The south has a tropical climate with two seasons – rainy and dry, but it’s a year-round destination with pleasant temperatures and lots of sunshine. To sum up, Vietnam has something for everyone. Get ready for an exciting adventure to a beautiful Vietnam any time of the year! It’s up to you to bring your bathing suits, sunglasses, trekking shoes, and anything else you might need.

Getting around in Vietnam

There are plenty of transportation options for travellers, including domestic flights, trains, buses, and taxis. Domestic flights are ideal for long distances or when time is limited, while trains offer comfortable seating and scenic routes. Buses are the most common and cost-effective mode of transportation, while taxis are convenient for short distances if you use reputable companies.

To make the most of travelling within Vietnam, plan ahead, and be flexible with your itinerary to account for delays and unexpected changes. Another fun way to get around Vietnam is by trying popular app-based transportation services like Be, Grab, and Gojek which offer a variety of vehicles and trusted licensed drivers.

Accommodation 

Vietnam has some amazing destinations that attract many tourists. The most popular ones are Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Halong Bay, and the beach towns of Da Nang and Nha Trang… These places offer a wide variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. From luxurious resorts to charming homestays and budget-friendly guesthouses, there’s something for everyone. So, whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or both, Vietnam has got you covered with its amazing places to stay.

Food and Drinks

Vietnamese cuisine is a significant part of the country’s identity. Our food is fresh, flavourful, and healthy – a perfect combo that makes it a must-try when you’re in Vietnam. It’s not a joke that Vietnamese people take our food seriously, and so should you!

Traditional Vietnamese Cuisine

One of the great things about Vietnamese cuisine is how diverse it is! This is partly because of the country’s geography, which has allowed different regions to develop their own special dishes and flavours. So it’s impossible to define “traditional Vietnamese cuisine”. However, there are some common features such as rice being a beloved staple in Vietnam – you’ll find it served alongside just about every dish or using herbs and spices to add a significant taste to dishes. 

Popular Dishes to Try

Pho and Banh Mi are the most popular Vietnamese dishes, and they’re everywhere. You’ll find hundreds of different types of rice noodles and Banh Mi with different fillings in different regions of the country. For seafood lovers, Vietnam won’t disappoint you. 

Vietnamese desserts are a treat for your taste buds! Che, a sweet dessert soup made with beans, coconut milk, and fruit, is a must-try. And if you’re feeling adventurous, consider indulging in a sweet treat flavoured with durian- a unique delicacy!

Best Places to Eat in Vietnam

Street food is our go-to when it comes to finding the best places to eat in Vietnam. It is known for its quality, affordability, and diverse flavours. You’ll find vendors serving up delicious dishes from carts and stalls all over the country.

If street food isn’t your thing, don’t worry. Restaurants and cafes are places which offer traditional Vietnamese cuisine in a more formal setting. Just ask the locals or check online reviews to find the best ones.

Safety and Security

Vietnam is generally a safe country to explore and enjoy, but taking some simple precautions can help ensure your safety and security while travelling. Petty theft and pickpocketing can happen in some big cities, so it’s important to keep an eye on your surroundings and belongings and avoid flaunting expensive jewellery or carrying too much cash. When using taxis or motorbikes, it’s a good idea to stick with reputable companies and agree on the fare upfront.

To have a worry-free trip in Vietnam, it’s also a good idea to be mindful of potential scams and avoid risky situations. Take care when using ATMs, as card skimming can be an issue. If offered drinks or food from strangers, it’s best to exercise caution, as drink spiking can happen in some areas. By keeping these simple tips in mind, you can stay safe and enjoy all the incredible experiences Vietnam offers!

Culture and Etiquette in Vietnam

Get ready to immerse yourself in the unique and diverse culture of Vietnam! This lovely country is heavily influenced by Confucianism, which teaches the values of respect, authority, and education. When you’re there, it can be helpful to keep a few local customs in mind to ensure a smooth trip. For example, make sure to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering temples. Or while Vietnamese are one the friendliest people on earth, we don’t usually greet each other or strangers by hugging or kissing. Lastly, be mindful of the country’s history and sensitive topics like wars. By showing respect for these cultural do’s and don’ts, you’re sure to have an amazing trip to Vietnam!

Popular Destinations

Here’s a quick glance at the top spots to explore:

Hanoi – The capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi is a vibrant and bustling city with a rich history and culture.

Ho Chi Minh City – Formerly known as Saigon, this city is the economic heart of Vietnam. 

Ha Long Bay – One of Vietnam’s most famous natural wonders, Ha Long Bay is a stunning collection of limestone islands and caves.

Hoi An – This ancient town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Vietnam. 

Sapa – Located in the northern highlands of Vietnam, Sapa is known for its stunning rice terraces and vibrant hill-tribe culture. 

Off the beaten track Destinations

If you have extra time, we’ve listed some offbeat destinations: 

Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Con Dao Islands

Ha Giang Loop

Activities and Experiences

Here’re some of the top things to do in Vietnam that you won’t want to miss out on:

• Beaches and watersports: Vietnam boasts beautiful beaches along the coastline, where you can enjoy a range of watersports like kayaking, snorkelling, and scuba diving.
• Trekking and hiking: For outdoor enthusiasts, you’ve come to the right place. There are countless trails that will lead you through breathtaking natural landscapes, from the rice terraces in the northern mountains to the stunning Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park.
• Cultural experiences: Take a stroll through ancient temples and pagodas, enjoy a traditional water puppet show, or attend a cooking class, for a cultural immersion…
• Adventure activities: Adventure seekers won’t be disappointed with plenty of adrenaline-fueled experiences to choose from, such as zip lining, bungee jumping, and rock climbing.
• Shopping in Vietnam: With its bustling markets and street vendors, Vietnam is truly a shopping paradise where you can find everything from unique handmade crafts by local artists or have customised clothing designed for you at a reasonable price.

Currency and Money Matters

The official currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND). The exchange rate can vary depending on where and when you exchange money. Online money transfer services like TransferWise and Tap Tap Send can be handy for checking the current exchange rates before you hit the road. However, t he US dollar and euro are widely accepted, and you can exchange money at airports, banks, or currency exchange centres throughout the country. If you’re in big cities, you’ll find ATMs readily available, but smaller towns may have limited options. To avoid any issues with using cards, it’s best to bring cash with you and exchange it upon arrival. While credit card usage is becoming more common, not all businesses in Vietnam accept credit or debit cards, especially street vendors.

In conclusion, Vietnam is a fascinating travel destination for UK travellers, with its stunning natural scenery, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. Direct and connecting flights to Vietnam are accessible from London and several other UK airports. E-visa application is straightforward, and UK citizens can stay in Vietnam for up to 15 days without a visa. Vietnam has a diverse climate, hence there’s never a bad time to visit. Transportation options include domestic flights, trains, buses, taxis, and app-based transportation services. Accommodation options range from luxurious resorts to charming homestays and budget-friendly guesthouses. Finally, Vietnamese cuisine is diverse and healthy, with different regions offering their own unique flavours.

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Vietnam Travel Restrictions

Traveller's COVID-19 vaccination status

Travelling from the United Kingdom to Vietnam

Open for vaccinated visitors

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Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

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Not required in public spaces and public transportation.

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Can I travel to Vietnam from the United Kingdom?

Most visitors from the United Kingdom, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Vietnam.

Can I travel to Vietnam if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United Kingdom can enter Vietnam without restrictions.

Can I travel to Vietnam without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United Kingdom can enter Vietnam without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Vietnam?

Visitors from the United Kingdom are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Vietnam.

Can I travel to Vietnam without quarantine?

Travellers from the United Kingdom are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Vietnam?

Mask usage in Vietnam is not required in public spaces and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Vietnam?

Restaurants in Vietnam are open. Bars in Vietnam are .

• COUNTRY INFORMATION
• LATEST NEWS
• OUTBREAK SURVEILLANCE
• TOPICS IN BRIEF
• FACTSHEETS & RESOURCES
• WORLD OVERVIEW

Capital City: Hanoi

Official Languages: Vietnamese

Monetary Unit: dong (VND)

• General Information
• Vaccine Recommendations
• Other Risks

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS ARE IN PLACE FOR THIS COUNTRY

There are entry requirements for anyone who plans to travel to England from this country. Please check here for further information. Advice may vary in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The information on these pages should be used to research health risks and to inform the pre-travel consultation.

Due to COVID-19, travel advice is subject to rapid change. Countries may change entry requirements and close their borders at very short notice. Travellers must ensure they check current Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice in addition to the FCDO specific country page (where available) which provides additional information on travel restrictions and entry requirements in addition to safety and security advice.

Travellers should ideally arrange an appointment with their health professional at least four to six weeks before travel. However, even if time is short, an appointment is still worthwhile. This appointment provides an opportunity to assess health risks taking into account a number of factors including destination, medical history, and planned activities. For those with pre-existing health problems, an earlier appointment is recommended.

All travellers should ensure they have adequate travel health insurance .

A list of useful resources including advice on how to reduce the risk of certain health problems is available below.

• Food and water hygiene
• Insect and tick bite avoidance
• Personal safety
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Sun protection

Details of vaccination recommendations and requirements are provided below.

All travellers

Travellers should be up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK . These vaccinations include for example measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine.

Country-specific diphtheria recommendations are not provided here. Diphtheria tetanus and polio are combined in a single vaccine in the UK. Therefore, when a tetanus booster is recommended for travellers, diphtheria vaccine is also given. Should there be an outbreak of diphtheria in a country, diphtheria vaccination guidance will be provided.

Those who may be at increased risk of an infectious disease due to their work, lifestyle choice, or certain underlying health problems should be up to date with additional recommended vaccines. See the individual chapters of the 'Green Book' Immunisation against infectious disease for further details.

Certificate requirements

There are no certificate requirements under International Health Regulations.

Most travellers

The vaccines in this section are recommended for most travellers visiting this country. Information on these vaccines can be found by clicking on the blue arrow. Vaccines are listed alphabetically.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection transmitted through contaminated food and water or by direct contact with an infectious person. Symptoms are often mild or absent in young children, but the disease can be more serious with advancing age. Recovery can vary from weeks to months. Following hepatitis A infection immunity is lifelong.

All travellers should take care with personal, food and water hygiene.

Hepatitis A vaccination

As hepatitis A vaccine is well tolerated and affords long-lasting protection, it is recommended for all previously unvaccinated travellers.

Hepatitis A in brief

Tetanus is caused by a toxin released from Clostridium tetani bacteria and occurs worldwide. Tetanus bacteria are present in soil and manure and may be introduced through open wounds such as a puncture wound, burn or scratch.

Travellers should thoroughly clean all wounds and seek medical attention for injuries such as animal bites/scratches, burns or wounds contaminated with soil.

Tetanus vaccination

• Travellers should have completed a tetanus vaccination course according to the UK schedule.
• If travelling to a country or area where medical facilities may be limited, a booster dose of a tetanus-containing vaccine is recommended if the last dose was more than ten years ago even if five doses of vaccine have been given previously.

Country-specific information on medical facilities may be found in the 'health' section of the FCDO foreign travel advice pages.

Tetanus in brief

Typhoid is a bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated food and water. Previous typhoid illness may only partially protect against re-infection.

Vaccination is recommended for most travellers, particularly travellers visiting friends and relatives, those in contact with an infected person, young children, frequent or long-stay travellers visiting areas where sanitation and food hygiene are likely to be poor, and laboratory personnel who may handle the bacteria for their work.

Typhoid vaccination

• Oral and injectable typhoid vaccinations are available.

Typhoid in brief

Some travellers.

The vaccines in this section are recommended for some travellers visiting this country. Information on when these vaccines should be considered can be found by clicking on the arrow. Vaccines are listed alphabetically.

Cholera is a bacterial infection transmitted by contaminated food and water. Cholera can cause severe watery diarrhoea although mild infections are common. Most travellers are at low risk.

Cholera vaccination

This oral vaccine is recommended for those whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk. This includes:

• aid workers.
• those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to safe water and medical care.
• those for whom vaccination is considered potentially beneficial.

Cholera in brief

Hepatitis b.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection; it is transmitted by exposure to infected blood or body fluids. This mostly occurs during sexual contact or as a result of blood-to-blood contact (for example from contaminated equipment during medical and dental procedures, tattooing or body piercing procedures, and sharing of intravenous needles). Mothers with the virus can also transmit the infection to their baby during childbirth.

Hepatitis B in Vietnam

2% or more of the population are known or thought to be persistently infected with the hepatitis B virus (intermediate/high prevalence).

Travellers should avoid contact with blood or body fluids. This includes:

• avoiding unprotected sexual intercourse.
• avoiding tattooing, piercing, public shaving, and acupuncture (unless sterile equipment is used).
• not sharing needles or other injection equipment.
• following universal precautions if working in a medical/dental/high risk setting.

A sterile medical equipment kit may be helpful when travelling to resource poor areas.

Hepatitis B vaccination

Vaccination could be considered for all travellers, and is recommended for those whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk including:

• those who may have unprotected sex.
• those who may be exposed to contaminated needles through injecting drug use.
• those who may be exposed to blood or body fluids through their work (e.g. health workers).
• those who may be exposed to contaminated needles as a result of having medical or dental care e.g. those with pre-existing medical conditions and those travelling for medical care abroad including those intending to receive renal dialysis overseas.
• long-stay travellers.
• those who are participating in contact sports.
• families adopting children from this country.

Hepatitis B in brief

Japanese encephalitis.

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a viral infection transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. These mosquitoes usually bite between dusk and dawn, mainly in rural areas; especially where there are rice fields, swamps and marshes. Mosquitoes become infected by biting JE infected animals (particularly pigs) or birds.

Travellers are at increased risk of infection when visiting rural areas. Short trips (usually less than a month) especially if only travelling to urban areas, are considered lower risk.

Japanese encephalitis in Vietnam

JE occurs in this country, with year-round transmission in the south and from May to October in the north. Cases may be reported outside these months in the north of the country.

All travellers should avoid mosquito bites particularly between dusk and dawn.

Japanese encephalitis vaccination

• Vaccination is recommended for those whose activities put them at increased risk (see above).
• Vaccination could be considered for those on shorter trips if the risk is considered to be sufficient e.g. those spending time in areas where the mosquito breeds such as rice fields, marshlands, or pig farming areas.

Japanese encephalitis in brief

Rabies is a viral infection which is usually transmitted following contact with the saliva of an infected animal most often via a bite, scratch or lick to an open wound or mucous membrane (such as on the eye, nose or mouth). Although many different animals can transmit the virus, most cases follow a bite or scratch from an infected dog. In some parts of the world, bats are an important source of infection.

Rabies symptoms can take some time to develop, but when they do, the condition is almost always fatal.

The risk of exposure is increased by certain activities and length of stay (see below). Children are at increased risk as they are less likely to avoid contact with animals and to report a bite, scratch or lick.

Rabies in Vietnam

Rabies is considered a risk and has been reported in domestic animals in this country. Bats may also carry rabies-like viruses.

• Travellers should avoid contact with all animals. Rabies is preventable with prompt post-exposure treatment.
• Following a possible exposure, wounds should be thoroughly cleansed and an urgent local medical assessment sought, even if the wound appears trivial.
• Post-exposure treatment and advice should be in accordance with  national guidelines.

Rabies vaccination

A full course of pre-exposure vaccines simplifies and shortens the course of post-exposure treatment and removes the need for rabies immunoglobulin which is in short supply world-wide.

Pre-exposure vaccinations are recommended for travellers whose activities put them at increased risk including:

• those at risk due to their work (e.g. laboratory staff working with the virus, those working with animals or health workers who may be caring for infected patients).
• those travelling to areas where access to post-exposure treatment and medical care is limited.
• those planning higher risk activities such as running or cycling.
• long-stay travellers (more than one month).

Rabies in brief

Tuberculosis.

TB is a bacterial infection most commonly affecting the lungs but can affect any part of the body. When a person with TB in their lungs or throat coughs or sneezes they could pass TB on to other people. TB is curable but can be serious if not treated.

The BCG vaccination helps to protect some people, particularly babies and young children who are at increased risk from TB.

Tuberculosis in Vietnam

This country has reported an annual TB incidence of greater than or equal to 40 cases per 100,000 population at least once in the last five years ( further details ).

Travellers should avoid close contact with individuals known to have infectious pulmonary (lung) or laryngeal (throat) TB.

Those at risk during their work (such as healthcare workers) should take appropriate infection control and prevention precautions.

Tuberculosis (BCG) vaccination

BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk of developing severe disease and/or of exposure to TB infection. See UK Health Security Agency Immunisation against infectious disease, the 'Green Book '.

For travellers, BCG vaccine is recommended for:

• unvaccinated, children under 16 years of age, who are going to live for more than 3 months in this country. A tuberculin skin test is required prior to vaccination for all children from 6 years of age and may be recommended for some younger children.
• unvaccinated, tuberculin skin test-negative individuals at risk due to their work such as healthcare or laboratory workers who have direct contact with TB patients or potentially infectious clinical material and vets and abattoir workers who handle animal material, which could be infected with TB.

There are specific contraindications to BCG vaccine. Health professionals must be trained and assessed as competent to administer this vaccine intradermally.

Following administration, no further vaccines should be administered in the same limb for 3 months.

The BCG vaccine is given once only, booster doses are not recommended.

Tuberculosis in brief

Malaria is a serious illness caused by infection of red blood cells with a parasite called Plasmodium. The disease is transmitted by mosquitoes which predominantly feed between dusk and dawn.

Symptoms usually begin with a fever (high temperature) of 38°C (100°F) or more. Other symptoms may include feeling cold and shivery, headache, nausea, vomiting and aching muscles. Symptoms may appear between eight days and one year after the infected mosquito bite.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment is required as people with malaria can deteriorate quickly. Those at higher risk of malaria, or of severe complications from malaria, include pregnant women, infants and young children, the elderly, travellers who do not have a functioning spleen and those visiting friends and relatives.

Travellers should follow an ABCD guide to preventing malaria:

A wareness of the risk – Risk depends on the specific location, season of travel, length of stay, activities and type of accommodation.

B ite prevention – Travellers should take mosquito bite avoidance measures.

C hemoprophylaxis – Travellers should take antimalarials (malaria prevention tablets) if appropriate for the area (see below). No antimalarials are 100% effective but taking them in combination with mosquito bite avoidance measures will give substantial protection against malaria.

D iagnosis – Travellers who develop a fever of 38°C [100°F] or higher more than one week after being in a malaria risk area, or who develop any symptoms suggestive of malaria within a year of return should seek immediate medical care. Emergency standby treatment may be considered for those going to remote areas with limited access to medical attention.

• There is a low risk of malaria in the southern part of the country in the provinces of Tay Ninh, Lam Dong, Dak Lak, Gia Lai, and Kon Tum, and other rural areas of Vietnam: awareness of risk and bite avoidance recommended.
• There is no risk in large cities, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), the Red River delta, coastal areas north of Nha Trang and Phu Quoc Island: bite avoidance recommended.

Special risk groups

In low risk areas, antimalarials may be considered in exceptional circumstances for travellers who are at higher risk of malaria (such as long term travellers visiting friends and relatives), or of severe complications from malaria (such as the elderly [over 70 years], the immunosuppressed, those with complex co-morbidities, pregnant women, infants and young children). The final decision whether or not to advise antimalarials rests with the travel health advisor and the traveller after individual risk assessment.

Travellers with an absent or poorly functioning spleen should be dissuaded from travel to any area with risk of malaria. Where travel is essential awareness, rigorous bite avoidance and antimalarials should be advise, even for the low risk areaa.

For special risk groups, you may wish to seek specialist advice. For the low risk areas in this country/area atovaquone/proguanil OR doxycycline would be suitable options.

Antimalarial recommendations map

• Click on map to open in a new window
• Malaria in brief
• Malaria factsheet
• Children's antimalarial dose table
• Malaria prevention guidelines for travellers from the UK

There are some risks that are relevant to all travellers regardless of destination. These may for example include road traffic and other accidents, diseases transmitted by contaminated food and water, sexually transmitted infections, or health issues related to the heat or cold.

Some additional risks (which may be present in all or part of this country) are mentioned below and are presented alphabetically. Select risk to expand information.

There is a risk of altitude illness when travelling to destinations of 2,500 metres (8,200 feet) or higher. Important risk factors are the altitude gained, rate of ascent and sleeping altitude. Rapid ascent without a period of acclimatisation puts a traveller at higher risk.

There are three syndromes; acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude cerebral oedema (HACE) and high-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE). HACE and HAPE require immediate descent and medical treatment.

Altitude illness in Vietnam

There is a point of elevation in this country higher than 2,500 metres. An example place of interest: Mt Fansipan 3,143m.

• Travellers should spend a few days at an altitude below 3,000m.
• Where possible travellers should avoid travel from altitudes less than 1,200m to altitudes greater than 3,500m in a single day.
• Ascent above 3,000m should be gradual. Travellers should avoid increasing sleeping elevation by more than 500m per day and ensure a rest day (at the same altitude) every three or four days.
• Acetazolamide can be used to assist with acclimatisation, but should not replace gradual ascent.
• Travellers who develop symptoms of AMS (headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and sleep disturbance) should avoid further ascent. In the absence of improvement or with progression of symptoms the first response should be to descend.
• Development of HACE or HAPE symptoms requires immediate descent and emergency medical treatment.

Altitude illness in brief

Biting insects or ticks.

Insect or tick bites can cause irritation and infections of the skin at the site of a bite. They can also spread certain diseases.

Diseases in South-eastern Asia

There is a risk of insect or tick-borne diseases in some areas of South-eastern Asia. This includes diseases such as  chikungunya ,  leishmaniasis  and  scrub typhus .

• All travellers should avoid insect and tick bites day and night.
• There are no vaccinations (or medications) to prevent these diseases.

Further information about specific insect or tick-borne diseases for this country can be found, if appropriate on this page, in other sections of the country information pages and the  insect and tick bite avoidance factsheet .

Dengue is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes which mainly feed during daytime hours. It causes a flu-like illness, which can occasionally develop into a more serious life-threatening illness. Severe dengue is rare in travellers.

The mosquitoes that spread dengue are more common in towns, cities and surrounding areas.

Dengue in Vietnam

There is a risk of dengue in this country.

• Travellers should avoid mosquito bites particularly during daytime hours.
• A dengue vaccine is licensed in the UK for the prevention of dengue disease in individuals from 4 years of age. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and World Health Organization are in the process of reviewing the product information. Recommendations on the use of this vaccine will be published in due course.

Dengue in brief

Seasonal influenza is a viral infection of the respiratory tract and spreads easily from person to person via respiratory droplets when coughing and sneezing. Symptoms appear rapidly and include fever, muscle aches, headache, malaise (feeling unwell), cough, sore throat and a runny nose. In healthy individuals, symptoms improve without treatment within two to seven days. Severe illness is more common in those aged 65 years or over, those under 2 years of age, or those who have underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for complications of influenza.

Seasonal influenza in Vietnam

Seasonal influenza occurs throughout the world. In the northern hemisphere (including the UK), most influenza occurs from as early as October through to March. In the southern hemisphere, influenza mostly occurs between April and September. In the tropics, influenza can occur throughout the year.

All travellers should:

• Avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals
• Avoid crowded conditions where possible
• Wash their hands frequently
• Practise ‘cough hygiene’: sneezing or coughing into a tissue and promptly discarding it safely, and washing their hands
• Avoid travel if unwell with influenza-like symptoms
• A vaccine is available in certain circumstances (see below)*

*In the UK, seasonal influenza vaccine is offered routinely each year to those at higher risk of developing of severe disease following influenza infection, and certain additional groups such as healthcare workers and children as part of the UK national schedule (see information on vaccination ). For those who do not fall into these groups, vaccination may be available privately.

If individuals at higher risk of severe disease following influenza infection are travelling to a country when influenza is likely to be circulating they should ensure they received a flu vaccination in the previous 12 months.

The vaccine used in the UK protects against the strains predicted to occur during the winter months of the northern hemisphere. It is not possible to obtain vaccine for the southern hemisphere in the UK, but the vaccine used during the UK influenza season should still provide important protection against strains likely to occur during the southern hemisphere influenza season, and in the tropics.

Avian influenza

Avian influenza viruses can rarely infect and cause disease in humans. Such cases are usually associated with close exposure to infected bird or animal populations. Where appropriate, information on these will be available in the outbreaks and news sections of the relevant country pages. Seasonal influenza vaccines will not provide protection against avian influenza.

Avian influenza in brief

Outdoor air quality.

Poor air quality is a significant public health problem in many parts of the world. Exposure to high levels of air pollution over short time periods (e.g. minutes/hours/days) and longer time periods (e.g. years) is linked to many different acute and chronic health problems. These effects are mainly on the respiratory (lungs and airways) and cardiovascular (heart function and blood circulation) systems.

Current information on world air quality is available from the world air quality index project .

Travellers with health problems that might make them more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution who are travelling to areas of high pollution should:

• discuss their travel plans with their doctor, and carry adequate supplies of their regular medication.
• take sensible precautions to minimise their exposure to high levels of air pollution.
• check local air quality data and amend their activities accordingly.
• take notice of any health advisories published by the local Ministry of Health and Department for Environment, and follow the guidance provided.

It is unclear if face masks are beneficial at reducing exposure and may make breathing more difficult for those with pre-existing lung conditions. Those who choose to use one should make sure that the mask fits well and know how to wear it properly.

Outdoor air quality in brief

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes which predominantly feed during daytime hours. A small number of cases of sexual transmission of ZIKV have also been reported. Most people infected with ZIKV have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are usually mild and short-lived. Serious complications and deaths are not common. However, ZIKV is a cause of Congenital Zika Syndrome (microcephaly and other congenital anomalies) and neurological complications such as Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Zika virus in Vietnam

There is a risk of Zika virus in this country. Details of specific affected areas within this country are not available, but information on current outbreaks where available will be reported on our outbreak surveillance database.

Pregnant women should discuss the suitability of travel and the potential risk that Zika virus may present with their health care provider.

• All travellers should avoid mosquito bites particularly during daytime hours.
• There is no vaccination or medication to prevent Zika virus infection.
• Women should avoid becoming pregnant while travelling in this country, and for 2 months (8 weeks) after their last possible Zika virus exposure* (see below if male partner has travelled).
• If a woman develops symptoms compatible with Zika virus infection, it is recommended she avoids becoming pregnant for a further 2 months following recovery.
• Women who visited this country while pregnant, or who become pregnant within 2 months after their last possible Zika virus exposure*, should contact their GP, obstetrician or midwife for further advice, even if they have not been unwell.

Please note screening of returning travellers without Zika virus symptoms is not available on the NHS. Couples planning pregnancy in the very near future should consider whether they should avoid travel to a country or area with risk of Zika virus, rather than delay conception for the recommended period (see below) after travel. This particularly includes couples in assisted fertility programmes.

Prevention of sexual transmission

Couples should follow guidance on prevention of sexual transmission of Zika virus and avoid conception as follows:

• If both partners travelled, for 3 months after last possible Zika virus exposure*
• Male traveller only, for 3 months after last possible Zika virus exposure*
• Female traveller only, for 2 months after last possible Zika virus exposure*

See further information for pregnant women, their partners and couples planning pregnancy .

*Last possible Zika virus exposure is defined as the later of either the date of leaving a country or area with risk for Zika virus transmission, or the date on which unprotected sexual contact with a potentially infectious partner took place.

See detailed guidance on factors to consider when assessing the risk of Zika virus.

Zika virus in brief

COVID-19 disease is caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV2. The main symptoms of COVID-19 are a new continuous cough, a high temperature, and a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell. Symptoms range from mild to life-threatening. Older people and  those with underlying health problems  are more likely to develop severe disease.

COVID-19 is spread through close contact with people who have the virus. It is mainly transmitted from person to person by breathing in droplets produced when someone infected with the virus breathes, speaks, coughs or sneezes. It is also spread by touching the infected droplets on surfaces, then touching the eyes, nose or mouth.

COVID-19 vaccines provide high levels of protection against severe illness, hospitalisation, or dying from the virus. Vaccination against COVID-19 reduces, but does not eliminate the risk of infection, so social distancing and personal and respiratory hygiene remain important interventions, particularly during overseas travel.

Travellers should always check the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice and their  country-specific pages  for the latest COVID-19 travel advisories which may include information on travel restrictions, quarantine, COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements. This includes considering the recommendations and requirements for any transit countries.

Travellers should be aware that COVID-19 case numbers in individual countries/areas can increase rapidly, and healthcare capacity and country requirements can change at short notice.

COVID-19 in Vietnam

Most countries worldwide present a risk of exposure to COVID-19. The risk of COVID-19, public health policy, and travel advice or restrictions may change quickly, therefore travellers should ensure they have access to up to date information on COVID-19 and be prepared for rapid changes in guidance both before and during travel.

All travellers should check the FCDO travel advice and carefully consider their personal situation and risks of COVID-19 before travel to this country. This is particularly important in those at higher risk from COVID-19 who may wish to seek medical advice before travel.

Individuals entering or returning to the UK may be required to follow additional  UK border measures .

If travelling to this country, travellers should:

• Consider the risk at all destinations including any transit countries, and the risk during travel itself.
• Check with the airline/tour operator about preventive measures in place to reduce risk during travel.
• Follow the latest guidance on social distancing and face coverings, including any local requirements and maintain good hand, respiratory, and personal hygiene at all times. This may be particularly important if staying with friends and family.
• Ensure they are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK vaccination programme.

See  guidance on factors to consider when assessing the risk of COVID-19 for travellers .

If travellers develop COVID-19 symptoms while abroad, they should:

• Follow local guidelines on self-isolation, testing and avoiding travel.
• Contact their travel insurance provider.
• Seek medical advice if needed.

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Using information collated from a variety of sources, we regularly review and update information on overseas disease outbreaks and other health issues that may affect the UK traveller.

Please note that not all cases of disease or outbreaks are reported ; some diseases may only be reported if they occur outside of the usual recognised risk area or season, or they have been reported in greater than usual numbers.

Further information on the Outbreak Surveillance section.

Influenza A(H9N2) in Vietnam

As of 7 April 2024, the Vietnam Department of Information and Communications reported a confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H9N2) infection. This is the first confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H9N2) reported in Vietnam. To date, no further cases have been detected among close contacts.

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31 Vietnam Travel Tips | Essential Things You Need Know

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, there are a few things that you need to know before you go. Here we have compiled a list of 31 essential travel tips to Vietnam. You will find everything, from tips you must know before you leave, to common tourist scams.

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Vietnam travel tips before you leave

1. don’t forget your visa.

The first, and most important, on this list of travel tips to Vietnam is your visa. Vietnam has strict entry requirements. Unlike backpacking in Thailand , where citizens from the UK and the USA get 30-day free visas on arrival, Vietnam requires that citizens from most countries have visa approvals before arriving. If you’re from the UK, you can now get up to 14 days of free entry without the need for a visa. However, if you wish to stay longer, you must apply for a visa. Make sure to check your government’s travel advice page to be sure. You can also click here to check if you need a visa .

2. Be mindful of the weather

The weather can impact your trip to Vietnam. Be mindful of the weather and region you intend to visit before booking. For example, if you’re heading away to chase the sun, you probably want to avoid the north of Vietnam from December through to March, as this is when temperatures drop to as low as 10 °C . If you want to head to the beaches in southern Vietnam, you will want to avoid the rainy season, which usually lasts from May to November.

3. Pack for all weathers

If you’re on a backpacking trip spanning the entire country , make sure to pack clothes that are suitable for all weather. You will need shorts and T-shirts when you’re in the south of Vietnam as the weather is constantly hot. As you move north, temperatures begin to drop. By the time you reach Sapa, you may need a thick coat and scarf to keep you warm.

4. Plan your holiday around Tet

Travelling during the national holiday can be wonderful and you may find it extremely pleasant to witness the colourful celebrations. Depending on your outlook and the purpose of your trip, you may wish to plan or avoid your trip around the Tet holiday. If you’re in it for a cultural experience and don’t mind the crowds in places such as Hoi An , you will be in for a fantastic time. However, keep in mind that most shops and businesses shut down in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

5. Don’t plan your route too far in advance

If you’re on a wider 3-month Southeast Asia trip , it’s best not to plan your route too far in advance. Once you arrive, it is super easy to go with the flow. You can book hotels and transport at short notice. You may find you want to stay in a certain town or city longer than you intended. Likewise, you may find that you want to move on quicker than you expected.

6. Vietnam is cheap

You’ll be in for a shock when you realise how cheap Vietnam really is! Vietnam is one of the cheapest countries in the entire world. You can get a good night’s sleep in a bed for as little as $3 per night, and fill your belly with a bowl of Pho for as little as $1. As for sights and attractions, there are plenty of things you can do by yourself that cost little money. Wander around the many free temples, shop for cheap trinkets at the Hanoi night markets , ride bicycles through endless rice paddies in Hoi An, laze around on beaches in Phu Quoc, or explore mountains in Dalat by scooter.

For a more detailed post on the cost of travelling to Vietnam check out this post !

7. Don’t forget travel insurance

Vietnam is generally a safe country to travel to, but that doesn’t mean that accidents won’t happen. In any case, it’s a good idea to take out travel insurance before travelling. A top tip for travel in Vietnam is to make sure your insurance will cover you for riding a motorbike.

Vietnam travel tips for when you arrive

8. the best bank to use.

Withdrawing money from ATMs can often be stressful when you are in a new country. After living in Vietnam for over 5 years, we find that the best ATM to use is CitiBank. This bank allows you to withdraw up to 6,000,000 vnd ($20), in comparison to other banks that have a maximum withdrawal limit on foreign transactions of 3,000,0000 vnd ($130). On the note of using an ATM, always use ATMs in the daylight and preferably use one that is attached to a bank. That way, if there happen to be any issues you can easily just pop inside the bank to resolve them.

9. Use a currency converter on your phone

The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong. Once you arrive in this awesome country, you will quickly realise that everyone is a millionaire! $1 is equal to 22,000 vnd. With all the .000s that are added to the currency, working out the conversion rate is not so easy to wrap your head around. Make sure you download an offline currency converter on your phone so you can quickly work out the exchange rate. This will prevent you from overpaying for items and being ripped off.

10. Don’t get your banknotes confused

Speaking of money, some banknotes in Vietnam are of similar colour. Whilst the colour is similar, the value is far from the same. For example, you don’t want to mix up a 20,000 vnd ($1) note with a 500,000 vnd ($21.73) note. The difference is a little over $20!

11. Be mindful of your valuables

No matter where in the world you travel, you should always keep your eye on your valuables. However, in Vietnam, you should pay particular attention to your valuables when walking on the roadside. We can’t tell you how many times we have seen tourists casually standing close to the road with a camera in one hand, whilst looking down at their phone. It is not uncommon for thieves to drive past a scooter and try to rip your valuables from your grasp. Your precious belongings could be gone within a matter of seconds.

12. Play chicken with bikes but not cars

Can you really say you’ve been to Vietnam if you didn’t cross the roads? Crossing the sea of motorbikes can be a little daunting. The trick here is to walk straight ahead, don’t jerk from side to side, and don’t try to dodge the motorbikes. They will go around you! In the UK, we look left, right and then cross over the road when there is no traffic coming. If you were to do this in Vietnam, you could spend the entire day trying to cross the road. It’s fine to walk out cautiously in front of bikes, but don’t try to cross if you can see oncoming cars or buses.

13. Knowing the language goes a long way

Before you start your trip to Vietnam, we recommend you buck up on some basic Vietnamese phrases. Such as, hello, how are you? and how much does it cost? Knowing a few numbers also helps too. Getting to grips with the basics will help you navigate through the country easier and help you when it comes to buying food, drink, tours, and souvenirs .

14. Wifi is available everywhere (almost)

Surprisingly, Vietnam is well connected to the web. Almost every coffee shop and eatery will have wifi that you can connect to for free. So, if you want to avoid splashing out on a sim card and data, there is no need to worry about connecting to the wifi whilst you’re out and about.

Vietnam travel tips for getting around

15. grab taxi is best for getting around cities.

If you need to use transport to get around the cities or towns, make sure to download the Grab app . Grab works a little like Uber. Just tap in your pick-up point and drop-off point. The app will let you know the price beforehand. This way, you are unlikely to get taken for a ride around the block and overcharged.

16. No need to book transport too far in advance

If you’re using buses or trains to travel through Vietnam, don’t stress too much about booking too far in advance. Vietnam is a super relaxed country and you can easily hop on a bus or train on the same day (as long as it is not a major holiday). If you do want to book a few days in advance though, our favourite online booking site is Bookaway . You can search for all the transport providers and book directly on the website and have your ticket sent to your email address. Alternatively, you can usually book transport from your hotel, hostels, or a nearby tourist shop.

17. Motorbikes are great fun but don’t go crazy

Riding a motorbike in Vietnam is on almost everyone’s bucket list. After all, who wouldn’t want to scoot around the mountains in the motorbike capital of the world? Whilst motorbikes are a fantastic way to explore the country, it is important to remember not to get carried away. Always pay attention to the road and always wear a helmet. No one wants to spend the remainder of their trip hopping around in a leg cast.

18. Don’t miss these off-the-beaten-path places

Besides the regular backpacking trail , Vietnam has plenty of hidden gems to explore. For example, Dalat, in the Central Highlands is a mountainous paradise, that has been dubbed the honeymoon capital of Vietnam. It is the perfect destination for a lover’s retreat. In northern Vietnam, make sure you don’t miss out on places such as Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, and Sapa, which are perfect for nature enthusiasts.

Food & drink travel tips for Vietnam

19. eat where the locals eat.

Our motto is to eat where the locals eat. Restaurants and small roadside food carts that are packed with locals are good signs. We do not doubt that the food is delicious and worth trying.

Street food that you often find by the roadside, served directly from a portable cart, is often the cheapest and most delicious food you will find. Food from these types of places in Vietnam generally costs between 20,000 – 40,000 vnd ($0.87 – $1.75).

21. Avoid drinking tap water at all costs

The tap water in Vietnam is not safe to drink. Whilst you can brush your teeth with it, avoid gulping it down in gallons. Instead, head to one of the local convenience stores to buy bottled water.

22. Make sure the menu has prices

When ordering food, it’s good to know how much the meal will cost beforehand. Check the menu for prices. If there are no prices, make sure to confirm the cost with the waiter/waitress beforehand. We have fallen victim to overpriced iced tea a few times in places like Hoi An. Usually, the Vietnamese tea served alongside a meal is free, in local eateries in Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Noi, so it is easy to assume the same for other places in Vietnam.

Shopping travel tips for Vietnam

23. shop around for souvenirs.

Vietnamese souvenirs are sold in the millions. Don’t settle on the first item you see, at the first shop you see it in. Shop around for the best price. You are highly likely to find the same items at half the price down the road.

24. Get your haggle on

When shopping for trinkets in Vietnam, make sure to haggle. Sellers rarely give you a price expecting you to pay it without any negotiations. A good rule of thumb is to knock off a third of the original asking price.

25. Tipping is not a thing

Unlike in the USA, where tips are common practice, Vietnam doesn’t really have a tipping culture. It is fine to leave a small amount of change, but there is no need to add a 10% tip for every meal or journey.

26. Treat yourself to a tailor-made outfit

Vietnam is one of the best and cheapest places in the world to get tailor-made outfits. Hoi An particularly has tailors dotted all over the old town. Outfits can be made within a matter of a couple of days. If you’re in Hanoi and are looking for tailor-made dresses, you can pop on down to Hom Market to buy fabric. Prices for tailor-made dresses in Hanoi start from around 250 – 300,000 vnd ($11 – $13).

Common scams in Vietnam

27. motorbike ride around.

The motorbike ride-around scam is common in the major cities; Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. A local on a bike will approach you and ask if you want a tour of the city on his bike. He will present his badge and a book of testimonies written by other foreigners. When you ask for a price, he will tell you to pay what you think is fair at the end of the journey.

However, when you want to finish the trip, he will stop you away from your hotel and ask you to pay a ridiculous amount of money. This is why it is important to always agree on a price before starting a service. Make sure your negotiations are clear and don’t leave any room for misunderstanding. Always stand your ground, and if a seller refuses to give you an upfront price, keep walking and politely decline their offer. It is likely to lead to being scammed.

28. Fruit seller photos

Do you know the ladies that wear the traditional colonial hat and carry two large baskets of fruit over their shoulders? The typical image that may pop into your head when you think of Vietnam. Watch out for the photo scam. They will kindly approach you and ask if you would like to hold their baskets for a photo. In the moment this can seem quite exciting and you may jump at the chance. However, once your camera shutter snaps down, a demand for payment will be made. This isn’t to say not to take that photo opportunity, but be aware that you will need to pay a small amount of money for it.

29. Money switch

Some banknotes are similar in colour but have a massive difference in value. For example, take the 20,000 vnd ($0.87) note and the 500,000 vnd ($21.84) note. Scammers use this to their advantage. They will take your higher value note and whip it in their pocket in the blink of an eye and then try to convince you that you paid with the lower value note. Double-check the notes before you hand them over.

30. Petrol jump

If you rent a scooter in Vietnam, there is no doubt you will have to make a call to a petrol station. A known scam here is for the attendant to not reset the pump, resulting in you paying for your petrol and the person’s before you as well. Make sure the attendant starts the pump at 0. They should divert your attention for you to check.

31. Shoeshine

Finally on this list of travel tips for Vietnam is the shoeshine scam. The shoeshine scam is common around Bui Vien, Hoan Kiem Lake, and Bia Street in Hanoi . It is often young men that will approach you asking if you would like your shoes cleaned. Once you have agreed on the price they will take your shoes to be cleaned. Once they return with your shoes, you will find new laces, new soles, and other types of shoe repair jobs that you did not ask for. Of course, this is not free and you will have to pay for the extra service. To avoid this, make sure you are clear beforehand that you do not want any other service and that you will only pay what you agreed upon.

Essential resources for travelling in Vietnam

Travel Insurance – It’s a good idea to have insurance, particularly if you’re going to be riding a motorbike. Our personal choice is Safteywing . You can opt for automatic monthly payments, just like a subscription. It can be purchased whilst already travelling and there is no cap on travel duration.

Visa – You are highly likely to need a visa for Vietnam. iVisa is a fantastic website that is super easy and quick to use. You can quickly make a visa application online.

Accommodation – Booking.com is our go-to when looking to pre-book accommodation online. Booking.com tend almost always to have the best rates and a FREE cancellation policy for most properties.

Overland transport – Our go-to website for overland transport is Bookaway . They have routes all over Vietnam and host a range of transport modes and companies. It is easy to book online and have your ticket sent to your phone.

Tours & Activities – If you want to book tours and activities for Vietnam online, make sure to check out Get Your Guide . Get Your Guide takes the stress out of booking activities abroad. You will also find a range of benefits, such as skip-the-line passes, lunch included in your tours, and so much more.

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Vietnam travel guide

What to do, where to stay and why you’ll love it.

V ietnam has one of the oldest continuous histories of any nation — and yet nearly a third of 97 million citizens are aged under 30. It’s this dynamic blend of old and new which has powered the country from post-war poverty into one of the fastest growing economies in Asia and one of the hottest tourism destinations in the region.

Stretching from its border with China in the north to the Gulf of Thailand in the southwest, Vietnam has over 2,000 miles of majestic coastline, a cornucopia of golden beaches, fishing villages, idyllic tropical islands, national parks, mind-boggling biodiversity and spectacular inland waterways, the most famous being Halong Bay. Vietnam’s interior wows with a patchwork of rippling mountains, vertiginous rice terraces, 1,000-year-old temples, energetic cities and life-giving rivers, most notably the Mekong.

Along the way you can feast on mountains of zingy fresh food, including meaty banh mi sandwiches, prawn-packed spring rolls and sizzling banh xeo pancakes, pick up a whole new wardrobe from cheap-as-chips tailors and immerse yourself in a wealth of historic attractions.

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Most long-haul flights land in Ho Chi Minh City, which makes the country’s largest city — formerly known as Saigon — the ideal place to start. It’s a town that’s literally on the up and you’ll find newly minted skyscrapers casting their shadows across a panorama of French colonial-era architecture, Soviet-style housing blocks, wing-tipped pagodas and torrents of scooters. Spend a couple of days soaking up the frenetic atmosphere, with side trips to the noodle-y Cu Chi tunnels and austere War Remnants Museum for some insight into the devastating impact of the US invasion of Vietnam.

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Next, hop on a flight north to hip, high-spirited capital Hanoi for a couple of days eating and drinking at outdoor stalls (this was one of Anthony Bourdain’s favourite destinations) in between exploring the city’s eclectic historical sites, including the 1,000-year-old Temple of Literature, the French colonial-era Hanoi Opera House and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. From here, splash out on a seaplane ride to Halong Bay for a dragon’s eye view of the melted-wax limestone karsts and luminous green waters that make up this otherworldly waterway — and a night onboard a junk to reach the parts that day-trippers can’t.

Wrap up at a slower pace on one of Vietnam’s long golden beaches. In Central Vietnam you’ve got Da Nang and the nearby Unesco world heritage town of Hoi An. The former is young, dynamic, an Asian Miami in the making; the latter is a beautifully preserved 15th-century trading port packed with wonderful restaurants and some of the best tailors in the country. Moving south you’ve got up-and-coming Quy Nhon, as well as Nha Trang and Mui Nei, with Phu Quoc Island curling into the Gulf of Thailand.

Where to stay

Vietnam’s building boom extends to its accommodations and nowadays you’ll find a huge range: blingy sky pads in Ho Chi Minh City; rustic mountain hideaways with hill tribes for neighbours; and luxurious beach resorts with outstanding spas.

The country excels when it comes to value-for-money accommodation, whether you’re on a budget or splashing the cash. At the more affordable end of the scale, you’ll find family guesthouses, flashpacker hostels and brilliant homegrown brands like Wink Hotels, which recently opened in Ho Chi Minh City’s trendy District 3, with a fusion restaurant and artsy rooms from £30 a night. At the top end you can bag a night in a historic hotel, such as the Park Hyatt Saigon or Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, for half of what you would pay in Europe.

Best hotels in Vietnam

If you’re after something more design-led you won’t have to look far; characterful hotels abound in this part of South East Asia. Lauded hotel designer Bill Bensley is behind a number of theatrical properties — InterContinental Sun Peninsula Resort Danang, Hotel de la Coupole Mgallery Sapa, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Bay, Capella Hanoi — while brands like An Lam, Fusion, Azerai and Zannier champion an eco-chic aesthetic.

The Vietnamese countryside is magnificent and, if possible, you should extend your trip to include at least one rural adventure. South of Ho Chi Minh City on the Mekong Delta, there’s Can Tho, known for its fruit farms, flower orchards, labyrinthine canals and delightful floating markets. In northern Vietnam, walk among the hill tribes in Sapa, a high hill station with phenomenal cloud-licked views of Muong Hoa Valley and Mount Fansipan — or keeping going to less-visited Bac Ha, where the intricately costumed Flower Hmong people live. Sidestep from Hanoi to chocolate box-pretty Ninh Binh, also known as the Inland Halong Bay, with twisting rivers, swaying rice paddies and silvery stalactite-lined water caves winding between lumbering mountains.

What is the best month to visit Vietnam? April hits the sweet spot between the cooler winter months and the sweltering summer.

How many days do I need? Allow a bare minimum of ten days and ideally two to three weeks.

What should I know before visiting? Vietnam is a safe country to travel around but petty theft and scamming can be a problem in the main tourist areas, particularly around Halong Bay. Keep your valuables secure and out of sight and ask your hotel or fellow travellers to recommend a tour operator.

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Vietnam travel advice

Explore our complete guide to Vietnam with the latest travel advice for travellers and holidaymakers including official updates and local travel tips for Vietnam.

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Vietnam travel guide - essential info

Below is a beginner's guide to Vietnam with essential travel facts such as dominant language spoken, typical flight time from the UK and the local currency. You can also check whether visas are required and what plug adapter you need to pack.

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Considering a holiday to the Vietnam? Here are some of the very good reasons it makes such a wonderful holiday destination be it for beaches or culture to ensure you get the most out of your 2024/2025 escape.

Vietnam tourist information

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Check the latest travel advice on visiting Vietnam from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions.

• UK traveller advice for Vietnam - UK FCDO
• Irish traveller advice for Vietnam - Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland
• Canadian travel advice for Vietnam - Government of Canada
• US travel advisories for Vietnam - US Department of State
• Safe travel advisories for Vietnam - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, New Zealand
• Smarter traveller advice for Vietnam - Department of Foreign Affairs, Australia

Learn more about the current safety and security risks from terrorism, natural disasters and more. Read about the local laws and customs to consider when travelling around Vietnam.

Note : UK FCDO - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

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Vietnam travel health

Find out more about staying safe when travelling to Vietnam with the latest guidance on required vaccinations and recommended medication to take with you.

• Vaccines & medicines for Vietnam - CDC
• Health & vaccinations for Vietnam - TravelHealthPro, NaTHNac
• How to stay safe & healthy in Vietnam - Fit for Travel, Public Health Scotland

Check out the general travel tips for staying safe and healthy in Vietnam, risks of preventable diseases and what to pack.

Note : CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Vietnam covid live updates

Check the latest live updates on Covid-19 in Vietnam with the vaccination requirements, current available statistics and up-to-date travel advice from government agencies.

• Travellers' health for Vietnam - Ministry of Health, Vietnam
• Coronavirus timeline in Vietnam - Our World in Data
• Latest info on travel to Vietnam - Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

Vietnam travel features

Do you want to learn more about Vietnam? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in Vietnam.

Vietnam FAQs

Read our frequently asked questions about travelling to Vietnam including the current entry restrictions, covid rules, driving side, electrical plugs used and much more.

Are there entry restrictions to Vietnam due to Covid-19?

Vietnam is open for tourism from the UK. There are no special entry requirements for Vietnam. Check out Ministry of Health, Vietnam for more information.

Do I need to quarantine in the UK if I travel from Vietnam?

You do not need to quarantine on arrival in the UK from Vietnam. The UK no longer requires a passenger locator form, Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination.

What is the flight time to Vietnam from the UK?

The flight time to Vietnam from the UK is typically 15 hours .

Flights to Vietnam

What is the time difference between Vietnam and the UK?

The time difference between Vietnam and the UK is UK time+7 hours .

What is the main language spoken in Vietnam?

The main language spoken in Vietnam is Vietnamese . Learn a language for Vietnam with Rosetta Stone * .

What is the currency in Vietnam?

The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong ( VND ). Send money to Vietnam with Wise.com * and World Remit * .

Which plugs are used in Vietnam?

Vietnam uses electrical plug type A + B + C (220 Volts) .

Which side of the road do they drive on in Vietnam?

They drive on the right side of the road in Vietnam. Find out more about driving in Vietnam with International Drivers Association * .

Transport options for Vietnam

Do you need a visa for Vietnam?

Yes, UK passport holders do need a visa to enter Vietnam. Check Vietnam visa requirements for all passport holders with VisaHQ * and iVisa.com * .

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More travel information for Vietnam

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Vietnam

• Crime and personal safety tips Vietnam
• Eating and drinking in Vietnam
• Getting around Vietnam: Transportation Tips
• How to get to Vietnam
• Travel Health Vietnam
• Shopping tips for Vietnam
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Vietnam
• Best time to visit Vietnam
• Vietnam Weather in September
• Vietnam Weather in November
• Vietnam Weather in June
• Vietnam Weather in July
• Vietnam Weather in December
• Vietnam Weather in August
• Vietnam Weather in January
• Vietnam Weather in February
• Vietnam weather in March
• How to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay
• How To Get From Hanoi To Da Nang
• How to get from Hanoi to Sapa
• Vietnam Weather in April
• How to get a Vietnam visa

Locating an address is rarely a problem in Vietnam, but there are a couple of conventions it helps to know about. Where two numbers are separated by a slash, such as 110 5, you simply make for no. 110, where an alley will lead off to a further batch of buildings – you want the fifth one. Where a number is followed by a letter, as in 117a, you’re looking for a single block encompassing several addresses, of which one will be 117a. Vietnamese cite addresses without the words for street, avenue and so on.

Admission charges

Electricity, entry requirements, culture and etiquette, internet and email, opening hours, tourist information, travellers with special needs, travelling with children, working and studying in vietnam, ethical tourism and the environment, what about the water, pricing policy, vietnamese media, tailor-made travel itineraries for vietnam, created by local experts.

10 days  / from 2150 USD

Vietnam Culinary Discovery

Vietnamese cuisine can be divided into three categories, each pertaining to a specific region, namely the North, Centre and South. You will visit all of these on this culinary tour of Vietnam. Awaken all of your senses to the wonderful sights sounds and aromas of this fascinating country.

16 days  / from 2150 USD

Very Vietnam

Vietnam is full of surprises, seamlessly mixing both ancient and modern. See rice paddies, traditional villages, markets, temples and pagodas. Discover romantic cities, cruise around mystical Halong Bay, laze on pristine beaches and get out and about in exuberant Ho Chi Minh City.

4 days  / from 550 USD

Cultural Saigon

Southern Vietnam is home to modern Ho Chi Minh City, a vibrant southern capital full of historic attraction and old Saigonese charm. Soak up some café culture, enjoy authentic street food, and get a taste of the city’s thriving markets.

Tailor-made trips for   Vietnam

Admission charges are usually levied at museums, historic sights, national parks and any place that attracts tourists – sometimes even beaches. Charges at some major sights range from a dollar or two up to around US$4–5. Elsewhere, however, the amount is usually just a few thousand dong. Note that there’s often a hefty additional fee for cameras and videos at major sights.

Apart from those with some historical significance, pagodas and temples are usually free, though it’s customary to leave a donation of a few thousand dong in the collecting box or on one of the altar plates.

With the average Vietnamese annual income hovering around £1400/US$1800/€1600, daily expenses are low, and if you come prepared to do as the locals do, then food and drink can be incredibly cheap – and even accommodation needn’t be too great an expense. Bargaining is very much a part of everyday life, and almost everything is negotiable, from fruit in the market to a room for the night.

By eating at simple com (rice) and pho (noodle soup) stalls, picking up local buses and opting for the simplest accommodation there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to adhere to a daily budget in the region of £15-20/US$20-25/€18-23. Upgrading to more salubrious lodgings with a few mod cons, eating good food followed by a couple of beers in a bar and signing up for the odd minibus tour and visiting a few sights could bounce your expenditure up to a more realistic £32-40/US$40-50/€35-44. A fair mid-level budget, treating yourself to three-star hotels and more upmarket restaurants, would lie in the £40-80/US$50-100/€45-90 range, depending on the number and type of tours you took. And if you stay at the ritziest city hotels, dine at the swankiest restaurants and rent cars with drivers wherever you go, then the sky’s the limit.

The electricity supply in Vietnam is 220 volts. Plugs generally have two round pins, though you may come across sockets requiring two flat pins and even some requiring three pins. Adaptors can be found in any electrical shop. Power supplies can be erratic, so be prepared for cuts and surges.

Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter Vietnam, with certain exceptions: citizens of some Nordic and Asian nations get 15-30 days visa-free, and from 2016 the government allowed passport holders from the UK, France and some other European countries visa-free entry for stays up to 15 days, although this is for a limited time so do check with your local consulate before you travel.

Tourist visas are generally valid for thirty days from your specified arrival date, and for a single entry, though longer durations can be arranged.

The majority of visitors apply for a visa in their country of residence, either from the embassy direct, or through a specialist visa agent or tour agent. Processing normally takes around a week, though many embassies also offer a more expensive “express” service. Visitors can make their applications in any Vietnamese embassy or consulate, or through specialist visa or tour agents, but these days it's more convenient for most people to get their "visa on arrival" online (the most reliable website is Vietnam Visa Center ). If you apply in person at an embassy or consulate, processing normally takes around a week, though many embassies also offer a more expensive "express" service. By contrast, the normal service for an online visa is just three working days, and some agencies even quote fees for two working hours.

To apply for a tourist visa, you have to submit an application form with one or two passport-sized photographs (procedures vary) and the fee. The visa shows specific start and end dates indicating the period of validity within which you can enter and leave the country. The visa is valid for entry via Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang international airports and any of Vietnam’s land borders open to foreigners.

Visa extensions

Thirty-day extensions are issued in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hué and Hoi An. Some people have managed to obtain second and even third extensions, usually in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Applications have to be made via a tour agent. In general they take three to five days to process and cost $25 for the first one-month extension.

Overstaying your visa will result in fines of between US$10 and US$50, depending how long you overstay and the mood of the immigration official, and is not recommended.

Make sure you read all our tips about how to get a visa for Vietnam .

With its blend of Confucianism and Buddhism, Vietnamese society tends to be both conservative and, at the same time, fairly tolerant. This means you will rarely be remonstrated with for your dress or behaviour, even if your hosts do disapprove. By following a few simple rules, you can minimize the risk of causing offence. This is particularly important in rural areas and small towns where people are less used to the eccentric habits of foreigners.

As a visitor, it’s recommended that you err on the side of caution. Shorts and sleeveless shirts are fine for the beach, but are not welcome in pagodas, temples and other religious sites. When dealing with officialdom, it also pays to look as neat and tidy as possible. Anything else may be taken as a mark of disrespect. Women in particular should dress modestly, especially in the countryside and ethnic minority areas, where revealing too much flesh is regarded as offensive. It’s also worth noting that nudity, either male or female, on the beach is absolutely beyond the pale.

When entering a Cao Dai temple, the main building of a pagoda or a private home it’s the custom to remove your shoes. In some pagodas nowadays this may only be required when stepping onto the prayer mats – ask or watch what other people do. In a pagoda or temple you are also expected to leave a small donation.

As in most Asian countries, it’s not done to get angry, and it certainly won’t get things moving any quicker. Passing round cigarettes (to men only) is always appreciated and is widely used as a social gambit aimed at progressing tricky negotiations, bargaining and so forth.

Other social conventions worth noting are that you shouldn’t touch children on the head and, unlike in the West, it’s best to ignore a young baby rather than praise it, since it’s believed that this attracts the attention of jealous spirits who will cause the baby to fall ill.

Officially, homosexuality is regarded as a “social evil”, alongside drugs and prostitution. However, there is no law explicitly banning homosexual activity and, as long as it is not practised openly, it is largely ignored. Indeed, the number of openly gay men has increased noticeably in recent years, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, and homosexuality is discussed more frequently in the media, although the lesbian scene remains very low-key. Although outward discrimination is rare, this is still a very traditional society and it pays to be discreet in Vietnam. For more information, consult the excellent Utopia Asia website.

Tipping, while not expected, is always appreciated. In general, a few thousand dong should suffice. Smart restaurants and hotels normally add a service charge, but if not ten percent is the norm in a restaurant, while the amount in a hotel will depend on the grade of hotel and what services they’ve provided. If you’re pleased with the service, you should also tip the guide, and the driver where appropriate, at the end of a tour.

It is essential to have a good travel insurance policy to cover against theft, loss and illness or injury. It’s also advisable to have medical cover that includes evacuation in the event of serious illness, as the local hospitals aren’t that great. Most policies exclude so-called dangerous sports unless an extra premium is paid: in Vietnam this can include scuba diving, whitewater rafting, kite surfing, rock climbing and trekking. If you’re doing any motorbike touring, you are strongly advised to take out full medical insurance including emergency evacuation; make sure the policy specifically covers you for biking in Vietnam, and ascertain whether benefits will be paid as treatment proceeds or only after return home, and whether there is a 24-hour medical emergency number. If you need to make a claim, you should keep receipts for medicines and medical treatment, and in the event that you have anything stolen, you must obtain an official statement from the police.

Accessing the internet in Vietnam has become a great deal easier, though it is still monitored and controlled by a government fearful of this potentially subversive means of communication. Occasionally social networking sites like Facebook have been blocked.

There’s no problem about logging on in the major cities and tourist centres in Vietnam, where you’ll find dozens of internet cafés, while many hotels also offer internet access. Many upmarket and even some budget hotels offer wi-fi broadband access in your room – sometimes free to attract custom. Even remote regions are wired to the web these days, though the service may be slower and more expensive.

For unlimited Wi-Fi on the go whilst travelling Vietnam, buy a Skyroam Solis , which works in 130+ countries at one flat daily rate, paid for on a pay-as-you-go basis. You can connect up to five devices at once. Prices start from as little as €5 a day.

Most top- and mid-range hotels provide a laundry service, and many budget hotels too, but rates can vary wildly, so it’s worth checking first. In the bigger cities, especially in tourist areas, you’ll find laundry shops on the street.

Mail can take anything from four days to four weeks in or out of Vietnam, depending largely where you are. Services are quickest and most reliable from the major towns, where eight to ten days is the norm. Overseas postal rates are reasonable. Express Mail Service (EMS) operates to most countries and certain destinations within Vietnam; the service cuts down delivery times substantially and the letter or parcel is automatically registered.

When sending parcels out of Vietnam, take everything to the post office unwrapped since it will be inspected for any customs liability and wrapped for you. Pirated CDs and DVDs and any other suspect items will be seized. Surface mail is the cheapest option, with parcels taking between one and four months.

Receiving parcels is not such a good idea. Some parcels simply go astray; those that do make it are subject to thorough customs inspections, import duty and even confiscation of suspicious items – particularly printed matter, videos or cassettes. However, if you do need to collect a parcel, remember to take your passport.

The most accurate and reliable map of Vietnam is the Rough Guides Map of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia (1:1,200,000). Other decent maps are the International Travel Map of Vietnam (1:1,000,000) or Nelles (1:1,500,000) map of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia: both feature plans of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Alternatively, the locally produced maps you’ll find on sale in all the major towns and tourist destinations in Vietnam aren’t bad.

If you need more detailed coverage, if you’re cycling or motorbike touring for example, there’s no beating the book of maps entitled Giao Thong Duong Bo Vietnam (1:500,000) published by Ban Do Cartographic Publishing House and available in bigger bookshops in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Trouble is, it weighs about a kilo. Another good option for cyclists and bikers is the Vietnam Administrative Atlas by the same publisher, with a map of each province per page. Look out, too, for Fauna and Flora International’s Vietnam Ecotourism Map (1:1,000,000). Not only is it pretty accurate, but also includes information on visiting the national parks and other areas of environmental interest.

Vietnam’s unit of currency is the dong, which you’ll see abbreviated as “đ”, “d” or “VND” after an amount. Notes come in denominations of 500đ, 1000đ, 2000đ, 5000đ, 10,000đ, 20,000đ, 50,000đ, 100,000đ, 200,000đ and 500,000đ, coins in 200đ, 500đ, 1000đ, 2000đ and 5000đ (though coins are rarely seen). In addition to the dong, the American dollar operates as a parallel, unofficial currency and it’s a good idea to carry some dollars as a back-up to pay large bills. On the whole, though, it’s more convenient to operate in dong, and you’ll often find dong prices are slightly lower than the equivalent in dollars. For the latest exchange rates go to xe.com .

Dong are not available outside Vietnam at present, so take in some small-denomination American dollars to use until you reach a bank or ATM. Most banks and exchange bureaux don’t charge for changing foreign currency into dong; banks in major cities will accept euros and other major currencies, but elsewhere may only accept dollars. Some tour agents and hotels will also change money, and most jewellery shops in Vietnam will exchange dollars at a slightly better rate than the banks, but watch out for scams. Wherever you change money, ask for a mix of denominations (in remote places, bigger bills can be hard to split), and refuse really tatty banknotes, as you’ll have difficulty getting anyone else to accept them.

There’s also a comprehensive network of ATMs, many open 24 hours: most accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express cards issued abroad. The maximum withdrawal is two million dong at a time, with a charge per transaction (in addition to whatever surcharges your own bank levies). In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City you’ll also find ATMs operated by ANZ and HSBC. These accept a wider range of cards, including those in the Cirrus and Plus networks.

Basic hours of business are 7.30–11.30am and 1.30–4.30pm, though after lunch nothing really gets going again before 2pm. The standard closing day for offices is Sunday, and many now also close on Saturdays, including most state-run banks and government offices.

Most banks tend to work Monday to Friday 8–11.30am and 1–4pm, though some stay open later in the afternoon or may forego a lunch break. In tourist centres you’ll even find branches open evenings and weekends. Post offices keep much longer hours, in general staying open from 6.30am through to 9pm with no closing day. Some sub-post offices work shorter hours and close at weekends.

Shops and markets open seven days a week and in theory keep going all day, though in practice most stallholders and many private shopkeepers will take a siesta. Shops mostly stay open late into the evenings, perhaps until 8pm or beyond in the big cities.

Museums tend to close one day a week, generally on Mondays, and their core opening hours are 8–11am and 2–4pm. Temples and pagodas occasionally close for lunch but are otherwise open all week and don’t close until late evening.

Mobile phones are as ubiquitous in Vietnam as they are everywhere else. However, transport centres like airports and bus stations still maintain a few functioning landline booths, which accept only pre-paid phone cards, not coins. All post offices also operate a public phone service, where the cost is displayed as you speak and you pay the cashier afterwards. Local calls are easy to make and are often free, though you may be charged a small fee for the service if, for example, you use the phone in a hotel lobby.

Mobile phones

If you want to use your own mobile phone in Vietnam, the simplest – and cheapest – thing to do is to buy a SIM card and a prepaid phone card locally (or even a phone, if your own is locked). Both the big phone companies, Vinaphone and Mobifone, offer English-language support and similar prices, though Vinaphone perhaps has the edge for geographical coverage (which extends pretty much nationwide).

The other, far more expensive, option is to stick with your home service-provider – though you’ll need to check beforehand whether they offer international roaming services.

Vietnam is seven hours ahead of London, twelve hours ahead of New York, fifteen hours ahead of Los Angeles, one hour behind Perth and three hours behind Sydney – give or take an hour or two when summer time is in operation.

Tourist information on Vietnam is at a premium. The Vietnamese government maintains a handful of tourist promotion offices and a smattering of accredited travel agencies around the globe, most of which can supply you with only the most general information. A better source of information, much of it based on firsthand experiences, is the internet, with numerous websites around to help you plan your visit.

In Vietnam itself there’s a frustrating dearth of free and impartial advice. The state-run tourist offices – under the auspices of either the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism or the local provincial organization – are thinly disguised tour agents, profit-making concerns which don’t take kindly to being treated as information bureaux, though the official website has a lot of useful information about destinations and practicalities such as visas. In any case, Western concepts of information don’t necessarily apply here – bus timetables, for example, simply don’t exist.

You’ll generally have more luck approaching hotel staff or one of the many private tour agencies operating in all the major tourist spots, where staff have become accustomed to Westerners’ demands for advice.

Another useful source of information, including restaurant and hotel listings as well as feature articles, is the growing number of English-language magazines, such as Asialife, The Word and The Guide.

Despite the fact that Vietnam is home to so many war-wounded, few provisions are made for the disabled. This means you’ll have to be pretty self-reliant. It’s important to contact airlines, hotels and tour companies as far in advance as possible to make sure they can accommodate your requirements.

Getting about can be made a little easier by taking internal flights, or by renting a private car or minibus with a driver. Taxis are widely available in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and other major cities. Even so, trying to cross roads with speeding traffic and negotiating the cluttered and uneven pavements – where pavements exist – pose real problems. Furthermore, few buildings are equipped with ramps and lifts.

When it comes to accommodation, Vietnam’s new luxury hotels usually offer one or two specially adapted rooms. Elsewhere, the best you can hope for is a ground-floor room, or a hotel with a lift.

Travelling through Vietnam with children can be challenging and fun. The Vietnamese adore kids and make a huge fuss of them, with fair-haired kids coming in for even more manhandling. The main concern will probably be hygiene: Vietnam can be distinctly unsanitary, and children’s stomachs tend to be more sensitive to bacteria. Avoiding spicy foods will help while their stomachs adjust, but if children do become sick it’s crucial to keep up their fluid intake, so as to avoid dehydration. Bear in mind, too, that healthcare facilities are fairly basic outside Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City , so make sure your travel insurance includes full medical evacuation.

Long bus journeys are tough on young children, so wherever possible, take the train – at least the kids can get up and move about in safety. There are reduced fares for children on domestic flights, trains and open-tour buses. On trains, for example, it’s free for under-fives (as long as they sit on your lap) and half-price for children aged five to ten. Open-tour buses follow roughly the same policy, though children paying a reduced fare are not entitled to a seat; if you don’t want them on your lap you’ll have to pay full fare. Tours are usually either free or half-price for children.

Many budget hotels have rooms with three or even four single beds in them. At more expensive hotels under-twelves can normally stay free of charge in their parents’ rooms and baby cots are becoming more widely available.

Without a prearranged job and work permit, don’t bank on finding work in Vietnam. With specific skills to offer, you could try approaching some of the Western companies now operating in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Otherwise, English-language teaching is probably the easiest job to land, especially if you have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), TESOL (Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages) or CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) qualification. Universities are worth approaching, though pay is better at private schools, where qualified teachers earn upwards of $20 an hour. In either case, you’ll need to apply for a work permit, sponsored by your employer, and then a working visa. Private tutoring is an unwieldy way of earning a crust, as you’ll have to pop out of the country every few months to procure a new visa. Furthermore, the authorities are clamping down on people working without the proper authorizations.

The main English-language teaching operations recruiting in Vietnam include the British Council , ILA Vietnam and RMIT International University . The TEFL website and Dave’s ESL Café also have lists of English-teaching vacancies in addition to lots of other useful information.

There are also opportunities for volunteer work. Try contacting the organizations listed below, or look on the websites of the NGO Resource Centre Vietnam and Volunteer Abroad.

The expansion of tourism in Vietnam has been spectacular, growing from just ten thousand foreign visitors in 1993 to more than five million in 2010. In addition, an estimated 25 million Vietnamese now take holidays within the country each year. While this has undoubtedly been a boon for the economy, tourism has brought with it serious and potentially disruptive effects environmentally, socially, culturally and economically. Some of the most distressing examples are to be found in Vietnam’s ethnic minority areas. Sa Pa’s famous “love market” attracted so much tourist attention it eventually relocated to a more remote location. Many families in the area have sold off their antique jewellery, while Hmong children beg for sweets, pens and money, and some even sell drugs.

Avian flu or bird flu is a contagious disease normally limited to birds and, less commonly, pigs. However, the virus can spread to humans by direct contact with infected poultry or with contaminated surfaces. In the 2004–05 outbreak in Vietnam of the highly contagious H5N1 strain of the disease, there were around sixty confirmed cases involving humans, of which some forty were fatal, according to the World Health Organization. The vast majority of people infected had direct contact with diseased birds. Since the initial outbreak, a further sixty or so cases have been reported, the most recent in April 2010.

Evidence of human-to-human transmission has yet to be confirmed but the indications are that, if it is possible, it is extremely rare and has so far been limited to close family members. The main fear among health experts is that the virus will mutate into a form that is highly infectious to and easily spread among humans.

At present the risk to travellers visiting infected areas remains low. As a precaution, however, you are advised to avoid contact with live poultry and pigs, including live animal markets, and to eat only well-cooked poultry and eggs. Check the latest with your doctor or travel health specialist prior to travel. You’ll also find up-to-date information on the following websites: avianinfluenza.org.vn ,

who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en and cdc.gov/flu/avian.

The simple rule is don’t drink tap water in Vietnam, with the exception of a few top hotels which now offer filtered water, and never drink river water. It’s wise to avoid ice in your drinks except, again, in top hotels and other trustworthy places. Contaminated water is a major cause of sickness due to the presence of pathogenic organisms: bacteria, viruses and cysts. These microorganisms cause ailments and diseases such as diarrhoea, gastroenteritis, typhoid, cholera, dysentery, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A and giardia – and can be present even when water looks clean and safe to drink.

Fortunately there are plenty of alternative drinks around: hot tea is always on offer, while cheap, bottled water and carbonated drinks are widely available. When buying bottled water check the seal is unbroken and the water is clear, as bottles are occasionally refilled from the tap. Tap water in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is chlorinated and most travellers use it for brushing their teeth without problem, but this is not recommended in rural areas, where water is often untreated. Particular care should be taken anywhere where there is flooding as raw sewage may be washed into the water system.

Although Vietnamese law requires that all prices are quoted in dong, you’ll find many hotels, the more upmarket restaurants, tour agents and so forth still use US dollars and, occasionally, euros. To reflect this and to avoid exchange-rate fluctuations, throughout the Guide we quote prices in the currency used on the spot.

Incidentally, don’t be alarmed if you notice that Vietnamese pay less than you for plane tickets, at some hotels and at certain sights: Vietnam maintains a two-tier pricing system, with foreigners sometimes paying many times more than locals. The good news for tourists is that the system is being phased out, with prices for foreigners being adjusted downwards while those for Vietnamese rise to meet them. A single price system now applies on the trains, for example, while the gap has gradually been narrowing for air travel. It will take several more years before the practice disappears completely, however, and for the moment it remains something of a grey area, particularly as regards hotels and bus tickets, where the amount you pay may well depend on the person you happen to be dealing with.

Newspapers and magazines

Vietnam has several English–language newspapers and magazines, of which the daily Viet Nam News has the widest distribution. It provides a brief rundown of local, regional and international news, as well as snippets on art and culture. Though short on general news, both the weekly Vietnam Investment Review and the monthly Vietnam Economic Times cover issues in greater depth and are worth looking at for an insight into what makes the Vietnamese economy tick. Both also publish useful supplements (Time Out and The Guide respectively) with selective but up-to-date restaurant and nightlife listings mainly covering Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, plus feature articles on culture and tourist destinations.

Look out for the excellent free magazines The Word and AsiaLife, which both carry listings of bars and restaurants as well as articles on aspects of Vietnamese culture.

All media in Vietnam are under tight government control. There is, however, a slight glimmer of less draconian censorship, with an increasing number of stories covering corruption at even quite senior levels and more criticism of government policies and ministers, albeit very mild by Western standards.

Foreign publications

Foreign publications, such as the International Herald Tribune, Time, Newsweek, The Financial Times and the Bangkok Post are sold by street vendors and at some of the larger bookshops and newsstands of more upmarket hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

The government radio station, Voice of Vietnam, began life in 1945 during the August Revolution. It became famous during the American War when “Hanoi Hannah” broadcast propaganda programmes to American GIs. Nowadays it maintains six channels, of which VOV5 broadcasts English-language programmes several times a day covering a whole range of subjects: news, weather, sport, entertainment and culture, even market prices. You can pick up the broadcasts on FM in and around Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

To keep in touch with the full spectrum of international news, however, you’ll need to go online or get a short-wave radio to pick up one of the world service channels, such as BBC World Service, Radio Canada International and Voice of America; local frequencies are listed on the relevant website.

Vietnamese television (VTV) is also government-run and airs a mix of films, music shows, news programmes, soaps, sport and foreign (mostly American, Korean and Japanese) imports. VTV1, the main domestic channel, occasionally presents a news summary in English. However, most hotels provide satellite TV, offering BBC, CNN, MTV and HBO as standard.

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• Where to stay
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• GENERAL RULES
• REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
• APPLY IN PERSON AT THE EMBASSY OF VIET NAM
• APPLY BY POST
• APPLY BY EMAIL, COLLECT IN PERSON
• APPLY BY EMAIL, RECEIVE LOOSE-LEAF VISA BY POST
• PROCESSING TIME
• LEGALISATION
• CRIMINAL RECORD CERTIFICATE (Vietnamese Police check):
• VIETNAMESE PASSORT APPLICATION
• VIETNAMESE PASSPORT RENEWAL APPLICATION FOR VIETNAMESE ADOPTED CHILD LIVING IN THE UK OR IN THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
• BIRTH REGISTRATION
• MARRIAGE REGISTRATION
• LEGALISATION ON MARRIAGE PAPERWORK BETWEEN BRITISH/IRISH CITIZEN AND VIETNAMESE CITIZEN IN VIET NAM
• NOTARISATION AND SIGNATURE AUTHENTICATION
• VISA EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE
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Vietnam – UK Relation 2021

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Quarantine time for fully vaccinated visitors to Vietnam

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Life after lockdown in Vietnam: This is what it’s like when an entire country reopens

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After aggressive mass testing, Vietnam says it contains coronavirus outbreak

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Vietnam holidays 2024 & 2025

From the French-colonial architecture of Hanoi and the karst scenery of Halong Bay to the mercantile history of Hoi An, our Vietnam specialists will use their personal experience of the country to plan your holiday to Vietnam in detail. That might include arranging for you to view fast-paced Ho Chi Minh City from the back of a Vespa, or spend languid days cruising the Mekong Delta or by the beach in Ninh Van Bay.

Travel in Vietnam is often based around a journey between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, taking in the highlights of the central region between the two. Our Vietnam specialists can also suggest the country’s often overlooked, lesser-known sights and experiences, such as discovering brightly dressed hill-tribe communities in the Tonkinese Alps or the remote markets of Ha Giang — places and people we’ve come to know over 20 years of research and return visits.

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We have a number of reduced fares available with selected airline partners. Click below for further details on booking and travel periods.

Suggested tours for Vietnam

Drift among the karst scenery on a traditional junk in Lan Ha Bay, explore bustling Ho Chi Minh on the back of a Vespa, and learn to make traditional dishes at a private home in Hue — our range of suggested itineraries is a great starting point as you begin to plan your trip to Vietnam.

Family adventure to Vietnam

17 days from £6,245pp

Following the Mekong: Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam

22 days from £7,985pp

Grand tour of Indochina: Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia

24 days from £15,160pp

Cruising the Mekong from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap

15 days from £6,250pp

Family Indochina: Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia tour

16 days from £5,875pp

Classic Vietnam tour

19 days from £5,730pp

A tribal journey through northern Vietnam & Laos

19 days from £7,340pp

Exploring the Mekong & Angkor Wat

14 days from £4,820pp

Vietnam's Mekong Delta

11 days from £4,070pp

Suggested activities for Vietnam

Enjoy a guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City on the back of a Vespa, sample Hanoi’s best street food with a local guide, or cruise along the Mekong on a wooden boat. Whatever your interests, our specialists will suggest experiences designed to enhance your trip to Vietnam.

Hanoi street food tour

Set off on a street food tour of Hanoi's best culinary spots with a food blogger.

Hoi An Countryside Cycling Tour

Pick up your bikes and begin a leisurely ride through the beautiful countryside with your guide, stopping for photographs and refreshments as you please.

Ho Chi Minh City Tour

This half-day tour will take in the main sites of Ho Chi Minh City including Rue Catinat, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Reunification Palace and the Museum of War Remnants.

Why travel with Audley?

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Best time to visit

Our specialists advise on the best months to visit Vietnam, including information about climate, events and festivals.

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Useful information for planning your holiday in Vietnam

Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam, but there is a huge variety of regional dialects that are spoken in casual conversation. You may also hear other languages, including Chinese, Khmer, and Lao as you travel across the country. English is also widely understood and spoken, and older generations still speak French as a result of the French colonial period.

The currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong (₫), and the notes come in denominations of 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000 50,000, and 100,000 dong. However, it can be difficult to change high denomination notes in shops.

You can withdraw local currency at ATMs in all major cities, and credit cards are accepted in most larger shops and hotels, too.

We recommend trying Vietnam’s national dish, pho, which is a hearty noodle soup made with fresh vegetables, as well as trying juicy spring rolls wrapped in wafer-thin rice paper. Traditional Vietnamese food balances five key tastes — sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and spicy — and for an even deeper aroma, each dish comes with nuoc mam, a potent fish sauce, or mam tom, shrimp sauce.

We also recommend sampling ‘royal cuisine’ in Hue , a cuisine that harks back to the elaborate dishes created to impress the former Imperial court. We can arrange for you to visit the home of a local artisan chef there who’ll prepare a Vietnamese feast for you.

To drink, you can indulge in local coffee sweetened with a glug of condensed milk, a guaranteed pick-me-up after a morning of exploring. There are also a handful of local beers to try.

Tipping in Vietnam has become part of the culture, so we advise leaving a 10% tip at restaurants for good service in addition to any service charges. You should also tip guides, porters, drivers, and other service workers in Vietnam, preferably in local currency. The amount varies depending on how many people you travel with and the level of service provided, but we can go into more detail before you travel.

For the latest travel advice for Vietnam, including entry requirements, health information, and the safety and security situation, please refer to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website .

A trip to Vietnam blends dramatic forest-draped mountain scenery with historical towns and cities whose architecture showcases the country’s tangle of cultures. There are several UNESCO World Heritage Sites here, including the former imperial citadel of Hue and Champa Kingdom ruins at My Son , as well as a handful of jungle-blanketed national parks ideal for hiking and caving.

While Vietnam’s most notable sights might already be familiar to you, our specialists can help you get to know them more intimately. You could learn how to tend to one of Vietnam’s quintessential rice paddies with a local farmer , take a cooking class  in an ornate pagoda on the outskirts of Hue’s royal monuments, or take a peek into a previously covert location  in Ho Chi Minh City used to store the Viet Cong’s weapons during the Vietnam War.

There are a wide range of places to retreat to after a day of exploring in Vietnam, including beach resorts, heritage hotels, traditional junks, and city boutiques. For example, you could spend a night in a wooden merchant’s house in Hoi An , experience remote rural living at a homestay along the Mekong Delta , or rest your head at one of Vietnam’s most exclusive coastal resorts in Quy Nhon . There are also numerous boutique hotels right in the heart of Vietnam’s cities, so you can get up and go without needing to travel far.

Our specialists hand-pick every hotel in Vietnam , so they can help you explore and rest in a setting that suits you.

For a classic snapshot of Vietnam’s striking scenery and interlocking cultures, travel from Hanoi in the north down the coast to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in the south. Along the way, you can cruise around the limestone karst pillars jutting out of Halong Bay , gaze at the vibrant mosaiced roofs of Hue’s old town, wander in and out of the eclectic buildings of Hoi An, and zip around Hoi Chi Minh City  on a Vespa.

If you want to go further from the traditional path, our specialists can craft a more intrepid route for you. You could trek the village-dotted Tonkinese Alps , share a home-cooked meal with a Tay family  in their thatched-roof stilted house, or camp on the underground sands of a cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park .

It takes around 12–17 hours to fly from the UK to Hanoi in Vietnam. We recommend flying with Vietnam Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and a few other airlines, which we can advise on.

The time zone in Vietnam is GMT+7, and there’s no daylight saving time in the country, so the clocks stay the same all year round.

In Vietnam, we recommend taking private cars for short hops between cities and going by air if you want to get across the country because it’s expansive, stretching from China in the north to the Gulf of Thailand in the south. You can also take a traditional Vietnamese junk to cruise around uninhabited karst islands in the north, a luxury train through Central Vietnam’s forested countryside to the coast, or a private wooden sampan along the Mekong and into Cambodia to see the Khmer temples of Angkor .

British passport holders are permitted to travel in Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days. If you’re staying for longer than 45 days, you’ll need to apply for an e-visa. Irish passport holders will need to apply for a 90-day, multi-entry e-visa in advance of travel.

Your doctor can provide you with immunisation and antimalarial advice for Vietnam. You can also check the recommended vaccinations by visiting the Travel Health Pro website .

Just note that there’s a risk of Zika virus transmission in Vietnam, so if you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, please consult with your doctor for advice.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of your departure from Vietnam and have at least two blank pages. You should also get your passport stamped on arrival in Vietnam and when you leave to avoid any extra fees.

We recommend wearing light, loose clothing in Vietnam to keep cool and respect the culture because, in general, Vietnamese people dress very conservatively, especially in areas away from the main towns and cities.

When visiting Vietnam’s temples, you should dress conservatively, covering your knees and shoulders out of respect. In some temples, you will also need to remove your shoes before entering, but never point the soles of your feet toward Buddha images or other people. What’s more, you should never sit with your back to an altar, point at anything or anyone, or touch statues. It’s also respectful to refrain from talking while inside, but occasional whispering is fine.

There are many customs in Vietnam that will be different from your home country, but, thankfully, your expert guides will be there to help you navigate and understand them. For example, they might teach you how to greet local people in the traditional way, take part in festivities respectfully, or even how to avoid things that are considered back luck, like leaving your chopsticks sticking straight up in a bowl of rice.

Vietnam in pictures

Our expert guides to travelling in Vietnam

Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to Vietnam. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate Vietnam at its best.

Vietnam: why you should go

Southeast Asia specialist Alex explains why he thinks you should travel to Vietnam and shares footage from his recent trip across the country.

What to do in Vietnam: our highlights guide

Visit a floating market on the Mekong Delta, try your hand at woodcut painting in Hanoi, or explore Ho Chi Minh City by vintage sidecar. Our guide will help immerse you in the sights, people and landscapes of Vietnam.

Way down south — why you should journey deeper into Vietnam’s Mekong Delta

There’s so much to the Mekong Delta, you could spend an entire trip exploring it, trying everything from cycle tours to sampan cruises. Craig from our Vietnam team has curated a tour through the region based on his own experience.

Our top 9 experiences in Vietnam

A frequent visitor to the region, Southeast Asia specialist Will selects his top nine experiences from his travels across Vietnam. In a whistle-stop look across the country, picks include Ho Chi Minh City by Vespa, Mai Chau’s rice paddies and a secluded beach escape.

Vietnam family holidays

As a year-round destination you won't have to worry about taking the kids out of school to visit Vietnam. It's mostly malaria free and there are lots of activities on offer for all the family. You'll also be greeted with a warm welcome from the Vietnamese themselves.

A guide to Vietnam & Cambodia riverboat tours

Southeast Asia specialist Tom explains why travelling along the Mekong River is an ideal way to visit Vietnam and Cambodia in a single trip. Giving you time to take in floating villages and markets, the temples of Angkor, as well as Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh.

Luxury holidays in Vietnam

Vietnam is home to a range of properties that you can include in your luxury holiday. From boutique hotels with their French colonial architecture, to desert island hideaways only accessible by boat.

A food journey through Vietnam: bun cha to banh mi

Vietnam’s cuisine varies from being more salty in the north to spicier in the south. Country Specialist, Lauren, selects some of her top dishes and where to try them such as Vietnam’s national dish pho, bun cha in Hanoi and cao lau noodles in Hoi An.

Vietnam's best beach resorts

Bounded by the warm South China Sea, Vietnam’s sandy beaches are equal to any in the region. Add to this a range of sophisticated beach resorts and the scene is set for a quiet break in understated comfort. Vietnam specialist Mark picks his best of the bunch.

Honeymoons in Vietnam

The mighty Mekong River, fascinating hill tribes of the north, the epic scenery in Halong Bay... these are just a few of the reasons our country specialists recommend a honeymoon in Vietnam. Plan your perfect trip with us.

Discover more about Vietnam on our blog

New Year’s resolutions for 2024… with a travel twist

5 ways to find luxury travel

Celebrating our guides: the 10th anniversary Audley Guide Awards

Our pick: the best multi-country trips

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Still looking for ideas? If Vietnam has captured your interest, we think you might also like these destinations.

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Live fully in Vietnam

Vietnam opens its door widely to welcome visitors all around the world! Starting from 15th August 2023, Vietnam extends e-visa validity to 90 days and unilateral visa exemption will be valid in 45 days! We are more than happy to welcome you all here and admire our stunning landscapes, free your soul on white sandy beaches, experience our unique and beautiful culture and meet the people in the most friendly country. Particularly, to indulge in our scrumptious cuisine at Michelin rated restaurants or to join us in outstanding mega culture, music, sports and tourism events! Let’s live to the fullest in Vietnam!

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50+ Essential Vietnam Travel Tips You NEED Before You Go

I decided to sweat it out on a beach on the island of Phu Quoc to pass on my top Vietnam Travel Tips, via video.

My travel tips for Vietnam haven’t come lightly though. I’ve spent over six weeks there, have written 15 posts on this blog, and right now Google deems my two-week Vietnam itinerary so good I’m at number one if you search ‘two-weeks in Vietnam’ or similar. I’m also pretty high for my post on things to do in Vietnam – thanks to the bloggers I’ve featured.

So yeah, I like to think I know Vietnam, as much as you can after cycling through it from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City , and visiting twice.

I’ve had a think about everything you need to know before you travel Vietnam and it’s all here, with links to some of my other Vietnam advice from the last three years too. Honestly? One of my favourite countries.

Let’s do this…

My Vietnam Travel Tips

(Just hover over the bar and move the player to get to where you want to go)

• Airports (0:32)
• Money (1:37)
• Costs (2:07, bit more at 14:20)
• Hotels (2:45)
• Traffic (3:10)
• Overnight Trains (3:48)
• Mopeds (4:06)
• People (4:49)
• Westerners (6:00)
• Women (6:34)
• Family Life (7:28)
• Karaoke (7:56)
• Language (8:35)
• Tourism (9:44)
• Food (10:23)
• Booze (11:54)
• Shopping (12:47)
• Beauty (13:26)
• Where to Go (14:57)
• Wi-Fi (17:00)

Vietnam travel tips: airports

1. Sort your visa before you arrive for the quickest exit. You can spend 15 days in Vietnam visa free if you’re from the UK, any longer and you need to get a visa.

READ MORE VIETNAM ADVICE

Click here to read all my advice on travelling to Vietnam . I’ve got over 30 posts, so you’ll be well prepared! 

Interesting Facts About Vietnam to Know Before You Go

2. Make sure to use a Mia Linh or Vinasun taxi when you exit the airport. They’re the most recommended and they’re reliable. You can just hail them off the street – anyone who does it for you will charge.

3. If you’re coming into Hanoi, a taxi will be about 300,000 Dong into the Old Quarter and will take 45 minutes. It’ll probably feel like a really long way.

4. Coming into Ho Chi Minh City? It’ll be about 150,000 and 15 minutes to Pham Ngu Lao – the main backpacker area.

5. I found getting in and out of the airports I used – Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc – very easy. Arriving two hours before was fine.

Vietnam travel tips: money

6. You need to get to know the colours and value of the notes… money in Vietnam comes in thousands . Right now it’s about 40,000 dong to the pound, meaning you’re a millionaire with just £40. This is VERY confusing when it comes to paying and working out which notes to hand over.

7. Vietnam can be SO cheap, but of course you’re trading off time and comfort for that. How much you’re willing to sacrifice totally depends where you are in your travel life.

8. If the price you’re given, for anything, isn’t written down then it’s negotiable. Get your haggle on!

Accommodation in Vietnam

9. You can get hostel beds in the cities for around $5 – I can’t vouch for how good they are seeing as I’ve stayed in hotels, where a room starts at $13. Time to treat yourself right?

10. There are some incredible hotels in Vietnam – if you’re willing and able to spend £20 each a night, if there are two of you, your can live it up! Check out this post on some of the most unique places to stay in Vietnam to suit your budget. 

11. If it’s important to you, make sure to check your hotel has a lift. Most of the places I stayed in didn’t. Cue me wheezing as I climbed up six flights of stairs with my 20kg bag.    

Travelling Vietnam advice

12. One of the first things you’ll notice in travelling Vietnam is that the traffic is crazy, it’s tough to cross the road. In the cities you just need to go and trust that the motorbikes will go around you. Practice will give you confidence.

13. Overnight trains run up and down the country and they’re a fun way to get around. I’d definitely recommend you give one a try but please make sure you take your own pillow case. I was horrified to see that they don’t change them in between people – after I’d slept there for 12 hours, with a terrible cold.

Sorry next person .

READ MORE VIETNAM ADVICE

‘Sleeping’ on the Overnight Trains in Vietnam

14. Seems like everyone in Vietnam has a motorbike and you can rent one too. Personally I wouldn’t recommend them in the cities, but Hoi An would be fun and if you go to Phu Quoc you definitely should. So much fun.

15. The roads in Vietnam are crazy with cows and all sorts. Don’t be surprised if you have to divert round an ox as you try to get from A to B.

Vietnamese people (travel tips )

16. I’ve seen a few comments on blogs and sites about ‘scammy’ Vietnamese people and I absolutely wholeheartedly disagree . In my experience, everyone I met was so friendly. I’ve just done a two-week cycle ride with Intrepid through the Vietnamese countryside and people would come out with their children to say hi to us, absolutely no strings attached.

17. Generally, Vietnamese people are much smaller than Westerners, in fact they’re the smallest in South East Asia. So don’t be offended if you hear people refer to ‘Western size’.

“Average height of Vietnamese people aged 22-26 is 1.642 meters in men and 1.534 in women” – Prof. Dr Nguyen Cong Khan , head of the Science, Technology and Training Department under the Health Ministry. “The average man in England is 5ft 9in (175.3cm) tall and the average woman is 5ft 3in tall (161.6cm).” – BBC News

16. Women do it all in Vietnam. Apparently it’s starting to change but you’ll see the women carrying, caring, cleaning and working. Life as a woman in Vietnam is very hard and they die much earlier than men. As one male tour leader told us, ‘from exhaustion’. This is all down to a Chinese teacher and philosopher called Confucius . Read up on him if you want to know more, but from what I’ve heard he’s a sexist, psychotic, megalomaniac.

17. Different generations of families all live together as standard. The youngest son is expected to stay with his family, bringing his wife and kids into the home, while the oldest one would traditionally go and serve the country.

18. Vietnamese people love karaoke. Love it . Even in the deepest countryside you’ll find karaoke places. In Ho Chi Minh City in particular I saw older guys with their own karaoke machines going up and down the street singing at the top of their lungs, totally tunelessly without a care as to whether anyone was enjoying it or not.

19. Women wear twinsets pyjamas by day. I’m not entirely sure they are pyjamas but that’s the best way to describe them. Very matchy matchy, they look super comfy.

Vietnamese travel tips: language 

20. You’re going to have to get your best pointing finger out because English is not widely understood here. I mean, you’ll get by, don’t worry, but don’t expect any long D&Ms. Our Intrepid tour leader was awesome and I learnt a lot about Vietnam from him, but I didn’t really meet anyone else to talk to.

So, if you want my Vietnam advice, I’d say you need to learn some Vietnamese.

21. Vietnamese language is all about the intonation – the same written word without all the accents could mean a number of things which can get confusing.

22. The longest word is only 5 letters long, except for Nguyen – half of the Vietnamese population have this as a surname.

23. How to say ‘thank you’ – ‘cam on’ (like cam as in Camembert and on as in on, watch the video above to avoid making a mistake!)

24. How to say ‘hello’ – ‘Xin Chao’ (said like zin chow).

25. Oh and ‘yum yum’ means ‘I’m horny’, so I was told. Be careful.

Tourism in Vietnam 

26. Tourism is the big business in Vietnam, and it’s only getting bigger. So go now . Tourism in January 2017 is up 23.6% on January 2016. That’s crazy! There are big plans by the government to get Vietnam up in the leagues of Thailand. In 2016 there were 10 million tourists to Vietnam, while Thailand had 32.6 million – still a way to go, but with all the development, it’ll happen.

27. Given the positioning and length of Vietnam, there’s a lot of coastline to explore. And other countries are interested in having some presence there too. Vietnam’s coastline is being redeveloped with loans coming in from all over the place – mainly Russia. When it comes to booking try and choose Vietnamese places to keep the money with the locals.

READ MORE: Where to Go in Vietnam

28. Wi-Fi is everywhere in Vietnam. On my Intrepid Cycle Vietnam trip I’d be in the middle of nowhere and there’d be a connection from a local garage or house that’d left it open. The cities have public connection too – strong enough for your Facebook and Instagram updates.  

Food and drink in Vietnam

29. Banh mi and pho are the most popular dishes for tourists visiting Vietnam, but check out my article on the top things to eat in Vietnam to widen your palate. Save the article to your phone so you have it ready for action.

30. Do a street food tour in either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to experience more of the Vietnamese foody repertoire. Do it at the start of your trip so you have more time to go back to the places you liked the best. Get your money’s worth!

31. It’s rice for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Vietnam. Speaking of breakfast, if there’s ever a Western option I’d recommend you avoid it. It won’t be the croissant and delicious muesli you dream of, guaranteed. Go East, it’s what you’re there for.

32. Some of my favourites Vietnamese foods for you to try:

• Try Bao Xeo – shrimp and beansprouts wrapped in a pancake.
• Fresh spring rolls – shrimp and veggies wrapped in rice paper
• BBQ – choose your meats and cook them in front of you, or ask the waitress to do it ,
• Egg coffee – coffee, with egg…
• Claypots, we’d call them stews or curries

– it’s all DELICIOUS .

33. You can get a glass of beer for 5,000 VND in Vietnam, that’s about 20p . You need to look out for the signs for ‘bia hoi’. This is their fresh beer that’s brewed that day and needs to be used that day too. It’s good stuff!

If you prefer to drink out of bottles than kegs you’re looking at around 20,000 VND, still less than a £1 for a Hanoi or Saigon beer.

34. Every region has its own fare to try so if in doubt when you’re in a restaurant, ask what the local dish is and go for that.

35. Wine is horrible in Vietnam. Well, the Dalat wine I tried was. Undrinkable. Stick to beer. Or it’s super sugary questionable cocktails for you.

36. Don’t drink out the taps. A 500ml water is 6,000 Dong in the shops, around 21p, and 10,000 if you take it from your mini bar. Try and drink the bigger 1.5 litre bottles to save money and on plastic waste.

37. I didn’t use any public toilets, but I did just walk into hotels I wasn’t staying at and use theirs. No one minded. Sometimes toilets will be long drops but most of them now are Western style.

Shopping and spending in Vietnam 

38. There are cash machines everywhere and if you’re sticking to the main cities you’ll have no problem. They charge around 30,000 Dong to withdraw from (£1) plus your bank fees.

39. You can get a pair of ‘Nikes’ for 200,000 (£7) sports branded bags for 100,000 (£3.50) and tailor made shirts for 300,000 (£10.62). If you want to know the best souvenirs to buy in Vietnam, click here.

40. In Hoi An you can get shoes, suits and other clothes tailor made. Check out my post on my blog on how much I spent in Hoi An (coming) to find out what I paid. If you have a particular pair of trousers, or any item of clothing, you really like, you can take it along and they’ll replicate it.

41. Beauty treatments are so cheap in the cities. I paid 200,000 (£7) for an 80-minute hot stone massage, 180,000 (£6.37) for a shellac, and 50,000 (£1.77) for a pedicure. Go nuts!

42. You can get your laundry done in Ho Chi Minh City for 10,000 a kg (35p).

43. Most historical and cultural attractions are either free or around 40,000 (£1.42) to get in.

Where to go in Vietnam advice

44. Wait till you get to Vietnam to book your tours and excursions, you’ll get them a lot cheaper.

45. There are a few sides to Vietnam I’d love you to include in your itinerary – beach, city and countryside. Make sure you get all three in yeah?

46. There’s so much diversity in the locations in Vietnam. Here’s a super quick run down of what each place has to offer…

Hanoi is an old city, Ho Chi Minh is new. Hue has a huge palace, Hoi An a strong influence from the French and some would say too touristy, I say lovely.  Phu Quoc is where the Vietnamese go on holiday, Mui Ne where the kite surfers go. Nha Trang is another holiday place, popular for its mud baths while Qui Nhon is super modern. Sapa is for hikers, Halong Bay to sail and Mai Chau  for the home stays.

Here are the top Vietnam landmarks to include in your trip.

Check out my two-week Vietnam itinerary on my blog to find out more, or just ask me in the comments below – always happy to help!

Check the prices for your Vietnam buses , trains, flights and ferries here… 

Pin these Vietnam travel tips for later

More blog posts on Vietnam

If these Vietnam travel tips haven’t quite quenched your thirst for knowledge, or answered your questions, then check out some of my other posts on Vietnam here…

• Where to Go in Vietnam
• Two-Week Itinerary for Vietnam
• Halong Bay: The Most Beautiful Place in the World?
• Best Things to Do in Vietnam According to 11 Travel Bloggers
• My Friend is Not a Sex Tourist
• What Vietnam Was Like, For Me
• Ever Drank Weasel Poo Coffee?
• ‘Sleeping’ on the Overnight Trains in Vietnam
• Visiting the Egg Mud Baths in Nha Trang
• 9 of the Most Beautiful Beaches in Vietnam for Sunbathing
• The Craziest Things I Saw in Hanoi

Related Posts:

• My Tips for Travelling Vietnam Solo
• The Ultimate Vietnamese Adventure: Hiring a Motorbike
• Unique Places to Stay in Vietnam
• 9 Most Beautiful & Best Beaches in Vietnam for Sunbathing
• 12 Interesting Facts About Vietnam to Know Before You Go

Hi, I'm Vicky! I wrote this. You can find me on all the social media @VickyFlipFlop. I love a bit of adventure, will try anything once, and have a strong passion for the local food and drink, whatever it may be. I'm here to help inspire you to travel to places a little out of your comfort zone, or at least to explore the usual destinations in a different way. Stay, have a look around, and if you have any questions – let me know below.

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Travel Vaccines and Advice for Vietnam

Vietnam has become a popular tourist destination.

Visitors looking to be swept away by gorgeous landscape will be can see jungles, caves, grottoes, and immence limestone pillars. Those looking to explore new flavours and foods will be thrilled with the delicious, on the cheap street food.

Even those looking to experience a new culture will be able to indulge in Vietnam’s peculiar blend of Confucianism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Southern Chinese, and French influences.

Do I Need Vaccines for Vietnam?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Vietnam. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Vietnam: hepatitis A , hepatitis B , typhoid , Japanese encephalitis , rabies , cholera and tetanus .

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:

• Hepatitis A – Food & Water – Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated.
• Hepatitis B – Blood & Body Fluids – Recommended for travellers to most regions.
• Tetanus – Wounds or Breaks in Skin – Recommended for travellers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated.
• Typhoid – Food & Water – Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator.
• Japanese Encephalitis – Mosquito – Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. Recommended for extended travel, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Present throughout country, especially northern regions. Most cases from May to October.
• Rabies – Saliva of Infected Animals – High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
• Cholera – Food & Water – Recommended for travel to most regions.

See the tables below for more information:

Travellers should also take steps to avoid mosquito bites. Share your itinerary with a travel medicine specialist to see if there are other steps you can take to prevent malaria , including taking prescription medicine. Antimalarials are highly recommended when visiting rural areas.

Japanese encephalitis vaccination is recommended for many travellers going to Vietnam. The mosquito-borne virus is potentially deadly and poses a risk to all travellers.

See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now .

Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Vietnam?

UK citizens may enter Vietnam for up to 15 days without a visa. Longer stays require an eVisa. Passports must be valid for at least six months. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present.

Sources: Embassy of Vietnam and GOV.UK

What is the Climate Like in Vietnam?

There are various climate zones within Vietnam. The far north experiences a dry season from October to March and a wet season from April to September. It can get particularly cold during December and January, but is otherwise pleasant.

In north Vietnam there are four distinct seasons: winter, where temperatures reach below 20.

In central Vietnam the weather is hot and dry from mid-January to late August. During the winter there is significant rainfall, occasionally typhoons, and much cooler temperatures.

In South Vietnam the temperatures are constant all year. There is a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to November.

How Safe is Vietnam?

Crime does occur in Vietnam and the Overseas Security Advisory Council ranks Hanoi as medium in Overall Crime and Safety Situation.

Petty crime, such as pick-pocketing and theft occurs often. Travelling alone after dark is not recommended. Violent crime has been growing, mostly in urban areas.

Scams are common. Foreign travellers should be very careful, particularly when entering motor-bike taxis, as there are many fake ones.

Visiting the Củ Chi Tunnels

The Củ Chi tunnels are a huge network of underground tunnels located in Ho Chi Minh City. They are a small part of a network of tunnels that exist under most of Vietnam. The tunnels played a great importance during many wars and battles. The government of Vietnam has turned the Củ Chi tunnels into a war memorial park.

Visitors can crawl into the tunnels and see the various traps that soldiers rigged to protect themselves. One can even visit underground conference rooms where various military campaigns were planned. Above ground, visitors can see monkeys or visit a shooting range.

What Should I Take To Vietnam?

Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Indonesia:

• Money Belt – These are a great way to avoid pickpocketing whilst in Vietnam.
• Mosquito Repellent – Mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases are common in many parts of Vietnam. Ensure you’re protected from these insects whilst travelling.
• Walking Shoes – Visitors can walk the streets to explore the street vendors or beautiful wildlife, making good shoes a must.

Embassy of the United Kingdom in Vietnam

If you are in Vietnam and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.

British Embassy Hanoi 25 Le Duan Street, District 1 Ho Chi Minh Vietnam Telephone: +84 (0)24 3936 0500 Emergency Phone: +84 (0) 24 3936 0500 Fax: +84 (0)24 3936 0561 Contact Form: Click Here

If you have any questions about travelling to Vietnam or are wondering which jabs you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment by calling or book online today .

On This Page: Do I Need Vaccines for Vietnam? Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Vietnam? What is the Climate Like in Vietnam? How Safe is Vietnam? Visiting the Củ Chi Tunnels What Should I Take To Vietnam? Embassy of the United Kingdom in Vietnam

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Brits warned to prepare for airport delay ‘bottlenecks’ over summer holidays

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If you’re travelling abroad this summer, you may want to prepare for disruption at the airport.

ABTA, the UK association for tour operators and travel agents, warned holidaymakers to do their homework around hand luggage liquid rules or face ‘unnecessary delays ’ going through security,

British airports were set to scrap the 100ml limit by June 1 this year, but the Government has extended the deadline due to issues with implementing new scanners.

While already in effect at London City Airport and projected to be introduced at the likes of Bristol, Edinburgh and Leeds Bradford by the end of 2024, it could be 2025 before Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester roll out the update.

With that in mind, Luke Petherbridge, director of public affairs at ABTA, said: ‘our best advice is to prepare for your travels with the existing rules in mind.’

He added: ‘That way, you’ll be ready to comply whatever the scenario, avoiding any unnecessary delays through security and any difficulties when returning from your destination.

‘You can also check with your airport in advance, and we’d also recommend checking with your return airport too.’

If you do turn up with a cabin bag full of lotions and potions, you’ll be asked to leave them behind or pay extra to check your luggage into the hold (which could total over £100 for a return journey). Either way, it’s a costly error that could make you public enemy number one in the check-in queue.

The Department for Transport told Metro.co.uk it was unable to reveal which airports would miss the deadline for security reasons, but Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, assured passengers that the deadline extensions shouldn’t cause further delays and would ‘ensure simplicity and ease during this transition.’

How do the new airport security scanners work?

These updated machines use advanced X-ray technology (similar to that of hospital CT scanners) to create layered, 3D images of luggage contents. 

The images are more detailed than those produced by traditional X-rays and staff can rotate and zoom to get a better look at what’s inside. As such, it means passengers are permitted to leave items like electronics in their bag as it passes through the conveyer belt and take full-size shampoo bottles without worries of getting stopped by security.

That’s not the only issue affecting summer getaways either. High demand and problems with aircraft production at Boeing and Airbus could also put a spanner in the works.

The travel industry expects demand to surpass pre-pandemic levels this year, with 4.7 billion people expected to travel in 2024 compared to 4.5 billion in 2019.

However, since carriers are expected to receive 19% fewer aircraft than planned amid reduced availability from the major manufacturers, some summer routes are already being cut.

Add ongoing air traffic control staff shortages to the mix and we could experience a repeat of the chaotic scenes at airports during last year’s summer holiday season.

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One controller told i there could be ‘bottlenecks’ of delays flights if teams don’t have capacity, while a Ryanair spokesperson said: ‘Air traffic control continues to be an inefficient shambles which threatens passengers’ travel plans.’

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France, India, Russia, UK issue travel warnings over Israel-Iran tensions

Warnings come as Tehran promises reprisals against Israel for the deadly April 1 attack on an Iranian consulate in Syria.

Countries including France, India, Russia, Poland and the United Kingdom have warned their citizens against travelling to Israel, the occupied Palestinian territories and, in some cases, the wider region amid threats of an Iranian attack in response to a strike this month on its consulate in Damascus.

Iran has threatened reprisals against Israel over the strike in the Syrian capital on April 1, which killed seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members, including two generals, leading to fears of an escalation of violence in the Middle East.

Keep reading

Iran’s khamenei promises ‘israel will be punished’ for syria strike, who was mohammad reza zahedi, an iranian general killed by israel in syria, irgc warns israel attacks ‘won’t go unanswered’ as iran marks al-quds day, tensions rise amid expectations of iran retaliation against israel.

The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs on Friday advised its citizens against travelling to Iran, Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian territories.

In a statement on the social media platform X, the ministry added that relatives of Iran-based diplomats will return to France and French civil servants are now banned from conducting any missions in the countries and territories in question.

The UK told its citizens to avoid all but essential travel to Israel and Palestine over the “possibility of an attack on Israeli territory from Iran”.

In an update, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office warned against “all travel” to northern Israel, the Gaza Strip, areas near Gaza and the occupied West Bank – excluding occupied East Jerusalem and Route 1 between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Russia strongly recommended its citizens “refrain from travelling to the region”, emphasising security risks in Israel, Lebanon and Palestine.

“The situation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone as well as in the area of the ‘Blue Line’ between Lebanon and Israel remains unstable,” its Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Poland’s Foreign Ministry also advised against travel to Israel, Palestine and Lebanon.

“It cannot be ruled out that there will be a sudden escalation of military operations, which would cause significant difficulties in leaving these three countries,” it said in a statement. “Any escalation may lead to significant restrictions in air traffic and the inability to cross land border crossings.”

India’s statement covered Iran and Israel, calling on Indians not to go to the two countries until further notice in view of the “prevailing situation in the region”.

The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi said Indian citizens who are in the two countries should observe “utmost precautions about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum”.

Germany meanwhile warned its citizens to leave Iran specifically, saying escalating tensions could affect exit routes.

“In the current tensions, especially between Israel and Iran, there is a risk of a sudden escalation,” the Foreign Office said. “German citizens are at concrete risk of being arbitrarily arrested and interrogated and being given long prison sentences. Dual citizens with Iranian and German nationality are especially at risk,” it added.

Separately, German flagship airline Lufthansa extended its suspension of flights to and from Tehran until Thursday and will not use Iranian airspace during that time.

Real and viable threat, US says

The United States has restricted its employees in Israel and their family members from personal travel outside the greater Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Beersheba areas.

An imminent attack by Iran on Israel is a “real” and “viable” threat, US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told journalists on Friday, adding that Washington would make sure the Israelis “have what they need and that they’re able to defend themselves”.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, President Joe Biden said: “We are devoted to the defence of Israel. We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel, and Iran will not succeed.”

The top US commander for the Middle East, General Erik Kurilla, is also in Israel for talks with its military officials on security threats. His trip was moved up from a previously scheduled date “due to recent developments”, Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder said on Thursday.

After Kurilla discussed the tensions with Iran with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Friday, Gallant said the US and Israel were “shoulder to shoulder” in facing possible threats.

“We are prepared to defend ourselves on the ground and in the air, in close cooperation with our partners, and we will know how to respond,” the defence chief added.

The Wall Street Journal, quoting a person familiar with the matter, reported on Thursday that Israel was preparing for an attack by Iran as soon as Friday or Saturday.

Al Jazeera’s Hamdah Salhut, reporting from East Jerusalem, said the Israeli army announced that it was preparing on all fronts offensively and defensively.

“A couple of weeks ago, the Israelis increased their alertness level, calling up reservists and bolstering air defence systems,” she said, adding that Israeli officials said they were prepared for anything.

Israel has bombarded the Gaza Strip since October 7 and sent in ground forces, killing at least 33,600 Palestinians and injuring more than 76,000. Hamas’s October 7 attacks on southern Israel killed more than 1,100 people there.

Israel has also stepped up strikes against Iranian personnel and allies in Syria and Lebanon and has traded near daily cross-border fire with the Lebanese group Hezbollah since the start of the war.

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UK’s worst airport for delayed flights named and shamed

The analysis took into account all scheduled and chartered departures from the 22 commercial uk airports, article bookmarked.

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The worst airports in the UK for flight delays last year have been ranked.

The average delay for flights across all airports was almost 20 minutes and 42 seconds, down from 23 minutes and 12 seconds in 2022, when the aviation sector struggled to cope with a surge in demand for holidays following the end of coronavirus travel restrictions.

The analysis took into account all scheduled and chartered departures from the 22 commercial UK airports with at least 1,000 outbound flights last year. Cancellations were not included.

Departures from the Gatwick were an average of nearly 27 minutes behind schedule in 2023, according to analysis of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) data by the PA news agency.

The airport, which is the second-busiest in the UK, was badly affected by air traffic control (ATC) staff shortages across Europe last year, and repeatedly suffered the same problem in its own control tower.

Gatwick said in a statement it is “working closely with our airline partners to improve on-time performance”.

Luton airport had the second poorest punctuality record last year, with an average delay of almost 23 minutes.

In third place was Manchester airport , at nearly 22 minutes.

Belfast City (George Best) airport had the best performance, with a typical delay of 12-and-a-half minutes.

Naomi Leach, deputy editor of consumer magazine Which? Travel, said: “It’s clear from these latest figures that millions of passengers continued to experience unacceptably long hold-ups last year.

“This cannot be allowed to become the new normal.”

CAA director Tim Johnson said it is vital the aviation sector “focuses on resilience” ahead of the summer holiday period to “keep passenger disruption to a minimum”.

He added: “Where people do find themselves facing disruption, we want them to be well-informed about the duty of care that they are entitled to.”

Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, a network of independent travel agents, said flight disruption is “always incredibly frustrating”.

She continued: “Any delay can have significant knock-on effects to both leisure and business travellers.

“With millions of Brits set to travel abroad this summer, it’s vital for the UK’s airports alongside all parts of the travel eco-system to continually work together to ensure the system is as efficient as it can be.”

When flights are significantly delayed or cancelled, airlines are required under consumer laws to provide passengers with assistance such as refreshments, a means of communication and overnight accommodation if required.

If the cause of disruption is under an airline’s control, passengers are also due compensation of up to £520 depending on the length of the delay and the distance of the flight.

But air traffic control (ATC) issues are generally considered to be an “extraordinary circumstance”, meaning affected passengers are not entitled to payouts.

Gatwick said in a statement: “As the most efficient single runway airport in the world, we aim to deliver a seamless passenger experience.

“The majority of cancellations are caused by poor weather, airspace constraints across Europe and inefficient third party ground operations.

“We are working closely with our airline partners to improve on-time performance.

“In addition, we have published a six-year capital investment programme setting out significant improvements to develop and enhance infrastructure and facilities to build the resilience of the airport.”

A spokesperson for trade body the Airport Operators Association said: “Airports work extremely hard to minimise delays while providing a positive, safe and secure experience for passengers.

“These figures do not provide any of the context around operating in a global environment and do not give the travelling public a clear picture of how air travel operates.”

Gatwick imposed a temporary cap on flights in September 2023 in an attempt to reduce the number of short-notice cancellations and delays due to staff shortages in its ATC tower.

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