Explore
Vietnam with our complete travel guide, packed with essential country
information, top attractions, cultural insights, and practical tips
to plan your trip confidently and experience the best of Vietnam.
Country: Vietnam
Continent / Region: Asia / Southeast Asia
Capital City: Hanoi
Government Type: Socialist Republic (One-party state)
Population: Approx. 100 million
Official Language(s): Vietnamese
Percentage of Population Who Speak English: ~40% in major cities
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Time Zone (GMT): GMT+7
Driving Side: Right
Electric Plug Type / Voltage: Type A/C/F – 220V
Adapter Needed: UK travellers require a plug adapter
Emergency Numbers: 113 (Police), 114 (Fire), 115 (Ambulance)
Travel Time from the UK (London): 11–13 hours (usually 1 stop)
Best Time/Months to Travel: November–April (dry season; varies by region)
Main International Airports:
- Visa Requirements: Varies by nationality
- Visa Needed for UK Citizens: 45-day visa-free entry (as of recent updates)
- Visa Duration / Cost: 45 days visa-free; e-Visas available for longer stays
- Vaccinations Needed: Hepatitis A, Typhoid recommended; check for Dengue risk
Embassy Information (UK Embassy in Vietnam):
Average Daily Costs: £20 / £40 / £100+
Tipping Culture: Not traditional but appreciated (5–10%)
Public Transport Options: Buses, taxis, Grab, trains, domestic flights
Approx. Cost of Single Fare: 7,000–15,000 VND (bus), 15,000–25,000 VND per km (taxi)
Internet / SIM Availability: Excellent 4G/5G; Viettel, Vinaphone, Mobifone
Main Climate Type: Tropical monsoon (north and south differ)
Average Temperature: North: 10–20°C winter, 25–33°C summer; South: 25–35°C year-round
Major Cities: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hue, Nha Trang, Hoi An
Natural Attractions: Ha Long Bay, Phong Nha Caves, Sapa rice terraces, Mekong Delta, beaches and jungles
Popular Destinations: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Da Nang, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Phu Quoc
Main Religions: Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, folk religions
Cultural Etiquette / Customs:
Cuisine Highlights: Pho, banh mi, bun cha, spring rolls, cao lau, egg coffee, fresh seafood
Local Festivals:
Famous Landmarks: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Imperial City Hue, My Son Sanctuary, Cu Chi Tunnels (Ho Chi Minh City)
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe; use caution in busy areas
Common Scams: Taxi meter scams, motorbike rental scams, fake tours
Health Risks: Mosquito-borne illnesses, heat, and humidity
Recommended Clinics: International hospitals in Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang
Insurance Recommendation: Strongly advised; medical care can be costly for tourists
Internet Speed: Strong 4G/5G across major cities
Useful Phrases:
Must-See Attractions: Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh karsts, Hoi An Ancient Town, Sapa mountains, Cu Chi Tunnels, Phong Nha caves
Unique Experiences: Night markets, lantern-making in Hoi An, floating markets (Mekong Delta), motorbike tours, cooking classes
Hidden Gems: Ha Giang Loop, Cham Islands, Bai Tu Long Bay, Quy Nhon, Phong Nha rural villages
Popular Areas to Stay: Hanoi Old Quarter, HCMC District 1, Hoi An Ancient Town, Da Nang Beachfront, Nha Trang Centre
Average Hotel Prices: £15 / £30 / £80+
Book A Hotel: You can book your accommodation right here.
Nightlife Areas: Bui Vien Street (HCMC), Ta Hien Beer Street (Hanoi), Da Nang Riverside
Local Drinks: Vietnamese coffee, fresh beer (bia hơi), rice wine
Entertainment: Night markets, rooftop bars, live music, river cruises
Car Rental: Not common; drivers usually hired instead
Domestic Flights: Frequent and affordable
Trains: Popular routes include Hanoi–Da Nang and Hanoi–Sapa
Taxi / Rideshare Costs: Grab highly recommended; taxis inexpensive
Best Markets: Ben Thanh Market, Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoi An Night Market, Dong Ba Market (Hue)
Popular Souvenirs: Silk lanterns, coffee, spices, ceramics, embroidered clothing, bamboo crafts
Local SIM Card Providers: Viettel, Vinaphone, Mobifone
Typical Business Hours: 8 a.m.–9 p.m. (daily)
Tap Water Safety: Not safe to drink; use bottled water
Local Apps to Download:
Did You Know?
Vietnam has 54 ethnic groups, making it one of the most culturally diverse countries in Asia.