Vietnam FAQ's

Thinking of travelling to Vietnam?

From the lively streets of Hanoi to the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An, the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay and the waterways of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam is a country full of contrast and colour. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning to explore more, our FAQs answer the most common questions about travelling to Vietnam from the UK.

If you’re still deciding where to go, have a look at our Vietnam holidays, including our popular South to North Vietnam tour, with the option to extend to Angkor Wat in Cambodia or Luang Prabang in Laos.

Before You Go

Q: Do I need a visa to travel to Vietnam from the UK?

A: British citizens can visit Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days. For longer stays, apply for an e-Visa online at a cost before you travel. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your return. Citizens of other countries, including Ireland, may need a visa. Always check the latest entry requirements before you go.

Q: What vaccinations do I need for Vietnam?

A: Please consult your GP or a travel health clinic about recommended vaccinations before travelling. You can also find up-to-date advice on the NaTHNaC website.

Q: When is the best time to visit Vietnam?

A: The best time depends on your route. The north (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay) is dry and cooler from October to April. The centre (Hue, Hoi An) is warm year-round but wetter between September and December. The south (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta) is hot throughout the year, with rain from May to October.

Q: What should I pack for a holiday in Vietnam?

A: Light, breathable clothing such as cotton or linen is ideal for Vietnam’s warm and often humid climate. Loose-fitting clothes help keep you comfortable, especially in the south and along the coast. If you are visiting the north or the central highlands, bring a jumper or light jacket for cooler evenings, as temperatures can drop at night, particularly from December to February. A lightweight waterproof or poncho is useful during the rainy months, as showers can appear suddenly.

Comfortable shoes or sandals are essential for walking tours, exploring markets and sightseeing. When visiting temples, pagodas or rural areas, modest clothing is important; both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees, and you may be asked to remove your shoes before entering religious sites. A scarf or light shawl is handy for covering up when needed and can also be used for sun protection.

If your holiday includes a Ha Long Bay cruise, time at the beach in Hoi An, or hotels with pools, remember to bring swimwear and a light cover-up. Insect repellent is also recommended, especially in rural areas, and sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are essential for daytime exploring.

Practical Information

Q: What is the currency in Vietnam?

A: The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Cash is widely used, though cards are accepted in hotels and larger shops. ATMs are common in towns and cities. Keep smaller notes handy for markets. Taxis, and tips.

Q: What should I know about local customs and etiquette?

A: Vietnamese people are friendly, polite and respectful, and visitors are warmly welcomed. When visiting temples or pagodas, dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before entering. Avoid touching anyone’s head, as it is considered impolite, and use both hands when giving or receiving something as a sign of respect. Public displays of affection are uncommon, and it’s best to behave discreetly in religious or rural areas.

The cost of living in Vietnam is low compared to the UK, so tipping is an important way to show appreciation for good service. A small tip is always welcome when eating out, having drinks, or using local services such as taxis and guides.

Wages in Vietnam are low compared to the UK, so tipping is an important way to show appreciation for good service. A small tip is always welcome when eating out, having drinks, or using local services such as taxis and guides.

Q: Is English widely spoken in Vietnam?

A: English is spoken in hotels, restaurants and tourist areas, though it’s less common in rural places. Locals are welcoming and eager to help, and many signs in towns and cities are in both Vietnamese and English.

Q: What is the tipping culture in Vietnam?

A: Tipping is common in tourist areas. If you receive good service, you may want to leave a tip, although this is completely at your discretion. In restaurants, around 5-10% is usual, although service is sometimes included. If you want to tip your guides, around $3-5 per person per day is usual if you are in a group, and around half of this for drivers.

Health and Safety

Q: Is Vietnam safe to travel to?

A: Yes, Vietnam is considered a very safe country to visit, with low crime rates and welcoming people. Petty theft can occasionally occur in busy areas, so it’s sensible to keep an eye on your belongings and avoid carrying valuables in open bags. Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps such as Grab for convenience and safety. Roads can be busy, especially in cities where motorbikes outnumber cars, so take care when crossing and follow the locals’ lead. Pavements are often used for parking or seating, so be prepared to step into the road when walking through city streets.

Q: What happens if I get ill while in Vietnam?

A: If you feel unwell, let your guide or hotel staff know straight away. Medical facilities in major cities are good and English-speaking doctors are available. In rural areas, facilities can be basic, so travel insurance that covers medical treatment and repatriation is essential.

Connectivity and Communication

Q: What are the options for mobile data and SIM cards?

A: Most hotels, cafés and restaurants in Vietnam offer reliable Wi-Fi. If your UK mobile plan does not include roaming in Vietnam, you can stay connected by purchasing a local SIM card or an eSIM. Local networks such as Viettel, Vinaphone and Mobifone offer good coverage throughout the country, and you’ll need your passport to register.  Alternatively, you can set up an eSIM before you travel using providers such as Airalo, which allows you to download a data plan directly to your phone. It’s an easy option that saves you time at the airport and avoids the need for a physical SIM card.

 Getting Around

Q: How do I get around in Vietnam?

A: Travelling around Vietnam is relatively easy, with plenty of options depending on distance, comfort and budget. Domestic flights are the quickest way to cover long distances, such as between Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Hanoi, with several daily services and good reliability. Trains are a scenic and relaxing way to see the country, particularly along the coastal route between Hue and Da Nang, although they are slower than flying. For shorter journeys, taxis are widely available in all major cities, and Grab, Vietnam’s version of Uber, is a convenient way to book both cars and motorbikes directly from your phone. In smaller towns, you’ll also find Easyriders, local motorbike drivers who can take you on short rides or guided tours, offering a great way to see the countryside.

If you’re travelling with Llama Travel, all your transport is included in your holiday. This covers private air-conditioned vehicles for transfers and sightseeing, and internal flights featured in the itinerary.

Food and Drink

Q: What’s the food like in Vietnam?

A: Vietnamese food is fresh, light and full of flavour, with plenty of herbs, noodles and rice-based dishes. Popular favourites include phở (noodle soup), bánh mì (crispy baguette sandwiches) and bún chả (grilled pork with noodles). Street food is a big part of local life, and the general rule is that the smaller the chair, the cheaper (and often better) the meal. If you want to eat like Anthony Bourdain, try Bún chả Hương Liên for the cheapest Michelin guide meal you’ll ever have!

Many places specialise in just one dish, so you might go to one place for phở, another for bánh mì and somewhere else for bún chả. It’s a great way to eat like a local and sample authentic flavours. Vegetarian options are easy to find, though some dishes include fish sauce, so it’s worth asking. And don’t miss a glass of strong Vietnamese coffee, usually served with condensed milk.

Q: Can I drink tap water in Vietnam?

A: It’s safest to drink bottled or filtered water. Many hotels provide refill stations. Ice in good hotels and restaurants is usually safe, but check locally if you’re unsure.

What to See

Q: What are the highlights of Vietnam?

A: Vietnam is full of variety, from its historic cities to its beautiful countryside. In the north, Hanoi’s Old Quarter is packed with character and Ha Long Bay is known for its striking limestone islands, best explored on an overnight cruise. In the centre, Hue offers impressive royal tombs and temples, while Hoi An is famous for its lantern-lit streets and riverside cafés. In the south, Ho Chi Minh City is lively and full of history, with markets, museums and great food. A boat trip through the Mekong Delta gives a glimpse of rural life, with floating markets and small villages along the waterways.

Q: How many days do I need for a Vietnam holiday?

A: Around 10–14 days gives you enough time to see the main highlights at a relaxed pace, travelling from south to north or vice versa.

Q: Where should I go in Hanoi?

A: Hanoi is best explored on foot, starting in the Old Quarter, where narrow streets are lined with market stalls, small cafés and shops that each specialise in a single trade. Hoan Kiem Lake is a central landmark and a pleasant place for a morning or evening walk. The Temple of Literature, founded in 1070, offers a quiet look at Vietnam’s scholarly past, while the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and nearby Presidential Palace provide insight into the country’s modern history. The Museum of Ethnology is also worth visiting for a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s many ethnic groups. In the evening, a traditional water puppet performance offers an enjoyable glimpse into local storytelling traditions.

Q: Where should I go in Lan Ha Bay?

A: The best way to experience Lan Ha Bay is on an overnight cruise. Sail among limestone islands, kayak through caves, and watch the sun set over the water.

Q: Where should I go in Hue?

A: Hue was once the imperial capital of Vietnam and remains one of the country’s most historic cities. The main attraction is the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex of palaces, temples and gates surrounded by moats and walls. Along the Perfume River, you’ll find the Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s oldest, and the royal tombs of the Nguyen emperors, each set in peaceful landscaped gardens. The city’s central market is good for local food and souvenirs, and a short boat ride on the river offers lovely views of Hue’s traditional life along the banks.

Q: Where should I go in Hoi An?

A: Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most atmospheric towns, known for its well-preserved architecture and relaxed pace. The Ancient Town is best explored on foot, with highlights including the Japanese Covered Bridge, traditional merchant houses and small family temples. The central market is lively in the mornings, and the riverside is lovely for a walk or a short boat trip, especially at sunset. Hoi An is also famous for its tailors, who can make clothes to order in just a day or two. At night, the streets glow with colourful lanterns, and nearby An Bang Beach offers a quiet spot to swim.

Q: What can I see at the My Son Jungle Temples?

A: The My Son Sanctuary is one of Vietnam’s most important archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in a lush valley near Hoi An, it was once the spiritual centre of the Cham civilisation. Wander among red-brick temples and towers dating back over 1,000 years, many dedicated to Hindu gods. Visiting with a guide brings the site to life, explaining the symbolism, history and remarkable construction techniques used by the Cham people.

Q: Where should I go in Ho Chi Minh City?

A: Still often called Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest and busiest city, combining French colonial architecture with a fast-paced modern energy. Key sights include the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and the War Remnants Museum, which offers a powerful look at Vietnam’s recent history. The Central Post Office is another architectural landmark worth visiting. For shopping and local life, head to Ben Thanh Market, where you can find everything from souvenirs to fresh street food. In the evening, rooftop bars and local eateries come alive, giving you a real sense of the city’s energy.

Q: What can I see at the Cu Chi Tunnels?

A: The Cu Chi Tunnels offer a fascinating insight into Vietnam’s wartime history. Located just outside Ho Chi Minh City, this vast underground network was used by the Viet Cong as living quarters, supply routes and hideouts. You can explore sections of the tunnels, see hidden entrances and learn how people survived underground.

Q: Where should I go in the Mekong Delta?

A: The Mekong Delta offers a slower, more traditional side of Vietnam. Travelling by boat along the canals is the best way to experience it, passing stilted houses, fruit orchards and rice fields. Visit one of the floating markets, where traders sell produce from their boats, and stop at small family workshops that make coconut sweets, rice paper or noodles by hand. Towns such as Cai Be and Can Tho are good bases for exploring the region. Life here revolves around the river, and even a short visit gives a fascinating glimpse of daily life in rural Vietnam.

Q: What can I do in Mai Chau?

A: Mai Chau is an idyllic rural escape from the hustle and bustle of Vietnam’s big cities, set among green rice paddies and gentle hills. Visit some of the villages of the local Tai Don people to learn about their culture and traditional way of life, walk along streams through corn fields and rice paddies, and enjoy a peaceful bamboo raft ride down the river.

Q: What can I do in Pu Long?

A: Pu Luong is a secluded rural escape around 160km from Hanoi, ideal for walking and cycling through terraced hills, forests and traditional stilt-house villages. One of the area’s defining sights is its spindly bamboo waterwheels, which lift river water into aqueducts that feed the rice paddies. Here, you can truly experience life in rural Vietnam, enjoying leisurely walks or cycling through the stunning hill scenery.

Still have questions about travelling to Vietnam?
Our team is happy to help. Call us on 020 7263 3000 or explore our Vietnam holidays to start planning your trip.