Travel to Vietnam

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam. Spelled and pronounced 'Hà Nội' by Vietnamese speakers, it is located in the north of Vietnam. Hanoi is home to the country's Government and the city is well known for its rich and historical architecture and cuisine.

Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's biggest city. As of 2022, approximately nine million people live in Ho Chi Minh City and the greater HCMC area. This makes it the biggest urban area in Vietnam and serves as the country's commercial hub in the South.

Vietnam is known for many things, including its rich history, tropical and mountain landscapes, the Vietnam War and Vietnam's distinctive dishes like Pho (noodle soup). Vietnam also has a number of traditional festivals worth visiting too!

Tan Son Nhat International Airport is Vietnam's largest airport and is located in Ho Chi Minh City. It is the main entry to Southern Vietnam.

Noi Bai International Airport in the north of Vietnam allows great access to the Capital City of Hanoi, mountain towns such as Sapa, and the UNESCO Ha Long Bay.

Da Nang's international airport serves Vietnam's central coast and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An.

Vietnamese is Vietnam's official language. Vietnam's population is ethnically diverse and many people speak several different languages, including Vietnamese, Chinese and Khmer.

It's best to learn a few words of Vietnamese before heading to Vietnam as English speakers will find Vietnam one of the toughest countries in Asia for them to get by without knowing some basic phrases like 'hello', 'thank you' and 'where is the toilet?'

Typical Vietnamese food is fresh, light and healthy. Vietnam has a number of signature dishes like Pho, Bun Cha, and Bun Bo (noodle soups) and Banh Mi (bread rolls with meat).

Vietnam's cuisine is well-known around the world for its fresh flavours and use of aromatic herbs. Vietnam also offers a variety of beef, chicken, and seafood dishes, and lot's of vegetarian options too.

Vietnam uses +84 for both landlines and mobiles.

Vietnam does offer visas on arrival for most countries, though it's best to check with your consulate about entering Vietnam before you plan your trip due to possible travel restrictions.

Vietnam's currency is called Vietnam dong (VND). Vietnam dong is a stable currency and Vietnam is one of the cheaper Southeast Asian destinations for budget and luxury travellers.

Vietnam uses GMT+7. Vietnam does not adjust for Daylight Savings Time.

Vietnam has three main seasons: winter, summer and monsoon. Vietnam's climate is tropical, with an average temperature of 21 degrees Celsius in the dry-cool season and 27 degrees Celsius in the hot-humid season.

Vietnam is also monsoonal, meaning for a few months during the summer season there will be really amazing storms and torrential rain.

Vietnam's winters are marked by mild temperatures and pleasant days.

Yes, Vietnam is a good destination for solo travellers both female and male. With a respectful and modern culture and a vibrant social scene, Vietnam is a popular destination for female travellers.

Yes, Vietnam has a traditional dress code of long pants and shirts for those visiting temples or entering Government buildings such as Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum.

In addition, it's polite to remove your shoes before entering a person's home or a temple. Vietnam is not a very conservative country, though, and you'll find Vietnam to be quite relaxed about dress codes.