Prepare For Your Trip to Vietnam

Before you go

Vietnam visa

Most visitors need Vietnam's 90-day e-visa (US$25 single, US$50 multiple entry) from evisa.gov.vn. See who gets 45 days visa-free in 2026 and how to avoid fake sites.

Before you go

Is Vietnam safe?

Vietnam is rated low risk by the US and Australia, but traffic, motorbike bag snatching, taxi tricks and storm season cause most problems. Here is how to handle each.

Before you go

Vaccinations and health

CDC recommends hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid vaccines for most Vietnam trips. Here is what it and WHO say on dengue, rabies, malaria, air quality and clinics.

Before you go

What to bring

Pack for two climates: Hanoi's January days run about 15 to 20°C while Ho Chi Minh City stays above 30°C. Sockets take Type A and C plugs. Full packing list inside.

Before you go

Best time to visit

February to April is the driest window across all three regions. The central coast floods in October and November, and Tet 2027 falls on 6 February. Month-by-month table.

Before you go

Money in Vietnam

Vietcombank bought US dollars at 25,760 dong and sold at 26,170 on 2 October 2026. How ATMs, cards and QR payments work for visitors, plus daily budgets and tipping.

Before you go

Getting around Vietnam

Fly the long hops, take the train for comfort and scenery, and use buses on short or mountain routes. Official 2026 train times, real fares and a route-by-route index.

Before you go

SIM cards and eSIMs

Viettel's 30-day tourist plan with 5 GB a day costs 150,000 VND and MobiFone's app eSIM starts free. Passport and face check rules, coverage and data needs.

Before you go

Tet 2027

Tet 2027 falls on Saturday 6 February. The proposed 7-day holiday, what closes, train and flight sell-outs, surcharges, etiquette and a week-by-week plan.

Before you go

Grab and taxis in Vietnam

Book Grab, Green SM or Be instead of hailing a cab. 2026 fare tables, surcharges, card fees, airport pickups, trusted taxi firms and the scams the apps help you dodge.

Before you go

Etiquette and customs

Cover shoulders and knees at temples, take shoes off at the door, greet elders first and keep your voice calm. Vietnam's customs explained with official sources.