Get to Know Vietnam
- maya dalal
- Sep 13
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 11
Hey there! So Vietnam is calling your name? What an incredible choice! This is the place that proves resilience creates beauty, where every street corner tells a story, and where the best meals cost less than a coffee back home.
Here's everything I've learned about this fascinating S-shaped country that will captivate you from north to south...
Time
Vietnam is in Indochina Time (ICT), UTC+7. That's 11-12 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time, depending on daylight saving. Bonus: The whole country runs on the same time - no confusing zone changes!
Visa - Everyone Needs One (But It's Easy!)
Visa requirements vary based on your nationality. Check your country's embassy or use iVisa to find out what you need.
For example, U.S. citizens must obtain an e-visa before arrival through the official Vietnam e-visa portal, typically 90 days, single entry for $25. Requirements may differ for other nationalities – always check in advance.
What you'll need:
Apply online at least two weeks in advance
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond departure
Proof of onward/return travel (they may check)
My tip: Don't wait until the last minute! Apply at least two weeks early - the system can be slow, and you don't want visa stress before your dream trip.
Airports
Vietnam is long and narrow, so your airport choice affects your whole itinerary:
Hanoi (HAN) - Northern capital, history and culture
Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) - Southern energy and business hub
Da Nang (DAD) - Central coast gateway
Nha Trang (CXR) - Beach paradise entry
Phu Quoc (PQC) - Island getaway
My strategy: Fly into one end and out the other - see the whole country's amazing diversity!
Getting Around - Organized Chaos That Works
Transportation in Vietnam is an adventure itself:
Domestic flights: Quick and affordable between distant cities
Reunification Express train: 30+ hour journey from north to south (epic!)
Sleeper buses: Surprisingly comfortable for long distances
Motorbikes everywhere: Millions of them - be very careful!
Grab / Xahn SM: Your safe bet for city rides
Motorbike rentals: Popular but requires an international permit and serious caution
Traffic reality check: Vietnamese traffic is controlled chaos. Millions of motorbikes follow rules that seem invisible to foreigners. Cross streets slowly and confidently!
Weather
Vietnam is long, so the climate varies dramatically by region:
North (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay)
Best times: March-April (spring) & September-November (fall)
Winter (Dec-Feb): Cool to cold (50-65°F), can be surprisingly chilly!
Summer (May-Aug): Hot, humid, heavy rain
My tip: Pack warm clothes for northern winters - it's not tropical up there!
Central (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An)
Best times: January-August (warm, dry) Typhoon season: September-November (storms and heavy rain) Reality check: When they say typhoon season, they mean it - check weather forecasts!
South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong, Phu Quoc)
Best times: December-April (dry and sunny, 77-95°F) Wet season: May-November (hot, humid, afternoon showers) Consistent: Always warm, just wet or dry
🎯 When to visit? November-April for the sweet spot in most regions!
🚫 When to be careful: September-November in Central Vietnam = serious typhoon season.
My weather wisdom: Vietnam's weather changes with latitude more than season. Pack for everything if you're traveling the whole country!
Language
Vietnamese is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Fun challenge: Vietnamese has six tones - the same word can mean six different things depending on how you say it!
How to Respect Vietnamese Culture
Vietnamese people are warm and welcoming once you understand the culture: Greetings:
Smiles work universally
Handshakes or fist bumps (popular with younger people)
Respectful bows for elders
Important cultural rules:
Dress modestly in temples and rural areas
Remove shoes before entering homes or sacred sites
Never touch anyone's head or point feet at people/Buddha images
Show extra respect to elders
My cultural secret: Vietnamese people are incredibly proud of their history and resilience. Show genuine interest in their culture and you'll make instant friends!
Money - Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Credit cards work in cities and tourist areas, but cash is essential for markets and rural areas. ATMs are everywhere, but notify your bank before travel.
Funny money fact: Get ready for millions of dong! A meal might cost 200,000 VND (about $8) - the zeros are normal, don't panic! 😄
Electricity
220V, 50Hz with plug types A, C, and F. Bring a universal adapter to be safe.
Water
Don't drink tap water. Bottled water is cheap and available everywhere. Avoid ice unless you know it's made from purified water.
Internet & SIM
Free Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants.
For SIM cards:
At airports: Convenient but pricier
Convenience stores: Good middle ground
Mobile shops in cities: Cheapest with most options
Main providers: Viettel (best coverage), Mobifone, Vinaphone
💡 My recommendation: Viettel has the strongest network, even in remote areas like the Sapa mountains.
LGBTQ+ Travelers - Generally Tolerant
Vietnam is generally tolerant, especially in cities and tourist areas. No laws against same-sex relationships, but discretion is advised in rural areas - more about cultural sensitivity than safety.
Eco-Travel
Vietnam offers incredible eco-adventures:
Sapa mountain trekking through rice terraces
Ha Long Bay's unique karst landscapes
National parks with diverse ecosystems
Mekong Delta's rural waterways
Wildlife reserves and conservation projects
Important: Support responsible tourism - Vietnam's natural beauty needs protecting for future generations!
Holidays & Festivals - When Vietnam Celebrates
Here are the celebrations you should know about:
Date | Holiday/Festival |
January/February | Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) - HUGE celebration! |
March/April | Hung Kings' Festival |
April 30 | Reunification Day |
May 1 | Labor Day |
September 2 | Independence Day |
September/October | Mid-Autumn Festival |
December 25 | Christmas (in major cities) |
Special focus on Tet: This is Vietnam's biggest holiday, like Christmas, New Year, and Thanksgiving combined. The whole country shuts down for a week. It's magical to experience but challenging for travelers - book everything in advance!
Emergency Numbers
Police: 113 Ambulance: 115 Fire: 114
Local Cuisine
Vietnamese food is one of the world's greatest cuisines:
Pho - The noodle soup that made Vietnam famous (but just the beginning!)
Banh Mi - French-influenced sandwich perfection
Bun Cha - Grilled pork with noodles (Obama's choice in Hanoi!)
Fresh spring rolls - Light and refreshing
Egg coffee - Hanoi's creamy coffee innovation
Street food everything - The real stars of Vietnamese cuisine
Street food philosophy: If there's a crowd of locals and tiny plastic stools, that's your spot! Some of the world's best food is served on the sidewalk.
My foodie tip: Don't just stick to pho - Vietnamese cuisine is incredibly diverse with amazing regional specialties!
Safety
Vietnam is safe for tourists, but stay smart:
Watch for petty theft and tourist scams in crowded areas
Be extremely careful with traffic - those motorbikes are everywhere!
Check the latest advisories before your trip
Use common sense with valuables
My safety rule: The biggest danger in Vietnam is probably the traffic, not crime. Stay alert crossing streets!
Top Destinations
Hanoi: Old Quarter chaos, Hoan Kiem Lake, incredible street food
Ha Long Bay: UNESCO World Heritage karst landscape cruises
Sapa: Mountain trekking, ethnic villages, terraced rice fields
Ninh Binh: "Ha Long Bay on land" boat tours
Hue: Imperial history along the Perfume River
Hoi An: Ancient town magic with lantern-lit evenings
Da Nang: Beautiful beaches and Marble Mountains
Ho Chi Minh City: Energy, history, and an amazing food scene
Mekong Delta: Floating markets and rural life
Phu Quoc: Beach paradise and fresh seafood
My planning advice: Vietnam rewards the journey as much as the destinations - take that train ride, try the overnight bus, embrace the adventure!
That's it - you're ready for Vietnam!
Vietnam is a country that captures your heart through its incredible resilience, stunning landscapes, and food that will haunt your dreams forever. From the chaotic charm of Hanoi to the bustling energy of Ho Chi Minh City, every mile tells a story of triumph over adversity. Take your time, embrace the organized chaos, and let Vietnam show you what determination and joy look like.
Chúc bạn có chuyến đi vui vẻ! (Have a wonderful trip!)
Questions about Vietnam? I'm here to help! Tell me about your pho adventures 🍜
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