Quick Answer
Vietnam is the Southeast Asian country that punches hardest for the price. Hanoi's Old Quarter is a chaos of scooters and pho, Ha Long Bay looks staged by a movie crew, and Hoi An's lantern-lit old town glows after dark. Hotels start from $50/night and February through April and October through December are the best months.
Explore Vietnam in Detail
Find Hotels in Vietnam
Hotel listings for Vietnam are currently being updated.
Top Tours in Vietnam
Ha Long Bay Overnight Junk Cruise
Traditional junk boat overnight in Ha Long Bay with all meals, kayaking through limestone karsts, and a Tai Chi sunrise.
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Hoi An Lantern Boat Ride and Food Tour
Evening tour of Hoi An's old town with lantern boat ride on the Thu Bon River and dinner at a heritage restaurant.
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Cu Chi Tunnels Half-Day Tour
Half-day trip from Ho Chi Minh City to the Vietnam War tunnel network with a chance to crawl through original sections.
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The experiences travelers come back to Vietnam for, year after year.
Itineraries for Vietnam
Day-by-day plans built by travelers who actually went.
Vietnam in 3 Days
The essential first-time itinerary — the must-sees you came for, plus the local moments you came home talking about.
Vietnam for Couples
Quiet mornings, slow dinners, and the views the brochures don't show. Built for two.
Vietnam with Kids
Activities everyone enjoys, restaurants that welcome little ones, and downtime built into the plan.
Getting Around Vietnam
Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Vietnam at your own pace. Compare rates from all major suppliers in one search.
Why Visit Vietnam?
Vietnam packs three completely different countries into one S-shaped strip on a map. Hanoi in the north is the cultural capital, French colonial buildings, the Old Quarter where 36 streets are named after the crafts they used to sell, and the chaos of 5 million scooters that you eventually learn to cross.
Ha Long Bay is a 2-hour drive away. 1,600 limestone karst islands rising out of jade water, kayaking through hidden lagoons, and an overnight on a junk boat that is one of the great budget luxuries on Earth. Hoi An in the central coast is the lantern-lit old town with the tailors who can run you a custom suit in 24 hours for $150 and the food you will think about back home. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in the south is fast, hot, and modern, with the Cu Chi tunnels and the best banh mi anywhere. The food alone is reason. Pho at a plastic stool. Bun cha that Obama ate. Egg coffee in a Hanoi alley. Twelve to fourteen days for a north-to-south trip is the move.
Frequently Asked Questions — Vietnam
How much does a hotel in Vietnam cost per night?
Vietnam hotels run $50-$385 per night depending on category and season. Mid-range properties average $90-$180 per night. Book 60-90 days ahead during peak season for the best rates.
What is the best time to visit Vietnam?
February through April and October through December delivers the best weather and value combination in Vietnam. Shoulder months offer lower prices with decent conditions. Avoid major holidays and local events when rates spike.
How many days do you need in Vietnam?
10 to 14 days is the sweet spot for Vietnam. That gives you enough time to hit the main sights, a day trip or two, and a buffer day to slow down.
Is Vietnam safe for tourists?
Vietnam is generally safe with low violent crime against tourists. Scams (overcharging, fake taxi meters, motorbike snatch-and-grab in Saigon) are the main issues. Traffic is the actual danger; cross streets slowly and predictably. Tap water unsafe.
What is the best area to stay in Vietnam?
Hanoi: Old Quarter for chaos and pho, French Quarter for quieter charm. Hoi An: Anywhere in the old town walking zone or near An Bang beach. HCMC: District 1 for tourists, District 3 for hip cafes. Da Nang or Hue between Hanoi and Hoi An.
How do I get around Vietnam?
Grab is reliable for cars and motorbikes (much safer than haggling). Domestic flights with VietJet and Bamboo are cheap. The Reunification Express train Hanoi to HCMC is an experience. Renting a motorbike yourself is dangerous for first-timers.
Do I need to speak the local language to visit Vietnam?
Some Vietnamese helps but English is widely spoken in tourist zones, hotels, and restaurants. Vietnamese is tonal and hard to attempt convincingly, locals appreciate the effort.