The currency used in Vietnam (that can buy you a wholesome, delicious bowl of Pho) is the Vietnamese dong (₫).

Vietnamese is the main language spoken in Vietnam. But you might find that people speak English (mostly in the major cities), Chinese and other regional languages too.

Vietnam is wonderful to visit year-round. But the best time to visit depends on what you wanna do, and where in Vietnam you wanna go.

Generally, April & May are thought to be the best months to visit Vietnam because of the beautifully bright weather. Between December and March is a slightly cooler period. So if hiking, or city-dwelling is what you want, that’s the best time to visit. And if you wanna avoid the crowds, off-season tends to be between April and June or September to November.   

Your visa requirements can change according to your citizenship (and according to the length and purpose of your visit). Most of our travellers may need to get an e-visa to visit Vietnam. We always recommend that you check out our visa guide to see if you need one.

Vietnam’s climate tends to be hot and humid all-year round. So, it's a good idea to bring loose, breathable clothes. Sunscreen and insect repellents are good to have too. If you’re planning to visit religious spots in Vietnam, remember to get clothes that’ll keep your shoulders and knees covered.

ATMs are widely available in urban city centres in Vietnam – and they usually accept international cards too. But cash can come in handy when you’re visiting the more rural parts.

Generally, about 7-12 days are a good amount of time to visit Vietnam. But a lot depends on what you want to see or do. But a week or two is enough to explore key destinations like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, and Halong Bay.

Tipping isn’t expected but appreciated in Vietnam. Usually, restaurants will charge you around 5-10% of your bill as service fees.

We recommend that you stick to bottled water while visiting Vietnam. Tap water is generally not considered safe for consumption here.