Traveling with children Planning your trip with your kids Traveling with children in Vietnam can be both rewarding and challenging — but with some care and planning both you and they can have a wonderful experience. Older children (say between 7 & 12) are often fascinated by the sheer difference in the world they observe, …
Safety, scams & traveling solo Overview Overall, Vietnam is an amazingly safe country for travelers, including women and solo travelers. There is almost no violent crime that affects tourists, and you can walk safely around the major cities at virtually any time of the day; the country towns too. Vietnamese people are friendly and hospitable, …
Transport basics Transport in Vietnam is easy Traveling to and transport around Vietnam is easy. There are many international flights into and out of the hubs of Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. Land crossings are simpler than they were. Visa requirements are much more relaxed. Inter-city buses are good, and the trains may rattle but …
Money and Costs Currency The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is Vietnam’s official currency. Unofficially, the US dollar is widely accepted as a second currency, especially in major towns and cities, and prices are often quoted in dollars. As recently as 6 or 7 years ago, the lowest denomination note was 200 VND, but inflation has rendered …
When to go: weather, seasons & festivals Making sense of weather, seasons and when to go When is the best time to visit Vietnam? And does it matter? If you want to explore Vietnam beyond the major towns and southern beach resorts, to the mountains and valleys and lowlands and villages and spectacular coastlines that …
Visas, passports, immigration & customs Vietnam visas & passports The rules around visa requirements to enter Vietnam and fees for obtaining different types of visas are constantly changing. We recommend that ALL travelers contact their Vietnamese embassy or consulate to get the latest information and updates. The Vietnamese embassy or consulate websites in each country …
Health, safety & insurance Overview Vietnam is a developing country, and how to stay healthy should be part of every traveler’s thinking. Overall, Vietnam is a great, safe place to travel. It has good Western style medical facilities and clinics in the major cities (often with prices to match), and the incidence of tropical disease …
