What is the best time to visit Vietnam?

The best time to visit Vietnam depends on your priorities. Many travellers visit year-round, though spring and autumn typically offer pleasant weather and smaller crowds at popular attractions like Ha Long Bay. Check weather patterns for Asia before booking.

What currency does Vietnam use?

Vietnam uses the Vietnamese đồng (₫). Exchange at banks or airports, and withdraw from ATMs with your debit card. Credit cards are accepted in most tourist areas.

What food should I try in Vietnam?

Phở Bò is one of Vietnam's most iconic dishes. Other must-try foods include Bánh Mì and Bún Bò Huế. Eat where locals eat for the best experience.

How many countries can visit Vietnam visa-free?

39 countries can enter Vietnam without a visa, typically for up to 45 days. Check the full list and your specific requirements above.

Is Vietnam safe for tourists?

Vietnam is generally safe for tourists with normal precautions. As in any country, stay aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying expensive items, and use registered transport. Check current government travel advisories before your trip.

Vietnam

Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam , is a country at the eastern edge…

Capital

Hanoi

Language

Vietnamese

Currency

Vietnamese đồng (₫)

Population

101.3M

Timezone

UTC+07:00

Visa-free access

39 countries

Travelling to Vietnam

Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (SRV), is a country at the eastern edge of Mainland Southeast Asia. With an area of about 331,000 square.

Vietnam is located in South-Eastern Asia, Asia. The capital is Hanoi, and the official language is Vietnamese. The local currency is the Vietnamese đồng (₫). With a population of 101.3M, Vietnam is one of the larger country in Asia.

Vietnam offers visa-free entry to 39 countries, with most stays allowed for up to 45 days. 159 more can apply for an eVisa online.

Top places to visit in Vietnam

Ha Long Bay

Nearly 1,600 monolithic limestone karsts and islets rise from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin; these 500-million-year-old formations hide massive cavern systems like Sung Sot; navigate the labyrinthine Lan Ha Bay at dawn on a traditional wooden junk boat; the pre-dawn mist clings to the moss-slicked basalt cliffs while the only sound is the rhythmic lap of water against the teak hull.

Imperial City of Hue

The 19th-century seat of the Nguyen Dynasty is a massive walled citadel built of sun-baked brick and river stone; the Noon Gate leads to the Forbidden Purple City where phoenix-patterned tiles adorn the rooflines; enter the Thai Hoa Palace at 4 pm when the western light turns the red-and-gold lacquered columns a saturated amber; the air smells of old cedar and damp earth from the surrounding moat.

Hoi An Ancient Town

A 15th-century timber-framed trading port where Chinese shophouses; Japanese bridges; and French colonial villas merge along the Thu Bon River; the hand-carved shutters and yellow-ochre walls reflect the town's syncretic merchant history; walk the pedestrian streets after a rainstorm when the silk lanterns ignite; the wet cobblestones mirror the vibrant red and gold hues while the sound of wooden looms echoes from hidden ateliers.

Son Doong Cave

The world largest cave passage is vast enough to contain a 40-storey skyscraper; featuring its own subterranean rainforest and 70-metre tall stalagmites known as the Hand of Dog; the limestone floor is etched with prehistoric pearl pools; stand beneath the first doline—a massive roof collapse—at midday when a single shaft of sunlight illuminates the moss-covered jungle floor 200 metres below the surface.

Temple of Literature

A 1070 Confucian temple complex featuring five courtyards and 82 stone stelae perched on the backs of tortoises; representing the nation’s 11th-century academic elite; the architecture is a masterwork of timber; brick; and grey stone; walk the Khue Van Cac pavilion at 9 am; the light filters through the ancient banyan trees; casting geometric shadows on the red-tile floor while the smell of incense is thick and sweet.

War Remnants Museum

The definitive record of the Indochina Wars housed in a modernist 1975 structure; the courtyard contains captured American aircraft and 'tiger cage' prison cells; the internal galleries display the searing photojournalism of the Requiem collection; visit the upper floors in the quiet of early morning; the clinical light through the tall windows highlights the rusted iron of the ordnance; the silence of the visitors is a heavy; physical presence.

See all 20 places in Vietnam →

What to eat in Vietnam

Explore all Vietnam dishes →

Vietnam visa requirements

Visa-free

159

eVisa / eTA

Countries that can visit Vietnam visa-free

39 countries can enter without a visa, usually for up to 45 days.

Europe

Asia

Americas

eVisa and eTA for Vietnam

159 countries can apply online before travelling. Processing typically takes 1–7 business days.

Europe

Asia

Americas

Africa

Oceania

Before you go to Vietnam

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Passport validity

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay. Vietnam immigration may refuse entry otherwise.

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Proof of onward travel

Carry a return or onward flight ticket. Airlines and border officers may ask to see it before allowing you to board or enter.

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Currency: Vietnamese đồng

The local currency is ₫. Exchange major currencies at the airport or city banks. ATMs are widely available in urban areas.

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Language: Vietnamese

Vietnamese is the primary language. English is spoken in tourist areas and major cities.

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Power & connectivity

Check Vietnam's plug type and voltage before packing. Buy a local SIM card at the airport for affordable data.

Power plug guide →SIM card guide →

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Check your visa for Vietnam

Select your passport for an instant result.

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Vietnam 7-day itinerary

AI-generated day-by-day travel plan.

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Explore Vietnam

20 places, 7 dishes, and more.

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FAQ · Vietnam

Vietnam — your questions

It depends on your passport. 39 countries can enter Vietnam visa-free. 159 can apply for an eVisa online. Everyone else needs an embassy visa. Use the WorldCurio visa checker for your specific passport.