Vietnam Travel guide

Many nationalities get visa‑free entry for up to 45 days. If you plan to stay longer, apply for an e‑visa in advance to avoid doing a visa run.

I met several fellow travelers during my visit who had to leave Vietnam earlier than they wanted because they didn’t get a longer visa from the start.

Check your eligibility on the official site: https://evisa.gov.vn

I traveled from north to south using only buses and trains, and it worked really well. For longer distances, Vietnam has lying‑down sleeper buses and overnight trains with cabins that include beds, which makes the journey more comfortable. However, if you’re taller than 1.9 m (6’2″), the beds can feel cramped — especially on sleeper buses, where the legroom is limited and the “beds” are more like semi‑reclined pods.

If you’re traveling for two weeks or less, consider flying between the north and south to save time, as distances are long and overland travel can eat up several days.

Within cities, Grab is the easiest and most reliable way to get around. In rural areas, where public transport is limited, renting your own motorbike is often the key to reaching waterfalls, viewpoints, and small villages at your own pace.

Yes. Vietnam is very safe for travelers.

The main thing to watch out for is motorbike rentals. Make sure you get a proper helmet; the ones usually provided are so thin they offer about as much protection as an egg carton. If you plan to ride longer distances or in busy cities, it’s worth asking for a higher‑quality helmet or renting one separately.

Other common issues are the usual big‑city annoyances: scams, pickpocketing, and overpriced taxis. Using Grab/Bolt avoids most problems, and keeping your valuables in a zipped pocket or cross‑body bag is usually enough.

You just need the standard apps.

• Grab: The easiest way to get around in cities. Book motorbikes, cars, and food delivery with clear pricing and no haggling.
• Google Maps: Reliable for navigation, walking routes, and checking distances. Bus routes are included in major cities.
• Google Translate: Essential for menus, signs, and quick conversations. The camera translation works well for Vietnamese.
• WhatsApp: Most hotels, drivers, and tour operators communicate through these.

Vietnam doesn’t require any mandatory vaccinations for most travelers, but routine travel vaccines are recommended. Many travelers get Hepatitis A, Tetanus, and sometimes Typhoid, especially if they plan to eat a lot of street food or visit rural areas.

If you’re staying long‑term or spending time in the countryside, a doctor may also recommend Hepatitis B or Japanese Encephalitis, depending on your itinerary.

I personally got Hepatitis A and Japanese Encephalitis before my trip.

Vietnam’s street food is incredible, but hygiene can vary. Most travelers are fine, but it’s still possible to get an upset stomach. I got sick once during my two‑month visit, so I started following a few simple habits when choosing where to eat:

• Choose busy stalls with high turnover
• Eat food cooked fresh and served hot
• Avoid anything that’s been sitting out
• Skip ice unless you’re sure it’s made from purified water
• Drink bottled or filtered water only

Yes — Vietnam has plenty of cafés that work well for getting things done. I found that the big chains like Highlands Coffee and Phúc Long were consistently reliable. They have good Wi‑Fi, comfortable seating, and air‑conditioning, and you can stay for hours without anyone minding.

If you prefer smaller, more atmospheric spots, most cities also have independent cafés with strong Wi‑Fi and a steady flow of laptop users. In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City especially, it’s easy to find places with quiet corners, power outlets, and good coffee.