vietnam tour guide reddit

Vietnam Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 29, 2024

Most people either love or hate traveling in Vietnam. When I first went, there was a negative attitude towards foreign travelers (for good reason), lots of scams, and just not a lot of good vibes. But, since that trip many years ago, the country has changed a lot: it’s embraced tourism, people have opened up more, there’s fewer scams, and Ho Chi Minh City has even become a hub for digital nomads.

From exploring the Old Quarter of Hanoi to the delicious food and fancy garments of Hoi An , Vietnam has a lot to see and do so take your time. Don’t rush your trip.

This budget travel guide to Vietnam can help you plan your trip and ensure you make the most of your visit.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Vietnam

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in vietnam.

1. Tour the Mekong Delta

The delta is a 60,000-kilometer (37,000-mile) long web of interconnected waterways, which spans three Vietnamese provinces and has been used since the 4th century BCE. What I love about this area is it’s filled with small villages, pagodas, mangroves, and orchards. The best way to experience the area is to go on a boat or bike tour, where you’ll experience rural Vietnamese culture. Some of favorite things include the Cai Rang floating market for the colorful fruits and veggies and vibrant atmosphere; Vinh Trang Pagoda for its impressive golden exterior and lush gardens; and the incredible Sadec Flower Village that is stunning and serene, even if you’re not a flower enthusiast. Spend a few days really getting to know the region outside the hustle and bustle of the cities. Day trips on the river start at around 575,000 VND per person.

2. Wander Hanoi

Vietnam’s capital dates to the 3rd century BCE when it was the capital of the ancient nation of Au Lac. I love to wander around the narrow streets of the Old Quarter. It’s a great place to get a feel for the city as there are tons of vendors, smells of street food, people watching, and bustle. Some of my favorite places to visit include the One-Pillar Pagoda, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, and the Hanoi Water Puppet Theater. Be sure to check out the history museum to learn about French colonialism and Communist rule (from the Vietnamese perspective) as well as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Hanoi is also a good base for doing multi-day tours to Ha Long Bay.

3. Explore Ha Long Bay

This iconic region is home to more than 3,000 islands and is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. The towering limestone islands are covered in lush jungles and surrounded by calm emerald waters. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s located 2-3 hours from Hanoi and travelers can take multi-day boat cruises around the islands (most are 2-5 days). During the cruise, you’ll visit floating markets, incredible beaches, massive caves, and either sleep onboard your boat or on one of the many islands. Just keep in mind that this area is super popular and is often overcrowded. Cheap tours start around 1,200,000 VND while a mid-range tour costs around 3,000,000-4,500,000 VND. Just remember that you get what you pay for and the cheaper boats might be a bit run down.

4. Hang out in Hoi An

Hoi An was a thriving port city between the 15th and 19th centuries and the architecture is incredibly well preserved (the entire Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site). It was easily my favorite place in Vietnam because I loved walking around, taking a thrilling sidecar trip in the countryside, and of course, Vietnamese cooking classes, which are great because you learn to prepare fresh fish caught right there. This place is famous for its tailors so if you’re looking to buy some custom made clothes at an inexpensive price, this is the spot to do it in. They will even ship it back to your home country.

5. Get adventurous in Sapa

This is northern Vietnam’s premier trekking area and it’s hugely popular with all sorts of travelers. Sapa is famous for its hill tribes, lush vegetation, beautiful hiking trails, and breathtaking mountains. If you’re looking to experience the scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities Vietnam has to offer, this is the place. This area is rich in culture because it is comprised of 85% ethnic Vietnamese minority groups that have different colorful traditional dress and unique styles of houses. To avoid the tourists, come during the off-season or take longer hikes to parts the crowds don’t go to.

Other Things to See and Do

1. take a free walking tour.

The first thing I do when I visit a new destination is take a free walking tour. It’s the best way to get the lay of the land, see the main sights, and connect with a local guide who can answer all my questions. Both Hanoi and HCMH (the two largest and most popular cities in the country) have a few free tours available that cover the main highlights and are a great primer to the country (Hanoi Free Walking Tours and Saigon Free Day Tours are two companies worth checking out). Just remember to tip your guide at the end!

2. Crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels

This extensive network of tunnels spans nearly 310 miles (500 kilometers). It was utilized by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Tours involve a description of the tunnels, after which tourists are allowed to crawl about the maze and fire AK47s at shooting targets. It’s a sobering experience and not one meant for anyone claustrophobic. However, if you want to better understand the terror of the Vietnam War, this is a must-visit. Admission is around 100,000 VND per person.

3. Relax or find adventure in Dalat

Dalat is nestled in the hills of the Central Highlands and is popular with tourists who want to relax in the mountain air and those who want to participate in a host of adventure sports (such as rock climbing, ziplining, and rappelling). The hills around Dalat are filled with traditional tribal villages, which you can tour as well. Expect to pay around 2,000,000 VND per person for a full day of ziplining and rappelling around waterfalls.

4. Visit Cuc Phuong National Park

South of Hanoi lies Vietnam’s first National Park, Cuc Phuong. Covering 222 square kilometers (85 square miles), this place is home to over 2,000 species of trees and some truly rare wildlife including the Clouded Leopard, Delacour’s Langur and Owston’s Civet. It was my favorite park in all of Vietnam and the only place I didn’t find hordes of tourists. The entrance fee is 50,000 VND.

5. Explore Ho Chi Minh City

Also known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest city and is definitely worth exploring. Ho Chi Minh is the place to really gain an understanding of French colonialism as well as the US headquarters there during the Vietnam War, which you can learn more about at the War Remnants Museum. Like most cities in Vietnam, you’ll be met with the roar of motorbikes speeding through colonial streets. I loved Ben Thanh Market, which is a must-see for amazing food and there is a great buzz of activity within the place. Don’t miss your chance to get the best Pho soup in Ho Chi Minh, that means some of the best is right on the side of the street.

6. Get active in Mui Ne

Despite being a fishing village, Mui Ne has a significant tourism scene due to its popularity as a wind- and kite-surfing destination. The best highlight for me aside from the beach was riding on the rolling sand dunes similar in size to the Saharan ones and also the Jeep Tour to the Fairy Stream through a canyon, which is not something you get to do very often! Also, don’t miss the 9th-century Po Shanu Cham Towers with beautiful views of the Phan Thiet coastal town. Mui Ne is definitely worth checking out for a day or two when you’re passing by on the bus because it has a nice chill vibe to it, friendly people, and beautiful sunsets.

7. See My Son

My Son is a set of Hindu ruins in Vietnam that date back to the Cham Empire. The Champas ruled over Central Vietnam from the 3rd to the 19th century. The temples here are of incredible historical importance, but they have been largely reclaimed by the surrounding jungle, and have fallen into a great state of disrepair. Don’t come here expecting something as marvelously preserved as Borobudur or Angkor Wat. The entrance fee is 150,000 VND.

8. Visit the caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang

Hang Son Doong is reputed to be the world’s largest cave and is located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. It was discovered by a local in 1990, and “rediscovered” by a British caving team in 2009. You can arrange trips to see this stunning cave in all its glory with stalactites and stalagmites, an inner cave forest, and even cave pearls. You’ll be blown away by its beauty. Entrance to the caves is around 150,000 VND per person.

9. Check out the rice terraces

Outside of connections to the Vietnam War, the stereotypical image of Vietnam is of the many rice paddies. You can find these in the Muong Hoa Valley. If you’ve never visited rice terraces, you should make a point to see them in Vietnam. Visit them to learn about rice production and take stunning photographs of the unbelievable Vietnamese countryside. Expect tours to cost around 600,000 VND per person.

10. Relax in Hue

Hue is generally passed by, making it a bit of a quieter stop along the tourist trail. Stroll along the beautiful Perfume River and into the Imperial Citadel. Don’t miss the Tu Hieu Pagoda and the Tombs of the Emperors, which mostly date from the 19th and 20th centuries. Some of the main tombs to see are the Tomb of Minh Mang, the Tomb of Tu Duc, and the Tomb of Khai Dinh.

11. Take a cooking class

Vietnamese food is delicious and the best way to learn about these incredible dishes is to take a cooking class. You’ll not only learn how to make some of these tasty meals but you’ll get to interact with a local chef who can teach you about their history and cultural significance. Many cooking classes also include a visit to the local market where you’ll shop for ingredients. Prices vary but expect to pay at least 800,000 VND per person.

12. Tour the former DMZ

The Vietnamese Demilitarized zone was the dividing line between the Communist north and anti-Communist south during the Vietnam War. It was in use from 1954 to 1976. These days, you can take a tour of the DMZ from Hue and learn about the conflict from expert guides who were actually involved in the war (or survived it as civilians). You’ll see secret tunnels, learn about military surveillance, and get insight about the conflict from a perspective not often shown in the media. Full-day tours from Hue start around 2,500,000 VND.

13. Buy a motorbike

If you’re an adventurous traveler, buy a motorbike and drive the length of the country. This is considered the best way to travel Vietnam by veteran backpackers who like to get off the beaten path. You can buy bikes in Hanoi or HCMC at either end of the country and then make your way to the opposite end, stopping along the way over the course of a few weeks. While it’s not for everyone, this mode of travel offers the most freedom as you’ll be able to visit a lot of places that the buses and trains don’t stop at. You can buy a bike for as little as 4,800,000 VND, and then you can sell it once your trip is done to recoup some of the cost. There are always backpackers looking to buy a bike in HCMC and Hanoi.

14. Sample the local coffee

Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee producer (after Brazil) exporting a whopping 1.5 million tons of it per year (after rice, it’s their biggest export). Even if you don’t drink coffee (I don’t), trying fresh coffee here is a must. Whether you just hop arounds cafes, do a tasting experience in Hanoi of HCMC, or head out to one of the many coffee plantations, learning about this vital crop (and also sampling it fresh) is an experience not to be missed. Expect a half-day plantation tour (with lots of samples) to cost around 700,000 VND.

For more information on specific cities in Vietnam, check out the following guides:

• Hanoi Travel Guide
• Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide
• Hoi An Travel Guide
• Nha Trang Travel Guide

Vietnam Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostels start at around 100,000 VND per night for a dorm room. These can be a bit rustic and no-frills. For a hostel with more amenities, such as free breakfast or a a free happy hour (as well as improved cleanliness), expect to pay double. Private rooms cost at least 350,890-425,000 VND per night for a double room. Most hostels include free Wi-Fi, and many also include free breakfast or free beer during certain hours of the day. Self-catering facilities are not very common since eating out is so cheap.

For those traveling with a tent, wild camping is not legal in Vietnam. While it is still possible to do as enforcement is sparse (especially if you’re sleeping in a hammock), I also wouldn’t recommend it. Insects and animals can be an issue, there are lots of landmines still undiscovered out in the brush, and robbery can occur. Stay safe and stick to hostels.

For a budget hotel with a double bed, expect to pay around 225,000 VND per night. This usually includes free Wi-Fi and free breakfast.

On Airbnb, a private room costs at least 325,000 VND per night. For an entire home or apartment, prices begin around 600,000 VND. Prices double when not booked in advance so plan accordingly

Food – Vietnamese cuisine is fresh, flavorful, and uses a lot of herbs and vegetables. Rice and noodle dishes are common as are various soups such as the iconic pho (a beef noodle soup). Wonton soup, meat curry, fresh French bread (known as bahn me , and grilled fish are just some of the popular dishes you’ll encounter. Standard ingredients include fish sauce, lemongrass, chili, lime, Thai basil, and mint.

You can get a bowl of pho or a rice dish for 20,000 VND. Street food is the cheapest and the most delicious food option in the country.

Most sit-down restaurants are also inexpensive at around 45,000-95,000 VND. The fancier (and more touristy) the restaurant, the more expensive.

Western food is also more expensive, usually around 110,000 VND for a fast food meal, so skip it if you’re on a budget.

If you want to splash out on a fancy three-course meal, expect to spend around 250,000 VND.

A liter of water at a convenience store is about 15,000 VND, while beer or soda is about 20,000-35,000 VND.

For those looking to cook their own meals, expect to pay at least 400,000 VND per week for basic groceries. Be sure to shop at the local markets to get the cheapest and freshest food. That being said, food is so cheap in the country that it’s simply easier – and cheaper – to just eat street food, especially as most hostels and hotels don’t have shared kitchens.

Backpacking Vietnam Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, you can visit Vietnam for 600,000 VND per day. This budget covers a stay in a large hostel dorm, eating street food for all of your meals, limiting your drinking, taking the bus, and doing free activities in each destination. If you plan on drinking, add another 20,000-40,000 VND to your daily budget.

A mid-range budget of about 1,125,000 VND per day covers staying in a cheap hotel, eating street food and at the occasional sit-down restaurant, enjoying a few more drinks, taking the occasional taxi to get around, and doing more paid activities such as museum visits and water upper shows.

On an upscale budget of 2,460,000 VND, you can stay in a nice hotel, eat out for all your meals anywhere you want, enjoy lots of drinks, and more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want, including a multi-day trip to Ha Long Bay. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

Vietnam Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Vietnam is a very affordable country. In fact, it’s one of the cheapest in Southeast Asia. Even with the explosion of tourism in the last few years, it still remains very affordable. You’ll be hard pressed to spend money if you’re sticking to non-Western food, cocktails, and hotels. However, if you’re looking to travel even cheaper and save some money, here are some tips:

• Eat delicious street food – The street food here is excellent and cheap, and you can watch it being cooked in front of you. Stick to the local food and you’ll save money. The street-side pho, bread, sandwiches, donuts, and bananas are your best deals.
• Late-night travel – If traveling on long journeys, try to take the late-night “sleeper” buses or trains as these will save you the cost of a night’s accommodation. Depending on the company, you may even have a chance to comfortably lie flat as you ride through the dark countryside to your next destination.
• Take the tourist bus – It is actually cheaper to take the tourist bus around the country than taking local transportation because of the “tourist” price you get at the bus station. Tickets from one end of the country to another are very affordable.
• Fly for cheap – Vietnam’s low-cost airlines VietJet and FlyVietnam are extremely inexpensive. This is a great option for people with limited time to explore different regions of Vietnam. Both airlines frequently offer special deals and at the time of writing this, Hanoi to Da Nang is just 820,000 VND!
• Bargain hard – Tourists tend to be charged more than locals for everything from cyclos (a three-wheel bicycle taxi) to clothes to street food. Bargain harder than you would ordinarily, and don’t underestimate the value of walking away.
• Avoid paying tourist prices – Before you leave the hostel, ask them to estimate how much what you want to do should cost. How much should a ride to the museum cost? How much should I pay to have a gown like this made? They will be able to give you bargaining guidelines.
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water in Hanoi is not safe to drink. To save money and reduce your plastic use, bring a reusable water bottle with you. LifeStraw make a reusable bottle with a built-in filter so you can be sure your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Vietnam

To help you save money on accommodation, here’s a list of my recommended hostels and budget hotels in Vietnam:

• Mad Monkey (Hoi An)
• Hoi An Golden Holiday Hotel (Hoi An)
• Little Hanoi Hostel (Hanoi)
• San Palace Hotel & Spa (Hanoi)
• Hanoi House Hostel & Travel (Hanoi)
• Ccasa Hostel & Coffee Bar (Nha Trang)
• The Hideout (HCMC)
• Orchid’s Saigon Hotel (HCMC)

How to Get Around Vietnam

Public transportation – Larger cities in Vietnam (such as Hanoi and HCMC) have reliable and safe public transportation. In Hanoi, there are buses that cover most of the city and generally have stops near all the major tourist sites. Tickets are paid for in cash on the bus and generally cost 7,000-15,000 VND depending on how far you go. HCMC also has a large network of buses, with tickets costing up to 10,000 VND (again, depending on how far you travel).

Cyclos (a bicycle rickshaw) is one of the cheapest ways to get around. A short ride costs as little as 12,000 VND, while a longer night ride costs upwards of 40,000 VND. A more popular option is the ze om , a motorbike taxi that has fares starting from 15,000 VND. You’ll have to hold on tight though (and make sure you wear a helmet as accidents are common).

Train – A lot of people love taking the train in Vietnam because it’s safe, affordable, and comfortable and, although some routes might be slow, you’ll get some amazing views of the Vietnamese countryside. The rail network also covers most of the country, so you can get just about everywhere you want to go (except the Central Highlands and the Mekong Delta). You can use the website Baolau to research train schedules and book your tickets. A train journey between Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi (which spans the entire length of the country) starts at 1,000,000 VND for a soft seat (not a berth). The journey takes three days. Hanoi to Hue costs around 600,000 VND and takes around 13 hours while HCMC to Nha Trang costs around 500,000 VND and takes 8 hours.

Bus – It’s easy to find long-distance hop on, hop off bus tours running the length of Vietnam. You can hop on or off at any stop along the way. They cater to tourists, but locals actually use this service too since it’s super affordable. Prices depend on route and operator but generally, Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh is between 815,000-1,600,000 VND.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Flying – Flying domestically in Vietnam is a good idea if you’re looking to fit a lot into a shorter trip. For example, a flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City takes two hours while the train ride would take at least 30 hours. One-way flights around the country start at around 590,000 VND.

Car rental – Vietnam is very easy to navigate by bus, so I don’t really suggest renting a car here — especially because traffic in the cities is very hectic and accidents are common. That said, car rentals are affordable, costing around 500,000 VND per day. An IDP (International Driving Permit) is required. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Vietnam

In the southern part of Vietnam, the dry season lasts from December to late April/May while the rainy season occurs from May to the end of November. The rainy season usually just means brief heavy downpours in the afternoon, although sometimes the Mekong Delta will flood. The dry season is the best time to visit but keep in mind that it’s winter up north and it’s going to be a lot colder in the north than the south. Rainy season isn’t that bad either but, like the name implies, it rains a lot.

May through November is still a good time to visit. Temperatures rarely dip below 20°C (68°F), but they can sometimes get as high as 40°C (104°F) in the hottest months (March to the end of May). The south especially gets very hot and humid during this time but it’s perfect beach weather!

Along the central coast, the rainfall pattern differs quite a bit. In the northern part of the region (like Hué and Da Nang), the rain lasts from September to February. February to May is the best time to visit this area. Temperatures soar from June to August, often in the high 30s°C (80s°F).

In Northern Vietnam, the weather is most pleasant from October to December.

The weather in Vietnam varies so much per region so it’s hard to pick the best time to go. But generally, it’s recommended to visit sometime between September-December and March-April if you’re hoping to get an overall experience in the country.

How to Stay Safe in Vietnam

Vietnam is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel. Violent crime is really, really rare. Petty theft is the most likely thing to happen to you here. Always keep your valuables secure when out and about just to be safe. Lock your windows and use common safety sense, especially in bars at night and in touristy areas.

Traffic in the major cities (specifically Hanoi) is super hectic and there are virtually no rules of the road. There are also millions of motorbikes and scooters here (literally). For that reason, take extra caution when crossing the street. It’s best to just walk as directly and calmly as possible and let the traffic weave around you. If you’re not comfortable doing that alone, follow locals when they cross.

If renting a bike or riding on the back of one, make sure you always wear a helmet. Accidents are incredibly common here, both in the traffic-heavy cities but also in rural areas where roads can be less than optimal.

There are some common scams in Vietnam, such as the motorbike scam where vendors try to charge you for pre-existing damage to your bike rental. When renting anything, take photos and videos beforehand just in case.

Be sure to always count your change. The money is similar looking here so oftentimes people will “mistakenly” give you the wrong change hoping you won’t notice that the 200,000 VND bill you just got is actually only 20,000. Always count your change here!

Most scams here are really just people trying to try to nickel and dime you and try to get you to spend extra money since they know, as a tourist, you have more than they do. You can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Use common sense when using dating apps while traveling and meet in public places.

Street food here is very safe, but whenever you’re not sure of where to eat simply find somewhere where there are locals eating. If it’s good (and safe) enough for them, you should be fine. Avoid meat that looks uncooked or that has been out in the sun too long. Always wash your hands before and after eating just to be safe.

If you experience an emergency, dial 113 for assistance.

Be sure to make copies of your important documents in case of theft.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Vietnam Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Vietnam Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Vietnam travel and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hostels in Hanoi

Is Southeast Asia Safe for Travelers?

Biking the Mekong Delta in Vietnam

Why I’ll Never Return to Vietnam

Get your  free travel starter kit.

Enter your email and get planning cheatsheets including a step by step checklist, packing list, tips cheat sheet, and more so you can plan like a pro!

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

TRAVEL to VIETNAM – Tips and Information Guide (2024 Edition)

Everything you need to know about travel to Vietnam in our comprehensive 2024 Vietnam travel guide.

We get it. You’re wondering what the absolute best destination to travel in Southeast Asia is.

You’ve spent hours researching.

Talked to friends.

Scoured the internet for blogs.

Watched YouTube videos.

And you’ve finally realised something.

Without a doubt, Vietnam is the place for you.

And trust us, as a couple that have travelled the world for over a decade, we think you’ve made the right decision.

There’s a reason Vietnam is our all-time favourite country…

From the tropical coral reefs of Nha Trang to the northern mountains of Sa Pa, travel to Vietnam is one of the most adventurous yet culturally empowering experiences you can have.

One moment you will find yourself haggling for  banh mi  deep within Saigon and later that day you could be watching a breathtaking sunset from the Mekong Delta.

Vietnam is more than a country. It’s an experience.

You’ll find yourself immersed among street food vendors cooking up exotic cuisines such as  pho  along streets with stores selling suits and ties.

Or you’ll be cruising the waters of Halong Bay while monkeys jump from island to island.

Or you might find yourself trekking to the highest peak in Vietnam, Fansipan soaring to over 3,100 metres!

Not into adventure activities? Homestays are the perfect way to spend your day as the monsoon rains fall across the endless snaking rivers of the Mekong.

Vietnamese hospitality is unrivalled and is something that you should experience once in your life, so what are you waiting for? Say good morning Vietnam! And go get lost!

So we’ve convinced you to travel to Vietnam? Awesome!

Now check out the basic information about the country in our Vietnam travel guide.

25 BEST Things to Do in Hue, Vietnam (2024 Edition)

The perfect vietnam itinerary for 1, 2, or 3 weeks, canyoning in dalat – what it is really like, travelling in vietnam: at a glance.

Here are the basics about travel to Vietnam.

OTHER MAIN CITIES:

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Da Nang, Hue

Vietnamese Dong (see  current exchange rate ). 1USD approximately = 23,000 dong. 1 beer = 30,000 dong ($1.30USD)

ENTRY / VISA:

Travellers from most countries in the world are required to have visas. In most cases these can be obtained upon arrival for either 3 or 6 months. For information about your specific visa requirements click  here.

Vietnam is fairly safe for travellers. Petty theft tends to be the biggest concern and always be on the lookout for taxi scams. Also of concern are minor auto/motorbike accidents. This is one place it’s great to have travel insurance when visiting.

ELECTRICITY:

220 Volt at 50Hz. Power plugs – Type A: 2 vertical pins, Type C: 2 round pins, Type F (also known as Schuko plug): 2 round pins (Be sure to get your  universal travel adapter  before you leave)

TRANSPORTATION:

Intercity travel is possible by plane, train and bus. Within cities, towns and villages you can expect to get around on bicycle rickshaws, motorbike taxes, taxis and bus.

Don’t Forget to Pack the Most Important Thing: Travel Insurance !

TOP 5 TRAVEL EXPERIENCES IN VIETNAM

With so much to see and do in Vietnam, it really is hard to pick the top experiences.

However, we think that to truly appreciate Vietnam you need to plan to do these 5 activities during your visit.

Take the Overnight Train from Hanoi to Sapa

Said to be one of the most eye-opening train rides in the world, as you pass through lush forests, rice paddy fields on your way to the Vietnamese – Chinese border.

Book your  train ticket here .

Hike Through the Rice Terraces of Sapa

Explore the area with the local hill tribes. Stay with them during your trek. And enjoy the beautiful terraced countryside for which Sapa is known.

Here’s our full post about  trekking in Sapa .

Cruise the Mekong Delta

Probably one of the ‘must do’s of Vietnam.’ The Mekong Delta is full of hidden gems including floating markets, friendly locals and late afternoon storms.

Book a multiday  tour of the Mekong Delta

Go Caving in Phong Nha

Caves there can fit a 747 plane in it. They are massive and spectacular. This is an adventure you will never forget.

Book your  Phong Nha cave tour

Ride a Motorcycle

Yes, that’s right! Hiring a motorcycle or scooter is a must. But maybe do it out on the country roads. Opt for the famous ride to the mountain village of Dalat, or pretty much anywhere throughout the country.

Read about how to ride through the famous  Hai Van Pass

Other Things to do in Vietnam

Learn to cook Vietnamese food . Eating delicious Vietnamese food is one thing. Eating it after you’ve  learned to prepare it  is another!

Scuba dive  in Nha Trang. You may not think of Vietnam as a big scuba location, but there is  some great diving  to be had in Nha Trang.

Go canyoning  in Dalat. Rappel, slide, jump and  climb your way through canyons  in this gorgeous place!

Explore the Marble Mountains  in Da Nang.  These beautiful mountains  have been mined for marble for years and have incredible views and temples to visit along the way.

Sandboard down the sand dunes  in Mui Ne. It’s like snowboarding, but down massive sand dunes! Enjoy this rush!

Visit the Giants Causeway  in Ghan Da Dia. Half the world away from the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, be amazed at  this unique geologic structure .

Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels  outside of Ho Chi Minh City. No trip to HCMC is complete without  touring these historic tunnels  that were used during the war.

Conquer the Hoi An Pass on a motorbike . This is known as one of the most beautiful sections of highway in the world. Enjoy!

Explore the world’s biggest cave . We have a special connection with  Hang Son Doong  as it is where we were engaged. Make your own special moment too!

Climb the highest mountain in Indochina  in Sapa. Fansipan is over 3,000m above sea level and  offers incredible views  along the way to the top!

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE  OTHER AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN   VIETNAM

READ MORE...

A First-Timer’s Guide to Trekking in Sapa

The 11 Best Things to Do in Da Nang, Vietnam (2024 Guide)

33 BEST Things to Do in Vietnam (Epic 2024 Guide)

10 BEST Things to Do in Ninh Binh, Vietnam (2024 Guide)

Scuba Diving In Nha Trang – Is It Worth It?

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN VIETNAM

There are plenty of amazing places to visit in Vietnam. Depending on your interests, trip duration and time of year you will find plenty of things to do during any length of stay. 

When slurping a bowl of pho in a local market or exploring an ancient temple, it’s easy to feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine in Ho Chi Minh City.

A collection of over 3,000 limestone islands providing endless kayaking opportunities. Take the time to relax aboard a boat or venture to Cat Ba National Park for mystical waterfalls!

Book your  tour of Halong Bay

The capital of Vietnam is also one of the most ancient capitals in the world. The history of Hanoi is rich, devastating and full of legends. This mystical city is also known for its cuisine, silk, buzzing nightlife as well as cultural diversity.

Plan your 3-day  Hanoi itinerary

My Son Temple

Ancient temples dating back 1,000 years give a culture understanding into Vietnam’s past all while showing the scars of the war.

Book an early morning  tour of My Son

For more information on specific things to do in the top places to visit in Vietnam, reference our following city travel guides: 

Ho Chi Minh City:

*  Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary *  Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City

*  Hanoi Itinerary * Day Trips From Hanoi

Dalat Hoi An

Da Nang Hue Ninh Binh

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE OTHER AWESOME PLACES TO VISIT IN VIETNAM. 

BEST VIETNAM TRAVEL ITINERARY

We’ve put together a few Vietnam itineraries that are sure to leave you wanting for nothing at the end of your visit. 

There are so many amazing things to do in Vietnam that planning an itinerary for your travel can be a little overwhelming. 

Even though the country is one united nation, you can think of it geographically as being divided into a northern and southern region.

So depending on how much time you have, you may want to explore the northern region, southern region or the entire country.

Of course, no one-size-fits-all plan will suffice. But if we were to head back to Vietnam these are the top places and things that we would want to do! 

1-Week Vietnam Travel Itinerary Highlights

Most people spend at least a month went hey travel to Vietnam. But if you had just one week, or were willing to split a few weeks between the northern and southern regions, this is how we’d spend our time! 

Northern Vietnam

• Fly into Hanoi
• 2 nights – Hanoi
• 2 nights –  Halong Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay
• 2 nights  – Sapa
• Alternative to Sapa  –  2 night in Hue
• Fly out of Hanoi

Central Vietnam

• Fly into Hanoi or HCMC. Get a local flight down to Dong Hoi
• 3 nights  – Phong Nha
• 2 nights  – Hue
• 2-3  nights  – Hoi An
• Fly out of Da Nang to either Hanoi or HCMC to leave

South Vietnam

• Fly into Ho Chi Minh City
• 2 nights  – Ho Chi Minh City
• 2 nights –  Mekong Delta
• 2 nights –  Dalat
• 1 night –  Mui Ne
• Fly out of Ho Chi Minh City

READ MORE: Check out this post for more details on our  Vietnam travel itinerary . 

VIETNAM TRIP PLANNING

Best time to visit vietnam.

The best time to travel to Vietnam really depends on what you are looking for in terms of weather, scenery and budget.

Peak season occurs from mid-December through to February. But expect prices to double during this time. The low season is perfect for those on a budget.

• Low Season –  April to June, September to November
• Shoulder Season –  December to March
• High Season –  July & August

Northern Vietnam  –  The best months to travel Northern Vietnam are April to May or September to October. There are mostly sunny days and the rain has stopped.

The weather gets really cold from December to March and is not suited for hiking or sailing a junk boat in Halong Bay that time of year.

Central Vietnam –  The best months for travel to Central Vietnam are January to June. There are heavy rains in October and November and the really hot months are from May to August.

Southern Vietnam  –  The best months to explore Southern Vietnam are January to April where conditions are beautiful.

You really can travel the south at any time of the year. Just note that from May to November there are afternoon downpours.

VIETNAM TRAVEL BUDGET GUIDELINE

Vietnam is a cheap country to travel if you want it to be, this all depends on what your budget is like. Our advice is always over-budget when making plans, and if you come home with money, it can go towards your next trip. All prices below are in USD per day.

Budgeting Tips

To make your money go further here are a few tips: 

• Eat street food as often as possible. You can usually fill up for $1-2USD.
• Travel in groups when possible. Staying in hostels will lead to making friends. And with friends, you can split transportation costs and barter on other expenses.
• Negotiate taxi fares before taking the ride. Vietnamese taxi drivers are notorious for flexible fares that tend to fall int heir favor. Don’t be afraid of a little negotiation.
• Drink  bia hoi . Sure it’s not the more delightful beer. But it is shipped in fresh each day, it’s cheap and it’s what the local drink.
• Take in the sights for free. Do a little research and walk the streets on your own. You’ll also find there are a number of free tours and other opportunities if you ask around.
• Sleep on overnight busses for longer trips. Combine the transportation and accommodation line items of your budget and save a few dollars.

But there are a few things you should know about the different budgets at which you can choose to travel.

Note: Budgets shown as Single Traveller / Couples per day. 

Budget Traveller ($35 Single / $50 Couples)

If you are on a backpacker budget and planning on staying in dorm rooms, getting street food, drinking a few nights of the week, I would budget for about $35 a day.

A single hostel bed can be $5-$8 per person. A budget basic private room is $15-$20. A street food meal can be $1-$2. A bottle of beer is about $1- $1.50 and a  bia hoi  is $0.20 per cup. This is not the nicest beer. But it is passable and you get to make new friends when drinking it.

Walking or taking public transport will keep your budget down. There are many free things to do, you just need to think outside the box.

Mid-Range Traveller ($100 Single / $120 Couple)

If you have a little more cash in your budget your travels in Vietnam will become a lot more comfortable.

A nicer hotel is definitely affordable.

There are restaurants where you will pay more than the street food price. But the food is definitely of nicer quality (most of the time). The local beer can get a little too much sometimes so you will be able to enjoy an international beer or wine.

For the attractions you are most interested in, get a guide and learn more about the history of the country. You’ll be able to commit much more of your budget to do things rather than cutting corners just to stay alive.

Luxury Traveller ($90+ Single / $120+ Couple)

You don’t have to have that much more to enjoy a luxury trip to Vietnam. With a few more dollars in your budget, a nicer hotel is definitely affordable. Eat and drink anything you would like at virtually any restaurant.

You can hire transportation without having to haggle. And you can pretty much do any tour you would like to do when visiting any part of Vietnam.

GETTING TO AND AROUND VIETNAM

Entry requirements.

Most travellers are required to have visas when travelling to Vietnam, which can typically be arranged upon arrival. You are typically allowed to stay for 3 – 6 months, depending on nationality.

For information about your specific visa requirements click  here

Additionally, Vietnam has introduced an electronic visa (e-visa), which costs $25 USD and is granted for single entry visits for up to 30 days.

You no longer will have to apply through an agent to get an invitation letter or queue at the airport immigration for hours waiting to receive your visa upon arrival.

Apply in advance  here .

Once you are approved, all you need to do is print the visa out and present it on entry to Vietnam. Don’t lose this e- visa print out as you will need this during your travels in Vietnam.

Hotels will ask for it on check-in at the accommodation and travel agents may ask for it if you are booking flights.

Also, print out your  travel insurance  as well. Immigration will ask for this also as they want to know you are covered if you fall ill or get injured during your stay.

Getting to Vietnam

There are a number of different ways to travel to Vietnam, depending on where you are coming from and how you like to get around with transport.

There are a lot of different airlines that fly to Vietnam from all over the world. There are two major international airports in Vietnam: Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City in the south and Noi Bai Airpot (HAN) in Hanoi in the north.

Direct flights to Vietnam from Australia, Europe and North America are still limited, but it is improving. You will most likely have to book a flight with a stopover in either Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul or Singapore.

There are many domestic airports scattered among the country. Vietnam Airlines is Vietnam’s national carrier. We have flown with them several times and they are amazing.

You can cross into Vietnam by train from China, all the way from Beijing to Ping Xian. This is the Dong Dang Crossing which is 160km from Hanoi.

After you have crossed the border hop on a train to Hanoi. Don’t buy the direct ticket from Beijing to Hanoi. It works out cheaper to buy your ticket from Beijing to Ping Xian then cross the border and purchase another ticket from Dong Dang to Hanoi.

If you do the train trip from Beijing through to Hanoi, it will take 36 hours so it is best to book a sleeper. Make sure you have your visa organised before getting to the border.

You can bring your own food and drinks for the train or purchase them from the cafeteria on board. There are squat toilets on board and areas to store your luggage.

You can get to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City through either the Cambodia, Laos or China borders. There is a route from Vientiane (Laos) to Hanoi, and one from Siem Reap or Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City.

Most travel agents in Vientiane, Siem Reap or Phnom Penh will sell the tickets or at your accommodation. You can also get a minivan from Guangzhou through to Hanoi.

Make sure you have your visa ready. The border crossings by land may not be set up as well as others.

If you want to book any of your bus trips online rather than trying to deal with travel agencies in the country, you can do so on the popular website  Bookaway .

Getting Around Vietnam

Getting around Vietnam is surprisingly easy. Public transport goes everywhere, and there are plenty of moto-taxis that are happy to take you to the places that public transport won’t reach.

Travelling by Air

The fastest way to get around the country, of course, is by air. There are many domestic airports all over the country and you can fly in from major cities.

You can get cheap flights within the country through VietJet Air and Vietnam Airlines. For the best deals head directly on the airline’s website.

Travelling by Taxi, Tuk Tuk Or Mototaxi

When you are in the cities and town catching a taxi, tuk-tuk or moto-taxi can be the best way to get around. For taxi companies, look for the biggest and most reputable companies as you can be ripped off.

For the tuk-tuks, ask your accommodation the average price to your destination so you can agree on a price with the driver.

We recommend Uber and Grab (car or motorbike) which you can use an app and get the price.

Travelling by Bus

It is possible and advisable to travel by bus throughout Vietnam. Busses inside of cities can be complicated and should be a last resort.

However, when travelling long distances in Vietnam busses are a great option. This is especially true if you take night busses and sleep during the ride.

Travelling by Motorbike

We think travelling by motorbike is the best way to see Vietnam if you have the time. Buy your own motorbike and ride the length of the country. Or you can choose one area and explore Northern Vietnam or South Vietnam.

Here’s our post to help guide you on  how to buy a motorbike in Vietnam .

Travelling by Train

Taking the train is a great way to get around the country. They are great for overnight journeys as the trains have bed cabins.

In Vietnam, there are many places with roadwork that can last for years. So trains can be the best way to go.

APPS AND TECHNOLOGY

We know you’ll absolutely love travelling in Vietnam. But technology has made it easier, more affordable and safer to travel than ever.

Here are a few apps we think you should definitely acquaint yourself with prior to your travels:

Grab  – Use this app to catch a ride from any metro area in Vietnam.

XE Currency  – Transfer, monitor and calculate currency as the need arises. This app may not be totally necessary as you are typically tied into rates the banks charge for services. But it is handy to have around. 

Express VPN  – This will protect your sensitive information wherever you travel – not just in [Country]. Be sure to have this to keep your online information secure as you travel. 

iTranslate  – Even if you don’t know more than a handful of Vietnamese words, iTranslate will help you communicate as you travel in Vietnam. 

WiFi Finder  – With this app, you no longer have to guess whether the next place on your itinerary has WiFi or scramble across town looking for hot spots.

BEST THINGS TO EAT IN VIETNAM

When you travel to a foreign country one of the new and most exciting things you will experience is the food. There are so many amazing food choices in Vietnam, and Vietnamese food is delicious.

Here are a few of our favourites.

Goi Cuon:  This is a rice paper packed with greens, coriander and various combinations of minced or shredded pork, shrimp or crab. It will be served with a sweet and sour sauce or a delicious homemade peanut sauce.

Sometimes to make the experience even better, you get to hand roll them yourself. This was our favourite dish.

Banh Mi:  With this one, it will be different in every corner of Vietnam. This is a baguette sandwich that is filled with meat, greens, pata, pickled vegetables, soy sauce, cilantro and sometimes an omelet.

The meat filling will be roasted pork belly, grilled pork loin, barbecue pork, boiled chicken, or a fried egg.

Pho (pronounced ‘fur’):  This flat rice noodle soup is either light beef or chicken broth flavoured with coriander and ginger with spring onions and bits of meat (chicken, pork or beef).

It is a dish you can have any time of the day and is delicious, but it can be hit and miss in some places. If you have an average one, please do try it again. We ate pho a lot for breakfast and never got sick of it.

Bun Cha:  This is a Hanoi specialty and it is deliciously addictive. Bun Cha is served with grilled fatty pork over a plate of white rice noodles. It will be served with a sauce.

It will all be served separately and you combined everything together. You can ask for some little fried spring rolls on top too. It is so delicious!

Coa Lau:  Hoi An is the best (and only authentic) place to try this one. as the noodles are made using water from a special well in town.

It is chewy rice flour noodles with Chinese barbecue pork, bean sprouts, croutons and fresh herbs in a delicious pork-based gravy.

PLACES TO STAY IN VIETNAM

There are accommodation options for all budgets in Vietnam. You can stay in a shared dorm for $5 USD per night, or a luxury hotel for over $300 USD.

The accommodation standards can vary in each destination.

For example, we got a really nice hotel in the middle of nowhere when we were on our bike for $12 a night. But we would not find a place like this in Hanoi, Hoi An, HCMC or Hue for less than $25.

NOTE –  In Vietnam, the accommodation will keep your passport for the duration of your stay. This is to do with the government. Officials will randomly come around and check hotels and hostels.

If they do not have the ID or passport of every person staying there, the accommodation will be fined. The accommodation will keep your passport in a safe. If you are unsure just ask, “do you lock my passport up?”

Types of Accommodations

Vietnam is wildly popular among backpackers. Because the costs are generally incredibly low, budget travellers flock to the country.

This means that there are lots of great hostel options when looking for accommodations in Vietnam.

Whether you are busy spending all your time exploring and are just looking for a cheap place to crash for the night or want to make friends along the way, you will find most of what you are looking for in a variety of hostels throughout Vietnam.

Because costs are generally lower in Vietnam than in most parts of the world your quality of life can go up quite a bit when you travel to Vietnam.

One way you can upgrade your travel experience is by booking rooms in hotels instead of beds in hostels. For a few dollars more you’ll get vastly more space and privacy.

In some towns and villages, hotels are your only option.

But generally, these are very reasonably priced. You can expect to spend USD$20-30 for a decent hotel room in most cities, towns and villages across Vietnam.

Another good option in recent years is AirBnB, and there are more and more amazing places popping up to stay in Vietnam for very affordable prices every day.

As is typical in many destinations where Airbnb accommodations are available, you’ll likely find great value and a little more personal space with an Airbnb stay. 

If you’re looking for an awesome place to stay, we personally love using Airbnb. If you’ve never used the platform before,  sign up using this link to get USD$35 off your first booking .

Our Favorite Places to Stay in Vietnam

We travelled from the south to the north and stayed in many different places. Here are a few accommodation options we highly recommend.

VIETNAM TRAVEL TIPS

The Vietnamese people are friendly, welcoming and hospitable towards travellers. It is a great destination to travel to in Southeast Asia.

The people are very respectful and would like the same back from you. Here are a few things that you should know before going to Vietnam.

GENERAL VIETNAM TRAVEL TIPS 

While we have  many basic travel tips  we suggest you use when travelling to Vietnam, there are also plenty of Vietnam-specific tips that will make your visit the best it can be. 

Here are a few we recommend you consider as you plan your trip to visit Vietnam: 

Please show respect to their religious beliefs and their cultures . You are travelling to someone else’s country. They have different religious beliefs and cultures in your home. Please respect them.

Watch your belongings.  Vietnam is a safe country but unfortunately, there still is petty theft. Whether you are at a restaurant or on a bus always watch your belongings.

Beware of the counterfeit tour agencies . Unfortunately, there are plenty of these around, especially in the main tourist areas. Book through the main owner or operator or any of  these tours that we recommend .

Do not drink the tap water.  The locals don’t even drink the water. There is bottled water available everywhere. Popular tourist restaurants will usually have on their menu that they wash their salad and veggies in sterilised water and make tea, coffee and soup from that too.

Carry toilet paper everywhere . There are toilets available in restaurants or in public but there may not be toilet paper. Most of the time you have to pay for the public toilet and they may give you some toilet paper, but don’t count on it. Always have your stash.

Toilet paper goes in the bin . DO NOT put the toilet paper in the toilet. Please put it into the bin provided. Vietnam’s sewerage systems are not built for much more than human waste so toilet paper and other items will just clog up your toilet.

Embrace the “bum gun “. Next to every toilet in Vietnam, there is a water hose. This is not to wash down the floor. This is to clean yourself up after you do your business. Don’t be disgusted by this. Embrace it.

Vietnam is bigger than you think . This country is huge and many people underestimate it. Vietnam is about 1,650 kilometres long from north to south. The distance on buses and trains is long so be prepared.

Take note of the Vietnamese money . It will be a new currency for you so do take a look at it before you go out spending. There are more zeros in it than you might be used to (1USD = 23,000 Dong)

Always take photos when you rent a scooter . Renting a scooter in Vietnam is something everyone does. It is a great way to get around and see all the attractions. But where you rent it from can get you into trouble. Whenever you rent a scooter take photos of the bike or else might end up with a crazy expensive bill.

Always wear a helmet. Always . Please wear a helmet. The roads are crazier here than they are in your country. The rules are different and road conditions are not the best. A quality helmet could save your life in an accident.

Make sure you have travel insurance . We tell people who are going travelling, “if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.” You do not know what is going to happen while you are away and knowing you are covered will put your mind at ease.

Be confident when crossing the road . The roads in Vietnam are crazy. Crossing the road can be daunting but you need to be confident. Do not walk backward or hesitate. Walk slowly and watch the traffic coming towards you. They will all move around you.

Take your shoes off before entering a temple or a person’s home . It is a custom that stems back to ancient times and a big part comes back to cleanliness. The ground is used for chatting, dining and even sleeping.

Cover your shoulders and knees when entering a temple . This is common in most religious sites. There are always signs suggesting visitors dress ‘appropriately.’ Shoulders and knees should be covered. If it is a hot day and a t-shirt is too sticky, carry a scarf for when you visit to cover your shoulders.

Keep a low profile . Do not be loud, raise your voice in aggression or show off. Do not show dramatic affection publicly like kissing. Save it for the hotel room

Ask for permission before taking a photo of someone . This is polite and ensures you are not intruding on them. The people are not there for your entertainment. If they say no, smile and thank them anyway.

Do not take photos of anything to do with the government or military.  This is a big NO in any country and can end up with you in jail.

Do not touch someone on the head . The head is the most important part of the body. Touching someone’s head who you don’t know is like saying you are more important than they are.

Place your chopsticks across the top of the bowl when finished . Don’t have your chopsticks hanging out of the bowl, and don’t point them at anyone when they are resting on the plate.

VIETNAM PACKING LIST

We always travel with a  core packing list  wherever we go. And when it comes to Vietnam, many factors will affect what else you need to bring along with you. 

Check out our  travel essentials  and be sure to add any of the other additional items listed below. 

Important Note!  Before you book any international trip, we honestly recommend getting travel insurance. You never know when things will go wrong, and medical bills can add up quickly if you get sick or injure yourself overseas.

Our personal recommendation based on our own experience is  World Nomads .

TRAVEL INSURANCE. SIMPLE & FLEXIBLE.

Which countries or regions are you traveling to, what’s your country of residence, enter traveler’s age, staying safe in vietnam.

Vietnam is extremely safe, apart from the one major danger which is the roads. They are crazy, even more so if you try to ride 10’000km around the country on motorbikes as we did!

Aside from that, common sense will keep you safe.

Here are a few reminders of what common sense when travelling in Vietnam means:

As you saw above, Vietnam is extremely safe. We did not feel unsafe once in the 7 months we were there (excluding the roads).

This doesn’t mean you can completely let your guard down though, and petty theft does happen in this country, although it’s not common.

Some tips for protecting your things:

In other words, use common sense and you’ll be fine.

STAYING CONNECTED IN VIETNAM

Staying connected with friends and family (and work) when travelling in Vietnam is important. But if you don’t know how to connect you can find yourself greatly inconvenienced or spending too much money.

We feel like your money will go a lot further if you consider a few options. 

Purchase a SIM Card

Picking up a SIM card has become the quickest and typically most affordable way to stay connected in Vietnam or any country for that matter.

If you have an unlocked phone you can use a 4G SIM card to connect to the cellular networks in Vietnam. From there you can cast a hot spot if you need to crank out some work on your computer or want to connect a tablet.

This 3G/4G SIM card  is a great and affordable option for a SIM card if you are flying into Vietnam.

Rent a Portable WiFi Device

Alternatively to a SIM card, particularly if you don’t have an unlocked phone, you can rent a portable WiFi device during your travel to Vietnam.

This device  will be delivered to you when you arrive in Vietnam and will provide 4G service for less than USD$5 per day.

You’ll be able to connect anywhere you can find service across the country, which will be most of the places you are likely to travel in Vietnam.

Access Free WiFI

Free is always best, if it is convenient. And there are plenty of places throughout Vietnam that will provide free WiFi in public spaces or at restaurants, cafes and hostels and hotels.

We recommend using the  WiFi Finder  app, which will help you locate WiFi anywhere you travel in Vietnam.

BE A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER IN VIETNAM

We absolutely love Vietnam. And we love the idea that it will remain a beautiful and friendly place for travellers for years to come.

Here are a few tips specific to travel to Vietnam that will promote sustainable tourism in the country:

Use your own energy to get around.  Walk or cycle through town as much as possible. Taking a cyclo-taxi is a close alternative if you don’t have the energy to propel yourself through the city. But this reduces the impact of taxis, busses and other forms of automotive transportation.

Mind your plastic . Plastic is everywhere in Vietnam. But using your own reusable bag for groceries and other shopping, carrying a reusable water bottle and having your own straw are just 3 of the many simple ways you can reduce the amount of plastic you use.

Shop local . Visiting the markets will be one of your top experiences when travelling to Vietnam. Support local vendors as often as possible, including in taking tours when available.

Be mindful of wildlife . Wildlife in the wild is great. But be mindful not to provoke, feed or otherwise molest wildlife. And never purchase any item made of or involving rare or endangered species.

Attempt to communicate in Vietnamese . You’re probably not going to be fluent as soon as you arrive in the country. But knowing a few phrases and doing your best to communicate with locals will show respect and earn trust and make your experience richer.

KEY VIETNAMESE TRAVEL PHRASES

You don’t have to be fluent in Vietnamese to have a great time when you travel to Vietnam. But it does help to know a few key phrases.

This will not only assist you in your travels but it will also show respect to the local Vietnamese people that you are doing your best to assimilate into their culture. 

BOOKS TO READ ABOUT VIETNAM

Maybe you already know everything about Vietnam. Chances are you don’t!

But even if you are well-read, here are a few suggestions that might be worth your time while you’re on the plane to Vietnam. 

The Quiet American  (Graham Greene) – Originally published in 1956 and adapted for film twice, this story by Greene became an instant classic. Greene fictionalizes life in 1950s Vietnam as told by a British correspondent trying to understand the roots of the rising conflict set to occur.

At Home In The World  (Thich Nhat Hanh) – World renown Vietnamese monk, Hanh reflects on lessons and stories in life from the Buddhist perspective.

Vietnam: Rising Dragon  (Bill Hayton) – A piece of nonfiction that looks back on the Vietnam of old and attempts to projects its place in the future of Southeast Asia.

The Sympathizer  (Viet Thanh Nguyen) – The Pulitzer Prize-winning book, allegedly influenced by  The Quiet American , is told through the eyes of a double-agent during the Vietnam War who struggles to understand the minds and hearts of men engaged in war.

DISCLAIMER:  Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Table of Contents

Read our vietnam posts, 20 amazing things to do in hoi an, vietnam (2024 guide), 14 incredible things to do in dalat, vietnam (2024 guide), the perfect 3 days in hanoi itinerary [2024 guide], 25 amazing things to do in hanoi, vietnam (2024 guide), the perfect 3 days in ho chi minh city itinerary [2024], the 8 best day trips from ho chi minh city (2024 guide), caves, zip lines and deep mud in phong nha, ganh da dia – vietnam’s own ‘giant’s causeway’, ba be national park – the lake, trekking and happy water, motorbiking the road from dalat to nha trang in vietnam, riding sea to sky: hue to hoi an by motorbike, getting a chinese visa in hanoi, vietnam.

The 10 best places to visit in Vietnam in 2024

Feb 24, 2024 • 8 min read

Experience the best of Vietnam with these top places to visit © hadynyah / Getty Images

With its rolling emerald landscapes, perfect beaches and energetic cities, Vietnam is unsurprisingly a magnet for visitors in search of an incredible travel experience.

This country is teeming with attractions, so it pays to plan your trip around the places you absolutely can't miss. Where you want to go will influence whether you fly into cultured Hanoi in the north or energetic Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) in the south, or whether you bypass these two megacities for the laid-back beaches of tropical Phu Quoc.

Start your travel to-do list now with our ten favorite places to visit in Vietnam.

1. Phu Quoc

Best for beach lovers

About as far south as you can get from Hanoi without splashing into the Gulf of Thailand, the island of Phu Quoc is where beach worshippers come to pray. Lapped by jewel-blue waters and edged by fine sandy beaches, this is a place to slip into low gear, reaching for a cocktail as the ember-colored sun dips into the bay.

But it's far from undiscovered – local tourists come in droves for theme park thrills at VinWonders and giddying views over the sea from the world's longest over-sea cable car. Phu Quoc is a popular stop for families, and if you fancy a change from the tourist scene, there are dense jungles to explore inland from the sand.

Planning tip: If you're bound for Phu Quoc, there's no need to go via Hanoi and HCMC; numerous Asian airlines offer flights from hubs such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Seoul, connecting with long-haul flights further afield.

Best for city slickers

Every trip has to start somewhere, and the ideal point of arrival for first-timers is Vietnam's historic capital. As well as easy infrastructure, inexpensive accommodation, world-class dining and more history than you'll ever have time to take in, Hanoi is the leaping-off point for the islands and outcrops around Halong Bay and the forest-draped trails of the mountainous northwest. Give yourself time to graze through Vietnam's catalog of street food treats  and pause to soak up the atmosphere in cozy cafes in the Old Quarter as well as rush around the sights.

Planning tip: To enjoy Hanoi nightlife on a budget, swing by the streetside bia hoi (draft beer) stalls at busy Bia Hoi Junction on the drinking strip of P Ta Hein.

3. Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay

Best for iconic photos

The crowds mob Halong Bay , but for our money, the shimmering bays to the north and south have a slight edge over Vietnam's most famous collection of outcrops and islands. While trips to Halong Bay are highly commercialized, with motorized luxury junks blowing diesel fumes around the eroded karst islands, Lan Ha Bay  and Bai Tu Long Bay  are a bit more laid-back, and you won't have quite so many cruise ships in your photos. Try kayaking between the outcrops, explore the tropical trails on Cat Ba Island – gateway to Lan Ha Bay – or kick back on the sand on Bai Tu Long's idyllic Co To Island.

Planning tip: If you visit Cat Ba Island, take time to explore the trails around Cat Ba National Park – if you trek with your own guide, it's easy to leave the crowds behind.

4. Ho Chi Minh City

Best for a sense of the past

Cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is the southern counterweight to Hanoi in the north, taking its cultural cues from the Mekong Delta and neighboring Cambodia . It's fast-paced, frenetic and fun, particularly after dark, when the pavements transform into a mobile buffet of street food stalls and roadside bars.

A little of the frontier feel of the war years lives on in HCMC, and you can learn more about this violent period at sites such as the War Remnants Museum . The ghosts of French Indochina linger too – set aside some time to wander past the city's colonial-era landmarks, then settle into a coffee shop with a drip-brewed ca phi .

Planning tip: For a break from the city crush, swing out to nearby Tay Ninh, where the Cao Dai Holy See offers a fascinating introduction to the all-embracing Cao Dai religion.

5. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Best for unique experiences

Vietnam's biggest natural attraction – literally – is Hang Son Doong Cave, the largest cavern in the world by volume and a true wonder. An entire New York City block could fit inside its vast main passage, but this monster cavern is only accessible on expensive guided treks.

The good news is that  Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park  is pockmarked with caverns that you can clamber, crawl, boat or zipline through for a fraction of the cost. Trips to the Tu Lan, Phong Nha and Paradise caves are possible on a shoestring budget; more cash will buy access to Hang En, where trekkers set up tents on an underground beach, illuminated by shafts of natural light.

Best for history

A stay in harmonious Hoi An is a journey into Vietnam's lavish, layered past. This was once one of the most important ports in Asia, and traders from as far afield as Japan, Spain and North America filled the pockets of its merchants with gold. Locals used their money wisely, packing the Old Town with teetering shophouses, tea warehouses, fanciful covered bridges, elaborate Chinese guildhalls, and colorful Confucian and Buddhist pagodas. History is only the beginning – many travelers stay for days, learning to make white rose dumplings and summer rolls on chef-led cooking courses, and ordering made-to-measure suits and gowns from the city's modestly priced tailors' shops.

Planning tip: For a change of pace, head inland from Hoi An and spend a night in a friendly community homestay in the Co Tu minority village of Bho Hoong.

7. The Central Beaches

Best for sun-seekers

Sandy bays stud Vietnam's central coastline, but the mood varies widely from beach to beach. Package tourists flock to high-rise Danang  and Nha Trang – famed as military R&R stops during the American War – but we rate the calmer beaches along the coast, where a little of Vietnam's old seaside charm still endures. To the south of Nha Trang, Mui Ne is a lively kitesurfing hub following a string of sandy coves, while Doc Let Beach to the north serves up 18km (11 miles) of sand, surf and seafood. For a quieter experience, hit the coast between Hue and Danang – Thuan An is the gateway to a string of serene and sandy beaches flanking a lagoon-backed barrier island.

Best for imperial history

The former capital of the Nguyen dynasty – which ruled over large parts of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia in the 19th and 20th centuries – drips with imperial history, despite the ravages of US bombers during the American War. Much was lost in Hue , but the grandeur of dynastic Vietnam lives on in the Citadel and Imperial Enclosure , housing the emperor's residence, temples, palaces and court. At one time, entering without permission would bring instant death. Just outside town are the tombs of Vietnam's greatest emperors, resting serenely in green compounds beside the Perfume River. Another relic of royal rule is Hue's imperial cuisine – arguably the finest in the country – try a spicy bowl of bun bo Hue (vermicelli noodle soup) or a crispy banh khoai pancake, and you'll see what we mean.

Planning tip: To stay one step ahead of the crowds at Hue's imperial tombs and rent a motorcycle or scooter to explore; don't miss the Thien Mu Pagoda on your way out of the city.

9. Ba Be National Park

Best for lake and forest scenery

Vietnam has more than 30 national parks , taking in everything from coastal swamps to mountain jungles, but some are firmly on the tourist trail, and the crowds can be an impediment to spotting wildlife. That's less of a problem in lovely Ba Be National Park , where trails weave between the limestone peaks to Hmong, Tay and Dzao villages, and boat and kayak trips cross serene lakes hemmed in by forested ridges, creating scenes worthy of a medieval woodcut. The park is a haven for everything from macaques and langur monkeys to rare black bears, scaly pangolins and the spectacular crested serpent eagle.

Planning tip: Comfy accommodation in village homes completes the sense of stepping off the mainstream tourist circuit. For an intimate homestay experience, check out the family-run guesthouses in Pac Ngoi village, accessible by bus from Hanoi, via the village of Cho Don.

10. Ha Giang

Best for mountain views

Trekking to the minority villages in the hills around Sapa  is one of Vietnam's top draws, but the country's trekking capital feels rather commercialized these days. Hikers have to walk further every year to find the rural idyll that first drew people to the northwest.

For scenic countryside without the company, remote Ha Giang  province is Vietnam's new frontier. Staying in simple village homestays, you can hike out to minority villages and rice terraces tucked between the soaring limestone peaks, and motor (or pedal) over some of Vietnam's most spectacular passes. You'll want to take plenty of photos on the winding mountain road between Ha Giang town, Dong Van and Meo Vac.

Planning tip: If you're confident in the saddle, motorcycles can easily be rented in Ha Giang town – just ride slowly and be ready for rainy conditions!

This article was first published Apr 13, 2021 and updated Feb 24, 2024.

Explore related stories

Mar 14, 2024 • 10 min read

Whether it's bus, train, private car, motorcycle, bike, plane or boat, you can plan your trip around Vietnam with this guide to getting around.

Feb 22, 2024 • 5 min read

Feb 3, 2024 • 7 min read

Jan 17, 2024 • 8 min read

Dec 27, 2023 • 8 min read

Dec 15, 2023 • 7 min read

Nov 17, 2023 • 5 min read

Nov 16, 2023 • 7 min read

Nov 7, 2023 • 5 min read

Oct 28, 2023 • 7 min read

Travelling is ultimately a tool for growth. If you want to venture further, click this banner and take the leap 😉

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Southeast Asia » Vietnam » Packing List

22 Items You NEED in your Vietnam Packing List (2024)

Vietnam is well and truly entrenched as part of the Southeast Asia backpacking route and is fast establishing itself as a destination in its own right. It’s very easy to see why too, it offers lush jungle, adventure opportuinties, amazing food and an intriguing history.

Yes, so Vietnam is amazing and it is calling your name! If you are wondering what to bring to Vietnam, then you are in the right place.

Read on for your top 22-needs packing list, tips on what to wear that’s appropriate for Vietnam street fashion, a breakdown of what to pack for Vietnam by seasonal weather conditions.

By the time you get through all the good stuff we put together for you, you’ll be more ready than ever to explore pagodas in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, lounge on Nha Trang Beach, stroll along the streets of charming Hoi An, cruise through Halong Bay and dig into some tasty pho !

Let’s get started!Final Thoughts on What to Pack for Vietnam

The Ultimate Vietnam Packing List

What to pack for vietnam checklist: personal gear, the basic stuff to pack for vietnam, final thoughts on packing for vietnam.

Nomatic Travel Bag

• Capacity > 30L
• Price > $289.99

Nomatic Navigator Carry On

• Capacity > 37L
• Price > $549.99

GoPro Hero 11

• Resolution > 5k
• Price > $349.99

Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket

• Price > $600

Insurance From World Nomads

• Price > Click For a Quote

Packing for Vietnam is made easy thanks to us. Read on to find out what to bring to Vietnam.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Best Backpack For Vietnam:  Nomatic Travel Bag

Before you even take on the task of figuring out what to pack for Vietnam, you’ll need an amazing backpack to pack it all into. For all types of travelers and destinations, our number one recommendation is the  Nomatic Travel Bag .

The Nomatic travel bag covers every detail to make backpacking travel the best experience. Because of its smart design, it manages to provide loads of packing space in a convenient, carry-on size package! Its handy built-in pockets make plenty of room for all the necessities on your what to pack for Vietnmam checklist – you’ll find separate compartments for important items like shoes, water bottle, electronics, underwear and socks. As an added bonus, there’s also an RFID-safe and cord management pocket.

You have a choice between backpack or duffel bag carry, and extra carrying comfort for your back thanks to its innovative strap system and detachable sternum strap. And its black, waterproof material is every bit sleek and modern as it is durable and tough. There is a reason why most Broke Backpacker staff swear by this backpack.

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

Best Suitcase For Vietnam:  Nomatic Carry-On Pro

Backpacks not your thing? That’s ok. Our friends at Nomatic are back again with a great alternative to their badass Travel Bag; the Nomatic Carry-On Pro. 

This suitcase is ultra-durable, sleek, and comes with a handy tech compartment for transporting your laptop and other electronic bits. Nomatic has been an industry leader when it comes to travel gear and that reputation is reflected in the quality build design and functionality of the Carry-On Pro suitcase. 

Check out our  Nomatic Carry-On Pro review  to learn more about this epic suitcase.

Best Camera For Vietnam:  GoPro Hero9 Black

For most of us, our smartphones now feature cameras with stunning photo capabilities.

But… if you are an aspiring photographer who wants to take next-level photos and video beyond iPhone selfies, I recommend going with an action camera like the  GoPro Hero9 Black .

It does deliver pro-quality video and gives you a bunch of a different angle options and shooting speeds to work with for photos (including a selfie-mode).

Think of a camera purchase like this as a long term investment that will have you capturing epic shots well beyond your time exploring here.If you are looking for something cheaper for video specifically, check out these epic  GoPro Alternatives .

Packing Cubes For Vietnam – Wandrd Packing Cubes

In case you have never used them, packing cubes are little compression cubes that allow you to neatly pack clothes in in order to help facilitate better packing. They allow you to pack more stuff, and to keep it all better organised.

For the longest time, I thought that packing cubes were a superfluous indulgence, but boy was I wrong. Now I never travel without a few.

These ones from WANDRD are great quality and excellent value for money.

Best Sim For Vietnam – HolaFly eSim

The good news about ‘Nam is that there is excellent 4g and 5g Internet coverage, taxi apps and food delivery apps in all cities and towns (but it does get patchy once you venture out into the wilds and wilderness). The bad news is that your native SIM card will probably not work and so you will not be able to access any of this online goodness until you rectify that particular situation.

You can waste time hanging around phone shops queuing to get a plastic sim or you can is,ply install a eSim onto your phone before you leave home. You just access the HolaFly site, choose the Vietnam, package, download it and off you go – you are online the moment you land at the airport.

eSims are easier to set up and better than the environment than plastic sims. The downside is that not all phones are eSim ready.

Vietnam may be a culture shock to some travellers. To minimise this, we strongly suggest taking the time to get your Vietnam packing right. Choosing the right clothes to wear in Vietnam, and the right electrical to bring can make all the difference between feeling over-whelmed and read to take on the world! Remember that Vietnamese culture is a tad conservative so dress respectfully especially around religious sites.

Best Shoes For Vietnam – Salomon X Ultra 3 Low Aero

Visitors to Vietnam are often tempted to live in flip flops. To be fair, many of the locals do. However, we strongly advise you do your feet a favour and get some proper supported, closed walking shoes. These are great for city sightseeing, trekking in the jungles and great for riding motorbikes. Do NOT attempt to ride a motorbike in flip-flops unless you are blaise about losing a foot.

I admit that most shoes that are also good for hiking are not the most attractive pieces of footwear. But they are some of the most comfortable and deliver good ankle support for a long day of walking about town. I mean, your body is already going to be suffering enough from all of those 2-for-1 shots and bottomless mimosas you will be drinking, so do yourself a favor and buy some good shoes. 

Check out the  women’s Salomon X Ultra 3 Low Aero .

Best Rain Jacket For Vietnam – Arcteryx Beta AR

There is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong gear for it. Don’t let a bit (of a lot) of rain ruin your trip and make sure you are ready with some top notch rain gear.

Vietnam can be very hot but it can also be very, VERY wet. It all depends on when you visit and where exactly you go.

This is our pick of the many rain jackets we have tried. It’s reliable & stylish and looks good worn out in the mountains or in city bars.

Word up, Arc’teryx does not make cheap gear but it is worth it. If you want a cheaper brand then check out a Patagonia rain jacket instead.

Travel Insurance From World Nomads

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Planner/Travel Journal

Keeping a journal is one of the best things to do when traveling. The Drifter Leather Journal by Kodiak is our favorite, it works great for digital nomads and organized backpackers and can be used as planner or a dream diary – whatever you want! 

Keep on track with your goals, travels and save those precious memories, especially the ones you do not want to share online. This one is bound in beautiful leather so it looks beautiful and will withstand life on the road.

Best Sunglasses For Vietnam – Abaco Sunglasses

A reliable pair of sunglasses is undoubtedly one of your Vietnam packing essentials. Our favorites are Abaco Polarized Sunglasses because they deliver on quality and style. 

They’re built tough with triple-layer scratch-resistant lenses and trademarked Adventure-proof Frame Material. You can also customize them with your choice of lens and frame colors to reflect your own style.

When you visit Vietnam, don’t let sun glare burn your retinas out! Get some good sunnies and stay stylish whilst staying safe.

Suncream:  Thinksport Safe SPF 50+

By now, all of us are as pasty as the driven snow from sheltering in place for the last six months. Am I right? This means we are even more vulnerable than usual to the sun’s fierce rays. Packing sunscreen for Vietnam may seem like a no brainer, but you would be amazed how many sun-burned cocktail-toting people you see wandering around. 

Thinksport Safe SPF 50+ sunscreen gives folks strong sun protection in a non-oily formula that’s free of gluten, paraben, phthalates and biologically harmful chemicals. Your packing list for Vietnam should include at leats one tube of good quality suncream to keep you skin nicely protected.

Hanging Toiletry Bag

Another backpacker/traveler favorite for staying organized is a  hanging toiletry bag . It’s extremely helpful to have all of your accessories neatly gathered in one bag that you can hang for easy accessibility, especially when counter space isn’t plentiful or even available. A well-organized bag is worth having whether you’re tree whilst camping or a hook in the wall – it helps to have quick access to all your stuff.

Historically, I have been the guy who has my stuff all over the bathroom, so getting one of these things really changed the toiletry game for me. Plus they are not too expensive either. A no-brainer essential.  The best thing about them, is that you get to keep all your toiletries in one place which is really handy for bouncing between hostels.

Best Sandals For Vietnam:  OluKai ‘Ohana Flip-Flops

Circling back to the footwear question, now we are going to talk about sandals. These are very useful for Nam as it can get sweaty as hell and make a great accompaniment to those hiking shoes we told you to buy.

Your feet will be tired and sweaty from those long days wearing shoes so do yourself a favor: pack sandals and give your feet some well-deserved cushion and fresh air. These Olukai flip flops are ultra-comfortable, well-made, and come in a variety of colors.  Whilst these are great to wear in Vietnam, do not ride a motorbike in them – use proper shoes instead.

Check out the  women’s OluKai ‘Ohana Flip-Flops . 

Money Belt – By Pacsafe

Whilst Vietnam is not particularly dangerous, crime does still happen and tourists are sometimes targeted.

When you are visiting Vietnam, do take care in busy cities and be especially mindful at night after a few beers.

To avoid losing all your cash at the hands of a thief, it is always a good idea to use a money belt to hide your cash just in case something does go wrong.

Best Hat For Vietnam –  Patagonia Fitz Roy Trucker

As you should know by now, the sun in Vietnam is strong and you will undoubtedly be spending a lot of time outside. Having a hat on your Vietnam packing list is a good way to ensure your face is protected from the sun throughout the day. 

Patagonia makes great hats. I have probably bought three or four of these over the last five years. Simple. Practical. Comfortable. That is what you are after.

Best Waterbottle For Vietnam –  Hydroflask Vacuum Bottle 32 oz. 

Packing a reusable water bottle is probably the best thing you can personally do to combat single-use plastic bottle use whilst traveling. There is simply zero need to buy plastic water bottles. We suggest buying big 5 litre bottles of water and filling this up each day.

We love the Hydroflask Vacum Bottle for its quality and because it keeps cold water  cold  for many hours and vice versa for hot beverages. This bottle is the ideal water bottle to get not just for your Vietnam trip but for daily use. Please don’t be that person buying plastic water bottles. We are all judging you…especially mother earth. 

If you go with the Hydroflask, you’ll probably never need to buy another waterbottle again. 

Best Sleeping Bag For Vietnam – Nemo Disco 15

Camping out under the stars is great and Vietnam presents some awesome camping opportunities. If you are headed into nature, then please for the love of Uncle Ho bring a good bloody tent and a proper sleeping bag.

There are a LOT of sleeping bags on the market today and we have tried a lot of them. The quality and standards varies and not always in correlation with the price – pricey does not always mean better. The Nemo Disco 15 is a great all rounder sleeping bag packing in warmth, durability and a reasonable price tag.

Best Daypack For Vietnam –  Osprey Daylite Plus

If you intend on doing any hiking, bike trips or bussing around the country then you will need a daypack. They are great for carrying water, hat’s and gloves and for packing sandwiches for lunch. We love Osprey products and this daypack is our personal pick.

The Osprey Daylite Plus has a mesh-covered panel to keep your back cool and fresh by minimizing contact with the back of the pack itself and allowing air to get between you and the pack.

Check out our   full review of the Osprey Daylite plus  for more details.

Additionally, you can attach it to other Osprey packs in case you want to add more capacity and carry just one piece of luggage… but the reviews on this feature are mixed.

On top of the essential items listed above, here is an additional suggested checklist of what to pack for a trip to Vietnam:

• A pairs of comfortable pants/jeans
• 1-2 pairs of shorts (summer/late spring)
• A few pairs of socks
• (Sexy) underwear x 2/3
• Ladies: a few dresses, pants, outfits, or desired lady apparel for a night on the town. Its not essential though.
• Dudes: A few collard shirts or something half-way decent for a night on the town. Whatever makes you comfy! 
• Smartphone with a good camera for photos if you are not bringing an actual camera
• Portable power bank  for charging your phone on the go
• Phone charger
• Amazon Kindle  for reading by the pool
• Copy of your passport just in case
• Cash (ATM’s can be hard to find in some regions)
• Packable Towel

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

And that’s all, folks! Your complete Vietnam survival guide – a detailed breakdown of Vietnam packing essentials including a top 22-needs packing list, tips on what to wear that’s appropriate for Vietnam street fashion, and how to pack for Vietnam weather by season. We hope you found our recommendations for gals and guys – and what NOT to pack – helpful too!

Just remember to pack light, pack smart and be a respectful tourist – and the rest will take care of itself. You’re in for a beautiful experience in Vietnam , so get out there and enjoy every minute!

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

A Travel Guide To Vietnam: 11 Things To Know While Planning Your Trip

There's a lot that goes into planning your travel trip to Vietnam, from fun activities to tipping expectations to, of course, what food to try.

With beaches , temples, amazing food, and more, Vietnam is a fascinating place to travel to. Vietnam is located in southeast Asia and the capital is Hanoi. Many travelers who have gone there have posted on  Reddit  about walking around a lot, eating as many different kinds of local dishes as possible, and bringing a backpack.

There's a lot that goes into planning a vacation, from fun activities to tipping expectations to, of course, what food to try. Keep reading to find some recommendations on everything you need to know about going to Vietnam.

Here is a travel guide to Vietnam: 11 things to know while planning your trip.

My Son Sanctuary And Hoi An Ancient Town Are Must Visits

According to  Vietnam Guide , you'll want to go to My Son Sanctuary. The publication explains, "The impressive Hindu-themed ruins feature many beautiful stone sculptures, temples and towers in tropical jungle surroundings." You can also go on a tour and see it that way.

The website also recommends Hoi An Ancient Town, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999, and describes it as "a living museum that houses old-town architecture." This used to be a 16th and 17th-century trading area and you can see canals, a bridge, temples, and homes. There are a lot of things to do, from trying some food to buying souvenirs, so it would be easy to spend quite a lot of time here.

March, April, And May Are Perfect Months To Travel To Vietnam

Travelstart.co.za   recommends planning what time of year to go to Vietnam based on which area you're going to. For example, if Hanoi is calling your name, then go in March, April, or May since those months are during springtime.

The summer can be incredibly hot so it would make a lot of sense to travel there a few months before. If your kids are on March break, for example, then that would be a good month to go, or you can choose April or May.

Stay At O'Gallery Classy Hotel & Spa Or Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi

With a spa, breakfast that is free, and a mix of Vietnamese and American food, O'Gallery Classy Hotel & Spa is a good hotel to stay at during your vacation in Vietnam. It's located in the Hoan Kiem neighborhood of Hanoi. It's very walkable so you can go out the front door and find tourist attractions and restaurants. According to a  Trip Advisor  review, the dining room overlooks the lake.

Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi is another hotel to choose. It's in the same location and has two restaurants: Satine, which serves Vietnamese food and Cafe Lautrec, which serves Mediterranean food. It looks very peaceful.

Stay In Hanoi (Specifically, The Hoan Kiem Area)

What area of Vietnam should you stay in? Since Hanoi is the capital city , it makes sense to stay there, and  The Broke Backpacker  suggests finding a hotel in Hoan Kiem if you don't want to spend a lot of money.

This is also a good area since it's downtown so you'll be near temples, coffee shops, and more. This will be an incredible location to feel really immersed in Hanoi life.

Pho Bo Mau Dich And Essence Restaurants Are Two Great Places To Eat

Pho Bo Mau Dich is the place to go for pho. You can find meat-free options on the menu, along with affordable drinks and people on  Trip Advisor  praised the owner and servers, too, for being really friendly.

Essence Restaurant would be another amazing restaurant in Vietnam. The menu features many different kinds of spring rolls, Green Papaya Salad with Beef, Grilled Snapper Fish with Banana Leaves, Fried Noodle with Seafood, and more.

Find A Driver Or 'Open Tour Bus'

Smarter Travel  says that if you can find an "open bus" in Vietnam, like ones part of the company Sinh Cafe, then that's a great way to travel around. These are going to follow a schedule and also have A/C, two things that travelers will definitely appreciate.

While car rentals are popular in many places, tourists aren't actually going to be able to drive around in Vietnam. The website says that you can use a driver if you want to get from your hotel to another destination.

Check Out the Temple Of Literature & National University

An important Vietnam landmark is the Temple of Literature & National University. According to Vietnam Guide, this temple, which was dedicated to Confucius, has been around since 1070.

Back in the day, this was a place for royals, and no one else was allowed to get an education here. That has changed, and it's a fascinating piece of history to come here. There are places to walk around, along with Tran and Ly dynasty architecture.

The Vietnamese Dong Is The Currency And Tipping A Little Is Considered Nice

According to  Trip Savvy , the currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong, and some people suggest using ATMs to convert some money regularly throughout the trip rather than having a massive sum of cash at once. This feels safer to do.

When you get your check at a restaurant, you'll see a service charge of 5 percent, and there isn't really a tipping culture here. But  Trip Savvy  says tipping a little (a tour guide, someone driving you around, or a server, for instance) would be nice.

Related:  A Travel Guide To Iceland: 10 Things To Know While Planning Your Trip

Fly To Vietnam In March For A Good Flight Deal

Cheap Flights  says that the least expensive month to go to Vietnam is March. That lines up nicely with the recommendation for the best time of year to go there, so that's great news. It's usually priciest to go somewhere in December and that is true of flying to Vietnam as well. Find a Wednesday afternoon plane ticket and you should find some savings, too

Related:  Cambodia Vs Vietnam: 20 Reasons To Visit One Over The Other

Hon Chong Beach And Long Beach Are Some Of Vietnam's Best Beaches

There are so many beaches to choose from in Vietnam, but let's focus on two that look absolutely incredible.

Hon Chong Beach, according to  Rough Guides , is located near Nha Trang and has an area with many rocks, which is beautiful. The website also notes that there are many places to grab some super affordable fish dishes here, which would make this a great tourist destination. The second great beach is Long Beach (Bai Trong), which is on Phu Quoc Island. People like to swim here and lie on the beach, and it spans 20 km.

Some Advice For Travelers

Before heading to Vietnam, there are some helpful things to learn. According to  City Pass Guide , it's a smart idea to not walk across each street too fast as there are going to be a lot of motorbikes. It might feel tricky since people will cross even when the light isn't green but you will definitely get the hang of it.

Some other pieces of advice: pay with cash, only buy street food if you're on an official tour or there are a lot of people eating at the same stall, and only use a cab if the meter is on because otherwise, that's not legit.

Next:  A Travel Guide To Hong Kong: 11 Things To Know While Planning Your Trip

Unique & Local Experiences

High quality.

Private or small group excursions with local guides

Local Experiences

Lots of contact with the locals, culture & unspoiled nature

Expert service

Local team of experienced travelers with a high value of sustainability

Our services

As a local travel agency we can arrange everything for you, without an intermediary.

Package tours

Tailor-made travel, tour building block.

More than 100 pages, full of tips, routes, inspiration & background information!

• First name *
• Email address *
• Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Unique destinations

Discover these destinations with out unique experiences

Popular tours

The most highly rated experiences by our customers

Ha Giang Loop tour: the highlights in 3 days

Hanoi street food tour by night

Cu Chi Tunnels half day deluxe tour

Sapa homestay trekking 2 days

Ban Gioc waterfall tour & Ba Be lake 3 day experience

Ninh Binh 2 day discovery: Trang An, Mua Cave, Hoa Lu & pagoda’s

Ninh Binh & Cat Ba – Lan Ha Bay cruise – 3 days

Mai Chau & Pu Luong Nature Reserve the lodge experience

HCMC – Phu Quoc via Mekong Delta homestay experience

Hanoi to Hoi An via Ninh Binh, Phong Nha & Hue

Easy Rider tour Hai Van pass Hoi An – Hue

Sapa & the Ha Giang Loop

Read feedback from fellow travelers posted on or TripAdvisor page.

Season Guide

Check the weather and best destinations per month

• Inspiration

Get inspired of the best destinations you can find in Vietnam

Top 10 most beautiful beaches in Vietnam

Easy Riders in Vietnam – 8 best routes on the back of a motorbike

Top 20 best things to do in Vietnam – Bucket list must do’s!

Top 15 most beautiful destinations in Vietnam to visit

Founders Nhung (Vietnamese) and Marnick (Dutch) are both experienced travelers visited over 50 countries combined. We started Local Vietnam as an alternative to the classic travel agencies, to offer experiences with lots of contact with the locals, the culture and discovering beautiful unspoilt nature in a way we can reduce the pressure that tourism brings on the natural and social environment.

More about us

• Destination Guide
• Essential Guide
• Getting Around
• Vietnam Month by Month
• Vietnam blog
• Travel tips
• Custom Made Trip
• Day- & Multiple Day tours
• Holiday Packages
• Local Meo Vac Homestay
• Local Dong Van Homestay
• Our Team & Company
• Our Customers & Reviews

Copyright © 2023 Local Vietnam

Start typing and press enter to search

Free ebook vietnam travel guide​.

• Czech Republic
• Budapest, Hungary
• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Complete Japan Travel Guide
• Kanto Region (Tokyo, Hakone)
• Kansai Region (Osaka, Kyoto)
• Kansai Wide (Wakayama)
• Chugoku Region (Hiroshima)
• Chubu Japan
• Hokkaido Japan
• Kyushu Japan
• Jeju Island, South Korea
• KLOOK Promo Code & Voucher (2024 June)
• Agoda Promo Code

Northern Vietnam Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Last updated on May 17th, 2024

This quick and simple Northern Vietnam travel guide blog will introduce you to all of the top Northern region’s highlights and attractions. Hopefully, this will get you inspired to start planning your Northern Vietnam itinerary as soon as possible!

Northern Vietnam has so much more to offer than the typical tourist spots. There is so much to see and experience in the region. Not only this region is very affordable for budget travelers, but it is also rich in the cultural and breathtaking scenery.

North Vietnam is home to Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, one of the bustling hectic cities in Vietnam with loads of authentic Vietnamese cuisines to experience. During your visit, spend your time strolling around the historical old quarter and hectic streets. Try as much local food and eat like a local!

For the nature lover, Northern Vietnam is where you’ll get off the beaten path and interact with minority ethnic people in local villages. You will find breathtaking bays, stunning rice terraces, and unbeatable scenery.

If you’re visiting Northern Vietnam for the first time , then this comprehensive travel guide will tell you all you need to know to plan your trip. We will be shared what to do and see during my trip to the Northern Vietnam region. So, keep reading if you want me to walk you through the best way to travel to Northern Vietnam!

Table of Contents

Pre-Trip Essential

Before planning a trip to Northern Vietnam, it is best to plan and have a brief introduction on what to do and see before your travel date. At a first glance, the attractions that you must add to your Northern Vietnam itinerary are Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa, and surrounding attractions such as Lan Ha Bay and Ninh Binh.

Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital city . It’s also the second-largest city in Vietnam by population, behind only Saigon. Most people will choose Hanoi as a base when traveling around the Northern Vietnam region.

Halong Bay is the most touristy spot in Vietnam with thousands of visitors flocking into mesmerized by its spectacular scenery. This UNESCO heritage-listed site is one of the natural wonders of the world, and consists of a bay made up of around 1,600 limestone islands. This not to be missed attraction is about three hours east of Hanoi.

Lastly is Sapa, a mountain town in Lao Cai Province . It is located in the most northern region of Vietnam, about 5 hours northwest of Hanoi. Known for its rice terraces, trekking activities into the local village, and meet with minority ethnic people.

Best Time To Visit Northern Vietnam

Vietnam falls within the tropical zone of the northern hemisphere. So technically, Vietnam has only two seasons – dry (Oct-Apr) and rainy (May-Sept). However, in more northern areas, the climate does experience variances with four distinct seasons (spring, summer, autumn, and winter).

The most popular times to visit Northern Vietnam are during the Spring and Fall months. During these months, the weather is ideal and not too hot. The pleasant temperature will enable you to enjoy all activities while making sightseeing as perfect as it could be.

Spring (February to April) is the best time to visit Northern Vietnam. The weather is milder and fairly constant throughout the year. So it is best for traveling around and visiting the region.

Summer (May to October) is the hottest month in the Northern Vietnam region. So expect more sunshine and scorching heat with humidity as high as 40 degrees. The rainy season is also in full swing which started around July to September. Severe weather can occasionally cause Halong Bay cruises to cancel departures.

Fall (October-November) is another best time to visit Northern Vietnam. Like spring, the sky was clear with chilly temperatures throughout the region.

Winter (December to January) – The weather is surprisingly cold, especially in northern mountainous regions. However, Northern Vietnam does not snow but it is possible seeing snow-capped on the top of Mount Fansipan.

Traveling To Northern Vietnam

By air : Vietnam has two main international airports, which are Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Saigon. Both are busy international airports, serving thousand of travelers every day, from both internationally and domestically flying to Vietnam.

If you’re an international traveler arriving in North Vietnam by air, most probably you’ll fly into Noi Bai International Airport. Besides, Northern Vietnam is well-connected with other cities in Vietnam with countless daily flight connections between Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh, and Hanoi. There are also many low-cost carriers within South East Asia where you can find plenty of a good deals to get into Northern Vietnam.

Search for cheap flights from Skyscanner

By train and bus : If you are already in Vietnam, you can travel to the North region from Saigon, Hoi An, or other cities by train and bus. There are very comfortable and clean, but the traveling time is very long. Alternatively option, you can look for the sleeper bus or overnight train where you can save on the accommodation cost and time.

Getting Around in Northern Vietnam

Transportation is truly a headache for travelers when getting around in Northern Vietnam. It is also the most tiring part of the trip as the traveling journey from one destination to the next destination can be from 3 to 6 hours. If you are traveling with kids and older folks, it is best to allocate more time or spend at least one night stay at the attraction.

Besides, it is also important to arrange to pre-book the transportation to avoid the last-minute hassle. There are plenty of local tours with transportation included in the city. But it is best to look for a guided tour company with the reputation and good reviews.

We had a very pleasant Northern Vietnam trip and it was all made very easy for us by booking an online tour with Klook and Viator. Be sure to check for more information in each section below.

Planning Northern Vietnam Itinerary

Thanks to its beauty and attractiveness, we have a fantastic time in Northern Vietnam and I’m pretty sure you’re going to love it too. Next, let’s run through my Northern Vietnam itinerary below in more detail.

Things To Do on Northern Vietnam itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrived at Northern Vietnam.
• Day 2: From Hanoi to Sapa. Visiting local market.
• Day 3: Trek into Sapa Local Village.
• Day 4 to 5: Halong Bay.
• Day 6 to 7: Hanoi.

Above Northern Vietnam itinerary can easily be reversed and swapped if they sound more suitable for your trip. You can base on our suggestions to make your own Northern Vietnam itinerary or customize it based on your travel interest and schedule.

Day 1: Arrived Northern Vietnam

We arrived at Noi Bai International airport and were picked up and transferred to the Hanoi city center. From Hanoi to Sapa, you can either take a bus or train which takes you around 5 to 6 hours. We decided to take the overnight train as it is the best budget option as it will save on traveling time and accommodation costs.

Once settled the transportation from Hanoi to Sapa, we had our first meal in old quarter at one of the infamous restaurants for Bun Cha after the tiring flight. We didn’t plan anything on the itinerary as we have around half day to blast around Hanoi before we take the night train to Sapa.

We enjoyed sightseeing around the old quarter until late evening and take the night train to Lao Cai. You may also do some orientation tours around Hanoi old quarter if time allows.

Northern Vietnam Travel Tips : The overnight train is very tiring, especially for families with kids and the elderly. Check below if you are looking for more transportation options.

• Shared Limo Transfers between Hanoi and Sapa  – For smooth and hassle-free arrangement
• Shared Shuttle Bus between Hanoi and Sapa by Interbus Lines  – more economic but takes longer time.
• Over-night Train – The best budget option for those with limited time as you will arrive in Sapa in the early morning to kick start the Sapa itinerary.

Get a full view on transportation option from Hanoi to Sapa

Day 2: From Hanoi to Sapa

Located at Lao Cai Province, Sapa is one of the top destinations in North Vietnam. The misty Sapa is well-known for its mild climate, traditional hill tribes, colorful traditional markets, and stunning rice terraces. You can also learn about the Vietnam’s cultural heritage of minority groups such as Hmong, Dao, Tay, Giay, and Yi on your visit to Sapa.

For about 5 hours of traveling time, we arrived in Sapa in the early morning. Firstly, we headed to Bac Ha Sunday Market, another 2 hours painful journey into the rural area of the hilly village.

Related travel blog at Sapa:

• Things To Do in Sapa Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Where To Stay in Sapa: Best Hotels and Homestays

Bac Ha Sunday Market

Bac Ha Sunday market is the place where I had been looking forward to for so long. As the name said, the Bac Hac weekend tribe market is held on Sunday. It is the local market where locals including the minority peoples are gathering here to buy and sell a wide variety of goods. You might also meet the Flower Hmong people who live in Lao Cai and Ha Giang Provinces with colorful traditional clothes.

In the late afternoon, we backed into Sapa town and have a good rest at the hotel. The hotel is simple yet comfy.

For more Sapa accommodation at different budget for your selection – Where to Stay in Sapa .

• Hotel de la Coupole (luxury), Pistachio Hotel (High-Range, affordable luxury), Phuong Nam Hotel (budget). 

Day 3: Trek into Local Village

On the next day, we started our day in the early morning by trekking into the local village. This is a leisure hike but remember to put on a pair of comfortable footwear so that you won’t get blisters on your toes due to the long walking.

Known as the home of the Black Hmong ethnic minority, Cat Cat village is also the most popular destination on the Sapa trekking tour. This is probably because the village itself is fairly easily accessible compared to the other villages in Sapa. But this also makes it very touristy with lines of souvenir shops.

Trekking down the alley, we were able to see what this minority group does for a living. It is part of their culture where they sell lots of handmade crafts just for subsistence. We visited Black Hmong families and visit the Cat Cat waterfall and rice paddies in this village. Every corner in this place is so picturesque. What a breathtaking view!

There are a few local villages in the region to choose from. If you are planning to witness the settlement of the local’s life I would suggest visiting other villages such as Ma Tra and Ta Phin Village. For Sapa trekking tour to the local village:

• Cat Cat Village Trekking Tour from Sapa
• Ma Tra and Ta Phin Village Private Trekking Tour from Sapa

Day 4 to 5: Halong Bay

Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its spectacular scenery. It is home to sparkling emerald waters, with more than 1,600 towering limestone islands and islets, caves, and traditional floating villages.

Day 5 and day 6 on the Northern Vietnam itinerary are where we spend the time in Ha Long Bay!

Halong Bay is one of my favorite places to visit in Northern Vietnam. We sailed through the bay between the limestone outcrops, stop at a cave for a visit, and kayaked on the emerald water. I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I did.

Halong Bay is a perfect day tour from Hanoi. It is a pretty comprehensive and value-for-money experience! However, if budget is not a concern, it is highly recommended to stay at least one night on the cruise to enjoy the spectacular scenery.

 We visited Halong Bay twice on my last few years of visit, one with a day trip from Hanoi and another we spend an additional night on the cruise. The itinerary is pretty much the same, where the tour guide will pick you up from the hotel in Hanoi with a transfer arrangement.

By spending a night in Ha Long Bay, you’ll get more time cruising the bay. In additional, you’ll also spend a night sleeping in your own cabin, waking up with the serene scenery, and have a more wonderful time in the bay with its breathtaking scenery.

We recommended booking the Halong Bay Day Cruise from Hanoi through Klook and Viator – a TripAdvisor company. Both are reputable companies with good customer reviews.

• Small Group Halong Bay Day Tour from Hanoi [Route 1]  –  Most Popular!
• Halong Bay Deluxe Cruise from Hanoi [Route 2]
• All-Inclusive 2 Day/1 Night Cruise in Halong Bay  –  Reputation Customer Review in TripAdvisor !
• 5 Stars Halong Bay Cruise with private balcony and bathtub

Day 6 and Day 7: Hanoi

With about 2 days in Hanoi, we have plenty of time for exploring the city at your leisure. The downtown is bustling with people and full of motorcycles. You can lost in the city with lines of local food stalls, teeming streets, and colonial buildings. Some travelers find Hanoi overwhelming, but I truly enjoy my time wandering around and watching the locals and activities.

Hanoi is a history city dates back 3,000 years. Spend the time sightseeing in the Hanoi Old Quarter and French Quarter, strolling around the Hoan Kiem Lake, passing through the bustle of streets, and ending with a cup of Vietnamese coffee in one of the authentic coffee shops.

Don’t leave Hanoi without trying the bun cha, pho bo, banh mi, and many more local authentic Vietnamese cuisine. The Vietnamese food in Hanoi is world-class and should not be missed on the Northern Vietnam itinerary.

Related Read : Hanoi Food Guide: Where and What To Eat

Besides, if you are in Hanoi during the weekend, don’t miss the night market on the walking street. There are many street food stalls with an unlimited variety of street food to choose from. Just make sure you’ll have maximum stomach space for the food!

Where to Stay : The best neighborhood to stay in Hanoi is Hoan Kiem. It is also known also as Hanoi City Centre or Hanoi Old Quarter. We stayed at the Acoustic Hotel & Spa and fell in love with the convenience and all that it has to offer. Many great restaurants and interesting attractions are within walking distance. Highly recommended.

Here is our best pick: Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel (luxury), Classic Street Hotel (high-range), Ja Cosmo Hotel and Spa (mid-budget).

How Many Days For Northern Vietnam Itinerary

There are too many wonderful places to discover in Northern Vietnam. With several days to fill in the Northern Vietnam itinerary, it is easily planned out for a few days of visit within the region. However, due to the long-haul traveling journey, it is highly recommended to spend at least two days when visiting each attraction.

I think 5 to 7 days on your Northern Vietnam itinerary is the bare minimum if you want to explore the region. If you only have 1 to 3 days, it is best to stick to only one place and visit it properly. You can spend your days either in Hanoi or Sapa.

If you have more days, you can spend an extra day in Hanoi, an additional night at Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island, or even have one day trip to Ninh Binh. Most important, don’t you pack the itinerary and you should visit the region without feeling rushed.

Final Northern Vietnam Travel Tips

If you’re going to stay in a different area follow this Northern Vietnam itinerary. So it is best to look for accommodation with at the action to ease on transport arrangement. Some people may choose to come back to the same hotel after a few days of the visit at another attraction, it is advised to check and request with the hotel to keep your luggage.

The best way to know the local culture and lifestyle is to join them! We highly recommended a trek into the mountainous rural local village in the North region. It is a unique experience to interact with the minor ethnic group. The traveling journey is painful to reach the rural village but glad that we visited it before it got more touristy.

Most likely you will trek into the local village or involve a lot of walking. Make sure to bring a comfortable sneaker and keep hydrated.

North Vietnam is definitely worth visiting. Fantastic scenery, amazing historical monuments, mouthwatering food, and most importantly it is relatively cheap to visit.

In my humble opinion, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa are musts for any first-time visitor to North Vietnam’s travel itinerary.

For me, seven days is the perfect amount of time to experience the best of North Vietnam and its attractions. However, if you have more days, it will allow you to visit multiple attractions comfortably.

Similar to the entire Vietnam, North Vietnam is a cheap place to visit and best suited for a budget traveler. However, it is getting more expensive every year but is still comparable or cheaper compared to nearby countries such as Thailand and Cambodia.

Overview: A Trip To North Vietnam

All in all, Northern Vietnam is a region of the country not to be missed. We covered three main must-visit places in this region that you could visit on this 7-day Northern Vietnam itinerary. There are still many attractions and amazing places that this region has to offer. We shall return to North Vietnam for another time!

Looking for more travel information for your trip to North Vietnam? We shared the travel stories into more detail manner for each destination. Feel free to read my Northern Vietnam itinerary to Hanoi, Halong bay, and Sapa.

Traveling to Sapa:

Traveling Ha Long Bay :

• A Trip To Halong Bay: Ultimate Travel Guide Blog

Traveling to Hanoi:

Things To Do in Hanoi Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

• Where To Stay in Hanoi: Best Areas and Hotels
• Hanoi Food Guide: Where and What To Eat

You Might Interested:

We will share with you our Hanoi itinerary, travel tips, must-visit attractions, and what to...

Where To Stay in Da Nang: Best Areas and Hotels

We’ve put together a guide to help you decide where to stay in Da Nang,...

Banh Mi Hoa Ma: The Best Banh Mi in Ho Chi Minh City

If you are looking for the best banh mi in Ho Chi Minh, Bánh Mì...

Hoi An Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Hoi An Travel Guide with things to do, what to see, with a few useful...

Where To Stay in Phu Quoc: Best Resorts and Hotels

There are lots of hotels to choose from in Phu Quoc. We’re sharing the best...

Hotel Review: Sheraton Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort

Staying at Sheraton Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort was a great choice, providing relaxing holiday...

• Places to visit near Hanoi
• Hoi an – Hue Day Tours
• Day Trips from HCM
• Plan Your Vietnam Trip
• Hanoi Car Rental
• Northern Vietnam Tour Package
• Best overnight trips from Hanoi
• Have any questions?
• [email protected]
• Phone/WhatsApp/Line/Zalo + 84 369283168

Vietnam Travel 2024/25

Vietnam Tours & Day Trips – Customizable Experiences

• Tipping in Vietnam You should Know
• Things to Do

Tipping customs vary from country to country. You may have grown up somewhere where tipping is a must but here Tipping in Vietnam, this is not always the case.

Every country has different customs surrounding tipping. There are even some rules and laws regulating that gratuity is counted as a taxable personal income. So learning about the basic tipping guide before traveling to new countries is essential so as to not offend any locals. Here in Vietnam, we do a few things differently.

See more: Ban Gioc waterfalls and Ba be lake tour from Hanoi

See more: Best one week Hanoi itinerary 7 days

Read more: Road trip Sapa Mu Cang Chai adventure 5 day itinerary

Tipping is not customary in Vietnam though it is highly appreciated.

Many travelers usually ask themselves: “Are we supposed for tipping in Vietnam?” In actuality, there are completely contrasting answers to this question. However, we believe the most common answer is that tipping is not customary in Vietnam though it is highly appreciated. In fact, tipping is not a habit of the citizens, unless you go to spas for a massage or upscale restaurants . In this case, it can be said that the country’s culture of tipping is still in its infancy.

On the other hand, tipping has become more regular in cities that see a lot of tourists, like Saigon, Hanoi, and Hoi An. More and more high-end services include a service fee in their customer’s bills, ranging from 5% to 15%. Unfortunately, this money does not always find its way to the service staff. Therefore, if you do receive a service that completely exceeded your expectation, then a tip is welcome.

Read more: Vietnam 16 day family road trip car transfer

Read more: Long Coc tea hills photography trip

Tipping Guide for Restaurants / Coffee Shops in Vietnam

Vietnam is undoubtedly a paradise for street food lovers. Believe it or not, most of the country’s signature dishes originated from the sidewalk. Normally, you should not tip the owners of these stalls because they’ll feel awkward, or even worse, offended. If the latter is the case, they can be quite aggressive and heavily insist that you take back the tip. So when you want to show your appreciation to these mom-and-pop store owners and street vendors, giving them an uplifting and truthful compliment about their excellent food or service is more than enough. However, some small restaurants might accept tips so it highly depends on which place you go to as well. Generally, expect that the majority of small restaurant and stall owners will reject your tip, so don’t be too surprised!

Meanwhile, upscale restaurants do it a little differently. A service charge of approximately 10% is almost always added to the customer’s bills. Often times this “service charge” is split between the employees, this fee does not directly go to your server. Therefore, an extra bonus of 50,000 VND – 100,000 VND (2 USD – 5 USD) per person is suitable to gift outstanding staff, and make sure you hand this to them personally.

Read more: Hire Vietnamese translator interpreter

Read more: Hire a Vietnam Private Tour Guide

Tipping Guide for Bars

In Vietnam, tipping the bartender is a fairly common custom. In fact, bar staff are normally paid very little and most of their income comes from tips and not their salary. A tip of around 50,000 VND to round off your bill is expected. Besides, a small tip may give you some privileges, such as being seated at a better spot or an exclusive drink from the bartender, sometimes even on the house.

See more: Ha Giang Loop Tour Perfect 5-day itinerary

See more: Northern Vietnam Tour Ha Giang – Ban Gioc – Ba Be 6 Days

Tipping Guide for Spas

Spas and beauty services in Vietnam are considerably cheaper compared to similar services in other countries. This is one of the few services to which Vietnamese generally tip. As a matter of fact, girls working in spas usually come from less than wealthy families and rural areas. They are usually underpaid for their workload and therefore rely mainly on guest tips. So if a masseuse openly asks for tips, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. He/she will be very grateful to receive a tip of 50,000 VND – 100,000 VND.

Similar to restaurants, at some luxurious spas, a service charge ranging from 5 – 10% is sometimes covered in the price. Again, like most situations in Vietnam, if you are pleased with your massage, you can tip the spa staff another extra tip because we don’t really know whose pocket the service charge reaches eventually

Check it out: Hanoi Itinerary 7 Days (one week) Halong Bay – Ninh Binh – Sapa Tour

Check it out: Ninh Binh – Pu Luong Tour 3 Days

Tipping Guide for Tour Guides/Driver Guide in Vietnam

Tipping tour guides/drivers has become a must since tips probably account for half of their earnings. Being a tour guide/driver means having to stay far from family and friends for a long time and working no matter the weather. Tour guides/driver also play a big role in making a tour successful and they may become a good friend of yours during your journey. So if the adventure you experienced is truly awesome, you can let the guides/drivers know by giving them a tip of around 10 USD/day for a guide and 5US/day for a driver however it would be advised before the trip to Vietnam on the travel budget. The amount of tipping is much personal/character/type of travel group that all member of the party/group should aware of the bonus for your successful/enjoyable tour.

Read more: Northern Vietnam Loop Tours 12 days

Read more: The Best 10-Day Vietnam Itinerary

Tipping Guide for Accommodations

In Vietnam, people do not tip hotel services as frequently as they do with tour guides or spas. Tipping the bellmen or the housekeepers is not compulsory like it is in some other countries, and it all depends on the quality of the accommodation service. The suitable tips for hotel staff are around one or two dollars, and you can give the money to them directly or put it on the desk in your room before leaving.

Vietnam is a developing economy, which means that the majority of the population is still living on an average wage. If you truly enjoy the service, a small tip will perfectly represent your gratuity for the service provided. 20,000 VND may be less than 1 USD; not much for you but maybe a whole meal for the staff member that served you.

See more: Vietnam Discovery Itinerary 18 Days

Ha Giang loop on a 4WD SUV experiences

North Vietnam itinerary guided tour packages

Most Scenic Road Trips In Northern Vietnam and its stops

Finally How much Tipping in Vietnam is up to you

Recommended vietnam tours:.

• Tour Guide Vietnam & Transfers
• Northern Vietnam Tours with Locals
• Hanoi Pickup
• Rent A Car with Driver

Featured ToursByLocals Vietnam

Road trip Sapa Mu Cang Chai adventure 5 day itinerary

Best one week Hanoi itinerary 7 days

Ban Gioc waterfalls and Ba be lake tour from Hanoi

Hanoi Itinerary 7 Days (one week) Halong Bay – Ninh Binh – Sapa Tour

Northern Vietnam Tour Ha Giang – Ban Gioc – Ba Be 6 Days

Ha Giang Loop Tour Perfect 5-day itinerary

Northern Vietnam Loop Tours 12 days: Ha giang – Ba be lake – Ban gioc waterfalls – Halong Bay- Cat ba islands

Sapa Tour from Hanoi 3 Days

Vietnam family Tour North to South 14 Days

Vietnam 16 day family road trip car transfer

Vietnam Discovery Itinerary 18 Days

Long Coc tea hills photography trip

HALONG BAY HANOI SHORE EXCURSIONS

Mu Cang Chai Tour from Hanoi 3 Days

A gastronomic guide to Philadelphia, the USA's historic hotspot

This eclectic East Coast city is enjoying its moment in the spotlight. Come for its political history, but stay for its vibrant melting pot of cuisines, culture and creativity.

“Welcome to the original White House!” my tour guide Mijuel K Johnson enthuses, his arms outstretched like a conductor frozen in motion. We’re standing on historic ground, in the heart of Philadelphia’s leafy Independence National Historical Park. Looming beyond Mijuel’s shoulder is the terracotta facade of Independence Hall, known as the birthplace of the USA due to the Declaration of Independence having been signed here in 1776. Nearby, a queue of tourists are waiting to pay their respects at the small but mighty Liberty Bell, a longstanding symbol of USA freedom, first rung when the declaration was initially read to the public.  

Yet Mijuel, a young historian who leads The Black Journey walking tour, is quick to add that there are elements of the city’s past still being uncovered. “We’re standing on the site of the President’s House, which served as the original capital of the United States from 1790 to 1800, while Washington DC was under construction. You see, Philadelphians have long been the OGs!” Mijuel laughs, as we peer at the remains of the mansion, unearthed during a planned extension of the Liberty Bell Center in 2007. Part archaeological dig, part period reconstruction, this is the spot where George Washington and, later, John Adams lived. It’s also where nine enslaved people served the first president, Mijuel adds.  

Philadelphia’s storied past, particularly when it comes to the American Revolution, has long been the key draw of Pennsylvania’s most populous city, honoured as the first World Heritage City in the US. But these days, the city’s diverse food and arts scenes are stepping up to take centre stage.

From history to hoagies: discover street eats in Philadelphia

With the city home to the second-largest Italian and Irish, and the fourth-largest African-American communities in the country, it’s no wonder that its cuisine is something of a smorgasbord. Visitors to Philadelphia can enjoy French fine dining at the beloved bistro Parc , browse stalls serving everything from soul food to shawarmas at the historic Reading Terminal Market , sample street tacos at Casa Mexico and slurp fragrant noodle soup at Vietnam — the latter both low-key eateries recently crowned James Beard Foundation Award winners. I bid Mijuel farewell, craving a taste of the city’s legendary foodscape for myself.  

Meandering a couple of blocks southwards, neighbourhoods of tree-lined boulevards and handsome brownstone houses gently unfold. On the corner of South 9th Street, I meet Jacqueline Kelly, owner of StrEATS of Philly Food Tours , standing at the frenetic mouth of the Italian Market , one of the oldest and largest al fresco markets in the country. The Italian-American chef and tour guide grew up just a stone’s throw from the market and seems to remain on first-name terms with almost everyone on the 10-block street.  

She guides me past ramshackle food stalls selling juicy oranges and football-sized artichokes, all stacked in the shade of a patchwork of corrugated iron and canvas awnings. As we duck into vintage delicatessens to nibble on punchy chunks of artisan cheese and plump Sicilian olives, Jacqueline explains that the neighbourhood gets its distinctive zest from three significant waves of immigration: Southern Italians at the end of the 19th century, Vietnamese in the 1970s and Mexicans in the 1990s.  

These diasporas have created some unexpected fusions, Jacqueline tells me. This becomes immediately clear as we dip into Lupita’s Grocery, a Mexican-owned convenience store. Like a charmingly chaotic souk, the walls are stacked with towers of crisp packets and household mops, while at the lunch counter, hulking slabs of meat compete for space with Latin American licuados (milk-based smoothies). We order monstrously large hoagies — a traditional Italian-American sandwich that can trace its roots to the early immigrants who worked the nearby shipyards. It’s made by piling a bread roll high with finely sliced meat, cheese and salad. As we navigate each protein-packed bite, a spirited soundtrack of Mexican ranchera music pumps through the store’s speakers.  

“Many Mexican immigrants started as dishwashers in the Italian restaurants here and worked their way up to become chefs. The outcome has been a crossover in the dishes, with restaurants like Franco Fusion serving tacos with Italian fillings, or Italian pasta stuffed with spicy Mexican ingredients,” Jacqueline says, as we head back out into the sunshine. We pass windows where diners slurp steaming bowls of pho, before emerging back onto the main street under a rainbow flutter of Mexican fiesta bunting.

A cultural kaleidoscope

The following day brings the opportunity to take the city’s creative pulse. Considered one of the finest destinations for free public art in the USA, Philadelphia is home to countless sculptures and around 4,000 vibrant murals, with colourful sweeps of the city operating much like an outdoor gallery. On a walk towards the South Street neighbourhood, I pass artworks including Robert Indiana’s iconic Love sculpture, Claes Oldenburg’s supersized Clothespin sculpture and a dazzling mural of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air himself, West Philadelphia born-and-raised Will Smith.  

It’s early on a Sunday, but Philadelphia’s South Street district, spanning roughly 14 blocks, is already limbering up for the day. I wander past beatnik coffee houses bustling with dog-owning locals, hole-in-the-wall pizza joints and a labyrinth of secondhand clothing emporiums stuffed with quirky goods. My destination is Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens , a former abandoned lot that’s been reimagined as a folk-art masterpiece by Isaiah Zagar, a local resident now in his 80s.  

It’s a staggering sight to behold — every inch of the treasure trove grotto and courtyard painstakingly adorned. The walls, floors and maze-like tunnels are a kaleidoscope of found curiosities, mosaics, bejewelled tiles and glinting mirrored shards. Isaiah has lent his maximalist vision to several public murals throughout the district, too, many of which I pass while strolling towards the Tattooed Mom dive bar to finally sample the one and only Philly cheesesteak.

The more-is-more aesthetic continues at this eclectic institution, where the walls are decked out in a riot of graffiti tags, stickers, memorabilia and painted artworks. Owner of 26 years, Robert Perry greets me at the bar, overlooked by twinkling fairy lights and a kitschy bust of Elvis in his Las Vegas heyday. “This area has a long history of counterculture, from its roots as an immigrant Black and Jewish neighbourhood, to the Sixties, when the hippies settled and then the punk rockers,” Robert says, as he slides the house special Philly cheesesteak across a Formica table towards me, ribbons of glistening beef smothered under a gooey blanket of hot, melting cheese.  

Despite evidence of gentrification, the district remains a haunt for folks of all stripes, he continues. “Today, South Street is a place where people come to discover their creative selves, to gather and exchange ideas,” he tells me, as across the room a floral, Barbie-themed installation is being constructed to coincide with the annual Philadelphia Flower Show — a 195-year-old horticultural celebration that sees the city set abloom in spring.  

I press on towards the revered Philadelphia Museum of Art , where — despite galleries packed with globe-trotting artworks from the likes of van Gogh, Picasso and Duchamp — the real action is underway outside. A busker on a saxophone has struck up a rousing rendition of Gonna Fly Now, the theme tune from the film Rocky , as tourists puff their way up the 72 famous steps to the museum. They stop at the top for a champion’s photo call, poses mirroring the bronze statue of Balboa below.

It would be easy to while away a warm spring afternoon watching this street theatre play out, but I have one final menu to enjoy, at Wilder , near Rittenhouse Square. This laid-back neighbourhood hotspot was opened by a chef and artist couple, who transformed a bygone dance studio into a cosy three-floor bar and restaurant. Inside, I join locals perched on leopard-print stools at the candle-lit bar, shucking oysters and feasting on unexpected dishes such as savoury cannoli — a sweet potato shell filled with salmon and lashings of creme fraiche.  

Heading home, I pass a towering statue of Pennsylvania’s founder, William Penn, looking down at this buzzy metropolis from atop City Hall. Philadelphia may have its roots in the nation’s past, but right now, it’s the city’s bright future that’s holding the attention.  

Three more Philadelphia city tours

1. Yo, Philly! Rocky Film Tour Best for: the cinema lover

The popular Yo, Philly! Rocky Film Tour is led by heavyweight guide Mike Kunda, the city’s most devoted Rocky impersonator. The three-hour tour takes in various filming highlights and has even been endorsed by Sylvester Stallone himself.  

2. Constitutional Walking Tour Best for: history buffs

Take a deep dive into Philadelphia’s storied past as the birthplace of the USA with this 75-minute Constitutional Walking Tour. Covering just over a mile, the tour takes in over 20 significant sites, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.  

3. Philly by Boat Best for: a new perspective

Built on the meeting point of two large rivers, the Schuylkill and the Delaware, Philadelphia has a rich maritime history. See the bright lights of the city from a different angle with a one-hour sunset cruise on the Delaware River, sailing under the magnificent Ben Franklin Bridge and soaking up the city’s industrial waterfronts.  

Related Topics

• CITY GUIDES
• FOOD TOURISM

You May Also Like

A guide to Philadelphia, the northeast US city stepping out of NYC's shadow

How to spend a day in Philadelphia, finding nourishment for body and soul

10 days in Pennsylvania: take a trip through the history of the USA

A food guide to Barcelona, from historic markets to atmospheric vermouth bars

Why you should visit Victoria, Vancouver's little sister with a big history

A food guide to Prague

10 best things to do in Switzerland

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

Confused about Arizona's $16.1 billion budget? Here's what it means

If you’re a typical Arizonan, detailed budgets aren’t your thing.

Polls show most Americans don’t create and use written budgets , though most people keep a general idea in their heads when it comes to revenue versus spending.

Still, there are things you should know about the multi-billion budget Arizona lawmakers passed.

It’s an intricate spending plan involving thousands of items. After lawmakers create and approve a plan, they pass a general appropriations bill known as a “feed bill” that lists what the state’s spending money on for the next year.

They also pass multiple bills to enact the budget known as “burbs,” or BRBs, short for budget reconciliation bills.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

The actual money represented by the state budget resides in bank accounts and is managed by the state Treasurer’s Office.

How much does Arizona spend yearly?

It varies depending on the revenue taken in. Forecasters flubbed their predictions this year, underestimating the amount of tax revenue the state received by hundreds of millions of dollars.

The budget for the current fiscal year, which ends June 30, was about $17.7 billion originally. But it was cut to $17.2 billion to address the shortfall. The budget for the next fiscal year, which lawmakers passed late Saturday is $16.1 billion. The figures only list what is coming out of the state’s General Fund.

In the state’s fiscal year 2024, the state lawmakers planned to spend not just the $17.8 billion but another $5 billion from other state funds. The state also spent $41 billion this year in federal or other funds not appropriated by the state.

Who creates the state budget?

This year and last, the budget process by Arizona leaders has been opaque.

Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs and two Republicans, Senate President Warren Petersen and House Speaker Ben Toma, made all the tough decisions on which items to cut because of the revenue shortfall and what to spend more money on. Much of the plan is simply a carry-over from the previous year’s spending.

Democratic and Republican lawmakers received updates on the evolving plan during the legislative session but didn’t directly participate in creating it.

Leaders can’t stray too far from what the 60 House members and 30 senators can tolerate: In the end, they need a majority from each chamber to approve it.

Why do state leaders work for months on the budget, then rush its passage?

Legislators didn’t see this year's proposed budget plan until months after the session began in January. And once it was out, leaders rushed to get it approved in a few days.

That’s how it usually works. During the leaders’ negotiations, one side or another will hold out on some disputed budget item — like how much to cut the private school voucher program, or whether to cut it at all.

Lawmakers are “impatient” by the time a draft budget comes out, said former House Speaker Rusty Bowers. But leaders can’t let 90 lawmakers analyze the plan for too long, or they’ll develop lengthy lists of complaints.

“You gotta shut it down before the plague sets in,” Bowers said.

What is 'sine die'?

Latin for “without a day,” it signifies the Legislature’s last day of the year’s session. Most bills, except those enacted as emergencies, take effect 90 days after sine die.

The House and Senate often declare sine die after approving the state budget and voting on any bills still left to process.

But that’s not required. Last year, lawmakers completed the budget in May but didn’t end their session until July 30, allowing for more time to work on a transportation bill.

This year, the Legislature adjourned sine die shortly after passing the budget. The last gavel in the Senate came at 10:10 p.m. on Saturday, roughly 35 hours after budget deliberations kicked off.

Reach the reporter at  [email protected]  or 480-276-3237. Follow him on X @raystern .

Government Book Talk

• Comments Policy
• Marine Fishery Resources

The Fishery Bulletin is the oldest and most prestigious marine fishery science journal in the United States. It publishes original research within the broad discipline of fishery science. Research fields include ecology, oceanography, ocean pollution, physiology, behavior, and taxonomy of fishes and other marine organisms, gear technology, and much more related to commercial and recreational fishing practices, marine fisheries, and marine mammal science.

Marine Fisheries Review publishes review articles, original research reports, and news articles on fisheries science, engineering, economics, commercial and recreational fisheries, marine mammal studies, aquaculture, and U.S. and foreign fisheries developments. However, the emphasis is on in-depth review articles and practical or applied aspects of marine fisheries rather than pure research.

Here are some important tips to consider for your next summer fishing trip:

• Consider the type of fish you want to catch and choose a spot known for that species.
• Learn about the regulations: There are regulations in place to help protect fish populations. Be sure to research the regulations for the body of water you will be fishing in before you go. You may need to purchase a fishing license.
• Get the right gear: You need a fishing rod, reel, line, hooks, sinkers, and bait or lures. You may also consider getting a tackle box to store your gear.
• Be patient: Fishing can relax, but catching fish takes time. Be patient and enjoy the outdoors.

Hope this helps with your next fishing excursion!

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

• Click here to purchase Fishery Bulletin
• Click here to purchase  Marine Fisheries Review

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to [email protected]

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov .

About the author : Trudy Hawkins i s Government Book Talk Editor and Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office, supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore ( https://bookstore.gpo.gov ) .

SHARE THIS:

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 at 12:00 pm and is filed under Department of Commerce , Fish and Wildlife Service , NOAA . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response , or trackback from your own site.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Subscribe to Email Alerts

Enter your email address to subscribe to Government Book Talk and receive notifications of new blog posts by email.

Email Address:

Sign me up!

Search our blog

Gpo blog rss feed.

Recent Posts

• Naval History & Heritage Command Publications
• Economic Report of the President 2024
• Military Appreciation Month – Veteran Benefits

View Posts by Month

View posts by topic, i. gpo for the public & library community.

• a) US Government Bookstore
• b) GPO Newsroom & Media
• c) FDSys Document Search
• d) Federal Depository Libraries
• e) FDLP Community Blogs
• f) Catalog of Government Publications (CGP)
• g) Kids' Guide to Government
• h) GPO on Facebook
• i) GPO on YouTube
• j) GPO on Pinterest
• k) GPO on Twitter

II. GPO for Federal Agencies

• a) GPO Main Site
• b) Find Your GPO National Account Manager (NAM) by State
• c) GPO Events Calendar
• d) GPO Discount Paper Store
• e) GPO Express Print-on-Demand via FedEx Kinko's
• f) Secure Cards & Credentials
• g) GPO Institute: Training for Publishing & Communications

GPO on Twitter

Top posts trending this week.

• Naval History & Heritage Command Publications
• Economic Report of the President 2024
• Captivating Posters from the NPS
• Publications for Safe Waterway Navigation
• Consumer Awareness: Home Safety Protection
• The Constitution & How a Bill Becomes a Law
• NEW! Emergency Response Guidebook 2024

Most Frequent Categories

Most frequent tags.

Blog at WordPress.com.

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar