Vietnam travelplanet.cc Travel Guide 2026

1. Entry Requirements & Documents

Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Vietnam and have at least one blank page for the entry stamp . The 12-page U.S. emergency passport is not accepted for e-visa entry .

Visa: All travellers (except those visiting Phu Quoc for stays under 30 days) require a visa. The primary method is the E-visa (electronic visa), which replaced the old visa-on-arrival system .

• E-visa Features: Valid for up to 90 days, available as single-entry (USD 25) or multiple-entry (USD 50) .
• Processing Time: Standard processing takes 3 business days . Expedited (24-hour) and emergency (2-4 hours) services are available for additional fees .
• Application: Apply through the official government portal. Ensure your name matches the machine-readable zone of your passport exactly — this is the most common cause of rejection .
• Entry Port: You must enter through the specific port listed on your E-visa .
• Phu Quoc Exception: Visa-free entry is permitted for stays of 30 days or less on the island of Phu Quoc only .
• Digital Arrival Card: From April 2026, travellers entering via major airports must complete the Digital Arrival Card within 72 hours of arrival at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn. A QR code is generated for fast-track immigration lanes .
• Pre-Arrival Form: You are encouraged to complete a Digital Pre-Arrival Form online within 72 hours of arrival via international airports .
• Check Visa Details: Before leaving immigration, verify that the expiration date stamped in your passport is correct, as this may differ from the visa document .

Official links: Vietnam E-visa Portal · Digital Arrival Card · Vietnam Tourism

2. Health, Vaccinations & Insurance

Mandatory Vaccinations: No vaccinations are required for entry to Vietnam .

Recommended Vaccinations: Consult a travel health specialist. Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and tetanus. Malaria prophylaxis is advised for rural areas, particularly in the southern part of the country .

• Health Declaration (July 2026): A mandatory health declaration must be completed before arrival from July 2026 .
• Digital Arrival Card: Must be submitted within 72 hours of arrival .
• Medical Care: Medical facilities frequently lack medicine and supplies. International clinics in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can handle minor issues, but serious problems require evacuation .
• Medication: Prescription medication can be imported, but check value and quantity restrictions . Some common ADHD medications may be illegal in Vietnam .
• HIV/AIDS: There is a risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and other STIs, especially in cases of sexual assault .
• Tap Water: Do not drink tap water; use bottled water.

Links: CDC – Vietnam · Vietnam Tourism

3. Safety & Travel Advisories

• Crime: Snatch-and-grab theft by thieves on motorcycles is frequent, especially in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Nha Trang . Bag slashing is common in markets and on public transport .
• Crime Prevention: Carry bags in front of you. Be prepared to surrender valuables rather than risk injury . Use ATMs only in banks and reputable hotels .
• Scams: Pre-book airport transfers to avoid taxi scams .
• Sexual Assault: Reports of groping and sexual assault are rising .
• Driving: A valid Vietnamese driver's licence is required to drive or ride any vehicle, including motorcycles of 50cc or more . Renting a moped without a licence is illegal, and insurance will not cover accidents .
• Ridesharing: Services like Grab and GoViet are generally safe. Verify the vehicle's license plate matches the app. Moped taxis (xe om) are strongly discouraged due to safety risks .
• Landmines: Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist, particularly at construction sites. Do not touch unknown metal objects .
• Drugs: Using narcotics is illegal, and police may test blood for drugs. A positive test can result in a long prison sentence, even if used elsewhere .
• Detention: Vietnamese authorities routinely delay notification and consular access to detained foreign citizens .
• Domestic Travel: You must use the same passport for domestic flights, hotel check-ins, and registration with local police .

Official travel advisories: U.S. State Department · Australian Smartraveller · New Zealand SafeTravel

4. Emergency & Important Numbers

Other services: Vietnam Tourism

5. Embassies & Consulates

In emergencies (passport loss, legal trouble, consular assistance), contact the embassy or consulate of your home country. The U.S. Embassy is in Hanoi, with a Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City . The New Zealand Embassy is also in Hanoi, with a Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City .

• U.S. Embassy Hanoi: 170 Ngoc Khanh, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi · Tel: +84 24 3850 5000
• U.S. Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City: 4 Le Duan, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City · Tel: +84 28 3520 0000
• New Zealand Embassy Hanoi: Level 5, 63 Ly Thai To Street, Hanoi · Tel: +84 24 3824 1481

Search link: All foreign embassies and consulates in Vietnam

6. Background on Country & Society

Brief Description: Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country on the South China Sea. It is a one-party socialist republic and a member of the United Nations. Known for its stunning landscapes, from the mountains of Sapa to the beaches of Da Nang and the floating markets of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam has a rich history and vibrant culture. The country is rapidly developing, with a growing tourism sector aiming to welcome 25 million international visitors in 2026 .

• Capital: Hanoi
• Largest City: Ho Chi Minh City
• Population: ~100 million
• Economy: Agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and services.
• Nature: Ha Long Bay, Sapa, the Mekong Delta, and Phong Nha Cave.

Official information: Official Tourism Website – Vietnam.travel · Government of Vietnam

7. Climate, Weather & Clothing

Climate: Tropical — warm and humid year-round in the south, with a distinct monsoon season. The north has four distinct seasons, with cooler winters.

• North (Hanoi, Sapa): Four seasons; winter (Nov–Feb) is cool (10-15°C), summer (May–Aug) is hot and humid.
• Central (Da Nang, Hoi An): Hot and dry (Feb–Aug), rainy (Sep–Jan).
• South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta): Tropical; dry season (Dec–Apr), wet season (May–Nov).

Clothing recommendations:

• Year-round: Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton, linen), sun hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen.
• Cultural: Dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas.
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes; flip-flops for the beach.
• Rain gear: A lightweight raincoat or poncho is essential during the wet season.

8. Language & Communication

Official language: Vietnamese. English is spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and by younger people. French is also spoken by some older generations.

9. Voltage & Plug Types

• Voltage: 220 V
• Frequency: 50 Hz
• Plug types: Type A, Type C, and Type F.
• Adapter needed? For travellers from DE/AT/CH: No — plugs are compatible (Type C/F). For UK/Ireland: Yes — need an adaptor (Type G to C/F). For North America: Yes — need both an adaptor and a transformer for 110‑125 V appliances.

10. Money & Finances

• Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND).
• Exchange rate (approx., August 2026): 1 EUR ≈ 27,000 VND; 1 USD ≈ 25,000 VND.
• Payment methods: Cash is essential, especially in rural areas. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and restaurants in cities.
• ATMs: Widely available in cities.
• Cash Declaration: You must declare any Vietnamese Dong over 15,000,000 VND or foreign currency over 5,000 USD on entry .
• Price level: Low — very affordable compared to Western Europe.
• Tipping: Tipping is not expected but appreciated for good service.

11. Transport & Arrival

Airports: The main international airports are Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang International Airport (DAD).

• Direct flights from Europe: Vietnam Airlines offers direct flights from Frankfurt to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Trains: The Reunification Express connects Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Trains are old, slow, and not up to Western standards, but accidents are rare .

Buses: Buses can be overcrowded and driven with little regard for safety .

Flights: Vietnam Airlines now operates direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to San Francisco .

Ridesharing: Grab, GoViet, and Be are safe and reliable .

Driving: Drive on the right. A Vietnamese driver's licence is required to drive or ride any vehicle. Renting a moped without a licence is illegal and dangerous .

Official transport pages: Vietnam Tourism – Getting Around · Vietnam Airlines

12. Accommodation & Practical Information

• Hotel types: From luxury hotels to hostels and homestays.
• Safety: Accommodation is generally safe; use hotel safes for valuables. Break-ins to hotels and private homes are reported, even while guests are inside .
• Opening hours: Shops: Mon–Sat 09:00–19:00. Many shops are open on Sundays.
• Local regulations: Smoking is banned in all public indoor spaces and on public transport.

13. Food, Drink & Cuisine

Vietnamese cuisine is fresh, healthy, and flavourful, with a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.

14. Time Zone & Public Holidays

• Time zone: Indochina Time (ICT) – UTC+7. No daylight saving time .
• Time difference to DE/AT/CH: +5 hours (5 hours ahead of Central Europe).

Public holidays in 2026 (selection):

• 1 January – New Year's Day
• 9 February – Tet (Lunar New Year)
• 10 February – Tet (Lunar New Year)
• 11 February – Tet (Lunar New Year)
• 30 April – Reunification Day
• 1 May – Labour Day
• 2 September – National Day
• 25 December – Christmas Day

Note: Many shops, museums, and attractions close on public holidays. Check Office Holidays – Vietnam for the complete calendar.

15. Attractions & Highlights

Vietnam is a diverse and beautiful country with a rich history and stunning landscapes.

Official tourism pages: Vietnam.travel · Destinations

16. Nightlife & Events

Nightlife: Vietnam offers a vibrant nightlife, from Hanoi's bustling beer streets to Ho Chi Minh City's rooftop bars and clubs.

• Hanoi: The Old Quarter has many bars and live music venues.
• Ho Chi Minh City: District 1 is the nightlife hub, with rooftop bars and clubs.
• Da Nang: A growing beach party scene.

Festivals & events:

• Tet (Lunar New Year) — the most important celebration, with festivals, fireworks, and food.
• Hue Festival — a cultural festival in the imperial city.
• Da Nang International Fireworks Festival — a spectacular competition.

Event calendars: Vietnam.travel Events

17. Media & Further Links

🇻🇳 Vietnam — where the ancient meets the modern and the flavours are unforgettable.
All information is provided for guidance. Always check official sources before travel.