Vietnam Tourism 2026

Vietnam is making news around the world for a valid reason indeed. Tourism is thriving in Vietnam as evidenced by the record-breaking number of foreign tourists who visited the country. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, Vietnam welcomed 6.76 million international tourists.

Vietnam, which is endowed with an array of beautiful sights like the historic buildings and temples of the country, including the famous karst cliffs at Ha Long Bay and Sapa rice terrace, is truly a gem of Southeast Asia.

Add to that the famous street food, miles of coastline, and favorable prices, and you will get an unbeatable package of experiences. If you want a trip where the planning part is already sorted, WanderOn’s Vietnam tour packages can help you find an itinerary that matches your travel style.

A good trip becomes much easier when you know what to expect. This overview of Vietnam tourism covers everything from visas and local tips to the best time to visit and experiences you shouldn’t miss, so you can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying Vietnam.

Vietnam at a Glance: Key Facts

• Capital City: Hanoi.
• Largest City: Ho Chi Minh City.
• Population: Over 102 million people.
• Official Language: Vietnamese.
• Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND).
• Time Zone: Indochina Time (ICT), which is UTC+7.
• Calling Code: +84.
• Religion: While many Vietnamese follow folk traditions or are non-religious, Buddhism is the most prominent organized religion, with a notable Catholic community.
• Architecture: Vietnam's architecture comprises ancient Chinese pagodas and temples, colonial-style structures from the French era, and modern skyscrapers.
• UNESCO Sites: 8 heritage sites, including some of the top places to visit in Vietnam such as Hoi An Town, the Historic Complex of Hue Monuments, and Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
• Must-Try Dishes: Pho (aromatic noodle soup), Banh Mi (Vietnamese baguette), Bun Cha (grilled pork & rice noodles) and Goi Cuon (summer rolls).
• Vietnam Coffee Culture: As the second-largest producer of coffee, Vietnam Coffee Culture is unmatched. Do not forget to try the world-famous Vietnamese Iced Coffee and the Hanoi Egg Coffee.
• Safety: Vietnam is one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia, where you can travel alone or with your family.

Preparing for Your Trip: Visas and Money

While some nationalities can enter Vietnam visa-free for a set number of days, most foreign visitors will require a visa. As of 2026, citizens from all countries are eligible to apply for an e-visa online. This is one of the easiest methods, allowing for a stay of up to 90 days with either single or multiple entries. Good resources for travel advisories include the U.S. Department of State's Vietnam Travel Advisory or Australia's Smartraveller page.

While traveling in Vietnam, you'll find that cash is essential. Major hotels and upscale restaurants in big cities will accept credit cards, but for day-to-day expenses like street food, local markets, and small shops, you will need cash.

The local currency is Vietnamese Dong (VND). Currency exchanges can be conducted at banks or through licensed gold merchants offering better rates than banks. There are many ATMs available but keep in mind possible transaction fees. Exchanging money with people on the street should be avoided.

Exchanging Vietnamese Dong back to your home currency can be difficult outside of Vietnam. A smart strategy is to spend most of your remaining Dong on last-minute souvenirs or airport snacks before you depart.

Getting to and Around Vietnam

Arriving by Air

The majority of international travelers arrive in Vietnam by plane. The country's main international gateways are Noi Bai (HAN) in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang (DAD) in the central region. For those traveling long distances, such as the well-traveled Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City route, this Vietnam trip guide recommends air transport as the most convenient option.

Overland and Sea Travel

If you are already exploring South East Asia you can enter Vietnam by land from neighbouring countries like Cambodia and Laos. There is also a train connection from China too. Many of the major cruise lines also include Vietnamese ports, such as Ha Long Bay and Da Nang, in their itineraries.

Getting Around Inside Vietnam

• Ride-Hailing Apps: In urban areas, Grab is essential for booking rides from cars or motorbike taxis. It works on a flat rate basis. Alternatively, one can use Gojek.
• Trains: The Reunification Train provides an ideal train experience between the cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, offering picturesque views of the country’s geography.
• Buses: Budget-conscious travelers often opt for buses. Sleeper buses are another type of buses with beds instead of seats that are frequently used by tourists.
• Cyclos: The cyclo is a tricycle bike that provides a leisurely means of touring old neighborhoods such as Hanoi’s Old Quarter. It is important to agree on the fare prior to the trip.

When is the Best Time to Visit?

The weather can be dramatically different from one end of Vietnam to the other due to the country’s long, narrow shape. There is no single best time to visit Vietnam that works for all regions, but spring (February to April) and autumn (October to November) generally bring the most pleasant and stable weather across the country.

North Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa)

The best time to visit the north of your Vietnam tourism is spring (March-April) and fall (September-November). The weather is dry and mild, perfect for a cruise in Ha Long Bay or a trek in the Sapa region. Summers are usually hot and wet, while winters can be surprisingly cold.

Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue)

This is a beach lover's paradise. The best months are February to August when the days are dry and sunny. Storm season is typically from September to November, so if you're planning a trip to the coast, it's best to steer clear of this time of year.

South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc)

The south is warm all the time. The best time to visit the city and spend time on the beach is the dry season, between November and April. The rainy season, from May to October, usually means short, heavy rains in the afternoon that pass quickly.

What to Pack for Your Vietnam Trip

Choose comfortable outfits that work in the heat but can also be layered for cooler evenings or mountain trips. Comfort should be your top priority.

• Clothing: Light weight shirts, pants and shorts are your besties. Rain jackets are a smart addition, no matter the season. You need to cover your shoulders and knees to enter temples and pagodas, so pack a long skirt or a pair of loose pants.
• Footwear: You’ll probably be on your feet a lot so comfortable walking shoes are a must. A pair of sandals or flip-flops is great for the beach or more casual days too.
• Essentials: Don’t forget your passport , a printed or digital copy of your e-visa and travel insurance details. A small first aid kit with the basics such as bandages, antiseptic wipes and insect repellent is also a good idea.
• Electronics: Make sure to pack a universal power adapter so you can charge your devices. A portable power bank is a lifesaver when you are out sightseeing all day long and need to keep your phone and camera charged.

Top Things to Do and See in Vietnam

Vietnam tourism is packed with places that feel completely different from each other. Before you know it, you will be cruising by huge limestone islands in Halong Bay, only to find yourself walking along lantern-lit streets in Hoi An City.

This nation boasts of eight sites designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, highlighting their rich history, culture, and landscape.

Here are some top things to do in Vietnam you should definitely add to your trip:

• Overnight Cruise in Ha Long Bay: There is never enough time for a few hours here. If you stay overnight you can kayak, explore caves and wake up to amazing views right outside your room.
• Drive the Hai Van Pass: This beautiful road has mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. If you are keen on adventure or just enjoy the ride by car, you can bike.
• Hoi An Lantern Streets: When the sun goes down, hundreds of colorful lanterns illuminate the old town and make the place look like it’s straight out of a movie.
• Trek Through Sapa Rice Terraces: If you visit in the autumn, giant golden rice fields flow down the mountains just before the harvest season.
• Phu Quoc’s Kiss Bridge: Kiss bridge is built to look like 2 hands reaching toward each other and has quickly become one of the most popular places for pictures.
• Unwind on Phu Quoc Island: Vietnam’s largest island, Phu Quoc is home to beautiful beaches and crystal-clear water to snorkel in and lively night markets filled with food and shopping.
• Sample Hanoi's Street Food: Some of the best street food in Hanoi is served in tiny street side shops. Hot bowls of pho, crunchy banh mi and the famous egg coffee await. You can get a complete, filling meal for a couple of dollars.

Essential Travel and Safety Tips

Vietnam is a very safe and welcoming country for travelers. This Vietnam trip guide notes that the U.S. Department of State gives the country a Level 1 travel advisory, which means you should exercise normal precautions. The main thing to be careful of is petty theft, such as people on motorbikes snatching bags or phones in busy cities. A simple and effective precaution is to stay aware of your surroundings.

If you are in a busy city like Ho Chi Minh City, one good habit is to secure your valuables and not flash expensive electronics on busy streets.

Here are some tips to keep in mind for an easy Vietnam tourism:

• Get a Local SIM Card: Having a local SIM card will give you easy access to maps, ride-hailing apps and information on the go. You can buy one right at the international airports in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
• Haggling: Bargaining is a part of the shopping experience in local markets. But in restaurants and modern shops prices are generally fixed.
• Take Ride-Hailing apps: Download Grab or a similar app before you arrive. It is the most reliable way to book a taxi with a transparent, fixed price.
• Temple Etiquette: Dress respectfully when visiting temples and pagodas. That means you need to cover your knees and shoulders.
• Carry loose change: Small bills come in very handy for small purchases, street food and tipping.
• Book Early: If you plan to do something as popular as overnight train rides and Ha Long Bay tours, book your tickets beforehand especially if it’s the peak season.
• Get Travel Insurance: Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that will cover you for any unforeseen medical problems or travel disruptions.

Sample 10-Day Itinerary

• Days 1-2: Hanoi. Explore the Old Quarter, walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, and try the delicious Vietnamese street food, including their famous egg coffee.
• Days 3-4: Ha Long Bay. Join a boat cruise and spend the night at this place surrounded by amazing limestone karst formations, kayak, and visit a cave.
• Days 5-6: Hoi An. Visit the charming Ancient Town, buy custom-tailored clothes from a local tailor, and enjoy the magical atmosphere at evening time when all is lit with lanterns.
• Day 7: Da Nang. Go to the top of the Marble Mountains and chill out on the beautiful My Khe Beach.
• Days 8-9: Ho Chi Minh City. Explore the history at the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels.
• Day 10: Departure. Have a final Vietnamese coffee and banh mi sandwich before departure from the airport.

For Vietnam tourism, a 10-day itinerary gives you enough time for experiencing all the highlights in the northern, central, and southern regions of Vietnam. However, in two weeks, it is possible to travel even more calmly. With less time, it would be better to stay only in one or two regions.

How Much Does a Trip to Vietnam Cost?

Vietnam is renowned for being one of the countries where your money will stretch far. Despite becoming increasingly popular, Vietnam still ranks among the cheapest destinations to visit. A recommended daily budget for a mid-range traveler can be around $60 to $90.

This will easily pay for good hotel accommodations, tours, as well as delicious meals from both restaurants and roadside stands, making Vietnam Tourism accessible for a wide range of budgets. On the other hand, luxury resorts can be found too, should you prefer a more expensive option.

This budget applies mainly to independent travelers. If you choose an all-inclusive Vietnam tourism package, most of your major costs will be covered before you even leave home.

Why Plan Your Vietnam Trip Now?

Vietnam is at a thrilling moment. With rapid modernization and newer airports as well as improved road networks, getting around the country has never been easier, but at the same time, the country maintains its true character and rich culture.

This Vietnam travel guide will be helpful as you plan your upcoming trip there. Simply remember the basics, such as visa application, budgeting, and deciding where you want to go, and you’ll have a fantastic time.

Vietnam is the ideal place to experience culture, history, and natural attractions. However, if you need some assistance with your travel planning, WanderOn is always ready to assist you.