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Vietnam travel guide

Limestone bays and rice terraces in the north, lantern-lit old towns in the centre and island beaches in the south.

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Vietnam packages from USD 685
The Golden Bridge held up by two giant stone hands at Ba Na Hills, Da Nang Limestone islands rising from the water of Ha Long Bay Rice terraces and villages in the valleys around Sapa

Vietnam stretches more than 1,600 kilometres from the mountains of the north to the Mekong Delta, and each region feels like a different country. Hanoi and Ha Long Bay sit in the north, with the rice terraces of Sapa beyond; Da Nang and Hoi An in the centre; and the island of Phu Quoc in the south.

Domestic flights are short and cheap, so most trips combine two regions. Because the seasons differ along the coast, the best route depends on the month you travel.

Visa and entry

  • Vietnam's eVisa is open to all nationalities. It is valid for up to 90 days, for single or multiple entry, and costs USD 25 or USD 50 respectively.

    Source: Gulf News (Zainab Husain)

  • Within the validity of the eVisa you can enter and leave Vietnam as many times as you like, which helps with side trips to neighbouring countries.

    Source: Khaleej Times (Khaleej Times)

  • Apply on the official eVisa portal at least a week before you fly, and make sure the name and passport number match your ticket exactly.

Entry rules for Vietnam can change at short notice. Share your nationality and residence details and our team will confirm what applies to you before you book.

Things to do in Vietnam

  1. Hanoi's Old Quarter

    Narrow streets of shops and food stalls around Hoan Kiem Lake, best explored on foot.

  2. Ha Long Bay

    Thousands of limestone islands rising from emerald water, a UNESCO site, seen by day cruise or overnight boat.

  3. Sapa and Fansipan

    Rice terraces and hill villages, and a cable car to the top of Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina.

  4. Hoi An

    A riverside old town of lanterns and tailors' shops, a UNESCO site, beautiful at night.

  5. Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge

    A hilltop park above Da Nang reached by cable car, famous for the bridge held by two giant hands.

  6. Phu Quoc

    Beaches, island-hopping and Sunset Town on Vietnam's largest island.

  7. Ninh Binh

    Karst landscapes and river caves sometimes called Ha Long Bay on land, a short drive from Hanoi.

Dos and don'ts

Do

  • Apply for the eVisa on the official government portal only.
  • Cross busy streets slowly and steadily; motorbikes will flow around you.
  • Use the Grab app for cars and taxis.
  • Dress modestly and remove shoes in pagodas.
  • Agree prices before buying at markets and before boat rides.

Don't

  • Drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water.
  • Plan beach days in central Vietnam from October to December, the season of storms and rain there.
  • Leave valuables in reach of passing motorbikes on busy streets.
  • Touch people's heads, including children's.

Food to try

Pho
Beef or chicken noodle soup with herbs, the national breakfast.
Bun cha
Grilled meat patties with rice noodles and dipping sauce, a Hanoi lunchtime favourite.
Banh mi
A crisp baguette filled with meat, pickles and herbs.
Cao lau
Thick noodles with greens and crispy croutons, found only in Hoi An.
Fresh spring rolls
Rice paper rolls of prawns, herbs and noodles.
Egg coffee
Hanoi's strong coffee topped with whipped egg yolk and condensed milk.

Practical tips

Getting around
Fly between regions; drive or take the train for shorter hops. Grab works in all the main cities.
Money
Carry dong in cash for markets and small restaurants; cards are accepted in hotels and malls.
Halal food
Pork is common in Vietnamese cooking. Hanoi, Da Nang, Phu Quoc and Ho Chi Minh City have halal restaurants, which we can recommend.
Weather
The north has a cool winter, cold in Sapa from December to February; the centre is driest from February to August; the south is driest from November to April.

Vietnam holiday packages

Five itineraries in Vietnam, built on the places in this guide, with the hotel, tours and transfers in one price.

All holiday packages

Vietnam in photographs

The Golden Bridge held up by two giant stone hands at Ba Na Hills, Da Nang Limestone islands rising from the water of Ha Long Bay Rice terraces and villages in the valleys around Sapa Boats on the river in the old town of Hoi An The mountain railway climbing through the clouds towards Fansipan, Sapa Sunset Town and its seafront in the south of Phu Quoc The white sand and clear water of Khem Beach, Phu Quoc Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake, Hanoi, at dusk Round coconut basket boats in the waterways near Hoi An

Questions about travelling to Vietnam

Can all UAE residents get a Vietnam visa?

Yes. The eVisa is open to every nationality, for up to 90 days with single or multiple entry, applied for online before travelling.

North, centre or south?

For a first trip of eight nights, combine two: Hanoi with Ha Long Bay and Sapa, then Da Nang and Hoi An or the beaches of Phu Quoc.

Is Vietnam good for families?

Yes. Ha Long Bay, the Ba Na Hills park, VinWonders on Phu Quoc and the beaches all suit children.

Is halal food available?

Yes, in the main cities and resort areas, though pork is common in local dishes; ask before ordering at street stalls.

More travel guides

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Enquiries

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