10 Days in Vietnam: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
Hoa Lo Prison Relic · Temple of Literature · Hoan Kiem Lake · Independence Palace · War Remnants Museum · Saigon Central Post Office
10-day Vietnam trip — Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Day-by-day route, attractions and food.
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City present a raw contrast of ancient temple architecture and colonial-era influence that places like Da Nang lack. Hanoi offers a sensory focus on narrow-alley coffee culture and traditional guilds, while Ho Chi Minh City provides a deeper look into the rapid transformation of urban southern history. This route suits those who prioritize food-centric city exploration and political history over beach resorts or highland hiking.
Hanoi
Hoa Lo Prison Relic
Day 1 · Historical Landmarks
Hoan Kiem Lake
Day 1 · Iconic Neighborhood Walks
Dong Xuan Market
Day 3 · Traditional Street Markets
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Day 3 · Cultural Performances
Ho Chi Minh City
Ben Thanh Market
Day 7 · Bustling Local Markets
Thien Hau Temple
Day 8 · Historic Pagodas and Shrines
War Remnants Museum
Day 6 · Historical Monuments and Museums
Pick travel dates to see the weather for your month.
Hanoi feels cool and damp for much of the winter, so pack a warm jacket. Ho Chi Minh City remains consistently hot throughout the year, with a heavy rainy season that demands a reliable raincoat or umbrella for your afternoon walks.
Best time to go: Late autumn and early spring
The whole year
Hanoi
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sunrise – sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 68°F / 20°C | 59°F / 15°C | 7 | 6:36 AM – 5:35 PM |
| Feb | 70°F / 21°C | 61°F / 16°C | 5 | 6:27 AM – 5:54 PM |
| Mar | 74°F / 23°C | 66°F / 19°C | 8 | 6:05 AM – 6:05 PM |
| Apr | 81°F / 27°C | 71°F / 21°C | 9 | 5:38 AM – 6:15 PM |
| May | 89°F / 32°C (hot) | 77°F / 25°C | 14 | 5:19 AM – 6:26 PM |
| Jun | 93°F / 34°C (hot) | 80°F / 27°C | 14 | 5:15 AM – 6:39 PM |
| Jul | 91°F / 33°C (hot) | 79°F / 26°C | 19 | 5:23 AM – 6:41 PM |
| Aug | 90°F / 32°C (hot) | 79°F / 26°C | 20 | 5:35 AM – 6:26 PM |
| Sep | 89°F / 32°C (hot) | 77°F / 25°C | 18 | 5:43 AM – 5:59 PM |
| Oct | 84°F / 29°C | 72°F / 22°C | 11 | 5:52 AM – 5:32 PM |
| Nov | 80°F / 26°C | 68°F / 20°C | 7 | 6:06 AM – 5:15 PM |
| Dec | 71°F / 21°C | 59°F / 15°C | 6 | 6:25 AM – 5:17 PM |
Ho Chi Minh City
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sunrise – sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 89°F / 32°C (hot) | 74°F / 23°C | 3 | 6:16 AM – 5:49 PM |
| Feb | 90°F / 32°C (hot) | 74°F / 23°C | 1 | 6:14 AM – 6:01 PM |
| Mar | 92°F / 34°C (hot) | 77°F / 25°C | 2 | 6:01 AM – 6:04 PM |
| Apr | 94°F / 34°C (hot) | 79°F / 26°C | 10 | 5:42 AM – 6:04 PM |
| May | 93°F / 34°C (hot) | 79°F / 26°C | 22 | 5:31 AM – 6:08 PM |
| Jun | 92°F / 33°C (hot) | 78°F / 25°C | 24 | 5:31 AM – 6:16 PM |
| Jul | 90°F / 32°C (hot) | 77°F / 25°C | 26 | 5:38 AM – 6:20 PM |
| Aug | 90°F / 32°C (hot) | 77°F / 25°C | 27 | 5:43 AM – 6:12 PM |
| Sep | 90°F / 32°C (hot) | 77°F / 25°C | 27 | 5:43 AM – 5:54 PM |
| Oct | 89°F / 32°C (hot) | 76°F / 25°C | 26 | 5:42 AM – 5:35 PM |
| Nov | 89°F / 32°C (hot) | 77°F / 25°C | 17 | 5:49 AM – 5:26 PM |
| Dec | 89°F / 31°C (hot) | 75°F / 24°C | 8 | 6:03 AM – 5:33 PM |
- Morning
8:00 AM - Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)· 2 hrs
USD 15 (~VND 390K)
InterEdit88 (CC0)Arrive and transfer to the city. Take public bus 86 (50 min, $2) or a taxi (40 min, $15) to the Old Quarter area.
- Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Bun Cha in Old Quarter· 1 hr
USD 4 (~VND 104K)Iconic dish
stuart_spivack (CC BY 2.0)Enjoy the quintessential Hanoi meal of grilled pork and noodles in a vinegar-based broth.
Often found around Old QuarterTypical USD 2-5 (~VND 52K-130K)
- 1B
2:00 PM - Temple of Literature· 2 hrs
USD 2 (~VND 52K)Closes 5 PM · 3h hereDoubles back across the city — check the order - Evening
7:00 PM - Dinner: Lau Ga in Phung Hung Street· 1 hr 30 min
USD 12 (~VND 312K)Try the dish
Photo by Sóc Năng Động on PexelsGather for a local-style communal chicken hot pot cooked at your table.
Often found around Phung Hung StreetTypical USD 8-18 (~VND 208K-467K)
Where to Stay Tonight
Old Quarter
· Central location providing easy walking access to the main historical landmarks, lakes, and local street food hubs.- Morning
- Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Cha Ca La Vong in Cha Ca Street· 1 hr
USD 8 (~VND 208K)Iconic dish
tuhang (CC BY-SA 4.0)Enjoy turmeric-marinated white fish fried with fresh dill and scallions, a classic Hanoian culinary experience.
Often found around Cha Ca StreetTypical USD 5-10 (~VND 130K-260K)
4:00 PM - West Lake snack break· 1 hr
USD 2 (~VND 52K)Iconic dish
Phương Huy (CC BY-SA 4.0)Try crispy shrimp and sweet potato fritters by the shore of West Lake, a favorite local afternoon snack.
Often found around West LakeTypical USD 1-3 (~VND 26K-78K)
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm in Old Quarter· 1 hr
USD 3 (~VND 78K)Try the dish
Baoothersks (CC BY-SA 4.0)A traditional dish featuring fried tofu, rice vermicelli, and boiled pork served with a pungent fermented shrimp paste sauce.
Staying at Old Quarter since Day 1
- Morning
- Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Banh Xeo in Old Quarter· 1 hr
USD 3 (~VND 78K)Try the dish
Vivian D Nguyen (CC BY-SA 2.0)Banh XeoCrunchy turmeric rice flour crepes folded over savory fillings like shrimp and bean sprouts, served with fresh herbs.
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Bun Dau Mam Tom in Hang Khay Street· 1 hr
USD 3 (~VND 78K)Iconic dishBaoothersks (CC BY-SA 4.0)A classic, bold-flavored Hanoi favorite featuring crisp tofu, rice vermicelli, and boiled pork with pungent fermented shrimp paste.
Often found around Hang Khay StreetTypical USD 1-3 (~VND 26K-78K)
Staying at Old Quarter since Day 1
- Morning4A
7:30 AM - Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum· 1 hr 30 min
USD 2 (~VND 52K)Closes 10:30 AM · 3h hereClosed on Monday, Friday - Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Pho Bo in Old Quarter· 1 hr
USD 3 (~VND 78K)Iconic dish
SerraKnightz (CC BY 4.0)Enjoy a bowl of traditional Hanoi-style beef noodle soup with clear, aromatic broth.
Often found around Old QuarterTypical USD 1-3 (~VND 26K-78K)
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Banh Tom Ho Tay in Old Quarter· 1 hr
USD 5 (~VND 130K)Iconic dishPhương Huy (CC BY-SA 4.0)Savor crispy shrimp and sweet potato fritters, a local delicacy traditionally paired with fresh herbs.
Often found around West LakeTypical USD 1-3 (~VND 26K-78K)
Staying at Old Quarter since Day 1
- Morning5A
9:00 AM - Tay Ho Temple· 1 hr 30 min
FREEVisit this beautiful temple dedicated to the Mother Goddess Lieu Hanh on the shores of West Lake.
- Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Banh Mi in Old Quarter· 1 hr
USD 2 (~VND 52K)Iconic dish
Photo by Jordan Coleman on PexelsEnjoy a crusty baguette filled with pate, meats, and pickles from a street-side vendor.
Typical USD 1-2 (~VND 26K-52K)
- 5B
2:00 PM - Vietnam Military History Museum· 2 hrs
USD 3 (~VND 78K)Closes 4:30 PM · 2.5h hereClosed on Monday, FridayDoubles back across the city — check the order - 5C
4:30 PM - Hanoi Botanical Garden· 1 hr
FREEOverlaps the next activity — check the time
Daderot (CC0)Stroll through this tranquil green oasis in the heart of the city to enjoy nature.
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Goi Cuon in Old Quarter· 1 hr
USD 2 (~VND 52K)Iconic dish
CC BY 2.0Savor fresh rice paper rolls stuffed with shrimp and herbs at a local eatery.
Typical USD 1-2 (~VND 26K-52K)
Staying at Old Quarter since Day 1
- Morning
9:00 AM - Departure from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)· 2 hrs 10 min
USD 85 (~VND 2.2M)Depart Hanoi for Ho Chi Minh City.
- Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Com Tam in District 1· 1 hr
USD 3 (~VND 78K)Try the dish
Christopher Crouzet (CC BY-SA 4.0)Enjoy a classic southern lunch of broken rice with grilled pork and a fried egg.
Often found around District 1Typical USD 1-3 (~VND 26K-78K)
- Evening
8:00 PM - Dinner: Bun Thit Nuong in District 3· 1 hr
USD 3 (~VND 78K)Try the dish
Calvin Neonardi (CC BY-SA 3.0)Cool, fresh vermicelli noodles with grilled pork, perfect for the evening heat.
Often found around District 3Typical USD 1-3 (~VND 26K-78K)
Where to Stay Tonight
District 1
· The best base for exploring the city's main historical sites and markets on foot. It has the highest concentration of accessible local dining.- Morning
- Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Banh Mi in District 1· 1 hr
USD 8 (~VND 208K)Iconic dishPhoto by Jordan Coleman on PexelsSample a crusty baguette filled with savory pate and fresh herbs
Typical USD 1-2 (~VND 26K-52K)
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Goi Cuon in District 1· 1 hr
USD 12 (~VND 312K)Iconic dishCC BY 2.0Fresh spring rolls packed with prawns and herbs, dipped in peanut sauce
Typical USD 1-2 (~VND 26K-52K)
Staying at District 1 since Day 6
- Morning
- Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Hu Tieu Nam Vang in District 5· 1 hr
USD 8 (~VND 208K)Try the dish
Phương Huy (thảo luận) (Public domain)Hu Tieu Nam VangSavor a flavorful bowl of Southern-style clear noodle soup with pork and shrimp.
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Banh Xeo in District 3· 1 hr
USD 10 (~VND 260K)Try the dishVivian D Nguyen (CC BY-SA 2.0)Banh XeoEnjoy crispy Vietnamese savory crepes stuffed with pork, shrimp, and fresh bean sprouts.
Staying at District 1 since Day 6
- Morning
- Afternoon
1:00 PM - Lunch: Banh Xeo in District 1· 1 hr
USD 10 (~VND 260K)Try the dishVivian D Nguyen (CC BY-SA 2.0)Banh XeoEnjoy a savory, crispy Vietnamese pancake filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Goi Cuon in District 1· 1 hr
USD 10 (~VND 260K)Iconic dishCC BY 2.0Dine on fresh, authentic spring rolls packed with herbs, vermicelli, and pork.
Typical USD 1-2 (~VND 26K-52K)
Staying at District 1 since Day 6
- Morning
- Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Mi Quang in District 3· 1 hr
USD 15 (~VND 390K)Try the dish
Gary Stevens (CC BY 2.0)Mi QuangSavor a bowl of flat rice noodles with shrimp, pork, and crunchy peanuts, a specialty of central Vietnam.
2:00 PM - Hotel Checkout & Luggage Collection· 30 min
FREEReturn to your hotel, settle your bill, and pick up your stored bags.
4:00 PM - Depart from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)· 2 hrs
USD 10 (~VND 260K)Travel by taxi to the airport for your flight home, allowing extra time for security.
Staying at District 1 since Day 6
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Customize this tripFreeFood, shopping & festivals
Top 10 dishes to try
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Hanoi
Banh Tom Ho Tay
Days 2 and 4
Bun Dau Mam Tom
Days 2 and 3
Bun Cha
Day 1 · lunch
Cha Ca La Vong
Day 2 · lunch
Lau Ga
Day 1 · dinner
Banh Mi
Days 5 and 7
Goi Cuon
Days 5, 7, and 9
Pho Bo
Day 4 · lunch
Ho Chi Minh City
Bun Thit Nuong
Day 6 · dinner
Com Tam
Day 6 · lunch
Where to eat · District 1, District 3, District 4, Old Quarter, Phung Hung Street
- District 1 · Ho Chi Minh City — The city center with high-density street food stalls, especially around Ben Thanh Market.
- District 3 · Ho Chi Minh City — Famous for its residential-style eateries and quieter, authentic neighborhood Pho spots.
- District 4 · Ho Chi Minh City — Legendary for its vibrant evening street food scene, perfect for grazing through local specialties.
- Old Quarter · Hanoi — The densest collection of street food stalls, especially Bun Cha and Pho.
- Phung Hung Street · Hanoi — Late-night hot pot restaurants.
Good to know · meal times, tipping, water, vegetarian, payment, etiquette
- Meal times
- Breakfast starts early at 6 AM. Lunch is standard between 12 PM and 2 PM. Dinner service picks up from 7 PM to 9 PM.
- Tipping
- Tipping is not required in Vietnam. Simply round up your bill or leave a small amount of change for good service.
- Water
- Do not drink tap water. Stick to bottled water, and ensure the seal is intact. Avoid ice in rural areas, but it is generally safe in established city cafes.
- Vegetarian
- Vegetarians should look for Chay restaurants. Most street meat dishes use fish sauce, so clarify your needs if you have strict shellfish allergies.
- Payment
- Cash is king at street food stalls and small markets. Keep small denominations handy. Major restaurants and hotels accept international credit cards.
- Etiquette
- Use chopsticks and a spoon. Never leave chopsticks sticking upright in a bowl, as this resembles funeral incense. Tipping is not expected, but appreciated at upscale venues.
Top 10 souvenirs
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Hanoi
Coffee dripper
Robusta coffee beans
Hand-embroidered linen
Traditional lacquerware
Layers of natural resin create a deep, glossy finish that resists heat and moisture.
Silk scarf
Van Phuc village silk is softer and more durable than mass-market synthetic alternatives.
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnamese Phin Coffee Filter
Single-Origin Dark Chocolate
Ceramic Tea Set
Lacquerware Homeware
Layers of natural resin create a deep, glossy finish on wood or bamboo bowls.
Custom Leather Sandals
Local cobblers craft durable, minimal leather sandals tailored to your fit in hours.
Where to shop · Ben Thanh Market area, Hang Gai Street, Cholon (District 5)
- Ben Thanh Market area · Ho Chi Minh City — Coffee beans, spice mixes, dry snacks, phin filters
- Hang Gai Street · Hanoi — High-end textiles, tailoring, and embroidery.
- Cholon (District 5) · Ho Chi Minh City — Ceramics, incense, textiles, traditional medicine ingredients
Good to know · customs, tax refund, payment, bargaining
- Customs
- Vietnam prohibits exporting antiques or protected wildlife products. Check your home country for restrictions on raw food items.
- Tax refund
- Tourists can claim a VAT refund on goods over 2 million VND at international airports. Ensure you obtain the tax invoice at the time of purchase.
- Payment
- Carry Vietnamese Dong for markets; major credit cards are accepted in malls and boutiques.
- Bargaining
- Haggling is standard at markets and small stalls; start by offering 50% of the asking price. High-end boutiques are fixed-price.
The big events across the year
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Tet
Feb 17 – 23
Hung Kings Temple Festival
Apr 26 – 28
Reunification Day
Apr 30
April 30 marks the 1975 fall of Saigon and Vietnam's reunification. Ho Chi Minh City's Reunification Palace is the centerpiece; evening fireworks at the Saigon River and free museum entry.
Vietnam National Day
Sep 2
Mid-Autumn Festival
Sep 25
Costs
Estimated total · For 2 travelers · 1 room · 10 days
USD 1,261Flights from your city not included.
Getting there and betweenUSD 192
- Hanoi → HAN · airport transfer1 taxiUSD 10
- Hanoi → Ho Chi Minh City · flightUSD 180
- SGN → Ho Chi Minh City · airport transfer1 taxiUSD 2
AccommodationUSD 270
- Hanoi · 5 nights1 roomUSD 150
- Ho Chi Minh City · 4 nights1 roomUSD 120
| City | Simple | Comfortable | Upscale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | USD 15 | USD 30 | USD 45 |
| Ho Chi Minh City | USD 15 | USD 30 | USD 45 |
ActivitiesUSD 339
- Day 1 · Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)USD 30
- Day 1 · Hoa Lo Prison RelicUSD 4
- Day 1 · Temple of LiteratureUSD 5
- Day 2 · Imperial Citadel of Thang LongUSD 8
- Day 2 · West Lake snack breakUSD 4
- Day 3 · Vietnam Museum of EthnologyUSD 8
- Day 3 · Thang Long Water Puppet TheatreUSD 12
- Day 4 · Vietnamese Women's MuseumUSD 4
- Day 5 · Vietnam Military History MuseumUSD 8
- Day 6 · Departure from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)USD 170
- Day 6 · Independence PalaceUSD 6
- Day 6 · War Remnants MuseumUSD 4
- Day 7 · Bitexco Financial TowerUSD 30
- Day 8 · Saigon Zoo & Botanical GardensUSD 6
- Day 9 · Cu Chi TunnelsUSD 40
FoodUSD 380
- Hanoi · 5 daysUSD 190
- Ho Chi Minh City · 5 daysUSD 190
Local transportUSD 80
- Hanoi · 5 daysUSD 40
- Ho Chi Minh City · 5 daysUSD 40
Not included: visas, travel insurance, SIM cards, tips, shopping.
Money tips
Cheap overall -- expect $30-70 per night for hotels and $2-5 for street meals. Bottled water only; stick to busy stalls with high turnover.
Use the Grab app for all transport; it prevents meter scams and keeps rides across city centers under $3-5.
Always have a specific hotel name ready when you land, even if you have not booked, to avoid taxi drivers overcharging or taking you to commission-based properties.
Book a street food walking tour in Hanoi for $40 per person; it covers 6-8 authentic dishes you might otherwise miss in the narrow alleyways.
Before you go
Travel and stays
Flight into Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
Day 1
Hotel in Hanoi
Nights 1–5 · Old Quarter · about USD 150 · Comfortable hotel range
Flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 6 · Book 4 weeks ahead · about 2 hrs 10 min · about USD 180 · Purchase tickets through the Vietnam Airlines or Vietjet Air official websites.
Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Nights 6–9 · District 1 · about USD 120 · Comfortable hotel range
Flight out of Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Day 10
Book ahead · most urgent first
Vietnam E-Visa
Day 1 · Book 3 weeks ahead · Submit official E-Visa application via the government portal for entry into Vietnam. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days but can be delayed during peak travel seasons.
Cu Chi Tunnels small group tour
Day 9 · Book 2 weeks ahead · Popular morning tours of the tunnels fill up quickly. Booking a professional tour operator ensures round-trip transport and knowledgeable guides for the site.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre tickets
Day 3 · Book 7 days ahead · Showtimes sell out daily, especially for weekend performances. Purchase tickets directly from the theater office or via their official website to ensure preferred seating.
Bitexco Financial Tower Saigon Skydeck ticket
Day 7 · Book 3 days ahead · While walk-ins are possible, booking the sunset time slot is recommended during busy weeks to avoid long waits for the elevator.
Travel tips
Download the Grab app to book motorbike or car rides at transparent prices rather than haggling with street taxis.
Cross busy streets like a local: walk at a slow, steady pace across the flow of traffic so drivers can predict your path.
Buy a Vietnam Railways ticket online at dsvn.vn at least 7 days ahead for popular routes like Hanoi to Da Nang.
Use a specific hotel address for taxi drivers, as many locals prefer clear landmarks or street numbers over generic names.
Carry 50,000 VND notes for small purchases; many vendors lack change for 500,000 VND bills.
Visit the Temple of Literature in Hanoi at 8am to avoid the surge of tour groups that arrive by 10am.
Use the Google Translate offline pack for Vietnamese to read menus and signs when you travel outside city centers.
Buy travel insurance and save the policy offline
Keep a backup card and emergency cash apart from your wallet
Get VND cash / a no-forex-fee card
Check visa requirements for Vietnam
Copies of passport and bookings (paper + phone)
Tell your bank your travel dates and check foreign transaction fees
Leave your itinerary, emergency contacts and a passport copy with someone at home
Register with your embassy's traveler program (STEP for US citizens)
Passport (valid 6+ months past your return)
Wallet with ID and payment cards
Pen for arrival forms
Hanoi claims the first five nights to capture the city at dawn, when its narrow market lanes are clearest for walking. This front-loads the intense historical focus while your energy remains high. The Day 6 transit acts as a clean reset, allowing you to settle into the faster pace of Ho Chi Minh City for the final four nights.
The terminal day in the south is kept deliberately low-key, ensuring you remain near your departure point for an easy exit. This itinerary prioritizes the core urban history and food scenes of Vietnam's two major hubs. By focusing on these distinct city centers, the plan skips the karst landscapes of Ha Long Bay and the quiet lantern-lit streets of Hoi An.
It is the right shape for a traveler chasing deep dives into culinary and modern history, but the wrong one if you came seeking remote mountain treks or coastal relaxation. Extend the trip by two days to include Hue, specifically to walk the sprawling, weather-beaten walls of the Imperial Citadel. Adding this stop fills the historical gap between the northern and southern capitals with a more tranquil pace.
Interest coverage
3 of 3 coveredEntry and safety
| Visa & entry | Most travelers need an e-Visa to enter. Apply at the official government portal (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn) at least one week before your flight. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date. |
|---|---|
| US risk level | Exercise normal precautionsUpdated Jun 23, 2026 |
| Official advice | US State Department · UK Foreign Office |
| Emergency | Police 113 · Ambulance 115 · Fire 114Limited English — ask hotel for help calling |
Money and tipping
| Tipping: restaurants | 5–10% at upscale restaurants; not expected at street food |
|---|---|
| Tipping: taxis | Round up to the nearest 10,000 VND |
| Tipping: hotels | 20,000–50,000 VND per bag for porters |
| Cards | Accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants, and malls |
| Contactless | Limited; cash and card are more common |
| Cash | Cash is king, especially outside major cities |
| Payment tip | Carry Vietnamese dong in small denominations. USD accepted at some tourist spots. |
Plugs
| Plugs | Type A, C220V · 50Hz |
|---|
Staying connected
| SIM | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Viettel | 150,000 VND for 30 days / 4GB daily | Noi Bai or Tan Son Nhat airport arrivals halls |
| Airalo eSIM | $10 for 15 days / 3GB total | Airalo app online |
Local SIM cards are significantly cheaper than roaming with your home carrier. Ensure your phone is network-unlocked before you arrive.
About USD 1,261 for 2 travelers · 1 room · 10 days: hotels, food, activities, local transport and travel between places. Flights from your city not included.
Most nationalities, including US, UK, and EU citizens, require an e-Visa. Applications typically take 3 to 5 business days to process. Check the official government website before you book your flights.
Traffic is chaotic and rules are often ignored. Only drive if you have a valid international motorcycle license and significant prior experience. Most travelers find Grab motorbike taxis safer and easier.
Only use established taxi companies like Mai Linh or Vinasun, or better yet, use the Grab app. If a driver claims your hotel is closed or fires have blocked the road, ignore them and insist on your destination.
Domestic flights are efficient for long distances like Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. For scenic routes, the train is comfortable, while private cars are best for regional travel where buses are too slow.
Tipping is not required or expected. It is not part of the culture and service staff will not be offended if you do not tip.
The Vietnamese Dong is the only legal tender. Carry cash for street food and markets, as credit card acceptance is limited outside of hotels and upscale restaurants.
No, drink only bottled or filtered water. Almost every hotel provides a kettle and complimentary bottled water; use these instead of the tap.
Dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees. Many temples require you to remove your hat and shoes before entering the main prayer areas.
These 7 experiences didn't make it into this itinerary
Scenic Nature Landscapes
e.g., Tam Coc, Trang An Grottoes
Saigon River Experiences
e.g., Saigon River Dinner Cruise, Saigon Waterbus
Iconic Street Scenes
e.g., Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Bui Vien Street
A Specialized Egg Coffee Experience
e.g., Cafe Giang, Cafe Dinh
A Serene Boat Excursion
e.g., Tam Coc Boat Ride, Trang An Landscape Complex Boat Tour
Authentic Craft Cocktail Bars
e.g., Drinking and Healing, Layla Eatery and Bar
Mekong Delta Nature Retreats
e.g., Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, Vam Sat Ecological Tourist Site
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