Quick answer: plan 14 to 21 days in Vietnam, with a budget of roughly $40 to $70 per person per day. Citizens of France, the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain and a few other countries can enter visa-free for up to 45 days (exemption valid until March 14, 2028 under current rules); US, Canadian and Australian travelers need an e-visa. The best season depends on the region: the country stretches over 1,600 km and the climate changes from north to south.
Vietnam at a glance
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Best time to visit | North: October-November and March-April; center: February to August; south: December to April |
| Times to avoid | Typhoons and rain on the central coast from September to December; cold, misty winter in the north (December-February) |
| Ideal duration | 14 to 21 days |
| Average budget | $40-$70 / day / person (mid-range, excluding flights) |
| Visa | Visa-free up to 45 days for France, UK, Germany, Italy, Spain and others; e-visa up to 90 days for other nationalities (US, Canada, Australia) |
| Currency | Vietnamese dong (VND) |
| Time difference | UTC+7 |
When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
Vietnam has three climates: choose your direction of travel by season.
- North (Hanoi, Ha Long, Sapa): October-November and March-April are the most pleasant. December to February is cool to cold and often misty.
- Central (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An): driest from February to August. Rain, floods and typhoons are most frequent from September to December.
- South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong, Phu Quoc): dry season from December to April; rainy season from May to November, with showers often short.
Direction of travel: from February to April, go north to south to follow the good weather. Late in the year, favor the south then the center, avoiding the central coast between September and December.
Entry requirements
Citizens of France, the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain and a few other countries can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days for any purpose, under an exemption valid until March 14, 2028. Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia and many other countries need an e-visa (up to 90 days), applied for only on the official portal evisa.gov.vn. Your passport should remain valid for several months after entry and have blank pages. Beware of fake e-visa websites. Rules change: check them before departure with your government and the Vietnamese embassy.
14-day itinerary: north to south
Days 1-3: Hanoi
- Old Quarter, Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, street food.
Days 4-5: Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay
- Overnight cruise. Lan Ha Bay is generally quieter.
Days 6-7: Ninh Binh
- Karst scenery at Tam Coc and Trang An, boat trips.
Days 8-10: Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An
- Fly Hanoi-Hue (about 1h15) or take the overnight train. Hue Imperial City, Hai Van Pass, Hoi An old town.
Days 11-14: Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta
- Fly Da Nang-Ho Chi Minh City (about 1h30), War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi tunnels, Mekong floating markets.
Option: add 3 to 4 days for the Hà Giang loop (north) or a beach extension to Phu Quoc.
Getting around
- Domestic flights: the fastest way to cross the country (Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City). Fares are low if you book ahead.
- Train: the Reunification Express links north to south; overnight sleepers are handy between Hanoi and Hue.
- Sleeper buses: cheap, long journeys.
- Taxis: use Grab (app) to avoid scams.
- Scooters: not advised without experience; riding requires a valid license and proper insurance.
Vietnam travel budget 2026
| Item | Budget | Mid-range | Comfort+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night, for 2) | $18-$30 | $40-$80 | $115+ |
| Food | $6-$11 / day | $14-$28 / day | $45+ |
| Transport | $3-$9 / day | $9-$22 / day | $35+ |
| Activities | $3-$11 / day | $11-$28 / day | $45+ |
Ha Long cruises and domestic flights are the main extras. Amounts are indicative.
Practical tips
- Cash: essential in small restaurants and markets; withdraw dong from ATMs.
- Water: do not drink tap water.
- Health: protect against mosquitoes (dengue) and see a doctor before departure about vaccines.
- Internet: eSIM or local SIM, very cheap.
- Food: phở, bánh mì, bún chả, egg coffee.
Vietnam Travel FAQ
Do I need a visa for Vietnam?
It depends on your passport. French, British, German, Italian and Spanish citizens can stay up to 45 days visa-free. US, Canadian and Australian citizens need an e-visa (up to 90 days) from evisa.gov.vn.
What is the best time to visit Vietnam?
It depends on the region: October to April for the north and south, February to August for the center. Choose your route direction by month.
What is the best time for Ha Long Bay?
Generally March-May and September-November. Summer is hot with storms and typhoon risk; winter is cool and misty.
How much does a trip to Vietnam cost?
Budget $40 to $70 per day excluding flights at mid-range. International flights vary widely by season.
Is Vietnam safe?
Generally yes. Watch for bag and phone snatching from scooters, unofficial taxis and traffic.
Can I pay by card in Vietnam?
Yes in city hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets, small restaurants and local transport.
Official sources
- Official e-visa portal (evisa.gov.vn)
- Vietnam tourism board (vietnam.travel)
- Your government’s travel advice (travel.state.gov, gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice)